Morse Code

Morse Code, either of two systems for representing

letters of the alphabet, numerals, and punctuation
marks by an arrangement of dots, dashes, and spaces.
The codes are transmitted as electrical pulses of varied
lengths or analogous mechanical or visual signals, such
as flashing lights.

One of the systems was invented in the
United States by American artist and
inventor Samuel F.B. Morse during the
1830s for electrical telegraphy.
This version was further improved by
American scientist and businessman
Alfred Lewis Vail, Morse’s assistant
and partner. Soon after its
introduction in Europe, it became
apparent that the original Morse
Code was inadequate for the
transmission of much non-English
text, since it lacked codes for letters
with diacritic marks.
The two systems are similar, but the
International Morse Code is simpler
and more precise. For example, the
original Morse Code used patterns of
dots and spaces to represent a few
of the letters, whereas the
International Morse uses
combinations of dots and short
dashes for all letters. In addition, the
International Morse Code uses
dashes of constant length rather
than the variable lengths used in the
original Morse Code.
Before the invention of the telegraph, most messages that had to be
sent over long distances were carried by messengers who memorized
them or carried them in writing. These messages could be delivered no
faster than the fastest horse. Messages could also be sent visually,
using flags and later, mechanical systems called semaphore
telegraphs, but these systems required the receiver to be close enough
to see the sender, and could not be used at night.
One of Morse's aims was to keep the code as short as possible,
which meant the commonest letters should have the shortest
codes. Morse came up with a marvellous idea. He went to his
local newspaper. In those days printers made their papers by
putting together individual letters (type) into a block, then
covering the block with ink and pressing paper on the top. The
printers kept the letters (type) in cases with each letter kept in a
separate compartment. Of course, they had many more of some
letters than others because they knew they needed more when
they created a page of print. Morse simply counted the number of
pieces of type for each letter. He found that there were more e's
than any other letter and so he gave 'e' the shortest code, 'dit'.
This explains why there appears to be no obvious relationship
between alphabetical order and the symbols used.
Morse code is usually transmitted
using a two-way press of the storage
medium. media such as electric
current, radio waves, visible light, or
sound waves. A current or wave is
present during the period of time of a
dot or dash and is absent during the
time between dots and dashes.
In an emergency, Morse code can be
generated using impromptu techniques
such as turning lights on and off,
tapping on an object, beeping or
whistling, making it one of the simplest
and most versatile ways to
communicate. The most common
distress signal - SOS - three dots, three
dashes and three dots - is
internationally recognized by treaty.
Morse Code is still widely
recognized, even if it is not as
widely used as it once was. Morse
code is still popular among
amateur radio enthusiasts,
although proficiency in Morse
Code is no longer a requirement to
obtain your amateur radio license.
The most popular questions about Morse Code
Thank you for attention