What is Morse Code?
Morse code is a character encoding system using dots (.) and dashes (-) to represent letters and numbers. Invented by Samuel Morse in the 1830s for telegraph communication, it remains useful today for emergency signals, amateur radio, and educational purposes.
Morse Code Reference
| Letter | Morse | Letter | Morse |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | .- | N | -. |
| B | -... | O | --- |
| S | ... | T | - |
🆘 Universal Distress Signal
SOS (... --- ...) became the universal distress signal because it's simple, distinctive, and can be sent by anyone. It doesn't actually stand for "Save Our Souls"—that's a backronym!
How Morse Code Timing Works
- Dot: 1 unit duration
- Dash: 3 units duration
- Between elements: 1 unit silence
- Between letters: 3 units silence
- Between words: 7 units silence
Modern Uses of Morse Code
Amateur Radio
Ham radio operators still use Morse code (CW mode) for long-distance communication. It works well in poor conditions where voice wouldn't be understood.
Emergency Signals
SOS can be flashed with a light, tapped, or signaled in many ways. Many survival guides teach Morse basics for this reason.
Accessibility
Some communication devices for people with disabilities use Morse-like input methods—two switches can represent complete alphabet control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about numbers and punctuation?
Numbers 0-9 each have 5-element codes. Common punctuation like periods and commas also have codes, though they're less frequently used.
Is Morse code still required for anything?
The US dropped Morse requirements for amateur radio licenses in 2007. However, it remains optional for higher license classes and is still taught in military contexts.