Tuesday, 13 December 2011

What To Know About Morse Code

By Erna Walls


Morse code is a communication system invented during the 1800's as a way to send messages over telegraph lines. Since then, it has become a very standard, yet simple way, to communicate both electronically and visually. The system was first used, commercially, in a telegraph line between Washington, D. C. And Baltimore.

Messages are sent by using a pattern of dots and dashes, which stand for different letters of the alphabet. A dot sound is one that is quicker, or shorter in duration. The sound duration of a dash should be three times longer than the sound duration for a dot, so it is easier to hear the sounds and determine what they mean.

An operator sends a message by tapping out a series of the dots or dashes on a telegraph key. The operator at the receiving end then listens to the pattern to determine what the message says. A skilled operator can send or receive around twenty to thirty words per minute.

The original system was effective, but could only be used on telegraph lines. The popularity of the radio in the early 1900's changed that, though. The system was adopted for wireless use, so it could be more mobile. It was, for example, used by ships at sea to send distress signals to other ships and land based stations.

It was also widely used for routine communications during World War II. It can be so versatile that it can be used with everyday items such as flashlights. The lights can be turned off and on, to represent the dashes and dots. There are even reports of people blinking their eyes to send messages using the system.

More code is a system that can easily be adapted to emerging technologies. For example, computer software can now translate written letters into dots and dashes to be used by even unskilled operators. Morse Code




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