Definition
Morse code is a method of encoding text characters through sequences of dots and dashes, or short and long signals, which can be transmitted in various ways such as sound, light, or visual signals. It was developed in the early 1830s and 1840s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for use in telegraphy.
Key Features of Morse Code
Alphabet and Numerals: Each letter of the alphabet and each numeral is represented by a unique sequence of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). For example, the letter A is represented by .- and the number 1 is represented by .----.
Timing: The duration of a dot is the basic unit of time in Morse code. A dash is three times the duration of a dot. The space between parts of the same letter is one dot duration, between letters is three dot durations, and between words is seven dot durations.
Example
Here is an example of how Morse code represents the English phrase HELLO WORLD:
- H: ····
- E: ·
- L: ·-··
- L: ·-··
- O: ---
- (space)
- W: ·--
- O: ---
- R: ·-·
- L: ·-··
- D: -··
In Morse code, this would be transmitted as:
···· · ·-·· ·-·· --- / ·-- --- ·-· ·-·· -··