Morse Code

Morse Code is a method for transmitting information, using standardized sequences of short and long marks or pulses -- commonly known as "dots and dashes" -- for the letters, numerals and special characters of a message. Originally created for Samuel Morse's electric telegraph in the mid-1830s, it was also extensively used for early radio communication beginning in the 1890s. However, with the development of more advanced communications technologies, the use of Morse Code is now largely obsolete, although it is still employed for a few specialized purposes, including navigational radio beacons, and by CW (continuous wave) amateur radio operators.

Representation and timing

There are two "symbols" used to represent letters, called dots and dashes or (more commonly among CW users) dits and dahs. The length of the dit determines the speed at which the message is sent, and is used as the timing reference. Here is an illustration of the timing conventions. Its intent is to show exact timing – it would normally be written something like this:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~