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What is Morse Code and How to Learn ?

by Nora18
Morse Code Translator

Before cell phones, and even before regular home phones, people communicated with Morse code. Although it is a very old technology, it is still used today by amateur radio users and some ships. If you were a scout, you may have dealt with Morse code, or maybe you had a grandfather who used it on amateur radio. Learning Morse code is a fun and engaging hobby that you can share with grandparents, and an interesting skill to have.

History of Morse Code.

Morse code was invented by Samuel F. B. Morse in the 1830s. In 1832 he began work on the electric telegraph, developed a practical system in 1844, and patented his technology in 1849. The code Morse developed to use with his system underwent several transformations before reaching the code we’re familiar with today. Initially, Morse code only transmitted numbers. The receiver of the transmission would then have to use a dictionary to translate the numbers into words. But it turned out to be boring. Soon the code was expanded to include letters and even punctuation.

In 1844, Morse appeared before Congress to demonstrate his small machine. The first public message was delivered on May 24, 1844.

At the receiving end of the original telegraph system was an apparatus that threw a series of papers with notches on them. Short indentations were called “periods” and longer ones were called “dashes“. As telegram users became more proficient at the code, they soon gave up on paper tape and deciphered the code over the years. The self-taught businessman Andrew Carnegie worked as a telegraph operator as a child. He distinguished himself from the rest by learning to decipher Morse code by ear.

In 1844, 10 years after the opening of the first telegraph line, more than 23,000 miles of lines crossed the country. The telegraph and Morse code had a profound impact on the development of the American West. Railway companies used it to communicate between their stations, and telegraph companies began to appear everywhere, shortening the time required for communication throughout the country.

During this period, European countries developed their own Morse code system. The code used in America was called the American Morse code, or generally the Railroad Morse code. The code used in Europe was called the Continental Morse code.

In the 1890s, radio communication was invented and Morse code was used to transmit messages at sea. As radio frequencies lengthened, international communication soon became possible and an international standard code was needed. In 1912, the International Morse code was adopted for all international communication. However, many railroad and telegraph companies continued to use the Railway Morse code because it could be sent faster.

Morse code has become extremely important in maritime transport and aviation. Until the 1990s, pilots needed to know how to communicate using Morse code.

Today, Morse code is primarily used among amateur radio users. In fact, until 2007, if you wanted to get your amateur radio license in America, you had to pass the Morse code proficiency exam.


How to Learn Morse Code (Code)?

Learning Morse code is like learning any language. You have to practice, you have to practice, you have to practice. We’ve put together some resources to help you get started on your way to becoming a master telegraph operator. Who knows? Maybe you can open your own telegraph shop.

1. Recognize Codes;

The first thing you need to do is find out what the alphabet looks like in Morse code. Below we have added the International Morse code. Print it out, carry it with you, and work on it in your spare time. (Right-click and press “save” to download the image.)

CLICK HERE to Write Something with Morse Code translator!

Morse Code

2. You can listen to Morse Code

If you want to learn Morse code, you’ll really need to listen. You can listen to the morse codes you have written by clicking on this link (learnmorsecode.com).

3. Practice with the AA9PW app.

This online app will help you practice for 10 minutes a day and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Morse code wizard.


Morse Code Tips to Make It Easier to Memorize;

Knowing the number of characters in each letter can help you narrow down your possibilities when you receive a message.

  • T, E = 1 character each
  • A, I, M,N = 2 characters
  • D, G, K, O, R, S, U, W= 3 characters
  • B, C, F, H, J, L, P, Q, V, X, Y, Z = 4 characters
  • Inverted letters. In Morse code translator , some letters are opposite to each other. For example, “a” is “._” while “n” is “_”.
  • Other letters that are opposite to each other: a & nd & ug & wb & vf & lq & y

For More Article visit: nativesnewsonline.com

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