We are probably all aware of Morse code, even at a basic level. We might not know the ins and outs of what it is, but we are aware that it is a form of coded communication, usually used to send messages in earlier times. A character encoding system, Morse code became a huge part of telecommunications, especially during the war when code and secrecy were paramount.
Nowadays we have cell phones, and things like WhatsApp that allow us to send messages instantly, and with a certain degree of privacy. But, before smartphones took the world by storm, Morse code was one of the most effective ways of communicating with someone in code. Think of it as one of the earliest forms of sending a text message to someone, except that it was a text message that would need to be decoded. Here are some of the things you are going to need to know about what Morse code is and the way it works.
What exactly is Morse code?
Morse code is an early form of sending text-based messages over the radio waves through the use of a series of short and long electronic pulses, known respectively as a ‘dot,’ or a ‘dash.’ Morse code was created in the 1840s by Samuel F. B. Morse and was one of the first forms of long-distance communication. The codes were sent along telegraph poles, with someone at one end tapping a button up and down. This would send a series of characters across the airwaves, for a telegrapher on the other end to read and interpret.
Who uses Morse code?
Morse code provides a slow but dependable (and accurate) way of communication, transmitting and receiving signals and wireless messages, and is unaffected by poor weather conditions, noise, and other such issues. Morse code became popular among ships because it allowed people to communicate across the sea. This became essential during the Second World War, as it allowed armies to improve their speed of communication, and send orders or strategies back and forth. These days Morse code is primarily used by amateur radio enthusiasts, but it still has a place.
Learning Morse code
You have plenty of things you can do if you would like to learn Morse code, and there are a lot of opportunities online that you need to consider. Sending an SOS, which is done using …_ _ _…, is one of the best-known forms of Morse code. There is a lot to learn to begin with, but once you get the basics right, it should be simple to learn.
So, as you can see, there are a lot of things you need to understand about Morse code and the way it works. This is something that is still used today by people, and it is preserved by enthusiasts who believe it could still have a place in society. As such, you might even decide you’d like to learn a little about the basics of Morse code and the way it works. This is important for gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of this early form of communication.
