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Morse code is a method of encoding text using sequences of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). Developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s, it was originally designed for telegraph communication. Each letter and number is represented by a unique combination of dots and dashes.
In Morse code, a dot (.) is a short signal and a dash (-) is a long signal (3x the duration of a dot). Letters are separated by short pauses (3 units), and words are separated by longer pauses (7 units). For example, SOS is "... --- ..." — three dots, three dashes, three dots.
SOS in Morse code is "... --- ..." — three dots, three dashes, three dots. It was chosen as a distress signal because it is easy to transmit and recognize. Despite popular belief, SOS doesn't stand for "Save Our Souls" — it was chosen purely for its simplicity in Morse code.
Beginners should start at 5-10 WPM (words per minute) to learn character recognition. Once comfortable, gradually increase to 15-20 WPM. The Farnsworth method recommends playing characters at full speed (18-20 WPM) but with extra spacing between characters for learners.
Yes! Morse code is still used by amateur (ham) radio operators worldwide, in aviation for navigational beacons (VOR/NDB identifiers), by military forces, and in emergency signaling. It remains useful because it can be transmitted with minimal equipment and is effective even with very weak or noisy signals.