What is Morse Code?
Morse code is a method of transmitting textual information. It takes characters and converts them into the Morse code which is composed of long and short sounds, and flashes of light. Words and sentences in Morse Code are seperated by different lengths of silence. This method of communication can be directly understood by a skilled listener or observer without special equipment. The International Morse Code encodes the Roman alphabet, the Arabic numerals and a small set of punctuation and procedural signals as standardized sequences of short and long signals called "dots" and "dashes" respectively, or "dits" and "dahs".
Who Developed the Morse Code? When was it developed and why?
The Morse Code was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail. Samuel Morse desired to develop a device where electricity is able to send messages through wires. In 1837, he demonstrated what he developed: an early model of a telegraph. However, his device was too complicated, but not efficient enough for use.
How does the Morse Code work?
Alfred did most of the technical development and redesigned the machine. Morse had a complicated system where each word is allocated to a number. The operator had to flip through a code book. Alfred developed a new system where each letter has its own number. In the Morse code numbers, letters and pronunciations are represented by a sequence of long and short characters. The most frequent letters had the simplest signals. The Morse Code was transmitted through a telegraph. The telegraph used mechanical clockwork which moved a paper tape. When the electric current is received the electromagnet would push a stylus on the paper tape, which made the indentation. When the current is stopped, the electromagnet stopped as well. The Morse Code was created so that operators could translate the indents on the tape into messages. The original telegraph made a clicking noise as it moved on and off the tape. The operators soon realized that they could easily translate from just the clicks, rather than having to use the tape.
What is Morse Code composed of?
- Short mark, dot or 'dit'. The dot duration' is one unit long.
- Longer mark, dash or 'dah'. It is three units long.
- Inter-element gap between the dots and dashes within a character. The gap is one unit long.
- Short gap (between letters). This gap is three units long.
- Medium gap (between words). This is seven units long.
Has Morse Code played a part in any major events in the history of the world? If so, how?
Morse Code has been involved in quite a few events of history that have changed our world forever. One of them which impacted many people was the sinking of Titanic. The Titanic's operator John G Phillips sent a message using emergency codes. The exact code read as follows: CQD CQD SOS SOS CQD DE MGY MGY. When "CQ" was sent, it meant: "whoever is listening, please respond". After "CQ", a third letter was added describing the situation. In this case, "D" meant distress. "SOS" was the newer emergency code which was developed after "CQ" and it means "save our souls". In the message, DE means "from" and MGY referred to the call letters of Titanic. The message was sent and "The California" would have been able to save Titanic however, due to the fact that it was around midnight; the radio officer was off duty and missed the message.
Has the Morse Code changed through time?
In 1836, when it was first made, Morse Codes where sent through an electrical telegraph system. It sent pulses of electric current along the wires. Than, in 1837, a system was developed that instead of clicks, a needle would rotate, pointing at the alphabetical charts, which indicated the letters that were being sent. Later in 1841, they created a similar system, except, the telegraph printed letters from wheel struck by a hammer. Finally, in 1844, the system was designed to make indents on to a paper tape when the electric currents were received.
Does the Morse Code have Extensions to the English alphabet?
| Character | Code |
|---|---|
| ä, æ | . — . — |
| à, å | . — — . — |
| ç | — . — . . |
| ch, š | — — — — |
| è | . — . . — |
| é | ..— . . |
| ö, ó, ø | — — — . |
| ô | . . — — . |
Are there any sequences that have a special meaning in a transmission message?
Yes, in the Morse Code, there are sequences of dots and dashes that have special meanings in a transmission messages. These are called procedural signals or prosigns. They are used to make messages more efficient and easier to understand.
| Character | Code |
|---|---|
| Wait | . — . . . |
| Invitation to Transmit | — . — |
| Error | . . . . . . . . |
| End of work | . . . — . — |
| Understood | . . . — . |
| Starting Signal | — . — . — |
Are there any daily uses of Morse Code?
Morse code helps people with a variety of disabilities to communicate. Morse can be sent by persons with severe motion disabilities, speaking disabilities, hearing disabilities, or visual impairments, as long as they have some minimal access to the needed technology. Originally, care takers would have to learn to decode what has been written by an electronic typewriter. Morse code can also be translated by computer and used in a speaking communication aid. This can alternately mean blowing into and sucking on a plastic tube ("puff and sip" interface) as well. People with sensory disabilities (people who are also deaf or blind) and motion disabilities may receive the code through a skin buzzer.
Conclusion
As "Engima" has shown, the Morse Code, developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail, has many uses in both military fields and professional technologies. The film creates the image of Morse Code used only in highly advanced communication systems, in the nineteenth century. However, even then, Morse Code was commonly learnt by soldiers and war personal alike. In our modern world, the knowledge of the Morse Code is wide spread. The code is now used in aviation, navies, amateur radio, speed records and much more. The code has overcome nearly two centuries of new and innovative technology to still be used widely today. This just shows the effectiveness and easy usage of Morse's development. It has become a well-known code and a representative of both past and current technologies.
Bibliography
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Samuel Morse (2009, November 17). [Photograph]. Retrieved October 3, 2011, from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Samuel_Morse_1840.jpg>
The National Association for Amateur Radio (2000). Learning Morse Code. Retrieved October 3, 2011. <http://www.arrl.org/learning-morse-code>
Telegraph (2010, February 23). [Photograph]. Retrieved October 3, 2011, from <http://oldrope.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/telegraph-morse-code-machine.jpg>
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