Dots and Dashes
Morse code represents letters as sequences of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes).
- S = • • • (Three dots)
- O = — — — (Three dashes)
- SOS = • • • — — — • • •
Timing is Everything
The length of a dash is three times the length of a dot.
- The space between parts of the same letter is 1 dot.
- The space between letters is 3 dots.
- The space between words is 7 dots.
Modern Use
While no longer used for official shipping, it's still used by:
- Amateur radio enthusiasts
- Pilots (for identifying navigation beacons)
- People with disabilities as an assistive technology
Key Takeaways
- E and T are the shortest (they are the most common letters)
- "CQ" means "calling anyone" in radio speak
- SOS is the universal distress signal