Morse code

Morse code is a system for encoding letters and numbers as a sequence of "dots" and "dashes", consisting of short and long signals sent over some medium such as a telegraph wire or radio signal. It is named after telegraph pioneer Samuel Morse.

The difference between dots and dashes is only in their length. The length of the dot is taken to be a unit of measure, the dash must be 3 units long. The space between dots/dashes of the same letter is 1 unit long, between words of the same word – 3 units, and between words – 7 units. The exception is made for some specific words, such as SOS call for help, which does not require a 3 unit spacing between words, and is sent as a single character would have been, spaced by a single unit of time.

Resources
National Archives and Records Administration: INTERNATIONAL MORSE CODE, HAND SENDING, from the Department of Defense. Department of the Army. Office of the Chief Signal Officer. (09/18/1947 - 02/28/1964). ARC Identifier 36813 / Local Identifier 111-TF-3697. PRINCIPLES AND BASIC TECHNIQUE FOR GOOD, RHYTHMIC SENDING 0F MORSE CODE BY OPERATING THE HAND KEY.


 * Morse Code on Wikipedia
 * International Morse Code Preservation Society
 * The Ultimate Morse Code Website
 * Morse code trumps SMS in head-to-head speed texting combat