Morse code

• Morse code is a method of transmitting text information as a series of on-off tones, lights, or clicks that can be directly understood by a skilled listener or observer without special equipment.
• It is named for Samuel F.B.Morse, an inventor of the telegraph.
• Each Morse code symbol represent either a text character or a prosign which represent by a unique sequence of dots and dashes.
• The duration of a dash is three times the duration of a dot. Each dot or dash is followed by a short silence, equal to the dot duration.





• The letter of a word are separated by a space equal to the three dots (one dash) and the words are separated by a space equal to seven dots.
• The dot duration is the basic unit of time measurement in code transmission.
• Morse code speed is measured in words per minute (wpm) or characters per minute (cpm).
• Morse code is used by some amateur radio operators, Pilots and air traffic controllers, Aeronautical navigational aids, such as VORs and NDBs.

Structure

International Morse code developed using 5 elements:

1. Short mark, dot or "dit" (·) :  "dot duration" is one time unit long.
2. Longer mark, dash or "dah" (–) :  three time units long.
3. Inter-element gap between the dots and dashes within a character :  one dot duration or one unit long.
4. Short gap (between letters) :  three time units long.
5. Medium gap (between words) :  seven time units long.

Advantages

• Easy to send.
• It is cheap to setup the equipment needed to work it.
• It is universally understood by all operator.
• Message can be send in wireless environment.

Disadvantages

• People need to be trained to operate the equipment and to use and translate it.
• It is time consuming to send and receive.
• Easily can be misread the messages.
• Can't be sure that recipient will understand.