Morse Code: All you need to know

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Morse code is a communications language that makes use of dots and dashes. The earliest type of digital communication, it was originally used for Telegraph and was the only way to communicate rapidly over very long distances. Since it was easy to understand, because of its multipurpose nature, it began to be used widely for a number of things including defense and rescue. Though times have changed a lot now, with increasingly advanced technology at our disposal- we can’t deny the important role of Morse code to get us where we are. So here we are with a short guide on Morse code including its concise history- an all you need to know!
Let’s go –

MORSE CODE: HISTORY

Morse code was developed by Samuel Morse during the 1830s. It went through a number of changes to suit the needs and purpose which included the conception of the International Morse Code in 1851.

Though being similar to the original, the International Morse code was simpler and more precise while maintaining consistency. This is the one that has been in use ever since and has more or less remained the same for over a century. The international Morse Code was used in World War 2 and the Korean and Vietnam wars. It was also used by ships and for radio, for military and Air Force too. Though its wide-spread usage ended way before the 21st century started, it still remains an important aspect of human history and a cool thing to know.

MORSE CODE: THE MECHANISM

The Morse code uses standardized sequences of short and long elements to represent letters, numerals, punctuation and even special characters. These elements can be sounds, marks or even pulses- using dots and dashes or technically, the ‘on’ and ‘off’ keys.
This mechanism is so simple that even a flashlight can be used to transmit signals using Morse code. Being an actual language, it does take some practice and time but once you have mastered it… just think of all the possibilities! If you can find someone else who knows how to decipher it of course.

MORSE CODE IN MODERN TIMES

Now the main question- how relevant is the Morse code in the present scenario?
Honestly, not much. We already have such developed communication channels; Morse code can be hardly considered a skill. But if someday all these channels go down say because of a huge solar flare, Morse code can essentially save your life. If someone else knows it too, obviously! But anyhow, it’s still a cool thing to know as a personal hobby.

TRIVIA

After the Titanic sank in 1912, new regulations were formed to avoid anything like that in future. One of these was designating ‘SOS’ as the universal distress signal. The reason was that in Morse code, ‘SOS’ has a very simple pattern that is easy to remember and transmit. It goes something like – “dot-dot-dot dash-dash-dash dot-dot-dot” ( …—… ).