Morse Code for radio (or wired use)
Morse Code is still used by radio amateurs and some military and maritime operations. It is also used globally for the identification of aeronautical radio beacons.
Morse Code for radio will generally be sent and received in audible form, as sequences of short and long tones.
Learning Morse is a bit like learning a foreign language, except that you already know English and it is therefore generally easier.
The best way of learning morse code is to listen to the sound of the characters.
It is best not to look at tables of dots and dashes, think of it as 'dit' and 'dah'
Thinking about the character or saying it aloud as you hear each character allows the brain to associate the sound with that character. Eventually, this association process is automatic, much like many things in life that we do automatically without having to consciously think about it. This association or instant recognition makes using morse code easy and enjoyable.
Click on the buttons below to hear what each character sounds like. Think of the letter as you listen to it and your brain will learn the sound.
Morse Code is still used by radio amateurs and some military and maritime operations. It is also used globally for the identification of aeronautical radio beacons.
Morse Code for radio will generally be sent and received in audible form, as sequences of short and long tones.
Learning Morse is a bit like learning a foreign language, except that you already know English and it is therefore generally easier.
The best way of learning morse code is to listen to the sound of the characters.
It is best not to look at tables of dots and dashes, think of it as 'dit' and 'dah'
Thinking about the character or saying it aloud as you hear each character allows the brain to associate the sound with that character. Eventually, this association process is automatic, much like many things in life that we do automatically without having to consciously think about it. This association or instant recognition makes using morse code easy and enjoyable.
Click on the buttons below to hear what each character sounds like. Think of the letter as you listen to it and your brain will learn the sound.
With acknowledgement to K7QO, an American radio amateur who created an excellent morse code training package containing the sound files used above.
Additional Morse Code characters are used for numbers and punctuation.
A reference sheet is available for you to download using the links below.
Additional Morse Code characters are used for numbers and punctuation.
A reference sheet is available for you to download using the links below.
Morse Code for visual use
Morse Code can also be used visually, by using a flashing light or by flags (or just the hands and arms). Signalling using the hands and arms is simple to do and is effective. It also has the advantage of not being sensitive to timing and therefore is easy to do. This activity works well with older Beavers and upwards. An instruction sheet is included below for you to use. There is also an animation sending 'hello'.
Morse Code can also be used visually, by using a flashing light or by flags (or just the hands and arms). Signalling using the hands and arms is simple to do and is effective. It also has the advantage of not being sensitive to timing and therefore is easy to do. This activity works well with older Beavers and upwards. An instruction sheet is included below for you to use. There is also an animation sending 'hello'.
Another form of flag morse uses a single flag. This will not really work with just the arms, unlike the version above. A slow and steady motion should be used to effectively communicate and avoid injury. Information on this is below:
Aldis signalling lamp
Is a specialised lantern used for signalling Morse Code using visible or infra-red light. A simulator is available for use on a PC.
The following settings are suggested for the SuperAldis simulator:
Click on the menu item 'CONTROL'
Select Size as Smal 2, Colour as White, Display to Show Letter, Speed to 4 WPM and Space to 2 WPM
Click on menu item 'RANDOM' and select A-Z
Now click on Start
Text can also be entered into the top window and the Start button clicked to send it
These settings can be changed as you get used to using the programme
Aldis signalling lamp
Is a specialised lantern used for signalling Morse Code using visible or infra-red light. A simulator is available for use on a PC.
The following settings are suggested for the SuperAldis simulator:
Click on the menu item 'CONTROL'
Select Size as Smal 2, Colour as White, Display to Show Letter, Speed to 4 WPM and Space to 2 WPM
Click on menu item 'RANDOM' and select A-Z
Now click on Start
Text can also be entered into the top window and the Start button clicked to send it
These settings can be changed as you get used to using the programme
Photosensitive Epilepsy
Flashing lights can trigger epilepsy seizures. Further information at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/symptoms/#triggers
https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/photosensitive-epilepsy
Flashing lights can trigger epilepsy seizures. Further information at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/symptoms/#triggers
https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/photosensitive-epilepsy
Signal Mirrors
Usually comprises a small robust mirror with a sighting hole in the middle. They are frequently used for signalling the need for help in an emergency. A manufactured CD (as opposed to a CDR) can make a very effective signalling mirror although both hands are needed. There are a number of ways of using these depending upon the type and if the receiving target can be seen or not.
These must be used sensibly and their use in activities is only suggested for the older sections.
Instructions for use are intentionally not included on this web site due to the potential misuse if inadequately trained. Please contact the District Skills Instructor for further details using the contact form on this web site.
Usually comprises a small robust mirror with a sighting hole in the middle. They are frequently used for signalling the need for help in an emergency. A manufactured CD (as opposed to a CDR) can make a very effective signalling mirror although both hands are needed. There are a number of ways of using these depending upon the type and if the receiving target can be seen or not.
These must be used sensibly and their use in activities is only suggested for the older sections.
Instructions for use are intentionally not included on this web site due to the potential misuse if inadequately trained. Please contact the District Skills Instructor for further details using the contact form on this web site.
The Art and Skill of Radio Telegraphy
William Pierpont, American amateur radio operator (Radio Ham) N0HFF has compiled a manual covering many aspects of Morse Code. This includes the history and ways of learning it. This was originally made available as a Windows help file format and a PDF version.
The PDF version is available using the link below. The stories in chapter 34 make fascinating reading.
J-Code (used during the JOTA/JOTI event)
J Code can be used to pass messages between Scouts who do not share a common language. It is particularly useful when Morse Code or screen based communications are being used. This makes it applicable to both JOTA and JOTI. Click on the links below to open a PDF containing the code.
2020 - Scout Association Morse Code Reference Sheet This sheet uses the revised Scout logo and lists the Morse Code. For those seriously interested, it is recommended that Morse Code is learnt by sound and not by visualisation of the dots and dashes. |