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These days, you can learn Morse code using apps and websites. However, mastering it requires a lot of practice.
Learning Morse code: How Morse code works
There are numerous tools and apps that allow you to learn Morse code quite quickly and easily. The Morse code alphabet, consisting of short and long signals, remains a common form of telegraphic communication.
- Morse code was originally developed for telegraphy. Before the advent of telephony and in places where telephones were not yet available, messages were transmitted using short sound signals.
- The transmitted signal is always the same; it depends only on the length. There is a short signal and a long signal. Different letters are transmitted through the combination of short and long signals. In addition to letters, numbers and special characters can also be transmitted.
- For the letter A, for example, the code short-long is used. The letter B consists of long-short-short-short. There is a short pause between each letter. There are also special combinations for the beginning and end of a message.
- The most well-known Morse signal is the international distress signal “SOS.” This consists of three short dots, followed by three long signals, and then three short ones.
Learn Morse code online: An overview of providers
There are various providers online for learning Morse code. They offer lessons, instructions, and rules to simplify the learning process. You should start with the basics of the letters and then practice regularly. It’s also easier to learn to listen to Morse code first and then read it. This way, you’ll eventually think in terms of the signals rather than the words “short” and “long.” This makes getting started much easier.
- A useful app for learning Morse code in a fun way is Morse Mania. It is available for both iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Play Store, but is exclusively in English.
- With the app Morse Code: Learn, Translate you can practice, among other things, auditory and visual Morse code. It also supports multiple languages, and the speed of the signals can be customized.
- The website LCWO offers learning in multiple languages. It also features a leaderboard, speed training, and a forum for discussions and questions.
- There are numerous other apps available for learning Morse code. Alternatively, you can also find modern textbooks. It’s best to try out a few options to see what works best for you, and then it’s all about practice, practice, practice…
