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Nowadays, you can learn Morse code with the help of apps and websites. However, it takes a lot of practice to master it.
Learning Morse code: How Morse coding works
There are a number of tools and apps that can help you learn Morse code quickly and easily. The Morse code alphabet, which consists of short and long signals, is still a common form of telegraphic communication.
- Morse code was originally developed for telegraphy. Before telephones existed and in places where telephones were not yet available, messages were transmitted using short sound signals.
- The transmitted signal is always the same; it is only the length that matters. There is a short signal and a long signal. Different letters are transmitted using a combination of short and long signals. In addition to letters, numbers and special characters can also be transmitted.
- For example, the code short-long is used for the letter A. The letter B is composed 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.
- Probably the best-known Morse code signal is the international distress signal “SOS.” This consists of three short dots, followed by three long signals and then three more short ones.
Learn Morse code online: Providers at a glance
There are various providers on the internet who offer Morse code lessons. They provide lessons, instructions, and rules that make learning easier. You should start with the basics of the letters and then practice regularly. It is also easier to learn to listen to Morse code first and then read it. This way, you will later think in signals rather than in the words “short” and “long.” This makes it much easier to get started.
- A useful app for learning Morse code in a fun way is Morse Mania. It is available for iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Play Store, but is only available in English.
- With the app Morse Code: Learn, Translate, you can practice acoustic and visual Morse code, among other things. It also offers several languages and the speed of the signals can be adjusted individually.
- The website LCWO offers learning in several languages. It also has a leaderboard, speed training, and a forum for discussions and questions.
- There are numerous other apps that can be used to learn Morse code. Alternatively, there are also modern textbooks. It’s best to try out a few to see which one you get on best with, and then it’s a case of practice, practice, practice…
