Question 1

Who invented Morse code and when?

Accepted Answer

Morse code was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s–1840s alongside the electric telegraph. The original American Morse code was refined into International Morse Code (also called Continental Morse Code) in 1865, which is the standard still used today.

Question 2

How do I write Morse code?

Accepted Answer

Each letter and number has a unique pattern of dots (.) and dashes (−). A dot is a short signal, a dash is three times as long. Letters are separated by a space (silence = one dot duration), words by a slash (/) or three dots of silence. Example: SOS = ... − − − ...

Question 3

What does SOS stand for in Morse code?

Accepted Answer

SOS (... − − − ...) is not an acronym — it was chosen as an international distress signal because its Morse pattern (three dots, three dashes, three dots) is easy to remember and clearly recognisable. The pattern was adopted as the global distress signal at the 1906 International Radiotelegraph Convention.

Question 4

Is Morse code still used today?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in several contexts: amateur (ham) radio operators still use Morse code and it remains part of some licensing exams. Aviation navigational beacons transmit their identifiers in Morse code. Military and emergency services maintain Morse capability. It is also used by people who cannot speak and for accessibility.

Question 5

What is the speed of Morse code measured in?

Accepted Answer

Morse code speed is measured in words per minute (WPM), using "PARIS" as the standard word (50 dot durations). Amateur radio licensing typically requires 5–13 WPM. Skilled operators can reach 25–35 WPM. The audio playback in this tool defaults to 15 WPM.

Question 6

How do I separate letters and words in Morse code?

Accepted Answer

Letters within a word are separated by a single space. Words are separated by a forward slash (/) or three spaces. In audio transmission, the silence duration distinguishes inter-letter gaps (3 units) from inter-word gaps (7 units).

Question 7

What is the Morse code for common punctuation?

Accepted Answer

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