Morse Code for Radio Communication

Morse code is a universal method of transmission of telegraphic textual signals around the world. The transmission is done by sending a series of on and off tones by the use of electric, electromagnetic signals, or even light. The receiver of these signals identifies it and decodes it into textual information. Morse code made it possible to transmit messages over a long distance, through wires, wireless, and light. CW using Morse code provides highly reliable communications around the globe even in difficult propagation conditions. Morse is used in civilian, military, air, marine, and amateur communications. It can be understood beyond borders across languages and nations and so it is universal, although some regional variations do occur.

 

Morse code was invented by Samuel F. B. Morse. Morse code contains all the 26 alphabets, numerals, and a small number of punctuations. Each character is represented by a unique sequence of dots (dits) and dashes (dahs) and the sequence varies between different characters. Dot duration is the basic unit in measurement of time in code transmission. The duration of a dash is 3 times that of the duration of a dot. Each dot or dash is followed by a short silence or space equal to 1 dot in duration. The letters of a word are separated by a space equal to 3 dots or 1 dash. Two words are separated by a space equal to 7 dots. Morse code must be learned for transmission and reception of messages. The Morse code messages are sent using a hand-operated device such as a telegraph key. The transmission is received using a radio receiver along with a beat frequency oscillator (BFO).

Morse code speed is measured in words per minute (WPM) or characters per minute (CPM). Usually Morse code is transmitted above 12 words per minute for getting licensed as a radio operator. CW Morse code speed ranges from 12 words per minute to 40 words per minute during transmission. The speed of transmitting Morse code depends on the skill of the operator. It can be decoded easily by humans and does not need any decoding device makes it a popular mode of transmission among amateur radio operators. It can be read even in very difficult propagation conditions and in heavy signal interferences. It is able to be received even in poor signal conditions that would make any voice communications impossible. Because the CW is not modulated and only very low carrier power level is required for communicating over vast distances and so it is mostly used for DX-ing among radio operators.

Dual paddle key

I remember when I first heard a CW station chirping in my radio on HF band while I was tuning my homebrew receiver. My favorite method of transmission on amateur bands always remains to be CW.

Hope you get the nut out of it!