1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Morse code is still used today, by radio hams and the world's navies. But why bother? Isn't it slow and old-fashioned, and isn't it hard to learn?

Radio hams have very good reasons for clinging to the cherished code. It can travel much further than speech, and the equipment necessary for sending and receiving Morse code is simpler (cheaper, easier to home-make) than for voice transmissions.

To hear a faint voice on a radio receiver, in competition with interference and fading, is tiring and misunderstandings are all too frequent. Morse code can be heard as a distant 'lift' in the noise, and be read perfectly. It makes the difference between inter-state and intercontinental communication. Another huge advantage is in the abbreviations used by the world's ham radio population; these are universal, and thus a lingua franca, understood by all. Two hams can communicate freely, without knowing a word of each other's spoken language.

The naval application is one where security is paramount. Ship-to-ship tactical information is passed by Morse code via flashing light, and here only the vessel at which the light is aimed can read the message. If you can't see it, you can't intercept it.

So, is it slow? Compared with speech, it is certainly slower. Here, this very sloth is an advantage; Morse code radio transmissions occupy a single frequency, while voice trasmissions need at least 3000 hertz. Data rate is inversely proportional to bandwidth. It has been demonstrated (publically) to be faster than SMS messaging, and many radio hams prefer the laid-back pace of a Morse 'rag-chew'.

Morse code is certainly old-fashioned, being developed over 150 years ago by Samuel Morse, in the United States. Morse's original code differs from the 'international' code, and was then used over telegraph lines. The operators had to watch and listen to the movement of a 'telegraph receiver', a rocking bar. Today's radio operators listen to tones at a comfortable pitch (500-1000 hertz), and naval code lanterns have coloured filters.

Is it hard to learn? I found it easy to learn the alphabet, and how to send it with a standard code key. Receiving is not so easy, and considerable effort has been poured into learning methods over the decades. Specialist software is available, the best of which follows the Koch method.

Take a spin around the short waves some time, and hear for yourself.

Learn more about this author, Pete Morris.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Reasons to continue using Morse code?
We want to hear your view. Write now!