Morse Code: Numbers, Punctuation, and Special Characters
Whether you're sharing coordinates or doing math, understanding how to use Morse code numbers, punctuation, and other special characters are necessary for effective communication.
After all, what is all this monotonous work learning all these dots and dashes worth if we can't even count to ten in Morse code? This guide will demonstrate all Morse code numbers, punctuation, and other important special characters, as well as how to string together larger numbers! Let's get to it!
Morse Code Numbers
Numbers in Morse code are in many ways the easiest set of characters to understand as they all include the same number of signals and successively build upon each other.
Study the following table, and you'll see just what I mean.
0 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
1 • ─ ─ ─ ─
2 • • ─ ─ ─
3 • • • ─ ─
4 • • • • ─
5 • • • • •
6 ─ • • • •
7 ─ ─ • • •
8 ─ ─ ─ • •
9 ─ ─ ─ ─ •
As you can see, Morse code numbers are extremely simple to remember.
All you need to remember is that zero is ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ and that every number after substitutes one dash with a dot. Then after the number five, we begin to substitute one dot with a dash. Pretty easy, right?
How to Make Larger Numbers In Morse Code?
But what if we like to count past the number 9? How can we make larger numbers? We make larger numbers in Morse code the same way that we build words, by simply adding them together with pauses in between each number.
Study the example of the number 169 below!
1 dot—4 dashes——1 dash—4 dots——4 dashes—1 dots
( . _ _ _ _ _ . . . . _ _ _ _ . )
To firm these characters further, we've provided audio examples for each Morse code number below!
Morse Code Punctuation
Punctuation in Morse code is a little more difficult to understand than the numbers as they are a little more random. Check out the diagram below!
Period . _ . _ . _
Comma _ _ . . _ _
Question Mark . . _ _ . .
Semicolon _ . _ . _ .
Colon _ _ _ . . .
Dash _ . . . . _
Slash _ . . _ .
Apostrophe . _ _ _ _ .
Quotations . _ . . _ .
Morse Code Special Characters
The final is the Morse code's unique characters, such as parentheses and basic math symbols.
Check out the following table and chart, just in case you require to divide Morse code!
Underscore . . _ _ . _
Addition . _ . _ .
Subtraction _ . . . . _
Multiplication _ . . _
Division _ _ _ . . .
Equal _ . . . _
Right Parenthesis _ . _ _ . _
Left Parenthesis _ . _ _ .
The precise Morse code characters have been in use since the 1860s when the Morse code was created. The code which is today called the International Morse code was the second code created by Samuel Morse.
It refined the first one which had variable character lengths, and the new one was far more comfortable to use. As a result it has been in use for sending telegraph messages as well as radio communications.
These days the greatest benefit of the Morse code is for ham radio or amateur radio. The usage of Morse code enables ham radio operators to use their tools to contact other ham radio stations over great distances.
The benefits stemming from the simplicity of the use of Morse code, allow many ham radio enthusiasts to construct their equipment as well as allow contacts to be made when signal powers are low and interference levels are high.
Some letters and procedural characters are those in common use, but the ITU offers have also been used. This may result in Morse characters having two slightly distinct purposes. VA, i.e. End of Work, also is given by the ITU as apprehended.
Additional Morse code characters
The ITU gives guidance for a mixture of other Morse code characters and occurrences that need to be sent. The ITU defines ways in which these may be transmitted in Morse code:
Percentage and per-thousand signs: To display the % or per thousand, the figure ), the fraction bar, and the figures 0 or 00 shall be sequentially shared (i.e. 0/0 or 0/00).
A whole number, a fractional number, or a fraction followed by the % or per thousand sign shall be transmitted by joining up the whole number, the fraction number or fraction to the % or per thousand sign by a single hyphen.
e.g.
For 3%, send 3-0/0 and not 30/0
For 4 1/2 percent, send 4-1/2-0/0 and not 41/20/0
Minute and second signs: To convey the minute ' and second '' signs, when such signs follow figures. For example in the circumstance of 1'15'', the apostrophe signal ( . _ _ _ _ . ) shall be transmitted once or twice as suitable. The signal ( . _ . . _ . ) reserved for inverted commas may not be used for the sign.
Sending whole numbers and fractions: A number that contains a fraction shall be conveyed with the fraction linked to the whole number by a single hyphen.
e.g.
For 1 3/4, send 1-3/4
For 3/4 8, send 3/4-8
Learn the length of Morse code characters
So that the Morse code characters are easy to read, it is necessary to ensure that they are the correct length. Too long or too short, and the Morse code messages can be difficult to read as the rhythm of the different characters is destroyed.
Part of the International Morse code "standard" is an agreed definition of the various lengths of dots, dashes, and spaces.
A dash is equal to three dots.
The space between elements that form the same letter is equal to one dot.
The space between two letters is equal to three dots.
The space between two words is equal to seven dots.
By keeping to these distances the morse code characters are much easier to read.
The Morse code is still widely utilized for amateur radio or ham radio applications. It enables ham radio contacts to be made all over the world with ease, especially when using low powers or more subtle antennas.
While the Morse code is not generally widely utilized, it still has applications for ham radio, and the above Morse code chart or Morse code table is useful to select the main symbols used.
Wrapping it Up
We hope you found this guide on Morse code numbers and punctuation helpful, and if you would like to read more on learning
Additionally, be sure to check out my Morse code mnemonic alphabet guide where we break each letter down and help you remember them with visual cues. Thanks for reading, and as always, happy dabbling!
