Morse Code is a method of encoding letters, numbers and symbols into a series of 'dits' (short beeps) and 'dahs' (long beeps).
Morse Code (developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail) is a method of encoding letters, numbers and symbols into a series of “dits” (short beeps) and “dahs” (long beeps). Morse Code was originally developed for transmitting messages over wired connections such as telegraph. Visually, the “dits” and “dahs” are written using dots and dashes respectively.
CW (Continuous Wave) is the name normally given to using radio to transmitting Morse Code. In this method, a single audio tone is used and the “dits” and “dahs” are created by turning the tone on and off as needed. This is done by using a device called a “key”. There are different types of keys depending on operator preference, but they all achieve the same end result.
CW is a slow transmission method, and ranges from about 10 to 30 words per minute. As a result, CW uses extensive use of abbreviations, etc. to help shorten messages. However, because of its simplicity, the radio transceivers needed to do this work can be much smaller than one needed for voice contacts. World-wide contacts have been completed using a transceiver that fits into an Altoids container, including the battery.
