International Morse Code Basics
(Excerpt From IMCT Program)

There are only two sounds that you will need to learn in using the Morse code.
The first is that of the DIT. When written the DIT looks like a period or a dot ==> .
The other sound is that of a DAH, and when written it looks like a dash ==> -

It is very important that you learn these two sounds as DIT and DAH rather than DOT and DASH. The reason is that when you actually hear the two sounds, they will resemble DIT and DAH, and not DOT and DASH. Also, you will find that it is very difficult to increase your code speed if you have to try and convert the actual sound to the DOT and DASH method.

Believe it or not, you have already learned two Morse code letters ( the letters E and T )

Whenever the DIT is sent by itself, this represents the letter E.
Whenever the DAH is sent by itself, this represents the letter T.

Most people are familiar with one famous Morse code phrase... the call for help (SOS) !
This was often used in old war movies. In code this is Di-Di-Dit Dah-Dah-Dah Di-Di-Dit

S     O     S

. . .   - - -   . . .

Most characters in Morse code will have to be learned just as you learned the alphabet...
by memorization.

But the numbers (0-9) do have a rather easy pattern to them and can be learned quickly.


Each number is made up of a total of 5 characters.

The number 1 is .---- and is pronounced Di-Dah-Dah-Dah-Dah.
(Notice how the T in the DIT is dropped when it is followed by another sound!)

The number 2 is ..---

This pattern continues with 3 DITS for number 3, etc.

At number 6, the pattern simply reverses and becomes -.... (Dah-Di-Di-Di-Dit)

Thus 7 is --...

And so on up to the number 0, which is -----

Congratulations you are already well on your way to knowing the International Morse code!

• INTERNATIONAL Q SIGNALS

• COMMON CW ABBREVIATIONS