Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Research: Morse code


Morse code is a character encoding for transmitting telegraphic information, using standardized sequences of short and long elements to represent the letters, numerals, punctuation and special characters of a given message. The short and long elements can be formed by sounds, marks or pulses, in on off keying and are commonly known as "dots" and "dashes". (Wikipedia) Morse Code was first devised in the 1830s for use with the telegraph. It later became an essential part of civilian, maritime and military radio communications. But the military has largely abandoned its use in favor of newer technologies, and the Coast Guard stopped listening for Morse S O S signals at sea during the 1990s (...)

There is still one major user of Morse code. Radio amateurs worldwide use it to communicate with each other. It has an internationally understood system. Landline Morse is also kept alive by hobbyists. The most well known Morse code phrase is SOS or “save our souls”. SOS was chosen because the code for it – dots followed by 3 dashes followed by 3 dots – is unmistakably recognizable even to those who do not know Morse code.
So what is a code, and what do we use them for? A code is a system of symbols, letters, words, or signals that are used instead of ordinary words and numbers to send messages or store information. A code is used to keep the message short or to keep it secret. Secret writing has been employed about as long as writing has existed. Cryptology has long been employed by governments, military, businesses, and organizations to protect their messages.

Conclusion (related to my thesis)
The Morse code was an important communication tool for decades. Now, with the Good Vibes, Morse code is revived, and returns in a practical and modern form. Good Vibes is excellent for use with the original Morse code-system, but users can also make their own and more simple language if they prefer.

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