Otherwise, test yourself using practice files. Check your translation using an online Morse code translator. You can even download the sound files to send to friends. A fun way to do this is to write your own messages and listen to them.

Now, listen to messages at a realistic speed. Start by following along with the alphabet A to Z slowly. Listen to the code to get a feel for how it sounds.

The gap between words is seven units long.

The gap between letters is three units long.

The gap between dots and dashes within a character is one dot (one unit) long.

A brief interval of silence separates letters and numbers in a message. These are also known as 'dits' and 'dahs.' A dash or dah lasts three times as long as a dot or dit. Note that each symbol consists of dots and dashes. The numbers are logical and easy to grasp, so if you find the alphabet intimidating, start with them. A good starting point is to view or print a chart of the numbers and letters. Learning Morse code is like learning any language. Even if you have no real need to know the code, learning and using Morse code is fun.

It's also an alternate means of communication for persons who can't speak or use their hands (e.g., paralysis or stroke victims may use eye blinks). Non-Directional (radio) Beacons (NDBs) and Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range (VOR) navigation still use Morse code. It's also found in amateur radio and aviation. Navy and Coast Guard still signal using Morse code. While Morse code is not widely used today, it's still recognized. The telegraph revolutionized communication in the 19th century. He started work on the electric telegraph in 1832, ultimately leading to a patent in 1837. Before cell phones and even before landlines, your best options were using semaphore, carrying messages by horse, and using Morse code. Not everyone had signal flags or a horse, but anyone could learn and use Morse code. In the modern era, if you want to talk with someone from a distance you use a cell phone or computer.