When a disaster strikes, like an EMP blast that wipes out our technology — think phones, computers, tablets, — and we have no way to communicate with other survivors in an encrypted manner when a third world war breaks out, knowing how to use Morse code could end up being a lifesaver. It’s a skill that’s not well known today, which means it would be easier to use secretly than a lot of other styles of written communication. And this can go beyond being written down on paper. We can use taps — long and short — on just about any surface, across wires, all kinds of things.
In other words, in an apocalyptic situation it’s highly practical.
So let’s break this down a little bit so you can understand how Morse code actually works. Letters are represente3d by dots, dashes, and empty spaces. As SHTF Prepardness explains, the sounds have a rhythm to them, which enables others who know the code to interpret what is being communicated.
These sounds have a rhythm, allowing others who know the code to interpret the message. It breaks down like this:
The dot is the standard measurement unit.
A dash is the length of three dots.
A space between letters is three dots.
A space between words is seven dots.
The most popular form of this code is the International Morse Code. It’s more straightforward than the original code, so it’s the version you’ll need to learn. The Morse code alphabet isn’t as random as you may think. The most used letters have shorter patterns, making spelling common words faster. For example, the most-used letter in the alphabet is “E.” So, it makes sense that “E” is a single dot.
“T” is one of English’s next most common letters, a single dash in Morse code.
Another benefit of taking time to learn Morse code is the benefits it has for brain health. It’s a great way to challenge your mind and keep you sharp by providing challenges that you have to solve on the fly. It’s fun and a great skill that could increase your chances of surviving a dire situation. That’s what we call a win-win.
So what all do you need in order to learn Morse code?
- Get a Ham radio and the proper licenses.
- Get a reliable SOS flashlight.
- Find a Morse code tapper for training.
Here are a few tips you can use to help make learning Morse code a bit easier.
First up, make use of mnemonics. Associate letters with various sounds or even words that can help you to identify them in messages you are trying to decode.
Start by breaking words down into syllables, then pair them with different Morse code letters. A good example is using “apple” for the letter “A.” Let’s look at the syllable breakdown:
- Apple = “ap-ple” = .- (dot dash)
Another great example would be using “eat” for the Morse code letter “E” because it only has one syllable.
It’ll be tempting during the process to want to practice Morse through writing, but you really should practice by just listening much more than you do through writing. Knowing it better through listening will enable you to write it and decode messages much faster.
Find a group of other preppers or individuals who love Morse so you can learn and practice together in order to sharpen your skills. This will allow you to get constructive feedback from those more skilled than you, while also providing you with needed social contacts and friends who you can communicate with.
Make sure to make use of Morse codes tools online. There are tons of free ones out there, just Google it.
For most individuals, it only takes a few months to learn Morse, however, it’s all dependent on often you practice. Good luck.
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