Morse Code Translator
Convert between text and Morse code using dots (.) and dashes (-). Decode Morse signals or encode messages for geocaching puzzles and communication.
Morse Code Reference
Letters
Numbers
Format tips: Letters are separated by single spaces, words by "/" or triple spaces. Both dots (.) and periods, dashes (-) and underscores (_) are accepted.
What is Morse Code?
Morse code is a method of encoding text using sequences of dots (.) and dashes (-), also known as "dits" and "dahs." Developed in the 1830s and 1840s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail, it was originally designed for telegraph communication and became essential for early radio and maritime communications.
Each letter, number, and punctuation mark has a unique combination of dots and dashes. The code can be transmitted as sounds, light flashes, or written symbols, making it versatile for many communication scenarios.
How Morse Code Works
Morse code uses a simple binary-like system:
- Dot (.) - A short signal, the basic unit
- Dash (-) - A long signal, equal to three dots in duration
- Letter gap - Space between letters, equal to three dots
- Word gap - Space between words, equal to seven dots
The Design Logic
Samuel Morse designed the code based on letter frequency in English:
- E (most common) = single dot (.)
- T (second most common) = single dash (-)
- Common letters have shorter codes; rare letters have longer codes
- This optimizes transmission speed for typical messages
Morse Code in Geocaching
Morse code is popular in geocaching puzzle caches because it can be represented visually in many creative ways:
Common Geocaching Morse Formats
- Audio clues: Sound files with beeps or tones
- Visual patterns: Long and short lines, objects, or shapes
- Light sequences: Blinking patterns in images or videos
- Physical objects: Arranged items of different sizes
- Text representation: Traditional dots and dashes
Recognizing Morse in Puzzles
Look for these patterns in cache descriptions:
- Alternating long and short elements (bars, lines, objects)
- Grouped patterns with consistent separators
- Audio files with rhythmic beeping
- Images with dots and dashes hidden in details
Famous Morse Code Signals
SOS - The Universal Distress Signal
... --- ... (three dots, three dashes, three dots)
Chosen not for meaning (it doesn't stand for "Save Our Souls") but because the pattern is easy to transmit and recognize in any conditions. It became the international maritime distress signal in 1906.
Other Common Signals
- CQ (
-.-. --.-) - "Calling any station" - QTH - "My location is..."
- 73 (
--... ...--) - "Best regards" (amateur radio) - 88 - "Love and kisses"
Morse Code Alphabet
The complete Morse code alphabet with memory aids:
Letters A-M
- A .- (Alpha)
- B -... (Bravo)
- C -.-. (Charlie)
- D -.. (Delta)
- E . (Echo - shortest, most common)
- F ..-. (Foxtrot)
- G --. (Golf)
- H .... (Hotel - four dots)
- I .. (India)
- J .--- (Juliet)
- K -.- (Kilo)
- L .-.. (Lima)
- M -- (Mike - two dashes)
Letters N-Z
- N -. (November)
- O --- (Oscar - three dashes)
- P .--. (Papa)
- Q --.- (Quebec)
- R .-. (Romeo)
- S ... (Sierra - three dots)
- T - (Tango - single dash)
- U ..- (Uniform)
- V ...- (Victor - Beethoven's 5th opening)
- W .-- (Whiskey)
- X -..- (X-ray)
- Y -.-- (Yankee)
- Z --.. (Zulu)
Numbers in Morse Code
Numbers follow a logical pattern:
- 1 .---- (one dot, four dashes)
- 2 ..--- (two dots, three dashes)
- 3 ...-- (three dots, two dashes)
- 4 ....- (four dots, one dash)
- 5 ..... (five dots)
- 6 -.... (one dash, four dots)
- 7 --... (two dashes, three dots)
- 8 ---.. (three dashes, two dots)
- 9 ----. (four dashes, one dot)
- 0 ----- (five dashes)
Tips for Decoding Morse
- Identify separators: Find what separates letters (usually spaces) and what separates words (usually "/" or larger gaps)
- Look for common patterns: E (.) and T (-) are most frequent
- Start with short codes: Identify single-symbol letters first
- Watch for substitutions: Some puzzles use other symbols for dots/dashes
- Try both directions: Text might be encoded backward
History of Morse Code
Key milestones in Morse code history:
- 1837: Samuel Morse patents the telegraph
- 1844: First telegraph line (Washington to Baltimore)
- 1851: International Morse Code standardized in Europe
- 1906: SOS adopted as international distress signal
- 1912: Titanic disaster highlights importance of wireless telegraphy
- 1999: Official maritime use ends (replaced by satellite systems)
- Today: Still used by amateur radio operators and in geocaching