Morse Code Translator

Translate text ↔ Morse code

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About Morse Code Translator

A bidirectional Morse code translator that converts text to International Morse Code (ITU) and decodes Morse back to text. Features audio playback with adjustable WPM speed, visual dot-dash animation, support for letters, numbers, and common punctuation, and a full reference chart. All processing happens locally in your browser with the Web Audio API. Essential for amateur radio operators, scouts, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in telecommunications.

Morse Code Translator Features

  • Text ↔ Morse
  • Audio playback
  • Adjustable WPM
  • Full reference chart
  • Visual timing
Morse code represents text as sequences of dots (•) and dashes (—), originally developed for telegraph communication by Samuel Morse in the 1830s. Despite being nearly 200 years old, it remains an essential skill for amateur radio operators and is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. This translator converts between text and International Morse Code with audio playback using the Web Audio API.

How to Use

Choose a mode:

  • Text → Morse: Type text to see dots and dashes
  • Morse → Text: Type dots (.) and dashes (-) separated by spaces
  • Audio: Click play to hear the Morse code at your chosen speed

Morse Code Timing

  • Dot (•): 1 unit duration
  • Dash (—): 3 units
  • Between elements: 1 unit of silence
  • Between letters: 3 units of silence
  • Between words: 7 units of silence

SOS and Famous Signals

SOS (• • • — — — • • •) is the international distress signal, chosen not for meaning but because its Morse pattern is unmistakable. Other signals: CQ (calling any station), 73 (best regards), 88 (love and kisses).

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1Enter text or Morse code in the input field.
  2. 2Toggle between text-to-Morse and Morse-to-text modes.
  3. 3View the translated output instantly.
  4. 4Click the play button to hear the Morse audio.
  5. 5Adjust the WPM speed for faster or slower playback.

Morse Code Translator — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Morse code still used today?+

Yes! Amateur radio operators use it worldwide, the U.S. Navy still teaches it, and it's used in aviation navigation aids (VOR/NDB). In 2015, Morse code was added to Germany's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

How fast is typical Morse code?+

Beginners: 5-10 WPM. Proficient operators: 20-30 WPM. Expert operators: 40+ WPM. The fastest recorded speed is over 75 WPM. At 20 WPM, each dot lasts 60ms.

Why was SOS chosen as the distress signal?+

SOS was adopted in 1906 because its Morse pattern (• • • — — — • • •) is simple, distinctive, and hard to misinterpret — not because it stands for 'Save Our Souls' (that's a popular backronym). It replaced the earlier CQD signal.

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