Description

Morse Code is a communications "language" that was initially developed for transmission of letter by letter textual information by wire using the telegraph system. The code has also found wireless applications using signal lamps and audio devices and has also been used in long range radio communications and radio navigation applications.

History

During the 1830's, independent development of long range, transmission wire based communications systems was taking place in Europe, England and the United States. Americans Samuel Morse, Joseph Henry and Alfred Vail developed what they called an electrical telegraph system, a system which sent pulses of electricity through wires to activate an electromagnet at the receiving end. The electromagnet could be then caused to make impressions on a paper tape, make a sound or illuminate a light bulb. A standardised transmission code was required to allow practical use of the telegraph system.