Morse Code Translator

How to use it

1. Type in the Text box to get Morse, or paste dots and dashes into the Morse box to get text – each box updates the other.
2. Choose how words are separated in the Morse output: “ / ” (the usual written form) or three spaces.
3. Set the speed (5–40 WPM) and tone (300–1200 Hz) and press Play to hear it; the light next to the button flashes in time.
4. Copy either side, or copy the link – the text is stored in the link so the translation can be shared.

Example

Timing and the code tables

dot = 1 unit      dash = 3 units
gap within a letter = 1   between letters = 3   between words = 7
unit (seconds) = 1.2 ÷ WPM     (PARIS = 50 units, so 1 word/min = 50 units/min)

The translator uses the International Morse code table of ITU-R Recommendation M.1677-1 for letters, digits, punctuation and the procedural signals. Five further signs in common amateur use but not in the ITU table (! & ; _ $) are also recognised. Prosigns are typed in angle brackets (<SK>) and encoded as a single run without inter-letter gaps; when decoding, the pattern of a prosign that coincides with a punctuation mark (·–·–· is both AR and +) is shown as the punctuation mark. Characters without a code are skipped and listed; accented letters are reduced to their base letter first. Audio uses the Web Audio API with a sine tone and 4 ms ramps to avoid clicks; the flashing light follows the same schedule.

Letters

Digits

Punctuation

Prosigns

Sources: ITU-R Recommendation M.1677-1 – International Morse code, Wikipedia – Morse code (timing, PARIS standard, prosigns).

A short history

Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail devised the first code for their telegraph in the 1830s and 1840s; the American (“railroad”) Morse used spaces inside some letters and was awkward on long cables. Friedrich Gerke’s 1848 revision for the Hamburg–Cuxhaven line became the basis of the International Morse code adopted in 1865, which is the version used at sea, in aviation beacons and by radio amateurs today. SOS was adopted internationally in 1908 – chosen for its unmistakable rhythm, not as an abbreviation.

Questions

How do I write a space between words in Morse code?

In text form a slash with spaces ( / ) or a wider gap of three or more spaces; when sent, the pause between words is seven dot-lengths. The translator reads both forms and lets you choose which one it writes.

What does SOS stand for?

Nothing – it was chosen in 1906 because ··· ––– ··· is easy to send and recognise. “Save Our Souls” and “Save Our Ship” were invented afterwards. It is sent as a single prosign without gaps between the letters.

How fast is 20 WPM?

One dot lasts 60 ms, a dash 180 ms, and the standard word PARIS takes three seconds. Most people learn at 12–15 WPM; amateur radio operators commonly work at 20–30 WPM.

Why do + and <AR> give the same code?

Several prosigns were later given punctuation meanings: AR is +, BT is =, KN is ( and AS is &. The translator encodes either spelling and decodes the pattern as the punctuation mark.