Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Morse Code: A thing of the past or the new toy of the future?



The question I want to put before you is this: is morse code really a dead communications tool? Is there really a problem with using Morse Code? It's obviously shown by this video that it can be quite efficient. Another good thing is that it doesn't need sattelite links to stay in touch. In 1835 Samuel Morse, the inventor of Morse Code, used pulses of current to deflect an electromagnet, which moved a marker to produce written codes on a strip of paper (Bellis). The Titanic did use Morse Code to transmit signals, but unfortunately did not heed the warnings about the iceburgs. We've come so far, but truly there is an art and skill in using Morse Code. The sheet on the left is the basics needed for Morse Code.

It's amusing to watch, though, as kids find out about Morse Code and grow incredibly intrigued by it. It seems to me that older ways to do things captures the attention of young adults more often than the "newer/better" things. I wouldn't doubt that before too long there will be a new "toy" that will allow kids to talk to each other in a similar fashion to Morse Code. But to them, it'll be like learning some new all over.



Work Cited: Bellis, Mary. "The History of the Electric Telegraph and Telegraphy." 1997. About.com. 3 June 2009 .

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