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b_vitamin t1_iubvsgt wrote

Reply to comment by JustaOrdinaryDemiGod in ELI5: Morse code is made up of dots and dashes. How did telegraph operators keep from losing track of where one letter ended and another began? by copperdomebodhi

Is Morse still in use?

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wizard2278 t1_iubyxe0 wrote

Yes. Often used in emergency situations and by US a mature radio operators (HAMs). It is required for most of their radio operator licenses. It can be transmitted better than voice - less power and through more interference. Some even bounce signals off the moon and reach others in states. Many reach every state. Hawaii and Alaska are the hardest for those not located in those states.

Military folks use similar communications sometimes, I would guess.

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DalbergiaMelanoxylon t1_iuc28lt wrote

Morse code is no longer required for a US amateur license, nor for a marine radio operator license. That only happened in the last 20 years or so.

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wizard2278 t1_iuc6nzp wrote

You may be right. When I last checked, years ago, it was no longer required for the most basic license. The internet says no longer required, abut works better than voice in difficult conditions. Thanks for the correct, current information.

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the_original_cabbey t1_iucfiov wrote

Wait… what? I’m studying for my Technician license right now and it’s still in the guidebook supposedly last updated in 2020.

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teh_maxh t1_iucmc5l wrote

The technician licence hasn't required morse since 1990. There was an option to get limited HF access with a morse test, but if you just wanted 50 MHz and up, you could skip it.

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achambers64 t1_iue7c4r wrote

If you’re using the 2020 book it’s out of date. The questions were updated in July 22.

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bob3725 t1_iucl0j5 wrote

The Belgian HAM license now has a an extra symbol on the license when you passed the morse-exam. But it's not it doesn't change the callsign...

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LittleMetalHorse t1_iucn5qu wrote

Used in IR signal flashes in my personal experience, very useful low tech IFF.

Also, as a pilot in East UK where there are (were?) Lots of airfields, a flashing ident beacon you could see from 10k out made it easier not to land at the wrong runway...

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Chewable_Vitamin t1_iuby3qi wrote

Probably mainly just HAM radio hobbyists.

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b_vitamin t1_iubyext wrote

I got downvoted even though they said they know folks who use it daily. Reddit is weird.

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