Posted by Ed Kiser on October 17, 2019 at 05:01:33 user Kisered.
In Reply to: Re: Passing on the Ransome Legacy posted by Ed Kiser on October 17, 2019 at 04:30:48:
Peter...
Just goes to show that SPACE is a significant part of the message. The novice problem is TIMING. The short signal for DOT and the long signal for DASH are ANALOG style definitions, with the problem being - "that was a bit long for a DOT, yet a bit short for a DASH". There is a boundary in the timing that separates the two items, and if the length is near that boundary, it becomes unclear as to the meaning of the symbol that has become ambiguous.
I like the TAP method, like banging a hammer on a wall, where one BANG is a DOT, and two rapid BANGS close together [reminds me of the double click used on the computer mouse] signifies the DASH, but the TIME of both are the same, a constant unit of time. Use 3 time units to be between letters, and seven units of time at the end of a word. You may want to try something faster for those pauses. This method becomes a DIGITAL signal to distinguish DOT from DASH and thus avoids ambiguity mistakes.
This method works for a whistle and a flashlight rather than the LONG and SHORT style.
Suggestion: when using a flashlight, leave it on. Put your hand in front to block the light, then slide the hand down to show the light, a movement similar to pressing on a transmitter key, and quickly back up to cover the light. When receiving, leave the light uncovered to show the other person where you are so he can aim his light at you properly. The concept of tapping can be used here quite well, with one flash is a DOT and two quick flashes is a DASH, the TIMING of both are the same, as some set beat, like a band conductor waving his stick.
Nice for hand holding in a theater. A quick squeeze, or two rapid squeezes gets the message across - quietly.
Try nodding the head across the dinner table. A quick nod for DOT, two quick nods for DASH. Others at the table think you are afflicted with a twitch. Can be fun.
Give a try to the SINGLE and DOUBLE way of distinguishing the DOT and DASH rather than the length of time being a SHORT and a LONG.
The problem with any code is that whatever method is used, both the sender and the receiver have to have previously agreed as to just what means what.
Hope you have some fun experimenting with this concept. A bit of practice, a good buddy to practice with, and it can become quite natural and simple.
I liked seeing that PERIOD at the end of your message I see you know your stuff.
PERIOD = "and THAT 'S the END of THAT"
Love those memory gimmicks. Makes learning Morse much easier.
Thanks for the reply...
Ed Kiser, Kentucky, USA
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