Welcome to the command center for Morse Code signals — the short patterns that act like “control words” in live communication. If letters and numbers are the alphabet, signals are the operating system.
This hub covers the most common procedural signals used in Morse code, especially in radio and CW contexts. Click any signal to get meaning, timing, usage examples, and common mistakes.
Common Morse Code Signals
| Signal | Pattern | Meaning | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOS | … — … | Distress / emergency call for help | SOS in Morse Code → |
| AR | .-.-. | End of message (new line / end of transmission block) | AR in Morse Code → |
| SK | …-.- | End of contact (final sign-off) | SK in Morse Code → |
| KN | -.–. | Go only / specific station invited to transmit | KN in Morse Code → |
Signals vs Letters: What’s the Difference?
Signals like SOS, AR, SK, and KN are not “spelled like normal words” during operation. They are sent as procedural signals, meaning they are transmitted as a single unit with normal intra-character spacing (tight), then separated from surrounding text with the standard character gap.
Timing Rules (Quick Reference)
| Action | Timing |
|---|---|
| Dot | 1 time unit |
| Dash | 3 time units |
| Gap inside one character | 1 unit |
| Gap between characters | 3 units |
| Gap between words | 7 units |
Quick Practice
Start with AR and SK first. They teach you spacing discipline. Then learn KN for turn-taking, and keep SOS as the one signal you should never mis-send.