Morse code The first widely accepted standard coding scheme for digital data communications. Morse code was invented by Samuel Morse sometime prior to 1844 for use with the electric telegraph. Friedrich Clemens Gerke invented the International Morse Code in 1848 out of necessity, as some of the spaces in letters created difficulty in radiotelegraphy. International Morse code was standardized by the International Telegraph Union (ITU) in 1865 and was widely used in radiotelegraphy through the early twentieth century. Morse code was the primary communication code for many years, until Emile Baudot invented the Baudot Distributor in the 1870s. International Morse code remains widely used by amateur radio operators, or hams, although proficiency is no longer required. Morse code uses series of short and long marks in the 74570c13.qxd 9/11/07 12:25 PM Page 319 |