What is Morse code blinking | Understand & Learn Using Chart

Morse code which is a method of communication invented in 19th century, can be transmitted through signals such as Sound, light, Telegraph signals and even eye blinks. Morse code blinking is a unique way of communicating, only using eyes to convey a message. It is a nonverbal form of expression and is performed through series of blinks. It has a historical significance and can still be used in difficult situations.

The first time when morse code blinking was used by someone was during the Vietnam War. One of the US pilots, Admiral Jeremiah Denton, was held in prison and during a television interview he used the blinking for help. The word he blinked was “torture” which the US decoded and his release was demanded. Code blinking since then is considered a skill which can save you from harsh conditions. Blinking in morse code has become popular and even given rise to memes which show how individuals convey messages secretly through blinking.

Understanding Morse Code Blinking

It is a way of communicating and transmitting singles using eye blinks. A short blink represents a dot whereas a long blink represents a dash. This type of communication is useful when someone is unable to write or speak. For example, if someone wants to ask for help through blinks, he will use the given sequence:

• H: (….) four short blinks
• E: (.) one short blink 
• L: (.-..) one short, followed by one long and then three short blinks
• P: (.–.) one short, two long and one short blink

Using SOS for help in morse code is easier than following the whole sequence of HELP in eye blinks. Therefore, if someone wants to blink SOS in morse code, he should use the following sequence:

• S:   · · · three short blinks
• O:   — — — three long blinks
• S:   · · · three short blinks

You can translate english text into Morse code with the help of Morse Code Converter.

Morse Blinking Chart

In order to blink in Morse Code, you need to first understand and learn blinking chart. It is a chart where each alphabet and letters have a corresponding blinking single according to Morse code alphabet chart and offers a visual guidance of how to communicate using eye blinks. Comprehensive chart of dots and dashes represented by eye blinks is given below.

Jeremiah Denton Blinking Morse Code

Jeremiah Denton who was the first to blink torture using morse code as P.O.W used the following morse code sequence to spell Torture

• T: –
• O: —
• R: .-.
• T: –
• U: ..-
• R: .-.
• E:  .

Learning Morse Code Blinking

• Familiarize yourself with the basics and go through the blink chart which has alphabets and letters with their respective codes. For dot, blink short and for dash, blink longer.
• Start practicing with the short an easy letters for example, E is just a dot so you have to short blink once. T is a dash, long blink once. After learning the easy blinks move to the difficult one.
• Use a mirror to practice blinking and observe the gap between the blinks.
• Use resources such as online apps and videos as well as simulation tools for practice.
• Practice with your friend who is interested in learning. 

Applications of Code Blinking

It has some real life applications and can be used in emergencies when a person can not write or speak. For example, Jeremiah Denton spelled “torture” in morse code by blinking. Some people can use the simplest code for help that is SOS. Some patients who can not move or speak can also use morse blinking to convey their message. Or even simply, code blinking can be used by friends to communicate secretly.

Conclusion 

Morse code blinking is a unique way of communicating using morse code signals, but through blinking. The first time someone used blinking as a form of communication was during the Vietnam war and the person who did was Jeremiah Denton. He was held captive and tortured, so he spelled “torture” on TV interview by blinking. Since then, code blinking holds a significant role in communication. It may not be used as a primary way of communication but is helpful in situations where a person cannot write or speak. Learning code blinking requires a lot of practice and can be learnt if you are patient. Make use of different resources online to help yourself learn blinking different alphabets.

FAQs

Q: What is morse code blinking?

Ans: It is a way of communicating through eye blinks. For a dot you have to blink short and for a dash you have to blink long. 

Q: Who was the guy who blinked morse code?

Ans: Jeremiah Denton was the man who blinked torture in morse code.

Q: How to blink SOS in morse code?

Ans: To blink help or SOS in morse code you have to follow a sequence of three short blinks, three long blinks and then again three short blinks.