C in Morse Code: −·−·
The letter C in Morse code is −·−·, spoken as "DAH-di-DAH-dit": one long, one short, one long, then one short. That is 2 dots and 2 dashes, with a dash held three times as long as a dot. To remember it, think CO-ca CO-la (the classic mnemonic: stressed syllables are the dashes).
Timing: how long each part lasts
Morse timing is built from one unit, the length of a dot. A dash is 3 units, and the silence between the elements of a single character is 1 unit. At 20 words per minute, one unit is 60 ms, so C breaks down like this:
| Element | Signal | Length (units) | At 20 WPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dash | − | 3 | 180 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dot | · | 1 | 60 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dash | − | 3 | 180 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dot | · | 1 | 60 ms |
| Total for C | 11 | 660 ms | |
How to signal C
- Tap it: one long, one short, one long, then one short. A short is a quick tap; a long is a heavier tap, or a quick tap followed by a slight hold, about three times as long.
- Blink it: one long, one short, one long, then one short. Use quick blinks for dots and slow, deliberate eye closes for dashes, keeping the rhythm steady.
- Flash it: one long, one short, one long, then one short. Short flashes for dots; for dashes, hold the light on about three times longer. Any flashlight or phone screen works.
How to remember C
Say CO-ca CO-la (the classic mnemonic: stressed syllables are the dashes) in rhythm with the code and the pattern sticks: "DAH-di-DAH-dit".
Words that start with C: Charlie −·−· ···· ·− ·−· ·−·· ·· ·, cabin −·−· ·− −··· ·· −·, candle −·−· ·− −· −·· ·−·· ·, copper −·−· −−− ·−−· ·−−· · ·−·. The first is C's NATO phonetic name, which operators use to spell aloud.
C opens CQ, the 'calling anyone' broadcast that radio operators have sent for over a century. Hearing CQ on the air is an open invitation for anyone listening to reply.