K in Morse Code: −·−
The letter K in Morse code is −·−, spoken as "DAH-di-DAH": one long, one short, then one long. That is 1 dot and 2 dashes, with a dash held three times as long as a dot. To remember it, think KANG-a-ROO (stressed, quick, stressed).
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 K 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 |
| Total for K | 9 | 540 ms | |
How to signal K
- Tap it: one long, one short, then one long. 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, then one long. Use quick blinks for dots and slow, deliberate eye closes for dashes, keeping the rhythm steady.
- Flash it: one long, one short, then one long. Short flashes for dots; for dashes, hold the light on about three times longer. Any flashlight or phone screen works.
How to remember K
Say KANG-a-ROO (stressed, quick, stressed) in rhythm with the code and the pattern sticks: "DAH-di-DAH".
Words that start with K: Kilo −·− ·· ·−·· −−−, key −·− · −·−−, kettle −·− · − − ·−·· ·, kite −·− ·· − ·. The first is K's NATO phonetic name, which operators use to spell aloud.
K sent by itself is a prosign meaning 'over, go ahead and transmit'. Every radio exchange that ends with 'over' ends with K on a morse key.