N in Morse Code: −·
The letter N in Morse code is −·, spoken as "DAH-dit": one long, then one short. That is 1 dot and 1 dash, with a dash held three times as long as a dot. To remember it, think NAV-y (stressed, then quick).
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 N breaks down like this:
| Element | Signal | Length (units) | At 20 WPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dash | − | 3 | 180 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dot | · | 1 | 60 ms |
| Total for N | 5 | 300 ms | |
How to signal N
- Tap it: 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, then one short. Use quick blinks for dots and slow, deliberate eye closes for dashes, keeping the rhythm steady.
- Flash it: 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 N
Say NAV-y (stressed, then quick) in rhythm with the code and the pattern sticks: "DAH-dit".
Words that start with N: November −· −−− ···− · −− −··· · ·−·, nest −· · ··· −, north −· −−− ·−· − ····, needle −· · · −·· ·−·· ·. The first is N's NATO phonetic name, which operators use to spell aloud.
In ham radio 'cut numbers', N stands in for 9. Contest operators send 5NN instead of the signal report 599 to save time on the air.