V in Morse Code: ···−
The letter V in Morse code is ···−, spoken as "di-di-di-DAH": three short, then one long. That is 3 dots and 1 dash, with a dash held three times as long as a dot. To remember it, think vic-to-ry-VEE (three quick beats, then a long one, the opening of Beethoven's Fifth).
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 V breaks down like this:
| Element | Signal | Length (units) | At 20 WPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dot | · | 1 | 60 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dot | · | 1 | 60 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dot | · | 1 | 60 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dash | − | 3 | 180 ms |
| Total for V | 9 | 540 ms | |
How to signal V
- Tap it: three 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: three short, then one long. Use quick blinks for dots and slow, deliberate eye closes for dashes, keeping the rhythm steady.
- Flash it: three 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 V
Say vic-to-ry-VEE (three quick beats, then a long one, the opening of Beethoven's Fifth) in rhythm with the code and the pattern sticks: "di-di-di-DAH".
Words that start with V: Victor ···− ·· −·−· − −−− ·−·, valley ···− ·− ·−·· ·−·· · −·−−, velvet ···− · ·−·· ···− · −, violin ···− ·· −−− ·−·· ·· −·. The first is V's NATO phonetic name, which operators use to spell aloud.
V matches the opening of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, dit-dit-dit-DAH. The BBC used that rhythm as a 'V for Victory' theme in its WWII broadcasts.