X in Morse Code: −··−
The letter X in Morse code is −··−, spoken as "DAH-di-di-DAH": one long, two short, then one long. That is 2 dots and 2 dashes, with a dash held three times as long as a dot. To remember it, think X-marks-the-SPOT (stressed at both ends, quick in the middle).
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 X 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 |
| Dot | · | 1 | 60 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dash | − | 3 | 180 ms |
| Total for X | 11 | 660 ms | |
How to signal X
- Tap it: one long, two 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, two short, then one long. Use quick blinks for dots and slow, deliberate eye closes for dashes, keeping the rhythm steady.
- Flash it: one long, two 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 X
Say X-marks-the-SPOT (stressed at both ends, quick in the middle) in rhythm with the code and the pattern sticks: "DAH-di-di-DAH".
Words that start with X: X-ray −··− −····− ·−· ·− −·−−, xylophone −··− −·−− ·−·· −−− ·−−· ···· −−− −· ·, xenon −··− · −· −−− −·. The first is X's NATO phonetic name, which operators use to spell aloud.
X is a palindrome, identical played forwards or backwards. It also earns its keep in CW slang: XYL, 'ex-young-lady', is ham shorthand for a wife.