− · ··· −
"Test" in Morse code is − · ··· −.
Leave a short gap between letters. In writing, the letters are separated by a space. At standard timing a dot lasts one unit, a dash three units, the gap inside a letter one unit, the gap between letters three units and the gap between words seven. "Test" takes 21 units, about 1.3 seconds at a speed of 20 words per minute.
Meaning: Morse code for "Test" (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
Letter by letter: T is −, E is · and S is ···.
How do you pronounce it?
dah dit di-di-dit dah
What mistakes should you avoid?
Keep the gaps between letters. Without them, S ··· can be read as E and I · ··, which changes the message.
When do people say it?
Operators testing a transmitter often send VVV, three of the letter V, before the real message.
Did you know?
- In the United States, amateur radio licences stopped requiring a Morse code test in 2007, yet many operators still use it on the air.
- The @ sign was the first character added to International Morse Code in decades. It became official in 2004 as ·−−·−·, the letters A and C run together.
