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MORSE.TXT
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1988-11-03
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9KB
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153 lines
|A╔═══════════╗══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╔═══════════╗
|A║ |6Brainware |A║═════════════════════ ^1Morse Magic |A════════════════════║ |6Brainware |A║
|A╚═══════════╝══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╚═══════════╝
^Cby
^CRobert L. Joy
This program will help you learn Morse Code. Morse Code was originally
devised for the use of the telegraph, and was named after Samuel Morse, the
inventor of telegraphy. Nowadays, the invention and widespread use of
telephones, modems, and other communications devices has pretty much made the
original telegraph obsolete, but Morse Code survives in the field of "wireless
telegraphy" known as amateur ("ham") radio. Radio hams, the hobbyists of the
airwaves, were instrumental in paving the way for all the modern uses of radio
in commercial broadcasts, ship-to-shore communications, police and air bands,
mobile telephones, and more. In a way, they're to the radio field pretty much
what the hackers and hobbyists of the computer field are, the ones who took a
fledgling technology and made it work until it was finally discovered by those
who had more productive, mass-marketable uses for it. Hams continue to be
innovative; they're presently using packet radio for computer transmissions,
foreshadowing future commercial use which is likely to be a major form of
telecommunications eventually.
But to become a ham yourself, you must first obtain a license from the
Federal Communications Commision (FCC). To restrict the ham wavelengths to
technically-competent people who understand the rules and won't interfere with
one another, you must pass an exam to be licensed. One of the things you must
know is Morse Code communications, also known to hams as "CW" (Continuous Wave).
Some think Morse Code is obsolete and wonder why you need to know it, given
that most ham communications these days are via voice, and even more exotic
techniques like slow-scan TV and packet-radio E-mail. Perhaps, to some extent,
the code exam is a "rite of passage" designed to separate the avid enthusiasts
from the "riff-raff." However, code communications are still a valuable means
to fall back on when communicating over long distances on a noisy frequency.
Code transmissions take less bandwidth than voice, and are easier to pick up
over static. Some military communications still use morse code for these
reasons.
At any rate, if you want to get into the exciting world of ham radio, one
thing you'll need to know is Morse Code. This program will help you pick it up.
The objective of MORSE MAGIC is to provide a learning tool in the creation or
extension of Morse code receiving skills. The goal is to provide this tool
without dependency on the usual array of cassette tapes and records that often
associate themselves with such a task. The only requisites are a computer which
is PC compatible, a pencil, a piece of paper, some time and MORSE MAGIC. The
student runs the program, turns away from his monitor to "copy" the code, then
checks his accuracy against the screen display.
The title screen and all succeeding screens contain a graphic representation
of the Morse code characters. The screen is divided into three zones. Zone 1
is an active zone for menu and code display. Zone 2 contains an active status
line which guides and prompts the user through his session. Zone 3 is an
inactive, constant display of Morse code character graphics.
System clockspeed affects the accuracy of the transmitted code speed. The
higher the clockspeed, the faster the code is transmitted. Just beyond the
title screen the user is asked to categorize his computer's CPU speed.
Available speeds are 4-5 MHz, 7-8 MHz, 10 MHz and 12 MHz. There is also
compensation for typical wait states.
If the user is unsure of his computer's clockspeed, it may be necessary to
consult the owner's manual. The correct choice for an XT or one of its clones
will be "A". An AT or an AT clone will require the user to choose "B". A PS/2
Model 50 or 60 will send accurately timed code with choice "C".
Next, the user is presented an opportunity to access the Help section. First-
time users should read through this section to get the most from MORSE MAGIC.
The user may then select a code speed and a tone pitch for his lesson, what ever
it may be. If ENTER is pressed without keying in a speed and pitch, the
program's defaults of 13 WPM and 700 Hz, respectively, will be used. Any entry
made here by the user will be retained as default in subsequent cycles of the
current session.
After speed and pitch have been selected, the screen clears and the Mode menu
is displayed. The options shown are available.
Receive Mode R
Transmit Mode T
Quiz Mode Q
Once the operating mode has been chosen, Zone 1 display will depend on which
mode was selected. If the Receive mode was selected the following menu will
appear.
Random Letters L
Random Numbers N
Beginner's Lessons B
Common Words W
Rhythm Demo R
If option L, N or R is selected the program will begin sending code
immediately while displaying the appropriate characters in Zone 1. Option R
will send a group of words that form a rhythmic audio pattern.
When the user selects option B, a new menu will be displayed. A series of
eight lessons is available. It is suggested that a user who is just beginning
to learn the Morse code take these lessons in order, running each lesson two or
three times, one lesson per session. The character graphics in Zone 3 should be
studied before starting the lesson. By the conclusion of the session, the user
should be able to recognize the character sounds included in the selected
lesson.
It may be difficult for the novice telegrapher to believe, but as his skill
improves in "copying" straight text, he will actually begin to recognize whole
word patterns in code. Words like "the" and "this" will be the first words that
register at high speed. Option W contains a list of some common "words" and
word suffixes that will help the proficient telegrapher begin building his speed
to the level of the elite.
In the Transmit mode, the screen clears and the program waits for the user to
press a key. Any Morse character pressed will be transmitted to the speaker and
echoed on the screen. Non-Morse characters will be displayed, but there will be
no sound.
Here is a suggestion for the use of the Transmit mode. Have a friend sit at
the console and type some straight text. It is not necessary to know Morse code
to be able to transmit accurate code using the MORSE MAGIC Transmit mode.
The last, and perhaps the most meaningful mode, is the Quiz mode. In the
Quiz mode the user can measure his/her progress in Morse code speed and
accuracy. There are 2 choices available in Quiz mode.
Random Letters L
Random Numbers N
A quiz contains a series of 150 characters. The program sounds a Morse
character and waits for the user to respond with the correct key. Correct
keystrokes echo in yellow on a color monitor. Incorrect keystrokes result in
the correct character being displayed in red. The red characters provide
information on where the extra practice is needed.
Quiz mode also displays the score accumulated at the conclusion of the quiz.
If the user chooses to ESC the quiz before 150 characters have been sent, the
score will be registered up to the point of escape.
The ESC key is available throughout the program. In any of the menu positions
ESC will allow "back-peddling" through the menus to change options, reset speed,
reset pitch or access help. If the ESC key is pressed while code is being
transmitted via one of the Receive modes, transmission is stopped and control is
passed to the Mode menu.
The author of this program is a licensed Radio Amateur, an experienced
telegrapher and a Morse code instructor. The learning methods used in MORSE
MAGIC are proven. The program really can teach Morse code. Repetition and
frequent practice are the key. The next step? Turn on a short wave receiver.
Straight text should be a breeze!
To run this program outside the BIG BLUE DISK menu, type: ^1MORSE^0.
DISK FILES THIS PROGRAM USES:
^FMORSE.COM