A Look into Morse Code And Accessibility

Friday, 15 May 2009 22:25 Written by Corey Krull

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A brief history - Accessibility

For quite some time now, Morse code has been used as an assistive technology as a means of communication. It was implemented into this form for people with minimal to severe forms of physical disabilities that either had a difficult time speaking or could not speak at all. Seeing the need to be able to communicate easier, either a friend or a family member would build their own home built AT devices using this technology.

So, when did Morse code begin its life on the PC?

Well, since this technology uses a binary input system it was more than likely that someday it would be adapted to the PC. The first applicable use with a computer was developed sometime back in the 1970's, ever since then there was new life put back into this time tested and simple system. I started using it sometime in 1996 and now I could not live without it.

The basics of Morse code are still the same (e.g., letters, numerals, punctuation, and special characters). There were extra inputs added for the PC to represent the different keyboard commands and functions (e.g., function keys, arrow keys and whatever else).

Click here to download a code chart - 33kb Word Document

Devices

There are different companies that design all types of hardware in this area. Not all devices are the same. When searching, the two most important things to look for are usability and of course, cost. Some companies will lend out loaners (at a price) to let you try before you buy. These are just a few:

Darci USB

Many of these devices require some type of switch and/or switches. There are an abundance of these to choose from, it all depends on what type that you like to use. Just about any will work as long as you know what kind of jack or plug the device requires.

Types of switches

I personally could not find one that worked right for me. One day, my father and I put our heads together and designed our own. It is a simple idea; for my thumb, all we used was a thimble and for my pinky finger, a cut out piece of copper tubing that fits along the side of my finger (with the edges of the tubing filed and smoothed out, of course). We did it like this because it is easier for me to touch these fingers together to make a connection. Both are welded to a wire with a jack that plugs into my Darci USB.

Morse code and device Q&A

How do I learn and where?

The best and easiest way to learn is on your own (practice, practice, practice). Since you only need to know how to do the input and not the output it makes it a quick learn. Most, if not all devices, come with their own charts that can be used for reference. I made my own and put everything on one sheet of paper, this makes it great especially if you forget a code because there are some that are rarely used.

Is this the best solution?

There are so many AT solutions out there these days that no one can say what the best one is. What works for one person may not work for another. One thing that I can say is, to at least give Morse code a try. You may be surprised what you will be able to do with it.

What are the advantages to Morse code? (Includes hardware)

Easy to learn
Fast: The most common input speeds are 15 to 30 words per minute (WPM) but some people are able to reach speeds in excess of 50 WPM.
Takes hardly any effort to use
Can be adapted to physical changes
Can be used with a variety of switches
Good option for gaming
Allows for privacy
Very portable
Great as an alternative keyboard

What are the disadvantages to Morse code? (Includes misconceived notions)

Some games have a difficult time recognizing Morse code
Misconceived as being too hard to learn
Thought to be too slow
Thought to be outdated

What games can you play with it?

I am a hard-core First-Person Shooter player; Morse code has helped with some abilities that I would have a hard time doing without it (e.g. jumping, strafing, and moving forwards and backwards). I know that these are basic abilities but are very important, especially between life and death.

I also enjoy Racing games are another type that works well. I usually just use Morse code for the gas since some of the keyboard commands act as Sticky Keys. So, by doing a code like Shift, would be like holding down that specific key.

These are just two Genres but as you can see, Morse code has endless options for whatever your needs.

Is setup easy?

Yes, most devices are very easy to setup. Many of the newer devices are just plug and play.

If you have more questions please send us an E-mail or use our Forums

Comments (4) Add Comment

Quoc

May 16, 2009

Votes: +1

...

nice article, man. i'm getting the Darci soon and hopefuly I can play anything other than point-and-click games ... so very sick of them

G F Mueden

May 17, 2009

Votes: +1

...

Thank you. You have opened a window for me.
I am 92, born in the age of the telegraph, familiar with it in rail roads and in the broker's office where I worked in the 1930s. It was in the office that I saw the key that used a vibrating spring to produce the dots and simple pressure in the opposite direction for the dashes. It might be less tireing than an on-off switch. Dunno; it's not my bag.
Best wishes, ===gm===