In its earliest form, around 1912, mobile radio communication was used by military and commercial ships. However, it was not until 1923 -- when the Australian police began using mobile two-way radios in their patrol cars -- that the technology became truly mobile. Though this technology made it possible to speak in real time, people still needed to signal in mobile radio communication. The logical choice then was to use Morse code. This universal signal language, invented by Samuel Morse in the 1840s, can be easily replicated with modern mobile radio communication devices.
Instructions
1. Turn on both mobile radio communication devices.
2. Hold down the transmit button on one of the devices. Speak into the device to verify that the devices are on the same frequency and function properly. Repeat the transmission test with the other device.
3. Separate the devices and the operators by at least 100 yards.
4. Transmit a message with Morse Code. The messages are made up of individual letters formed by a specific combination of dots and dashes. In mobile radio communication, the dot is made by sending a signal, and the dash is a pause of a certain length of time. Some devices have "Signal" buttons which emit a beep when pressed. This beep is a dot. For devices without the special button, simply press the "Transmit" button for a dot. For example, "SOS" is dot dot dot, dash dash dash, dot dot dot. This means the sender presses the button three times, pauses for three seconds, then presses the button three more times.
5. Decode the message received. Refer to a Morse Code manual or guide (see Resources) to interpret what the message says. Write down the message as it comes in, if possible. This visual reference makes the decoding process easier.
Tags: mobile radio, mobile radio communication, radio communication, button three, communication devices, dash dash