How Light Morse Code Works
Morse code does not depend on sound. It depends on two signal lengths and the gaps between them, so the same pattern can be shown with light.
A dot is a short light pulse. A dash lasts three times as long. Short gaps separate parts of one character, longer gaps separate letters, and the longest gaps separate words.
The color of the light is not what carries the message. The important part is the timing between the ON and OFF states.
For a deeper explanation of dots, dashes, and spacing, read How Morse Code Works.
How to Send Morse Code With Light
Use Send Light when you want to turn a short text message into visible Morse timing.
1. Enter your message
Type up to 200 characters. Supported letters and numbers are converted into Morse immediately so you can review the pattern before any light begins flashing.
2. Choose the output
Screen Light works without camera permission and is the default. Phone Torch appears only after the browser confirms that compatible flashlight control is available.
3. Choose a visual speed
Light playback is limited to 2–7 WPM. The limit applies to both screen and torch output so bright repeated flashes remain below three complete flash cycles per second.
4. Start the signal
Press Start Light when you are ready. Playback never begins automatically, and Stop remains available throughout the signal.
How to Decode Flashing Morse Code
Decode Light measures how long a light stays bright and how long it stays dark. Those durations are grouped into dots, dashes, letter gaps, and word gaps.
1. Start the camera
Press Start Camera and grant permission when your browser asks. Camera access is never requested automatically.
2. Aim at the signal
Keep the flashing source inside the target box. A steady camera position and a clear difference between the bright and dark states make detection easier.
3. Auto-calibrate
Press Auto Calibrate while the light is flashing. The tool samples the brightness range and estimates a threshold and Morse timing unit from the observed pulses.
4. Check the detected Morse
The tool shows the dot-and-dash sequence before decoding it into text. If a pulse was classified incorrectly, pause detection and edit the Morse sequence manually.
Camera decoding works best with slow, steady, high-contrast light signals. Very fast signals, camera exposure changes, reflections, or moving light sources can reduce reliability.
Morse Code Light Timing
Light Morse uses the same proportional timing as Morse sent with sound or radio tones.
The actual duration of one unit changes with speed. Standard WPM timing uses one unit equal to 1200 divided by the WPM value in milliseconds.
Screen Light vs Phone Flashlight
Screen Light
Screen Light uses the browser display and is the most widely available option. It does not need camera permission and remains available when hardware torch control is unsupported.
Phone Flashlight
Phone Torch uses a device’s camera flashlight when both the hardware and browser expose torch controls. Browser support varies, so the tool checks capability before enabling this option. Camera permission may be required because the flashlight is controlled through the camera track.
If torch control is unavailable or stops working, use Screen Light instead.
Can Morse Code Be Sent by Blinking?
Yes. Any clearly distinguishable short and long visual signal can represent Morse timing, including changes in a lamp, screen, flashlight, or deliberate blinking.
The important part is the rhythm: short signals act as dots, longer signals act as dashes, and pauses separate characters and words.
This tool is designed for visible light signaling and practice. It does not perform eye tracking and is not a medical or assistive communication device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Morse code be sent with a flashlight?
Yes. A short flash can represent a dot and a longer flash can represent a dash. The pauses between flashes separate parts of a character, complete letters, and words. Screen Light and supported phone torches on this page use the same timing pattern.
Why is light playback limited to 7 WPM?
Bright flashing can affect people with photosensitive conditions. This tool uses a conservative visual speed cap so even the fastest repeated-dot pattern stays below three complete flashes per second. Static Morse text remains available without flashing.
Can this tool use my phone flashlight?
Only when the phone and browser expose compatible torch controls. Use Check Phone Torch Support to test the current device. If torch control is unavailable, Screen Light still works.
How does the camera decode flashing Morse code?
The camera decoder watches a small target area in the video, measures changes in brightness, and records how long the signal stays ON and OFF. It then estimates the timing unit and classifies the pulses as dots, dashes, and Morse spacing.
Are camera images uploaded?
No. Camera frames used by this tool are sampled locally in the browser to measure brightness. The implementation does not record, store, or upload the video.
Why is the camera decoding the signal incorrectly?
Camera exposure changes, reflections, movement, weak contrast, or inconsistent timing can make pulse detection harder. Keep the light inside the target box, steady the camera, run Auto Calibrate again, or correct the Detected Morse field manually.
Is this an emergency communication tool?
No. This page is a Morse signaling, learning, and decoding utility. It should not replace official emergency communication methods or dedicated safety equipment.
Related Morse Code Tools
Use another Morse Code tool when you want to translate text normally, study the alphabet, practice sending, or learn character timing.
Morse Code Translator
Convert text to Morse code or decode dots and dashes back into readable text.
Morse Code Alphabet
Look up letters, numbers, punctuation, and their Morse patterns.
Morse Code Keyboard
Practice typing and sending dots and dashes with an interactive Morse key.
Morse Code Trainer
Build Morse recognition with interactive listening and practice exercises.