July 13th, 2024

Nation's last Morse code station comes back to life on annual 'Night of Nights'

The last Morse code station, KPH, revived during "Night of Nights," honoring maritime communication history. Volunteers worldwide exchanged messages, preserving the legacy of skilled radiotelegraph operators. Despite digital advancements, Morse code remains significant.

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Nation's last Morse code station comes back to life on annual 'Night of Nights'

The nation's last Morse code station, KPH, established in Point Reyes and Bolinas in 1913, came back to life on the annual "Night of Nights." Volunteers at the station exchanged messages with Morse code enthusiasts worldwide, commemorating the skilled radiotelegraph operators who linked ships to shore. The event, not open to the public, allowed amateur radio operators to participate by sending messages and exchanging greetings. Morse code, once essential for communication at sea, is now largely obsolete due to digital advancements. The Maritime Radio Historical Society, led by Richard Dillman, has worked to preserve and operate KPH, honoring its historical significance. The station's equipment, including transmitters and receivers, has been carefully restored. Morse code, with its simple dot and dash symbols, played a crucial role in maritime and military communications. Despite its decline in usage, Morse code continues to hold a place in history, connecting people through its unique language.

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Link Icon 3 comments
By @pogue - 3 months
That's interesting Russia still uses Morse code in the Ukraine war. Quite surprising, in fact, considering all the high tech radio & communication equipment available in the world.
By @pcdoodle - 3 months
That key at the bottom of the article looks really cool. McElroy seems to be the manufacturer but I have not been able to locate one with the gold and cool little bird "icon".