Input via Morse Code

By Ricky Buchanan • March 23, 2008

Robert Menzel has put together a ControllerMate configuration for computer input via morse code via a mouse click! The same configuration could easily be adapted to use a joystick button click or space bar press, all three can be generated by most switch adaptors. The setup that Robert has created can only type capital letters but that could also be easily expanded with the flexibility of ControllerMate.

Morse code is not a common input method as it requires memorising morse code and it’s slow, but for single switch users with some disabilities it can work better than other solutions like SwitchXS. Morse code input doesn’t require the ability to watch the screen as visual scanning software does, for example.

The Boys’ Life Morse Code Trainer can help you learn morse code, and also provides a handy visual reference of the appropriate codes for letters, numbers, and the other symbols available.

Web site: USB morse code input

- Ricky Buchanan, ATMac

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Categories: Geek, Information, Primary Switch Users, User Stories
Tags: apple, double switch, mac, morse code input, multiple switches, os x, single switch, switch access, switch accessible, switch adapted, switch user, two switches, typing with morse code, unusual input devices

About the Author

Ricky Buchanan

Ricky Buchanan is 33 years old and the founder and main writer for ATMac. She's bedridden with severe CFS/ME or perhaps a primary mitochondrial disorder - the doctors are not sure. When she's not working on ATMac or her other websitse she composes music, listens to audio books, does other disability advocacy, watches TV with her flatmate, and enjoys her cat.

3 Responses to “ Input via Morse Code ”

Robert Menzel Mar 25th, 2008 at 1:37 am

“The setup that juhees generates can only type capital letters but that could also be easily expanded with the flexibility of ControllerMate.”

There are only capital letters and numbers, because there is no “shift key” in morse code. But we could define any (unused) morse combination to add additional keys. This config also lacks a del-key and the spacebar But it was only meant as a proof of concept (and to play around with controller mate).

I had never thought that someone could need this But if i can be used, I’m sure we can build something more usable.

Robert (aka juhees)
Stacy Nov 12th, 2008 at 4:50 pm

SOS
OK, here’s the deal, I have been successfully using morse code on a PC though words plus for 5 years. Had to change to MAC(love it) for college. I need my morse code SO bad. Please help if possible. I have some simplified codes, that work great and are not copywrited. I will be a guinny pig if neccessary. I’m desparate, scanning is killing me!
Pleas reply. Thanks, Stacy
Ricky Buchanan Nov 14th, 2008 at 9:48 pm

@Stacy: I’m hoping Robert will answer this personally - he should have got your comment via email. I don’t use this technology so I really can’t help you. You could try contacting him directly through his website at http://www.janrobertmenzel.de/ if you like. Please let us know how you go - best of luck!!

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