Breaker 101
Breaker 101!
Breaker 101 is a fundamental concept in amateur radio and Morse code. It's a way to identify yourself and signal the start of a transmission. Here's a breakdown:
What is Breaker 101?
Breaker 101 is a Morse code sequence that consists of three dots (· · ·) followed by a dash (-). It's used to signal the start of a transmission, similar to a "hello" or "hello, this is" in spoken language.
Why is it called Breaker 101?
The term "Breaker" comes from the early days of telegraphy, where a "breaker" was a device that interrupted the electrical circuit to send a signal. In Morse code, the sequence · · · - was used to "break" the circuit and signal the start of a transmission.
How to transmit Breaker 101:
To transmit Breaker 101, you'll need to use a Morse code key or a digital mode that supports Morse code. Here's the sequence:
- Start with three dots (· · ·): Tap the key three times, with a slight pause between each dot.
- Follow with a dash (-): Tap the key once, with a slightly longer pause than the dots.
When to use Breaker 101:
Breaker 101 is typically used at the beginning of a transmission to:
- Identify yourself: Use Breaker 101 to signal that you're about to transmit your call sign or a message.
- Start a transmission: Use Breaker 101 to signal the start of a transmission, especially in situations where there's a lot of background noise or interference.
Tips and variations:
- Make sure to use the correct timing and spacing for the dots and dash. A good rule of thumb is to use a dot duration of about 1 second, and a dash duration of about 3 seconds.
- You can use Breaker 101 in combination with your call sign or a message to make it easier to identify your transmission.
- Some amateur radio operators use variations of Breaker 101, such as adding a fourth dot or using a different sequence. However, the traditional · · · - sequence is widely recognized and accepted.
Now that you know the basics of Breaker 101, give it a try and get familiar with this fundamental Morse code sequence!