Operating signals

Morse Code Prosigns

Prosigns combine letter patterns into one uninterrupted Morse character. Play each entry to hear the continuous rhythm without a normal letter gap.

Reference table

Common continuous signals.

SignalContinuous MorseMeaningTypical usePlayCopy
KA
Start of message
-.-.- Attention; a message or transmission follows. Used before formal traffic or the start of a message.
AR
End of message
.-.-. The message has ended. Marks the end of the content before a reply or sign-off.
SK
End of contact
...-.- End of work or final sign-off. Used when the contact is finished and no reply is expected.
BT
Separator
-...- A break between sections or thoughts. Separates headings, paragraphs, or parts of a message.
AS
Wait
.-... Stand by or wait. Asks the other station to pause temporarily.
VE
Understood
...-. Understood or verified. Acknowledges that an instruction or message is understood.
HH
Error
........ The previous character or word was sent incorrectly. Signals an error before repeating the corrected content.
SOS
Distress
...---... International distress signal. Reserved for grave and imminent danger; sent continuously without letter gaps.
Timing difference

AR is not the same rhythm as A R.

Prosign AR.-.-.

Continuous symbols with only one-unit element gaps.

Letters A R.- .-.

Separate characters with a three-unit letter gap.

Related tools
FAQ

Prosign questions.

What is a Morse prosign?

A prosign is an operating signal made by running two or more letter patterns together without the normal gap between letters.

Why are prosigns shown with letter names?

Letter pairs such as AR and SK are convenient labels for the continuous rhythm, but they should not be transmitted as separately spaced letters.

Is SOS a prosign?

SOS is commonly treated as a continuous distress signal: three dots, three dashes, and three dots without letter gaps.