Open bracket in Morse code

The open bracket (() is dash dot dash dash dot in Morse code, said “dah-di-dah-dah-dit”. It sounds like the letters KN sent without gaps, and lasts 15 units, which is 900 ms at 20 WPM.

Part of the ITU standard

The open bracket is defined in ITU-R M.1677-1, the International Morse code standard, so any trained operator will copy it. The same code is also KN, “go ahead, only the station I am working”, so read it from context.

The open bracket on a timing ruler

Characters that sound like the open bracket

These are the characters most often copied by mistake for the open bracket, and why.

Can you hear the difference?

Listen, then pick the one you heard.

The open bracket in use

Heard at the end of an over, the same signal means KN: only the station being worked should reply.

At a glance

Morse code: -.--.
Sounds like: dah-di-dah-dah-dit
Letters run together: KN
Length: 15 units
ITU standard: Yes
Also called: left parenthesis

Sources: ITU-R M.1677-1, the International Morse code standard (International Telecommunication Union, 2009). Symbols outside the standard follow common practice in charts and software.

Hear the open bracket