Telegraph Your Intentions

signalmirror
Originally uploaded by cecil_x_nixxon.

Probably the most effective visual signal for wilderness-goers in distress is the heliograph, or mirror. On a sunny day a makeup sized pocket mirror can be seen for well over ten miles.

The concept is simple: Flash a beam of sunlight on the horizon, an airplane or other vehicle. The signature is unmistakeable and will be recognized as a distress signal. Even better so if you use S-O-S, or the universal distress signal, "three of anything."

Putting that beam of light exactly where you want it is another matter. You can always go out and buy yourself a $10 signal mirror containing a nifty sighting mechanism, but you might not have it with you.

So, here's what you do. Hold one arm fully outstretched, and make a "vee" with your fingers like a peace sign. Put the target you want to flash right in the middle of that vee. Then, using the mirror, line up the beam of sunlight so you can see it on your fingers. You've just aimed the beam where you meant to. The picture shows you how it's done.

Don't use this technique as a prank. You may have to incur a huge rescue cost or even be thrown in jail. If you need it, use it. Otherwise, don't.

Perhaps you'd like to try your hand at the genuine old-school Morse code? The translation follows.

MORSE CODE

A: • -

B: - •••

C: - • - •

D: - ••

E: •

F: •• - •

G: - - •

H: ••••

I: ••

J: • - - -

K: - • -

L: • - ••

M: - -

N: - •

O: - - -

P: • - - •

Q:- - • -

R: • - •

S: •••

T: -

U: •• -

V: ••• -

W: • - -

X: - •• -

Y: - • - -

Z: - - ••

1: • - - - -

2: •• - - -

3: ••• - -

4: •••• -

5: •••••

6: - ••••

7: - - •••

8: - - - ••

9: - - - - •

0: - - - - -