Why the focus on Morse code for the kits / projects ?
There are several reasons for choosing Morse code for the output of a project (sometimes the input as well).
1) less expensive than the alternative (LCD / LED / OLED etc) - it's just cheaper to have a single output going to a piezo speaker than to some alternative output. Both for the cost of the speaker versus the LED/LCD but also the number of chip pins. An 8 pin microcontroller is a wonderful way to do a project and Morse code helps a lot to fit it into the 6 available pins (excluding power and ground). Sometimes the Morse output can be patched into an existing audio circuit as with a keyer or frequency counter in a transceiver.
2) Lower power - no wonder that QRP operators/builders love the Morse based kits because running an LED (or LCD display with a backlight) on batteries uses a lot of juice. A Morse code kit can be sitting there sleeping and consuming almost no power until it is actuated.
3) Fun - some people like to choose the less popular alternative whether it's vacuum tubes, Nixie tube (OK anything with tubes), binary coded clock displays, flipping mechanical digits, you name it. There is a certain nostalgia factor involved.
Back to work on my latest Morse code based kit !
Best Regards,
Chuck, WB9KZY