Semi-automatic Telegraph Key
- Description (Brief)
- Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic telegraph key like this one allows an operator to send land-line and wireless (radio) telegraph messages at a much faster rate than with an ordinary key. The key automatically produces rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator still makes the dashes manually.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Western Union Corporation
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- plastic (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 3 1/2 in x 3 1/2 in x 7 3/4 in; 8.89 cm x 8.89 cm x 19.685 cm
- ID Number
- EM.331978
- accession number
- 294351
- collector/donor number
- 100-061
- catalog number
- 331978
- Credit Line
- from Western Union Corporation
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Electricity
- Communications
- Telegraph Keys
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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