Telegraph Sounder

Telegraph Sounder

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Description (Brief)
Telegraph sounders convert electrical pulses into audible sounds and are used to receive Morse code messages. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. Short pulses make a dot, slightly longer pulses make a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. The pulses energize the sounder’s electromagnets which move a lever-arm. The arm makes a loud “click” when it strikes a crossbar and the operator translates the pattern of sounds into the original language.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
telegraph receiver
telegraph sounder
date made
ca 1880
maker
J. H. Bunnell & Co.
Measurements
overall: 3 1/4 in x 3 1/4 in x 5 3/4 in; 8.255 cm x 8.255 cm x 14.605 cm
ID Number
EM.181372
accession number
31175
catalog number
181372
Credit Line
from the Telegraphic Historical Society
subject
Communication, telegraph
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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