Number 85 — :1 [arc/1, "Flprz'f 2003

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I I I The InternationalI Journal of MorseI I I Telegraphy I

Comment

For a second issue in a row, I have to announce the passing of another great contributor MM. Dr. E. Geoffrey Walsh. GM4FH died on 26‘“ March. He was an enthusiastic contributor to MM as well as to “Transmitter", the newsletter of the Museum of Communication Foundation Trust. at Bo'ness near Edinburgh. He was an eminent medical physiologist at the University of Edinburgh, with medical degrees at Oxford and Harvard. but in his retirement years applied his research skills to many lifelong practical interests, especially Morse. He has written fascinating articles for MM, some as yet unpublished. To be greatly missed. Zyg Nilski, G30KD Contents

News MM Photocopy Service Muckleburgh Update by Tony Smith, G4FAI Trains, Times & Telegraphs by E. Goof/"my Walsh, GM4FH ( SK) Showcase Morse Matters — Iambic Keying/DSP Audio Filter/How Fast is Fast by Dr Gary Bold, ZLIAN 33 William G. Pierpont — SK by Tony Smith, G4FAI 34 MM Bookshelf 36 Info Please! 38 Your Letters 46 MM Binders 47 Readers Ads

flab/ems

4O Radio Bygones 32 Fists CW Club — The International Morse Preservation Society 9 Morse Enthusiasts Group, Scotland 46 The Radio Officers Association 45 G-QRP Club 47 The Art & Skill of Radio Telegraphy — book by William G. Pierpont. NQHFF Mflvf85 — Marcfi/flpriMOOJ’ 1 News

Auction of Surplus museum store at Ashford. Middlesex. BT Museum Items BT‘s £6 million investment in the future conservation of the UK‘s uniquely rich Thousands of historic telecommunica- telecommunications heritage has three major. tions objects. such as switchboards. already produced new. telecommunications telephones and vehicles went under permanent with a further three in the the hammer at a one day public auction galleries, in February 2003 when British planning stage. Telecom‘s Connected Earth project Also an award—winning Museum www.connected- entered its final phase. on the Internet, and curatorial and The auction was held at BT‘s earth.com. two new research posts have been Belgium created at the N a t i o n a 1 Halle, Museums of Scotland and the Berghen, Science Museum in London. The Vanden new galleries are

Fons at BT‘s G o o n h i l l y Satellite Earth

Photo/Collection: Station in C 0 r n w a 1 l . A m b e r l e y W o r k i n g Museum 1n Sussex and Keyboard for Baudot telegraph (1870’s). The Frenchman Emile Baudot A v o n c r 0 ft devised his telegraph so that he could apply a mechanical time division Museum of multip/erallowing to concentrate up to 6 stations on 1 line. This was possible H i s t o r i c code i), by using a 5 element /charactercode (forerunner of the teleprinter Buildings in the therefore the 5 keys on his transmitter. West Midlands. 2 MM85 - Morefi/flprJZOO} Portable Breguet. This is a Belgium quite unique version ofthe ABC- or Dial telegraph by Halle, Breguet (1850's). It is a portable version including

Berghen, transmitter, receiver, galvanometer and bell and was made in Vanden a s s o c i a t i o n with Observe Fons Cross/ey’s. the typical English characters (eg. E) at the Tx and Rx scales. Photo/Collection:

Plans for further galleries are underway at the National Museums of Scotland (due to open Autumn 2003), The Museum of Science and Industry Manchester (2004), and the Museum of London (2006). During the Autunm, recognised museums around the UK were invited to take their pick from BT‘s remaining historic material, to enhance their collections Lord Kelvin. All these artefacts have and exhibitions on social history, been supplied free of charge. science and technology. Private individuals, collectors An open week at Ashford, and enthusiasts were able to bid for the Middlesex in October attracted interest remaining items. These were mainly from over 40 institutions from around duplicates or incomplete objects of no the country. Museums which have museological importance. Funds raised benefited include both large and small from the auction have been ploughed organisations: the Great Western back into the Connected Earth project. Railway Society took some telegraph Examples of objects in the sale included instruments relating to the development valves, telephones, switchboards. old of the railway, and the Hunterian telegraph instruments. old vehicles. Museum in Glasgow has acquired posters, publications and ephemera, objects relating to the Scottish inventor amounting to over 2000 lots. MM85 — March/flprfl2003 3 Belgium

Halle,

Berghen,

Vanden

Fons

Photo/Collection:

fir "at. Bright Bell ’5. Already patented in 1853. The forerunner of the Double Plate Sounder, this one with a galvanometer Richard Lloyd. prOject i from BT‘s histon'an and curator of col— for Earth, said: director Connected ‘ lections, Neil Johannessen. “We‘ve had a tremendous response from museums around the UK. who have had their opportunity to choose Belgium something from our telecommunications Haile, heritage for their own collections. Now it‘s the Berghen, tum of the general public and we expect a lot of Vanden interest from people Fons nostalgic for the early days of the telegraph and telephone." Photo/Collection: BT‘s responsibil— ity for the telecommunica- tions will continue heritage Sullivan Mirror Galvanometer based upon the Deprez-d’Arsonva/ through the Museum on the principle. It was used formeasurementsbut also as a receiver for Internet. www.connected- undersealinks because of its high sensitivity. A detailed description earth.com, with support can be found in the reference book by Karrass of 1909.

4 Mill/[85 - March/flpri[2003 GBR Radio HAVE BEEN REQUIRED AND Rugby WHOSE COOPERATION HAS ‘ Closes on 16 kHz ENABLED THE SERVICE TO RUN SO SMOOTHLY. A BIG THANK YOU MUST GO TO ALL OF THOSE WHO OVER THE

GBR. Rugby Radio, the VLF station 3 YEARS HAVE BEEN INVOLVED that operated a CW service on 16 kHz I IN THE DESIGN, CONTRUCTION , officially closed down at midnight on MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION Monday 31st March 2003 after 77 years OF GBR. THEY CAN FEEL of operation. 3 VERY PROUD OF PROVIDING A

It was conceived in 1910 to 3 CONSISTENT HIGH LEVEL OF

1 help provide a reliable world-wide RELIABLE SERVCE AND A JOB wireless service mainly for the Royal . WELL DONE. Navy, but it was not until 1926 that the station was completed on the 910 acre THIS IS THE FINAL site. Other transmitters and antennae ‘ TRANSMISSION AND GBR WILL were added to the site over time NOW BE SHUT DOWN FOR THE including those for Portishead Radio LAST TIME. GKA. All other short. medium and 1 GBR GBR QRT long wave telegraphy transmissions i from the site have also ceased except (Ilzfimnmimz: Norma/1 Varnes, G4 YXX.) for the MSK time and frequency signals on 60 kHz. for the National Physical Laboratory. which will continue for the time being. A special close—down message was transmitted at 0000 and 0020 GMT on lst April 2003. This was copied by Paul. G4KHU and the transcn'pt reads: New QRSS Software

VVV DE GBR VVV DE GBR A new version of the software for AFTER '77 YEARS 3 MONTHS transmitting very slow CW by Rick OF ALMOST CONTINOUS Strobbe. ON7YD is now available for OPERATION THE GBR 16 KHZ download from http://www.qsl.net/ SERVICE FROM BT RADIO on7yd/software.htm STATION RUGBY CEASES ‘ This version (4.01) is TODAY. A THANK YOU T0 1 compatible with Windows 2000 and OUR CUSTOMERS MAINLY THE . XP. Version 3.17 is still available ROYAL NAVY, WITHOUT WHOM : from the same web page for users of THE SERVCE WOULD NOT earlier Windows editions. MM85 — Marcfi/flprMZOOJ 5 VLF QRP QRSS CW [0 Game objective: to achieve the highest score in a continuously UK to Alaska updateable worldwide classifica- tion. Alaska was worked from the United 3. The score is determined by the QRB Kingdom usingjust 1 watt ERP. This is of a single Q30 and is calculated in quite a feat for any band. but the Radio the following way: “(QRB x 5) : Society of Great Britain reports that Pout" for example (5000 Km x 5) : Laurie Mayhead. G3AQC. was heard 10 Watt = 2500 points - (5000 Km in Alaska on 136 kHz. x 5) : 5 Watt = 5000 points (5000 In the early hours of February Km x 5) : 4 Watt = 6250 points. 15th. he transmitted to Laurence 4. “Pout" is defined as the RF power Howell. GM4DMA/KL1X located in output from the connector and will Anchorage. Alaska. Just before UK be considered in steps of 1 watt dawn at 0615 his call sign was clearly rounded to the highest number (e.g. identified using software to read the 1.2W=2W — 5.9W=6W). signal. j 5. The QRB will be calculated by G3AQC was using QRSS—very entering the geographical slow CW—with a 60—second-long dit. coordinates of the two qth's in The 7278-km distance is a transmission dedicated software. In absence of record using a power of 1 watt ERP on coordinates the country-country 136 kHz. QRB will be calculated. Two years ago. Mayhead and 6. For a homemade TX. or homemade Larry Kayser. VA3LK. made ham radio RX. made by the participant, even history when they completed the first from a Kit. a bonus of 1000 points two-way transatlantic exchange on 136 will be added. kHz. also using very slow speed CW. . 7. For homemade RX/TX. made by the Last year G3AQC became the first palticipant. even from a Kit. a bonus person to span the Atlantic on 73 kHz. of 2000 points will be added. 8. In case of controversies the decision of the OM Coordinator of the WW I—QRP Game will be final. Whole World QRP Game To participate. send a photocopy of the QSL confirming the The Italian QRP Club. I-QRP Club has occurred QSO. possibly in colour, and the conditions devised a game for all CW operators a declaration of working world-wide. The rules of WW I-QRP to: I—QRP CLUB c/o Ari Montebelluna. are as follows: P.O.Box 11 — 31035. Crocetta del Montello (TV). ITALY. 1. The OM of the whole world can Each participant may send a participate in the WW I—QRP Game. maximum of 3 QSLs in a period of 12 MM85 - Marcfi/flprifZOOj months, for contacts made after 01/01/ E-Mails in Morse Code 1999. The OM Coordinator may brasspounder.com request to see the original QSL at any time . In MM84 on page 8. a web page was The classification of the given for this software. Apologies but participants will be regularly updated this was an error and the web address and will be published in the Bulletin of should have been: the I-QRP Club: httpzl/www.seanet.com/~harrypy/ www.arimontebelluna.it or in MorseMail/ specialized magazines at every significant variation.

Code Weaver Software Morse Code Tie Tony Lacy. G4AUD of NU-WARE A Morse code tie is available at a cost software (NU—MORSE, NU-TEST has and It of £11.99 plus postage packing. released an interesting program called can be ordered as item Number 2233 - “CODE WEAVER" which can take Morse Code Tie from Transair Pilot audio samples and produce morse code. Shop. Shoreham Airport. Shoreham by For example. the sound of a Sea. West Sussex BN43 SPA. UK. Marconi Oceanspan transmitter which Phone +44 (0) 1273 466000. Orders was recorded can be input to the be the internet can placed on at: program. and actual messages with that http://www.transair.co.uk/svstem/ “accent" can be produced. indexhtml I‘ve used the interesting sound (InfiN'mations Wyn Davies) of SLIDELL RADIO/ WNU's old 478 kHz transmitter (the transmitter had a bell tone to it.) and now by using the CODE WEAVER I can hear WNU sending the daily news — or whatever I want it to send. How about Spark transmitters? Arc? GLD again! —the listisinteresting! A great program to play with. This version there is available until 1st June 2003. The site is: http://www.nu-ware.com/Weaver/ wdloadhtm (David Ring Jr.. NlEA) MW[85 — Mzrcfi/flpriQOOj RSGB Morse Test Service TASRT Purchase Revised 17th Anniversary Weekend The A11 and Skill of Radio-Telegraphy. Third Revised Edition William G. County Morse test teams will again be by Pierpont NQHFF is available from the on the air during the 17th anniversary 1 Radio amateur Educational Society, weekend of the 10th & 1th May 2003. 1 Canada and their For ease of identification. all stations purchase have been revised. will use a special event GBQ prefix, arrangements Please use the latest information to buy followed by the county code suffix: 1 the ‘ this book. eg.A, Isle of Wight will use the In keeping with the Morse callsign GBQIOW and London . code theme used the Radio GB®LDN. The Chief Morse Examiner by Amateur Educational Society (RAES) the cover will use GBDCW and the Deputy Chief has of the Titanic with the Morse Examiner GBQMTS. a picture first and last sent by MGY There will be a minimum of 27 message these are in the background ofthe Book stations active and a Morse Test 17th Title text. The of the Titanic as anniversary certificate will be available story recorded by Lloyd's of London is in to any amateur who makes contact with ‘ the back of the book. at least 10 of the GB stations. The cost The Compact Print version is of the certificate is £2.50 (cheque or 1 available in the following format: postal order made out to RSGB). $5 or .

‘ 5.5 x 8.5 inch, two-column 6 IRC‘s. Applications should be sent to Coil the will lie the Chief Morse Examiner. David binding (so book flat) Price is $16.00 USD USA Waterworth. G4HNF, 116 Reading Delivery Price is $19.50 USD International Road. Woodley. Reading Berks. RG5 3AD. UK. QSL cards are not required Delivery Price is $26.00 CDN Canadian to claim the award. which is also Delivery Price is £13.40 GBP UK available to listeners. Delivery While the version is Activity will be concentrated Compact for most a GIANT in the 80 and 40 metre bands and in adequate people. PRINT version is now available: order to encourage newcomers to apply ‘ 7 x 11 inch, two-column for the award each team will spend Coil binding (so the book will lie flat) some time calling slowly in the Novice Price is $25.00 USD USA Delivery CW section of the 80 metre band. above Price is $33.00 USD International 3560 kHz. The event is not a contest and examiners will be happy to reply at Delivery Price is $36.00 CDN Canadian Delivery any preferred calling speed. There are Price is £22.00 GBP UK Delivery no restrictions on the type of Morse There are free versions for key used. all are welcome to call in and download on the internet: enjoy the friendship. download version (David Warerworrh G4HNF, RSGB English http:// www.1‘aes.ab.ca/TASRT.pdf (1.8 MB) Chief Morse Examiner)

8 MM85 — Mzrcfi/flpri[2003 French download version http:// Phone: + 1 (780) 462-7372; E-Mail: www.uft.net/titre_web.htm [email protected] Japanese version http://al- Web page http://www.raes.ab.ca/b00k/ club.hp.infoseek.co.jp/Art&Skill/ index.html Art&Skill.htm The Radio Amateur Books are shipped via Educational Society (RAES) is a Non- Canada Post AIR—MAIL. which is Profit Society registered in the province included in the purchase price. of Alberta, Canada. Please enclose a cheque. money order or [RC in the correct amount payable to the Radio Amateur TM5CW Active Again Educational Society 01‘ (RAES). COD orders will not be accepted. Dom. FSSJB will again be TMSCW for You may also use PayPal- URL the CQ WPX CW contest. Also CW DX https://www.paypal.com/ using the and QRP activity from May 24 to June following account: [email protected] 7. 2003. TMSCW is valid for the Lons- Please be sure to include your le-Saunier city telegraphy award. return mailing address and send your Special QSL: DIRECT or via BURO. order to Radio Amateur Educational (Information: Dominique MEIGE, Society. 8607 — 34A Avenue. F5SJB, 13—39130 HAUTECOUR, Edmonton. Alberta. Canada - T6K 0B9. France)

THE MORSE ENTHUSIASTS GROUP SCOTLAND MEGS was formed in 1991 to encourage the use of Morse. especially by newcomers. Regular skeds are held using our callsign ‘GMORSE' each Monday and Thursday from 7 until 9 pm. (local time) around 3.530Ml—lz. Among other services. we offer Morse practice tapes free of charge. other than postage. This offer is now also available to MM readers. Membership is open worldwide. the ‘Scotland‘ in our title simply shows place of origin. Lifetime membership £1.00.

‘ Details from Secretary: G.l\l. Allan GM-lHYF, 22 Tynwald Avenue, | Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 4RN, Scotland.

Morsum Magnificat Photocopy Service - Nos 1 to 37 The early issues of Morsum Magniticat© were not produced using digital techniques and therefore cannot be economically reprinted. See inside front cover for printed back-issues that are still available. A photocopy service for all earlier issues is now available. These are copies of issues held for reference purposes and therefore will not be of the same quality as printed copies. Individual photocopies are folded, stapled and the edges cropped and prices include postage (priority/airmail to Europe and World): £6.50 - UK £7.00 — Europe £7.50 — World Order from the Morsum Magnificat address on the inside front cover. All the usual methods of payment are welcome. Please allow 28 days for delivery.

LMLMSb'— :Mzzrcfl/Qllprif2003 Muckleburgh Update

by Tony Smith G4FAI

te activities of the North Norfolk QRO, plus QRS from time to time) and Amateur Radio Group (NNARG) speech. at the Muckleburgh Collection Whilst the museum has been were reported in MM83. p.6. To recap closed for the winter, the Group has briefly. the Collection is a military spent its time reorganising the radio museum at Weybourne on England‘s displays ready for the 2003 season. As North Norfolk coast. featuring working visitors enter the foyer of the hut they tanks and other vehicles, guns, missiles. are now greeted by the sound of and much histon'c militaria. computer generated Morse, as Jim The NNARG is to be found in Fan‘ior W4FOK‘s program “The Mill" the “radio hut" at Muckleburgh, where recreates the signals sent from and to it maintains and exhibits an interesting the Titanic in 1912, at the same time collection of vintage army. navy, air translating them onto the computer force. and other transmitters and screen for the benefit of visitors who receivers dating back to pre-WWZ. The are unfamiliar with the code. Also in group also operates amateur station the foyer is a newly created large GBZMCon site using both Morse (QRP/ “Morse board" giving information

Some of the receivers at Muckleburgh. WfM85 - Marcfi/fllprMZOOj about the origins and history of Morse, radio amateur part-time members of both serious and entertaining, and RSS, who monitored the enemy in secret displaying a number of older type in their own homes; and the GEC Morse keys. BRT4OO receiver used by the BBC moniton'ng service in the 1960s. Voluntary Interceptors Other exhibits are organised The radio exhibits in the but include a into sections relative to their purposes. range of receivers used for different There are Army, Navy, Air force, and purposes during WW2 and later. These Clandestine sections, mostly including include the T.l442 set, used by the British and American equipment. RAF in forward airstrips to Although essentially a radio exhibition, communicate in CW back to a base there is also a small display of non- station up to several hundred miles radio methods of communication, away. The HRO, as used by “"Y stations including landline telegraphy, in the armed services to monitor enemy heliograph, and Aldis lamp, all of which transmissions, and also used by the can be demonstrated to visitors. Radio Security Service (RSS), which Amateur radio is well included the “Voluntary Interceptors“, represented. On display is the

A corner of the Rad/'0 Hut. MM85 — Mzrcfi/flpriQOOj 11 impressive home-built station of the The NNARG is a friendly group of. late Wing Commander Ieuan E. Hill. mainly local. licensed amateurs and G6HL. who was first licensed in 1927 other radio buffs who have the time as 6HL. In the display room there is and enthusiasm to attend voluntarily. also a modern QRP CW station. in at least one day a week. to explain regular use. while in the adjacent something of the wonder of wireless to “shack" the main GBZMC QRO station the general public. and their efforts are operates with both CW and SSB. well received by visitors to the hut. both adult and child. Potato Power Visiting radio amateurs are Children are welcomed when they particularly welcome and should visit the radio hut. and after hearing a introduce themselves to members of crystal set. a potato—powered radio and the Group in the hut. Also very welcome a 1920's horn-speaker radio in are other radio enthusiasts. ex—service operation they are shown how to send radio personnel. collectors. researchers their name in Morse. for which they and others with an interest in Vintage receive a certificate. radio. who may well be able to assist

Home-built station of Gb‘HL, MM85 - Mzrcfi/Mprif2003 "Gibson Girl", aircraft emergency transmitter. 1920’s horn speaker radio in workingorder. the Group in its ongoing research into the background, and use made, of the during August. A visit to Muckleburgh, various exhibits in their time. makes a good day out. There is a nice restaurant, and for any radio enthusiast A Good Day Out a visit to the radio hut is a real bonus. If The radio collection is continually you are on holiday in Nonh Norfolk. expanding. and the Group welcomes come and see us. If you live not too far donations of appropriate early away, make a special trip. If you belong equipment. It is also interested in to a radio club. organise a club visit. swapping surplus items. which become We look forward to seeing you! available from time to time, with other Admission charges for 2003 museums or collectors. It has a good are Adults - £5.50: Senior Citizens - collection of equipment manuals, and £4.50: Children - £3.00: Family Ticket may on occasion be able to provide — £13.50. Further information about copies of required documents for other i the Muckleburgh Collection can be collections, etc, by special 1 found on the internet at arrangement. \\V'\~'w.l\rluckleburgh.co.uk

The Muckleburgh Collection is 1 Further information about the open daily from Easter to early NNARG and its activities can be November, and during this pen'od the obtained by initially contacting Tony radio hut can be visited on Wednesdays Smith G4FAI. QTHR. or e-mail, and Thursdays, plus some weekends £[email protected] AIM a/[M85 — :Mzrcfi/filprfl2003 13

Britain. The 'Definition of Time Act' of that year made the use of Greenwich

} Mean Time a legal i requirement in Great 1 Britain.

1 In The USA

1 there was at first also no cooperation between the different private railway companies. each company had its own time, on the vfli'ijtnxlg in 1t5 depending t3 ‘y’M z location of the head . , . (65,} 3’11!"3i12$.” 3! office. In Pittsburgh 1. flatware—.1. «r six clocks displayed the times of different Figure 2. Wheatstone & Cooke’s five-needle telegraph. railroad companies. The of the need/es indicated the letter. convergence The country was By 1842 Bradshaw‘s monthly divided into four time zones in 1889 guide was available and covered all but legal recognition of these as classes of trains and by 1854 the Royal regional standard times followed only Greenwich Observatory was connected in 1918. by one line of wires with the South- Eastern and Electric Telegraph system. Control of Trains by Telegraph and by another with the system of the An early instrument used 5 submarine and European telegraph. wires to control 5 needles: the needles Times had been sent to the Cambridge. could point to 20 letters. those omitted Edinburgh. Paris and Brussels were C. J. Q. U. X and Z: five wires were observatories and a telegraphic signal needed or six if an earth return was not could cause the drop of a time-ball at used (Figures 2 & 3). The messages the offices of the Electric Telegraph could be read by untrained staff. The Company in the Strand. Different first public railway. the Liverpool & companies had their own times until Manchester. was experiencing with the establishment of the Railway difficulties with trains going downhill Clearing House Greenwich Mean Time through a tunnel into the Lime Street was adopted. There was dissemination Station: they were hauled back by a of time signals along the various lines cable attached to a winding engine but of railway and in 1880 ‘Railway Time‘ the use of a telegraph was rejected. The became the standard for the whole of first line to use a telegraph was of two 16 fl/[Wfé’b' - fl’flzrc/i/flprif2003 miles length in London, the trains being hauled up by rope from Euston to Camden Town. The system was part of the London & Birmingham railway; Robert Stephenson was the engineer and

the men at the winding l gear could be i informed when the train was ready to Figure 3. A section ofa wood beam with slots for the wires of the five- needle The with wooden move. A telegraph telegraph. grooves were plugged strips and the bau/k painted with tar. They were laid in a trench alongside the installed the was on railway line filled with pitch. Great Western Railway between Paddington Station Queen Victoria had given birth to a and West Drayton in June 1838; six son, Prince Alfred at 07.50 am. By wires were run in an iron conduit, the 8.30 am. the paper had reported the cost was £2.817.10$. In a later extension happy event to Slough the wire was insulated by For a long time the case of a letter could silk and suspended through goose quills not be changed. The apprehension of a attached to posts along the railway. murderer brought the importance of The service was opened to the public in the telegraph into prominence. A 1843. telegrams being sent on the message was sent from Slough to payment of a fee. Demonstrations of Paddington on January 1‘l 1845 that the system were given at Paddington read: and at Slough, a notice read: “A MURDER HAS JUST BEEN “Tile public are respectfztlly informed COMMITTEDATSALTHILLANDTHE that this interesting & most SUSPECTED MURDERER WAS SEEN extraordinary Apparatus, by means of TO TAKE A FIRST CLASS TICKETT0 which upwards of 50 SIGNALS can be LONDONBYTHETRAIN WHICHLEET transmitted to a Distance of 280,000 SLOUGH AT 7.42 P.M. HE IS IN THE MILES in ONE MINUTE, may be seen GARB OFA KWAKER. " in operation daily... ADMISSION Is. " The word 'Kwaker' was a puzzle, but it was resolved as meaning On August 6‘h 1844 a telegram ‘Quaker‘ when the operator from Windsor via the same line was remembered that the system had no sent to 'The Times’ announcing that way of sending ‘Q’ or ‘U'. In London film/[85 — thrch/fllpriIZOOj 17

The New York and Erie was the first American railroad to control trains by telegraph. Cautiously taken up at first in 1851 it proved a great success. In 1860 there were two wires numing the whole length of the road and Prescott wrote of it:

”Both of the wires are kept almost constantly busy. —— ntost of the time in transmitting messages for the road, although the line is now open to the public, and the revenue derived from paid messages amounts to about 5 15,000 per year. Tlte expense of operating the line is about 3 36.000 per annum. The length ofeach wire (upon the main line) is four hundred and si.\'ty-nine miles. Beside this tltey have the Piernzont and Newburg branches, making altogether over one thousand miles of line. One of their wires is divided into sections to correspond with the division of the road; the business of each division being transacted separately Figure 5. The cabinet shows two single needle front the others. The other they work in instruments. one for the ‘up' and the other for the one circuit between New York and ‘down’lineofthe railway. For this only two wires and Dunkirk, four hundred and si.\‘ty-nine an earth connection will ha ve beenneeded. Fora five miles. need/e Wheatstone instrument four wires and an They employ about one hundred earth were required. Howevereight wires are shown seven twelve suggesting thatorigina/ly there were two Wheatstone operators, repairers, five need/e instruments (Pictorial Times 1845). messenger-boys, and sixty-eight offices. —seventeen of which are kept open constantly, both day and night. independently to their own set times. . They use the Morse apparatus; — in

Cooke however recommended that the 1 the main circuit the Grove battery. and track should be divided into ‘blocks‘; 1 for locals Daniell‘s improved zinc and if his section was clear the Signalman copper. could signal that he could receive a In concluding this description of the train (Figure 6). l use of the telegraph upon one of the LM‘JVI85— M1rch/filprd2003 19

Figure 7. ‘Oh. he cried, I have crossed them’ (Kerr 1901).

“’85 averted but Edison was dismissed. Staten Island Railroad and later for The short story accompanying several years on the Lehigh Valley Figure 7 gives another ending, a Railroad. In a demonstration trip of 54 cyclone lifted the track in the nick of miles to Easton. Pennsylvania. many time and again there was no collision. telegrams were sent and received: a Telegraphic Communication with message was sent to the 'cable king’. Moving Trains John Pender, in London. England, and An American System. Strips of a reply received from him. There is metal were laid along the top of the listed an American patent No 384,830 coach or coaches. A buzzer was 'Railway signalling-Edison and constantly in action at 500 Hz in the Gilliland' Nov. 24. 1886. The Scientific coach and in the station. The vibrations, American‘s glowing account includes: broken into dots and dashes by a Morse key. could be transmitted to the ”in15 usefulness in averting accidents. overhead telegraph lines and were by keeping each train informed of the picked up at the other end by a high whereabouts of the one immediately impedance telephone receiver. A ahead or following it, in intercepting return connection was made through criminals, and in promoting general the wheels (Figures 8 & 9). social and conmzercial intercourse, it The system was first used on the will be unnecessary to speak. " ‘Jlli7ll85 — Mzrc Mpril2003 2] Above: Figure 8. Top Left — View of coaches picking up signals from overhead wires. Top Right - A pile woundjigger, a step up transformeras used in the Poldu transmitter in Cornwall. C is a capacitor. Middle - The arrangementsat the station and in the coaches, the figure shows a jigger in each coach. Lower - Two systems to couple the transmitteratthe station to the overheadlines. Left - coupling by inductance. Right - Coupling by capacitors.

Left: Figure 9. The operator is well equipped for travel in the winter in an unheatedcoach. Se verallarge batteries D EMLWAY TELEGRAPH! 4 “sun are on the floor. 22 M9W85 - Mzrch/flpriMOOj Figure 11. Bonnelli's system using a single needle instrument, the gentlemen wearingtophats = are directors of the railway company the others are assistants.

Flight: Figure 10. The arrangementsin the coach de visedby Bonnelli. A sliding contact seems to be touching a horizontal bar. 'L’— ‘L ', along the track.

A German System. In a system Dyer F. L.. Martin T. C. & Meadowcroft devised by G. Bonnelli the signals W. H. (1929) ‘Edison His Life and appear to have been picked up by a Inventions‘. 2 Vols. Harper: N.Y. sliding contact (Figures 10 & 11). Kerr A. M. (1901) ‘Sanline‘s Cross Order. How a cyclone wrecked and Sources savecl.‘. The Strand. June. pp 690—695. A.B.G. (1854) 'Telegraphic Longitude Pennes D. R. (2002) "The Omnigraph of Brussels.’ The Athenaeznn 54—55 pp. Instruments — Part 1'. Morszun Jan 14‘“. Magnificat 80. 29-39. Anon (1875) ‘The Progress of the Prestcott G. B. (1860) 'History, Theory Telegraph. Nature. and Practice oft/1e Electric Telegraph '. Anon (1886) 'The Edison System of Ticknor & FieldszBoston. Railway Telegraphy'. Scientific Schivelbusch W. (1986) ‘The Railway American. Feb 20”" Jozrrney.‘ Berg: Leamington. pp 119 et seq. Anon (1964) ‘Curiosa Electrica, 22 Acknowledgements ' Lokomotiv Telegraph Zettler: The author thanks Mr. Peter McGregor Mtinchen of Eastchester NY. and Ing. Kurt Ztilke, Cooke W. F. (1842)‘Telegraphic DG9FEN. of Bad Homburg. Germany Railways...‘ Simpkin Marshall: and to the Mary Evans Library for London. information. MM Cooke Rev. T (1868) Authorship of the Practical Electric Telegraph of Great 1 The reference is to optical telegraphs with arms Britain...) Peach: Bath. projecting fromtowers to form a chain forrelaying the messages. ‘Jlf‘Jl/[S5 — Mzrcfi/flprMZOOJ 23 Shoal/case

Fieaders are invited to contribute any additional information and stories. no matter how minor. to the Editor, will Morsum Magnificat. There have been thousands of designs of keys & telegraphy instuments. Information be lost unless it is compiled in one place and shared with other readers,

Eddowes

George

Photo/Collection:

‘z,

This key was sent to George Eddowes by Minko, LZ 1XL. It is an lta/ian key and has three selector positions, using the pointer on the left. They are marked: TRANSMISSIONEAL GRUPPO RICEZIONE TRANSMISSIONEA SE STESSO There is what appears to be the maker on the underside. “S.T.I.R.E. VIA ORFEO 35 BOLOGNA”. Safety Jack

tats. mammimwx; - m .

closes Of special interest to Vibrop/ex enthusiats. A safetyjack which prevents open circuits, ltautomatically the circuitwhen the connecting wedge is withdrawn.Asadvertised in a Martin Vibroplex manual. discovered by John Elwood, WW7P. 24 {it/[M85 - .‘Mrzrcfi/flprif2003 nes

Pen

Dave

Photo/Collection:

This item is a very unusual came/back practice set which is remarkable In the inexpensive construction. The key and sounderare made of gilded cast iron. An interesting feature is that the moving arm of the sounder/s actual/y castasallonepiece. Thecross arms thatcontact the magnets are actuallynotattached with a screw. The cross arms have been painted black, and even the screw is a lake. The item was undoubted/ya sand casting ofan originalthat did have a crossarm anda screw. The dimensions, design, and knurlingare decidedly different from the ubiquitous Came/back practice sets made by J. H. Bunnell. and this item is of unknown manufacture, although the knurling (see close-up photo) suggests Tillotson or Greeley as likely manufacturer

Davies

Wyn

Photo/Collection:

A nice PS 213A key from Aus- tralia. It is very well plated but does nothave the sheathing on the arm like the nor- mal version. Ell/[M85 — March/flpri[2003 2.6” Morse Matters

HO INVENTED “Iambic Who Invented “Iambic Keying” Keying"? This was a query I received recently. By the time NIB-12 DSP Audio Filter I built my first “modern” keyer in 1977, JPS the famous Accukeyer developed by James Garrett, WB4VVF. iambic How Fast is Fast? keying was well established, and all state-of—the-art designs included it. electronic Aside: All keyers by Dr Gary Bold, ZL1AN generate continuous strings of either dits or dahs when the correspondingpaddle is pressed - conventionally. dits are controlled by the thumb. If both paddles are operation in great detail. but you pressed simultaneously. they usually wouldn‘t want to build it today. still generate a continuous stream of It operated thus: If the dit dahs. But an iambic keyer generates an paddle was closed while the dah paddle alternating sequence of dits and dahs, was also Closed. a single dit - but only starting with the eletnent whose paddle one — was injected into the dah stream. was pressed first. and ending with that After this. the keyer reverted to whose paddle was released last. outputting only dahs. This is slightly This makes it possible to different from true iambic keying. but generate letters such as “C" with a it meant that all letters. except ""X single “squeeze". As far as I can could be formed with a single discover (somebody else may have an "squeeze” — if care was taken about the earlier reference?) title iambic keying squeeze timing. Many letters was preceded by “single dot—insertion" require the same “squeeze" timing as or "squeeze" keying. This seems to “true iambic" keying. but some are have been developed by Ed Brown, different. For example. "J" can WOEPV. sometime in 1965, and was be fortned on a “squeeze" keyer by described in QST by Jimmy Moss, keeping both paddles depressed after WSGRJ in 1967.1. the initial dash had been Moss describes a rather formed. wheras a "true iambic" keyer complex keyer circuit requiring 4 dual requires the dit paddle to be released triodes. 1 npn transistor, a dozen during the first dash — or another dit diodes. and assorted passive will follow instead of the required dah. components. He describes circuit The “end of transmission" signal ‘AR' 26 W[M85 - :Mtzrcfi/flpriQOO} requires two squeezes on a “squeeze" The JPS NIR-12 DSP Audio Filter keyer. but only one on a “true iambic” In MM 81. I discussed the keyer. All rather subtle. This was passbands of the JPS NIR-12 DSP audio lauded by Moss as a great advance. He filter unit. Many modern radios have wrote "This new keyer is so different similar DSP filters built in. but if yours that it may change the whole concept doesn‘t. and you‘d like to check out of keying code. It has taken an average DSP filtering. and you have a Pentium of about 3 weeks for one to learn the PC running Win95 or better. with a new system. and the majority of users reasonably modern soundcard. it . acclaim superior to anything yet download a program called "Binster". developed". by Lionel G3PPT. from http:// He gave timing charts for www.lsear.freeser\'e.co.uk/page2.html forming all characters. and went on to Lionel released this completely enthuse "I think I have brought about a free program in January 2000. and it first in telegraphy. By virtue of the always surprises me that it hasn‘t ease with which the keyer can be attracted more attention. Switch out mastered. I can do the keying with my any audio filters your receiver already toes! Excusing an error here and there. has. connect the audio output (the each character is flawless. and I can headphone jack is fine) to your attain a speed of about 23 wpm. As far soundcard input and fire it up. The as I can determine. this feat has program operating window shown in never been accomplished before”. Figure I will appear. Adjust the Indeed. Maybe he should have said soundcard recording and playback "this feet..." yuk yuk. I must be controls until you see something recovering. This called for a trial. happening in the horizontal strip at Placing my Brown Brothers' paddle on top. and hear sound coming out of the the floor. I found I could key computer speakers. almost immediately. and iambically at The horizontal strip is an almost 12 wpm using my two big toes. I'd real-time spectrogram. which slowly probably improve with practice. Next scrolls up from bottom to top. The I tried my left big toe and the one next frequency display range is from 0 to to it (maybe I could also fill in the log 2500 Hz. Blackness is proportional to with my right toes?) but agonising signal strength. so incoming CW cramp caused was the main result. Note: signals in the passband will appear as It is illegal to operate this way on disconnected vertical lines. If you‘re QLF night. on the bottom of 20 metres when the After all that, I still don‘t know band is busy. you‘ll see several such who invented “true iambic“ keying. signals. but I‘m led to believe that H. G. Gensler. Binster will start with the “Passband” KSOCO. or WllMQ, described it also filter selected. which means “band— in 1967. Can anyone help with the pass”. This is the best mode for getting reference? to grips with what it can do. If both the MM85 — Marcfi/filprfl2003 27 i [I Hz

Click. Left ight l‘n-louzzze Button on "'.-‘-.-"-Eii.E‘.ll-Elll D [Illajrl tlj :gztzt L|:|I.-'-,I,-"Higl'. El at'iillpaaz; E dge.

l F'azasbariijtv‘lit'I:111.7 Ha ‘ F‘assbar’xd Men-1: 1343 Hz

B andset Active. 17;” Pas-attend

: i.“ FleiectEtand

Etir'iautal Staten: i if" In i r- l. .

Figure 1. Binster program operating window receiver and PC outputs are audible. the passband edges. Moving the mouse you'll hear that the sound coming from pointer into the spectrogram window the PC speakers has a delay of about allows you to change them - the left/ half a second. This is initially i right mouse buttons simply re—set the disconcerting. and is a result of the positions of the low/high limits. The unavoidable delay that DSP filtering frequencies you've selected are shown introduces. I find it best to tune to a at the left. That's it. Nothing more to desired signal first using the receiver do. audio. then turn this down or disable it If you can see several CW (01' and listen to the PC audio. It‘s also l other) signals in the passband. setting convenient to keep the soundcard the passband around any one of them all of the others to vanishl. This "Volume control" window active so ‘ causes that you can adjust the output audio 1 is quite dramatic. because the filter

‘ level to suit your ears. skirts - as in all good DSP filters — are i very steep. How steep are they? Figures Setting the Filter 1 2 and 3 show a couple of sample You'll see two vertical red lines passbands, which I produced from 10 on the spectrogram display. which mark second rf white-noise samples. 28 9V[9l/[85 - fllfizrc/i/Flprif2003 EBinsteir ; Passband , " “ w{-700-’é.;)OOer-~ . -- ._..

dB

r'xa0

Response, R

i i i 45 I l t | 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 35.00 4000i Frequency, Hz 1 Figure 2.

Goldwave. and a Matlab program. only 35 dB or so. whereas the NIR—lZ Figure 2 shows a nominal 700 — 900 Hz filters achieved 5 - 15 dB better. This is filter. which has measured 6 dB-down mainly a result of the fancy footwork I frequencies of 710 and 905 Hz. and 25 had to do to make these plots. Two dB down frequencies of 670 and 941 computers are involved - one to run Hz. Figure 3 shows a 400 — 1500 Hz Binster, and the other to sample the filter, which could be useful for output from the first ones PC speaker listening to SSB signals on a crowded line. Thus the noise floor shows band. You can see that the passband contributions from two computers, and edges are similarly very steep - much two soundcards — the signal has been steeper than can be obtained by sampled. converted back to an analogue conventional analogue filters. wavefonn, then sampled again. The wiggles on the traces are artefacts, caused by the limited time Technical Details sample, and would disappear if an Skip this bit unless you‘re a keen infinite number of samples were DSP buff. But if I don‘t include it. I‘ll averaged. You‘ll see, however, that the get emails from all over asking how ultimate rejection of the plots shown is Lionel achieves such startlingly Sharp MM85 — Mzrcfi/fllprimOOj 29 | I 0‘ T_

6% , 1 l - . -

; Binster Passband , ‘ ‘10— , ~ 400 -15007Hz- -~ ~ —

45 m '0 ®*_20 ..... (n c

8725 l w C1) , , 0: .30

.35 _

7 40 — -

3 3 l . ,

l I I l I l | ‘ 45 , l 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

1 Frequency, Hz 1

Figure 3. cut-offs. He's implemented a real-time concatenate seamlessly and clicklessly algorithm which neither he nor 1 have - I certainly can‘t hear any such seen anywhere else. artefacts. I am amazed that this works Hardware DSP filters invariably as well as it does. use FIR “tapped delay-line" filters, but Lionel uses an FFT-based method. His Binster’s Binaural Capability technique is to apply a half—raised There‘s more. Note the cosine window to the first and last "Binaural stereo" radio buttons at quarters of each 2048 point, 8 kHz, 16 bottom left. When this feature bit time sample before the FFT. then to is selected, lower frequencies are sent zero the frequency bins in the stop- to the left speaker, and higher ones to bands. and transform back into the time the right. The idea- which has been domain. around for quite a while - is that this Conventionally, zeroing bins gives a “directionality" t0 sounds always results in discontinuities of different frequencies. and the brain (clicks) in the output, but Lionel uses can use this additional information to only the middle segment of each filtered isolate the tone it really wants to hear. sample, and these apparently Of course, you‘ll need stereo 50 Wffll/[85 - Wfarcfi/flprflZOOj headphones to best investigate this. is limited to the rapidity with which the Well. I didn‘t find it made any hand of the operator can move the key. difference to my copying ability. and varies from about 25 to 50 words though some have apparently said per minute. 50 words per minute is the otherwise. I'd like your feedback on sending rate of expert operators.“ this though. Check it out and tell us He asked "Can this be right? I‘m what you experienced. Some years sure that I read some while back that back. at least one hardware there is a world record for Hand—key implementation of a binaural sending. and that it's 35 wpm." This is reception filter was produced. but using correct. Although the official world phase instead of frequency record. as confirmed by my edition of discrimination. the Guiness Book of Records was set A progressive phase delay with by Harry Turner. W9YZE. in 1942 at a frequency was introduced in one US Army Signal Corps School. you‘ll earphone. and a phase advance with come across repeated references to old- frequency in the other. The idea was time telegraphers sending much that the ears phase-sensitivity would faster than this. apparently for hours (might?) cause signals of different on end. How can this be? frequencies to appear from azimuthally The reason is that they‘re talking different directions. helping about American Morse. sent by skilled discrimination. If you have any US landline Telegraph operators. experience of this. I‘d like to hear about American Morse was estimated by US that too. If this works better, maybe a authority Bill Pieipont to be about 45% combination of amplitude and faster than International. so this frequency discrimination would work equates to a speed of 35 wpm in the better still - and this would not be too code Hairy used. the code we use today. difficult to implement with soundcard/ American Morse. as used in DSP techniques. 1917. was very different from the code A help file for Binster is we know. There were two types of provided. but you only need to read it dashes. and some letters had internal once. A summary of the very simple spaces. Some time back. Iain. ZLZBJC. instructions operating are shown on- sent me photocopies of some pages of screen. You can also select a “band— the Hawkins Electrical Guide". No.8. stop function". which does exactly published in 1917. This gives the what you'd expect. with the same sharp following timing definitions for passband edges. American Morse: The dash is equal to two dots. How Fast is Fast? The long dash is equal to four dots. A reader queried a statement The interval in spaced letters is equal made in a description of telegraph to two dots. systems. around 1917. which said "The The space between letters of a word is speed of the ordinary Morse instlument equal to two dots. MM85 — Mzrcfi/flprif2005 j]

William G. Pierpont, NQHFF

E

E

SK E i l

i by Tony Smith, G4FAI l

Bill Pierpont. whose work has appeared The result is his fabulous book. “The in MM on many occasions over the Art & Skill of Radio-Telegraph)!" years. died on February 20‘h 2003 aged l which has been published in English. 88 after a long illness. French. Danish. and Japanese. It can Bill was a devout Christian also be found on the Intemet in full. on and an expert linguist. Through his several websites. and is included in the skilful Biblical research and language form of text files in Jim Farrior expertise. he co-authored publication l W4FOK's noted Morse program. “The some years ago of “The New Testament Mill". in the Original Greek according to the ‘ Bill‘s first contribution in MM Byzantine/Majority was in issue No. 3. Spring Textform". the first new 1987. with an extract from version in a century. and i his then still unpublished ‘ continued to assist in book. and he allowed us to i further similar work until publish more extracts over his health no longer the years. often as he permitted that activity. completed them. He also Professionally. he i shared with us other aspects had a long career with of his wide experience and Beech Aircraft, rising first knowledge of telegraphy. to Engineer. and then Chief Scientist. and translated various foreign language During his career. he was recognized papers for MM into the bargain. by NASA as a leading authority on including the original German report vibration and flutter analysis. on the Koch system of learning Morse. He was first licensed as a radio I exchanged much correspondence amateur in 1930 as W9BLK and with him in those times. and later. and retained an interest in radio over the will always remember the kindness. years. enjoying CW for much of his support. and interest he extended to me on—air activity. When he gained a new personally in the formative years of General licence in 1986. he embarked our magazine. on a project to bring together He will be greatly missed by his everything he knew and had collected many friends around the world. some since his youth on the subject of of whom are well-known names in MM. radiotelegraphy. He gathered new who have collaborated with or assisted materials and consulted many skilled him in the various activities of his truly operators to learn their secrets also. rich and varied life. MM MM85 — flfarcfi/flprif2003 35 WWW5PECUZfiSt ‘Boofis an ‘Iekéjnlp/Ly 5y M1111Order PRICES INCLUDE POST 8; PACKING AND ALL EU/‘VORLD ORDERS ARE SHIPPED BY PRIORITY/AIR MAIL UNLESS 0THER‘VISE STATED

1 MM BOOKSHELF - ANNOUNCEMENT

1

i All the 5' available from stock but 1 books listed on these Pagese are current] l some titles cannot be replenished when current stock is sold. When l purchasing books. please order from the latest list.

1

Wake of the Wirelessman by 3.1. Clemons

This is the true storyofDale Clemons. born in 1895. in Iowa. who graduated as amarine wireless operator in 1914. . For two years he sailed in everything from lumber schooners to passenger liners. Although there haye been books relating to the experiencesofseagoing operatorsfrontthe 1930‘s onwards.“Wakeofthe Wirelessman" describes the practices. equipment and happenings of an earlier time. reyealing many fascinating and little-known facts. 14.20 UK - 14.70 Europe - 17.00 Rest of World

American Telegraphy & Encyclopedia ofthe Telegraph by William Mayer Jr.

Facsimile by Lindsay Publications ofthe 700 page illustrated 1912 encyclopedia (5th Edition) but carries copyrights that go back to 1892. This is a classic encyclopedia oftelegraphy with 5-1-1 illustrations ofequipment. circuits. procedures and installation methods. A must have for collectors & historians. 6 x 9in (15.5 x 23.5 cm). Gold-blocked hardcover.

£39.00 UK - £40.00 EU - £43.50 World

Vibroplex Collector’s Guide by Tom French

This Classic work on Vibroplex bug keys and their history is back in {"Zt’tllt‘witm’s“fix(it! his print. It coyers all the models from the 1902 "Autoplex" to the present day and includes original design information and drawings. copies of patents. nameplates. serial numbers and decals. The book is rich in drawings and photographs. Softcover. 126 pages. 812 x 1033 ins (21.5 x 27.5 cm) Ayailable in January 2002.

£15.00 UK - £15.80 EU - £17.60 World

34 MM85 - Wftzrcfi/leprJZOOj UK EU WORLD My Road to BletchleyPark by Doreen Spencer £6.00 £7.00 £7.50 Apersonal accountofaWAAF Wireless OperatoratBletchleyPark during WWII. 8/0. 45 pp with 12 drawings and photographs. History of Telegraphy by Ken Beauchamp £60.00 £61.00 £63.00 Published by the IEE. a thoroughly researchedbook on the history of telegraphy. Vibroplex Collector's Guide by Tom French £15.00 £15.80 £17.60 Now in print again. Marconi‘s Atlantic Leap by Gordon Bussey £7.00 £7.20 £7.50 Hardback. illustrated with 71 archive photos. 96pp - centennial edition. AmericanTelegraphy & Encyclopedia ofthe Telegraph by William MaverJr. £39.00 £40.00 £43.50 Facsimile ofthe 700 page illustrated 191 2 encyclopedia (5th Edition) otequipment. circuits, and procedures otthetelegraph-aclassic. The Singing Line by Alice Thompson £9.50 £10.00 £11.00 Charles Todd constructed the trans-Australia telegraph (and named Alice Springs afterhiswife). Inspired chronicle bytheirgreat-great-granddaughter. Marconi & His Wireless Stations in Wales by Hari Williams £5.60 £6.50 £7.00 Illustrated accountotthe earlyWelsh stations and the relationship between Marconiand Preece. Classics of Communication by Fons Vanden Berghen £21.00 £22.50 £25.00 Protusely illustrated historyof communication includingmuch on telgraphy. AWA Review Vol.8, 1993 by The AntiqueWireless Association £9.50 £10.50 £12.00 Includes 45 page paperby Louis Meulstee on "Unusual Military Morse Keys" (delivery Jan. 2002) Perera‘s Collector's Reference CD by Tom Perera £9.00 £9.20 £9.70 An absolute mineotintormation iorcollectors compiled fromvariety ofsources Perera’s Telegraph Collector’s Guide by Tom Perera £7.60 £8.10 £8.90 An essential pocket-size reference guide forcollectorand historian The Story of the Key by Louise Ramsey Moreau £4.25 £4.50 £5.00 The Best of MM Vol. 1.77 photos/Illustrations. 60 pages. Wake of the Wirelessman by B. J. Clemons £14.20 £14.70 £17.00 A true story of an early maritime wireless operator “041" and Beyond by Shirley Lawson £6.20 £7.20 £7.90 The story of a Wren (Womens Royal Naval Service) telegraphist Railroad Telegrapher’s Handbook by Tom French £8.00 £8.30 £9.00 Old-timetelegraphy on the American railroads Bunnell’s Last Catalogue with notes by Tom French £5.50 £5.70 £6.00 Illustrates and describes the company's manytelegraph instruments History, Theory & Practice of the Electric Telegraph £14.50 £15.50 £17.50 (facsimile reprint of 1 866 edition) by George B. Prescott The Victorian Internet by Tom Standage (MM63) £8.30 £8.40 £9.30 A history of the electric telegraph in the 19th century A History of the GPO Mark 1, 2 and 3 Morse Telegraph Keys by Dennis Goacher(MM65) £6.00 £6.50 £7.20

* Prices in US dollars may vary slightly withcurrency exchange rates and commission charges Credit card orders welcome by phone: +44 (0) 1630 638306 or Fax 011 +44 (0) 1630 638051 Please make cheques payable to ‘Morsum Magnifica!’ VISA Ward SEND YOUR ORDER TO: ,, Morsum Magnificat. The Poplars. \\'istanswick. Market Drayton. Shropshire TF9 28A. _—England Pay/mun ii‘clcrmrc by MllSlL’lY'ul'l/ or Visa (quotc your ('(H'dlmldcl‘ Hume. (Ir/(Irma. Hum/701' uml expiry (late): or PayPul \i‘ltir'h ix ”011' available in 6 ('m‘l‘wzr'irs - Kw inxirlvfmizl cover or by cheque/bunk (lruft drawn on u London bunk M9165 — Mzrcfi/flpril2003 55' info TQase! Readers are invited to contribute any additional information and stories. no matter how minor. to the Editor, Morsum Magnificat. There have been thousands of designs of keys & telegraphy instuments. Information will be lost unless it is compiled in one place and shared with other readers,

G3LW|

Francis,

Photo/Collectioanonh

A reverse frame bug key. attributed to Les Logan. The machining is the same as Logan keys. Does any readerhave more information please

This Italian key is thought to be an aircraft key from the 19305/405. Has anyone any info please. 56 MWL85 - :Mizrc/i/flpriQOO} I’ve on an Internet site of the British seen a picture damaged aircraft or boat. I have also heard “boatkey” (see MM 5 & 13). The author calls it a that the spring-clip is to close the key prior “bathtub key"andsaysthatitcomesfroma Lancaster the bomber, to abandoning aircraft but would welcome reader— I ha ve also heard, butcannotverify, that confirmation from any the operator could set the key for continuous Ed)

transmission by flipping the spring clip over the Jacob knobbase whenthe aircraftwasgoingdown, before tryingto escape. Can somebody confirmit 7 lhave Henri such a key, all I can say is that it works! Photo: Henri Jacob, Fb‘GTC Hoenheim, France

ll have used archive photos to illustrate Henri's query. This key was used with the T1154 transmitter/R.[155 receiver series of equipment. used by RAF and Common— wealth aitjfot'ees. There were versions of this equiptnentforheavy aircraft (including Lancastersi. motor launches and land— based stations. The manual lists the key as “1014/7741 — Key. Morse. type F". I have heard that tlte shape of the key was to provide protection between any spark occurring across the key contacts and theftunes ofhigh-octanefuel which might be present in tt

W1TP

Perera,

Photos:T0m

MMSS — filarch/flpriTZOOj’ 9’0urLetter5

Info Please MM84 antler or something similar. Mr. have ‘H. White 5427’ Malby appears to a nice Key in need ofa little 'TLC' (tender- loving—care). In response to the "Info Please" request. Clive Redfern F5VHS, G-ICZR Clive Malby’s Key shown in MM84. Mellionnec, France this a “Post Office Key. double current". Mark II or Mark III: - It has standard terminals. With reference to the "Info Please" - It has a cover made entirely of Brass. in MM84. 32 from Clive the Mark I has a glass top to the query page I reliably informed by "Mr. cover. Malby. was Double Current” (G3BEX). who has - The contact between the "moving" had and/or rebuilt more of portion of the key and the "bridge" is probably these units than else. that at the differently arranged. any one end of the “ Section" of Otherwise the Mark II is WWI. Signals the . the handled electrically the same as the Mark I. The Royal Engineers. restoration of the German Post & Mark III Key differed as follows: Telegraph Services under the auspices - The Mark III had adjustable upper British ofthe Rhine and lower contacts. and ofthe original Army (1919). and White & Co clamping screws are provided were among the several Others were ATM instead of a fixed contact block. suppliers. (Automatic Telephone Manufacturing - Instead of brass springs let into the GNT underside of the "bridge". Company). Sullivan. (Great Northern Telegraph Company). Elliot steel springs with platinum contacts Brothers. Walters Electrical are fitted at the ends of the 1 Manufacturing Company and the India brass blocks to make contact on the Rubber. Gutta Percha and Telegraph ends of the spindle. Works Company (Silvertown). varying I do not believe that the knob . in price from £2-lZs-6d to £5-5s—Od on Mr. Malby‘s Key is The photo shown in MMS-l is “original equipment". A skirt was not a Mk III. and would appear to be part of any of the contemporary images mounted on a home brew base. as most of that Key and actual examples that I were designed to be screwed directly have seen. A more elongated knob was to the desk. It is almost favoured. made of highly polished deer operating 58 fl/[flf85 - :Marcfi/flprflZOOj identical to my own and one owned by the ‘Beeching‘ rationalisation - rip it Dennis Goacher, G3LLZ and shown in up and rip it out before anyone attempts his book The History of the GPO Mk any preservation. The same thing was I. II & III Morse Telegraph Keys" done to Humber Radio.

Apart from cosmetic l Ijust feel so concerned for the variations between manufacturers lack of interest about our wireless and (some with capstan terminals . others wireless telegraphy heritage on the part with cheese heads. basically the Mk I of those able to influence events. had glass cover, the Mk II and Mk III Things seem so different elsewhere. an all metal cover but some makers did for example Grimeton (SAQ) and KPH. use glass tops. The Mark III used new Sites of historical significance contact and switching arrangements. should not have been transferred to BT but they must have had a lot of glass without potentially protective tops in stock. Since. however. covers covenants. BT appears to have been (sometimes used as ash trays) were given carte blanche to be wreckers of often lost. some were restored with our wireless heritage. rather than new lids which were often more or less having had the use of facilities. interchangeable. so there is no hard What has happened to the BT and fast method of (GPO!) museum and what will happen identification except where the maker to all the archive material I saw when I has inscribed the base . visited GBR in 2001‘? At least I had the I have seen one with a metal opportunity to photograph a fair bit of top with a small glass window inserted, the interior including the great coil which did look original, but I cannot be room. sure. I have a copy of a Most intended for European Parliamentary Report on archaeology. service appear to have a brass produced at the end of last year. about lacquered finish but those destined for protecting the artefacts of our heritage the ‘Colonies‘ were mostly nickel for posten'ty. Perhaps I should draw plated. their attention to the loss of our early Lee Grant, G3XNG wireless heritage - if there is anything Northumberland, UK l left to save now! A typical coast radio station would have been a good start. especially since there were willing volunteers. I we should have OurWireIess Heritage suppose accepted long ago that such organisations and those in a position I managed to visit GBR. Rugby Radio, to take action know the price of before it closed but what happens now? everything and the value of nothing. It seems to be the same procedure Ken Jones, G3RRN applied by British Railways following Lincoln, UK Mil/[85 — Mzrcfi/flprMZOOJ 39 an SOS on a telephone. I heard some local dignitaries, members of the CQ's and I use some self made Jingle in Sydney Lions Club. OTC Veterans. morse to tell me who is calling (friends, AWA Veterans and OTC staff. After family, work...). - Gerard Fetter refreshments, guests were given guided tours of the Maritime Coast Station. One could argue its a way of keeping After so many years in the open Morse in the public eye or this case air at the Amalgamated Wireless ear! I think the real concern is what A’Asia, Ashfield Works. the bust was a you could call a mild form of anti social bit weatherworn. The management of behaviour in public places like trains OTC must be congratulated for etc by cellphone users. What will it be arranging such a perfect restoration like in years to come when the 3G job, and supplying the base and phones fall in price-aah! - John Davies landscaping around the base. It is understood that the whole memorial and MM82 Info Please weighs one a half tons. Unfortunately. rabbits which appear to Jack Barker Key be in abundance at the La Perouse Station made a fair job of demolishing Regarding MM82, page 32, I have two the landscaping over the years. identical specimens of the Jack Barker Also, a very large bird. key, both bought at separate times in allegedly having fed on mulberries. Lincoln some years ago. They are not sploshed down on the bust‘s shoulder. steel, but nickel plated brass. The the stain refusing to completely wooden bases are oak and appear to be disappear despite hard work by the original to the keys (including Jack cleaning staff. The is Barker‘s) . They seem to be fairly old memorial bust in a because the knobs are ebonite. commanding position at La Perous. Ken Jones, G3RRN (SYDNEY COAST RADIO) and we Lincoln, UK trust that the future does not result in desecration by bird life and so spoil such a remarkable restoration job. Marconi Bust Incidentally. a lane just near the entrance to the Sydney Radio On 17 May 1991, a bust of Marconi, set Station gates has been named Marconi up on a magnificent red granite plinth. Lane by the local council. was unveiled at the La Perouse 3 With the takeover of the Maiitime Station (VIS) by the Italian Overseas Telecommunications Vice Consul. Commission by Telstra. and that

‘ The ceremony was conducted authority's subsequent entering of the by Warren Grace. OTC‘s General public commercial field. the Marconi Manager. Maritime and was attended ‘ bust was relocated to its present site at by leaders of the Italian community. the Old Brisbane Coast Station (VIB) MM85 — Marcfi/Hpri[2003 41 located north of Brisbane in a suburb Unfortunately there is no close to Fraser Island. publication date but it would appear to Old OTC artefacts and be the early 19203 era. Their equipment have been thrown out as explanation is as follows: Telstra. being profit orientated. had no Branly Coherer time for the history of wireless or Probably the earliest practical form of telecommunications in Australia. detector was the improved form of Our organisation. which has Branly coherer. which consisted of an very little financial punch, has been evacuated glass tube containing two endeavouring to obtain suitable silver plugs, separated by a small gap, storage facilities for Australia's in which was placed a mixture of nickel telecommunications archives but to no and silver filings. Connections to the avail. However one of our endeavours plugs were made by wires sealed in the was to safeguard a bust of Marconi, glass. The complete coherer was placed presently standing in the grounds of in circuit with a cell and some form of the old VIB/Brisbane. Queensland relay or arecording instrument. The coast radio station. I fear that in Telstra potential applied to the coherer was hands it is likely to be dumped unless adjusted until it was just insufficient to we have success in finding a museum cause the metallic filings to cohere or some such safe storage place for it in without the additional potential of an the near future. This is our problem incoming signal. An an‘angement was but the attached document relates some provided for tapping the coherer after of the history of this particular ediface. each signal to restore normal condition Bernie White ready for the next one which Overseas Telegraph Veterans necessitated a rather slow rate of Association signalling. The action of this detector was greatly interfered with by atmospheric disturbances and no means were then available for eliminating or distinguishing such from regular The Coherer signals. The operation of a nearby transmitter was very liable to put the coherer of action. I was interested in the letter in MM84 out from Geoffrey Walsh. GM4FH about Coherers and have found some Wheel Coherer background information which The next practical development the selfrestoring coherer might be of interest. was probably in the receiving Cassell published a booklet in used Lodge—Muirhead steel disc with their “Work" handbook series entitled apparatus. In this a small —"Wireless Telegraphy and a fine knife-edge was arranged so as to at a slow speed over an ebonite Telephony" - in which there is a chapter rotate The of about Detectors. tube filled with mercury. edge

42 MM85 — M2rcfi/fllprif2003 the disc touched the surface of the just ‘ longer with us. mercury which was covered with a thin I personally knew a lady film of oil. As with the Branly coherer (Joyce Auston) who passed away in a voltage had to be just sufficient to 2002, and she had mastered the break down the film of oil, applied by Intemational Morse code. the Japanese a battery. The self-reston'ng propeity Morse code. and could also understand of the coherer was obtained by the the German. Italian. and a few others rotation of the disc. that had used cryptic messaging during Ted Jones, G3EUE WWII. She was one of the de-coders West Sussex, UK during the WWII. In 2001. I had the great MM PhotocopyService privilege of having her speak at one of the ham radio clubs that I am a member of. In addition to the Morse code she Congratulations on the photocopy was very proficient in Pitman shonhand service. I am absolutely delighted with and when I came to know her she was the issues that you have provided to instructing the 200 wpm machine make my collection complete. shorthand club at Cypress College - Christopher B. Jones, G3RCU whew what a lady. Dorset, UK As the 2lst century continues there will be fewer people around from WWII that have mastered the Morse Bill Pierpont code. Kathy Stanflll, KS6CW I will miss Bill. NQHFF very much. It is Huntington Beach, California sad that he passed away. He gave us all MM 84 Info Please Russian & a special gift. his book and in addition to writing “The Art & Skill of Radio Western Electric Keys Telegraphy" he has given us permission to use his material to promote the Regarding the Russian key on page 25. learning of the Morse code. “Zemlya” means "land". so this must It was a privilege for me to be the ground connection. The other have communicated with him before one is obviously the battery connection. he passed away. I‘ll never forget him The Western Electric key stamped and the other people that were involved “OW” — my knowledge of German is with telegraphy that are now no longer not good but I doubt that “OW" stands with us. for Ost Wehrmacht. My first guess is Fewer and fewer people on that W might stand for “wirkung”. eaith are using telegraphy and know it denoting the type of operation this key as good as Bill NQHFF and the was intended for. countless other telegraphers who have Brice Wightman, VE3EDR now become pan of the past and are no Ottawa, Canada MM85 — March/flprfl2003 45 VibroplexOriginal Scratchy either tethering the moveable damper Dots arm to the fixed part of the damper frame with a short strong elastic band or, better still. fixing it in position with I have a Vibroplex Original De Luxe a tiny blob of Blu—Tak "I“ or similar on

‘ which. since new, has always had a the end of the moveable damper arm tendency to scratchy dots despite the where it meets the damper frame. By most careful adjustment. This problem fixing the moveable damper arm firmly is not apparent on either a Vibroplex ; to the fixed part. any vibrations are Lightning or a Vibroplex Champion more effectively damped. significantly which I also have. reducing or eliminating scratchy dots. I‘ve always suspected that the This simple fix has been a 100% cure problem with the Original was caused and the key is now a real pleasure to the air. by inadequate damping of the . use on ‘ pendulum when it returned to the rest I‘ve seen the fix where a small position after sending dots and was cube of foam is placed behind the dot especially noticeable on the lette1 “x“ contact itself. In my experience this is The basic problem. as I see it, not an effective fix because it is tackling is that the moveable damper arm can be the wrong problem. moved away from the rest position when Hopefully this information the pendulum returns and thus does might help another Vibroplex Original not completely damp any vibrations of user trying to solve this particular the pendulum. problem. I‘ve discovered that this John McGinty, GM4GZQ problem is eliminated by Renfrewshire, Scotland

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44 \x/ MM85 - Mzrcfi/leprJZOOj and so have to the of Auto Morse Keys not come top the restoration pile. One has a modern MM84, P12 white fig8 cable and plug att. so the owner must have been using it. The round metal label reads: With reference to the article by Gary ‘ impressed Bold in MM84. page 12 “On the Australian land—lines ...... I have two AUTO MORSE Pat No of these Auto-Morse Keys. One is : complete and original and the other 7032.14 has had the fibre finger tabs replaced K.P.Th0mas with clear plastic. It also is missing a Adelaide pendulum weight. Hitchcox Bros. Makers Fortunately I have the other to John Alcorn, VK2JWA copy from. They are complicated keys . Lismore, NSW G-QRP Club The G-QFtP Club promotes and encourages low-power operating on the amateur bands with activity periods, awards and trophies. Facilities include a quarterly magazine, Morse training tapes, kits, traders‘ discounts and a QSL bureau. Novices and SWLs welcome. Enquiries to Rev. George Dobbs G3RJV, St Aidan’s Vicarage, 498 Manchester Road, Rochdale, Lancs OL11 3HE. Send a large s.a.e. or two IRCs MM85 — {Marcfi/fllprfl2003 45 Postcard in MM84

With reference to the postcard shown in MM84 (inside back cover), this must be one of a series. I have one with the same two people in different poses. marked "A Wireless Message from Blackriver N.Y.“ Fons Vanden Berghen Halle, Belgium MM84 Info Please ATM Key

With reference to your request for info on page 33 of MM84. I have an identical specimen (A.T.M.Co.) to this key. but without the ‘ATLANTIC COLLEGE’ insc1iption. I bought it an antiques fair in Lincoln about 10 years ago. It has a very unusual spring tensioning device. This is the only other key of this type I have ever $1’nd'g73 or seen and the only spring tensioning f method in all my investigations of Morsum {Magm rcat Morse keys. f Ken Jones, G3RRN Lincoln, UK

The Radio Officers Association

Membership is open primarilyto former MN radio officers butis also open to anyone whohas had an association with Covered in a hard-wearing red grained finish maritime communications or is interested in the subject. with the magazinetitle blocked in gold on the Members receive the quarterly newsletter 080 and its spine. each binder holds twelve issues of the associated amateurcomponentQFtZ. There is an annual magazine, retained by strong wires, but easily in reunion and AGM. 2003 sees the meetingtaking place removable should the need arise. Forturtherdetails and information Newcastle-upon-Tyne. £790______UK please contact the Membership Secretary - John Russell, £8.50...... Europe World (Air Mail) 21 Landcross Drive, Northampton, NN3 3LR. £9.80...... Rest ofthe

46 Mill/[85 - M1rcfi/flpri[2003 The Art & Skill of Radio WANTED: The common tripod for a Telegraphy heliograph as in picture page 1 l of MM by William G. Pier-pout, NQHFF Issue79. Also still interestedin (somewhat Acomprehensive manual forleaming, using. mastering, special) telegraphy apparatus. Swap or improving and enjoying International Morse Code. buy. Thanks! Fons Vanden Berghen. PubRadio Amateur Educational Society (RAES) of Lenniksesteenweg 462/22. B-lSOOO Canada,236 pp. 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14 x 21.5 cm) with HALLE. Belgium. E-mail: coilbinding. fons.vandenberghen@pandorabe SHIPPED AIR MAIL FROM CANADA www.faradic.net/~gsraven/fons_images/ $16.00 USD USA $26.00 CDN Canada fons_museum.html $19.50 USDWorld £13.40 GBP UK

GlANT PRINT version - 7 x11 inch, two column. $25.00 USD USA $36.00 CDN Canadian Delivery I HAVE much telegraph surplus USD World £22.00 GBP UK $33.00 including NOS 19505 US Navy Send orders to: Radio Amateur Educational Society. Flameproofs - CMI & CJB 26003A — 8607 - 34AAvenue, Edmonton. Alberta. Canada- T6K $65 including USA mail: slightly higher 089. E-mail: orders@raes,ab,ca Please be sure to elsewhere. Also includes copy of keys include return address. Pleaseenclose your mailing a milspec. Dr. Joe Jacobs. 5 cheque. money order or IFtC in the correct amount llpage payable to the Radio Amateur Educational Society or Yorktown Place. Northport. NY— (RAES).COD orders will notbe accepted. You may also 11768. U.S.A. Phone +1—631-261- use PayPal- URL http://www.paypal.com/ using the 1576: Fax +1-754-46l6. E-mail: followingaccount: orders @ raes.ab.ca [email protected] XWM Readers advertisements are free to MM FOR SALE NSW BOOK: subscribers. The number of insertions should be “Radiotelegraph and Radiotelephone specified, otherwise it will be assumed that it is required in the next issue only. Non-subscribers Codes. Prowords and Abbreviations" are welcome to advertise in the Classified Ads 3rd Edition (236 pages). 610 gm (1.5 section. Please contact MM for styles available now available. the and rates. lbs). Probably Ads can include one photo free of charge World‘s best compilation of this info now available. Q.X.Z Codes, 142 FOR SALE & WANTED Phonetics. 24 Morse. 8 Needle codes. FOR SALE: All issues of Morsum Myer. Phillips. 10. ll. 12. 13 and other Magnificat from Issue 1. Also the codes. Much other info. abbreviations. special issue of Q & Z Codes in 1988. procedures and methods. Price AU$25 Most in mint condition. Buyer must + p&p. (in Australia $7.50) Internet: collect or arrange carriage. Offers. F. http://www.sarc.or2.aulsarcl/ R. Hamilton. G4IAV. 329 North Road. phonetichtm John Alcorn. VKZJWA. Atherton. M46 0RF. Tel: +44 (0)1 942 QTHR. Phone +61 - 02-66215217 870954. [email protected] .‘MMS5 — March/fliprfl2003 47 Letters to: D. Johnson, W5FZ. 15514 Ensenada Drive. Houston, TX 77083- KWM 5008. USA. Or Email: w5fz@an‘l.net

WANTED: Handbook of WANTED TO BUY: Telegraphic Code TEXTBOOK for Books. as used to reduce the costs of Technical Instruction Wireless seventh edition — telegrams by replacing common phrases Telegraphists, (1942 with codewords. Would be interested 44) edition by Dowsett and Williams (Iliffe). A is offered. in both originals of photocopies. I am a good price plus David hobbyist in Cryptography and am postage costs. Smith, ZL2BBB, PO Box 255, Hastings, New Zealand. facinated in different ways data is and has been represented for different [email protected] purposes (e.g. speed. economy. WANTED: Back issues of Morsum Also interested in confidentiality etc.) Magnificat. Volumes 1 thru 23, 25, 27, related items. Letters to Mark Darling. 28 and 30 are needed. Please contact 132 Knowlands. Highworth. SN6 7NE. Dennis P. Skea. KC2CCZ, 25 Argent United Kingdom or e—mail: Drive, Poughkeepsie. New York 12603, [email protected]—way.co.uk USA. +1 (845) 298 - 0951 E-mail: KC2CCZ@an‘l.net I AM A KEY with COLLECTOR over FOR SALE: Morsum Magnificat nos 300 different keys from 20 countries and 6, 9—1 I, 13—54, 56, 58, 60-76. 65 copies have 50 keys available for swapping. £125 o.n.o. including postage and Write to Henri Heraud. F6AOU 9 packing. Geoff Newland, 32 The Grove, Avenue de Bellevue. 91130 RIS Winscombe, North Somerset BSZS 11H. Telephone (mobile) 07802 786564. E- ORANGIS. FRANCE. mail: [email protected]

EXCHANGE: I have MM magazines, WANTED TO BUY: Back issues of issues 36—801nc(45mags)to exchange for MM nos. 6. 9 to 22 inclusive. Also a Vibroplex double—paddle. Can collect/ 19608 NATO Navy key (5805—99-580— deliver in UK. Phone Keith +44 (0)7946— 8558). Please contact Stephen Pan‘y. 663109. G4LJZ, E-mail: [email protected] WANTED: Early paddles such as the Nikey. Autronic, Ham-key HK1& HK2. 41 — 83 Ray Bullock. 40 Little Harlescott Lane, FOR SALE: MM issues for lot. Shrewsbury SYl 3PY. England. Tel: +44 complete as new, Offers the HD (0) 1743 245896. Heathkit Electronic Keyer Model 1410 unmarked with manual, offers. plus carriage. E. H. Trowell G2HKU. WANTED TO BUY: GPO Type 56 ‘Hamlyn', Saxon Avenue. Minster, key and Marconi side-lever Morse key Sheerness. Kent, ME12 2RP, UK. with brass hardware on a wooden base. Telephone 01795 873100. 48 MM85 - .‘Murcfi/filpriQOm £28.33

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