May 1999 Mwiwt

Numﬁer 63 — May 1999 MWiwt

T/ie {Plieonix - MIKE’R EDITORIALAND SUBSCRIPTION OFFICES: Morsum Magnificat.The Poplars. Wistanswick, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 ZBA. England. Phone: +44 (0) 1630 638306 FAX: +44 (0) 1630 638051

MORS UM MAGNIFICAT wasﬁrstpublishedas a quarterlymagazine in Holland, in 1983‘, by the late Rinus Hellemons PAOBFN.It has been producedfour, than six times a year in Britain since I 986, and up to January 1999 was published and edited by Tony Smith, G4FAI and GeoffArnold, G3GSR. It aims to provide international coverage of all aspects of Morse telegraphy, past present and future. MORSUM MAGNIFICAT is for all Morse enthusiasts, amateur or professional, active or retired. It brings together material which would otherwise be lost to posterity. providing an invaluable source of interest. reference and record relating to the traditions and practice of Morse. EDITOR Zyg Nilski 0301(1) e-mail: [email protected] MM home page — http://www.morsum.demon.co.uk

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This is printed on the top line of the address label. Also, we shall jog your memory with a renewal reminder included with that final issue. MM Back Issues Issues Nos. 3|, 32, 34—36 and 38—62 available from the Editorial offices (see top of page). Price including postage £2.50 each to UK: £2.70 to Europe; £2.85 Rest of the World by airmail. Deduct 20% if ordering 3 or more.

FRONT COVER ”The Pheonix" - made by Robert W. Betts, NIKPR. “A plain old design with in highlypolished yellow brass. A pretty key " Photo: NI KPR Camment

Since taking on MM in January this year there ‘ News seems to have been increasing media interest in MM NZART Proposes New and Morse. It started with a local BBC Radio station Amateur Licence recording a short piece for a morning magazine 12 Early Wireless programme, followed by another on Radio 5 Live. Telegraphy in the USA

A few days later BBC Midlands TV came for a 1 l7 Morse by Steam Whistle morning to film the working of MM, including a 18 Telegraphist’s Cramp demonstration of a land-line sounder system and 21 Remote Control of W/T some live CW working on 7 MHz band. This E Transmission/Reception translated into a 6 minute news item about MM ‘ 24 Showcase which also included some original archive film of a 26 Reminiscences of young Marconi giving a demonstration. The next Wellington Telegraph week a further interview took place for a half-hour 31 Readers Survey programme entitled ‘Morse Story’ to be broadcast 32 The Step Behind Habit on BBC Radio 4 on 3rd June at 11.30pm. 33 Providing Morse Practice During the making of the latter, I was asked to ‘ 34 R-Codes & S-Codes, Pre- offer an opinion as to why the media have taken an 1 1912 Brevity Codes increasing interest in Morse over the past year. Well ‘ 36 Info Please — until those interviews took place, I had noticed no 38 Morse Code in Modern such phenomenon, but if the media believe this, it Aviation will become a self—fulfilling prophecy! 40 A Key With a History Someenquiriesfollowed, including a ‘new 41 Book Review — The generation’ of Morse enthusiasts; the increasing Victorian Internet number of people who enjoy active, and sometimes 42 Clubs & Societies

early,retirements,pursuing those interestsfor which 3 43 Your Letters there was never quite enough time earlier in life. ‘ 46 Bookshelf MM’s e—mailboxis becoming busier these days too 46 MM Back Issue Service — from the young, especially in the USA seeking ‘ 47 Readers Ads material for their school projects on Morse. Who 48 Letters — continued said Morse was dead! 48 MM Binders What month is it? This is MM, Issue 63 and would normally have ‘April’ printed on the cover. Considering MM is published in the last week of a month, the one on the cover has been ‘ adverts notched up by one to better reﬂect the date received, G-QRP Club particularly overseas. It will now read ‘May, July, Radio Bygones September, etc. There is NO in the change timing of 3 Cal-AV Labs publication. FISTS Zyg Nilski G30KD MEGS W63 — May 1999 New President of IARU

In voting completed on Friday, March Examiner will use GBQCW and the 12, the member—societies of the DeputyChiefMorseExaminerGBQMTS. International Amateur Radio Union, Therewill be 30 differentstations the election of 13th overwhelmingly ratified . active and a Morse Test Service

Larry E. Price, W4RA, as President, and 1 anniversary certificate will be available David A. Wardlaw, VK3ADW, as Vice I to any amateur who makes contact with at President, for five—yearterms beginning least 10 of the GB stations. The certificate May 9, 1999. ‘ will be of similar design to the previous Mr. Price was first licensed at awards in order to form a matching set, age 16 in 1951 and has held elected with a Green and Gold border this year. offices in the American Radio Relay The cost is £2.50 (cheque or postal order League (ARRL)continuously forthe past made out to RSGB), $5 or 6 IRC’S. 27 years, including service as President 3 Applicationswith log extracts only should from 1984 to 1992. be sent to the Chief Morse Examiner, He succeeds Richard L. DavidWaterworth, G4HNF, 1 16 Reading who served as IARU RG5 3 AD. Baldwin, WlRU, , Road, Woodley, Reading, President from 1982. Mr. Wardlaw QSL cards are not required to claim the succeeds Michael J. Owen, VK3KI, who award, which is also available to listeners. served as Vice President from 1989. Activity will be concentrated in (RAC Bulletin) ‘ the 80 and 40 metre bands and in order to to apply for the ‘ encourage newcomers RSGB MORSE TEST award each team will spend some time calling slowly in the Novice CW section - 13th SERVICE of the 80 metre band, above 3560 kHz. ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND The event is not a contest and examiners will be happy to reply at any preferred Morse teams will again be on the air calling speed. There are no restrictions on test i all welcome during the 13th anniversary weekend of the type ofMorsekey used, are ofidentification to call in and enjoy the friendship. The the 8th-9thMay. For ease ‘ all stations will use a special event GBQ special event stations are: prefix,followedby acounty or city suffix. Chief Morse Examiner e.g. Norfolk will use GBQNOR and GBQCW London GBQLDN. The Chief Morse (G4HNF) 2 M91463 — May 1999 GBQMTS Deputy Chief Morse Radio Officers Association Examiner (G3RVM) AGM & Exhibition GBQARM Co Armagh GBQATM Co Antrim The 2nd Annual General Meeting of the GBQBFD Bedfordshire Radio Officers’ Association will take GBflBLY Bumley, Lanes place in Liverpool on Saturday 15th May GBQBRK Berkshire 1999. The venue is the Atlantic Tower GBflCNL Cornwall (Poldbu) Hotel which forms part of the GBQDFD Dyfed internationallyrecognised seafront0fthi s GBflDVN Devon maritime city. GBflDYS Derbyshire The meeting will occupy the GBQfFMH Co. Fermanagh morning and will include an exhibition GBQGDD Gwynedd of an integratedGMDSScommunications GBQGRN Grampian station by T.S.A. (whose Director is a GBQHUM Humberside member ofthe association), and a display GBQHLD Highland ofMorsekeys owned by GeorgeRobbins. GBQKNT Kent During the afternoon the GBQLCN Lincolnshire delegates and partners will visit the GBQLEC Leicestershire Historic Warships on the East Float, GBflLDN London Birkenhead. The Exhibition consists of GBQLNH Lancashire HMS Plymouth, which saw action GBQMCH Manchester throughout the Falklands campaign and GBQMSY Merseyside HMS Onyx, which was the only GBQNOR Norfolk non-nuclear submarine to take part in the GBQPEM Pembrokeshire same conflict. This submarine carried a ‘ GBQSCD Strathclyde crew plus twenty men from the SAS and GBQSFD Staffordshire SBS - she was so crowded that she was GBQTAU Taunton, Somerset nicknamed ‘The Sardine’s Revenge’. GBQSXE Sussex East The German submarine U534 is GBflYSE Yorkshire East also on display together with the GBQYSN Yorkshire North Liverpool Bar Lightship, ‘Planet’. Members ofthe Liverpool Marine Radio and Electronics Society will be on—board GW4XXF ‘Planet’ to display a selection of 1950’s The last issue of MM included a and 60’s marine radio communications colourinsertin whichBruceMorris’s equipment manufactured by Siemens, callsign was was incorrectly printed AEI, IMRCo and Marconi. as G4XXF. This should have been On board HMS Plymouth the

GW4XXF. A poor reward for all the 1 RNARS amateur radio station GBZPLY help and material Bruce offered in will be active. Since many members of ‘ the preparation of the insert. My ROA are licensed it is hoped that this apologies - Ed station will hold the net frequencies of

W63 — May 1999 3 3520 and 7020 kHz during the visit and education authoritieswill needto approve kits will that delegates will be able to get on the the course content. Construction and air. The AGM Dinner will be held at the then need to be designed, provided Atlantic Tower Hotel on Saturday funded. A Curriculum 2005 pilot scheme in 400 evening. is already underway some primary The Association was formed in schools around the country, and it is be 1995 and has over 180 members. For hoped that the Leamer’s Licence can as details on joining the association please incorporated into that scheme as early contact:John Russell,21 LanderossDrive the year 2000. Abington Vale, Northampton NN3 3LR. (Info: IARURegion 1 News,March 1999) (John Loughlin, RAO) Year 2000 - World Radio Conference New Novice Licence Proposed for South Africa The next ITU World Radio Conference (WRC—2000)will be held in Turkey from The SouthAfrican RadioLeague (SARL) 7th May to 2nd June, 2000. It was is proposing a new Novice Licence, to be expected that this conference would called the Radio Amateur Learner’s review Article 525 of the international Licence.Broadlybased on the UK Novice radio regulations. It covers the Amateur licence, and aimed at the 10—14 year age andAmateurSatellite Services,including group, the course will be conducted in a the Morse code requirements for classroom environment and will contain operation below 30 MHz. Due to other a number ofpractical projects. These will agendapriorities, however,consideration includeconstructionof a Morseoscillator, of these matters will not take place until an audio amplifier, a simple receiver and WRC—2003, or even later. a simple CW transmitter. (From Tony Smith) The intention of the licence is to introduce amateur radio into schools through the classroom and for it to be part RAFARS Slow An educational ofthe school curriculum. Net known as Curriculum 2005 Morse programme Radio aims to introduce “outcomes based” The Royal Air Force Amateur increase the use of practical teaching into schools to address Society is trying to it the shortage of technicians and artisans CW. To encourage diffident operators, in South Africa. The proposed Learner’s now has a QRS (slow Morse) calling is also Licence is designed to fit into the frequency, on 3.566 MHZ. There a on Curriculum 2005 programme. QRS net on the same frequency time. There is still much work to be done. Thursdays at 1900 hours, local Journal of the Once approved by SATRA, the (Info from ‘QRV’, telecommunications regulatory body, the RAFARS, Spring 1999) 4 571191163 — May 1999 New Canadian at last, an appropriate home for the Territory VYfl Marconi archives which meets all the - stringent criteria we established originally.” The Canadian of Territory Nunuvut, A charitable trust exclusive for VYQ, came into effect on 1 April, 1999. the purpose and in accord with advice To reflect this new addition, Nunavut and guidance from the Museums and will become in the a separate multiplier GalleriesCommission,will be established RAC with two Contests, commencing and the Collection will be transferred the RAC Canada Day Contest on July 1, from GEC’ 5 Technology Centre at Great 1999. Baddow, near Chelmsford. The new (Guy Charron, Bulletin Editor, Radio Essex Record Office now under Amateurs of Canada) construction in Chelmsford and due for completion in Spring, 2000, will house the ephemera - predominantly GEC makes the Marconi paper-based materials - and the artefacts will be displayed in premises to be Collection Safe identified in due course. “Chelmsford, more than Theuniquecollectionofarchivematerials anywhere else, certainly in the UK, has and artefacts reflecting the work, life and had the most profound and continuous times of Guglielmo Marconi has been relationship with Marconi the man, and saved for the posterity in an agreement t the Company for most of this century,” between GEC and the Essex Record said Sir Roger. “And, indeed, this is the Office andChelmsfordBoroughCouncil. centenary of Marconi’s acquisition of This agreement satisfies all the concerns premises in Hall Street, for the world’s expressed in recent years and will ensure first radio factory Therefore, it is the collection is safe, intact, conserved, absolutely fitting that the final resting displayed and easily accessible to the place of the Collection should be

‘ public. established in Chelmsford to the mutual Sir Roger Hurn, newly benefit of all”. appointed Chairman of GEC, said “We Some 25 key items from the are delighted that a solution has been Collection are currently on loan and on worked out to everyone’s beneﬁt. Great display as part of ‘The BBC Experience’ credit is due to the County of Essex and in London to celebrate 75 years of the Borough of Chelmsford to help find, broadcasting.

Wanted Articles, Letters or Pictures on Aviation Morse - Contact MM

W63 — May 1999 RSGB Appoints New Argentinian Clubs Chief Morse Examiner Commemorate Historical DX

the 1924 QSO At the Council meeting on 27'h March the In commemoration of CB8 from RSGB appointed a new Chief Morse between Carlos Braggio, with Ivan Examiner and Deputy. They are David Bernal, near Buenos Aires, New Waterworth, G4HNF and Ian Trusson, O’Meara, ZZAC, in Gisborne, will GSRVM. The RSGB paid tribute to the Zeland, Radio Club of Argentina station. workdone by their predecessors, “Whilst operate a special event used the 105 to 125 and 150 welcoming David Waterworth, G4HNF CB8 to QSO some and Ian Trusson, G3RVM to the team as to 200 meters bands trying close to Chief Morse Test Examiner and Deputy ARRL members in USA. Very Aires sunrise, he and his son respectively, the Society recognises the the Buenos tiredand whenthey decided part played by Roy Clayton werevery just important heard the and Geoff Pritchard in making the Morse to QRT the CW station, they i were Test Service the efficient organisation it ZZAC call and signal reports is today.” exchanged. s transmitter was a The Society wishes both Roy and . Carlo Braggio’ excited oscillator with 4 Geoff a peaceful retirement and hopes Hartley auto 203A tubes running about that they will both continue to enjoy good Radiotron 300 watts. The receiver was a two tube health and of course CW operation for , regenerative which is now in the Radio many years to come” David Waterworth also Club of Argentina Museum. 33 high with commended the achievements of his The mast was meters a very complex 8 wires cage antenna near predecessor , “I am taking over a fully Plate. functioning servicebuilt up overten years the River ZZAC confirmed the QSO using a through the hard work and dedication of Western Telegraph Company telegram, Roy Clayton and loyalty of his team”. He ‘..via Madeira...’ added, “Roy has been especially helpful marked This onethe pioneeringQSOs during these early weeks in my new role was which demonstrated the long range to ensure a smooth hand—over of the over the long service.” benefits of short waves

G-QRP Club The G-QRP Club promotes and encourages low-power operating and Facilities on the amateur bands with activity periods, awards trophies. traders’ discounts include a quarterly magazine, Morse training tapes, kits, and a QSL bureau. Novices and SWLs welcome. Aidan’s Enquiries to Rev. George Dobbs G3RJV, St Vicarage, 3HE. Send a 498 Manchester Road, Rochdale, Lancs 0L11 large s.a.e. or two lRCs

W63 — May 1999 MM wavelengthsusedby commercialstations Competition at the time. Win Watson W-GMC TheRadio Club ofArgentina will a operate a special prefix station, L75CB, Key in all bands/modes from 16-23 May. A award and commemorative QSL special The next issue ofMM will include card will be sent to all CW QSOs on May for :1 Watson 2 1 st. a competition key. the GACW This hand-made straight key During same period from Minorca is will be using a special prefix as follows: gold-plated on brass, and mounted on a sapele wooden base. LU will be L2 — (LU 1 DZ will be L21DZ) LW will use L3 - (LW8XW = L38XW) - to - AZ will use L4. good use or display Alberto U. Silva, LUIDZ (GACW) The competition will be open Product News to all MM readers. New Two Keys Announced Look out for the entry form in the next issue. Please remember Waters & Stanton, Essex, England have that if you share a magazine, an announced two new offerings to their extra copy will be required for alreadyconsiderablerangeofMorsekeys. both readers to enter the The two new models are additions to competition. their Watson range of keys. The first, a ‘straight’ key Watson ModelW-CRVOT The prize is courtesy of Waters with an audio oscillator built into a & Stanton PLC. wooden base, is particularly aimed at the newcomerto Morsebut aimsto be equally suitable for serious ‘on-the—air’ working Do You Visit the by easy disconnection of the oscillator. MM Web Page? The second key, Watson Model W-CRIOK is an iambic twin-paddle key The Morsum Magnificat web page has with electroniccircuitsbuilt into awooden had 23,700 visitors in less than 21/2 years, base. currently upwards of 50 visitors per day. There will be full review of both One purpose of the site is to provide the keys in the next issue of MM. Both keys maximum number of links to the world are hand—crafted, gold plated on brass of Morse telegraphy. If you know of any with ebony knobs and priced at £49.95 other Morse sites to which links should and £99.95 respectively from: Waters & be provided, please contact the Editor. Stanton PLC, 22 Main Road, Hockley, Ideas and views on what additional Essex SS5 4QS. Tel:+44(0) l 702 206835 services could be provided at the site email:[email protected] would be greatly welcomed. W63 — May 1999 7 Neil/5feature

NZART Proposes New Amateur Licence A Report By Tony Smith G4FAI has been Background Amateur Morse test. There also how the Radio Against the wishes of the New Zealand much discussion on Association of Radio Transmitters Regulations could be interpreted, with that the (NZART), its national amateur radio some proponents suggesting 12 minute formal society, New Zealand’s Administration speed of the words per 5 8 and proposed to the 1995 ITU World Radio test could be reduced to or wpm Conference (WRC), the abolition of the still meet the international requirement. has Morsetest required to qualify for amateur Now, NZART (an IARU member), to radio operation below 30MHZ. proposed a new examination system has The matter was deferred for its Ministry of Commerce that no the consideration by a later WRC. Since that formal Morse tests but meets of the time, the International Amateur Radio perceived requirements for Union has formulated proposals for a international Radio Regulations revision of the Radio Regulations amateur operation below 30 MHZ. builds on existing covering amateur radio as a whole, not The proposed system licence and the same just the Morse requirement, and has grades of uses It retains the concluded there should be no reduction examinations as before. holders, in the minimum qualifications for a privileges of existing licence of to existing license to operate an amateur station. It and is capable adaptation considers, however, that the actual license systems in other countries. definition of requirements should no Both Sides the Arguement? longer be part of the Radio Regulations Meets of the existing themselves. Due to the demands of more It is intended to modify until such time that a WRC pressing agendaitems, consideration has NZ system been further deferred and it is still unclear decidesto abolishthe Morserequirement, deferments when the IARU submission will but in view of the several it be some long eventually be considered by a WRC. already experienced may time before such a matter is considered at Much Controversy a WRC. will the end of the Since 1995, controversy has raged “No-coders” see have been around the world over the need for an formal Morse test, which they — 1999 8 W63 May campaigning for, and Morse enthusiasts Theory examination. will see a continuation of the present Privileges situation. Some recruits to amateur radio, A. Operation in the 144-148 MHz band having had the opportunity to try Morse with all modes at Entry low power communication, will take up the mode level

‘ seriously, thus continuing the present B. Transmission of Morse code signals at small but significant flow of newcomers Entry Grade low power level in the which keeps amateur CW alive and well. band 3525 to 3625 kHz. C. Operation in the Entry (previously Summary of Proposals Novice) Grade segments of some HF o The existing NZ Morse tests of 6 bands, using all modes and Entry after wpm and 12 wpm are eliminated. Gradelow power level, obtaining There is no formal requirement for a proof of 25 satisfactory Morse code Morse test at any speed. contacts with 25 different stations on 6 0 Existing Regulations and Theory 80-metres, andthe expiry of months examinations remain unchanged. from the first such contact. The 0 License grade names are changed. additional all-mode frequencies then Three grades only are recommended, available would be 3.525 3.625, “Entry”, “Technician” and 21.10-21.20 and 28.10—28.60 MHz. “General”. D. The Entry Grade 6-month and 25- credit 0 Existing NZ Novice frequency contact requirement is also a allocations are retained, butrenamed for the General Grade requirement. A for the Entry Grade. pass in the Entry Grade Regulations retake 0 Existing two power levels are examination, requires only a retained, the lower for Entry Grade of the Theory exam with a 50 percent and the higher for Technician and pass to upgrade to Technician or General Grades. General Grade as appropriate. See 0 Callsigns are retained permanently below. after their initial issue, through all Technician Grade grades, unless a voluntary request Examination requirement forchange is made. All otherfeatures 50 percent pass in the Regulations and aspects of ZL calls remain examination. 50 percent pass in the unchanged. Theory examination. (Credit given for a 0 It is not a progressive licensing pass in the Regulations Exam for Entry system. Direct entry to all grades is Grade) possible. Privileges Proposed New Grades, Requirements & A. Operation on all amateur bands above Privileges 30 MHZ with full amateur radio Entry Grade privileges. Examination requirement B. Transmission ofMorse code signals at 50 percent pass in the Regulations Entry Grade low power level in the examination. 30 percent pass in the band

W63 — May 1999 9 3525 to 3625 kHz. the air. Listening to Morse tapes is a poor C. Afterobtainingproof of 25 satisfactory substitute for an inter-active experience. Morse code contacts with 25 different In this proposal a person must “know stations on 80-metres, and the expiry the code” before being able to use CW on of6 monthsfrom the first suchcontact, the air at any speed. The mandatory 25 aTechnician Grade licensee can apply CW QSOs constitute 25 informal “tests”, for a General Grade licence to operate with experienced CW operators acting as with full privileges on all amateur “testers” and providing proof-of—contact hands. This process can be short— QSL cards as evidence that each QSO circuited by obtaining a voluntary exhibited adequate communication skills “Morse Achievement Certificate” of irrespective of the speed used. at least 12 wpm to provide faster entry As a built-in security factor, the to theGeneralGrade.Seedetailsbelow proposal includes provision for the Administration to monitor the performance ofthe scheme and to require General Grade demonstrations of code proficiency from Examination requirement persons qualifying under the 6 months/ 50 percent pass in the Regulations 25 QSOs requirement if considered examination. 50 percent pass in the necessary. Theory examination. (Credit given for a At one time, New Zealand amateurs pass in the Technician Grade Exam). Six were required to have at least one year’s months on—air experience plus 25 CW operation on the 80m band with at least contacts on 80-metres, or possession of a 50 CW QSOs (after passing a Morse test) 12-wpm voluntary Morse Achievement before qualifying for operation on other Certificate. bands and other modes. The new Privileges: proposals are for a drastically modified A. Full amateur radio privileges, i.e. all version of the old scheme, cutting the modes, all bands, full power levels. qualifying period and number of QSOs requiredby half, and abolishingthe formal Rationale Morse test altogether. There is nothing in the international Radio Regulations to say that an Advantages Claimed Administration itself must carry out The objective is to produce operators, Morse testing, nor is any minimum speed technicians and communicators with the of transmission or reception specified. skills needed foroperatingintheamateur Morse operating privileges are self- environment below 30 MHZ. On-air limiting. They can’t be exercised without experience is valuable training. There is a knowledge of Morse. If there is such an incentive to improve communication knowledge a test is redundant. skills. It is active amateur radio The best way to become proficient in involvement. Morse, and to understand why some Eliminating the formal Morse tests operators enjoy it so much, is to use it on removes what are seen as obstacles by 10 W63 — May 1999 somecandidates,andthe needto formally speeds the certificate would provide define a Morse test pass—speedand error- challenge and satisfaction to individuals rate requirement is removed. Eliminating wishing to demonstrate their proficiency these tests also removes the need for a in the code. formal Morse testing structure, but It is proposed that existing NZART continues the need for accredited Morse accredited Morse Testers should test for Testers to administer the voluntary thecertiﬁcate which, at the lZ-wpm level, “Morse Achievement Certificate”. would require candidates to send code by On—air operating is friendly and hand and receive computer generated informal. The sterile “code-speed error— code by ear. Certificates will be issued rate” thinking promoted by formal code for whatever speeds are attained, and tests is replaced by on-air communication under this system there would be no effectiveness and experience with the failed tests. use of code in actual practice. Many operators will become involved in the Present Status ofProposal scheme,sharingin the trainingandtesting The proposal has been discussed with of newcomers,creating acompletely new various branches of NZART and with community function. many individual radio amateurs. Support It is suggested that present-day is immense from all grades of licence- computer training methods for holder. introducing operators to Morse code are At its meeting on 1st December 1998, such that the first on—air contacts should the NZART Council gave unanimous be of adequate standard for satisfactory support to the proposal apart from one first communication. abstention. The New Zealand Administration, the Voluntary Morse Achievement Ministry of Commerce, has now been Certiﬁcate asked by NZART to consider the This certificate would have several proposal. purposes. It could provide a fast track to the General Licence for anyone wishing (Readers’ views will be welcomed0n the to take that route, particularly those with NZART proposal, particularly on the previous experience of Morse in the suggestion that the scheme is capable of Armed Forces or in commercial practice. adaptation to existing license systems in A 12—wpm certificate would meet the other countries. All constructive fast track requirement. It would also meet comments received, bothforand against the current requirements of a reciprocal the proposed scheme, will be published licence which permits amateur radio in MM, but we reserve the right to edit operation in other countries. At higher long submissions! Ed.) MM

z t Wanted: - articles and tips on making and restoring keys - contact MM

W63 — May 1999 11 fig“. Early Wireless N OPERATOR’S Wireless Telegraphy in the Telegraph and Telephone Handbook,by V.H. Laughter, USA Technical Director, American Wireless Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA, was published in 1909. It outlined various technical aspects of wireless telegraphy theory and practice and stressed the By Ted Jones, G3EUE absolute necessity that students should be able to send and receive messages over the wire line by Morse code. If possible, such skill should be mastered before taking up the study of wireless L telegraphy because “when one had learned how to send and receive over the Morseinstruments one could rest assured abroad. the of one’s ability to send and receive over in the USA and Among known were the wireless set.” American systems the best Fessenden As there were many valuable those of De Forest, Massie, bookson themarketrelatingto instruction and Stone. While each employed some forwire operators, no further explanation method of connecting the was given regarding actual operating special up the book, at this time wireless various circuits, there was, says (presumably and in the USA were using little difference between them they operators plan. American Morse. Ed). were all based on the same general used, direct However, much was made in Two common circuits were Direct coupling the book of the difficulties and problems or inductively coupled. used DeForest,Fessenden for operators of spark transmitters, was broadly by while the Stone system was particularly their lack oftuning. As a rule and Massie, of thumb, it suggested, the approximate inductively coupled. wavelengthofatransmitting stationcould be determined by multiplying the height De Forest System ofthe best known American of an aerial by a factor of four! This was one systems,inventedby and putinto practical Forest. His instruments Systems useby Dr. Lee De Principal cities of the At that time a number of different were in use in the principal United States, and were said to be on the systemswere in use or underdevelopment — 1999 12 W63 May majority of vessels (presumably a reference to American vessels).

Transmitter: A. 110 volt AC primary supply (with key in circuit). Secondary winding - 25,000 volts. B. Condenserdischarges through inductance ‘C’ and spark-gap ‘D’

l Fleceiver: E. Aerial switch F. Tuning coil. Contact adjustment for wavelength. 6. Detector. ’ H. Telephone receiver. Tuning condenser.

Circuit of De Forest Wireless Telegraph Set

Stone System This system embodied a number of unique features, the principal one being that the set was inductively coupled to the aerial. No aeri a] switch was required because the key automatically broke the circuit when operated. It had one distinct advantage

I STONE

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. Will Complete Sending and Receiving Circuit of the Stone System W63 — May 1999 the over all others - the operator could be interrupted whilst sending. (Probably very first example of full ‘break—in’. Ed.) ‘C’ built of The spark-gap consisted of six brass balls. The condenser was up will be noted glass plates coated with tin foil and sealed in beeswax. A difference and between the method of connecting up the spark-gap and condenser in the De Forest inductance coil whilst Stone systems. In the De Forest set, the gap is in series with the the the condensers bridge the transformer secondary terminals. The Stone method was condenserin series with reverse, with the gap bridging the secondary terminals and the the inductance.

Massie System Rhode This system was invented by Mr. Walter W. Massie of Providence, Island. It was developed to a high practical stage with a number of sets in government use as well as in long—distance use for private concerns. Massie also invented the Oscillaphone, a very simple and sensitive detecting have device which was widely used by wireless telegraph experimenters. This must Massie sets had some limitations, however, because for long distance communication

Order N23423. Massie. Wireless Telegraph Cu. Providenca R.I. Contract: NSIDSGi 5:5 Corps SpleGIpMOQIr‘ U I, ; Fun-2"}.-n“ -,. . ”tum!“ Switch Net-fire Controﬁn Condcnltv' Ammun-

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‘ﬁr Grouna lﬂcnmd smut. Fattn‘vomullr [MR—- ”OVA c. Batter; novDC Wiring Diagram Circuit of Massie Wireless Telegraph Set

— 1999 14 W63 May were usually equipped with a liquid detector, which was more sensitive and reliable. An additional device was also provided which cooled the spark gap and was said to improve radiation. The circuit illustrated is in a simplified form. The complete Fessenden set embodies a ‘secrecy sender’ (it’s purpose, and how it was achieved is not specified) and an interference preventer. Both of these could be used with good advantage but with a reduced transmission range. Professor Fessenden perfected a number of instruments including the liquid detector, which was claimed to be the most sensitive detecting device yet used. Fessenden System

43 .35 g \D

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SimplifiedFessenden Sending and Receiving Circuit

Transmitter Receiver

A AC generator E Tuning coil B Spark gap F Detector C Condenser G Condenser D Inductance H Head phones I Double roller potentiometer K Batten]

Rules and Regulations The following extracts from “Naval Rules and Regulations for Wireless Stations”as listedin the handbookindicatewhat was expected in, or thoughtdesirablefor, ship and shore wireless stations at that time: W63 — May 1999 15 Operating rooms below the water line are decidedly less efficient than those on the upper deck.

The instruments should be mounted on the table so that they are at safesparking distance from each other and from any part of the operating room.

The receiving instruments should be as far away from the sending instruments as practicable. The induction coil or transformer may be mounted on the bulkhead or under the table. Connections should be as direct as possible and well insulated by air or other non—conductors. Sharp turns should be avoided on account of brush discharges, as if electricity were travelling too fast to turn corners.

A sending set working at low power with all connections good, closed and open circuit in resonance, no sparking from the edge of the condenser, jar or plates, nor glow from the aerial and no sparking to the rigging, is utilising its power much more efficiently and will probably be heard farther than the same set pushed to the limit, but out of resonance and with high resistance connections sparking at all points. In any case use only Current and gap necessary for good readable signals when sending to stations at known distances.

The best adjustment for receiving different stations shouldbe recorded In the current issue of all or memorized by operators. R i. All contacts should be inspected frequently, particularly the ground BngI/ZBS connection. The insulation the vintage wireless magazine . resistance of the aerial should be . The Perdio Town & Country Range tested monthly and all insulation . The Halicrafters 8X20 aloft inspected frequently. Hard ‘Sky Champion’ rubber insulators tend to char on the - US Military radio equipment database & surface. of accessories components - The Polish BP-S Annual subscription (6 issues): mustavoidashortorjerky Operators UK _ £18 50_ Europe _ £19 50_ Rest style of sending. Dots and dashes of the World £23.75. must be firm and of proper relative Or send £315 for a sample copy lengths, as must also the intervals. For further details, contact and G Arnold Partners The spark must kept white Mammy” c crackling and have consrderable 9 WetherbyClose W Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8JB— volume Phone/fax 01202 658474 (Ref: Operator‘s Wireless Telegraph and Telephone Handbooki V. H. Laughter, 1909) 16 W63 — May 1999 impeding all telegraphic communications. Morse by Steam Edison was equal to the opportunity, he commandeered a locomotive engine and whistled again Whistle and again on it, in the Morse alphabet, “Hallo, Sarnia; Sarnia do you get what I say?” For a time there was no reply, but John Packer at last, from an engine on the other bank came the desired response, clear, cheery, and intelligible. Communication was re-established, and as long as the river remained ice-bound the messages passed here is a story of the inventor, through betweenthe cities on the whistles Thomas Edison, whose ingenuity of locomotive engines.” when at Port Huron saved two I don’t think today’s eight bit towns from great inconvenience. The computer code is capable of the variety winter had been unusually severe, and of ways of emergency communication towards its close the masses of ice had available in morsel- J.E.P. formed in such bulk and with such (Researched by John Packer, Hon. tremendous force as to sever the cable Curator, Museum of Submarine between Mount Huron and the Canadian Telegraph)y — Porthcurno (extract from city of Sarnia, rendering the mile and a “AllAboutElectricity ” by Gordon Knox. half of river totally impassable, and Cassel & C0. July [914. P27)

u I :15 sm‘s Yau eat one HEL‘K— or A Lyman“!

W63 — May 1999 17 Telegraphists’ Cramp AM A PHYSIOLOGIST - interested in muscles and their Some control systems' and have been looking up the medical literature on Early Observations telegraphists’ cramp. This, a “trade palsy”, prevented telegraphists from continuing in their employment, although the would ifthey werefortunate employer By E. Geoffrey Walsh, M.D. move them to work requiring a different set of movements such as the writing of GM4FH messages.Thecondition was one in which they could not continue to make the required motion. Little, was, and indeed is, known about the underlying reasons for this unfortunate state but often, it had studied seems, muscles pulling in opposite conditions at first hand. He directions (antagonists) contracted at the medicine in Edinburgh, completing the same time instead of appropriately and four—yearcourse in 1884 with first class rhythmically alternating as required. honours, and the article is based on Treatments were unavailing but a rest personal knowledge, as he had come from telegraphy for several monthsmight across four cases of the condition and had lead to improvement. been told of three others. I recently came across a carefully Fulton was to have a distinguished written article on this subject in “The scientific career becoming Edinburgh Clinical and Pathological Superintendent of Scientific Journal” for February 1884. There is a Investigations under the Fishery Board and he undertook much copy in the stores of the library of the for Scotland Fellow Royal College of Surgeons, Nicolson experimental work. He became a Street. The account is in Volume 1, the of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and in only volume ever published, and there is died in 1929', there is an obituary of that a rather sad little note at the end saying Volume 49 of the Proceedings of 800 that thejournal would not appearthe next Society. He had published a book 1 ofthe year! pages in 191 on “The Sovereignty It is a noteworthy article because Sea.” of the background of the author, one Fulton calculated that a and Thomas Wemyss Fulton. He had been a telegraphist made between 30,000 telegraphist so he knew the operating 40,000 contractions per hour (although — 1999 18 W63 May Figure 1. Use of the Wheatstone Perforator to make holes in paper tape. the basis for these figures, in my opinion, of their great capacitance there was a is somewhat questionable)? He wrote of much more “restricted bandwidth” and the operator: signals could not be sent rapidly. Those “...on busy circuits he may be operators evidently never suffered from engagedconstantlyfornearlyeight hours. cramp. The limitation ofthe range of movement; It is, of course incorrect to believe the great number of contractions, their that in the 19‘h century telegraphic rapidity, difference of duration, and communication was solely by the use of variability of succession, constitute the what we would nowcall “straight” Morse important and differential features of the keys‘. Some signals were sent by using Morse manipulation.” two levers to control a single needle that With telegraphists’ cramp Fulton moved to the right or the left according to noted that often: the polarity of the current. The movement “...the first thing that attracts was vertical, against a spring, and was the attention of the operator is that he about 6.5 mm (M4 inch); it was runs together the dashes in such letters as accomplished by wrist ﬂexion. Fulton O and J — in or, physiological language, calculated that there were on average 179 he fails to inhibit the long flexor movements of the left hand and 109 of contraction when there is a succession of the right per minute i.e.10,740 & 6,540 them, and has to manipulate with greater per hour. The work load was thus less and slowness and effort”. in any event was divided between the With submarine cables, because right and left sides. These operators too W63 — May 1999 19 “He sends were unaffected. Therewas an expression with the Finally there was “Wheatstone’s like a Wheatstone”, that is, Perforator”. “The object here is to punch precision of an automaton. had holes in a strip of paper. which, by being The heyday of the telegraph methods of run through the automatic transmitter passed before modern determines the signals. Three discs are investigating nerves and muscles became has really nothing depressed vertically, alternately and in availableand there been succession, by being sharply struck with to add to knowledge for several small mallets, which are held one in each generations, we can speculate but may hand as represented in fig 1. The position now never know more. Muscles,Masses of the fingers may be somewhat varied. ‘Ihave written amonograph MacKeith/Cambridge The range of movement, which takes and Motion (1992). 0 521 43229 4 place chiefly at the wrist but partly at the University Press. ISBN elbow, is something under two 2 According to him the average speed of inches...The manipulation at this working was 35 words per minute. Is that instrument never produces the mal plausible? 3 A useful source about telegraphic methods telegraphique. . On average there were Marland’s “Early Electrical per minute 380 movements on the left is E.A. Abelard—Schuman. weremade and 300 on the righti.e. 22,800 Communication" (1964). & 18,000 per hour.

For special features and details see MM62 p.39 or visit our web site

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— 1999 l/___.__420 W63 May Remote Control of HEAIRMINISTRYSounder Relaying was used for the W/T Transmission & remote control of W/T transmission and reception. There were Reception (RAF &RN) two types: Type A (Ref. No. 5B/117, later designated 100/117) and Type B (Ref. No. 5B/138, later designated 106/ 138). According to the RAF Museum, By Tony Smith Hendon, Type lOG/l 38 was a stock item in RAF stores until “some time after G4FAI 1959." The late Len Newnham, G6NZ, told MM that these two types of relay were used in the remote control apparatus forground stations. He rememberedthem were completely encased and the clicks in with the transmitter and use T70 more were thus not very loud. Nevertheless, I particularly the T.1087. used to read from the keying sounder “Three sounder relays in small whenbehindthe panelsofaT. 1087, which glass—topped wooden boxes were used. was very usefulwhen adjustingthekeying Two Type A were used for switching low relay.” tension and high tension; while a Type B was used for actual keying, this type was Admiralty System slugged with closed metal rings around i “Modern Telegraph Systems”, the coils. date and author unknown, describes the “They were not used as normal Admiralty system for remote control of sounders for telegraphy, but only as W/T apparatus, noting that wireless relays. They were polarized and telegraphists in the Whitehall radio differentially wound. The Type A was transmitting room could control from the line 24 volt operated using a transmitters in practically any part of the supply (12-0-12), while the Type B British Isles, using two methods ofremote operated from a 14 volt AC supply control, namely: through a bridge rectifier. The coils were Direct CurrentKeying-Operation 500+500 those in A ohms, Type being of a key at the sending office connecting usually in parallel, and those in the Type an earthed battery to line, which in turn B in series. operated a telegraph relay at the “As far as I remember, these relays were transmitting terminal station. never used for sounder reception as they The contacts of this relay W63 — May 1999 21 opened and closed the circuit of the Reception was also transmitter, see diagram (21), and - Remote reception of A typical Tone Keying — Where the audio achieved by use relays. s Main tone used to modulate the examplewasone oftheAdmiralty’ frequency H.M.S. transmitter was generated near the Receiving Stations, ‘Flowerdown' situated nearWinchester, operator’5 sending position and extended , ‘ received from via a two-wire circuit to the transmitter, Hants. Here, signals to the Admiralty, see diagram (b). overseas were relayed London,via land-linesconnecting the two establishments. The methods used were: Direct Tone Reception — The audio output of the receiver passed via a two-wire line to the operating position, with line transformers and amplifiers as necessary. See diagram (c). Indirect Tone Reception - The receiver output was used to

7 ’ pinto/{:0lue&5n{§tanéariéeétv'

Above - Sounder Relaying Type A, Ref: 1 06/1 1 7. It comes with a glasstoppe case. Right - Sounder Helaying Type B, Ref: 1 06/138. Note the slugged coils

STMD®U© G4FAI coupe—o /_Se_rie_s/ Smith STMD®U© Tony 0 C1 C! Parallelﬂ # Photo/Collection: Above - Series and Parallel Connections — 1999 22 W63 May operate a telegraphrelay whichconnected either directly or via a relay. See a dc. potential to the physical line. At the diagram (e). receiving operator’sposition, line current The circuits shown illustrate one activated another telegraph relay to way communication only, but usually operate an audio oscillator and telephone two-way circuits were used, routed via receiver. See diagram (d). jackfields. If any reader can date these

TRANSMH’TEH BLOCK omwoa‘s vounou PHYSICAL LINE 051 V.F CHANNEL 7ELE6RAM KIY rams (3) MIT“: _,

rzttsmou KEY TRANs- ‘ : AUDIO (b) ------_’5‘3_ mum :Ej’tvf‘f‘iﬁ _ _ 3 cultural:

RECIIVER BLOCK

(C) RECE'WEZIEZZ: ______manor! rumour ascnvn TILEGRAPH ...... II- (d) nsctIVEIEgJ F TELEGRAPH AuoIo nmuwcv RELAY OSCILLATM ﬂ 1 1

TELEGRAPH nrnLA<

Sounder Reception — The same systems, either RAF or RN, or had any arrangementas forindirect tonereception, experience of them, or can expand on the except that at the operator’s position the information given in any way, please line current operated a sounder or printer contact MM. MM FISTS CW Club— The International Morse Preservation Society FISTS exists to amateur CW It with - ‘x promote activity. welcomes members all levels of Morse proficiency, and especially newcomers to the key. club ‘ The has ' awards, nets (including a beginners’ net), dial-asked for I r’ r i iv beginners, straight key activities, QSL bureau, newsletter, and discountstrom ‘PLLS traders. Further information 1,: Cl bl? can be obtained from Geo. Longden G3208, 119 . Cemetery Road, Darwen, Lancs BB3 2L2. Send an s.ae. or two lFiCs.

W63 — May 1999 23 Sam/case

This maritimetelegraph key is manufactured by the International Marine Radio Company Limited (ITT Marine) and its model is “Type TK76”. Its overall VR2UW dimensions are 21cm (L) X 7.50m (W)X5.50m (H). The Lee pivotmechanism ofthis key is similar to the Swedish Raymond LennartPettersson key. The gap adjuster is in a form of steppedswitch. The keyarm Photo/Collection: is insulated from the aluminiumknob andskirt. It is unusual to fabricate the knob and disc of metal unless durabilityis of paramount importance.

Ga|udec

Jean

Photo/Collection: J French WWI aircraft spark key — 1999 24 W63 May KPR

Betts

Robert

Photo/Collection:

“Baby Bug"made by Robert W. Betts, N1KPH, with many design features reminiscent of old Vibroplex models. Short and narrow.

Berghen

Vanden

Fons

Photo/Collection:

Wlamt as used by Dutch Public Telegraph Services, circa 1859. Ink- writer by Digney Freres, France; came/back key, galvanometer and relay. MIA/[63 — May 1999 25 Reminiscences of _ HE WELLINGTON Telegraph Wellington Telegraph Office operating room was situated on the first floor of the Chief Post Office in Featherston Street, a site now occupied by the Parkroyal Hotel. The operating room was the hub with a ground floor counter for receiving hand. Also site telegrams lodged by on Neville was the telephone bureau, the delivery By Copeland branch,alarge ‘Mechanician’s’workshop ZL2A KV and the Telegraph Division which administered the national telegraph network. Following overseas service in the RNZAF, I entered the telegraph school early in 1946 to convert from oscillator to comfortable working height. The sounder signals and pass the Murray sounders were in metal boxes on stands Multiplex course. Fresh from this close to the operator’s ear. There was no environment, I was thrust into the hurly- ‘sidetone’ to hearyour own sending, only burly of the Wellington operating room a simple galvanometer to monitor your later in the year. output signal. The atmosphere in the There were a considerablenumber Telegraph was unique - a real family of hand-operated Morse circuits carrying affair with everyone looking after their bothpress andordinarytraffic.TheMorse fellow operators. concentrator terminated about a dozen circuits such ZLW coast station — Variety of Keys as (the ‘ now closed down — on the Tinakori Hills Local hostelries were nearby in aboveWellington),ParliamentBuildings, Grey Street. Old ‘Oakey’ Kelly was a Wellington Railway, Brooklyn, and other crackerjack operator who manned the suburban offices. concentrator but could not control his (A concentratorwas a switchboard drinking habits. His fellow operators, which enabled a large number of less therefore, managed his pay, bought him busy circuits to be connected, as required, shirts and generally looked after him. to a smaller number of working sets in the Other old operators would duck out to the Central Office). locker room periodically and, iftoo much The operating tables were of solid under the weather, cajole us newcomers oak with cane chairs built up to a into working on from 9 pm. to midnight 26 W63 — May 1999 inland reports. The NZPA was later relocated to a room of their own away from the racket, with corresponding increases in staff as the volume of work increased. Ben Davies, our Superintendent, had a table handy to the Morse wires and would leap out of his chair to The author at work in Wellinton chastise luckless Telegraph Office operators for misdemeanours. The ZLW daily Ship’s List had to be taken down on for a pound. a typewriter and this is where I cut my We trainees tended to operate on teeth taking script directly onto the the quieter circuits in between spells on 1 machine. So many ships at threepence, the Murray circuits to the main centres. Sixpence, a shilling a word and so on - the As time went on we became more list always seemed endless. Later I proficient and tried our hand at the graduated to Saturday afternoons race concentrator,newstrafficfromthe NZPA results, also taken down on a typewriter. to Levin, some 80 milesfrom Wellington, All telegrams were taken down in and other busy lines. pencil, with carbon pencils used for A variety of Morse keys were in money order and savings bank telegrams. use; predominantly Silvertown double Everyone wore an ‘office’ coat with current keys on busy circuits and the dozens ofpencils poked in thetop pocket. Standard Post Ofﬁce pattern Elliott Bros. If your coat pocket sported lots of purple ‘ keys on the quieter circuits. Two pole you were considered very experienced. changers (a type of sounder with contacts Green eye—shadeswere the vogue for the to change the battery polarity in the j night shift, and sometimes the night shift circuit) were still in use on a couple of outnumbered the day shift on the roster wires up country. sheet.

Symbol ofExperience Locating Line Breaks Justafterthe war, theNewZealand The distributing staff was large in Press Association had two sub—editorsat ‘ number to keep trafﬁc circulating for a table centred in the operating room to transmission and reception, and a central generate press releases from cable and 1 sorting case near the Lamson pneumatic W63 — May 1999 27 tubes kept the flow moving. Post Office doors were opened for business. (The pneumatic air system linked Faults on Morse circuits were the telegraph operating room with the sometimesprolongedand it was necessary Counter, the Delivery Branch, Savings to send continuously ABC, ABC, so that Bank, Telephone Bureau and the Cable the distant station could change pairs or Room. There had to be periodic checks isolate the fault in some way. There were on the system to prevent any blockages. extensive plug-in resistance sets, variable If jams did occur the technicians used inductances and other aids to bring a long, linked, bamboo strips to dislodge circuit up to operating standard. the offending carrier tube.) Senior traffic distributors needed Demise of Morse a good geographical knowledge of the The majority of the commercial correctroutingformessages.All the day’s Morse circuits were closed progressively traffic was ‘re-checked’ late into the during the 1950’s although Morse was evening by a small staff to pick up any still used for order wire traffic at the test unsent, unusual, misnumbered or board up to the mid—1960’s. undebited messages. The small plug—in set had a large When landline faults arose, the four-pin plug (the same as for a Senior Supervisor would use a ‘megger’ telephonist’s head—set in those days) on a to ascertain if there were breaks in short lead to a wooden board containing physicalMorse linesandinstruct the fault an Elliott Bros. key and hooded sounder. man how far along the line the break was. Along the length ofthejackfield (divided There was one terrible Saturday in into bays) were four—pin sockets for February 1947 when a massive storm cut plugging in the Morse test set. all lines to Wellington Telegraph Office. Channels on the co—axial cable to The only circuit was to ZLW via an distant stations were patched to the test Americanteletypeto handleurgenttrafﬁc. set to prove continuity in readiness for The same storm demolished the old some form of telegraph hook—up - press Rongatai Exhibition Buildings! or commercial wires, etc.

Time Signals Back-upfor Murray Circuits Every morning LS (calling all Several ofthe old Murray Circuits stations — akin to CQ) was sent at three were over physical wires which required minutes to 9 am, sometimes with re-balancing every time there was a everyone in the operating room shower of rain up country, much to the synchronizing their sending so that the consternation of the supervisor in charge tables fairly jumped. The word ‘time’ of that section. was bawled out by a supervisor watching The 3.30 pm. ‘clean—up’ saw a a galvanometer signal sent from the team of ‘mechanicians’ (later called observatory, so when the needle flicked technicians) descend on the Murray gear to one side it was spot—on 9 am. and all to burnish the plateaus (segmented disks) 28 W63 — May 1999 and renew the brushes that rotated over The matches would commence at them. This temporary closedown saw an 1 pm. and continue into the evening. A exodus of the old hands over the road, portable Morse set was used comprising who sometimes had to be dragged back a Post Office pattern Elliott Bros. single to their circuits! current hand key, sounder, P.O. standard Morse contact was maintained relay and a pack of three large 1.5V cells with the distant station during the 20-30 - the same as were used for telephone minute break, and I can remember many ringing circuits in those days. a time taking down urgent ‘DBs’ Asimilarset-up wouldbeinstalled (cablegrams) during this period. An in the distant chess room and both operator was always standing by for this operators would have about 20 small duty. spike files - for the number of ‘tables’ in use. Each player used a special Chess Matches alphabetical chess notationto record their During the 1950’s, telegraphic moves on paper slips and a messenger chess matches were held in late winter brought these to the operator who each year with either Christchurch or telegraphed them to the distant chess Auckland. I operated the chess circuit for station. The distant telegraphist passed about four successive years from the them on via messenger to the opposite Wellington Chess Club’s rooms at the players and then telegraphed back their back of St. John’s Church Hall in Upper replies. Dixon Street The process was slowbut sure and

Wellington Telegraph Ofﬁce in 1948 with me (gummer) and Wally Bruce (perforator).

W63 — [May 1999 29 took around 10 hours. Atcommencement changes of name, from the Overseas there was a ‘pile—up’ of moves to be Telegraph Branch to the International sent/received until each board settled Telegraph Office. down to hard slogging. Sending speed was fast at 25 wpm plus. Few errors Impactof Coaxial Links occurred and if any were found they The Wellington Telegraph could be rectified quickly from the spike testboard was a massive array with all file copies. circuits terminated on jack fields. My I had a similar experience during first experience in this area was at the the winter of 1973 at Scott Base in time when single patch cords were used - Antarctica where my radio technician later changed to double plugs. and I had a long drawn out chess game Setting up multiple press circuits with the Wellington International was quite an experience and to test the Telegraph Office. I forget who actually circuits we used a TDMS (Telegraphic won this game, but it was exciting at the Distortion Measuring Set) that conveyed time! the percentage of error that needed to be corrected in the Carrier Room. Cable Trafﬁc Shortly after the war, the A branch of Cable and Wireless installation of a coaxial link between was started up about 1948 in a small Auckland and Wellington saw the end of corner ofthe Radio room by a chap called most of the physical pairs, making for Bill Craig from that company. I served a much improved and stable circuits. Spurs couple of spells on cable traffic with fast off this link were laid east and west to and slow ‘homes’ to the UK. both coasts. In the cable room slow homes Likewise, in 1963, the Compac were used at a reduced speed to handle cable saw the end of of most of the general cable traffic. During the rush overseas radio circuits which reverted to hours a faster speed (fast) would be used back—up links in case ofcable failure. The to clear the backlog. This arrangement radio linkviaBarbadoswouldtramp along was in conjunction with other stations on at about 180 wpm when conditions were the world—wide cable link). There was a i right, with traffic taken off on Great continuous undulator monitoring the Northern reperforators and fed into incoming signals on four tracks which clackety Creed printers, or spooled for was very useful ifthere were blips 0n the re- transmission onto the Auckland Cable line down from Auckland. room. We were all proficient in deciphering the cable code in use, which High Speed Circuits was in a different format of punched tape I ended my operating career in the to the Wheatstone systemwith dots above International Telegraph Office where we the feed holes and dashes below in had high speedMorsecircuitsto Chatham alphabeticaland numericalcombinations. Islands, Noumea, Papeete, Rarotonga, The Cable Room went through three Scott Base, Apia and Niue using 30 W63 — May 1999 ’

Wheatstone keyboards and Creed Morse , senders, with an Elliott Bros. hand key KWSWW for control. “2” codes were in use throughout - a throwback to the old Cable Thanks again to all readers who replied Room coding. Each console had push to the survey. Morsum Magnificat is sent button control of the send Circuits to to 35 countries, of which about half the Himatangi and receiving via Makara. readers are in the UK, 17% in Europe, It was back to oscillator tone 20% in N. America and 12% are from the signals in this Office. Ifthe early operator rest of the world. Thirty six percent of on a Sunday morning was late in arriving subscribers replied to the survey. then the supervisor hadto manthe circuit. Readers Copy was taken on Imperial 66 Readers come from a wide variety typewriters in duplicate, with triplicate of occupations, although there are more copies of“BGs” - ﬁve letter code groups from engineering. Half have retired,l % of government messages. are under 30 years of age and 1A are in the After some 10 years in this 30-50 age band. 96% of respondents environment, where extensive overseas regard MM as good value for money and phototelegram (pix) working was also in 94% save & collect the magazine- operation, I spent the winter of 1973 at definitely a collectors item! Interest in Scott Base on the receiving end. Scott land-line and wireless telegraphy splits Base was the last “inland” office where 30% / 70% although many of the 30% Morse was usedfortelegraph trafﬁc since have an interest in both. in the following summer season two Content & Format additional Racal 1 kW transmitters and Generally there was great Olivetti teleprinters were installed using satisfaction with the range of topics, a Unitec telegraph system. although there was greater demand for The sad part aboutthe whole affair more of many topics not balanced out for is that there is no longer any telegraph or less of very much. In particular there cable traffic. Everything is computerized seemed to be a clear demand for more on or faxed with direct dialling anywhere in history, personal experiences and tips on the world. Such is progress and it is not restoring keys. 90% expressed a too good to live in the past. However, preferencefor the ‘little orangemagazine’ these few thoughts may rekindle as one respondent put it, and there were memories among older readers. no strongfeelingsoverthe needforcolour. Overall there was a general (Edited and specially adapted by Tony opinion that there should be no radical SmithforMMfrom a 2-partarticlewhich change. Many comments paid tribute to originally appeared in ‘Break-In’, the high quality of work by Tony Smith journal of NZART, New Zealand’s and Geoff Arnold. There were other very national radio society. Neville Copeland helpful comments too numerous to list recently retired after servingfor 16years here but which have been taken note of. as General Secretary ofNZART). MM Ed. W63 — May 1999 31 F YOU PRACTICEMorse the wrong way, you will get into bad l habits. and the more you do it the Providing Practice worse it w111 be! In particular, avoid letter—by-letter copying to get a word. Morse g. Train to word while listening to copy one l another! How? — begin by making short of small words and numbers, recordings Allan GM4HYF l incorporating all letters or figures. By George

First Step Record these mixed numbers — 42 53 64 75 86 97 20 98 310963 524130 73 8407 Example: You receive 42 53 64, 7485 1887960829406251 ‘ 18 95 76 28 39 50 6172 83 06 9417 65 etc. You listen to 42 and hold it in your 27 38 49 60718205 93 5416 817059 head (ie, in your mental reserve). You 48 37 26 0415 92 43 receive 53, put it in your reserve, and Replay them a few times for write down 42. You hear 64, put it in your straight listening practice. Listen only, reserve and write down 53, and so on and mentally read each complete 2-di git through the entire recorded list. While number as you hear it. doing all this, learning to copy one step behind, develop a steady rhythm as part Second Step of the process. Play them again, this time writing downeachnumberone step behind.Write Third Step down (copy) one 2-digit number while Repeat the above steps with 2— IS MY TV you are receiving the next one. Avoid letter words, e.g. AT BE OK IF AN US catching up, and avoid looking at your BY IN AS DO IT UP YE GO OX IC WE LA copy. By conscious steady attention to OR HE WL SO MA PA receiving and holding the numbers in HA OF AH JA OP VI OH QU EH OZ, and hold it. Listen your head, you will develop an automatic etc., etc. Listen to AT “mental reserve” enabling you to “copy to BE, hold it while you write down AT. behind”. Listen to OK, hold it and write down BE, 32 W63 — May 1999 and so on through the list.

Move On Remember, LISTEN, HOLD, COPY,and aSTEADY RHYTHM.When

‘ you have mastered the “step behind”

habit at this level, move on to 3—figure 1 numbersand 3—letter words.Thento larger 3 numbers and words still to continually improveyourreceiving skills. Good luck!

Providing Practice George Allan, GM4HYF - RSGB Co-ordinator for the Morse Slow Morse Service & Secretaryto the Morse EnthusiastsGroup of Scotland (MEGS)

ofthe mainsources of this typeofpractice By George Allan GM4HYF in the UK is the RSGB Morse Practice Broadcasts, transmitted on a regular weekly basis by a dedicated band of volunteers. Full details of the transmissions are available from the Society. There are HF broadcasts designed to cover the maximum geographical area of the UK and use is COMMON PROBLEM in also made of the VHF band to provide a trying to learn Morse is the local service for specified areas of the lack of suitable ‘RECEIVE’ ‘ country. practice. For students who do not have thebenefitofaquahfiedmstructorone. .. . Another sou rce 0f M 0rse practice is the ‘Library Cassette’ service iii/W63 — May 1999 33 operated by The Morse Enthusiasts Group Scotland (MEGS). Here are some of the 1. benefits of this system. Each C90 cassette is recorded its whole 90 minutes with over l: practice Morse at the speed which the R-Codes & S-Codes student specifies. The tape can be played l back at the times which are most suitable without the need to record. The text Pre-1912 and/or speed can be up—dated at any time by simply returning the tape or a sending Brevity Codes l a new one. The quality of the Morse is very high and there is none of the interference associated with ‘live’ broadcasts. This makes the tapes ideal for By Scott Anderson anyone aiming for the RSGB Morse tests. For those preparing for these tests, texts are chosen to provide a mix of Plain Language and Q50 practice and speeds available range from 3 to 12 Words Per Minute (WPM). When the student reaches test speed the entire tape can be recorded with QSO format throughout it’s length, thus in effect producing a wide range of mock Morse tests. This facility is also REVITY CODES in available at lower speeds. A muchbroader range oftext formats is available at speeds telegraphy existed for some up to 35 WPM and beyond for operators time prior to 1908, when the anxious to improve their Receive speed. British Post Office, in the absence of A phone call is the easiest way to see what internationally recognised codes, issued would suits best. the codes listed below to be used only by There are no charges for this service other British coastal wireless stations and ships thanpostage and it is available to members licensed by the Postmaster General. It and non-members of MEGS. Simply mail was noted that the phrases themselves, a C90 cassette together with a note of the rather than the codes which signify them, speed and the type of practice required could be used between British ships and together with a return address label or colonial or foreign (English-speaking) envelope bearing the correct postage coast stations. These codes were in effect stamps to:— at the time of the sinking of RMS Titanic in April, 1912 (although there were no George M. Allan, 22 Tvnwald Avenue, distress signals from that ship in which High Burnside, Rutherglen, they were used), and were superseded by Glasgow G 73 4RN. Tel. 0141634 4567 the first version of the present Q—codes, 34 W63 — May 1999 set by the International Radiotelegraphic ; RN Stop transmitting. Convention in London, in July of that RQ Transmit more slowly. year. The codes listed are from the 1912 1 RS Increase your power. ‘ editionof “The Radiotelegraphist’s Guide RT Diminish your power. and Logbook”, by W.H. Marchant and RU Repeat everything. published by Whittaker & Company of RV from...to... Repeat from such London.(Among other titles published to such a word by Whittaker were “Wireless Telegraphy RW from... Repeat ...words from... and Hertzian Waves", by S.R. Bottone; RX Your turn is No. “Telegraphy”,by T.E. Herbert;“Wireless RY General call to all stations. Telegraphy”, by D. Mazzotto). The RZ Nothing more. phrases printed with each code were also SA I have nothing for you. ‘ listedin French,foruse with coaststations SB Everything in order. or ships with wireless operators using SC Wait...I will call you as soon that language: as I have finished. “In the use ofthese abbreviations, SD You can transmit faster. the signal employed must be repeated SE I am occupied with another three times, station. followed by u — — u If it is found necessary to introduce additional abbreviations they will be RA What station is corresponding? continued with the letter S.” RB At what distance are you from my station? RC is What your wave length in . metres? RD How many words (Many thanks to Bill have you to transmit to me? Cridland, WAIHMW; Sten Wahlskog, SM6DER; RE How are you receiving? : Phillip Lennervald; Birgitta Gustafsson; RF I am receiving badly. ‘ Mrs. Griﬂiths, British Telecom A rchives; RG Send me -— ° times ”- twenty Ed Gable, K2MP; Zyg Nilski, editor of to regulate my apparatus. Morsum Magnificat; Joe Gardner, RH Are you being interfered with? Society ofWireless Pioneers; and Gavin R] I am being interfered with. Baxter, GEC-Marconi Archives, as well RK Atmospherics are very strong. as countless others on two continents and RL Tell me the wire charge to... a couple ofislandsfortheirpatienceand RM Engaged with public assistance in locating thesehistoric codes correspondence. The ship is and making them available for future requested not to interfere. generations.) MM

WantedAwdessst-‘ontfor '"temationalat AmercanMorseCOdes

W63 — May 1999 35 Info Tkaml

Please send all information to the Editor, Morsum Magnificatso that readers can share the information

Is thisa keyordoes it serve anotherpurpose? The lever arm control has three positions : RECEIVING: LOCKS KEY DOWN OPERATING: ALLOWS KEYING SAFE : PHEVENTSKEYING ' Itappears to be made bythe Canadian Marconi 00., Montreal, Quebec, although no information isavai/able from them. It is marked ‘Pattern No. 98812’ and inside: ‘ CMC and 19 1937’ c There is a blue lens in the lid aperture. The '5 110v -‘L’ bulb inside is a Westinghouse 20w, in C Patt. No. 791 1. E O FﬂiWW aQ) Q Schematic: 2 .co n. ,, 0.5pF, 600v

Collection: Chris Bisaillion, VEacBKT

This is a strap key made by H. Tinsley, London. lt has ‘1927’ written on the base which is made of what looks like a mixture of compressedpaperandvarnish.The strap has a cam wheelabove. When the cam is rotated it holds the contact closed. It’s a Type 1202A and has quite a pleasant action for sending Morse. But is it a Morse key? Tinsley’s name is generally associated with test instruments. Info please. Photo: Albert Heyes G3ZHE/Collection

Maurice Jeffrey, G7HFIN .s 36 W63 — May 1999 Davies

Wyn

Photo/Collection:

This dummy Key with tension spring inside the cylinder is in the collection of Wyn Davies. Info requestedplease.

Signal lamp marked PAT.970 1914 around the switch boss. When moved to the middle contact, the switch becomesa miniature Morse strap key with brass knob. The front contact is under the knob. info Barker requestedre: maker, use etc. Jack

Photo/Collection:

W63 — May 1999 37 Morse Code in T MIGHT COME as a surprise to Modern Aviation many, even to radio amateurs, that still today, in the space age, there is business which depends on the use of Morse code. Even more surprising is the fact that the business involves most modern airliners with equipped computers, Maria “glass cockpits”, GPS, and fly—by—wire By Gasparovic controls. Add to that the fact that the VE3HVY price tag for a single airliner can be morethan $300 million, and the surprise becomes complete. Essentialto Identify Nav Aids Morse code is used to identify radio navigation aids. Without them, three letters/numbers and are the air transportation system would be two or transmitted at slow rate with paralysed. The most common nav aids a very each are the VHF Omni-directional Range generous spacing between (VOR), Non—Directional Beacon transmission. The main of the received (NDB),Distance Measuring Equipment part is (DME) and Instrument Landing System signal displayed on analog or digital the maintain (ILS). instruments,enabling pilotto direction, rate of descent, landing in low The VOR system, for example, makes ﬂying in clouds between VOR visibility, etc. No Formal Tests stations as easy as following a highway What of code while DME provides the pilot with degree proficiency is from the instant information on the distance, required pilots? Considering that there maximum of three ground speed and remaining time to are a the task is destination. characters at a time to copy, not Slow Transmissions overwhelming. The test for the commercial or The first step in using any navigation airline licence (conducted by aid is to tune to the proper frequency transport the Federal Department) does and positively identify the station by Transport code That is left to the listening to the so—called indicator not include a test. transmitted in Morse code. individual’s and the company’s discretion. The indicators consist of one, 38 W63 — May 1999 cmmmnlLS,’DME irequenCIes Hm 15R and ’33L Vemy irlrmls nvr: mi (his approach

tte ToRoNTo LLL at j 112.15 _ ' vvz lLLL / LLLL J>wm ll 110.95 ITO '='__ o l

l l ‘ ' ' \ “ i APMAM / \ 5 DME en 46 (Y) ' a, \ . . IKMEX \ ,‘ 15.3 DME Ch45(Y) WATE’EQQ. \ ~43 28,78 ﬁﬂn113.0YVW. «_— — _ DME Ch 97 \\ W79 23 07

SAFE ALT 100 NM 3900

Example of one of the cockpit sheets used by the big jets landing at Lester Bi Pearson lntemational Airport, Toronto, Canada. note the use of printed Morse code symbols to assist identiﬁcation of nav aids.

For example, Air Canada pilots charts look messy must pass a 6 wpm test. On the other Is there anything more reliable, hand, there are companies that don’t foolproof or simpler than Morse code to require any formal proof of proficiency. identify a VCR or NDB? I doubt it! Maps include Dots & Dashes Next time you are cruising at The publications and maps used 35,000 feet, relax. With the helpofMorse in the cockpit, in addition to the letters code, the pilot will deliver you safely to identifying navigation aids, also include your destination! dots and dashes for the letters. This goes against the basic idea that the code is (From “The Canadian Amateur” based on sound and makes the maps and December 1998)

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 ‘GMQJRSE’ each Monday 3 m G] U) and Thursday from 7 until 9 p.m. (local time) around 3.530MH2. Among other services, we offer Morse practice free of other than E. i tapes charge, 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.M. Allan GM4HYF, 22 Tynwald Avenue, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 4RN, Scotland.

W63 — May 1999 39 A Key With a History HIS KEY BELONGED to Barbara Dunn, G6XL Britain’s, and possibly the world’s first By Albert Heyes, G3ZHE lady radio amateur.The key is in afragile state butcanbe used carefullyand belongs to George Fare, G3OGQ who aquired the key and other items following her first lady to becomethe holderof a Society death. ‘World at their fingertips’*, a trophy. Barbara Dunn, who was licensed history of the RSGB describes Barbara in 1927, remained Britain’s only YL Dunn... “Being of a quiet and retiring transmitting amateur until 1932 when nature,for a longtime few ofthe hundreds Nell Corry of Tadworth, Surrey, doubled who contacted her efficient and the number by becoming GZYL.” intensively active low power station at Stock in Essex, knew the operator was a Note: ‘More than thirty years laterG6YL lady. Gerald Marcuse (GZNM,President and GZYL were still active on the air.’ of RSGB 1929-30) did know, however, and it was he who was probably “World at Their Fingertips’ by John Clarricoats, GEOL. responsible in persuading Miss Dunn to Pub: Radio Society of Great Britain. come to the 1930 Convention. A few weeksbefore,

G6YL had been 63060 awarded the .. newly donated Fare 1930 Committee Cup for George outstanding work in the first series of 1.7 Mc/s tests. GSZHE/Col/ection: Her presence at the Convention Dinner caused Heyes quite a stir as did the fact that when Albert Marcuse made the presentation Photo: she became the 40 W63 — {May 1999 THE VICTORIAN INTERNET by Tom Standage

Reviewed By Ian Brown G3TLH

I must admit to being somewhat sceptical —tickers” worked. about the title ofthis book before I read it. When I had finished the book I Was the author just cashing in on the was indeed struck by the remarkable popularity of anything to do with the parallels between the early telegraph and Internet? the modern-day Internet. They were used In fact, Mr Standage has for similar purposes; the rapid produced a highly readable account of dissemination of information. There was the early development of the telegraph telegraph crime and telegraph “hackers”. from the earliest optical devices through Some people became addicted to the the first experiments with sending telegraph, or at least to the information it messages over wires to the rapid spread provided.Commercialorganisationssoon of the telegraph both on land and across i realised they would be left behind if they oceans. He describes its gradual did not adopt it. The old telegraphic infiltration into all aspects of nineteenth destination codes were really a type of century social, political, military and e-mail address. commercial life, and its eventual demise Yes, the author convinced me through the development of newer that there was indeed a “Victorian technologies for communication. Internet”. I thoroughly recommend this There are many interesting book to readers of MM. anecdotes connected with the use and Ian Brown G3TLH impact ofthe telegraph. Many ofthese do not seem to have been brought to light before. The author shows a genuine (The Victorian Internet — Published in appreciation of the major part which hardback by Weidenﬁeld & Nicholson, Morse and his code played in its ISBN 0 297841 48 3. development. Although this is not a There is now also a paperback version technical book there are well-researched (April 1999)published by Pheonix, ISBN descriptions of some of the major 0 7538070 3 3 which is excellent value technical developments, for example the for money.) use of gutta—percha as an insulating material for undersea cables and the (new Both are available from the MM to me) way in which the early “stock Bookshelf) W63 — May 1999 41 C6165 Clubs Societies (150cmintroduce and Associations with a special interest in Morse are welcome to themselves on this page

Deutscher Telegrafie Club counterbalance the already existing No— A New German CW Club Code—Initiative. A loosely tied group of CW clubs joined, but expanding the By Martin Hengemuehle, DL5QE campaign will take more time. DTC also issues a couple of easy to work CW awards CW About a year ago a couple of CW friends to promote founded the Deutscher Telegrafie Club activity on the amateur bands without the e.V., named DTC or DL—CW—Cfor short. need to have atop Class station at hand or The club is by its own motto devoted be on the air for long time periods to get entirely to the continued use ofthe Morse an award. code in amateur radio. Different from The CWAW (CW Activity Week) in the first is in the many other CW clubs, DTC feels that the run week of May spirit retention of the Morse code exam to get of these awards: easy to take part, almost all. HF amateur licenses is an indispensable I no stress at requirement. The idea behind this is that DTC also is in constant contact the future of amateur radio depends on with the German as well as European authorities in PRO for the Morse code in CW operators who have had some sort of . the radio service. training and proven ability to actually amateur communicate by the Morse code. Readers with internet access can While the club has been founded get more information about the club at in Germany it is open to everyone in any http://www.muenster.org/dtc/ country who declares to share the club’s eindex.html and everyone else should aims which, besidesthe retentionofMorse drop a line to DTC, c/o Thomas Koenig, code exams, is the proliferation and DG6YFY, Secretary, Rincklakeweg 43, constant use (which need not be D—48153 Muenster, Germany. The club exclusive!) of CW in the amateur radio will be anxiousto hearfrom new members service. and will answer any mail promptly. After its formation the club The Chairman of the Club is immediately acted by promoting a PCI, Martin Hengemuehle, DLSQE, Siemens str. 48 d, D-48153, Muenster, e.g. a Pro Code—Initiative, necessary to Germany.

42 W63 — May 1999 Readers' letters on any Morse subjectare always welcome, but may be edited when space is limited. When more than one subjectis covered, letters may be divided into single subjects in order to bring comments on various matters togetherfor easy reference

My Morse Connection computer have been my connection to to the World the world. I feel VERY comfortable with this mode of communication. The I’ve been communicating viaMorse code switches I use have undergone some 17 stroke 1 for years, since a brainstem modiﬁcation(I now usemechanicalones), had when 23 years old left me but the basic system is the same with At quadraplegic and unable to speak. thumb operated switches, one hand for Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, dots, the other for dashes. I 5 in Maryland, where spent months I don’t think about the specific it discovered that I rehabilitation, was codes anymore; its just second nature had in thumbs, some movement my and type about 15 words per minute. enough to operate pneumatic bulb switches and input Morse code signals. So...... M0rse has worked very well for The stroke had no effect on my cognition, me! I the and learned the code quickly with Susan Yim, Maryland of father, who was a radio help my (First published in MORSELS, the News;etter of operator in the Navy. the Morse 2000 Outreach, UniversityofWisconsin, Atfirst my switchesjust emitted promoting Morse code uses in rehabilitation and different pitches (high — dot / low - dash), education) and father translated my my Key WT Waterproof, transmissions. Then, an engineer friend designed a portable device which (Aust.) No. 1 translated my Morse code input to letters which appeared on an LED screen. Next With reference to Ian Bell’s article in Pat Ourand, my speech pathologist MM61, Page 10, my key has the connected me to a computer. Through designation Zl/ZAA 7990 KEY W/T this, I’ve been able to get a Masters (AUST) Nol stamped directly on the Degree and keep a job as a molecular metal base (no attached nameplate). It biologist forthe last six years at Aberdeen also has the knurled terminals described. Proving Ground, reading & reviewing The nut on top of the arm for holding the articles for several researchers. I work at is ‘ upper contact much smaller 47mm home andjust connect to baseby modern. across the flats. For me, Morse code & the Peter Lord, VK3FPL W63 — May 1999 43 Harold Sydney Bride mam’age, Lucy (born in London) in 1921, John Phillip in 1924, and Jeanette in 2nd Marconi - Operator Titanic 1929. He worked as a travelling salesman from 1922, and was known by a niece, I am currently attempting to organize an Christina, as having been an amateur international search for whatever radio operator. At the time of his death on information may be available on Harold April 29, 1956, in a hospital in Glasgow, Sydney Bride, late wireless operator Scotland, Bride’s place of residence was aboard RMS Titanic. Very little definite listed as Proven Hall Stepps. Lucy Downie informationexists on this person between Bride died in 1973. the early 1920’s and his death in 1956, HaroldBridejoined theMarconi and in this effort, myself and others are International Marine Communications hoping to be able to add to the historical Company in the summer of 1911, and record on this brave man who stayed at served aboard the ships Haverford, his post until within three minutes ofthe Lusitania, Lafranc, Anselm, and Titanic. sinking. After the sinking, he worked as a For informational purposes, the telegrapher in a London post office, then following is provided in the hope that it returned to the sea in 1913 as a wireless may be of use as a connecting link to operator aboard SS Medina. In 1914, he establish furtherfacts which are presently was assigned to a relay station on the unknown. (It should be noted that this coast ofScotland. Leaving the employ of information is from various sources and Marconi sometime in 1916, Bride served has not all been independently verified, aboard HMS Mona’s Isle, as a net layer, which, of course, is part of the object in 1918 and 1919. His last seagoing here): assignment was as wireless operator on Harold Sydney Bride was born the Cross—Channel Ferry, until 1922. to Arthur and Mary Ann (Rowe)Bride on ANY information that anyone January 11, 1890 in Hull, England. He might have will be greatly appreciated, had two older brothers David (born regardless of whether major or trivial, 1882) and Edward (born 1883). The because it could lead to further family later moved to Shortlands, Kent, discoveries. Of particular interest at this and at the time of the Titanic disaster point would be information on any family resided at 58 Ravensbourne Avenue members, living or deceased; who Bride (Arthur Bride died sometime between workedforas a salesman,any information 1918 and 1922). Harold was engaged to on his amateur radio activities, and the Mabel Ludlow of England on March 16, location of his burial site (cremation is 1912, but broke off the engagement on also a possibility); any other anecdotal September 25, 1912. Bride married Lucy information would also be welcomed. Downie of Scotland (born January 13, 1890), a teacher, on September 25, 1918, and moved to Ayrshire, Scotland Scott Anderson in 1922. Three children were born of the Madison, Tennessee 44 W63 — May 1999 Key - Station Radio A13

1 have two keys, of similar design but of different origin and would like to determine whether they have the same use. Key 1 This is documented by Louis Meulstee in “Unusual Military Morse Keys” AWA Review Vol.8 1993, page 27, it is part of Station Radio A13. The inscription on top reads Key 1 - Detail KEY TELEGRAPH 5805—99-949—96 1 8 The strap is stamped 5805- 99-102-0917, the bottom of the metal mount is date stamped 7 APR ‘ l978,theplugisaThompartnumber 05—0020-10—6P. Contact closure shows between pins C continuity ‘ and D. l

DIDdIlHUH Key 2

UUUUIdIl 62GB—16J10-6P 8450. Contactclosure also shows continuity between pins C

F’lUlUS: and D. The two plugs are compatible types. Does anyone know whether this key simply a second source for Key 1, or Key 1 is it for a different radio ? Is there areason 2? Key 2 for there being no markings on Key

l be This is very similar in appearance to Key Any information would greatly 1 but has no markings. It is constructed of appreciated. moulded plastic and rubber and the plug is an Amphenol, part number Chris Bisaillion, VE3CBK W63 — {May 1999 45 ﬂea/Qéﬂ for the rest of the world on request, or if you are using your credit card we can ship by air at your instruction, simply by adding the difference in bill. A mail order book service for selected telegra— postal cost to your phy titles. The letters MM or RB* followed by a SEND YOUR ORDER TO: number after each title indicate the magazine and Morsum Magnificat, The Poplars, Wistanwick. issue in which a review appeared. Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 28A, England The prices quoted for each title are inclusive of Payment accepted by Mastercard or Visa (quote postage and packing, the first figure being for your card number and expiry date), or by cheque, despatch to UK addresses, the second for des— draft or postal orders. Sony but overseas cheques patch to the rest of Europe by airmail or else- and drafts must be payable in Sterling, and drawn where in the world by surface mail. Airmail rates on a London clearing bank.

PLEASE MAKE ALL CHEQUES, ETC., PAYABLE TO MORSUM MAGNIFICAT

The of Story the Key by Louise Ramsey Moreau (MM38) ...... £4.25 (UK): £4.51 (Eur/Sur) The Phillips Code- a reprint by Ken Miller (MM61) ...... £10.00 (UK): £10.20 (Eur/Sur) Vibroplex Collectors Guide by Tom French ...... £15.00 (UK): £15.80 (Eur/Sur) Wake of B. the Wirelessman by J. Clemons (RB41) ...... £12.95(UK): £13.75 (Eur/Sur) ” “Q41 and Beyond—TheStory of a Wren Telegraphist by Shirley Laws..£5,70 (UK): £6.20 (Eur/Sur) McElroy: World’s Champion Radio Telegrapher by Tom French ...... £15.30 (UK): £16.00 (Eur/Sur) Railroad Telegrapher’s Handbook by Tom French ...... £8.00 (UK): £8.36 (Eur/Sur) Bunnell’s Last with Catalogue commentary by Tom French ...... £5.50(UK): £5.85 (Eur/Sur) History, Theory & Practice of the Electric Telegraph ) ...... £13.95 (UK): £14.95 (Eur/Sur) (FacsimileReprint of 1866 edition by George B Prescott) Perera’s Telegraph Collectors Guide by Tom Perera ...... £7.50 (UK): £7.95 (Eur/Sur) The Victorian Internet by Tom Standage - Hardback ...... £16.55 (UK): £17.35 (Eur/Sur) The Victorian Internet by Tom Standage - Paperback ...... £8.30 (UK): £9.20 (Eur/Sur) Keys, Keys, Keys by Dave Ingram ...... £8.50 (UK): £8.90 (Eur/Sur) Marconi’s Battle for Radio (For the Grandchildren) by Birch & Coriie|d£6.95 (UK): £6.85 (Eur/Sur)

’ RB - Radio Bygones published by G C Arnold Partners

Credit card orders welcome by phone: +44 (0) 1630 638306 or Fax on +44 (0) 1630 638051

MM BACK ISSUE SERVICE Back issues currently available are Nos. 31, 32, 34—36 and 38—61. It is planned to reprint as many other back issues as practicable. Each copy is £2.50 each in the UK and £2.70 to Europe and £2.85 elsewhere, by air—mail. Deduct 20% from the total price if purchasing 3 or more copies.

46 WEI/[63 ~ May 1999 V SALE/TRADE: HEAVY-DUTY brass wireless made ‘ rectangular or spark key foW by Signal Electric. Large silver contacts $75. SignalElectric straightkey mounted l Headers advertisements are free to MM subscribers. on originallacquered woodenbase. Black The of insertions should be specified, number . painted cast iron key base and lacquered otherwise it willbe assumed that it is required in the next issue only. Non-subscribers are welcome to brass hardware. Very attractive and advertise in the Classified Ads section. Please complete $50. Early brass oval railroad] contactMM for styles available and rates. landline keys, sounders, or relays: $50 each — many varieties available. Scarce FOR SALE polechangerkey $65. Polechanger switch $25.25 bugs: SASE for list. Dave Pennes ‘ WA3LKN', 4607-C Santa Cruz Drive; KEYS FOR SALE: Key Telegraph Indianapolis, IN 46268 — 5354 USA.

‘ 5805-99—949-9618, with leg strap, £20; Phone (317) 471 — 9605.

RAF Bath tub key (standard key in WW2 , FOR SALE WITH CIRCUITS and/or bombers), unused, £25; Scribo—Morse ‘ Transmitting Plate, c.1920, (plate and complete manual: Marconi Marine stylusonly),seeMM19,p.l9,£40;Junker Guardian 11 Trawler Rx type 2354A. key (modern), little used, £50; Kent key, Warden II 2182 Rx & Coastc‘all selcall hardly used, £30; G4ZPY key (enclosed unit. Kestrel III Trawler Tx/Rx c/w DC tension spring), not used, £25. All plus PSU. Redifon GR470 Marine VHF Tx/ post and packing. Phone write or e-mail Rx. Bruce Morris, 62 Gerllan, Tywyn, for more details. Tony Smith G4FAI, l3 LL36 9DE, Wales, UK.(01654 710741. Morley Road, Sheringham, Norfolk, 18+ all NR26 81E. Tel: 01263 821936. E—mail: PAGE ILLUSTRATEDLIST kinds of related items g4fai @connectfree.co.uk telegraph surplus to my needs including straight/semi-automatic keys, sounders, relays, KOBS, items and miscellaneous THE MM Q & Z CODEBOOK, a com- military many items WU — 19505’- prehensive 82—page list of the Q—codes (e.g. dolly gram code learning machines. $3.00 and Z-codes, including a one-page list plus of 4US refund of the original Q—codes of 1912. Availa— equivalent stamps ($5.00 $25 5 ble from Dick Kraayveld PA3ALM, on purchase). Dr. Joseph Jacobs, Merellaan 209, 3145 EH Maassluis, Hol- Yorktown Place, Fort Salonga, NY land. Price £5 UK, or US$10.00 outside 11768, USA. Phone: 516-261-1576. Fax: 516-754-4616. UK, including postage in both cases. Payment accepted in cash only. E-mail: [email protected]

. W53 _1999 Zak/51% Letter; — 4’07th

FOR SALE continued J H Steward in The Strand BOOKS RELATING TO VARIOUS In the early 19505 I would sometimes ASPECTS OF TELECOMMS. — Keys; father to London on Landline Telegraphy; Early Wireless; accompany my business trips. Iftime allowed we would AmateurRadio;Signalling,etc. SendSAE always visit J H Steward in The Strand. It for list: Tony Smith G4FAI, 13 Morley was always an exciting shop to visit and Road, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 SJE or at that time sold e—mail: [email protected] they surveying instruments, drawing instruments, and WANTED sliderules. Idon’ t recall anything relating to telegraphy being on display. WANTED: MARCONI MARINE Alert Rx, Seaguard A/A Rx, Reliance Gerald Stancey Tx,“Mariner” magazines 1971—end, G3MCK NSWS & etc. Bruce Morris, 62 Gerllan, Tywyn, LL36 9DE, Wales, UK. Tel: 01654 710741. M93in We can now supply MM binders. Each binder holds two issues WANTED,REMOTECONTROLUnit years of the magazine, secured by wires. ‘K’ (ZA 46190), enclosed key with leg Individual copies can be removed if straps; also ‘K’ Mk 2 NATO 5820-99— necessary. The binder is covered in 949—1 174 gap and tension screws. Mine a dark red grain material with have snapped off — perhaps you have a . ‘Morsum Magnificat’ blocked in gold Junker key with screws to spare? Please the write to Chris Bisaillion, VE3CBK, 1324 on spine. & Old Carp Road, Kanata, Ontario,Canada, Price including postage packing: K2K 1X7. £7.90...... UK £8.50...... Europe LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY would £8.50...... Rest of World like to make contact with anyone who (Surface Mail) the worked at, or has information on, the £9.80...... Rest of World Morse listening station at “The Old (Air Mail) Rectory”, Whitchurch, Shropshire, See inside front cover for order England. Please contact MM. information

48 571/[91/[63 — May 1999 .3

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0.55 THE ELECTRIC AND INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH COMPANY.

INCORPORATED 1840.

The Charges for Menmgon not exceedin 8 Twonty W0rd: in Greai Bn'tain and Ireland :—

Within a Circuit of 50 Miles ..... In. 611. Do. do. 100 do. 2s. 01!. Do. do. 150 do...... 30. 0d. BeyondaCircuii: of150 do...... 4s. 0d. To at from Dublin 53. 0d. No (mu-[ohmic {or the Name" and Addrem of either Sender or Receiver. or m Dcflvm within but I mile 0! the Compmrl Onion. The Comm have UPWARDS OF 360 STATIONS IN FULL OPERATION. The whole or which no in Direct Communication ..with the Continent, “£9100le . LINE TO THE HAGUE AND AMSTERDAM; By which. under recent amazement! with the ContinenhiGovernments. GREAT REDUG’I‘IONS Have been my]. in the diurnal, u Ilium in the following lili 0! C HAR G I8 'I‘ 0 l d. I I. F AMFMFIAII o 6 .. on 0 Amwurp“ ...... II 7 ‘ . I I I .. O Haiku... .. 0 ll 0 V 0 I Iirvmmv .. .. O I C . I II 0 I .. .. 0 7 C . 0 l8 0 Chi-mini» ... 0 )0 O . I I! o unimti-oplo...... I II I .... OI! 0 Fat intonation u to numbn of wot!!! Allowed. chattel Io other 5M0!“ , and, n my of the Company:Office; PRINCIPAL STATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN. AMIrm 1.1mm land-n Judah»! ail-qugm Gin-rm Lowe-Ion unnu- nnuifoni 0| mm!" .lunch-tut hum )rlnloi (Ira-hock Notwilo-on-Tyu Hahn-l4. Cambridge ll iHiu Norwich Waning“- O'mIM Ilnvmudwni Word Whitby Cull-iv IIol bud Perth Wehuhunpul Durlinflnn flu dmdd “me!“ III Dublin Full hut/m Winn Dimhunh IIJIII Munich! ".31an Euler Limp-cl Balm-union Yuk. kuibnry. buds-,J-m.:63. J. l. momma.Ina-An

Lisl of Charges for the Electric Telegraph Company - 1853 (12pence to the shilling, 20 shillingslo the pound)