Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Semi-automatic keys like this "Vibroplex" automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator would make the dashes manually but could send much faster than with an ordinary key. This key came to the Western Union with its original carrying case.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Vibroplex Company, Inc.
- Credit Line
- from Western Union Corporation
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- plastic (overall material)
- cloth (overall material)
- leather (overall material)
- Measurements
- case: 9 1/8 in x 4 1/4 in x 4 1/4 in; 23.1775 cm x 10.795 cm x 10.795 cm
- key: 3 1/2 in x 8 in x 3 1/2 in; 8.89 cm x 20.32 cm x 8.89 cm
- Object Name
- bug
- semi-automatic key
- sending key
- telegraph key
