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Telegraph Sounder

Object Details

Description (Brief)
Telegraph sounders convert electrical pulses into audible sounds and are used to receive Morse code messages. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. Short pulses make a dot, slightly longer pulses make a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. The pulses energize the sounder’s electromagnets which move a lever-arm. The arm makes a loud “click” when it strikes a crossbar and the operator translates the pattern of sounds into the original language. This sounder is rated at a resistance of 50 ohms.
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
maker
J. H. Bunnell & Co.
date made
ca 1880
Credit Line
from Western Union Corporation
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
brass (overall material)
rubber (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 3 3/4 in x 3 in x 5 1/2 in; 9.525 cm x 7.62 cm x 13.97 cm
Object Name
telegraph receiver
telegraph sounder
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