How to Make a Simple Telegraph Set
Samuel B. Morse’s invention of the telegraph was a major step forward in rapid communication. The code used on the telegraph, a system of dots and dashes, was named after him.
Materials you will need:
- Energizer® Power Pack
- Electromagnet
- Strip of 3″ to 5″ metal from can
- 3″ x 1″ x 1″ block of wood
- Number 22 insulated wire
- Switch or alternate commercial knife blade switch
- Piece of wood for base
- 4 nails
If needed adjust the distance between the metal strip and electromagnet nail head so that it clicks when the switch is opened and closed. You can then open and close the switch at different speeds to adjust the time between clicks. You now have a working telegraph.
When telegraphs were used to send messages across the country a sender would operate a switch at one end of a circuit. The circuit wires would run long distances to an indicator such as a buzzer at the other end. The message receiver would listen to the buzzer and use Morse code to convert the message.
Pressing down on the metal strip closes the switch and completes the circuit.