Morse code — a sign encoding method that represents letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and other characters as a sequence of long (‘dash’) and short (‘dot’) signals. The duration of a single point is taken as a unit of time. The length of the dash is equal to three points. Pause between elements of the same sign — one point, between characters in a word — three points between words — seven points. The method is named after the American inventor and artist Samuel Morse.
A traditional telegraph key, or Morse key, is a spring-loaded rocker mounted on a fairly stable base that swings in a vertical plane. By pressing the end of the rocker arm, the operator closes the only electrical contact. The spring tension and the rocker arm stroke are adjustable to provide the operator with comfortable operation. Less common are specimens with a horizontal movement of the rocker arm. There are also keys that have two contacts: one works for closing the circuit, the second simultaneously for opening.
There are several ways to work on a mechanical key. The operator’s hand can rest on the table with the entire forearm, or be supported by the elbow, or suspended. The key is pressed with the movement of the fingers or wrist, with the fingers in different ways on the head of the key. At different times in different countries and departments, one or the other method prevailed, respectively, different keys were used.
Similar keys were used for all types of manual telegraphy. The traditional telegraph key, made of metal and plastic at the beginning of the XX century, was used by employees of the Yeniseysk post and telegraph office.
The ability to work on a mechanical key is considered a basic skill for a radio operator, regardless of how often they will use it in practice. Until recently, for example, in order to obtain an amateur radio license, it was necessary to pass a compulsory examination in the reception of radiograms by ear and transmission on a mechanical key. Now in many countries this requirement has been greatly simplified. The rate of transmission on a mechanical key is low — in practice, rarely more than 100-120 characters per minute are transmitted. Only trained speed athletes work faster.
A traditional telegraph key, or Morse key, is a spring-loaded rocker mounted on a fairly stable base that swings in a vertical plane. By pressing the end of the rocker arm, the operator closes the only electrical contact. The spring tension and the rocker arm stroke are adjustable to provide the operator with comfortable operation. Less common are specimens with a horizontal movement of the rocker arm. There are also keys that have two contacts: one works for closing the circuit, the second simultaneously for opening.
There are several ways to work on a mechanical key. The operator’s hand can rest on the table with the entire forearm, or be supported by the elbow, or suspended. The key is pressed with the movement of the fingers or wrist, with the fingers in different ways on the head of the key. At different times in different countries and departments, one or the other method prevailed, respectively, different keys were used.
Similar keys were used for all types of manual telegraphy. The traditional telegraph key, made of metal and plastic at the beginning of the XX century, was used by employees of the Yeniseysk post and telegraph office.
The ability to work on a mechanical key is considered a basic skill for a radio operator, regardless of how often they will use it in practice. Until recently, for example, in order to obtain an amateur radio license, it was necessary to pass a compulsory examination in the reception of radiograms by ear and transmission on a mechanical key. Now in many countries this requirement has been greatly simplified. The rate of transmission on a mechanical key is low — in practice, rarely more than 100-120 characters per minute are transmitted. Only trained speed athletes work faster.
