[GreenKeys] Telegraph sounder

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lee Mushel" <herbert3 at centurytel.net>
To: "David Christ" <radioham at mchsi.com>; "Derek Cohn/WB0TUA" 
<vibroplex at mindspring.com>
Cc: <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2013 3:26 PM
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Telegraph sounder


I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable thread.   I had 
forgotten that when you walked past the railroad depot with 
windows open in summer you would often hear the sound of 
such a device!   Then, a year and a half ago the 
entertainment program for a monthly ham radio meeting 
featured a gentleman who thought he was the last of the 
original railroad telegraphers put on a demonstration of his 
art using "the real thing."   Someone did offer to buy it 
but as I recall he replied that it had already been promised 
to a railroad museum upon his demise......

Regards,

    If you are looking for a sounder there are plenty on 
ebay.  There were various kinds but I think any would work 
for a demonstration or for learning American Morse.  The 
sounders in telegraph offices were often in a "resonator" to 
concentrate the sound.  Resonators also show up but often at 
high prices. They are not difficult to build. A sounder in a 
resonator is _very_ loud.  Resonators were intended to make 
sounders audible in large offices with many sounders and 
relays and for copying on a typewriter. Telegraph central 
offices must have been very noisy places
    There are several web sites for telegraph equipment 
collectors which will help to identify the various sorts of 
sounders.
    I've tried learning to copy on a sounder but it makes my 
ears ring.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com