Key Points
Preface
- Lack of Documentation: There was no solid documentation on the function or placement of telegraphs on the Titanic or Olympic from period sources.
- Artifact Recovery: The recovery of artifacts from the Titanic wreck has provided new insights.
Historical Development
- Early Communication: Victorian ships used trip-gongs to transmit coded messages, which had several drawbacks, such as miscounting strokes and lack of acknowledgment.
- Pulley System Telegraph: This system, which included written commands and a reply feature, became widely used until the 1950s.
Telegraph Operation
- Basic Function: Telegraphs were used to send orders from the bridge to the engine room.
- Pulley System: Consisted of two identical dials connected by a cable. Orders were transmitted by turning a lever, which moved an arrow on the receiving unit.
- Acknowledgment: The receiving unit had to confirm the order by moving a handle, ensuring both units displayed the same order.
Titanic’s Installation
- Three Vital Areas: Telegraphs linked the Captain’s Bridge, the Starting Platform in the engine room, and the After Docking Bridge.
- Communication Paths: Orders were sent through these telegraphs to coordinate operations.
Practical Tips
- Handling Telegraphs: Instructions on how to operate telegraphs smoothly to avoid mechanical failures and ensure clear communication.
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