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The telegraph uses a "telegraph key" to send the Morse Code. The code is a series of dots and dashes that is used in specific combinations to represent letters of the alphabet. When the telegraph key is closed, a transmitter that it is connected to it sends out a CW (continuous wave) of the frequency that the transmitter is tuned to. The letters are formed by the length of time that the transmitter key is held down. For example the letter A ( . _ ) , it is a dot and a dash, the key is held down for a short specific time for the dot and the dash is formed by holding the key down for twice as long as the dot. An average telegrapher can read 15 words a minute, this is 15 words x 5 letters per word = 75 letters a minute. Good telegraphers can double this speed up to 30 words a minute.

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13y ago

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