The Boy Electrician

by Alfred Powell Morgan

The key is provided with several adjustment-screws to regulate the tension and the play of the lever to suit the hand of the operator. A little practice will enable the student to judge best for himself just how the key should be set.

The next step is to memorize the alphabet, so that each character can instantly be called to mind at will. The punctuation marks are not used very frequently, and the period is the only one which the student need learn at first.

The Morse alphabet consists of dots, dashes, and spaces. Combinations of these signals spell letters and words.

Many of the characters are the reverse of others. For example, A is the reverse of N. B and F, D and U, C and R, Q and X, Z and &, are the other reverse letters, so if the formation of one of each of these letters is memorized the reverse is easily mastered.

It is important that the beginner should learn how properly to grasp the key, for habits are easily formed and a poor position will limit the sending speed of the operator.

Place the first or index finger on the top of the key-handle, with the thumb under the edge; and the second finger on the opposite side. The fingers should be curved so as to form a quarter-section of a circle. Bring the third and fourth fingers down so that they are almost closed on the palm of the hand. Rest the arm on the table in front of the key and allow the wrist to be perfectly limber.

Fig. 141.—How to hold a Telegraph Key.

The grasp on the key should be firm but not rigid. Avoid using too much strength or a light hesitating touch. Endeavor to acquire a positive, firm up and down motion of the key. Avoid all side pressure, and do not allow the fingers to leave the key when making the signals. The movement is made principally with the wrist, with the fingers and hand perfectly elastic.

A dot is made by a single instantaneous, downward stroke of the key. A dash is made by holding the key down for the same period of time that it takes to make three dots. A long dash is made by holding the key down for the same time that it takes to make five dots.