After initial difficulties with transmitting a signal, there was a sudden marked improvement and Whitehouse claimed success for his system. However it was soon discovered that he had substituted Thomson's mirror-galvanometer for his own instruments and there was a furious row between Whitehouse, Thomson and the other directors.
Pagkatapos ng unang problema sa pagpapadala ng isang hudyat, nagkaroon ng biglaang minarkahan ng pagpapabuti at Whitehouse inaangkin ang tagumpay para sa kanyang sistema. Gayunpaman, ito ay sa lalong madaling panahon natuklasan na niya substituted Thomson's mirror-galbanomiter para sa kanyang sariling instrumento at doon ay isang malakas na malakas na hanay sa pagitan ng Whitehouse, Thomson at ang iba pang mga direktor.