The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1903-03-29

PACIFIC WIRELESS TELEGRAPH STATION.
E-three miles. During this time over
1000 communications have been made.
yet not one complaint has been made
of error or delay. AS a>result of this
success stations will soon be estab-
1ished all along the Pacific coast from
Los Angeles to Alaska. Furthermore,
plans are being laid for wireless con-
nections between the United States
and the Hawaiian Islands.
The system used here differs mate
rally from that of Marconi, one of the
principal points of difference being the
absence of the coherer used by Mar
conf to pick up the electric waves. In
recent interview the originator of the
system said that he had discovered in
California the presence of great deal
Of atmospheric electricity, which would
affect the coherer similarly to the cleo
trio impulse sent out from the trans
hitting station For this reason he
had been compelled to substitute for
the coherer device which would over
come the atmospheric Interference.
This device is in the nature of very
sensitive receiver. responding more
quickly than the coherer does. From
fifteen to twenty words minute are
now sent, thanks to this device. and
improvements are expected to double
this rate of speed. @
The equipment of the Catalina is
land station is much like that of the
well known Marconi stations. 1t con-
sists of an engine and dynamo, in
duction coil, Morse key, spark balls and
mast. The current is opened and
closed through the induction coil by
the manipulation of the sending key,
and the operator. using the Morse al
phabet, transmits his message through
the ether just as he would over the tel
egraph wire, it being received by sound
on the receiving instrument in the sta
ton whittier it has been sent.
w. G. Sener, the man in charge Of
the stationion this island, was for near
~ twenty years telegraph operator and
train dispatcher for the Pennsylvania
railroad. He is enthusiastic over the
success already attained by wireless
methods. What particularly pleases
him is the fact that the Pacific system
has found way of providing for Sc
crecy in the sending of messages. As
explained by Mr.. Sener, an outside sta
ton has to be in exact tune or vibra-
ton with the sending station in order
to Intercept the ether waves, and, as
the sending station has found way
of changing the vibration every Sec
ond, il necessary, it would be extreme
~ difficult for the outside station to re-
ceive messages other than those in
tended for 1t.
According to Mr.. Sener. climatic
changes do not have noticeable effect
on wireless telegraphy as praetieed on
the coast with the exception that while
1t is raining or is very foggy the mes
sages seem to come more clearly. The
Importance Of this is evident, for 1t
greatly enhances the value Of the wire
less for marine work.
Similarly the running of trains dur
Ing or after severe storm will be
greatly facilitated. and already the
Southern Pacific Railroad company is
experimenting with the system with a
view OF ultimately substituting it for
the regular telegraphic method used In
train dispatchfng. An experimental
car has been fitted up. and stations are
to be established at Omaha, Ogden,
Salt Lake City and other cities. 1t
will be seen that Ii this is proved fea-
sible the railroads Of the country will
be saved from the costly wrecks that
have been so frequent of recent years.
CHARLES g. RICHARDSON.