Need Information On Old Spark Transmitter Key - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: George_Race
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 01:45:07 am
content: Several years ago, when the internet was much younger, I tried to get information on a telegraph key that I have had since about 1955. There was not much interest last time I inquired, but the internet has really changed since I looked before. I ran across it, tucked away in a box earlier this week, which has rekindled my interest in finding out more about it's origin and possible collectors value.I have looked at all the telegraph key collector web files, and not one of them has a picture of listing for this particular key. It has a molded glass base, all the parts are chrome plated it appears, and the contacts are what I think is about 1/2 an ounce of pure silver.The only writing is on the rocker, at the pivot point. It says: E.I.Co.N.Y. The only reference I can currently find on the web goes back to some comments on advertising from 1915. It talks about the E.I.Co. N.Y. being a builder and supplier of spark gap transmitters and accessories. Other than that, I can still not find any current information about the key.The E.I.Co logo is also molded into the glass base, difficult to see but it is there.I have put 6 pictures on my server that you can go to and look at. Here is the address:http://www.mrrace.com/KEY/Thanks,George - WB8BGY

author: poptones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 01:54:22 am
content: You know, for someone supposed to be so smart, the professor was a complete idiot. A primitive battery, a piece of bamboo for a coil form and some salvaged wire and he should have easily been able to throw together a spark gap generator that would throw enough noise across the band to get them the attention they needed.And everyone thought Gilligan was the idiot.

author: poptones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 02:02:44 am
content: There's a wikipedia page about them. Turns out this is Gernsbachhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimenter_Publishing

author: poptones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 02:09:32 am
content: LOL. What's that in her hand?I love this old stuff. Deco is where it's at.

author: George_Race
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 12:56:58 am
content: I found some additional information. Added a picture of the details on the web server.George

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 09:23:08 am
content: You probably found this one already, it's close:http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/electro_im_electr_wireless_key_no_92.html

author: George_Race
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 11:52:54 am
content: Hi there, and no I had not seen that one!That is exactly the kind of information that I hoped could be found.It really gives all the details and shows it from all angles.Thanks so very much, you have been of great help.Thanks again and 73,George - WB8BGY

author: poptones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 05:23:25 pm
content: Whoah, that thing cost FOUR BUCKS in 1918? You could buy a washing machine for like 25!

author: Gall
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 08:28:31 pm
content: No surprise. Radio equipment was very expensive.