Dynamic Analysis of a Semi-automatic Telegraph Key

The first telegraph key model was invented in 1846 by Alfred Vai, a close collaborator of Samuel F.B. Morse. Since then the telegraph key has changed several designs from the mechanical semi-automatic or bug to automatic systems, representing for years the main means of communication as well as the first means of electrical communication invented. Today telegraphy replaced by the telephone and the Internet, however, these devices are still used by about 3 million Amateur radio operators. In this paper, a dynamic analysis of a precise telegraph key model has done. The model is the Vibroplex Original Deluxe which is a semi-automatic model made by Vibroplex Company Inc., a historical company manufacturer of these devices, founded by Horace Greeley Martin (1873-1937). The feature of this device is to automatically generate points (in Morse code sense) by means of an oscillating mass. The validated model will be useful to test different setting parameters and how to manage them to get comfort for the operator.