Transmitter, 1917

01

Artifact Overview

This quenched gap radio transmitter -- a type of spark gap transmitter -- would have transmitted radio waves used for Morse code signals in ship-to-shore communication. Spark gap transmitters, which used an electrical spark to generate radio waves, were the first means of practical radio transmission for the first thirty years of radio development.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Transmitter

Date Made

1917

Creator Notes

Possibly made by the Wireless Specialty Apparatus Company.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

36.157.107

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal

Color

Gray (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 37 in
Width: 14 in
Length: 21.5 in

Inscriptions

on data plate: 2-K.W. TRANSMITTER CL346 / QUENCHED GAP CL310 / QUENCHED GAP UNITS / SMALL QUENCHED GAP GASKET CL459 / LARGE QUENCHED GAP GASKET CL453 / NON SYNCHRONOUS GAP SE64 / SWITCH BOARDS CL469 / WAVE CHANGER SE108 / LOADING COIL SE109 / MAIN HAND KEY CL462 / CONDENSER CD54ORCD158 / PROTECTIVE DEVICE CD53 / MOTOR GENERATOR CB226 / TRANSFORMER CAT 463 / ANTENNA SEND RECIEVE GROUND SWITCH CM412 / LIGHTENING SWITCH SE163 / TONE TESTER SE64