Harper's Electricity Book for BoysAdams, Joseph H. (Joseph Henry)
Science
Harper's Electricity Book for Boys
Adams, Joseph H. (Joseph Henry)
Electricity -- Juvenile literature
On the opposite side, I C is the induction-coil; K is the telegraphic
key, or switch, which makes and breaks the current; S B is the
storage-batteries, or source of electric energy; and S G the spark-gap
between the brass balls on the terminal rods. By closing the circuit at
K the current flows through the primary of the induction-coil, affects
the secondary coil, and causes a spark to leap across the gap between
the brass balls. This instantly sets the ether in motion from A on the
right, and the impulse is picked up by A on the left. This oscillation
breaks down the resistance of the filings at C, and the current from
battery, or dry cell (D C), flows through the filings and operates the
sounder, or relay (R). This operation takes place instantly, and the
particles of metal are seen to cohere, or shift, so that better contact
is established. But as soon as the spark has jumped across the gap the
action of cohesion ceases until the key (K) is again operated to close
the circuit and cause another spark to leap across the gap. The shifting
of the metal particles on the board (C) is what takes place in the glass
tube of the coherer, Fig. 23, but in this confined space the particles
will not drop apart again as on the flat surface, but will continue to
cohere. A de-coherer is necessary, therefore, to knock the particles
apart, so that the next oscillatory impulse will have a strong and
individual effect. There are several forms of de-coherers in use, but
for the amateur telegrapher an electric-bell movement without the bell,
or, in other words, a buzzer with a knocker on the armature, will answer
every purpose. (See description of buzzer on page 64.) It must be
properly mounted, so that on its back stroke, or rebound, the knocker
will strike the glass tube and shake the particles of metal apart. For
this purpose the vibrations of the armature should be so regulated as to
obtain the greatest possible speed, in order that the dots and dashes
(or short and long periods) will be accurately recorded through the
coherer and made audible by the sounder or telephone receiver.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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