Telegram system in India: Block diagram and working

Telegram System in India: Correct Zigzag Block Diagram

This diagram shows the exact zigzag pattern of telegram transmission with proper left-to-right and right-to-left flow between processing stages.

TELEGRAM TRANSMISSION ZIGZAG WORKFLOW

1

MESSAGE ORIGIN

Sender writes message on telegram form

2

TELEGRAPH OFFICE

Accepts and processes telegram

4

TRANSMISSION

Signals sent through copper wires

3

ENCODING

Operator converts to Morse code

5

REPEATER STATIONS

Signal boosters every 200-300 km

6

DESTINATION OFFICE

Receives electrical signals

8

FINAL DELIVERY

Telegram delivered to recipient

7

DECODING

Morse code converted to text

Morse Code System

The telegraph used International Morse Code for encoding messages:

A
•-

B
-•••

C
-•-•

1
•----

2
••---

SOS
••• --- •••

Working Principle

The telegraph system operated on the fundamental principle of making and breaking an electrical circuit. When the telegraph key was pressed by an operator, it completed an electrical circuit, allowing current to flow through the extensive network of copper wires to the receiving station.

The duration of the circuit closure determined the type of signal transmitted - a short closure produced a dot (•), while a longer closure produced a dash (-). This binary system formed the basis of Morse code communication.

At the receiving end, an electromagnetic sounder would convert these electrical signals into audible clicks. Skilled operators could interpret these clicks directly, while later systems used paper tape printers that physically recorded the dots and dashes for more accurate decoding and record-keeping.

The entire system depended on highly trained operators who could typically send and receive Morse code at speeds of 20-25 words per minute. The distinctive rhythm and pattern of Morse code transmission became synonymous with telegraphic communication across India, serving as a vital communication link for over a century.

Legacy and Impact

The telegraph system laid the foundation for modern electronic communication in India. It demonstrated the feasibility of rapid long-distance communication and established the infrastructure that would later support telephone and internet services. The organizational structure developed for telegraph operations also served as a model for subsequent communication services in the country.

Despite being rendered obsolete by newer technologies, the telegraph system remains an important chapter in India's technological history, representing the nation's first step into the era of instant electronic communication.