Theory of Operation
The message is converted into the decimal equivalent for the Baudot telegraph code:
eg. Message = steampunk tasmania
| Letter | Base10 |
| S | 20 |
| T | 01 |
| E | 14 |
| A | 24 |
| M | 07 |
| P | 13 |
| U | 28 |
| N | 06 |
| K | 30 |
| 00 | |
| T | 01 |
| A | 24 |
| S | 20 |
| M | 07 |
| A | 24 |
| N | 06 |
| I | 12 |
| A | 24 |
The operator dials this on the code selection dials and presses the trigger for each letter, the status lamps (CodeAccepted, Sending, SendCompleted ) indicate the progress of the message sending.
The code dials select shaped cams that the morse encoder gearbox uses to control the "dot" or "dash" interrupter gear (note: illustration of spring drive for gearbox omitted for clarity) .
The trigger also operates the valve to release water into the carbide canister generating acetylene gas , this is combusted at the mantle to generate a fierce illumination. Similarly, another small lever is driven to strike a flint to ignite the gas.
The interrupted beams are collated by the prisms and focussed to a beam by the final output lens.
The conversion of the Baudot code to Morse enables the reception of the message either by mechanical means or the trained eye of a skilled operator.
