Join the Wireless Heritage SIG and Dr Stephen Unger on a journey to review the history the Optical Telegraph, learn how these early systems were engineered, and how their deployment was shaped by the political turmoil of the time.
The Optical Telegraph was invented at the end of the 18th century and represented the birth of modern telecommunications. Signal fires had been used for thousands of years to send prearranged warnings, but optical telegraphs were the first systems to transmit complex messages over long distances. Elaborate mechanical structures were used to create complex signals, which could then be viewed at a distance using a telescope. Sequences of signals were then converted to messages using codebooks.
Most optical telegraph networks were constructed for military purposes. They were used by the First French Empire during the Napoleonic Wars, by the English Admiralty to coordinate action by the Royal Navy, and by the Russian and Prussian Empires to consolidate their hold on territories gained following the Napoleonic Wars. Some optical telegraph networks were funded commercially, mainly associated with major harbours, where they provided early information on ships coming into port. Steve in his talk will describe how these early systems were engineered, and how their deployment was shaped by the political turmoil of the time.
Taking place at the Bradfield Centre, Cambridge with the presentation starting at 15:00, the event will provide delegates with ample opportunities to network with fellow delegates.
Employees of CW member organisations can attend this event for free. You will need to be logged into your CW account to access your free ticket – log in (or reset your password here). Tickets for non-members are £10 plus VAT. LIMITED FREE PLACES AVAILABLE for non-members who are under 35. For further information and to claim a free place please contact clare.kettle@cambridgewireless.co.uk
A CW Member?
Why not maximise your networking and join us for the CW's annual Member BBQ, which is taking place directly after this event. This event is exclusively for CW members and is the perfect opportunity to create relationships with other member organisations and is designed to bring like-minded people together and help them exchange ideas and opportunities. To learn more and to register please click here.
You can follow @CambWireless on Twitter and tweet about this event using #CWHeritage.