How to Make A Telegraph

Exploring the Magic of Electricity

Miscellaneous Parts

Alligator Clips

Washers

¼” Hex Bolt

Wood Screws

Pan Head Screws

Machine Bolt

Parts Enamel Coated Magnet Wire

20 gauge

Bell Wire (solid)

18 gauge

Sheet Metal Strap

Framework

¼” Dowel Rod

Sounder Arm

7 ½” x ¾” x 5/8”

Switch Block

2 ½” x 4 ½” x ¾”

Telegraph Frame3 ¾” x 6 ¾” x ¾”

3 ¾” x 6 ¾” x ¾”

3

¾” x 4

½” x

¾”

3

¾” x 4

½” x

¾”

¼” Hole

3 ¾” x ¾” x ¾”

2 ¼” x 2” x ¾”

8 - 1 ½’ wood screws

7/8” x 3 1/8” – cut out

6 volt lantern battery

Electrical Tape

STEP 1: Put large washer on hex bolt

Making Electro Magnet

STEP 2: Wrap hex bolt with electrical tape

Leave ½” unwrapped at bottom

STEP 3: Wind magnet wire around bolt

Keep windings neat, tight

5-6 layers of magnet wire

STEP 4: Sandpaper end of magnet wire

(sand away ½” enamel)

STEP 5: Screw bolt in top of framework

Finished Electro magnet

Making Telegraph Switch

STEP 1:

Cut two pieces of black bell wire, equal lengths

STEP 2: Strip wire ½”

STEP 3: Make a hook in wire

STEP 4: Fasten wire and strap metal to wood

STEP 5: Screw into place

STEP 6: Fasten bell wire at other end of switch block

STEP 7: Screw in place

Completed Telegraph Switch

Attaching alligator clip

STEP 1: Insert bell wire into alligator clip

STEP 2: Wrap bell wire around screw

STEP 3: Tighten screw on alligator clip

STEP 4: Add alligator clips to both bell wires

Attaching Electro Magnet to Telegraph switch

STEP 1: Fasten magnet wire, bell wire to framework

STEP 2: Screw in place

STEP 3: Fasten magnet wire, bell wire to framework

Completed wiring to telegraph switch

Completed Electro magnet wiring

Making Sounder Arm

7 ½” x ¾” x 5/8”

STEP 1: Screw in bolt

STEP 2: Insert sounder arm into framework

STEP 3: Insert dowel rod into framework

Completed telegraph sounder

Place top on telegraph sounder

Hinge top to telegraph sounder

Hinge 1 ½ x 1 ½”

Leave 1/8” gap between electro magnet and bolt

Completed Telegraph