How does one telegraph transmit dots and dashes to the next?!?

Question

How does one telegraph transmit dots and dashes to the next?!?

Answer 1

Along a telegraph line.  A short click is a dot while a longer clack is a dash.

Answer 2

Labour used to be cheap. They sat a guy down with a big brass key and he sent (timing was up to the guy. Variations are commonly known as the "hand" of the operator). In his spare time, he used to listen to the sounder (sometimes even when he was sending). Down the other end, the same thing. Various codes were tried but eventually Morse code dominated.

In order to extend the range (and to reduce the manpower needed) they had repeaters. This consisted of a relay and a battery. The relay connected the battery to the line and so sent stronger current to the receiver.

Eventually, they decided this method was too slow and introduced TTY. With this, the signals are divided up into groups (for each character) and sent as 5-bit characters (Baudot). 5-bits can produce 32 characters which is not sufficient but it sufficed for a while. Eventually they increased the number of bits and so were able to have a full alphabet. This increased the speed from about 20wpm (Morse) up to 75 or 100wpm.

Answer 3

At it's most basic a telegraph is comprised of a battery, wire, electromagnet and a switch. These elements are assembled to form an electrical circuit. That is, they are connected to perform a function.

A switch, battery, and an electromagnet each have two ends or terminals. Connect one switch terminal to the battery, connect the free battery terminal to the electromagnet, connect the free electromagnet terminal back to the switch. You have now formed a loop or circuit that can be opened or closed with the switch.

The switch is controlled by a person sending a message and the electromagnet is observed by the person receiving. When the switch is open nothing happens. When the switch closes the circuit it allows the battery to activate the electromagnet. The electromagnet actuates/moves making a clicking sound. Attaching a pencil to the electromagnet and placing a moving strip of paper beneath it will result in marks on the paper (dots or dashes) depending on how long the switch is held closed.  Morse code is a famous standard that is used to communicate telegraphically.