Communication Breakthroughs and Disasters: Pony Express to Radio Act (PDF)

COMMUNICATION BREAKTHROUGHS AND DISASTERS: FROM PONY EXPRESS TO THE RADIO ACT OF 1912" BY Chavi Darshini Muskaan Rijul Neelam PONY EXPRESS : The Pony...

COMMUNICATION BREAKTHROUGHS AND DISASTERS: FROM PONY EXPRESS TO THE RADIO ACT OF 1912" BY Chavi Darshini Muskaan Rijul Neelam PONY EXPRESS : The Pony Express was a fast mail service that operated in the United States from April 1860 to October 1861. It used a relay of horse riders to deliver mail across the country, particularly between Missouri and California, covering approximately 1,900 miles. The service was designed to provide the fastest communication available at the time between the eastern and western parts of the country, reducing the delivery time to about 10 days. Riders would switch horses at relay stations placed roughly 10-15 miles apart and would hand off the mail to the next rider at certain points along the route. The Pony Express became a legendary part of American history, symbolizing theadventurous spirit of the American West. However, the service was short-lived, as it was soon replaced by the completion of the transcontinental telegraph, which provided an even faster and more reliable means of communication. https://youtu.be/3YdWXBXRLB0?si=9NO3WOCsQfXBVavm TELEGRAPH: A telegraph is a communication device that was invented in the early 19th century to send messages over long distances quickly by using electrical signals. The term "telegraph" comes from the Greek words "tele," meaning "distant," and "graphein," meaning "to write." It allowed people to send text-based messages using a system of coded signals transmitted over wires. The development of the telegraph marked a significant advancement in communication, enabling almost instantaneous exchange of information across vast distances. HOW DOES IT WORK? The telegraph works by sending electrical pulses along a wire, with each pulse representing a part of a coded message. The most commonly used code was Morse code, developed by Samuel Morse, which used a series of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals) to represent letters and numbers. An operator at the sending end would tap out the message on a telegraph key, sending the electrical pulses through the wire to a receiver at the other end. The receiver would then decode the signals back into letters, allowing the message to be understood. The completion of the transcontinental telegraph line led to the immediate end of the Pony Express, as the telegraph was much faster and more reliable for long- distance communication. The telegraph was a revolutionary communication technology developed in the 19th century that dramatically changed how people communicated over long distances. In the early 20th century, the invention of wireless telegraphy (radio) further advanced communication technology, paving the way for modern wireless communication.  HELIOGRAPH A heliograph is a signaling device that uses sunlight reflected by a mirror to send messages over long distances. The word "heliograph" comes from the Greek words "helios" (meaning "sun") and" graphein" (meaning "to write"). DESIGN AND OPERATION Basic Components: A heliograph typically consists of a mirror mounted onatripod, with a mechanism to aim and tilt the mirror to direct sunlight toward a distant receiver. Some models have two mirrors: one fixed and one adjustable. Signaling Method: The heliograph sends messages by reflecting sunlight inaseries of flashes. These flashes are created by tilting the mirror to interrupt the sunlight. Theflashes are sent in patterns, often using Morse code, which can be interpreted by the receiver. Range and Range and effectiveness: Under optimal conditions (clear skies and line of sight), a heliograph can transmit signals over distances of 30 miles or more. The heliograph was widely used by military forces, particularly in areas like deserts and mountains where other communication methods were impractical. Notable uses include the British Army in colonial campaigns, the U.S. Army in the American West, and by various forces during World War I. The heliograph is an interesting example of how simple tools can be adapted for critical communication needs, particularly in environments where modern technology was not yet available. MARITIME RADIO: Maritime radio refers to the use of radio communication systems on ships and other vessels at sea. It plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, navigation, and coordination between ships, as well as between ships and shore-based stations. Maritime radio communication began in the early 20th century, with the advent of wireless telegraphy. The first significant use was on passenger ships like the RMS Titanic, which famously used Morse code to send distress signals during its sinking in 1912. Over time, maritime radio evolved from Morse code to voice communication, with the development of more advanced radio technologies, including VHF (Very High Frequency) and HF(High Frequency) radios. VARIOUS FREQUENCIES USED: VHF Radio (Very High Frequency): MF/HF Radio (Medium and GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and VHF is the most common type of High Frequency): These Safety System): maritime radio used today. It radios operate on lower A set of international protocols and operates inthe156-174 MHz range and frequencies (MF: 300 kHz - 3 equipment standards used to ensure thatships can send distress signals is primarily used for short-range MHz, HF: 3-30 MHz) and are and communicate during communication (up to20-30miles). used for long-range emergencies. GMDSScovers a range of VHF radios are used for ship-to-ship communication, especially in frequencies and systems, including communication, ship-to-shore areas beyond the VHF, MF, HF, satellite communication, communication, and for receiving reachofVHF. and NAVTEX (Navigational Telex). weather reports and navigation warnings. Maritime radio is a vital component of modern seafaring, ensuring safety, facilitating communication, and supporting navigation across the world's oceans. As technology continues to evolve, maritime radio remains a fundamental tool for the maritime industry, integrating traditional methods with cutting-edge advancements to enhance the safety and efficiencyof maritime operations. THE TITANIC: The Titanic, officially named the RMS Titanic, was a British passenger liner that famously sank on its maiden voyage in April 1912 after striking an iceberg. The disaster resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 people, making it one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in history. The Titanic has since become an enduring symbol of both human ambition and the vulnerabilities of technology. THE ACTUAL INCIDENT : 2. When the Titanic struck the iceberg, the wireless operators sent out distress signals using Morse code. Initially, they 1. On the night of the sinking, the used the distress signal “CQD”(which was Titanic received several a common distress call before the iceberg warnings from other adoption of SOS), but as the situation ships via radio. However, these worsened, they switched to the new warnings were not international distress signal “SOS.” immediately acted upon. The ship’soperators were busy handling other messages, and 4.The distress signals sent by the the iceberg warnings were not Titanic were picked up by the RMS prioritized Carpathia, a near by ship. The Carpathia responded promptly and 3. The operators sent repeated proceeded to the Titanic’s location, distress messages indicating arriving about 4 hours after the the ship’s location and the sinking and rescuing the survivors severity of the emergency. from life boats. The Carpathia’s quick These messages were response was largely due to the broadcast continuously in the Titanic’s effective use of hope of reaching nearby ships. radiocommunication, which played a critical role in coordinating the rescue operation. The Titanic disaster underscored the importance of reliable communication systems at sea, prompting further advancements in radio technology and safety measures. It contributed to the evolution of maritime communication standards and the integration of radio as a critical component of ship safety.  RADIO ACT 1912 The Radio Act of 1912 was a significant piece of legislation in the United States that was directly influenced by the Titanic disaster. It established important regulations for maritime communication, ensuring that ships maintained adequate radio communication protocols and improving safety at sea. KEY PROVISIONS OF THE ACT: Mandatory Radio Equipment: The Act mandated that all commercial ships engaged in interstate or foreign trade be equipped with radio communication systems capable of sending distress signals. 24-Hour Radio Watch: The law required ships to have operators on duty at all times to monitor distress frequencies, ensuring that help could be dispatched quickly in case of emergencies. Licensing Requirements: The Act established licensing requirements for radio operators, ensuring that those operating maritime radios had the necessary training and expertise to manage communications effectively. Distress Signals: The Act reinforced the importance of using standardized distress signals, such as SOS, and required that these signals be sent out immediately in case of an emergency. The Radio Act of 1912 was a direct response to the lessons learned from the Titanic disaster, emphasizing the need for improved communication and safety protocols in maritime operations. By mandating radio equipment, establishing 24-hour monitoring requirements, and enhancingoperator training, the Act aimed to prevent future tragedies and ensure that maritime communication systems were robust and reliable. https://youtu.be/L0Zu1tol-TU?si=YuKErb5vLZM4_H8O TH ANK YOU