"Now let us talk about the new communication project. I will call this project the telegraph. It consists of sending electrical signals by means of a cable…"
André gave them a brief explanation of the telegraph.
The basic functioning of the telegraph is based on the use of electrical signals. It consists of a transmitter and a receiver connected by a cable.
The transmitter is a machine that allows the operator to send messages using a special code called Morse code. This code is based on combinations of dots and dashes that represent letters and numbers.
When the operator presses a key on the transmitter, an electrical current is sent through the cable toward the receiver.
The receiver has a mechanism that interprets the electrical signals and translates them back into Morse code. In this way, the receiver can receive the message sent by the transmitter.
In the 1830s, the American inventor Samuel Morse and the scientist Joseph Henry worked independently on the development of an electrical telegraphy system.
In 1837, Morse and his assistant Alfred Vail presented a functional telegraph that used a code of dots and dashes known as Morse code.
In 1844, the first long-distance telegraph line in the United States was completed, connecting the cities of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. The famous message sent by Morse at that moment was: "What hath God wrought?"
"The telegraph will need a great deal of specialized areas. Sofía, as director of education, your mission will be to find talents in the different areas. Here I will give you a document specifying them."
André handed Sofía a thick document that contained all the necessary information.
**Components of the telegraph:**
Transmitter: Device with battery and key. The operator presses the key to complete the electrical circuit and send the current.
Morse code: Represents letters, numbers, and symbols with dots and dashes. Example: the letter "A" is ".-".
Cable: Connects the transmitter with the receiver, transmitting electrical impulses.
Receiver: Interprets the electrical signals received and converts them back into Morse code.
"I trust that you can have a group of specialists ready for when the infrastructure is almost complete."
"You can count on me, André. I will not disappoint you." With a sweet and animated smile, Sofía promised him she would fulfill her task. She was happy that they had entrusted her with a mission of great importance.
She did not want to fall behind her sisters, who had helped André a great deal. She was feeling a small crisis, but now she could demonstrate her worth.
"Orobio, your labor in this mission will be of great importance. It must be said that you will have one of the main roles in this project."
After explaining some basic science concepts to those present, André looked toward Orobio and spoke with seriousness.
"I am at your orders, my lord. Allow me to carry out any mission you say, with the greatest care possible."
After listening to what André said about the telegraph and its vital importance, Orobio was very happy. He could see the seriousness with which André treated this new project.
It was enough to see that all the decision-makers of Solomon City had gathered. The responsibility that was being delivered to him was recognition of his ability.
"Good, I like that attitude. I hope you continue like this from now on. Your work consists of the manufacture of copper cables. I need the greatest quantity possible in the least time possible."
"Take this; this is the method for manufacturing cable for the telegraph. It must be known that this is a vital point, so I hope you understand it very well and begin this work as soon as possible."
André took a paper from his desk and handed it to Orobio.
"Be careful with that information, which continues to be confidential. Access is prohibited to third parties outside your blacksmith workshop."
"Yes, my lord. Then, if there is nothing more for me, I will withdraw to study it carefully."
"Very well, you may withdraw. What follows does not need your participation."
"Well, my lord, I take my leave then. With the others we will see each other later."
Orobio tightly gripped the paper in his hand, turned around, and left the room.
Seeing his attitude full of emotion, André could not help but smile. He liked the enthusiastic attitude of his head blacksmith.
He trusted him completely, so he did not worry about the leakage of information. It can be said that if Orobio betrayed André it would be an unimaginable loss, because together with him there were great technologies delivered from André's hand.
What André handed him a moment earlier was the technique for manufacturing copper cables that would be used in the telegraph.
**Manufacture of copper cables for the telegraph**
**Melting and forming:**
The refined copper was melted in furnaces to convert it into liquid. Then it was poured into molds to create solid copper bars or ingots. These ingots were rolled or drawn into strips and wires of different diameters.
**Insulation:**
The copper wires were coated with an insulator to avoid short circuits. Initially gutta-percha was used, a material obtained from the latex of the Palaquium gutta tree. Later rubber and varnishes were used.
**Twisting and sheathing:**
The insulated wires were grouped into bundles and twisted to form cable cores. These could be composed of several copper wires twisted together.
**Protective covering:**
To protect the core, an external covering of materials such as steel wire, tar-impregnated hemp, or lead was applied. This protected against mechanical damage, moisture, and corrosion.
**Testing and manufacture of sections:**
The cables were subjected to quality and resistance tests. Then sections of certain lengths were manufactured, which were joined by means of splices to form longer lines.
**Installation of the cables:**
Once manufactured, the cables were installed on poles or buried underground, depending on the type of installation required. Their proper fixing and protection against damage were ensured.
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