Junior Ganymede Quiz: Heliograph Distance Record
A heliograph is a mirror mounted on a tripod for solar signaling, usually using Morse code sent either with a tilting mechanism or a shutter (as on an Aldis lamp). They were used, in some form or other, in military campaigning from ancient times up until the advent of wireless. In the history of our nation, they were particularly useful in the Army campaigns against the Apache.
GERONIMO IS SO GHEY. K THX BAI.
So, what do you think is the distance record for signal received by heliograph? Make your guess. (Answer after the jump.)
183 miles, by Captain W.A. Glassford of the Signal Corps and his sergeants, between stations on the peaks of Mount Ellen, Utah, and Mount Uncompahgre, Colorado. September 17, 1894. (From the Dead Media Project.)
Filed under: Birkenhead Drill | Tags: "the beacons of Gondor are alight, calling for aid.", DX, heliography, Morse, signals
GST
April 30, 2009
And for you hardcore signaling fans, Julius Caesar on an Aldis Lamp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVBYAMBHzqg
John Mansfield
April 30, 2009
Well, my guess was 200 miles. I wish had some way to document my superior heliograph distance record estimating ability.
Adam Greenwood
April 30, 2009
[Skims past the post too quickly to look]
150?
[Looks]
Dang.