Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, and friends have put together a special collection of telegraphic treats, artifacts and CW keys for display at amateur radio conventions and rallies of all lands. THIS HISTORY-MAKING DISPLAY IS HOUSED IN AND TRANSPORTED IN A SELF-PROTECTING 26 BY 15 BY 8 INCH CASE THAT OPENS UP AND EXPANDS OUT IN 2 MINUTES TIME. It contains views and details of Samuel F. B. Morse’s first pen and canvas-type telegraph, H. G. Martin’s first semi-automatic key, a recording of how the Titanic’s S.O.S. sounded in 1912, plus information on and invites to join several CW clubs. It also features a replica of Samuel Morse famed “Correspondent” key, the Titanic’s spark key, an 1880-style Chubbock key, a 1905-styled Vibroplex bug, WB9LPU’s new RotoBug, N3ZN’s glamorous round-based paddle, a bevy of exotic fingerpieces and much more.

            Shipping cost is always a prime consideration, so space and weight are a premium in this traveling display. As such, only the most noteworthy and admirable keys, bugs, paddles, papers, books, CDs, etc. have been included in the display. If interest and funds permit, an optional box of souvenirs, miniature keys, etc. is available to compliment the display. A webcam link with amateurs supplying item/info in display is also being planned.

View the Keys

A replica of Samuel Morse First Key: The Correspondent
A replica of the Titanic’s Spark Key
1880 Chubbock Key
Gold pinstriped 100 Anniversary Vibroplex Bug
WB9LPU’s incredible oscillating Rotor Bug
WB9LPU’s Coffee Cup Coaster CW Paddle—Just sit cup on it and use handle as fingerpiece. It’s a treat!
N3ZN’s Magnetically Tensioned Paddle key
Exotic fingerpieces by WB8LZG

Read the Papers

Samuel Morse developed the canvas stretcher-type telegraph
Transcripts and log extracts from the Titanic event
Evolution of Western Union
Story of H.G. Martin and The Vibroplex Company

Listen to the Sounds

Hear recordings of Spark Gap-transmitted SOS messages from MGY-- call sign of the Titanic

Join the Clubs

Applications and invites from FISTS, SKCC, more

 SPONSORS WANTED

Sponsors to help support/fund this display’s travel from country-to-country—by UPS, FedEx or as “One Additional Suitcase” or travel bag aboard airplanes—are sought. You can work with Amateur Radio societies/leagues/associations in countries. The objective is to perpetuate our proud history and traditions for many years to come: a most worthy endeavor.

HOW TO GET ON LIST/SCHEDULE FOR SHOWING DISPLAY AT YOUR LOCATION

            You pay cost of shipping display case (approx. 28 by 16 by 8 inches and 30 pounds) from previous location of showing/display to your location. Since a representative will not be traveling with the display (unless you invite one of us as a guest/forum speaker!), we emphasize you—the club/organization/society sponsoring the convention/rally/show must be responsible for the safety and security of the display from the time it arrives at your QTH until it leaves your QTH. Do not be discouraged here, however. While several items cannot be easily replaced, the display’s overall value is under $2,000 dollars.
            I urge you to assign one person—ideally, one with a high interest in and enthusiasm for keys, CW and telegraphy—immediately accountable for all parts of display. I also encourage you to set up the display in an area adjacent to your convention’s own area/booth/stand so you (or the previously mentioned keys enthusiast) can keep a watchful eye on it. The double benefit here is the telegraphic display will compliment your organization.
            Handled diligently and responsibly in the traditional amateur radio manner, this traveling telegraphic display can make your convention an extra-special and always remembered event. Give it a go!

RECAPPING

1) The traveling telegraphic display will be shipped between locations in generally same areas “leap frogging” around the U.S., then make a jump into Europe. Then it will again ship between generally same areas, making another continental jump, etc. until traveling around the world and returning to the U.S.

2) I urge you to reserve a spot on the world-touring display’s schedule RIGHT NOW—before it travels past your area. Also, the more near-to-each other areas of showing, the shorter then point-to-point travel and the lower the shipping costs.

     Reserve a spot by contacting Sandy Ingram, WB4OEE
                          via e-mail: info@k4twj.com

3) State date(s), location and type event. If you do not receive a reply within 7-10 days, assume your message was lost in cyberspace and send again. THIS IS DESTINED TO BE A BIG EVENT!! SIGN UP NOW!