Morse Code Society (Morsecodians)

Brian O'Shaughnessy

The Morsecodian fraternity was formed in Newcastle in the 1960's and the present parent body, the Sydney Morsecodians was established in 1975. Since then branches have been formed in Canberra and various states. The overall membership is approximately 1000, which is made up of mostly former Postmaster General Department employees together with HAM radio operators.

The object of the fraternity is to perpetuate to the extent possible an interest in Morse Code, to educate younger people (through presentations in schools etc.) in the value of this old means of communication and to keep old workmates in touch with each other. The fraternity meets in Sydney in October each year with all formal business conducted in Morse Code which is broadcast over a P/A system.

It is possible for members to communicate in Morse Code with each other over their private telephone lines using old fashioned telegraph equipment such as sounders, relays and keys in addition to a 300 baud modem, small interface and a mini power supply. This novel system is known as the Morse "Dial Up System" and at present there are approximately 100 terminals throughout Australia.

For the last several years during the Northern territory heritage week in April, telegraph circuits have been established between the historic telegraph station at Alice Springs and the National Science Center in Canberra (until 2000) and as from 2001 the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Bendigo (Victoria) Morsecodians operate a telegraph station from 10am to 1pm Wednesdays and Sundays at the Visitor Information Center / Federation Museum in the former Bendigo post office. Dial-up Morse circuits are set up with stations Australia wide. An automatic transmitter keeps the sounder operating when operators are not in attendance. On Wednesdays the direct circuit between Bendigo and Telstra's repository in the former Post Office at Ashfield in Sydney is used for point to point Morse communication. A dial-up teleprinter line will shortly be available. Personal visits may be arranged by calling Peter Shaw on (03) 5446 8136. An operator is usually available to make out of hours visitors welcome. The visitor information center is open from 9am to 5pm daily. Inspection of Australia's oldest remaining telegraph office at Castlemaine can also be arranged. The station there includes an excellent display of telegraph and telephone equipment, including a Gower-Bell telephone (NFS).

A special feature at the Eden Killer Whale Museum (New South Wales south coast) is the operation of old post office (Postmaster General) Morse Code equipment. Souvenir messages are transmitted by Morse Code for visitors of the museum for onforwarding by mail to their destination. Incoming greeting messages are also received from operators at other centers throughout Australia for onforwarding or handed to local visitors. In the operators' absence a visual/audio display is left insitu, with Morse code being transmitted through the equipment. The visual display is continually changed to suit various commemorations taking place at the museum or of local or national importance.

In Western Australia Morsecodians staff telegraph centers at Wireless Hill, Apple Cross and Armadale to demonstrate Morse Code and accept messages from the public.

For further information on the Morsecodian fraternity please contact Brian O'Shaughnessy at the telephone number listed above.

URL: http://ahts.org.au/bosArt1.htm
(Modified: October 31, 2008 10:25 AM )