Homemade Audion Control Box, Used by Charles Apgar, 1915

Summary

In 1915, amateur radio operator Charles Apgar detected coded messages being transmitted by German employees at Sayville Wireless Station, New Jersey. Apgar invented a device to capture these messages onto Edison wax cylinders--the earliest recordings of radio signals. National security was a major concern due to WWI, and Apgar's efforts convinced the U.S. government to seize the Sayville station.

In 1915, amateur radio operator Charles Apgar detected coded messages being transmitted by German employees at Sayville Wireless Station, New Jersey. Apgar invented a device to capture these messages onto Edison wax cylinders--the earliest recordings of radio signals. National security was a major concern due to WWI, and Apgar's efforts convinced the U.S. government to seize the Sayville station.

Artifact

Control box

Date Made

circa 1914

Subject Date

1915

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

40.312.7

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Ceramic (Material)
Nickel (Metal)
Steel (Alloy)

Wood (Plant Material)

Dimensions

Height: 5.5 in

Width: 4.875 in

Length: 10.5 in

Reprint from QST Magazine of December 1916, "Westf...

Details
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