Using a teleprinter for everyday use is for the most part obsolete. However, there is in fact a certain demographic that uses the teleprinter for applications that are somewhat relevant in today’s world, mostly in aviation and in communicating with the deaf. Call it sentimental value at its most primitive level, call it whatever, but the teleprinter and its use has gradually contributed to several innovations we now take for granted in out every day lives.
History
Simply put, the teleprinter transmits text over electrical wires. They took on a very important role during World War 2 in areas where U.S. soldiers were stationed, and where the threat of Japanese invasion places such as Queensland Australia was quite prevalent. The teleprinter was used to convey messages between army units regarding military strategy. Soldiers also used them as median of communication to their families back in the United States.
Mechanics of the Teleprinter
The teleprinter is very similar to the electric printer in that it functions from signals of a paper tape, yet no median of distribution exists given that there is just one teleprinter at the end of the message line. The teleprinter operated via the 5-bit Baudot Code. There were only 32 characters in use, so the operator was required to use a “FIGS” shift key to type enter numbers and characters in the teleprinter. Eventually, the more modern ASC II code took its place, but it is very intriguing how the Baudot Code was predecessor to ASC II.
As many are using devices such as the I Phone, I Pads, and everything associated with today’s hi-tech world, it is very integral that we realize how these inventions came about in terms of communication devices. Check out Wikipedia for more information on how teleprinters evolved into other medians of technology.