I was cleaning up another old telegraph key prior to deciding if it stays in the collection or hits the auction block and I noticed that it was not adjusted correctly. Not even close. I call it the “Hollywood setting”…..why? Well, it seems that in many films, and even some serious historical documentaries that should get it right, they don’t. There are many reasons in film to take a few liberties with the accuracy of things–usually to make the story flow, add dramatic effect, or to fit into the amount of time available. Sometimes they make some great leaps that are blatant in order to increase the overall entertainment value. More often than not, however, it is simply something that is an oversight by those making the movie who may not have the technical knowledge of some of what they are depicting. One of the more common things they mess up is the use of a code key. Often it is a small scene element, only viewed for a few moments….but even so, why not get it right? Getting it wrong does not add to the story at all, and getting it right does not cost the story anything.
What you often see on TV and in movies is a key adjusted with about a 1/4” or more gap between the contacts. Hell, I’m convinced they’d set one at a full inch if they had a key that would adjust out that far. The result is a very long throw of the keying lever. Meanwhile you hear in the soundtrack a string of fast Morse code being sent. You know, you’ve seen it. But no one really does this. Not even close. If you adjusted a key that way, the action would be slow and sloppy. No telegrapher would have held a job that way…. and a radioman would never have gotten that distress call sent before the ship sank. No. No. No.
The correct set up is much tighter. Maybe a 1/16″ gap in the contacts. Spring tensions and contacts adjusted to suit the operator, etc. (some keys are rather elaborate and offer many points of adjustment) The result being nice quick snappy and smooth action with better control and speed. That’s how they should show it.
It is a small thing, but one that is often overlooked in films. Most viewers may not notice, but some of us do and find it a bit irritating. And now that I have told you, you will find it irritating the next time you see it done wrong too. Consider it my OCD gift to you on this fine afternoon. 🙂