J-43 Telegraph Key

The J-43 Telegraph Key

The J-43 has a large toggle switch on top of the base on the right side. The toggle switch is marked "OPEN" at the back and "CLOSED" at the front".

(click to enlarge)

Here you see the additional binding post, marked "RELAY", and the small metal wicket mounted on the right rear of the base. You can also see the words "GND." and "KEY" stamped in white near the binding posts on the frame.

On the bottom of the frame you can see the filled grooves that connect the toggle switch to the RELAY binding post and the anvil of the key. The toggle switch has no effect on the normal operation of the key, but when the switch is set to CLOSED there is continuity between the "GND." (left) binding post on the frame and the "RELAY" binding post on the right rear of the base.

(click to enlarge)

This rare variation of the J-43 has a very complicated plunger and release switch which replaces the usual simple toggle switch. I have no idea what the three little red dots might be, or if they are even official parts of the key, since this is the only one I have ever seen.

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