While the simple spark gap of the early Marconi instruments was enough to send out the Hertzian waves, the modern transmitter is a marvel of electrical construction utilizing as it does the latest discoveries in electrical apparatus.
The most noticeable difference in the sending apparatus is in the arrangement of the two wires between which the spark flies. In the early instruments the wires were set in a horizontal line, and connected to an induction coil, but in the later ones the oscillator was turned up lengthwise with the spark gap between the vertical wings.
The different position of the spark gap is a change only in form, and not in principle. In the Marconi apparatus used nowadays the current comes from a dynamo of more than 110 volts, direct current. The two terminals of the circuit are connected with an induction coil, and from there to the two ends of the wires, making the terminals of the spark gap. The upper wire runs from the spark gap to the aerial, and the lower runs through a battery of Leyden jars, through a high tension transformer (as does the other side of the circuit), and thence to the ground. Aboard ship the ground connection is simply made by attaching a wire to the hull of the ship, which is in connection with the water, the best possible earth connection.
[Illustration: MARCONI TRANSMITTER LAYOUT
A--Key. B--Induction coil. C--Spark gap. D--Dynamo. E--Rheostat. F--Interrupter magnet. G--Aerial. H--High tension transformer. I--Ground wire. K--Battery of Leyden jars.]
There are, of course, a great many different kinds of transmitters, but they are all worked out on the same general principle--a spark gap which creates electrical oscillations that are sent into the ether from the aerials.
In some modern stations an alternating current is used at more than 100 volts and is stepped up through a transformer to about 30,000 volts. This high power current then charges a condenser consisting of a battery of Leyden jars.
When the operator presses his key he establishes a connection, which immediately sets up electrical waves oscillating at a rate of anywhere from 100,000 to 2,500,000 per second. These oscillations are carried to the antennæ where they pass into the ether and spread in all directions to be caught on the aerials of all stations within range.