Teletypewriter facts for kids
A teletypewriter (also called a teletype or teleprinter) was a special machine. It let people send typed messages from one place to another. Imagine typing on a keyboard, and your words instantly appear on a printer far away!
These machines had a keyboard, just like a typewriter. They also had a printer so you could see what you were typing. A special part called a transmitter sent your message. Teletypes could send messages using wires or even radio waves. They were very popular in the early to mid-1900s. They were created to make telegraphs even better. Telegraphs also sent messages, but teletypes made it easier by using a keyboard.
Even though newer technologies have replaced most teletypes, a similar idea is still used today. Special devices called TDDs (Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf) are based on teletypes. Many people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have trouble speaking still use TDDs. They type messages back and forth to communicate. Not everyone has switched to instant messaging or texting.
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What is a Teletypewriter?
A teletypewriter, often called a TTY, was a clever device. It combined a typewriter with a way to send messages over long distances. Think of it as an early form of text messaging!
How Teletypes Worked
Teletypes had three main parts:
- A typewriter keyboard: This is where you typed your message.
- A printer: This printed your message as you typed it. It also printed messages you received.
- A transmitter: This part sent your typed words as electrical signals.
These signals traveled through wires or even through the air using radio waves. When the signals reached another teletype, its printer would type out the message. This allowed people to communicate quickly across cities or even countries.
Teletypes Today: TDDs
While old teletypes are mostly in museums, their idea lives on. TDDs, or Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf, are modern versions. They help people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech difficulties. These devices let them type messages to each other over phone lines. It's a vital tool for communication for many people.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Hughes telegraph, an early (1855) teleprinter built by Siemens and Halske. The centrifugal governor to achieve synchronicity with the other end can be seen.
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Siemens t37h (1933) without cover
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International Telegraph Alphabet 2 development of the Baudot–Murray code
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A British Creed & Company Teleprinter No. 7 in 1930
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Olivetti Teleprinter
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Siemens Fernschreiber 100 teleprinter
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A Teletype Model 33 ASR teleprinter, with punched tape reader and punch, usable as a computer terminal
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A Teletype Model 32 ASR used for Telex service
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A Teletype Model 33 ASR with paper tape reader and punch, as used for early modem-based computing
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Keyboard of a Baudot teleprinter, with 32 keys, including the space bar
See also
In Spanish: Teletipo para niños
