Patent No. 7777 for Tuned or Syntonic Telegraphy

Born in 1957, the year starting the first adventures into space, I have been drawn towards communications and flights into space. Witnessing Gagarin’s first trip, Armstrong’s first step and visions from the planets, I was entranced. I reflected on my dreams and realities and felt strong connections between the two.

In 1896 Marconi was granted the world's first patent for a system of wireless telegraphy and, subsequently demonstrated wireless communication within the UK and between France and England. In 1900 Marconi took out Patent No. 7777 for "tuned or syntonic telegraphy" and in December 1901 used his system for transmitting the first wireless signals across the Atlantic, 2100 miles. This very feat proved that wireless waves were not affected by the curvature of the Earth. Although Marconi went on to patent many other inventions and opened the first transatlantic commercial service, Patent No 7777 proved that all on the planet earth could be in communication with each other.

The telegraphy system evolved into wireless communications enabling remote contact with orbiting craft or craft sent out to explore the Solar System. My realities in using radio networks, internet, mobile phones and aviation blend with my dreams of reaching beyond and following those first wireless signals into space. It may be a small step for those signals but it would be an enormous leap for my dreams to my reality.

Submitted by: Ian Collins