The invention of the teleprinter, also known as the teletypewriter or simply teletype, marked a significant advancement in the world of communication. Before the internet and mobile phones revolutionized global interaction, the teleprinter was a breakthrough that allowed typed messages to be transmitted across great distances almost instantly. This development was not the result of a single inventor’s work but rather a series of improvements over time, each building on earlier innovations. To understand who invented the teleprinter and how it evolved, we need to explore the history of telecommunication and the people who played crucial roles in this technological achievement.
Early Developments in Telecommunication
The Telegraph as a Foundation
Before teleprinters existed, the telegraph system was the primary means of long-distance communication. Invented by Samuel Morse in the 1830s, the telegraph allowed messages to be sent using electrical signals across wires. These signals were interpreted into Morse code, which needed skilled operators to both send and decode. Although groundbreaking, this system had limitations, including its reliance on human translators and its relatively slow message handling.
From Manual to Automated Systems
The next big leap came when inventors sought ways to automate this process, eliminating the need for trained Morse code operators. This is where the idea of the teleprinter began to take form. The goal was to develop a machine that could convert typed messages directly into signals and back into printed text at the receiving end.
Who Invented the Teleprinter?
Charles Krum and the Birth of the Teleprinter
The person most commonly credited with the invention of the teleprinter is Charles Krum, an American inventor. Working in collaboration with Frank Pearne in the early 20th century, Krum developed one of the first practical models of a printing telegraph machine around 1902. Their work laid the groundwork for later machines that would become known as teleprinters.
In 1903, Charles Krum received patents for his work on the teletype system, which included mechanisms for automatic message printing. These machines were designed to transmit typed characters over wire circuits and print the same message on paper at the receiving end. This eliminated the need for Morse code translation and made long-distance communication much more accessible and efficient.
Howard Krum’s Contribution
Charles Krum’s son, Howard Krum, also played a vital role in refining the teleprinter. In 1915, Howard developed a start-stop synchronization method for the machine, allowing teleprinters to operate more reliably over long distances. His work enabled teletypewriters to become widely used for commercial, military, and press communication.
Other Important Contributors
While the Krums were central figures in the teleprinter’s invention, other inventors also contributed
- Donald MurrayA New Zealander who developed a code (Murray code) for teleprinters, later adopted as the International Telegraph Alphabet No. 2 (ITA2).
- Emile BaudotA French engineer whose earlier telegraph code inspired the character encoding used in teleprinters.
- Edward KleinschmidtAnother inventor whose work led to commercial teletype machines. His company eventually merged with the Morkrum Company (founded by the Krums) to form Teletype Corporation.
Function and Design of Early Teleprinters
How the Machines Worked
Teleprinters used electromechanical systems to transmit typed messages. The sender would type on a keyboard, and the machine would convert each keystroke into an electrical signal. That signal traveled over a communication line typically a telephone or telegraph wire to another teleprinter. At the receiving end, the signals were decoded and printed as readable characters onto paper tape or sheets.
Encoding and Decoding
The communication relied on character encoding, initially using systems like Baudot code and later ITA2. These codes assigned binary patterns to letters and numbers. Since the machines had to stay in perfect sync, Howard Krum’s start-stop system was crucial for preventing errors during transmission.
Widespread Use and Applications
Military and Government Use
Teleprinters became essential tools for military communication during both World Wars. They enabled rapid transmission of strategic messages between units, bases, and international offices. Governments used them for secure communication between departments and embassies around the world.
Journalism and News Agencies
News agencies like Reuters and Associated Press adopted teleprinters to distribute news stories across cities and countries. Editors could receive real-time updates without waiting for postal deliveries or relying on voice-only communication.
Businesses and Railways
Businesses, banks, and railway companies also benefited from the speed and reliability of teleprinters. Train schedules, financial transactions, and inventory updates could be shared across branches or offices with high efficiency.
The Evolution into Digital Communication
From Teleprinters to Computers
As digital communication advanced, teleprinters gradually evolved into computer terminals. In the mid-20th century, early computers often used teleprinters as input/output devices. These machines printed out results of computations and allowed operators to input data using keyboards.
By the 1970s and 1980s, however, more compact and faster technologies like fax machines, email, and eventually the internet began to replace teleprinters in everyday use. Still, many concepts from teleprinter design such as character encoding and serial data transmission formed the foundation for modern communication systems.
Legacy and Influence
Even though teleprinters are mostly obsolete today, their impact remains. The TTY acronym, standing for teletypewriter, is still used in telecommunications for the hearing impaired. The principles of synchronized data transmission and encoding systems continue to shape digital and networked communication.
The invention of the teleprinter cannot be attributed to just one person, though Charles Krum and his son Howard played key roles in its development. Their innovations transformed the way people communicated across distances, removing the need for Morse code and introducing direct, typed transmission of information. Other inventors like Donald Murray and Edward Kleinschmidt also made essential contributions, resulting in a device that was vital for government, business, military, and journalism throughout the 20th century. The story of the teleprinter is a testament to human ingenuity and the constant drive to improve how we connect and share information with one another.