Advances in Transoceanic Cable Technique

Progress in the construction of transatlantic cables is described from the earliest to the most recent type, which operates at 1400 letters per minute. Without technical detail the development of cable operating mechanisms is sketched indicating the improvement which resulted from the use of relays, magnifiers, and regenerators. The application to the cable art of landline multiplex telegraph practices is shown. Operating procedures to secure both economy of plant utilization and at the same time good speed of service are noted. The handling of those loaded cables which may not be duplexed and the limitations imposed thereon by traffic and by other plant conditions is discussed. Various cable codes are compared. Service requirements are outlined and usages noted leading up to a study of the economics and the balancing of speed of service against plant and operating costs. Trends of growth are given with data covering the fall of file as to hours of the day, direction, and class of business.