Amateur Radio History Timelines

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Welcome to Ham History, a public service, ad-free, not-for-profit project of Ham Community and Excess Noise.

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Pre-modern Era Signaling

-3000
B.C.
Ancient Mesopotamian pigeons

Around 3000 B.C., ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians began using homing pigeons to deliver messages over long distances. Recognized for their remarkable navigation skills, these birds were an early form of wireless communication. This method parallels amateur radio’s essence: leveraging natural phenomena to bridge communication gaps. The homing pigeons’ reliability in message delivery underscores the importance of effective communication methods, a principle that remains central to amateur radio enthusiasts who use various frequencies and modes to ensure their messages reach intended recipients, even across vast distances.

-2900
B.C.
Ancient Egyptian pigeons
Egyptian pigeons

Around 2900 B.C., ancient Egyptians utilized homing pigeons to send messages over long distances. These birds, known for their remarkable navigation skills, were an early form of wireless communication. This method parallels amateur radio’s essence: leveraging natural phenomena to bridge communication gaps. The homing pigeons’ reliability in message delivery underscores the importance of effective communication methods, a principle that remains central to amateur radio enthusiasts who use various frequencies and modes to ensure their messages reach intended recipients, even across vast distances.

-2000
B.C.
Messages sent via pipes in Great Wall

During ancient times, an ingenious method was used to send messages along the Great Wall of China using a system of pipes. This early form of communication involved hollow pipes or tubes embedded within the structure of the Wall, allowing sound to travel through them over long distances. Guards and soldiers stationed along the Great Wall could shout messages into these pipes, effectively transmitting information and warnings quickly along the Wall’s extensive length. This method was part of a broader signaling system that included beacon towers and smoke signals, designed to provide rapid communication and coordination in response to invasions and other threats.

-2000
B.C.
Native American smoke signals
The smoke signal

Native American tribes used smoke signals, creating distinct puffs of smoke to convey messages. This visual communication method relied on a prearranged code understood by both sender and receiver, much like Morse code in amateur radio. Smoke signals exemplify the fundamental amateur radio principle of shared understanding and coded communication. The reliance on visibility and environmental conditions for effective message relay parallels the considerations amateur radio operators must account for, such as atmospheric conditions and signal clarity, ensuring messages are transmitted accurately and efficiently over long distances.

-1200
B.C.
Homer describes fire used for signaling

In “The Iliad,” the ancient Greek poet Homer describes the use of fire for signaling purposes. In this epic poem, fire signals were employed to convey messages over long distances, particularly in times of war. The method involved lighting beacons on hilltops or elevated positions to transmit information rapidly from one location to another. This technique allowed for the swift relay of strategic messages, such as warnings of enemy movements or calls for reinforcements. Fire signaling, as depicted by Homer, underscores the importance of effective communication in ancient military strategy and the innovative methods developed to achieve it.

-1046
B.C.
Chinese drum signalling

During the Zhou Dynasty (1046 B.C. – 256 B.C.), the Chinese developed drum signaling to communicate over distances. Specific beats conveyed distinct messages, similar to Morse code in amateur radio. This method demonstrated the effectiveness of coded signals in ensuring clear, long-distance communication. Drum signaling’s emphasis on rhythm and pattern laid the groundwork for the precise, coded transmissions central to amateur radio, where operators use various modes, including Morse code, to relay information efficiently and accurately, even in challenging conditions.

-700
B.C.
Pigeons carry messages in Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, pigeons were used to carry messages, a practice known as pigeon post. This method of communication leveraged the homing instinct of pigeons, which could find their way back to their home lofts over long distances. Ancient Greeks utilized pigeons to relay important messages, particularly during wartime and significant events such as the Olympic Games. For instance, pigeons were used to announce the victors of the games to distant cities. This early form of airmail demonstrated the ingenuity of ancient civilizations in developing reliable and efficient means of communication long before modern technology.

-522
B.C.
Persians use flags, mirrors and smoke to signal

In ancient Persia, communication across long distances was often achieved using an ingenious system of signaling from summits. The Persians employed a combination of flags, mirrors, and smoke signals to convey messages quickly and efficiently. Flags were used for visual signaling during the day, with specific patterns or movements representing different messages. Mirrors, or heliographs, reflected sunlight to send coded signals over vast distances. Smoke signals were also a crucial part of this communication network, especially for transmitting warnings or urgent information. This sophisticated signaling system allowed the Persians to maintain effective communication and coordination across their expansive empire, highlighting their advanced understanding of visual communication techniques.

-500
B.C.
Persian royal road
Persian royal road

Constructed around 500 B.C. by Darius I, the Persian Royal Road spanned 1,600 miles, connecting Susa to Sardis. It featured mounted couriers who could cover the distance in about a week. This relay system greatly enhanced message transmission speed across the Persian Empire. The Royal Road’s efficiency mirrors the relay systems in amateur radio, where repeaters extend communication ranges, ensuring messages reach distant operators. The Persian innovation highlights the significance of infrastructure in effective communication, a principle amateur radio operators uphold through strategically placed repeaters and well-maintained equipment.

-500
B.C.
Greek heliographs

In the 5th century B.C., the Greeks used heliographs, which involved reflecting sunlight with polished shields or mirrors to send coded messages over distances. This early optical communication method laid the foundation for modern light-based signaling in amateur radio, such as Morse code via light signals. Heliographs emphasized the importance of line-of-sight and clear weather for effective communication, concepts still relevant in radio wave propagation and antenna placement in amateur radio. The Greeks’ innovative use of natural elements for communication mirrors the creative problem-solving that amateur radio operators employ today.

-490
B.C.
Athenian runs 150 miles in two days to seek help

In 490 BCE, the Athenian herald Pheidippides famously ran approximately 150 miles from Athens to Sparta in just two days to seek military assistance against the invading Persian forces at the Battle of Marathon. This incredible feat of endurance aimed to secure Spartan support for the outnumbered Athenian army. Despite his efforts, the Spartans were delayed by religious observances and arrived after the battle had already taken place. Pheidippides’ legendary run, along with his subsequent marathon run to announce the Greek victory, inspired the modern marathon race. His journey underscores the vital role of long-distance runners in ancient communication and military strategy.

-206
B.C.
Chinese fire signals

During the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.), the Chinese used fire signals and smoke to transmit messages along the Great Wall and other strategic points. Different patterns of fire and smoke conveyed various types of information, similar to coded transmissions in amateur radio. This method highlighted the importance of visual signals in long-distance communication. Fire signals’ reliance on visibility and timing parallels the use of visual and timed codes in amateur radio, where clear, efficient communication is essential for successful message relay, especially in remote or challenging environments.

-100
B.C.
Roman relay stations

In the 1st century B.C., the Romans established the “cursus publicus,” an extensive network of relay stations using horse-drawn vehicles and runners to deliver messages across the empire. This system allowed for fast communication over long distances, akin to the repeater networks in amateur radio. The Romans’ strategic placement of relay stations ensured messages could traverse their vast territories efficiently. This principle is reflected in amateur radio, where operators strategically place repeaters to maximize communication range and reliability, ensuring messages can be transmitted swiftly and accurately across large areas.

-27
B.C.
Romans create postal service

The ancient Romans established an extensive and efficient postal service known as the “cursus publicus” during the reign of Emperor Augustus around 27 BCE. This system was designed to facilitate the rapid and reliable transmission of official messages, documents, and goods across the vast Roman Empire. The cursus publicus utilized a network of relay stations, known as “mutationes” for changing horses and “mansiones” for overnight stays, strategically placed along major roads. Couriers, often traveling on horseback, could quickly relay messages from one station to the next, ensuring continuous and swift communication. This well-organized postal system played a crucial role in maintaining administrative control, supporting military logistics, and fostering economic and political integration throughout the Roman Empire.

750
A.D.
Norwegian hill signals

From the 8th to the 11th century, Vikings used hilltop bonfires to signal raids or gather troops. This system relied on visual signals visible over great distances, similar to early signal flags and light codes in amateur radio. Hill signals underscore the importance of line-of-sight communication, a concept vital in radio wave propagation and antenna placement. The Vikings’ use of strategically placed signals for efficient communication parallels amateur radio operators’ use of high ground and clear sightlines to optimize signal strength and coverage, ensuring effective long-distance communication.

1000
A.D.
Medieval European beacons and bonfires

During medieval Europe, beacons and bonfires signaled important events, like invasions. These visual signals, requiring line-of-sight visibility, were early methods of rapid long-distance communication. This system’s reliance on strategic placement and clear visibility mirrors amateur radio’s use of repeater stations and antenna positioning to ensure effective communication. Medieval beacons’ ability to convey urgent messages quickly parallels the emergency communication role amateur radio plays today, where operators use well-placed equipment and reliable frequencies to maintain clear and swift message transmission in critical situations.

1040
A.D.
Bi Sheng invents movable type press

Bi Sheng, a Chinese inventor from the Northern Song Dynasty, is credited with inventing the movable type printing press around 1040 AD. His innovation involved creating individual clay characters that could be arranged and rearranged to form text, a significant improvement over the labor-intensive woodblock printing. Although not widely adopted in China at the time, Bi Sheng’s movable type laid the groundwork for future advancements in printing technology. This invention is considered a pivotal moment in the history of printing, influencing later developments in Europe, notably Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press, which revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and information.

1200
A.D.
Mongol relay stations

In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire established the örtöö, a relay system with stations approximately every 20-30 miles. Riders quickly transferred messages across the vast empire. This network’s efficiency mirrors the importance of relay stations in amateur radio, where repeaters extend communication range. The Mongol innovation highlights the need for well-placed infrastructure to ensure effective long-distance communication. Similarly, amateur radio operators strategically position repeaters and use reliable equipment to maintain clear and consistent communication, reinforcing the importance of efficient relay systems in connecting distant points.

1300
A.D.
Flag semaphore towers

In the later medieval period, semaphore towers using flags and signaling devices emerged. These towers allowed for visual communication over distances, unable to be covered by voice or sight alone. Semaphore signals required prearranged codes understood by both sender and receiver, akin to Morse code in amateur radio. This system emphasized the importance of clear, coded communication and line-of-sight visibility, concepts central to amateur radio operations. Semaphore towers’ strategic placement for optimal visibility parallels the positioning of antennas and repeaters in amateur radio, ensuring effective long-distance communication.

1400
A.D.
Incan quipu and runners

In the 15th century, the Inca Empire used quipus, knotted cords recording information, and chasquis, runners who relayed messages. This unique communication method ensured messages could travel swiftly across the empire. The quipu’s coded system is akin to the data encoding used in amateur radio, where precise information must be conveyed clearly. The chasquis’ relay network highlights the importance of reliable message transmission, a principle that resonates with amateur radio operators who use repeaters and networks to maintain communication over long distances, ensuring messages are accurately and efficiently delivered.

Modern-era Communications and Amateur Radio

1610
1610
Sunspots first seen through Galileo’s telescope

In 1610, Galileo Galilei first observed sunspots through his telescope, marking a significant advancement in the study of astronomy and solar phenomena. These dark spots on the surface of the Sun, which Galileo meticulously recorded and studied, provided crucial insights into the Sun’s rotation and magnetic activity. Galileo’s observations challenged the prevailing belief that the Sun was a perfect, unblemished sphere, and contributed to the broader acceptance of the heliocentric model of the solar system. The study of sunspots has since become an important area of research in understanding solar cycles, space weather, and their effects on Earth, including their impact on radio communication and propagation conditions for amateur radio operators.

1792
1792
Claude Chappe presents Semaphore
Chappe's telegraph

Claude Chappe presented the Semaphore, a groundbreaking visual telegraph system that revolutionized long-distance communication in the late 18th century. This innovative system used a series of pivoting wooden arms mounted on towers, which could be positioned to represent different letters and numbers. By placing these towers at intervals across the countryside, messages could be rapidly relayed from one station to the next, significantly reducing the time it took to transmit information over long distances. Chappe’s Semaphore was a precursor to modern telecommunication and played a crucial role in military and governmental communication during its time.

1830
1830
Morse ponders sending signals over electric wire

In the early 1830s, Samuel Morse, an American artist and inventor, began contemplating the idea of sending signals over electric wires. This interest was sparked by a conversation about electromagnetism and the work of scientists like André-Marie Ampère and Michael Faraday. Morse envisioned a system that could transmit messages across long distances using electrical impulses. By 1837, he had developed the first working prototype of the electric telegraph and, in collaboration with Alfred Vail, created the Morse code—a system of dots and dashes representing letters and numbers. This invention revolutionized communication, making it possible to send messages quickly over vast distances, and laid the foundation for modern telecommunications.

1836
1836
Morse runs for NY Mayor

In 1836, Samuel Morse, who would later gain fame for his invention of the telegraph and Morse code, ran for Mayor of New York City. His campaign was marked by his support for the anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant sentiments of the Native American Party, also known as the Know Nothing movement. Morse’s platform reflected the nativist concerns of the time, advocating for restrictions on immigration and the influence of the Catholic Church. Despite his efforts, Morse’s mayoral bid was unsuccessful. This episode in Morse’s life highlights the complex and sometimes controversial views held by historical figures who made significant contributions to science and technology.

1838
1838
First public demonstration of Morse Telegraph

The first public demonstration of Samuel Morse’s telegraph took place on January 6, 1838. This event was held at the Speedwell Iron Works in Morristown, New Jersey, where Morse and his collaborator, Alfred Vail, showcased their invention to a group of witnesses. During the demonstration, Morse successfully sent a message over a two-mile wire, impressing the attendees with the efficiency and potential of his telegraph system. This demonstration was a pivotal moment in the development of long-distance communication, leading to further refinements and eventually the widespread adoption of the telegraph, revolutionizing the way information was transmitted across distances.

1844
1844
DC to Baltimore telegraph line opens

On May 24, 1844, the first long-distance telegraph line in the United States was successfully opened, connecting Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland. This milestone event was marked by Samuel Morse sending the famous message, “What hath God wrought,” from the U.S. Capitol to the B&O Railroad’s Mount Clare station in Baltimore. The successful operation of this 40-mile telegraph line demonstrated the practicality and reliability of Morse’s telegraph system, paving the way for the rapid expansion of telegraph networks across the United States and around the world. This innovation revolutionized communication by enabling instantaneous transmission of information over long distances.

1858
1858
Very first Transatlantic cable fails after 732 messages

The first transatlantic telegraph cable, completed in August 1858, failed after transmitting only 732 messages. Despite initial successes, the cable’s performance quickly deteriorated due to technical issues, including the insulation breakdown and excessive voltage applied during transmission. This premature failure underscored the challenges of undersea telegraphy and highlighted the need for more robust materials and better engineering solutions. It wasn’t until 1866, after several more attempts and advancements in cable technology, that a reliable and durable transatlantic cable was successfully laid, paving the way for continuous and reliable communication between Europe and North America.

1860
1860
Pony Express connects Missouri with California
Pony Express postmark, 1860, westbound

The Pony Express connected Missouri with California, establishing a critical communication link between the eastern and western United States in the mid-19th century. This innovative mail service employed a relay system of horseback riders who traversed nearly 2,000 miles of rugged terrain to deliver mail in record time. By significantly reducing the time it took for news and correspondence to travel across the continent, the Pony Express played a vital role in keeping the rapidly expanding nation connected and informed. Despite its short-lived operation, it remains a legendary chapter in the history of American communication and transportation.

1865
1865
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) formed
First official ITU logo proposed in the 1950s
ITC logo pre ITU
ITU’s logo first appeared in 1947. Mr. Gerry Gross, the then Deputy Secretary-General of ITU, commissioned an emblem for the important International Telecommunication Conference (ITC) that was to take place in Atlantic City that year. The emblem – a globe with lightning flash – appeared on many documents during the conference.

The formation of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 1865 marked a significant milestone in global communication. Originally established to manage international telegraphy, the ITU has evolved to oversee the radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, ensuring seamless international communication. For amateur radio operators, the ITU is crucial as it allocates frequency bands, enabling operators worldwide to communicate without interference. This regulatory framework supports emergency communications, scientific research, and global camaraderie among amateur radio enthusiasts. The ITU’s ongoing efforts continue to facilitate innovation and cooperation in telecommunications, reflecting its foundational mission of connecting the world.

1865
International Morse replaces American and Continental Morse

In 1865, International Morse Code was introduced at the International Telegraphy Congress in Paris to replace both American Morse Code and Continental Morse Code. The adoption of this standardized system aimed to facilitate clearer and more consistent communication across different countries and telegraph systems. International Morse Code featured a more straightforward and less ambiguous set of signals, reducing the risk of errors in transmission. This change greatly enhanced global telegraphy, ensuring that messages could be accurately sent and received worldwide. For amateur radio operators, the adoption of International Morse Code provided a universal language, promoting efficient and effective communication across international borders.

1866
1866
Loomis sends signal between two Virginia summits using kites

In 1868, Mahlon Loomis, a pioneering American dentist and inventor, achieved a remarkable feat by transmitting a wireless signal between two Virginia mountain peaks using kites. Loomis’s innovative approach involved using kites to elevate copper wires, creating a primitive aerial system to generate and detect electrical signals. This experiment is considered one of the earliest demonstrations of wireless communication, predating Guglielmo Marconi’s work by several decades. Loomis’s groundbreaking experiment laid the groundwork for the development of radio technology, influencing the future of amateur radio. His visionary efforts underscored the potential of wireless communication, fostering advancements that continue to benefit society today.

1866
First successful transatlantic cable opens

In 1866, the successful completion and operation of the first transatlantic telegraph cable revolutionized global communication. Spanning approximately 1,500 miles from Ireland to Newfoundland, this cable enabled instantaneous communication between Europe and North America. The project, spearheaded by Cyrus West Field and the Atlantic Telegraph Company, marked a significant technological achievement after several failed attempts. For amateur radio enthusiasts, this milestone is pivotal as it laid the foundation for global connectivity, influencing future developments in wireless communication. The success of the transatlantic cable demonstrated the feasibility of long-distance communication, paving the way for subsequent innovations that continue to shape the world of amateur radio and beyond.

1866
First transatlantic cable laid

The first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was laid in 1866, connecting Valentia Island in Ireland to Heart’s Content in Newfoundland. This achievement came after several unsuccessful attempts, most notably the initial cable laid in 1858, which failed after only a few weeks of operation. The 1866 cable, laid by the Great Eastern steamship, utilized improved technology and materials, ensuring its durability and functionality. This monumental engineering feat revolutionized global communication, allowing messages to be transmitted across the Atlantic Ocean in a matter of minutes rather than weeks. The successful establishment of the transatlantic cable marked the beginning of a new era in international communication and commerce.

1873
1873
James Clerk Maxwell presents electromagnetic field theory

In 1865, James Clerk Maxwell presented his groundbreaking electromagnetic field theory, fundamentally transforming the understanding of electromagnetism. Maxwell’s equations, a set of four partial differential equations, described how electric and magnetic fields interact and propagate as electromagnetic waves. This theoretical framework laid the foundation for modern physics and electrical engineering. For amateur radio operators, Maxwell’s work is seminal, as it elucidates the principles underlying radio wave propagation, antenna design, and signal transmission. Maxwell’s contributions enabled the development of wireless communication technologies, influencing pioneers like Hertz and Marconi, and continue to be essential in advancing the capabilities and understanding of amateur radio today.

1880
1880
Heaviside invents coaxial cable

In the late 19th century, Oliver Heaviside, an influential English electrical engineer, and physicist, invented the coaxial cable, revolutionizing signal transmission. Heaviside’s design featured a central conductor surrounded by an insulating layer and an outer conductive shield, significantly reducing electromagnetic interference and signal loss. This invention is pivotal for amateur radio operators as it provides a reliable means of transmitting high-frequency signals with minimal degradation. Coaxial cables are essential in connecting radios to antennas, enabling clear and efficient communication. Heaviside’s innovation continues to be a cornerstone in both amateur radio and modern telecommunications, underscoring its enduring impact on the field.

1888
1888
Heinrich Rudolf Hertz proves existence of radio waves

In 1887, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz, a German physicist, conclusively proved the existence of radio waves, a theoretical prediction of James Clerk Maxwell. Hertz’s experiments demonstrated that electromagnetic waves could be generated and detected, confirming Maxwell’s equations. Using a spark gap transmitter and a receiver, Hertz produced and observed radio waves, proving they behaved like light waves with properties such as reflection, refraction, and polarization. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for the development of wireless communication. For amateur radio operators, Hertz’s work is foundational, enabling the transmission and reception of radio signals, and fostering advancements in radio technology that continue to benefit society today.

1891
1891
Edison patents ‘transmission of signals electrically’

In 1885, Thomas Edison was granted a patent for the “Transmission of Signals Electrically,” a significant advancement in the field of telecommunication. This patent covered a method for transmitting telegraphic signals over long distances using electrical conductors. Edison’s innovation included improvements to telegraph systems, such as the quadruplex telegraph, which allowed multiple signals to be sent simultaneously over a single wire. For amateur radio enthusiasts, Edison’s work is instrumental, as it contributed to the development of efficient communication systems. His advancements paved the way for modern telecommunication technologies, including radio, enabling reliable and expansive communication networks that are integral to amateur radio operations today.

1897
1897
Founding of Marconi’s Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company Ltd

In 1897, Guglielmo Marconi founded the Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company Ltd, later known as Marconi Company. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of wireless communication. Marconi’s company focused on developing and commercializing wireless telegraphy, utilizing the principles of electromagnetic wave transmission demonstrated by Heinrich Hertz. The company’s first major success was establishing communication across the Bristol Channel, followed by the groundbreaking transatlantic wireless transmission in 1901. For amateur radio operators, Marconi’s innovations were transformative, laying the groundwork for modern radio communication. His company’s work demonstrated the practical applications of radio waves, significantly advancing the technology and fostering the growth of the amateur radio community.

1898
1898
Leslie Miller publishes article of DIY transmitter and receiver in ‘The Model Engineer and Amateur Electrician’

In January 1913, Leslie Miller published an influential article in “The Model Engineer and Amateur Electrician,” detailing the construction of a DIY transmitter and receiver. This publication provided hobbyists and amateur radio enthusiasts with practical instructions to build their own radio equipment, fostering the growth of the burgeoning amateur radio community. Miller’s article was groundbreaking, making advanced technology accessible to a wider audience and inspiring many to experiment with wireless communication. For amateur radio operators, this was a significant moment, as it democratized the knowledge and skills required to participate in radio experimentation, contributing to the vibrant and innovative spirit of amateur radio that persists today.

1900
1900
Cat whisker detector

The cat whisker detector, also known as a crystal detector, was a pivotal component in early radio receivers. Invented in the early 20th century, it utilized a thin wire (the “whisker”) to make contact with a crystalline mineral, typically galena (lead sulfide). This arrangement formed a primitive semiconductor junction, capable of rectifying radio frequency signals to produce audible sound. The cat whisker detector was a key element in crystal radios, which were popular among early amateur radio enthusiasts for their simplicity and effectiveness without requiring an external power source. This innovation helped lay the foundation for modern semiconductor technology and the development of more advanced radio receivers.