ALPHABETS OR SYSTEMS OF SIGNALS.
SIGNAL ALPHABETS.
AMERICAN CONTINENTAL ARMY AND
Letters-- MORSE. MORSE. NAVY.
A · -- · -- 22
B -- · · · -- · · · 2112
C · · · -- · -- · 121
D -- · · -- · · 222
E · · 12
F · -- · · · -- · 2221
G -- -- · -- -- · 2211
H · · · · · · · · 122
I · · · · 1
J -- · -- · · -- -- -- 1122
K -- · -- -- · -- 2121
L ---- · -- · · 221
M -- -- -- -- 1221
N -- · -- · 11
O · · -- -- -- 21
P · · · · · · -- -- · 1212
Q · · -- · -- -- · -- 1211
R · · · · -- · 211
S · · · · · · 212
T -- -- 2
U · · -- · · -- 112
V · · · -- · · · -- 1222
W · -- -- · -- -- 1121
X · -- · · -- · · -- 2122
Y · · · · -- · -- -- 111
Z · · · · -- -- · · 2222
& · · · ·
tion 1112
Numerals-- AMERICAN CONTINENTAL ARMY AND
MORSE. MORSE. NAVY.
1 · -- -- · · -- -- -- -- 1111
2 · · -- · · · · -- -- -- 2222
3 · · · -- · · · · -- -- 1112
4 · · · · -- · · · · -- 2221
5 -- -- -- · · · · · 1122
6 · · · · · · -- · · · · 2211
7 -- -- · · -- -- · · · 1222
8 -- · · · · -- -- -- · · 2111
9 -- · · -- -- -- -- -- · 1221
0 ------ -- -- -- -- -- 2112
Punctuation--
. Period · · -- -- · · · · · · · ·
: Colon Ko -- -- -- · · ·
; Semicolon Si -- · -- · -- ·
, Comma · -- · -- · -- · -- · ---
? Interrogation -- · · -- · · · -- -- · ·
! Exclamation -- -- -- · -- -- · · -- --
Fraction line -
- Hyphen Hx -- · · · · --
' Apostrophe · -- -- -- -- ·
£ Pound Sterling -- · -- · ·
() Parenthesis Pn -- · -- -- · --
" Quotation marks Qn · -- · -- · -- · --
Paragraph -- -- -- --
Brackets Bn
Dollar mark Sx
Dash Dx
Underline Ux
The following abbreviations, conventional signals, and code calls are
authorized in visual signaling:
ABBREVIATIONS.
a after.
b before.
c can.
h have.
n not.
r are.
t the.
u you.
ur your.
w word.
wi with.
y yes.
CODE CALLS.
International Code use ICU
(Navy) telegraph dictionary use TDU
(Navy) geographical list use GLU
(Navy) general signal use GSU
Navy list use NLU
Vessel's numbers use VNU
Cipher "A" use[a] CAU
Cipher "B" use[a] CBU
Cipher "C" use[a] CCU
FOOTNOTE:
[a] These calls are for preconcerted use in or with the navy.
Although the use of but one alphabet is authorized in visual signaling
in the U. S. Army, emergencies may arise where it may be imperative to
use either the Army and Navy, the Continental Morse, or the American
Morse alphabet. Instructions for the use of either alphabet under such
conditions are given.
EXECUTION OF SIGNAL ALPHABETS.
THE ARMY AND NAVY ALPHABET.
SIGNALING WITH FLAG OR TORCH, HAND LANTERN, BEAM OF SEARCHLIGHT, AND
HELIOGRAPH.
There is one position and three motions. The position is with the flag
or other appliance held vertically, the signalman facing directly
toward the station with which it is desired to communicate, his body
erect and feet sufficiently separated to insure stable equilibrium. The
first motion ("one" or "1") is to the right of the sender, and will
embrace an arc of 90°, starting with the vertical and returning to it,
and will be made in a plane at right angles to the line connecting the
two stations. The second motion ("two" or "2") is a similar motion to
the left of the sender. The third motion ("front," "three," or "3") is
downward directly in front of the sender and instantly returned upward
to the first position.
The beam of searchlight will be ordinarily used exactly as the flag,
the first position being a vertical one.
To use the torch or hand lantern, a footlight must be used as a point
of reference to the motion. The lantern is more conveniently swung out
upward to the right of the footlight for "1," to the left for "2," and
raised vertically for "3."
In using the heliograph, the first position is to turn a steady
flash on the receiving station. The signals are made by short and
long flashes. Use short flashes for "1," two short flashes in quick
succession for "2," and a long, steady flash for "3." The elements for
a letter should be slightly longer than in sound signals.
Each word, abbreviation, or conventional signal is followed by "3."
The full address of a message is considered as one sentence and will be
followed by the signal "33."
The signal to indicate that "cipher follows" and "cipher ends" is
with the flag and torch "XC3," and with other methods, except the
International Code, by "XC." It will always precede and follow a cipher
message or such part of a plain text message as is enciphered.
The following conventional signals are authorized in the use of the
army and navy alphabet:
End of a word 3
End of a sentence 33
End of a message 333
Numerals follow (or) numerals end xx3
Signature follows sig. 3
Error 12 12 3
Acknowledgment (or) I understand 22 22 3
Cease signaling 22 22 22 333
Cipher follows (or) cipher ends 2122 121 3
Wait a moment 1111 3
Repeat after (word) 121 121 3 22 3 (word)
Repeat last word 121 121 33
Repeat last message 121 121 121 333
Move a little to the right 211 211 3
Move a little to the left 221 221 3
Signal faster 2212 3
THE MORSE ALPHABETS.
TO SIGNAL WITH THE FLAG, TORCH, HAND LANTERN, OR BEAM OF SEARCHLIGHT.
The dot is made by a motion to the right of the sender embracing an arc
of 90°, starting from the vertical and returning to it, in a plane at
right angles to the line connecting the two stations.
The dash is made by a similar motion to the left.
The space which occurs only between dots is made by prolonging the
signal for the last dot for an interval of time equal to the time of
an additional dot, the staff of the flag, the beam of the searchlight,
etc., being maintained in a horizontal position for the time specified.
The signal so made would therefore represent a dot and space.
The letter "C" is accordingly made thus: Right, right prolonged, right.
The long dash ("L") is distinguished from the short dash ("t") by
prolonging the signal to the left for a period of time equal to
one dot. The long dash representing "naught" is similarly made by
prolonging the signal to the left for a period of time equal to two
dots.
The "front" signal is made by lowering the flag from the vertical
position to the front and immediately returning it to the vertical
position.
A slight pause is made between each signal.
The following conventional signals are authorized, using the Morse
alphabets:
End of word one front.
End of sentence two fronts.
End of message three fronts.
TO SIGNAL WITH THE HELIOGRAPH OR FLASH LANTERN.
The dot is made by pressing down the key of the shutter and immediately
releasing the same.
The short dash is made by pressing down the key and holding it down for
a period equal to two dots.
The long dash ("L") is made by holding down the key for a period equal
to three dots while the longer dash (naught) requires the key to be
held down for a period equal to four dots.
The space is made on the heliograph as in ordinary telegraphy by the
absence of any signals for a period equal to the time of one dot.
On the heliograph the letter "C" is made as follows: Short flash, short
flash, interval, short flash.
[Illustration: Fig. 14.]
[Illustration: Fig. 15.]
When the call of a station is acknowledged, both stations will adjust
each on the flash of the other. When adjustments are satisfactory,
the station called will acknowledge and cut off its flash, and the
calling station will proceed with its message.
INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS.
_Description._--By means of the International Code of Signals people
of different nationalities may communicate with each other, although
neither party has knowledge of any language save his own native
language. The code is, as its name indicates, international, and every
seagoing vessel of every nation is equipped with its flags. The Code
of Signals contemplates the use of 26 flags (figs. 14 and 15); one for
each letter of the alphabet and a code pennant. Complete instructions
relative to the use of this code are contained in a book issued by
the Hydrographic Office, Navy Department, and known as the "The
International Code of Signals." In using this system the signals are
displayed by hoisting combinations of two, three, or four flags. All
possible combinations represent words, expressions, or phrases, which
may be found in the "International Code of Signals," referred to above.
_Two-arm semaphore._--This system is frequently used by the United
States Navy, the following instructions covering the use of the system:
1. To communicate with a station:
Face the station and wave the flags over the head to attract
attention, making at frequent intervals the call letter of the
station. When the station called is ready to receive the message, it
answers by displaying its own call letter until the sender makes the
"alphabetical" or "numeral," as the case may be. Then proceed with the
message. At the end of each word bring the flags across the lower part
of the body.
2. To call a ship:
Hoist International Code letter J and make code letter of ship; then
proceed as in article 1.
3. To make a general semaphore signal:
Hoist cornet; all ships answer by answering pennant; then make signal.
4. At the end of the message extend the arms horizontally and wave the
flags until the receiver answers in the same manner, showing that the
message is understood.
Should the receiver miss a word, he signifies the fact by waving the
flag over his head. The sender will then cease signaling and wave his
flags similarly to show that he understands. The receiver then makes
"repeat last word," or whatever he wishes to say.
Should the sender make a mistake, he will make the "error" signal until
answered by the receiver with the same signal. He then proceeds with
the message.
THE ARDOIS SYSTEM.
In using this system in connection with the Army and Navy Code, the red
lamp indicates "1" and the white lamp "2." Four lamps are placed on a
vertical staff and electrically illuminated to indicate the numerals
of the Myer Code, which represents the letters of the alphabet.
For instance, white-white, or "22," represents the letter "A," and
white-red-red-white, or "2112," represents the letter "B," etc. In this
system the lights indicating the letters of the alphabet are read from
the top downward.
When the lamps are placed horizontally, they are read from the sender's
right to his left, and consequently from the receiver's left to his
right.
When the letters of the alphabet are to be used to indicate the meaning
set opposite them in the following tabulation, the upper light of the
display is pulsated. This is effected by means of a special pulsating
key. Special signification is not given "I" and "T," they being
represented by a single lamp.
-----------+----------------------------------------
Steady | Upper light pulsated.
display. |
-----------+----------------------------------------
A | Cipher "A" use.
B | 0 (naught).
C | Repeat (following rule for conventional
| signals under wigwag code).
D | Telegraphic dictionary use.
E | Error.
F | 4.
G | 6.
H | Compass signals use.
I |
J | 5.
K | Negative.
L | Geographical list use.
M | 9.
N | Cipher "B" use.
O | Cipher "C" use.
P | Affirmative.
Q | Interrogatory.
R | International code use.
S | General signals use.
T |
U | Navy list use.
V | 7.
W | Annulling.
X | Numerals.
Y | Vessels' number use.
Z | 2.
Letters | 3.
Code call | 8.
Interval | Boat signals use.
-----------+----------------------------------------
Before numerals are made, the distinctive signal for "numerals" "X"
is shown and the upper light is pulsated, which serves still further
to distinguish them from letters. The resumption of letters after
using numerals will be indicated by the upper light being no longer
pulsated, but the display "letters" ("3") will be turned on as an
additional indication.
The acknowledgment of the correct receipt of a message will be
indicated by the letter "R." If the message has not been fully
received, or if it is not understood, indication thereof will be made
by signaling the letter "G."
The end of a word is indicated by 2212.
COSTON SIGNALS.
Letters of the army and navy alphabet may be represented at night by
Coston lights, port fires, or other colored pyrotechnical lights by
displaying the "red" for one and the "white" for two.
In using the Morse alphabet the "red" represents the dot and the
"white" the dash.
Coston signals and other similar lights are best suited for
preconcerted signals.
VERY'S NIGHT SIGNALS.
The navy signal book is used, to which the following explanation refers:
The letter R stands for red and the letter G for green, and each letter
designates a separate star or cartridge. Bracketed stars are a pair of
different colors, discharged together from two pistols. The system is
based on the Army and Navy Code, red representing "1" and green "2."
1--RRRR.
2--GGGG.
3--RRRG.
4--GGGR.
5--RRGG.
6--GGRR.
7--RGGG.
8--GRRR.
9--RGGR.
10--GRRRG.
Affirmative, or "Yes" RGRG
Negative, or "No" GRGR
Numeral GRGG
Interrogatory RGRR
Annulling RRGR
Divisional point, date, designator, or interval GGRG
{R}
Telegraphic dictionary, { } bracketed.
{G}
{R}
Geographical list, { } followed by a rocket.
{G}
{R}
Boat signals, rocket followed by { }
{G}
{R} {R}
Navy list { } { }
{G} {G}
General call, rocket followed by G.
Message call, G without the rocket.
The squadron, division, section, or ship's call, the
"number" of squadron, division, section, or ship.
Answering, or "I understand" R
Repeating, or "I do not understand" G
Danger or distress, R repeated several times in
quick succession.
ROCKET SIGNALING.
In general, rockets and shells are best used in displaying preconcerted
signals.
Sequence rockets may also be used to display different colored lights
in sequence to represent letters or numerals of the army and navy
alphabet. The method of attaching the sections in the base of the
sequence rocket is described in Chapter III. In using sequence rockets
in this manner, the element "1" of the army and navy alphabet is
represented by a red star, while a white star represents the element
"2." To send the letter "A" a rocket showing two white stars is sent
up. If "B" is to be sent, a rocket showing white-red-red-white is
discharged. Each star burns for four to six seconds, and there is
a slight interval between the visibility of each star. Between two
or more stars of the same color, as "A," "N," "D," "dummies," which
show no light and carry the fire to the next star to be ignited, are
employed.
In the preparation of codes for signals with rockets or bombs there
should always be arranged a "preparatory signal" which means "Are you
ready?" etc., and an "answering signal," which means "Repeat your last
signal," etc., a signal "annul," which means "Disregard last signal,"
and a signal to signify the correct receipt of the complete message, or
"Signal seen and understood."
[Illustration: TWO-ARM SEMAPHORE ALPHABET, U. S. NAVY.]
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
CONVENTIONAL SIGNALS.
End of word see instructions.
End of message see instructions.
Error see instructions.
Repeat last word =C=, 'end of word', once.
Repeat last message =C=, 'end of word', 3 times.
Use paper and pencil =P=, 'end of word', twice.
ABBREVIATIONS.
=A= "end of word" after
=B= " " " before
=C= " " " can
=H= " " " have
=N= " " " not
=R= " " " are
=T= " " " the
=U= " " " you
=UR= " " " your
=W= " " " word
=WI= " " " with
=Y= " " " yes
=PG= " " " permission granted
=NG= " " " permission not granted
=XX= " " " numerals follow
[Illustration: SUMMARY OF SIGNALS, ARMY AND NAVY ALPHABET.]