A telegraph key is a mechanical device used to send Morse code signals by interrupting the electrical circuit in a telegraph system. It consists of a lever that the operator presses down to close the circuit, allowing current to flow, and releases to open the circuit, stopping the current. This on-and-off switching creates a series of dots and dashes that represent letters and numbers in Morse code. Telegraph keys are essential components in telegraphy, where messages are transmitted over wires.
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