Date1941DimensionsH. 1105mm x W. 890mm (widest side)Accession Number07.151Access AdviceThis record may not have been reviewed, and information may be inaccurate or incomplete. We are digitising our collections, adding images and improving metadata all the time.
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Exhibition Label
It is believed that this heliograph was used to convey messages by Morse Code (using long and short flashes) from Look At Me Now Headland to South Solitary Island. The heliograph works by reflecting sunlight via its mirrors towards the receiver. The distance a heliograph could be seen depended on the clearness of the sky, the length of uninterrupted sight, and the size of the mirrors used. Under ordinary conditions, a flash could be seen 48 kms with the naked eye and much further with a telescope. Heliographs were used by the armies of several countries during the late 1880's.
Description
Heliograph held by wooden tripod with sights attached by a leather strap.
Wireless solar telegraph that signals by flashes of sunlight (generally using Morse code) reflected by a mirror. Used by pivoting mirror or interrupting beam with shutter.
Used during late 19th and early 20th century - military, survey and forest protection work. Standard issue in Australian and British armies until 1960s; used by Pakistani army until 1975.
