Signal Lamp Tower

Written by Pookas Kreations

Volcanus commonly uses these towers for optical communication to pass messages long distances when needed. Many were built to keep in communication with each other. One reason is that the surface of Volcanus is very dangerous so most people lived and worked underground.

Utility

They use signal lamp relays to spread the word. The lamp is called an Aldis lamp or a Morse lamp, it is a visual signaling device. They use Morse code by operating the shutter to simulate the dots and dashes with the lantern.

Manufacturing

They are commonly made from brass or bronze, with glass lenses.

Social Impact

This signal lamp helped with communication throughout the countryside.

Inventor(s)

Cyril Webb Aldis created and perfected this lamp and the way to use it in the tower. Before these lanterns mirrors were used, they were called heliographs and used the sun instead of a lamp. The lamps were often fueled by oil, propane, or another type of fuel; some even used chemical reactions or phosphorous.

Through trial and error, they discovered the perfect distance between the towers to receive good signals reliably. Markings were even etched around the circumference to mark where the other towers were located, so it was pointed in the right direction.

Access & Availability

These are widely available, and commonly used.

Complexity

It is a very simple technology, basically just a lamp with a shutter system. It is usually mounted on a tripod or pole so it can be pivoted in the direction that is needed.

Discovery

Cyril Aldi took the concept of the heliograph and had the idea that he could combine it with a lamp to make something new. The signal lamp was the result. It took much trial and error, but the result was better than he hoped.

Related Species

• Fire Dwarf