Semaphore line

A semaphore line is an installation used to send optical signals. It is also known as optical telegraph. Common system include signal towers with special installations on them or hand-held flags. The meaning of the signal is determined by the position of the elements, for example the flags. The signal can be read when it is in a stable position. In modern usage, it refers to signalling with a set of flags.

Signal towers came before the electric telegraph. They were faster than sending out post riders with the information.

  • Optical telegraph of Claude Chappe on the Litermont near Nalbach, Germany.
  • Diagram of person holding 2 semaphore flags as letter "P"
  • A Chappe semaphore tower near Saverne, France
  • A Chappe semaphore telegraph at Louvre, France

Characters

The following semaphore characters are presented as one would face the flagman:

  • Rest / Space
  • Numerals
  • Error
  • Cancel
  • A / 1
  • B / 2
  • C / 3
    Acknowledge
  • D / 4
  • E / 5
  • F / 6
  • G / 7
  • H / 8
  • I / 9
  • J
    Letters
  • K / 0
  • L
  • M
  • N
    Negative
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • X
  • Y
  • Z
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