Instructograph

Code Instructor

Now with 140 sample telegraph messages for practice and demonstration mode!

Program Information

The “Instructograph” was the Morse tutor of yesteryear.  All but forgotten by many and never heard of by an ever growing number of no-code amateur radio operators, the Instructograph provided a sound educational machine and an avenue for the self-educated student of both wired and wireless telegraphy.  The Instructograph Company of Chicago, Illinois made a variety of Instructograph machines from sometime in the 1920’s until about 1983. 

I chose the “Instructograph” as the title and model of my computer program as a tribute to the machine itself.  It was a machine that many used in the early to mid-20^th century to learn both American and Continental (International) Morse code.  The lessons were quite successful.

I am using the lessons and text modeled from an Instructograph machine and manual dated from 1931.  To aid the user in learning American Morse Code, I have added extra features which will hopefully assist the “student” in learning American Morse Code.  These features will be explained in-depth in this user guide.

This application is not about learning international Morse code or what some people commonly, and incorrectly, refer today as “CW”.  The intent of this program is to teach and preserve American Morse Code and wired telegraphy only.  There is a plethora of other applications to be found on the internet which will teach you international Morse code.  This program is not meant to replicate or compete with them in any way shape or form; it is intended to compliment them by providing something unique. 

Therefore, it is my full intention and my #1 goal to preserve and promote American Morse Code through the use of a sounder only.  Call me narrow-minded, but again, I'm trying to fulfill a unique niche here, not re-invent the wheel.  Therefore, only two options are available to choose from for sound output.  The first is a simulated sounder.  Your Windows operating system need only be multi-media capable to use this option. 

Computer Pre-requisites:  Your computer system must meet the following minimum  requirements in order for this application to properly run.

• You must be running Windows Internet Explorer version 6 with service pack 1 or higher

• You must be running Windows XP with service pack 1 or higher

• It is recommended your PC have at least a 933 MHz processor

• Some users have reported the program works with Windows 98.  Although I think that's great, I will not support nor fix issues that are directly related to Windows 98.

If you feel your system meets these requirements, please click on the link below to begin the installation process.

Instructograph Quick Start Instructions

Step 1) Select a sounder type or continue to step 2 if your desired sounder is already selected.

Step 2) Select the desired method of play

1. Select Lesson Type -or-
2. Click Play File, select ASCII text file to play -or-
3. Click the Play Demo button to enter demonstration mode

Step 3) If you selected a lesson type, now choose which lesson you’d like to play

Step 4) Click the play button

Step 5) You MUST click the stop button or wait until the end of play before selecting another lesson.

Installation Methods

Internet/Online installation: This page will allow you to try and install the application directly from this website and any supporting files from Microsoft's website automatically.  I DO NOT recommend this method with dial-up internet unless you have a lot of patience.

Compressed (WinZip): If you are having difficulty with the internet deployment installation, try downloading the zip file here.  If you unzip without any change of options for the unzip folder, the default will be C:\Deploy\Instructograph.  Once unzipped, run setup.exe.

Full Installation (WinZip):  If you are having difficulty with the auto-installation over the internet, this contains the Instructograph application along with the Windows Installer and .Net 2.0 Framework installation.  Both will be automatically installed when running setup.exe from the winzip extract directory if their installation is required.  This is a large file!

Full Installation (CD Image):  This is an ISO image file for burning a CD for installation.  It's exactly the same contents as the zip file but allows you to make an installation CD.  Unzip the file to extract the ISO file.

Instructograph Application User Guide

Large Print Copy of the 1931 Instructograph Machine Manual (13mb in size)

Lower Resolution of the 1931 Instructograph Machine Manual (6mb in size)

Beta Testing

If you would like to become a beta tester for the next phase of beta testing, please send an email with your request to:  betafeedback@trwagner.org.

Credits

It is with my deepest gratitude to Les Kerr and Sid Vaughn for their assistance with this project to date.  Les has been very helpful with assisting in programming ideas and design.  Sid contributed his valuable time by transcribing some of the original Instructograph tapes practice tapes.  I also want to thank my first round of beta testers, Maurie Challinor, Less Kerr, Keith LeBaron, Cathy Stanfill, and Sid Vaughn.  Also, much thanks to Terry Mefford for his generous donations of copies of original telegraph messages (train orders).  Additional thanks to Dave Harbin for providing transcripts to 3 tapes which apparently meant for use in Canada.  These are tapes 11, 12, and 13 in the regular lessons section.

Beta Version History

Listed below are the beta versions from oldest at the bottom and newest releases at the top.  Change notes listed with each beta.

Instructograph version 1.0.1 - Updated help files and typo corrections. 12/22/06

Instructograph version 0.8.0.9 - 1.0.0.0 Full Release.  Added additional train orders, fixed additional typos, couple play bugs.  Updated help file will be released sometime prior to 12/25.   12/12/06

Instructograph version up to 0.8.0.8 and 0.8.0.9 - 0.8.0.8 included a fix to a typo error.  0.8.0.9 fixed problem with answer button.  Now, all played morse shows an answer.  11/13/06

Instructograph version 0.8.0.0 - Release Candidate 1.  Added 96 additional telegraph messages.  There are now 121 sample "real" telegraph messages for practice and demonstration mode.  Interface and play now very stable.  11/07/06

Instructograph version 0.7.1.0 - Altered the controls for selections slightly.  The list boxes no longer disable/gray out every single time.  They now only disable and gray out during play.  Added lessons 11, 12, and 13.  Revised user guide.  10/29/06

Instructograph version 0.7.0.5 - Changed some control actions to try and "stabilize" the controls...making sure lists, boxes, text stays consistent throughout program operation.  Added beginnings of a help file.  Current file is small and only has a couple topics for testing.  I think I fixed a bug where the timer was kicking in as soon as you clicked play file or play demo.  This was causing an abnormal delay in the start of messages playing.  10/24/06

Instructograph version 0.7.0.4 - Added additional installation methods.  Fixed manifest deployment problem.  10/22/06

Instructograph version 0.7.0.2 -  Added "About" and "Credits" dialog boxes from the main menu.  Set up main menu items and shortcut keys.  Have not started on help menu files yet.  10/17/06

Instructograph version 0.7.0.1 - Fixed file import issue.  Also removed "My Files" directory.  Imported files will be included in the main messages directory.  10/16/06

Instructograph version 0.7.0.0 - Beta Release #2.  Removed clunky random controls.  Random words now play until user clicks stop.  Cleaned up interface.  Began adding menu controls (not yet completed).  Completed Import/Delete/Play/Play Demo buttons with error handling.  Standardized internal functions better for smoother operation.  Fixed internal bug dealing with random word list selection.  10/16/06.

Instructograph version 0.6.2.8 and 0.6.2.9 - Fixed play button bug.  Also corrected the missed correction from version 0.6.0.2.  10/13/06

Instructograph version 0.6.2.7 - Import, Delete and Play file button/features added.  Further error control.  Standardization of msgbox titles.  Control reset standardization.  10/10/06.

Instructograph version 0.6.2.0 - Major re-design of program interface.  Including slider bars for both speed and space control.  Improved program internal process control dealing with play routine.  Changed answer button to reflect only what was actually played rather than what the full lesson text is.  9/25/06

Instructograph version 0.6.1.0 - Added new feature replacing WPM Numeric UpDown control.  Using a horizontal bar to allow users to dynamically adjust WPM similar to the potentiometer on the original Instructograph machine.  9/16/06

Instructograph version 0.6.0.2 - Fixed error with number 1 being sent as F when serial port selected for sounder type.  Adjusted Morse timing.  9/15/06.

Instructograph version 0.6.0.1 - New file for timing testing..."Paris" can now be found under the "Random Words" selection.  9/15/06

Instructograph version 0.6.0.0 - Improved photo detail.  New version incorporates word lists for proficiency building.  Updated manual for new version  Included in the manual is a section on applying the Wagner Method for improving your Morse proficiency. 9/15/06

Instructograph version 0.5.5.6 - corrected user guide misspellings, altered form layout and included photo of instructograph, altered where serial interface is turned on to correct problem of erroneous click at start of message, more detailed error checking inside serial module.  9/10/06.

Instructograph version 0.5.5.2 - completed additional error handling, completed second draft of module and coding for serial port use for sounders, add 4 Union Pacific Railway train orders from 1980s for future use in practice and demonstrations.  9/9/06

Instructograph version 0.5.4.3 - corrected a CTD (crash to desktop) condition from incorrect handling of an exception. 9/7/06

Instructograph version 0.5.4.1 - added extensive error handling in sub routines.  Changed timing method.  Began work on serial interface selection with extensive error handling. 9/7/06

Instructograph User Guide updated with corrections to misspellings and grammatical errors.  Error in Feedback form page corrected on website.  9/4/06

Instructograph version 0.5.2.5 - I think we finally have a fix for the wpm setting.  Looks good so far.  9/2/06

Instructograph version 0.5.1.2 - Fixed several typos reported by beta testers. 9/01/06

Instructograph version 0.5.0.1 - Attempting to fix bug with WPM settings.  Added EMail field in feedback form.  9/01/06

Instructograph version 0.5.0.0 - Ready for first phase of beta testing.  Sending beta invitation letter.  8/31/06

Instructograph version 0.4.2.1 - Added multiple telegraph messages for future enhancements. 8/30/06

Instructograph version 0.4.1.6 - Added additional lessons 9, 10 and new symbol '='. 8/30/06

User Guide - User guide has been updated with several corrections.  Copy of an original is also now available for download on the website.  8/30/06

Instructograph version 0.4.1.3 - Corrected problem with sound playing after exiting the application.  8/22/06

Instructograph version 0.4.1.2 - Corrected small bugs found in previous version dealing with answer text display. 8/18/06

Instructograph version 0.4.1.0 - Allowed for better display of messages in text box using answer button.  Before, the carriage return/line feeds were not present.  Although correct in that the "answer" was the exact playback of how the application saw the data, keeping the carriage return/line feeds makes for better viewing for the user of the application.  Have also completed research on allowing for ascii files to be added to "common" directories for playback.  Also added dictionary file and Dolch "sight words" and Fry common word lists.  These will be integrated during the second beta phase. 8/18/06

Instructograph version 0.4.0.7 - Added lessons 8a and 8b.  08/15/06

Instructograph version 0.4.0.6 - Added lessons 7a and 7b.  08/15/06

Instructograph version 0.4.0.5 - Fixed typographical errors in text boxes for lesson 6a and 6b descriptions.  Updated user guide. 08/10/06

Instructograph version 0.4.0.4 - Added lessons 6a and 6b.  Lessons had to be slightly altered due to punch errors on tape.  08/10/06

Instructograph version 0.4.0.3 - Fixed bug in newly added routine to lengthen space after a period.  Assume period is end of sentence.  Not only fixed the bug, but simplified the process.  Began adding lesson 6 and continued working on user guide.3Instructograph version 0.4.0.2 - Added ampersand back to lesson structure due to original Instructograph lesson content.  Accounted for extra space after period in "real' messages as opposed to Morse drills.  Cleaned up unnecessary code for ending Morse playback from files and strings.  Added lessons 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Added American Dictionary text file for future use and reference.  Future goal will be to try and randomly draw a user specified number of words from the file.  08/09/06

Instructograph version 0.3.0.1 - Fixed bug with regeneration of listbox for adding length to spaces between characters.  Added Lesson 2a and 2b, 3a, and 3b. Feedback form added to website for beta testers.  Updated user guide.  08/08/06

Instructograph version 0.3.0.0 - Beginning full reproduction lessons from the original Instructograph. 08/08/06

Instructograph version 0.2.2.3 - Fixed bug with play button.  Fixed bug with allowing user to select lessons during play of another.  Another major rework of internal subroutines.  Slimmed down code and removed threading.  Added clear text box before play. Removed visual display as it takes away from the "original" Instructograph design (students had a manual to tell them what was on tapes.  I also tell students what will be occurring, so a visual display is unnecessary and takes away from the "sameness" as the original machine).  Changes to allow user to retain WPM setting between sessions of running application. Added feature to allow additional space between characters for beginners while retaining original code speed.  Changes to text descriptions of lessons to make less confusing on the random characters information. 08/07/06

Instructograph version 0.2.1.1 - Fixed bug with the auto update feature.  Altered the "Conventional Signals" to punctuation.  Basis for doing that will be covered in the user guide.  08/04/2006

Instructograph version 0.2.1.0 - Major re-write.  Improved alphabet lesson generator, added conventional signals, added space adjuster for learning, re-arranged form layout, improved form control auto-generation, completed programming all elements in Morse program module, stream-lined random character generator and made it more efficient. 08/01/2006

Instructograph version 0.1.2.1 - major re-work of random generator.  Add answer button which provides answer to text box.  Slight re-arrangement of program layout. 7/20/2006

Instructograph version 0.1.1.2 - major revision of the beta.  Slight adjustment to Morse timing, random generator for alphabet, numerical and combined alpha + numerical lesson.  Also improved some error handling and fixed some typographical errors.  07/18/2006

Instructograph version 0.0.5.16 - improved internal timing for Morse.  Timing now identical to that of 1930's era paper tapes.  07/17/2006

Instructograph version 0.0.5.15 - improved error checking, user controls re-oriented to make program use easier. 07/17/2006

Instructograph version 0.0.5.11 - initial "limited release" beta. 05/31/2006

Versions 0.0.0.1 through 0.0.5.9 - April 4th to May 31, 2006 removed.

User Guide

The user guide for the Instructograph program can be downloaded here.

Improvements Suggested for 2007 Feature Enhancements

1. Under Consideration  Implement a feature which allows you to "stop" during  a lesson, exit the application and then when you return have the ability to start right back where you left off.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

- Why do I have to have Internet Explorer?
Answer:  Beggars can't be choosers.  I know that's a cop-out, but I'm using a free programming tool that's giving me the ability to provide this application free of charge.  It is a requirement of the "ClickOnce" publication method in which I'm delivering this to the world wide web.

- Will there be a version for Windows 98?
Answer:  Sorry, but no.  While I'd like to deliver this to any and all operating systems, I have to be able to realistically support this without endless hours of work.  To keep this free, I'm using the Microsoft Visual Basic Express which limits me to specific target operating systems moving forward.

- Will there be a version for the Mac?
Answer:  Sorry, but no.  While I'd like to deliver this to any and all operating systems, I have to be able to realistically support this without endless hours of work.  To keep this free, I'm using the Microsoft Visual Basic Express which limits me to specific target operating systems moving forward.  If you have a method to get this to work on the Mac, more power to you, but I am in no-way-shape or form supporting this application running on a Mac operating system.

- Will this work in a virtual machine environment?
Answer:  Probably.  However, I will not support that setup.  Virtual machine environments are a novel idea, but one item which causes problems is the way sound works.  Because this application revolves around the use of playing sounds there's a high chance it will be negatively affected by this setup.

- Will this application ever use international Morse?
Answer:  No.  I'm not reinventing the wheel.  There are plenty of good Morse tutors out there, this application's central focus is on AMERICAN Morse code.  International Morse will not be supported, ever.

- Will this application use tones with the sounder clicks or in conjunction with sounder clicks?
Answer:  Sorry, but no.  It is my desire to keep with the spirit of how American Morse was original taught and learned.

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Instructograph Yahoo Group

The "official" means for support and communication about this computer program.

Total programming
hours as of
12/22/2006

275*

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