'And Now the Biography': 150 Years of 'Telegraph' Todd

'Telegraph' Todd was celebrated for his achievement in planning and organising the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line from Adelaide to Darwin, linking Australia to the outside world. Yet Todd himself has remained a shadowy figure, eluding a series of biographers for more than a century after his death. This article identifies the increasing availability of biographical resources over time and reviews the challenges which biographers faced in bringing to life the career of a great...

A Historical Perspective on WRESAT

On 29 November 1967 at 2:19 pm (local time), a small scientific satellite named the Weapons Research Establishment SATellite (WRESAT) was launched from Woomera, South Australia. Australia was the third country in the world to launch a satellite into space from its own territory. This paper is the author's personal account of his part in the project.

The Weatherman from Greenwich

A new book, The Weatherman from Greenwich: Charles Todd  1826 to 1910, promises to be a biography of Charles Todd, telecommunications pioneer in Australia. The title is, however, misleading. Most of the book is devoted to social influences in England and South Australia that may have shaped Todds early life. Todds early technical experience in England and his first activities in Australia are briefly sketched. Readers seeking a fuller account of Todds life and achievements should look elsewhere...

Behind the Legend

In 2017 a new biography, Behind the Legend - The Many Worlds of Charles Todd, by Denis Cryle, was published. Cryle has written an engaging book that is thoroughly researched and referenced. It will appeal both to historians and to the general reader without expertise in any of the scientific or technical fields inhabited by Todd.

Introduction of Crossbar Switching Equipment

A historic paper from the Journal in 1961 summarising the investigation and selection of Crossbar Switching Equipment for the Australian Telephone Network.

Vale Roger Banks: A Tribute

Roger Banks passed away in January 2018. He retired as Telecom Australia?s Director of Business Development in 1988. This obituary outlines his life from the early days in Victoria, through his career with the PMG and Telecom, to his post-retirement contributions as a board member and supporter of engineering education.

Alice Springs Telecoms

Two historical papers from the Journal in 1939 and 1990 respectively contrasting the telecommunication facilities and lifestyles at Alice Springs.

The Radio Australia Aerial Matrix Switch

Two papers from 1963 describing the design and construction of the new aerial matrix switch at Radio Australia Shepparton and the ingenuity required to conceive and deploy a world-first solution.

Interference to Telephone Lines

A paper from 1936 exploring the effects of electrification of country Tasmania and the increasing interference to telecommunication circuits by high voltage power lines installed in close proximity.

The Seymour-Bendigo Pole Route

A fascinating paper from 1952 describing the construction of an aerial trunk route and the problems associated with organisation of staff, equipment and materials.