The Western Union 92 Code
If the day job was to bash a morse key in a 19th century telegraph office, you will do anything to to keep your messages as short as possible. One way is reduce much-used phrases to a number.
Code 30 just about covers the feelings of those of you who have used this site before.
| Code | Meaning | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wait a minute. | 25 | Busy on another wire. |
| 2 | Very Important. | 26 | Put on ground wire. |
| 3 | What time is it? | 27 | Priority, very important. |
| 4 | Where shall I go ahead? | 28 | Do you get my writing? |
| 5 | Have you business for me? | 29 | Private, deliver in sealed envelope. |
| 6 | I am ready. | 30 | No more - the end. |
| 7 | Are you ready? | 31 | Form 31 train order. |
| 8 | Close your key, stop breaking. | 32 | I understand that I am to... |
| 9 | Priority business. | 33 | Answer is paid. |
| 10 | Keep this circuit closed. | 34 | Message for all officers. |
| 12 | Do you understand? | 35 | You may use my signal to answer this. |
| 13 | I understand. | 37 | Inform all interested. |
| 14 | What is the weather? | 39 | Important, with priority on through wire. |
| 15 | For you and others to copy. | 44 | Answer promptly by wire. |
| 17 | Lightning here. | 55 | Important. |
| 18 | What's the trouble? | 73 | Best Regards. |
| 19 | Form 19 train order. | 77 | I have a message for you. |
| 21 | Stop for meal. | 88 | Love and kisses. |
| 22 | Wire test. | 91 | Superintendent's signal. |
| 23 | All stations copy. | 92 | Deliver promptly. |
| 24 | Repeat this back. | 134 | Who is at the key? |
This first appeared in The Telegraph Instructor by G.M. Dodge back in 1859. We wonder why it's called the 92 Code?