The Elettra: Marconi's Floating Laboratory Marconi's yacht Elettra was a floating laboratory for beam and shortwave research. This guide covers her experiments and her famous lamp-lighting signal. Quick facts Launched as yacht Rovenska Bought 1919 Famous stunt Sydney lamps, 1930 Work beam + shortwave Lost torpedo, 1943 From her decks the 'useless' short waves were measured into the beam system that girdled an empire, and a signal from Genoa lit lamps in Sydney on cue. The Elettra was research, publicity and romance in one hull - wireless's golden age, afloat. Keep learning - what is thank you in morse code: Morse Code Works - free Morse code tools and guides. Reference chart