Todd looked to Oppenheimer for assistance, when he commenced the Port Augusta to Port Darwin -- Overland Telegraph -- Line. This telegraph line, which would stretch more than 3200 kms (or 2000 miles) required 36,000 poles, kilometers of wire, thousands of insulators, and the latest in battery technologies, and telegraphic equipment. Oppenheimer helped secure insulators and metal poles. Over time, the original blend of wooden and metal poles were upgraded with new poles, following Oppenheimer's patented innovations for metal telescoping poles. The so-called Oppenheimer poles were produced in Manchester and shipped to Australia, throughout the 1880s. Oppenheimer's poles were installed along the length of the Overland Telegraphy line. They were also installed in Queensland.
