The #strowger #phoneExchange is in the van, and headed to #emfcamp #emf2024

My #strowger #PhoneExchange installation for #emf2024 is as fully working as it’s going to get… so out come the packing crates!

I’ve got 48hrs to pack it all up before the van arrives…

Packing Progress:
️️️️️️ 29%

I've made another video about getting the #strowger #TelephoneExchange ready for me to take it to #emf2024

In this episode, I try and get the tie lines working...

https://youtu.be/tJ9UP861z6E

Oh, and what's that? There's now a website with more information about the #phoneExchange and a blog and everything?

https://emf.lpbk.net/blog/posts/2024-05-05/

The site is a work in progress, and will change a /lot/ in the run up to the event.

RSS feeds are on the todo list, but I've got a phone exchange to fix first!

found an annoying fault on the #strowger #phoneExchange - see that little pin just hanging out there at a jaunty angle nestled amongst the contact springs?

It’s a lifting pin for the contacts at the top of the pile, it’s supposed to be straight, and attached to one of the contacts.

Instead, it’s not lifting anything and is wiggling around connecting things that shouldn’t be connected.

I guess now I get the fiddly job of replacing the stack of contacts without breaking any 70 year old wires!

If I’m going to run a #stowger #telephoneExchange at #emf2024 I need to be able to connect phones to it…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xH19vujR4U4

I’ve decided on my Easter weekend project… I need to swap the position of two #phoneExchange cabinets in my shed, so I can set up the one I’m taking to #emf2024 as though it’s installed on-site

I’ve measured, it’s possible… but involves moving about 15 heavy crates full of GPO relays, 7U of network equipment, 2 #strowger exchanges, an #isdx PABX, several reels of cable and other miscellaneous stuff I’ve forgotten about!

Perhaps this needs to be a time lapse video of some kind

I haven’t watched it all yet, but here’s some people poking about inside a BT #phoneExchange

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kfOzyIib7wU

AC14 (2280Hz) Signalling Demo Progress…

The wiring between the relaysets is done with the exception of the connections that go to the #phone end, the #phoneExchange end, and the 4-wire circuit between the two ends of the link.

So, 9 wires remaining then I can start powering it up… but first, I need to find a suitable method of terminating those connections that allows me to add in annamplifier/speaker so you can hear the tones.

It’s back to the sketchbook and eBay searches!

I love the product names in this extract from Telephone Rentals document "EP2/4055 - S50 - FACILITIES, DICTATION RECORDING" (30th Nov 1964)

It lists approved suppliers of centralised recording equipment, to be connected to their internal telephone systems

Centralising the recording equipment was much cheaper than duplicating it for each exec.

A central typing pool would retrieve the recordings, type them up and send them out

Oh yeah! I was posting Christmas telephone stuff this month wasn't I..

On Friday I mentioned that The Hull Corporation telephone company launched their Santa service.

Well, here are three examples of the recorded messages that kids could dial up and listen to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI4Gt5YKAWs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvpTfQCNP7o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBEmAsACQc4

Christmas at Haywards Heath Telephone exchange 1953

Lots of paper garlands and decorations adorning the CB10 switchboard here, but if you look closely there are paper santas/elves hanging from the cable turning sections where the positions wrap around the corners of the room.

Thanks to Stefan on the "UK Switchboards" facebook group for finding it.

Test shot for a video I’m planning at the moment. I thought it was too pretty to keep to myself… so it’s here with no context

Now that Lil is allowed outside, she’s discovered my workbench in the #telephoneExchange #shed - so I gave in and put a blanket down for her.

All projects will now include 100% more kitty, and I have to be that bit more mindful when I’m closing up for the day

Got some dirty #telephone #switchboard plugs you need to clean up? You need a Bell System Plug Polisher 497A!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PtGYEqkrYxw

I don’t think we had an equivalent in the UK, but now I really want one!