[Asterisk-Users] [OT] Oldest Telephone

[Rich Adamson]

> While the rest of you were chatting about the smallest * server, I was 
> sitting her staring at the telephone hanging on the wall.
> 
> It is a Western Electric set in a varnished pine box with an earpiece 
> you hold in your left hand and a mouthpiece attached to the box.  You 
> crank the magneto with your right hand to signal the switchboard.

That's really odd, I've got it's matching mate... the one where the
earpiece is held in the right hand. ;)

> The two dry cells inside are dated 1935, and I'm throwing them away 
> because they're leaking acid.
> 
> Wouldn't it be a kick to be able to ring this phone from an * server and 
> have a conversation.
> 
> There are several lugs inside:  L1, GND, L2, COND (no condenser 
> installed), E, and K.  And of course the two battery lugs.

L1 and L2 are essentially Tip & Ring, just like current stuff.
 
> Does anyone know anything at all about this set?  I realize the CO 
> supplies battery instead of the telephone, but can the phone be 
> modified?  Also, am I going to blow a FXS card if I don't get it right?

If you do connect it and someone turns the crank on the phone, you'll be
applying about 100 volts AC to the FXS card. No idea if your card would
hold up to that. (Disconnect one of the wires on that magneto if not sure.)

I've got one of the old Operator line/drop modules that use to be at the
other end of that old telephone line. Neat conversation piece.

Rich