atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems Antique Telephones flea market treasure!

Yeah what is the exact opposite of pulse dialing?

The pulses sent do not correspond directly to the digit dialed. For example, dialing the digit 0 sends one pulse, while dialing the digit 1 sends ten pulses. This is the exact opposite of North American pulse dialing standards.

I've heard others say that just subtract the number dialed from ten to determine the number of pulses sent.

Jeff, This is all your fault! Just teasing.

Guys, Thank you for all the kind words. I was pretty sure others here would appreciate my find. I just had no idea my phone would generate a discussion. But then, what else can we do with all this old TelCo stuff that is stuck in our heads? I know that old phones with dry cell batteries and cranks don't work on today's networks but this phone is a little newer because it has a dial (thank you Almon Strowger), an internal ringer and a one piece handset. I think this model was manufactured from 1908 through WWII.

Anyway, to try to work with this developing discussion, when I hook the phone up, it is only the transmitter that doesn't work. The receiver is weak but it dials and rings fine. I have tested a 500/2500 carbon transmitter but it doesn't work either so I may have a network or wiring problem. There is no nomenclature on the terminal strip labeled L1, L2, RR, etc. For wiring ideas, I have a number of old schematics so perhaps when I retire, I can call Sam and have him help me diagnose the network! In reality though, I really don't plan to use it. It will be displayed along with my meager collection that includes a Lucy phone (WE302), a non-dial 202, a candlestick phone and a ringer box.

For anyone who may have a repair suggestion for me, I will say that I have cleaned all contacts (but with the dollar bill method in lieu of excavating my old burnishing tool). Also, I didn't need to perform the old trick of rapping the transmitter on a hard surface to loosen the carbon - it is already loose. But if I were to replace the period transmitter it would actually lose some if its charm for me!

These toys are way better than the nick-knacks my Mother had. I have them near an old Victrola from 1918 that belonged to my wife's great grandmother! This early technology is a wonder to me. To have samples that I can play with is truly a delight.

In all the european seaports that I've visited, granted that was a hundred years ago, local telephone service was always provided. We could never get their service to work through our equipment. The actual telephone had to be provided to terminate each provided line. All the ships I served aboard had switching equipment and was pulse dial in the American/Bell standard. All pulse dial, or open loop or pulse/impulse principles are the same but
Ed pretty much nailed it with his explanation.

Thanks Jim for your service! If Navy phones didn't work when you served, phones from the WWII era shouldn't either. Perhaps my phone isn't the best example of European phones since it kind of works here. It doesn't look modified but how am I to know? There was a badly worn factory overlay on the dial that had North American dial plan numerals over the European ones that I removed that exposed the European numerals. Perhaps my dial pad is an American version. This post has taken an interesting turn and the discussion is quite informative. Just think of all the stuff that is out there that we get to learn!

I can look at the dial on that phone and tell you that it produces 1 pulse for 1, 2 pulses for 2, so and 10 pulses for 0.

If European dialing is backwards then the numbers on the dial would be backwards unless this dial has some special mechanism where it produces fewer pulses the further it travels...which is impossible.

One thing that is definitely different with European dialing is the make/break ratio.

In practice the difference doesn't seem to matter, particularly when you can successfully dial a number by pressing the hookswitch rapidly.

Also I should point out that Europe is composed of many different countries, each with their own standards.

In case anyone is interested, my transmitter problem was the handset cord's braided wiring being damaged by the tight thread wrapped around the end of the cord to keep the cloth end from unraveling. Everything works fine now.

Good catch Dave! :toast:

Enjoy it.


Sam

Hello - I've just read this thread, and whilst I realise it is a month late, I have something to add... European pulse dialling works in exactly the same way as American: i.e., 0 = ten pulses, 1 - 1 pulse, 2 = 2 pulses etc.

However, in Australia it IS as you describe it.

Hope that helps,
John

(new member in the UK)

PS - forgot to say, nice Danish Phone... good find, and well worth your effort to get it looking pristine.

John