Some Identification Codes Given to PMG Telephones

Rod Williams

Listed below are some of the codes, as stated in the 'Substation Telephone Equipment' handbook issued in 1951, that were used to identify telephones:-

  A = Automatic
  CB = Common Battery
  H = 2000ohm Magneto Bell
  M = Magneto
  P = Portable
  T = Table
  W = Wall
  Two Digits =
(a) telephone with a solid back transmitter and bell receiver, and also
(b)

the make of telephone.
  eg. 33 = Stromberg Carlson.
  1 + two digits = telephone with an inset transmitter and bell receiver.
  2 + two digits = 2 + two digits = telephone with a handset and an Anti Sidetone Induction Coil (A.S.T.I.C.).
  Odd units digit = wall mounted telephone.
  Even units digit = table telephone.


Examples :-

  1. Telephone 135 M.W.H. is a telephone with an inset transmitter - make British Ericsson - magneto - wall mounted - 2000 ohm magneto bell.
  2. Telephone 38 AT is a telephone with a solid back transmitter - make A.P.O. pedestal - automatic - table. ( Associated equipment was either bellset No.1 or bellset No.25 C.B.)
  3. Telephone long distance 765 A.T., A.W., C.B.T. & C.B.W. This telephone had a local battery transmitter circuit, used 3 dry cells and the one instrument was used for all situations.

Exceptions :-

  1. Telephones 127 M.W. and 131 M.W. (the earlier Ericsson hand combination types).
  2. The black 'Geelong' wall telephone, as we have come to know it, did not have a recognition code and was referred to as 'Telephone Auto Wall D.C. Serial 1 Item 2A'.
    In 1950 while performing subscribers' instrument maintenance on telephones connected to the Carlton Strowger telephone exchange, these 'Geelong' wall telephones were a common sight.

 

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(Modified:August 15, 2006 8:44 PM)