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Old 14th Feb 2018, 10:24 am   #18
radiotechnician
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Powell River, British Columbia, Canada.
Posts: 217
Default Re: Kellogg wall phones - need help

The object of the switch on the magneto shaft is to connect the
armature to the outgoing line. Otherwise it would form a lossy impedance.

The other object of the assembly is to wind a spring, that starts the
armature spinning. Without it, wear on the gear assembly would result
breaking free from where the magnet is holding.

Keep in mind, the magneto is also a signalling device, so smooth action
is needed when sending two short, and three long rings, which will be heard
by every phone on the line. Only the called station will pick up. Never the less,
everyone will know who is calling, and one may even pickup, with some news.
Such as, they have gone for a few days. Such is the charm of that system.

The term for overhearing 'on the line' was rubbernecking.

In Canada, magneto phones were used right to the 60's. Some were even
fitted with dials, so they could operate in areas served by dial and magneto.

A good book is:

Old Time Telephones, by Ralph O. Meyer. Tab Books.
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