Dictographs

[scotfergie]

Here's some Dictographs I have, if Dave Moll is looking I've sent you a PM regarding connecting a pair.

[vosperd]

Hi
Brings back memories.
I was working for Telephone Rentals as a service engineer when they took over Dictograph.
We had fun and games with a system at White City Stadium with overhearing. There was a big system in Buckingham Palace but I didn't get to visit there much.
Don m5aky
Bristol.

[Dave Moll]

When I get a chance, I'll dig out the (minimal) wiring information I have - if I remember correctly, it's hidden inside one of the 'phones. I'll then scan it and post here.

[OscarFoxtrot]

There is a little Dictograph info at Sam Hallas' site

http://www.samhallas.co.uk/repository/others.htm

[Dave Moll]

Thanks, Oscar, for the pointer. It may help me to actually understand the connections that I've used.

The document below was inside one my two substations (I don't have a master), and I have used it successfully to make them communicate with each other - though there are clearly other functions that I'm not using.

By the way, the pencilled-in colour indications are simply the wires from a length of ethernet cable that I used for interconnection.

[OscarFoxtrot]

Few more / clearer diagrams linked from
http://www.bobsoldphones.net/Pages/D...urtherInfo.htm

[PEIDave]

Hi all,

I have just received two vintage Dictograph phones to serve in a display in the museum. I am hoping to make this an operational display. One is a Dictograph Circuit No. 1109 and the case is stamped on the bottom 242-27, YE, and 8-36. This first one is branded Telematic on the front. The other is a Dictograph type ? -12-0, circuit no. 3802-2, s/n 31364.

No supply unit came with them. Does anyone have interconnection drawings for them? I would appreciate any information you can provide.

Dave, VY2AC

[AC/HL]

I rescued an old Engineers Manual from the skip (as you do) when the Service Depot of the company I worked for moved.
I've scanned the part that referred to Dictograph, I think it could be later but it may give some clues to earlier types.

The name Telematic was used by Telephone Rentals on various types of equipment.

[PEIDave]

Thank you so much. I went through it quickly and didn't notice whether it gave the voltage outputs of the power unit (which I don't have and am going to have to substitute....)

Now, I know they had a 12 vac output for the buzzers, and a 6 volt DC output, but what was the third output?

Thanks,

Dave

[AC/HL]

Hi Dave,
I can't find any information regarding power supplies. The first drawing appears to show voltages of 3, 6, 4.5 and 10.
The printing is not very clear although they are originals, not copies.

[PEIDave]

Thanks, I appreciate your taking the time to look. I am hoping someday to find an original supply, but for the time being, will have to improvise.

[AC/HL]

Dave
In another section I found this, which bears some similarities to your description. The voltages are not the same as on the Dictograph drawing, but are similar.

[PEIDave]

Thanks, Bill!

[McMurdo]

Originally Posted by vosperd

There was a big system in Buckingham Palace but I didn't get to visit there much

I've just ressurected this because on BBC2 'Collectaholics' 7/4/15 one of the queen's dictograph desk sets has been auctioned after the system was retreived from a skip. It made 4 figures...it'll be on iPlayer.