Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Flea Market/Yard Sale/Antique Store/Thrift Store Finds => Topic started by: ..... on July 24, 2017, 08:25:44 PM

Title: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 24, 2017, 08:25:44 PM
Finely got around to putting away the great pieces I got from Dave Hunter after visiting him. I had to store most of it in my cargo trailer, as my garage was getting full. I kept out the Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone, it is the next project on my list.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: HarrySmith on July 25, 2017, 07:24:06 AM
That is a very cool phone, I have never seen one like that. Keep us updated on the restoration!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: oldguy on July 26, 2017, 11:23:17 PM
don't know about the phone but you have a very nice trailer.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 27, 2017, 07:14:07 AM
Quote from: HarrySmith on July 25, 2017, 07:24:06 AM
That is a very cool phone, I have never seen one like that. Keep us updated on the restoration!

Thanks Harry, Will do, it is the very next thing on my list. I have never seen one before either, so it should be interesting.


Quote from: oldguy on July 26, 2017, 11:23:17 PM
don't know about the phone but you have a very nice trailer.

Thanks Gary, I got a super deal on it this spring and it works out well for the overflow that my wife can't see. :)
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 27, 2017, 09:48:51 AM
Does it contain transistors or battery operated vacuum tubes such as 7-pin miniature and hearing aid types like the WE 1A speakerphone?  I suppose probably tubes.

Any date markings?  Perhaps there are on the transmitter and receiver.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 27, 2017, 10:18:37 AM
Did you get the small microphone unit that belongs to this set ?  I don't see it in the picture.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 27, 2017, 11:32:10 AM
Quote from: Alex G. Bell on July 27, 2017, 09:48:51 AM
Does it contain transistors or battery operated vacuum tubes such as 7-pin miniature and hearing aid types like the WE 1A speakerphone?  I suppose probably tubes.

Any date markings?  Perhaps there are on the transmitter and receiver.

Sorry, but I haven't had a chance to have a good look at it yet. Just finishing up another project. As soon as I get it apart, I will post some more pictures and information on it.


Quote from: unbeldi on July 27, 2017, 10:18:37 AM
Did you get the small microphone unit that belongs to this set ?  I don't see it in the picture.

No, there wasn't any microphone with it. Do you have any pictures of what it should look like? 
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 27, 2017, 11:47:14 AM
Quote from: Duffy on July 27, 2017, 11:32:10 AM
No, there wasn't any microphone with it. Do you have any pictures of what it should look like?

Here is the entry from the 1960 SC catalog:
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 27, 2017, 12:01:13 PM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 27, 2017, 11:47:14 AM
Here is the entry from the 1960 SC catalog:

This is great information, Thanks!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: HarrySmith on July 27, 2017, 12:52:44 PM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 27, 2017, 11:47:14 AM
Here is the entry from the 1960 SC catalog:


Very Cool! I would imagine the microphone would be rather difficult to source!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: jsowers on July 27, 2017, 01:42:29 PM
That mike was made by Shure and I've seen them in other applications like with tape recorders, so they're not exceedingly rare. Other manufacturers put their names on them, like Bell and Howell, RCA and Revere. They are Shure CR-80, CR-81 and CR-84 that I've seen on a quick check of eBay. They seem to be quite pricey, so good luck finding a cheap one. They have a hammertone paint finish that comes in several different colors like gray, brown, green and beige. Here's a link to one on eBay and all are about $100 or more. Yikes! Keep looking and you may find a cheaper one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/192253843064

When I started working on school AV equipment about 1980 these mikes were everywhere. I never thought they'd be valuable.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 27, 2017, 01:59:53 PM
Quote from: Duffy on July 27, 2017, 11:32:10 AM
No, there wasn't any microphone with it. Do you have any pictures of what it should look like?
I have an identical mike, not as part of a speakerphone, except mine has the original Shure Brothers name tag on it and it has a slide switch on the upper right side which the S-C version might not have.  It's marked "Model 510S" on the back.

Mine measures 1000 ohms DC resistance which is kind of high for a "dynamic" mike but it deflects a compass, so it contains a magnet and it's almost certainly a low impedance "dynamic" rather than very high impedance "crystal" (piezo-electric).  Perhaps the Shure CR-80, CR-81 and CR-84 jsowers mentioned are piezo. 

Piezo ("crystal") is more likely with vacuum tube AV equipment and would be naturally more compatible if the circuitry inside the main unit uses vacuum tube.  Dynamic is more likely if it's transistorized, but 1960 is a bit early for S-C to have produced a transistorized design.

It should be easy to determine the characteristics of all these models on line.  I've found Shure mike catalogs in the past when I was researching a 55S.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: paul-f on July 27, 2017, 07:28:38 PM
Similar Shure mics are readily available, but you'll probably want to look for one with the proper SC markings like the one in the photo here:

   http://www.paul-f.com/sc1583.htm (http://www.paul-f.com/sc1583.htm)
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 27, 2017, 08:18:04 PM
Quote from: paul-f on July 27, 2017, 07:28:38 PM
Similar Shure mics are readily available, but you'll probably want to look for one with the proper SC markings like the one in the photo here:

   http://www.paul-f.com/sc1583.htm (http://www.paul-f.com/sc1583.htm)

Thanks Paul for the picture and the link to your site. That information will help me out a lot with my restore.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: paul-f on July 28, 2017, 03:52:44 PM
You're welcome, Doug.

I see I haven't updated that page since 2002.  As I recall, I had a digital camera that was tethered to my computer, as most of the electronics were on an ISA card inside the computer. Those 320px × 240px photos were the maximum resolution!  How things have changed. I should update the page as time permits. I'll also check the paper files for more info.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 28, 2017, 04:17:19 PM
Quote from: paul-f on July 28, 2017, 03:52:44 PM
You're welcome, Doug.

I see I haven't updated that page since 2002.  As I recall, I had a digital camera that was tethered to my computer, as most of the electronics were on an ISA card inside the computer. Those 320px × 240px photos were the maximum resolution!  How things have changed. I should update the page as time permits. I'll also check the paper files for more info.
That's surprising!  My first digital camera, purchased probably mid or 3Q 2003, was a stand-alone "Argus" brand device with fixed focus lens and 1600x1200 resolution.  But it had a "meniscus" lens for close-ups and did a very decent job of it.

It contained 16MB but accepted SD cards up to 2GB IIRC.  The first SD card I bought for it was 256KB.  When the  output was connected and set for NTSC video it also functioned as a live color video camera.

This camera cost $40 on clearance at Office Max, so it was already obsolete by mid/3Q 2003.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: TelePlay on July 28, 2017, 04:35:13 PM
Quote from: Duffy on July 27, 2017, 08:18:04 PM
Thanks Paul for the picture and the link to your site. That information will help me out a lot with my restore.

Getting back to the missing microphone, have you found one at a reasonable price and if so do you mind saying where? I saw one on eBay where the seller wanted $450 for it. I think it shipped from Colorado, or one of those states. There seem to be quite a few on eBay right now ranging in price from under $50 up to $150.

Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: paul-f on July 28, 2017, 06:08:01 PM
Quote from: Alex G. Bell on July 28, 2017, 04:17:19 PM
That's surprising!  My first digital camera, purchased probably mid or 3Q 2003, was a stand-alone "Argus" brand device ...

Not so surprising with the rest of the story. The computer with attached/integrated Intel brand camera was purchased at an industrial bankruptcy sale in the mid-1990s, so was old then. I bought my first "real" digital camera in 2003.

I've added a new snapshot of a nicer microphone from my collection on the web page and below.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 28, 2017, 06:15:02 PM
Quote from: paul-f on July 28, 2017, 06:08:01 PM
Not so surprising with the rest of the story. The computer with attached/integrated Intel brand camera was purchased at an industrial bankruptcy sale in the mid-1990s, so was old then. I bought my first "real" digital camera in 2003.

I've added a new snapshot of a nicer microphone from my collection on the web page and below.
What is its resistance?  Does it attract a compass needle?

Do you have the rest of the speakerphone? 
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: paul-f on July 28, 2017, 07:38:15 PM
Quote from: Alex G. Bell on July 28, 2017, 06:15:02 PM
What is its resistance? Measures infinite.

Does it attract a compass needle?  Yes.

Do you have the rest of the speakerphone?  Yes. Needs new cords and hasn't made it to the top of the project list.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 28, 2017, 07:47:59 PM
What is its resistance?
Quote from: paul-f on July 28, 2017, 07:38:15 PM
Measures infinite.
Does it attract a compass needle? 
QuoteYes.
Do you have the rest of the speakerphone? 
QuoteYes. Needs new cords and hasn't made it to the top of the project list.
If it attracts a compass needle it's probably dynamic and should not have infinite resistance.  My commercial Shure M510 measures 1000 ohms, which is high but reasonable for a dynamic mike.  Let's hope your connecting cord is open otherwise the element might be.

Have you ever had the main unit open?  If so, does it contain tubes or transistors?

Do you have full docs including schematics?
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: zenithchromacolor on July 28, 2017, 09:21:28 PM
The Shure Controlled Reluctance models are expensive because the element is highly desired for use with amplified harmonica playing, often the elements are transplanted into "bullet" housings that are easier to hold against the harmonica. As mentioned, the same housing was used for crystal elements, which sell for much lower prices, such as the Shure 710. Note that the crystal elements tend to go bad with age, especially if they are exposed to a moist environment.

For example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/172746775997

=============

EDIT:  Above listing for a 710A Crystal microphone sold on eBay for $15.00 with free shipping on July 24th, 2017.

Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 29, 2017, 12:03:18 AM
I have had a chance to do some work on my phone. It's late so I'll post more before and after pictures later.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 29, 2017, 09:43:07 AM
More pictures, Can anyone date this phone with the numbers shown? I also found the schematic tucked away inside the phone. Can you see it?
I need to replace the handset cord as this one is cracking. I used some heat shrinking tube to hold it together until I get another cord. There is one on eBay, but it's a little pricey. I also need the wall cord. 

Quote from: TelePlay on July 28, 2017, 04:35:13 PM
Getting back to the missing microphone, have you found one at a reasonable price and if so do you mind saying where? I saw one on eBay where the seller wanted $450 for it. I think it shipped from Colorado, or one of those states. There seem to be quite a few on eBay right now ranging in price from under $50 up to $150.

John, I think I may have found one with the correct end for a very reasonable price.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: paul-f on July 29, 2017, 11:04:56 AM
Beautiful, Doug!

You have answered a lot of questions regarding what's inside.

With your permission, I'll add the schematic to the TCI Library.

Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 29, 2017, 11:20:58 AM
Quote from: paul-f on July 29, 2017, 11:04:56 AM
Beautiful, Doug!

You have answered a lot of questions regarding what's inside.

With your permission, I'll add the schematic to the TCI Library.

Sure, go ahead Paul. If you want larger resolution pictures I have 4000 X 6000 copies of each one.

Doug
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 29, 2017, 12:33:40 PM
Quote from: paul-f on July 28, 2017, 07:38:15 PM
What is its resistance? Measures infinite.


The circuit diagram indicates that the 1583 uses a piezoelectric microphone, so its resistance should indeed be essentially infinite.

It should be easy to find a microphone at reasonable cost to at least get this unit working as intended.  Look for a Shure 710A, CA80, or so.

Perhaps: http://www.ebay.com/itm/382179697587
or:   http://www.ebay.com/itm/282586027406
or:   http://www.ebay.com/itm/182654863218
...
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 29, 2017, 12:53:53 PM
The set contains several date markings in forms 7 10, 71x.

I believe at least until the mid-1960s (~1964 last observance), SC used the code format  ww-yy, were ww is the week number of year, and yy is the year.

This clearly deviates from that, I think the year is now simply a single digit, perhaps omitting the decade digit, and the format appears as y-ww.
So perhaps:
710 = March 1967 1957
715 = April 1967 1957
                                 PERHAPS.


The 210558 transmission unit, or network, is the standard type that was used in the 1543.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 29, 2017, 12:55:53 PM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 29, 2017, 12:33:40 PM
It should be easy to find a microphone at reasonable cost to at least get this unit working as intended.  Look for a Shure 710A, CA80, or so.

Perhaps: http://www.ebay.com/itm/382179697587
or:   http://www.ebay.com/itm/282586027406
or:   http://www.ebay.com/itm/182654863218
...

or maybe even this one: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/322610016853?ul_noapp=true (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/322610016853?ul_noapp=true)   :)
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 29, 2017, 01:50:51 PM
The WE 1A and AE 88 Speakerphones also use hearing aid tubes (but 2 instead of 3) and (2) 3V4 miniature tubes. The circuit is probably quite similar.  However the 1A speakerphone used a modified U-style receiver unit as a dynamic mike.

The WE and AE use a mike input transformer with a low impedance dynamic mike instead of a crystal (piezo) mike.  The S-C uses a 3rd hearing aid tube as a mike preamp instead of an input transformer.  No doubt this was less costly and only possible because the amplifier was integrated with the phone and therefore nearby.  With the WE and AE the mike might be some distance from the control unit containing the amplifier.

Perhaps the original Shure mike was ceramic rather than "crystal".  Both are essentially piezo electric but ceramic has much lower output and I believe is much more stable over the long term.  That might explain the need for a 3rd hearing aid preamp tube.  I'd think that a crystal mike might not need a preamp tube but a ceramic one more likely would.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 29, 2017, 01:52:23 PM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 29, 2017, 12:33:40 PM
The circuit diagram indicates that the 1583 uses a piezoelectric microphone, so its resistance should indeed be essentially infinite.
Yes, it should be.  Curious that it deflected a compass.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 29, 2017, 01:53:20 PM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 29, 2017, 12:53:53 PM
The set contains several date markings in forms 7 10, 71x.

I believe at least until the mid-1960s (~1964 last observance), SC used the code format  ww-yy, were ww is the week number of year, and yy is the year.

This clearly deviates from that, I think the year is now simply a single digit, perhaps omitting the decade digit, and the format appears as y-ww.
So perhaps:
710 = March 1967
715 = April 1967
                                 PERHAPS.


The 210558 transmission unit, or network, is the standard type that was used in the 1543.
1967 seems too late for S-C to have been producing a vacuum tube unit.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 29, 2017, 01:54:48 PM
Quote from: Duffy on July 29, 2017, 11:20:58 AM
Sure, go ahead Paul. If you want larger resolution pictures I have 4000 X 6000 copies of each one.

Doug
I can get rid of the uneven gray background for a library version but might as well do that with the higher resolution version.

Here is what a quick cleaned up version of the current one looks like without getting rid of some residual shading.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 29, 2017, 02:30:42 PM
Quote from: Alex G. Bell on July 29, 2017, 01:53:20 PM
1967 seems too late for S-C to have been producing a vacuum tube unit.
Well, the components of the 1543 used in this set also indicate a 1950s vintage, the dial is the type of the transition period from the 1400-series to the 1500s.  So perhaps it was a decade earlier, 1957.  We have to review date stamps from the early to mid-1950s.
But, the volume of sales of these sets probably was not high enough to warrant the expense of a complete redesign for semiconductor technology, so I would not be surprised that tube sets would still be sold in the late 60s.

The owner of the set might be able to get other explicit dates from some of the electronic components.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on July 29, 2017, 02:43:15 PM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 29, 2017, 02:30:42 PM
Well, the components of the 1543 used in this set also indicate a 1950s vintage, the dial is the type of the transition period from the 1400-series to the 1500s.  So perhaps it was a decade earlier, 1957.  We have to review date stamps from the early to mid-1950s.
But, the volume of sales of these sets probably was not high enough to warrant the expense of a complete redesign for semiconductor technology, so I would not be surprised that tube sets would still be sold in the late 60s.

The owner of the set might be able to get other explicit dates from some of the electronic components.
1957 makes much more sense to me.  1967-68 was around the time S-C began producing 500 sets.  Even though the volume of sales was probably low, I'd think it would be especially low for a vacuum tube product at that point because it would be widely perceived as obsolete.

The 1960 catalog cut is more consistent with it dating back to 1957.  Would be interesting to find earlier and later catalogs to see where it shows up.  Maybe there's something in the Mike Neale part of the TCI library.

Also the dates of the BSTJ articles describing the #3 Speakerphone are relevant since the introduction of voice switching is a much more significant advance over whether tubes or transistors were used as the gain devices.  Two articles are:

v.39 no. 2    Mar '60   265-294    Fundamental Considerations in the Design of a Voice-Switched Speakerphone    Busala, A.

v.40 no. 3    May '61   649-668    Functional Design of a Voice-Switched Speakerphone    Clemency, W.F.; Goodale, W.D. Jr.

ISTR there being a 3rd article.  So by 1960-61 BTL had changed the state of the art and any competing mfr would know this long before 1967 and have had time to respond.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 29, 2017, 03:00:29 PM
Ok, I should have suggested 1957 right away, had I only cross-checked with my other SC sets of the 1940s and 1950s.

Indeed the format y-ww was used before not after the yy-ww format.

Here is an example of a ringer in a  1443K telephone of 1953:  337
The bottom plate of the telephone set is stamped 338, ditto for the dial.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 30, 2017, 08:11:43 AM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 29, 2017, 02:30:42 PM
The owner of the set might be able to get other explicit dates from some of the electronic components.

Do these pictures help?
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: AL_as_needed on July 30, 2017, 09:26:27 AM
Glad I found this thread, very very neat phone. Not normally a huge fan of SC phones, but this is an exception for sure. Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 30, 2017, 09:32:56 AM
Quote from: Duffy on July 30, 2017, 08:11:43 AM
Do these pictures help?

Indeed, your pictures confirm the 1957 vintage of your set.  The tubes are clearly marked, e.g., 57-10, and one of those capacitors is marked 620,  probably 20th week of 1956.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 30, 2017, 09:44:26 AM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 30, 2017, 09:32:56 AM
Indeed, your pictures confirm the 1957 vintage of your set.  The tubes are clearly marked, e.g., 57-10, and one of those capacitors is marked 620,  probably 20th week of 1956.

That phone is the same vintage as myself. 1957 was a good year I guess. :)
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 30, 2017, 09:59:45 AM
Quote from: Duffy on July 30, 2017, 09:44:26 AM
That phone is the same vintage as myself. 1957 was a good year I guess. :)

An interesting question remaining is whether this set still works as well as you do.


Have you plugged it in yet?   Without the microphone, the speaker should work just fine for receiving. The lack of microphone should have no ill effect on the electronics.
I would keep the chassis open while powering up, to observe that the tubes all light up properly.
I would first perform some simple tests on the AC input though.  With an ohmmeter verify that no short exists between the AC line terminals, and from each to the metal chassis.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: compubit on July 30, 2017, 10:08:07 AM
Doug -

Quick question about the case restoration: what method did. You use? I have an AE in dove gray and it needs some work on the yellowing, and I'm a little nervous about using peroxide, as I want to keep a uniform color...

Thanks,
Jim
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 30, 2017, 10:13:28 AM
Quote from: compubit on July 30, 2017, 10:08:07 AM
Doug -

Quick question about the case restoration: what method did. You use? I have an AE in dove gray and it needs some work on the yellowing, and I'm a little nervous about using peroxide, as I want to keep a uniform color...

Thanks,
Jim
Simply use Clorox bleach, diluted 1:3 to 1:2, depending on desired strength. Much cheaper and easier to use.  Safer, because it works a lot more gently and slower.
The color of this 1583 is the same as this Type 1553 wall set (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=10328.msg109648#msg109648), which I bleached just slightly with Clorox.

BTW, I am wondering why the "after" pictures show the set so bright.  I hope it is simply a photographic artifact of intense lighting, not bleaching of the plastic.  It should look a lot darker in reality.  The "before" pictures appear a lot more true to the correct color.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 30, 2017, 10:24:23 AM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 30, 2017, 09:59:45 AM
An interesting question remaining is whether this set still works as well as you do.


Have you plugged it in yet?   Without the microphone, the speaker should work just fine for receiving. The lack of microphone should have no ill effect on the electronics.
I would keep the chassis open while powering up, to observe that the tubes all light up properly.
I would first perform some simple tests on the AC input though.  With an ohmmeter verify that no short exists between the AC line terminals, and from each to the metal chassis.

I haven't tested it yet. I still need to get another line cord for it, the one that was on it was detoriated beyond use. When I do plug it in, I'll have it plugged into a switched power bar. Just in case of smoke. LOL


Quote from: compubit on July 30, 2017, 10:08:07 AM
Doug -

Quick question about the case restoration: what method did. You use? I have an AE in dove gray and it needs some work on the yellowing, and I'm a little nervous about using peroxide, as I want to keep a uniform color...

Thanks,
Jim

Jim,

All I did was soak it in the garage sink with cheap dish soap and used magic eraser to wipe it down.

Doug
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 30, 2017, 10:27:14 AM
Quote from: unbeldi on July 30, 2017, 10:13:28 AM

BTW, I am wondering why the "after" pictures show the set so bright.  I hope it is simply a photographic artifact of intense lighting, not bleaching of the plastic.  It should look a lot darker in reality.  The "before" pictures appear a lot more true to the correct color.

Before pictures were taken inside the garage under fluorescent lights. After pictures were outside in bright sun light.

The phone had a build up of something on it, it was very dirty. Nicotine build up?????
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: unbeldi on July 30, 2017, 10:35:36 AM
Quote from: Duffy on July 30, 2017, 10:27:14 AM
Before pictures were taken inside the garage under fluorescent lights. After pictures were outside in bright sun light.

The phone had a build up of something on it, it was very dirty. Nicotine build up?????
Yes, quite possible and even most likely.   These plastics can discolor slightly yellowish though.  When properly restored the gray is purely neutral and is really quite beautiful when polished to a nice sheen.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on July 30, 2017, 07:18:21 PM
I won this eBay auction for the mic that I need for the Hands Free Phone.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/322610016853 (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/322610016853)

I also bought a gray handset cord to replace the existing cracked one. It's not exact match, but should work OK.

Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 06, 2017, 09:10:43 PM
I got the replacement handset cord in the mail Friday and put it on the phone. I had a newer gray line cord that I put on. I hooked everything up and it works. Now when the replacement mic comes, it will be complete.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 06, 2017, 09:21:08 PM
Quote from: Duffy on August 06, 2017, 09:10:43 PM
I got the replacement handset cord in the mail Friday and put it on the phone. I had a newer gray line cord that I put on. I hooked everything up and it works. Now when the replacement mic comes, it will be complete.
Great!  Looks very good.  But I seem to have missed something.  How did it get from the light gray color shown in the "after" photos back to Oxford Gray?
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: TelePlay on August 07, 2017, 05:44:32 AM
Quote from: Alex G. Bell on August 06, 2017, 09:21:08 PM
Great!  Looks very good.  But I seem to have missed something.  How did it get from the light gray color shown in the "after" photos back to Oxford Gray?

Confused me also when I first saw the before and after images but then Duffy, in one of his following replies above, dsif the dark grey was taken under florescent light and the light gray in sun light. So, only Duffy can tell us what color it really is in natural, indoor light.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 07, 2017, 07:49:07 AM
The last pictures above were taken yesterday evening around 6:00pm just inside the garage door with natural light coming in and fluorescent lights above. You can see the reflection for the natural light on the sides and the fluorescent lights on the top.
These pictures above represent the true colour of the phone.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: HarrySmith on August 07, 2017, 08:03:03 AM
Quote from: Duffy on August 06, 2017, 09:10:43 PM
I got the replacement handset cord in the mail Friday and put it on the phone. I had a newer gray line cord that I put on. I hooked everything up and it works. Now when the replacement mic comes, it will be complete.


Except for the number card & holder. Very hard to find!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 07, 2017, 08:22:40 AM
Quote from: HarrySmith on August 07, 2017, 08:03:03 AM
Except for the number card & holder. Very hard to find!

The holder is there, it's yellowed a bit. Now I just need the number card. Any copies out there that I could print off?
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 07, 2017, 08:26:00 AM
Quote from: Duffy on August 07, 2017, 08:22:40 AM
The holder is there, it's yellowed a bit. Now I just need the number card. Any copies out there that I could print off?
http://www.telephonearchive.com/numbercards/
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: HarrySmith on August 07, 2017, 09:03:32 AM
Quote from: Duffy on August 07, 2017, 08:22:40 AM
The holder is there, it's yellowed a bit. Now I just need the number card. Any copies out there that I could print off?

Cool. I could not see it in the pictures. It is in very good shape, most are yellowed very badly & warped. Lots of cards to choose from & print out. take your pick!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 07, 2017, 09:15:58 AM
Quote from: Alex G. Bell on August 07, 2017, 08:26:00 AM
http://www.telephonearchive.com/numbercards/

Quote from: HarrySmith on August 07, 2017, 09:03:32 AM
Cool. I could not see it in the pictures. It is in very good shape, most are yellowed very badly & warped. Lots of cards to choose from & print out. take your pick!

I have decided on this one as it matches the real deal.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: HarrySmith on August 07, 2017, 09:58:10 AM
Quote from: Duffy on August 07, 2017, 09:15:58 AM
I have decided on this one as it matches the real deal.

Good choice, you can find the right font and add your number to finsh it off properly.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 07, 2017, 10:19:16 AM
Quote from: HarrySmith on August 07, 2017, 09:58:10 AM
Good choice, you can find the right font and add your number to finsh it off properly.

I'm thinking of this. I made it to match the label on the front. I think the font is close.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: HarrySmith on August 07, 2017, 11:34:37 AM
Quote from: Duffy on August 07, 2017, 10:19:16 AM
I'm thinking of this. I made it to match the label on the front. I think the font is close.
Yeah, that will work! Nice!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 07, 2017, 01:24:36 PM
Quote from: Duffy on August 07, 2017, 10:19:16 AM
I'm thinking of this. I made it to match the label on the front. I think the font is close.
I'd include the model #.  It's not a common phone so few who see it and are interested are likely to know it.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: mentalstampede on August 07, 2017, 03:04:08 PM
Beautiful restoration. Lucky you've got a number card holder; that type is getting hard to find.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 07, 2017, 05:06:47 PM
Quote from: HarrySmith on August 07, 2017, 11:34:37 AM
Yeah, that will work! Nice!

Thanks.

Quote from: Alex G. Bell on August 07, 2017, 01:24:36 PM
I'd include the model #.  It's not a common phone so few who see it and are interested are likely to know it.

That's a great idea.

Quote from: mentalstampede on August 07, 2017, 03:04:08 PM
Beautiful restoration. Lucky you've got a number card holder; that type is getting hard to find.

Thanks, I'm just finding that out.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Ktownphoneco on August 07, 2017, 08:10:08 PM
Nice job on the card Doug !

Jeff
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 08, 2017, 12:37:16 PM
Well, I think I figured it out. I copied the card picture to Microsoft Word, then I resized it with word. I printed it off and it fit. It's about as good as it will get with my lack of talent for resizing pictures. :) The number holder size is 1 3/16th.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: HarrySmith on August 08, 2017, 01:25:09 PM
Cool, looks good!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 08, 2017, 06:18:06 PM
Some pictures taken today outside in natural light on the tonneau cover of my pick up. With the dial card installed.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 10, 2017, 09:01:33 AM
The microphone that I bought off eBay arrived this morning, all wrapped up in eBay tape.
It is in better shape then I thought it would be. It even has the right adapter for the phone and the colour matches.
That will be todays project to clean it up and see if it works. Then I will try and make the logo's for it.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: TelePlay on August 10, 2017, 09:10:35 AM
Quote from: Duffy on August 10, 2017, 09:01:33 AM
The microphone that I bought off eBay arrived this morning . . .    It is in better shape then I thought it would be. It even has the right adapter for the phone and the colour matches.

That's fantastic, right color and connector. eBay is funny that way, what you get has a 60/40 chance of being much better or much worse that pictured. With the quality of images posted on eBay these days, most stuff turns out better.

Hope it works and can't wait to see your finished project. That will be something few others have in their collections.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 10, 2017, 12:33:57 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 10, 2017, 09:10:35 AM
That's fantastic, right color and connector. eBay is funny that way, what you get has a 60/40 chance of being much better or much worse that pictured. With the quality of images posted on eBay these days, most stuff turns out better.

Hope it works and can't wait to see your finished project. That will be something few others have in their collections.

OK, I jumped the gun here a little bit. When I opened the package this morning I seen it was gray and thought a perfect match, next was the screw on female adapter type great 2 for 2. The phone was in the garage and I was in the house. When I got around the morning on checking it out, I found that the gray was a little lighter on the mic, I can live with that. But the female adapter was larger than the male one on the phone. Now I'm going to have to find myself a female smaller adapter and swap it out.

I gave the mic a good cleaning this morning.

"These pictures were taken outside in natural sunlight."
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: TelePlay on August 10, 2017, 01:32:39 PM
Yes, the mic connector looked a bit large but when not next to the phone, hard to tell. At first I thought the phone jack was a female BNC but then the threads were apparent. Maybe DavePEI could find or knows of an adapter to convert the large male to the smaller jack. Radio seems to have any and all types of adapters which could avoid cutting off the original plug.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 10, 2017, 01:52:40 PM
The mike connector on the mike cord and the one on the chassis are standard and miniature versions of a common connector used for high impedance mikes on consumer electronics.  I think they were made by Amphenol but might be Switchcraft or possibly both.  Are there any markings on the plug?

Quote from: Duffy on August 10, 2017, 12:33:57 PM
OK, I jumped the gun here a little bit. When I opened the package this morning I seen it was gray and thought a perfect match, next was the screw on female adapter type great 2 for 2. The phone was in the garage and I was in the house. When I got around the morning on checking it out, I found that the gray was a little lighter on the mic, I can live with that. But the female adapter was larger than the male one on the phone. Now I'm going to have to find myself a female smaller adapter and swap it out.

I gave the mic a good cleaning this morning.

"These pictures were taken outside in natural sunlight."
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 10, 2017, 01:58:24 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 10, 2017, 01:32:39 PM
Yes, the mic connector looked a bit large but when not next to the phone, hard to tell. At first I thought the phone jack was a female BNC but then the threads were apparent. Maybe DavePEI could find or knows of an adapter to convert the large male to the smaller jack. Radio seems to have any and all types of adapters which could avoid cutting off the original plug.
I've seen lots of audio adapters but don't recall ever seeing one for a large mike connector to a small mike input. 

An adapter would make the large long connector on the cord stick out much more than a smaller replacement.  A large diameter long connector adapted to a smaller stationary chassis connector would be particularly susceptible to breakage and clumsy looking.  Therefore I'd recommend replacing the one on the cord with the miniature version even if an adapter can be found.

Here is the full size Switchcraft version of the cord female connector:
http://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=810
http://www.switchcraft.com/Specification.aspx?Parent=810

This shows both versions:
http://www.switchcraft.com/Category.aspx?Parent=801

Here is the miniature version:
http://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=538
http://www.switchcraft.com/Specification.aspx?Parent=538
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 10, 2017, 04:38:10 PM
Thanks Alex,

I ordered a new female adapter in the right size (mini) from Digi-Key today. I'll replace the larger one and keep my fingers crossed that everything works out. :)
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 10, 2017, 04:53:11 PM
Quote from: Duffy on August 10, 2017, 04:38:10 PM
Thanks Alex,

I ordered a new female adapter in the right size (mini) from Digi-Key today. I'll replace the larger one and keep my fingers crossed that everything works out. :)
You're welcome Doug.

I'd forgotten about the rationale for these connectors but looking at the web pages reminded me.  These are what might be called a "hermaphroditic" connector (not my choice of terms) because a female can be connected to another female by sliding the ring back on one of them, effectively making it a male.  This can be convenient when working with long extension cables.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 10, 2017, 09:14:43 PM
Paul F. doesn't know it yet, but his picture he posted helped me with an idea.

This is only a test to see if it would work, I think I can get them made out of vinyl.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: paul-f on August 10, 2017, 09:42:45 PM
Quote from: Duffy on August 10, 2017, 09:14:43 PM
Paul F. doesn't know it yet, but his picture he posted helped me with an idea.

This is only a test to see if it would work, I think I can get them made out of vinyl.

Why do you think I posted the photo?   ;)
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 10, 2017, 10:08:38 PM
Quote from: paul-f on August 10, 2017, 09:42:45 PM
Why do you think I posted the photo?   ;)

Thanks Paul, your the man!  8)
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: TelePlay on August 10, 2017, 10:24:50 PM
Another option is to put down a white plastic background and use clear water slide decals to put the lettering on the harder white plastic background. They make clear laser printer water slide labels and sell on eBay in small quantities.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 10, 2017, 10:39:39 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 10, 2017, 10:24:50 PM
Another option is to put down a white plastic background and use clear water slide decals to put the lettering on the harder white plastic background. They make clear laser printer water slide labels and sell on eBay in small quantities.

That would work. I just learned something new today. That will work really well for the brand name logo. I would have to buff the scratches out of the name plate though, then apply it directly to the plate.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 10, 2017, 11:10:32 PM
Quote from: Duffy on August 10, 2017, 10:39:39 PM
That would work. I just learned something new today. That will work really well for the brand name logo. I would have to buff the scratches out of the name plate though, then apply it directly to the plate.
Is the chrome plate perfectly flat?  If curved most adhesive labels would wrinkle when applied.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: TelePlay on August 10, 2017, 11:14:08 PM
Water slide labels have flexibility when wet and can actually tear if not handled gently. Put a lot of them on model airplanes years ago and there were no flat surfaces on those small things. Of course, there is a limit but mic seems flat enough. And of the first water slide doesn't work out, it can be removed and a new one applied.

e.g.:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/LASER-Waterslide-Decal-Paper-5-Sheets-CLEAR-/272782805670

They also make inkjet printer clear.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 10, 2017, 11:23:23 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 10, 2017, 11:14:08 PM
Water slide labels have flexibility when wet and can actually tear if not handled gently. Put a lot of them on model airplanes years ago and there were no flat surfaces on those small things. Of course, there is a limit but mic seems flat enough. And of the first water slide doesn't work out, it can be removed and a new one applied.

e.g.:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/LASER-Waterslide-Decal-Paper-5-Sheets-CLEAR-/272782805670

They also make inkjet printer clear.
Interesting!  Had no idea such things existed.  Laser would seem to be the most color stable.  Ink jet inks seem to fade.  But most people don't have color lasers.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 11, 2017, 06:36:27 AM
Quote from: Alex G. Bell on August 10, 2017, 11:10:32 PM
Is the chrome plate perfectly flat?  If curved most adhesive labels would wrinkle when applied.

Yes, it's pretty darn close to being flat.


Quote from: TelePlay on August 10, 2017, 11:14:08 PM
Water slide labels have flexibility when wet and can actually tear if not handled gently. Put a lot of them on model airplanes years ago and there were no flat surfaces on those small things. Of course, there is a limit but mic seems flat enough. And of the first water slide doesn't work out, it can be removed and a new one applied.

e.g.:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/LASER-Waterslide-Decal-Paper-5-Sheets-CLEAR-/272782805670


I have a colour laser printer so I'm all set. I'll be like a kid in a candy store printing labels for everything!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 11, 2017, 06:43:04 AM
Quote from: Duffy on August 11, 2017, 06:36:27 AM
I have a colour laser printer so I'm all set. I'll be like a kid in a candy store printing labels for everything!
Like the P-touch guy, sticking them on your forehead too?  ;D
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 12, 2017, 11:02:48 PM
Connecters swapped out.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 12, 2017, 11:10:17 PM
Quote from: Duffy on August 12, 2017, 11:02:48 PM
Connecters swapped out.
Looks good!  Fortunately the cable was not too large for the spring.

Does it work?
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 13, 2017, 06:27:31 AM
Quote from: Alex G. Bell on August 12, 2017, 11:10:17 PM
Looks good!  Fortunately the cable was not too large for the spring.

Does it work?

Haven't tested it yet, maybe later today and I'll post the results.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 14, 2017, 12:13:13 PM
Look what I'm getting, 2 of the original microphones for the SC hands free phone. Dave hunter found them while looking for something else. He is going to send me both of them. Now that will really make the phone complete. Thanks Dave.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Alex G. Bell on August 14, 2017, 12:26:40 PM
Quote from: Duffy on August 14, 2017, 12:13:13 PM
Look what I'm getting, 2 of the original microphones for the SC hands free phone. Dave hunter found them while looking for something else. He is going to send me both of them. Now that will really make the phone complete. Thanks Dave.
Now you can make it into a Conference phone!   ;D
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on August 14, 2017, 06:04:32 PM
Absolutely beautiful phone! It actually makes me want to start collecting pre-500 SCs! :o

The difference in color is probably a combination of background color, lighting, and using a smartphone camera. Cameras in smartphones adapt different colors based on the surroundings it sees, and also makes colors lighter in brighter light. The first picture was taken in bright sunlight on a black tonneau cover. The camera differentiated Dark Gray and Black by making the Dark Gray lighter--the bright sunlight didn't help. The 2nd picture was taken in low lighting on a white background. It adapted the two colors by, again, making the subject's color the opposite of it's surroundings--darker.

The real color is probably somewhere between the two extremes, most likely similar to the 2nd set.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 26, 2017, 01:58:23 PM
I received the 2 Microphones from Dave Hunter in the mail yesterday. Now the 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone is complete. :) I have it in the display cabinet with my 1971 Northern Electric Contermpra Speaker Phone.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: RotarDad on August 26, 2017, 02:07:01 PM
Doug - Your phone restoration is really nice, and the display is like a home museum.  Very nice work!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Pourme on August 26, 2017, 02:12:09 PM
Very nice, Doug. You should be very proud!
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 26, 2017, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: RotarDad on August 26, 2017, 02:07:01 PM
Doug - Your phone restoration is really nice, and the display is like a home museum.  Very nice work!


Quote from: Pourme on August 26, 2017, 02:12:09 PM
Very nice, Doug. You should be very proud!

Paul and Benny, Thanks

I take great pleasure in working on the phones that come into my collection. It's all about the pride of ownership!  ;)
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Pourme on August 26, 2017, 05:01:40 PM
I agree...
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Ed Morris on August 28, 2017, 10:25:49 AM
Excellent restoration.  I really enjoyed this thread.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: Jim Stettler on August 28, 2017, 02:20:39 PM
Nice job. I have always liked the look of the SC 1543 telephones, It looks nice displayed with your Contempra prototype set (that was a good thread).

I have had 2 of these SC speaker  phones over the years.  I eventually got rid of them because a microphone never appeared when I remembered to look.

Now I think I should find another SC speaker phone for my "SC 1543 telephones and variations" collection.
Great Job,
Jim S.

BTW I have only seen the SC speakerphone in this color. I don't know if they made it in  any other colors.
Title: Re: 1957 Stromberg Carlson Hands Free Phone
Post by: ..... on August 28, 2017, 02:50:25 PM
Quote from: Ed Morris on August 28, 2017, 10:25:49 AM
Excellent restoration.  I really enjoyed this thread.

Quote from: Jim S. on August 28, 2017, 02:20:39 PM

Nice job. I have always liked the look of the SC 1543 telephones, It looks nice displayed with your Contempra prototype set (that was a good thread).

I have had 2 of these SC speaker  phones over the years.  I eventually got rid of them because a microphone never appeared when I remembered to look.

Now I think I should find another SC speaker phone for my "SC 1543 telephones and variations" collection.
Great Job,
Jim S.

BTW I have only seen the SC speakerphone in this color. I don't know if they made it in  any other color

Thanks Ed and Jim.

Jim if you ever come across another SC speaker phone and need an original SC microphone, I'm your man as I have that spare.