News:

"The phone is a remarkably complex, simple device,
and very rarely ever needs repairs, once you fix them." - Dan/Panther

Main Menu

#551-549 keys

Started by Babybearjs, February 15, 2016, 01:09:39 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

Babybearjs

Just out of curiosity, how were the 551, 549 keys installed on the 560-2560 series phones? most of the 551 keys just had the wires tucked under the phones shell, but how did they wire the 549? was it wired directly into the phone, or was it wired through a 42A-6 (6 term) block , or a 44A block? I have several 549 keys and want to wire them into some keysets, but am not sure how... 
John

poplar1

#1
549 Keys have 5 conductors (4 signal buttons + common ground). Here are two ways to hook them up. The first picture shows a single line installation (or possibly 2-line set= c.o. line + intercom), using a 44A Connecting Block. The next photos show a 149A adapter. The 149A strips out the violet pairs, as well as the yellow-slate pair (possibly others). For acommon audible ringerinside the multi-line set, you have to strap the yellow slate pair from A side to B side of the 149A. The 549 key is often connected to these spare violet pairs, even with 564s and 2564s where the violets are not in the mounting cord for the phone.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bell-system-button-pad-etc-/182017485887
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Western-Electric-149A-Connect-Block/272133114081
"C'est pas une restauration, c'est une rénovation."--François Martin.

Babybearjs

thanks for showing me the pics. I found one of my 5 conductor subset cords and used it... terminated it to a 8 conductor modular biscuit jack. put it away for now.... was wondering if the 549 key was ever directly terminated into the phone itself.  I've gotten a few phones with 551 buttons on them and they were wired directly into the phone. so I wanted to ask....
John

poplar1

Here are 2 updates:

(1) Ebay listing 381566928541 -- shows a 75A bracket for mounting a 549-type key (with cord) on a 500-type set.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Black-Western-Electric-Bell-System-500-Rotary-Dial-Desk-Telephone-/381566928541?

(2) BSP C36.301, Issue 2, October, 1953 -- shows with or without cord
TCI library link:
http://telephonecollectors.info/index.php/document-repository/doc_details/4648-c36-301-i2-oct53-549-551-type-keys-description-installation-maintenance


                2.  DESCRIPTION

                       2.01 ..... These keys are designed primarily for use without permanent
                                     fastening, the bases being provided with cork and rubber pads
                 so that the keys may be used on furniture. Screw holes have,
                 however, been provided under the escutcheon plate so that the
                 key can be mounted permanently where this is desirable.....

                3.  INSTALLATION


                    3.01    549-type keys equipped with cords are generally placed
                               loose on a desk or table top and are not fastened unless
                the subscriber specifically requests that they be fastened. The
                cord is terminated on a suitable connecting block in the knee
                well of the desk or under the table top where the excess length
                of cord, if any, is stored. Attach any excess cord length with
                inside wiring cable clamps used with screws or inside wiring
                nails. Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate the four and eight button keys
                respectively and also show the connections of the M5E and
                D9B-9 cords when used with the keys.



"C'est pas une restauration, c'est une rénovation."--François Martin.