NOS WE 500 Set with a Red Light

[Doug Rose]

Jan found this a few weeks ago. Looks line it is brand new, dated 5-72 Month and date I graduated high school.    It sure look brand new everything is date 5-72. Was this a hotel phone? Light flashed and it rings on incoming calls. The condition is flawless. Any insight is greatly appreciated....as always...Doug

[Victor Laszlo]

It's a hotel message-waiting telephone. The neon lamp is wired across the T & R and the fact that it flashes on incoming is just a fluke in the wiring design, which uses the T&R for both traditional features and the M/W.  The PBX sends a periodic 90 Vdc pulse from the line circuit to alert the guest that a message in waiting at the front desk.  Other systems used a low-voltage lamp circuit on a separate pair to accomplish the same feature.

[Doug Rose]

thanks Victor....many thanks...Doug

[paul-f]

If you want to find more background and BSP references, look here:

   http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm#500Y

It's a treat to find one in good condition. The housing also works as a donor for a 500U set refurb. Personally, I'd keep it as found. There seem to be many more 500s with dial light than 500Ys.

[Doug Rose]

thanks Paul....good to see you back my friend...Doug