I'm in contact with a guy who has this switchboard which I believe is a WECO 551 for sale. He sent the attached photos. Does it look complete? I'd like to be able to connect a few phones. It might need a power supply.
It looks complete to me. any 1a2 key system power supply will work.
Would there be terminal blocks at the bottom to connect incoming lines and trunks?
Or where? Thanks.
As usual in cases like this, the most important photo is the one that is not included. That would the instruction plate that actually tells us what model board it is. No need to guess. Just ask the seller what model it is, based on that plate. It appears to be a 552, which would not be useful, since it's technically not a PBX, but an answering position for a dial PBX. I base that opinion on the fact that there do not seem to be station lamps present.
If you can tell if there are station lamps associated with the station jacks, it's a 551. If it does not have station lamps, it's a 552.
If there are alarm lamps, alarm cut-off keys and registers for FA, PS, RM, AFB, ATB, etc, at the top right of the jack panel, it's a 552.
The board's connections (either 551 or 552) are made via a cable that is soldered directly to the inner components of the board (station jacks, truck circuits, etc) and the other end (usually cannibalized by the person who disconnected the board) went to the basement or equipment room where it was terminated in an H chamber.
Worth $200 to a person who needs parts for a 551. Otherwise, not what you need to operate a few phones. Yes, it would need a power supply if it were a 551.
Thanks for that information. The switchboard is on eBay and about 3 - 2 1/2 hours from me. The pictures are what the seller sent me plus one from his eBay item.
I'll ask him if he knows the model number.
What is the item number? Maybe we can identify his pictures?
Quote from: HarrySmith on April 04, 2017, 06:23:08 PM
What is the item number? Maybe we can identify his pictures?
382026192887
"I'll ask him if he knows the model number."
Probably more efficient to ask him to read what the instruction plate says and then tell you the model number. Or ask him to send a close-up photo, in focus, with proper lighting, showing the instruction plate and the front of the board.
I just searched Ebay and could not find that board anywhere. Can you check the item number and re-transmit it for us? Thanks.
Quote from: AE_Collector on April 05, 2017, 02:18:32 AM
That item number seems to be invalid.
Terry
When searching by item number for a completed auction, you have to check the "completed" (or "sold") box on bottom left of the page.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Operator-Switchboard-ATT-/382026192887
Quote from: poplar1 on April 05, 2017, 11:37:36 AM
When searching by item number for a completed auction, you have to check the "completed" (or "sold") box on bottom left of the page.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Operator-Switchboard-ATT-/382026192887
That's it.
A little light on the subject might aid in identification! Very poor photos.
Is everyone else seeing $12.67 EXPEDITED Shipping on this? Such a deal!
Terry
Quote from: AE_Collector on April 05, 2017, 02:33:29 PM
Is everyone else seeing $12.67 EXPEDITED Shipping on this? Such a deal!
Terry
I see $11.81! WOW!
I'd cut the guy some slack and tell him to just go with Parcel Post for the same price but then I guess I am just a generous person! ;)
I don't think the USPS has a suitable size Flat Rate Box available....
Terry
I'm close so it's $6.61