newer key system Power Plant sought

[Babybearjs]

well, if anyone has read my other post you will see I'm looking for another power plant to run my 1A1 system. originally I had a NE 101G unit. does anyone know where I can find something newer... the last one had a manufacturer date of 1957.... its time for something newer... hopefully I can find something that will be for the 1970's or 80's.... 1957 is OK, but the parts meet 1957 electrical code... not 2014.... I hope I can find something that will do the job and not burst into flames if something goes wrong....

[Dave F]

Here is a nice looking 101G on eBay right now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161313290344

I have found over the years that these 1950s/60s units are very rugged and built like tanks.  It is highly unusual for a good one to go bad EXCEPT if you use too large a fuse (or jump the fuse with a wire) and then short-circuit the output!

DF

[poplar1]

That one is OK but it doesn't have the 20~ ring generator. So you'd have to use common audible buzzers or line ringers.

A 20-type power supply includes a 30~ ring generator. The 101G shown is more like the 19-type.

[Dave F]

Yes, some 101Gs have the add-on 107A 20~ freq gen and some do not.  However, in my opinion, any 101G is more rugged than any 19 or 20 type power supply.

DF

[Babybearjs]

what would you recommend for a replacement that is newer then a 101G? the one thing I'm concerned about is safety. yes, I did wreck the last one, but when I saw the date code.... I said to myself, I want something newer and safer... any suggestions??

[poplar1]

John,

Are you using common audible ringers for c.o. lines and buzzers for intercom, or some other arrangement?

20-type are certainly more plentiful than 101Gs--at least there used to be quite a few 1A2 systems abandoned in phone closets. Or you might find the type used with 620 panels (79B, 90-type)--they are similar other than the included connectors (for the 620-panels) and interrupter, which you don't have to use.

[Mr. Bones]

John,

     If you're worried about an older power plant going up in flames, it might be worthwhile to make sure it is plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter receptacle. It should sense when there's any kind of imbalance, etc. in the circuit, well before things get slagged.
     
     If it's impossible or impractical to replace the wall receptacle with a GFCI, one can make up a 12 ga. cord, with a single-gang outlet box, and GFCI to plug into the existing receptacle. I'll gladly make one up, and send it to you, for the cost of postage.

     Maybe this will help alleviate some of your well-founded safety concerns with utilizing the older power plants.

     I have lots of tube radios, and tube guitar amplifiers throughout the house, and I sleep fine, because they're on properly protected circuits. And that is because, over the decades, I've had some of them literally go up in smoke, or catch fire.

     A GFCI is not a guarantee that equipment failure will not happen, but is most certainly a very reasonable precaution to protect you and your property, etc., in case it does.

     I hope this might be of some help to you, and is no more than my 2¢, as an electrician... that, and a dollar might buy you a cup of coffee, nowadays!

     Best regards, and Happy Memorial Day!

[Babybearjs]

Thanks for the electrical tip... I didn't even think of using a GFI on the line...I'll have to add that to the system. I went ahead and reordered a 101G from Phoneco... hoping that I get a better one then what I had... I'm also going to add my music on hold but am not sure of the operating voltage of the unit I have. does anyone know anything about a paging unit called "the Phone Butler" based on the information I'm finding, it might run on the Battery "B" feed, though I'm not sure.... I connected it to a 2012 transformer (princess phone light P/S) after seeing assorted MOH units on ebay, they all seem to run on different voltages, so I'm not sure what to do.... I'll start with the 2012 P/S and go from there....because of the age of the unit, I'm not finding any info on the unit... the manufacturer is still in business but only make satalite  communications now.... the unit was made back in the 1970's...trial and error......wish me luck!  John

[AE_Collector]

Remember that there are two identical looking "Princess like" power supplies. 2012A or C is something like 6-8 volts while 2012B or D is 18-20 volts.

Terry

[Babybearjs]

thanks for the heads up on the P/S... its a 6-8 volt... I checked....

[poplar1]

20B2 (with 30~ ringing):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191190793180

[Babybearjs]

the 20B looks good, but I just got another 101G. I just have to find my vise grips to remove the 2 stripped out screws on the unit... blasted things.... went to remove the screws and the heads broke off... on both the hot, and ground terminals on the battery "B"  connection.... everything else is fine... thank you everyone for your help....   John

[Babybearjs]

I went ahead and bought to 20B2 Power plant, hopefully this will work better then what I already have... the 101G I got from phoneco has to be modified because of the damaged terminals... I took the unit apart and have to solder in 5 colored 18 Gauge wires to make up a new harness, 4 hot leads and the ground.... I have to add a 6 pin molex connector to that to make a new connection harness... frustrating.... and a lot of work.... not to mention that the 2X4 on my work bench is broken and the bench has to be completely taken apart and rebuilt! Yuck!