WE444AC Schematic

[Polejockyfool]

Heello everyone. I have an old rotary dial 444AC (or that is what is stamped on the bottom of the phone) that I need a wiring schematic for. It originally had 4 buttons on the front, but they, along with the mechanism have been removed. I am trying to connect it to my 555 cordboard so I can get dial tone, dial out and ring in. As it is now, I can get dial tone and break it, but if I hang up and lift the handset again there is no dial tone. I need the schematic to make sure all the existing wiring is in the correct place.

Maybe you can also help me with this issue. I have a Kellogg D1000 BAK desk phone that I can get dial tone but can't break it. Also have an old wood wall phone modified with new network and a dial mounted to it. I get good dial tone but can't break it with the dial.

Thanks in advance

[TelePlay]

Can you post good inside pictures of what you have in the 444, base and dial, so we can see what's left of the phone?

[paul-f]

... I need the schematic to make sure all the existing wiring is in the correct place.

Connections for the unmodified set are in this Bell System Practice:
https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/search?q=502-435-400

Many keysets were modified for single line use during WWII. Usually the entire key assembly was removed.

You can also use a wiring diagram for a standard 302 for reference.

While you're in the TCI Library, there's more info on the 444 in BSPs 502-435-100 and 502-435-300.

[poplar1]

... I have an old rotary dial 444AC (or that is what is stamped on the bottom of the phone) that I need a wiring schematic for. It originally had 4 buttons on the front, but they, along with the mechanism have been removed.

Since the selector and the keys (buttons) are missing, the best thing to do at this point is to wire it like a 302.

Here is a wiring diagram for a 302. Note that you won't have the little terminal block with "K" and "GND" that would be inside a 302. You will just need to connect the black ringer wire and the slate (gray) capacitor wire together. One way is to use a screw and nut, where the nut would hold the back to back spade tips together. Another way is to use bare wire (such as 26 ga) to hold the two back to back spade tips together. Of course, either way, you would have to insulate the connection.

(Diagram from BSP Section C38.551,  i1, Aug., 1957. Page 3, Figure 5. In TCI Library)

[Polejockyfool]

Thanks guys for the schematics. It is not working as it should minus the extra line keys.

NOW---Here is a warning and I may post on the general info page: If you buy any phones from Amazon be darn sure and find out where it is coming from before you buy it!!!! I have attached a photo of my cordboard and on the left you will see a red/rose and gold candlestick phone with a dial. I bought it through amazon and didn't check where it was coming from. Well, it came from INDIA!!! Description said it was a working phone. Well, it may work in India but not here. First, there is no network of any kind inside it. Second, the dial has only two wires. There is a buzzer inside the base. Third, all the wires from the transmitter, receiver, dial and buzzer are wired together in the base with celeophene tape over the splices. I can't even use this for a boat anchor!
Here is the photo.

[HarrySmith]

Nice board & phones. Did you wire it as a regular 302 as Poplar1 suggested?

[Polejockyfool]

Actually, I misspoke in my last message. The 4 button phone IS working as it should. There was one wire from the dial I had to move, once done, I can call,ring and answer.

My entire project is now complete. The board will sit as you see it in the photo along with Lilly "oneringydingy" Tomlin the switchboard operator on the Rowen and Martin TV Show. The only thing I might add if I can find one I can afford is an operator's chair.

Thanks a whole bunch for all your comments, suggestions and likes.

Phillip Daniel
Master Sergeant Retired
Telephone Installer Repairman
United States Air Force