News:

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

Main Menu

Beginner - Western Electric Candlestick Phone - Connect to Modern Line?

Started by TheAlamoDoc, January 15, 2025, 09:59:23 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

TheAlamoDoc

Hey y'all! So I was right and you all definitely got me hooked on the beauty of old phones. I recently picked up what appears to be an intact Western Electric 151-AL from an estate sale for what I hope was a reasonable price and I would love to integrate it into my current in-home, local PBX system but have no idea where to start. I opened up the bottom of the case and it appears to be original wiring and I'm not sure where to start with trying to wire a modern RJ11 to it. I found this wiring diagram and believe all I need to do it connect tip/ring to the L1/L2 connections where it says "line" but would love some advice before running the chance of damaging this antique. Let me know if you need any more info from me.

Wiring Diagram: https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/browse/wiring-diagrams/western-electric/desk-stands/2136-desk-stands-151-tl/file

If this isn't possible it will still make a great display piece but I'd love to have it functioning.

Thank you guys so much in advance!

TelePlay

You need an anti-sidetone subset. Everything inside the red circle is the subset.

You also need a 4 conductor cord to connect the subset to the candlestick, the green, red, black and blue cord shown in the green circle. That's called the mounting cord.

And then a line cord with red and green connected to L1 and L2 in the subset.

There are various subsets that will work but they should be the anti-sidetone type.

dsk

I Find that diagram tough to read :-)  By looking around here on the forum i found some others.
I am working with to find a temporary solution so you may test it without a subset.

dsk

This test will be slightly polarity sensitive, so you may try to change the 2 wires to get louder signal in your receiver.
This solution sends DC trough the receiver, and that may harm the permanent magnets if it is used like that for a long period of time. (many hours of speaking). You get full sidetone, so if possible you should mak/get a subset.
The best configuration of the subset will depend on what kind of line you connect it to. If you are connected to an ATA, the line will be short, and the traditional subset will not be perfect, but works OK.

TelePlay

cs3/cs5 images are for a side tone candlestick, not a 151AL anti-sidetone candlestick.

The cs image is the correct wiring diagram for the 151AL. That image includes the subset and the 4 conductor anti-sidetone mounting cord.

Hot wiring a phone (connecting it to a line without a proper subset) is not a recommended solution. Hot wiring a desk stand can, as dsk mentioned, damage the receiver and will result in very loud "pops" in the receiver when dialing.


MMikeJBenN27

Never use these phones like this.  For a test, OK, but for use, NEVER.  You can find plenty of subsets on E-Bay and Etsy. 

Mike

TheAlamoDoc

Thank y'all so much for the replies! I didn't realize these early 1900's phones didn't contain their own ringer and circuitry, hence the need for the subset. Was this originally supplied by the telephone company of the time?

Looks like the list of subsets that should work with this phone are the 634A, 634BA, 684A, 684BA, 495BP subsets correct? And then I'll need to find the 4 conductor mounting cord with it as well.

Also, I saw the sticky about "fake" or reproduction candlesticks, what say ye about this one? Legit?

Off to ebay to start looking!

Update: After looking around ebay, the mounting cord essentially is just a 4 wire cord with horseshoe connectors on it correct? Is it beneficial to get a subset specific cord or can you make one from any 4-core cable?

HarrySmith

Hi and welcome to the forum!
Yes, the phone company installed a subset with the phones when needed. They could be installed in different ways, wall mounted or just set on a desk, there is a bracket to mount on a baseboard and also some phone cabinets or wall niche had a compartment for it. Your stick looks to be original WE. The fake sticks had a date on the transmitter cup of Nov 10, 1910 IIRC. You need to be sure the subset is anti sidetone for this stick. Before you purchase one be sure to ask here if it is correct and also a member here may have one cheaper than eBay. Yes, any 4 conductor cord will work. The connectors are called spades or spade lugs.
Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

allnumbedup

You did not ask, but ...... your stick has a nice and desirable #2 dial on it that makes the best "clickety clack" sound available.  I can't see from the pictures, but if it has a completely round white porcelain dial face without a notch at the finger wheel, it is better still. Probably has a notched one from when your 151 was remanufacturered into existance but you never know. Welcome! JC
Analog Phones for a Digital World

TelePlay

You can also use the complete base of a WE 302 phone. Damaged housing 302s shoe up on eBay. A busted (beyond repair) housing becomes a source for a dial and the base components (ringer, induction coil and capacitors). This what a 302 base looks like for example, all it needs is a cover or a box enclosure. There are others along with original subsets on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/200877904692

Your choice, an original subset which can be displayed with the stick for authenticity or one like this which can sit out of sight.

Also, any 4, 5, 6 conductor cord would work. A round rubber or cloth mounting cord on your stick would look as it did when originally made.

As you get into this, you may want to buy a small stock of self piercing spade lugs and the appropriate crimper (lot of topics on crimpers and spade lugs on the forum).