1960s ‘Demo Exchange’ Photos. UK.

[FABphones]

First image shows a 2000 type automatic demonstration model being assembled.
Second image shows the completed and working demonstration model.

[RB]

wow! how would you like to wire that up from scratch?

[FABphones]

wow! how would you like to wire that up from scratch?

This is Mr F's area of expertise. He can 'read' that small demo model in minutes, like a book.  Always impressive to watch, second nature. Many of the larger buildings he got called out to still had old kit in use.

My favourite (but good humoured) quote; 'that's a sacking offence'. See (Internet example) images below...

[Key2871]

Wow, that looks like an electricians nightmare to find the proper pair in trouble shooting.

I've worked on key systems that looked like that, and no it's not fun.

[leejor]

It is no worse that a main frame in a central office. That can be almost a city block long and 10 feet (or more) high.  In fact it is easier because one person can do a trace. You are usually only dealing with one or two jumpers to trace, not having to re-do everything.

[long jumper]

Just wanted to ask a few questions about copper landlines. Verizon installed fiber optic in our neighborhood About 2 years ago We already have comcast Voip for phones works great with all our phones. I use a pulse to tone adapter for rotary phones. We have had comcast for twelve years.The reason was Verizon DSL had extremely slow speed. The other day went outside to telephone Nid with a telephone line led tester it lite up checked voltage 50 volts. naturally no dial tone. we stopped service many years back why do they keep power on these lines. my neighbors said Verizon has totally discontinued all service in the area with copper. Also wondering if they remove trunk lines in the housing plan. We have underground & overhead lines

[leejor]

The 50 volt battery is still there because the class 5 switch, in the central office has not yet been removed. It's easier to just leave the connections in-place than pay someone to remove the jumpers in the central office frame. Eventually they will have everyone converted to fibre, and will be able to remove the switch. I'm sure they are working on it as a PSTN switch, such as a DMS-100, GTD-5, or 5ESS, uses a lot of power. Once the switch is gone, I'm sure they will have a contractor remove the copper cables as they are of value.

[long jumper]

Ok,Thanks leejor really appreciate The response to make me understand why they are waiting to remove all the copper lines our part of housing plan is under ground service. Hope they remove those 3 foot high connection boxes in front yard soon. The other thing I can't  figure out on the over head copper lines in some areas they lashed the fiber to them go figure.