I figure it's about time to restart this topic - there are a lot of new members with some good posts. How about some introductions? Where are you guys/gals from, what's your background, and what systems do you work on?

Look forward to hearing from y'all...




Oh yeah, and make sure you fill out your profiles! :thumb:

hi toner
j2 here, just figured id post a quick reply.
i work in southern CA, just started in this trade at the first of the year..i recently landed a job with a telcom co called MCE and i look forward to seeing what kind of stuff they send me out for..i actually already have a question about the first job theyre sending me out for but im not sure where to post it seeing as how i dont have installer permission yet..any suggestions would be appreciated

Welcome J2, just pick a spot you think is pretty close, and ask away. There are a lot of nice folks here and am sure you will find what you need.

Welcome aboard J2

If it has to do with telecom and can be put into the form of a question.......I'm sure you will get a answer around here.

Glad to meet you J2.

You can always post in General if you're not sure. If it needs to be moved the moderators will help direct you to the right spot. Just jump into any discussion and ask questions.

Hi! I've loved phones and switching systems all my life. Thought I'd take a moment and introduce myself.

When I was a kid, there was a Ma Bell facility down the street where they dispatched the repair trucks. If a phone didn't work, they didn't try to diagnose it, they would just trash it.

My friends and I would go down there every night and crawl through the trash dumpsters, harvesting the various phones (we also loved the service manuals too, but that's a different story). Half the time something very minor was wrong with the phone or the handset worked but the base didn't.

We created quite an inventory and took to selling the phones. This was back in the day when people rented the phone from Ma Bell, so our selling phones was very popular.

About the time #5 crossbar was retired in favor of ESS, we moved and that was the end of my dumpster diving. Not in the industry now, but still love it.

Welcome to the forum, interesting web site.

Hi, My name is Alex. I am a new to phone system and cabling. I want to learn how to connect the cable to a 66 block. I want to learn from the Pro's to understand the concepts as well as good practice to follow and Eventually expand my knowledge to include working with phone systems. Thanks Have a nice evening.

if you've never done any of this it would probably be best to get some training. Better yet find someone willing to hire you as a grunt and learn as you go.

Welcome Alex!