sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems 1A2 and Comkey Telephones & Systems Problem w line 5 - Allen Tel 1A2

Hello all -

I've got an Allen Tel keyset, not sure of the model but it looks like it was intended for rack mount use. I put it on my 1A2 backboard way back when, partly for troubleshooting and partly just cause I thought it looked cool.

Here are the symptoms of the problem:

1) On all other keysets in my house, the lamp for line 5 is dimmed by about 2/3.

2) The lamp on the Allen Tell is not lit at all.

3) Connecting a different keyset to the amp. connector for the Allen Tel returns everything to normal (i.e. the line 5 bulbs return to normal brightness on the other keysets), and line 5 on the swapped in phone lights normally as well.

4) The bulb in line 5 on the Allen Tel is brand new (and works fine in other keysets).

5)Disconnecting the SLT/BLA pair (feeding the Allen Tel) at the 66 block returns all other keysets to normal.

It looks like there are 3 sets of N/O contacts for each line key. Pressing the line button closes them; and line 5 appears to be functioning just fine (mechanically anyway). I still need to ohm it out.

Just thought I'd throw this out there for possible comments on where the problem most likely resides before I start tearing parts out. I'd think it would have to be somewhere in the keyswitch assembly, but what I don't understand is the bulbs being 1/3 lit on the rest of the keysets. Just seems to me I'd either have an open or a short, and in the latter case a blown fuse to go along with it.....

TIA for any suggestions.

- Matt

I suspect something is causing a short on the black/slate pair. When you say you tried using a standard keyset in its place, did you use a WECO set or an ITT 2564?

My first guess is that you have the polarity reversed on the black/slate pair and you've been using a 2565 for testing. Remember that the lamp grounds are common in an ITT 2564, but in WE sets or 2565's, they aren't. The guts in an Allen Tel set are made by ITT, so the set is the equivalent of a 2564.

Try flipping the polarity of the black/slate pair and I think you will be fine.

Hey Ed -

Sometimes you really scare me dude.

Changed the polarity, it's all good now.

.. And it was a 2565 I was using.

Thanks!!!

- Matt

I don't know how his head can hold all that information. I check my drivers license a couple times a day to see who I am. :toast:

Thanks for letting us know how you made out, Matt. Oh, and thank you and Bill for your compliments.

Matt -

I was out of town for a week so I missed the post. (Not that anybody could beat Ed to the answer anyway).

Allen Tel made units designed for CO, Data Center, Call Center and "Trading Desk" use. They either mounted in a miscellaneous relay rack or laid into a custom desk mount. They came in many line configurations - from 5 up to 200 lines (or maybe even larger).

Sam

Thanks Sam -

It's gray, about 5" x 17" by about 4" deep, 5 line.

I like it cause it's "not your standard 1A2". Looks sorta like it belongs at a 1969 NASA moon mission.

- Matt