atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems 1A2 and Comkey Telephones & Systems A book on 1A2 Key Systems

I have always loved writing- and I can go really far with things I like- 1A2 and phones of course! I would like to write a 1A2 encyclopedia. So that way collectors like me don't have to comb the internet looking for Bell System Practices and all that jazz. I'm going to start on it now once I finish this post, and if you have any recommendations for things I should include that would be extraordinarily helpful. Thanks you guys!

Whew, I believe you have bitten off more than you realize! More power to you, you're young enough that you might complete 'The Definitive 1A2 Encyclopedia'. John C.

convincing a publisher that there is a viable market might be anther story

That's true- after posting I put some thought into that I could just sell the book on eBay in printed out copies- that would be easier and eBay is a much larger market.

I believe the term is "Self-Published". That said, I'm afraid Skip is right. The only interest will be old 1A2 techs (Like me), and young snapperwhippers ( ) like yourself! However, with a little pushing, you can probably get some help AND interest here. But, you'll probably wind up giving away the book. Actually, when the guys from the other side of the universe visit, in a 100 million years, they may find it quite interesting, as an indication of our technical developement process. John C.

I am now into the second chapter (counting the introduction)

The underscores represent a page break

Buttons and Buzzers


A Look at the 1A2 Key Telephone Systems of Yesterday

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For my family and the guys at Sundance Communications for all their help and patience for my never-ending questions

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Contents


Introduction ...................................................................1

How 1A2 Works............................................................2

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Introduction


If you are reading this, you are most likely a collector, or maybe you were just browsing and came across this book and wanted to see what it was. This book is about the 1A2 Key Business Telephone System. A Key System, or 1A2, as it’s commonly called, was one of the major breakthroughs in the world of PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems. During the mid 1970’s through the late 1980’s, 1A2 was incredibly common. This book will teach you how to install and use a 1A2 properly and with ease.

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How 1A2 Works


A 1A2 Key System is very simple. It consists of a Key Service Unit, or KSU, which contains all of the “brains” of the system, and the telephone sets that are connected to the KSU via 25 pair Amphenol cable. Inside the KSU, there (this varies with the type and brand of KSU) is a large array of what look like small metal teeth. These pins form what is called the Punch Block. The Punch Block is where all of the connections for each telephone set are made. The connecting is made by terminating (fitting an exposed length of copper wire in between the teeth so electrical signals etc. can be made between the KSU and telephone set) the pairs of insulated copper wire on the punch block. This is usually done easily with the proper tools. If you are a collector and currently own a 1A2 and are looking to get it running, the first thing you need to get is a 66 Punch Block Tool. This tool looks similar to the pins on the Punch Block, but it makes it significantly easier to terminate wires.

I'd say you are coming from the back end on this! You need to explain how a line on a 1A2 works first. Explain the ring cycle from the C. O., the activity trigeered in the 400 line card and what the visual/audio results are at the phone. Then what the options are if you answer the phone and what they will do. And what will happen if you don't answer the call and the caller abandons the call. Installation details would be in the 3rd chapter. With a schematic of one line cell and a full 25pair breakout, with each leads function. Man, am I tired. GOOD LUCK! John C.

That was simply a post to show everyone where I am in writing it, so you may post suggestions (like you did, and I will take note of those) and correct any mistakes etc. Thanks for the suggestions! I will put them in now.

Going back in time to revisit 1A2 is kind of like looking up the girl that taught you how to french kiss and no more. Do you really want to be with her today?