Hello,


I am a percussionist in Chicago and I have a Western Electric 2500 MMG that I need to make ring for a sound effect. I have removed the ringer assembly and mounted it onto a board. There is a black wire and a red wire. I’ve tried 8 volts, 9, 12 and up to 30 volts with nothing more than a twitch of the clapper.

What I need to know is – how much voltage do I need to pump through this thing to get it to ring?!

ring current is (and I might be off a little) 90 to 110 V at 30 cycles, not your standard 60 cycles. An old 1A2 power supply or a ring down circuit would provide the correct power.
You might post your question in the 1A2 forum and get a better answer. One of those guys could probably dig up an old power supply for you for cheap too.

Mark

Mark is correct here. Despite the fact that these ringers operate on voltages similar to that of a standard electrical outlet, they are frequency-sensitive so the 60 cycles received from an electrical outlet won't really help you. These ringers only respond to alternating current (AC), not DC which is provided by batteries. They usually respond to 20-33 cycles.

Do you just need to borrow a ring generator for this application? I am sure we can arrange a loan or rental of one if you just need it temporarily. Just post back and someone here will assist you.

WOW! Those were fast replys! Thanks for all of the info, Mark and Ed.

I would need this power supply for an extended amount of time (months!). And, as I often get called upon to supply sound effects (telephone particularly, for some reason) I would probably go ahead and purchase one, provided I won't have to remortgage the home!

I will post on the forum you suggested, Mark.

Thanks VERY much, guys, you saved the day.

Sincerely,
Rich A.
Chicago

The old bell system 515-key system had a power supply that would put out 48V and that was used for ringing.

Rich:

Perhaps the least expensive solution to your need will be to purchase a Viking Electronics PS48-RG which is available from any local telephone equipment supply house. You should be able to locate a Graybar Electric branch in you area that will sell it to you.

That's what I was thinking, a ring down circuit would be cheap and easy if he understands how to make it work. You could put in a switch to simulate an off hook condition with the phone or ringer on the other end.
Mark