atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems 1A2 and Comkey Telephones & Systems A little bit of insight on 1A2 for the "younguns"

sounds like it was a fun ride guys

It was a fun ride. I haven't been able to locate any pics on the net. I thought I had seen some on Mike Sandman's web page but I can't find them now.
Maybe some of the other folks will share some of theirs.

Grasshoppers,Duckbills, laceing cord,buglight and etc.
Hours and hours of punching cables.
Don't miss it .

I have a lot of respect for you guys who had to work on those systems. Nowadays it's one pair and program it all by computer. You guys really had to know everything!!

Ah yes, taking a schematic diagram and tester and tracing out through hundreds of relays to find a dirty contact so the lamp would work. Adjusting and tweaking those polar relays. Tying in and replacing glass on open wire when it's 30 below. Good old days? I'll take the heat and air-conditioning and sitting down to program a system. Some day Jeff someone will say to you. You actually had to wire those things? Boy you had to know everything.

Yep
We use to install NEC XBAR PBX'S with 1A2 for the end user sets . So not only did we have to know how the maechanical xbar operated but also how to wire out and repair a 584c panel ! We also installed the Stromberg XREEDS .Those where the good ole days . Now I hardley ever use a punch tool and a wire wrap tool once in a blue moon ! I now just use our Enterprise Manager software and access our Mitels via ip address from my desk . I did work in the field from 1972 thru 1998 . So yes I do have BAD KNEES !

I took the pictures today:

https://pages.sbcglobal.net/torrance1/21241_2nd_floor_KTS.htm

When we installed the call center, somewhere around 1988-1990, we went in with ISDN for the workers and KTS for management -- which is why it is such a small KTS. The building has been vacated and I am removing the telecomm equipment.

There are still a few of the know everything guys around. Over on Avalon Island there are just two techs that take care of everything from the incoming carriers, the switch, the frame, outside plant, all the way to the telephone jacks in the houses. They rarely need to have outside help.

Nice picture Mike. I always have and do like the colored backboards. You know what's where the minute you walk in. That and proper labeling made trouble shooting a lot easier.

That was a clean looking install Mike.
Bill, we carried an ink eraser and a sharpie and labeled everything on the blocks as we worked. It was time consuming but it paid off later.