Hi, gang (esp. Ed),

Just a brief note of interest on the ComKey 718 system I bought earlier this year. I have decided to revert back to normal 1A2, and I'll be donating the ComKey system to the Seattle Museum of Communications (formerly the Seattle Telephone Museum). They have indicated that they wish to expand their displays of key telephone systems, and that the ComKey will make a most welcome addition.

So, Ed... Your wish that the system go to someone who can appreciate it is more than being fulfilled. In fact, now a great many people will be able to ogle at it, once the museum gets it set up (I wonder if I'll need to help? Not that many people know the C-K systems).

I expect the museum will post updates on their web site when the new exhibit(s) are ready.

Keep the peace(es).

Nice! Thanks for the update, but sorry to hear that you are ditching it :shrug: .

You have to admit that this bad boy was state-of-the-art at the time. ComKey was a rock-solid system, somewhat basic, yet mighty advanced. I agree though that traditional 1A2 offers more flexibility and "trickery" possibilities.

I'll install that 718 if someone will fly me out there and back. I've never been to Seattle. Have your people issue a warrant and I can be there by the weekend!

What was the big advantage of Comkey? Was that the 1A2 system with fewer pairs used to wire it up?

It actually took more pairs. Built in BLF, dial intercom, and matrix are a few of the features that come to mind. That's for the 718 and larger. I'm sure Ed has a lot more than that.

Maybe I was thinking of the "logic series" of some other phone that shared the talk pair, and used individual A leads and seperate lamp leads with a common ground? The only speakerphone on my 1A2 system is an ITT 10 button set I found in a trash pile.

Bill's right with the feature list. They also had a built-in slot for music on hold, voice announce intercom, a recall (flash) button, pop-up line keys when hanging up and tone ringing. In addition, there was a message waiting console available for the attendant.

While it's true that these sets only required two pairs per line appearance, this was largely due to the other pairs that were needed for the added features.

One of the best things about Comkey was the modular design in one single box. All you had to do was punch down each individual 25 or 50 pair cable in it's proper place. Most features were factory-wired, so only a few jumpers for ringing, etc. were all that was required of the installer.

Don't forget the "Privacy" feature, that used an MB-type relay inside each set. The -24Vdc that was required to operate the relay was sent to the sets via the Y/Br pair.

The privacy circuitry looked at the selected A-lead and if it was high, the T&R would be cut through. If it was low (already grounded by another off-hook user), the relay would exclude the T&R at the excluded station.

To add-on an excluded station, there was a Privacy Release key, which opened the A-Lead at the station who had seized the line first.

When the cleaning ladies mopped the floor, and the wax got in the Amphenols, smoke would ensue. Then the repairman who knew where the -24Vdc fuse was would make a few hours OT when the rest of the crew couldn't find it.

Been there, got the pay check.

i have a customer with a comkey. i moved it for them about 6 years ago... have only been back twice. Maw Bell swaped polarity on the co line and they couldn't dial out(really old school cos)

(snippage)

Old thread, but it deserves an update because I see I forgot to explain WHY I decided to donate it.

The big issue was I decided to transition to the ComKey, initially, without consulting my lovely lady. Since she's vision-impaired, and is only comfortable using certain types of phones, it Just Didn't Work Out.

I did hear back from the museum about five months later. The system got installed, and was working flawlessly last time I checked.

I'm really overdue for a visit there. I'll see if I can break away some time and get some pictures.

Keep the peace(es).

Can you give us a link to then Muesum Web Site?

click

Thanks, nice web site.

I have customer with the com-key and the sales person stop by and he said its working fine and if it breaks he will think about changing it out.
I have repaired it once in 15 years. Is there a place to get the phones? Just in case he needs one.