Wanted: Identification of artefact

[Robert Bergeron]

Thanks Tony , Chris & Jesse . We have collectively determined it’s a Lineman’s tool called a ringer . It is basicly a magneto to produce current . I introduced two wires in the side holes and turned the crank . Ouch ! I was shocked . That’s what gave me the idea of using the volmeter . 4-5 Volts . I will try a few different plugs next week as Jesse suggests it may be a common plug from another piece of kit like a standard or a phone . So the ringer rings the bell on a field phone connected down the line to find and correct a fault . What other application could this be used for ? This is just my two Bob’s but we have at least 4 .

[Jesse Browning]

Headset plug.

[Chris Suslowicz]

Ah, the mistake was using the voltmeter on the DC ranges. The magneto generator in a field phone typically puts out 70 - 120 volts at around 19Hz (voltage and frequency will depend on load and how fast you crank it).

It's enough to give you quite a 'belt' if you're not expecting it - or even if you are.

It may be an accessory for early switchboards that used buzzer calling to allow them to be used with magneto telephones. (Or just to ring a bell (or bells) somewhere, e.g. on a rifle range.) The sockets are probably for standard 1/4" jack plugs (2 conductor type), as used of Switchboard U.C. and earlier types.

Best regards,
Chris.

[Bob Phillips]

I am kind of with Chris on this, maybe it would be worth carefully pulling off one side for a peek at the innards. IT WOULD be interesting to see, and by now you have whipped up a frenzy of curiosity in the peanut gallery!! Besides, I would hate to have you plug in a headset and accidently give yourself shock therapy!

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

... It is basicly a magneto to produce current . I introduced two wires in the side holes and turned the crank . Ouch ! I was shocked. That’s what gave me the idea of using the voltmeter. 4-5 Volts . .... This is just my two Bob’s but we have at least 4 .

And how many years of higher education did you complete? Ah, Bob! You know that the best humour is when you laugh at yourself!

[Robert Bergeron]

OK , ok , i will tear it apart tomorrow to show you the insides . Terry , yes it was stupid but an inquisitive mind has no limits …..Only an officer would do such a stupid thing. Might as well put my tongue on the poles …. .

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

OK , ok , i will tear it apart tomorrow ...... Might as well put my tongue on the poles …. .

Shame you can't post a video on MLU!

[Robert Bergeron]

There you are . I am working on connecting it with telephone wire to do the tongue test again …. But no . I had a spike at 40 Volts ! Average being between 2 and 10 Volts depending on the speed i turn the crank . I am starting to believe it’s a military engeneer exploder. I got current from two poles . The third pole was neither + nor - in combination with the other two. It jas a very strong leather strap and no markings whatsoever .

[Chris Suslowicz]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

There you are . I am working on connecting it with telephone wire to do the tongue test again ….

Don't do that, you really won't enjoy it.

It might, in fact, be a telephone, or a ringer that has been modified into one.

There's too much stuff in there to be just a magneto generator, but it looks vaguely like something off a very old switchboard (very old = WW1) with an induction coil added.

There are similar bits of kit (as woodcut illustrations) in "Instructions in Army Telegraphy and Telephone (Instruments)", but I'm wondering if it's American.

(I shall go and find another book...)

Best regards,
Chris.

[maple_leaf_eh]

After looking inside, would conventional 1/4" phone plugs fit those sockets?

https://www.parts-express.com/Amphen...Black-092-0122