Private Lines
About Private Line

Private Line covers what has occurred, is occurring, and will ocurr in telecommunications. Since communication technology constantly changes, you can expect new content posted regularly.

Consider this site an authoritative resource. Its moderators have successful careers in the telecommunications industry. Utilize the content and send comments. As a site about communicating, conversation is encouraged.

Writers

Thomas Farely

Tom has produced privateline.com since 1995. He is now a freelance technology writer who contributes regularly to the site.

His knowledge of telecommunications has served, most notably, the American Heritage Invention and Technology Magazine and The History Channel.
His interview on Alexander Graham Bell will air on the History Channel the end of 2006.

Ken Schmidt

Ken is a licensed attorney who has worked in the tower industry for seven years. He has managed the development of broadcast towers nationwide and developed and built cell towers.

He has been quoted in newspapers and magazines on issues regarding cell towers and has spoke at industry and non-industry conferences on cell tower related issues.

He is recognized as an expert on cell tower leases and due diligence processes for tower acquisitions.

« The electromagnetic field and spectrum | | Simple Telephone Circuit »

May 05, 2001

Posted by Tom Farley & Mark van der Hoek at 12:07 AM

A Telephone System For A Hundred Bucks?

I don't get a commission on this but I think it is pretty neat, a pair of surplus German field phones that are brand new. What collectors call NOS, New Old Stock. The cost is $80. Throw in $20 worth of wire and you are all set. This little system could be used for demonstrations, to convincingly show how simple a telephone system can be and how the telephone is an electrical instrument. I have the URL below for more info. You need to enter the product code in their search engine to locate the right page.

Here's the text of the ad from the HeadQuarters catalog: "This 2-Phone Set is ready for field communications or mint-condition collectibility. Each plastic-cased unit (with hinged top) has a webbing shoulder strap. Heavy-duty plastic handset with a "push to talk" lever and a 31/2' insulated cord. Hand crank rings the other phone. The international radio code, from "alpha" to "zulu" is on the case cover. Quality circuitry from Germany's "Standard Elektrik"...plus] old-fashioned cool looks. Operates on 2 D batteries (included) Comes with translated English instructions. Each 10x43/4x63/4" h. unit weighs 91/2 lbs. Wire not included, order below. Condition: brand crankin' new, never issued. Call me to get in on this rare surplus bargain!"

Post a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)

Human Verification:

Article Index

Recent Posts

Powered by
Movable Type 3.2