20 Dec
2006
20 Dec
'06
4:21 p.m.
Tony Duell wrote:
I can't help with dates, but I do have a few old
ex-GPO modems in the
collection.
The Modem 2B is a large box (about 16" square and 7" high from memory.
It's 300 baud, original and answer. The front panel opens by undoing 2
captice screws at the bottom and then hinging it up (there's a little
'stay' to keep it open). Insider are 4 plug-in modules -- PSU,
Demodulator, Control, Modulator, with testpoints, fuses, and adjustments
on the front panels.
Hmm yes, we have one of those at the museum; it's a wonderful bit of
construction! I've been unable to work out if the 2B was the UK's first foray
into modems or not though - was there ever an official 2A, or maybe a 1B or 1A
that were even earlier? (I'm off over to the museum tomorrow, but I don't
think any of the ex-GPO lot will be in to ask)
There are some really good UK telecomms websites out there, but unfortunately
whilst they cover phones and exchanges and test equipment, none of them seem
to provide any details on the GPO modems...
cheers
Jules