Quote:
Originally Posted by Olefin
So if I am reading what you are saying correctly basically local service should work as long as you have an analog phone and possible from town to town if they were close together even without repairs. I assume the grounding boxes would be relatively easy to fix versus the switching stations
And if you went back to manual operators you could place longer calls but only with an established network of such operators. If not you would need to replace the computer switching stations for sure to be able to get regional or long distance phone calls working.
Would this be the same for using a telegraph key - ie lower amount of data being transmitted - would that make any difference or in reality it’s the same amount of effort as restoring phone service and thus not really any advantage?
|
Correct. The switching system replaced the old human operators who connected calls into the '80s in some places. Humans can be used to replace the computerized switchers. You could use a TELEX system if you choose to with analog lines. The TELEX is that streaming system that TYPED out messages coming over the phone lines. TELEX paper or "ticker tape" was often thrown out windows during parades. It actually produced text messages before text messages were a thing!
Just remember that analog phones need both a continuous grounded line and a low wattage power source to transmit the messages (verbal or typed). This is WHY there are 2 D-Cell batteries in a field telephone. They provide the power needed to communicate up to 5km with just one phone's power. DISCCOMs can power the equivalent of a city-sized system.