All,
I am trying to find a low cost communications system that uses telephone handsets for our operating sessions. Any help on systems or plans for systems will be greatly appreciated.
Al
We just use radio’s with headsets. Works pretty good.
Us too, simple walkie Talkies with head sets.
Sheldon
Former telephone engineer Seth Neumann will have a series beginning soon in the Dispatcher’s Office magazine of the Operations SIG describing how to build a model railroad telephone system based on traditional-style handsets.
Went to an op session Saturday evening that had 19 people in about an 1100-square foot room. The dispatcher was constantly giving TO’s from about 7:30 to 11 p.m. I would have been more than pleased to have a phone system. With the level of talk on a small railroad handling too many trains, the level of even serious chatter can get to be overwhelming.
FRS radios are nice to use and easy to come by, but the crews have to listen to every word that’s said – not always the best solution.
This is what we currently run into with our radio system. Everyone is hearing every conversation and it takes away from the enjoyment of the ops. This is why we decided to seek a telephone based system.
Thanks for your post
Al
I found a small 8 line phone system on ebay a couple of years ago. I use cheap Wally world phones. The dispatcher is line 801. Each town has its own phone extension 802,803,etc. Only oneat a time can communicate with dispatch, but other towns can call each other. Example 801-806 towns 803-804, etc. I found one on ebay same place. http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Business-telephone-system-PBX-2-Lines-w-EXT8-Phone-/260631403890?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3caed79d72
Four of us bought these and are happy with use. Buy Cheap 5.00 phone sets and mount to Fascia
Thanks for this info. It sounds like what we are looking for. I will begin the Ebay search right away.
Thanks again,
Al