Angst Lesspork

[Hugh Norwood]

I've kept my good looks ! ;)

[Graeme Dunbar]

In the days of Acoustic Coupler modems I used to show students how they worked by whistling into the mouthpiece end and the modem would respond by whistling back. Trilling messages was beyond me (or anyone) I expect.

[Frank]

It is I believe possible to dial a phone number by tapping the right number of taps on the cradle so as to simulate the contacts of the dial as it rotates.   This was a useful skill in the days when people would lock the dials to prevent unauthorised use.

In theory it might be possible to dial a number by whistling into the phone to simulate the tones generated by more modern phones.

Probably only local numbers though.

Frank

[MickT]

It is I believe possible to dial a phone number by tapping the right number of taps on the cradle so as to simulate the contacts of the dial as it rotates.   This was a useful skill in the days when people would lock the dials to prevent unauthorised use.

In theory it might be possible to dial a number by whistling into the phone to simulate the tones generated by more modern phones.

Probably only local numbers though.

Frank

Before everyone starts tapping away, I have to advise that tapping the numbers out on the cradle only works on a strowger exchange (the old fashioned type with the great big relays and rotating selector switches). I would be very surprised if there are any operational strowger exchanges left in the UK!

Mick

[tedp]

R2D2, please respond!   ::)

[Hugh Norwood]

OK, chaps, back to the plot...

Here is the circuit diagram for the electronics bit:


and here is a photo of the circuit board:



The stereo jack socket is where you plug in the programming cable when reprogramming the picAXE (something I left off when building the PWM train controller! The ps/2 connector is a 6-pin miniDIN socket into which a PC keyboard plugs for entering the letters/numbers to be displayed.

[Frank]

Very neat Hugh, a nice efficient circuit.

A lot of the work of course is in the software .....

One query, where does the common wire from the motors go, positive supply or ground?

Frank

[Hugh Norwood]

One query, where does the common wire from the motors go, positive supply or ground?

The common goes to +Vm, which is +5volts in this case

[Tigger]

It is I believe possible to dial a phone number by tapping the right number of taps on the cradle so as to simulate the contacts of the dial as it rotates.   This was a useful skill in the days when people would lock the dials to prevent unauthorised use.

In theory it might be possible to dial a number by whistling into the phone to simulate the tones generated by more modern phones.

Probably only local numbers though.

Frank

Before everyone starts tapping away, I have to advise that tapping the numbers out on the cradle only works on a strowger exchange (the old fashioned type with the great big relays and rotating selector switches). I would be very surprised if there are any operational strowger exchanges left in the UK!

Mick

Think you'll find that the Festiniog now has the most extensive Strowger system in the UK.

[Tigger]

And here is a short video of the arms in action.
See if you can decode the message. NOTE you are looking from the rear so the arms are back to front...


http://youtu.be/RZwXq13EMoA

:)

Hugh, that's wonderful!  Well done!

The turtle moves...

[Hugh Norwood]

The drive belts have arrived at last (after some concern) so, with the pulleys and brass strip already in the workshop, I've no excuse - apart from a bad cold... :(

[Hugh Norwood]

Well, hope the wait is worth it. I have made up the post and arms for the semaphore tower and here is a video of the arms in action.


http://youtu.be/riuX47VJazc

[Graeme Dunbar]

Excellent work! The difference between this and the direct stepper motor you showed at the Convention is clear. It is much less "steppy" and rigid and it looks like someone is pulling the levers.

[gtmspyder]

Very good Hugh, if you was sending us a message, I didn't get it. ;D

My radio control equipment has just been posted back to me, so I should be able to have a play next week.

Regards,

BrianT.

[Hugh Norwood]

As I mentioned in another place the message reads HELOWORLD
:D