The following are my personal comments
on the Museum of Communications
The Museum of Communications is a facinating place!
As I said before, I've wanted to visit the museum for several years
and finally had the opportunity to do so. (Thanks Bruce, Melody and
Dad!)
Here are some parting comments on the museum, and
what I'd like to do if I ever get the opportunity to return:
If I were ever able to visit
again:
- I would take both still and video photos of all
the switches in action. For example, I would take pictures of the
linefinders go up and the wipers move when you take the phone off
the hook and make a call on the step-by-step switch.
- I would take a tape recorder or (other recording
device) and make recordings from each switch to show how making
calls would sound. Its so different than the generic sounds you find
on the modern digital network.
Comments to the Museum
caretakers:
- All the phones that are connected to working
central office switches should have their phone number printed on
the phone dial. There were several phones that didn't have their
phone numbers listed - instead they had just a generic "(311)
555-1212" number.
- There should be a list of the central office
(prefix) numbers associated with each switch, and to see the
tandeming arrangements (how the switches are interconnected to each
other)
- People should be encouraged to make calls on the
switches. I had to ask to make calls. It seemed like they didn't
want the general public making calls.
- There should be fairly detailed diagrams that
explain exactly how the step-by-step, panel and crossbar offices
work. I'm still in the dark on how panel and crossbar switches work.
Overall, I had a very fun time and can't wait to
return someday!
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