Vintage Western Electric Question

[rp2813]

Hey guys, rather than keep posting on Pete's vac/phone thread I figured I'd start this one to ask my question.

This one is about the transmitter capsules W.E. used in their model 500 handsets. From what I can tell, sometime in the 70's they changed the design to one with a grey plastic covering. I've also noticed that every 70's phone with this newer type of capsule delivers very fuzzy transmission quality.

Does anyone know if there were fundamental changes made to the design of this tried & true transmitter capsule that caused the fuzziness? I'm thinking I'll raid some of my older phones and use their capsules on any 70's vintage set I might decide to deploy unless there's another fix someone can advise me about.

Ralph

 

[selectomatic]

Ralph,

Have you tried slamming the receiver down on the counter? This usually cures the fuzzy sound -- for a while.

-kevin

 

[rp2813]

Kevin, yeah, many years ago an AT&T employee advised that good maintenance on a transmitter capsule is to remove it and give it a few taps and then listen for the carbon as you shake it. One thing about the 70's kind is that the sound of the carbon granules is much more prounounced. I wonder if this has anything to do with the fuzz factor.