Unusual WWII Edison Voice Writer for Telegraphers Training

[Chuck]

The recorder/reproducer looks to be a telephone
receiver. Look at the schematic too. It shows
the recorder/reproducer plainly as a coil, so it's
magnetic. Definitely not a crystal.

[fran604g]

Cliff,

To release the cylinder from the mandrel, Voice Writers have an electric solenoid that causes the release of the cylinder from the mandrel, I believe. At least the Playback version I have does.

Have you tried to push in the end of the mandrel? That's how mine releases the cylinder.

Also, mine has a "Universal" electric motor that can be switched from AC to DC current via a switch lever, accessed through a small slot on the bottom of the Voice Writer. I haven't fully understood the internal wiring though.

Hope this helps,
Fran

[CDBPDX]

Cliff,

To release the cylinder from the mandrel, Voice Writers have an electric solenoid that causes the release of the cylinder from the mandrel, I believe. At least the Playback version I have does.

Have you tried to push in the end of the mandrel? That's how mine releases the cylinder.

Also, mine has a "Universal" electric motor that can be switched from AC to DC current via a switch lever, accessed through a small slot on the bottom of the Voice Writer. I haven't fully understood the internal wiring though.

Hope this helps,
Fran

The end button on the mandrel pushes in but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I didn't try that while it was plugged in, though. If it has a solenoid, it might need power to actuate...? I'll try that.

Thanks for the info! Cliff

[CDBPDX]

The recorder/reproducer looks to be a telephone
receiver. Look at the schematic too. It shows
the recorder/reproducer plainly as a coil, so it's
magnetic. Definitely not a crystal.

Cool! Thanks!

[edisonphonoworks]

It actually looks like the recorder itself is an acoustical recorder, with a speaker driving the diaphragm instead of a speaking tube, When the Ediphone acoustical recorders are in good working condition, they are fairly sensitive, and it does not take much volume to make the cylinders as loud as a dictation machine needs.

[Curt A]

Maybe if you hook it up to an Enigma machine, you can translate and record German U-Boat transmissions...

[CDBPDX]

Just got it back from the repair man, he recapped it and replaced a couple tubes. Haven't had a chance to play with it yet, but he said the amplifier is in good condition. YeeHaa!

All I need is a 'high impedance' mic and I can make my first cylinder recording, even if it is on a 150 groove per inch format.

Cliff

[Chuck]

Cliff that's awesome that you have now gotten
that amplifier fixed!

There is nothing wrong with the 150 tpi or the 160 tpi
groove pitch along with the 80 rpm of Dictaphones
and Ediphones. They wanted to maximize the time
on those 6 inch long dictation cylinders so they opted
for a fine pitch and a slow speed.

It does have its limitations, but then, everything does.

Keep us informed of your progress with this cool
machine!

Chuck