[GreenKeys] What the heck is a "Selector Key"?

[Don Robert House]

Derek,

You run into so many interesting things.

What you have is a device that controls an annunciator.

You wind the spring up and the device sends a code to a Master  
station.  This was the precursor to the Bid system used by Teletype  
Selective Calling Systems.

The operator of a 14, 15, 19, 20 series machine would twist the key  
mechanism and wait for a go ahead from the Master station.

Western Union used a similar system to send a message to their central  
station that the company that twisted the key needed a messenger to  
pick up a telegram.

The complete select call box for a M15 is in the museum collection at  
the SDSU library.  What you have is only a portion of that assembly.

Best,
Don
K9TTY

P.S.  Jim Haynes knows a lot about these selective systems.



On 3 Mar 2009, at 9:15 PM, Derek Cohn/WB0TUA wrote:

Hi Gang,

I picked up a box of "teletype" parts recently and inside were two NOS  
boxes.  One was marked "Selector Key 60A" and the other was marked  
"Selector Key 60C".  The boxes are dated May 1957.  I've posted photos  
on the web to help with the ID:

Here is the selector 60A:

http://www.mindspring.com/~vibroplex/selector60a.jpg

Here is the selector 60C....it includes an envelope with some little  
part in it (I haven't opened the envelope):

http://www.mindspring.com/~vibroplex/selector60c.jpg

I was planning on tossing both of these on eBay...if anyone on the  
list is interested in these, please let me know.

73 and thanks for any help you guys can give me,

Derek Cohn
Morse Telegraph Club - Alton Chapter
Office UD, Sine DJ
Amateur Radio Station - WBØTUA
1969 Brunswick M274A5 Mechanical Mule
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