Probably the only remaining AN/TGC-1, Torn-Tape Relay Set, designed in WWII,  just arrived at the AWA Museum today.



This was the first unit designed for store-and-forward relaying of teletypewriter messages. It was designed in 1943 by the Postal Telegraph Co. and then continued by Western Union (after they merged with Postal Telegraph). It consisted of two M14 typing reperforators and a 3-headed tape reader. It was initially known as "Package Unit SC-1A" when Western Union put them into production in 1944. Soon after, using the new Army-Navy naming system, its designator was changed to AN/TGC-1. They were used extensively by the US Army & Navy during WWII, along with other government agencies and WU up until about 1960.

Before this equipment was available, all teletypewriter message relaying (like with the telegraph) was done by hand. An operator would receive a printed copy an incoming message from one circuit, and then would have to hand type the message onto another circuit.  With the AN/TGC-1, a message would be received on perforated tape. An operator would tear off the tape from the reperf, read the address and take it to the proper tape reader on another circuit to send it on its way.  Thus "Torn-Tape Relay".

This unit is labeled as an AN/TGC-1A", but there are labels for six MWOs (Modification Work Orders) on the cabinet and I assume that the unit has been upgraded  to a "TGC-1B" or even a "TGC-1C". 

It looks like it may never have been put in service, but it has been knocking around for at least 60 years and there is some wear. Also it is missing its "Signal Indicator Panel" and the tape bin, but hopefully I can resurrect them and get it operational.

More to come.  73,

Duncan Brown, K2OEQ
USASA    31J30

Antique Wireless Association
 Communication Technologies Museum
   Asst. Curator, Commercial Equipment
(also chief TTY op & repairman)

i-Telex: 212503

www.antiquewireless.org
Virtual AWA Museum TTY Tour:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpB6jM90VV8