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100 Years of Field Telephones

This summary provides an overview of notable military analog field telephones from each decade of the 20th century, with one representative device per decade showcasing the technological evolution of the era. The selected devices come from various parts of the world and were chosen for their technical innovations or other significant features. The analog field telephone era, which began in the late 19th century, gradually declined by the late 20th century as digital technology and integrated networks replaced analog voice communications.

1900 - German Feldfernsprecher (1904)

Episode 63 - German Feldfernsprecher, 1904 Encased in a heavy-duty oak box, this integrated set features both a buzzer and magneto call, but relies on external batteries. While well-made, it is quite heavy for a 'portable' device, weighing nearly 11 kg including the external battery box.

1910 - US Signal Corps Service Buzzer Model 1914

Episode 58 - US Signal Corps Service Buzzer Model 1914 This buzzer-only set is very compact and extremely lightweight at 1.5 kg, especially compared to other sets of the era.

1920 - German Reichswehr Feldfernsprecher (1926)

Episode 34 - German Reichswehr Feldfernsprecher 26, 1926 A full-featured set for LB and CB use, with an optional buzzer, it is the predecessor to the renowned FFsp 33.

1930 - French T.M. 1932

Episode 36 - French Army T.M. 1932, 1932 This compact set, housed in a sturdy metallic box, features an advanced foldable handset with a dual-use microphone suitable for both normal speech and as a laryngophone.

1940 - Italian Mod. 42

Episode 65 - Italian Telefono Campale Mod. 42, 1942 Based on the "German design", resembling the FFsp 33 with its form and Bakelite box, this set features an advanced modular setup with easily exchangeable modules.

1950 - Swiss Ftf 50

Episode 1 - Swiss Army Feldtelefon 50 This set is based on the US EE-8 design but smaller and lighter.

1960 - Yugoslavian Poljski Telefon M-63

Episode 54 - Poljski Telefon M-63 (Yugoslavia), 1963 This set is based on the US TA-312/PT design but smaller and lighter.

1970 - Norwegian TP-6N (1973)

Episode 13 - Norwegian Army EB TP-6N-A, 1976 A modern approach: a compact, lightweight and completely electronic set.

1980 - Austrian Feldfernsprecher F-27-0 (1981)

Episode 33 - Austrian Feldfernsprecher F-27-0, 1981 This set is rather unusual. While the transmission circuit, RX and TX capsules, magneto, and dial use traditional electromechanical technology, the ring receiver (tone generator) employs a complex transistorised setup. It appears to be a 'design by committee' configuration.

1990 - British PTC 414 (1994)

Episode 57 - British PTC 414, 1994 A modern, fully electronic set that is both lightweight and sturdy. It supports LB and CB/aut. networks.

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