My knowledge of this instrument is limited to what I’ve gathered from the included technical description and user guide [1]. It’s a brand-new item, still in its original packaging, made in 1993 by "TLTI, Toute la téléphonie industrielle" in Paris. Despite some research, I couldn't find any primary sources online. A collector from Poland mentioned owning a set that included a log card describing it as "Type: AT-75A" [2]. However, neither the technical description nor my set itself reference this "AT-75A" designation. The set is clearly marked "Armée Française" on the type plate, suggesting it was intended for the French army. I have no information on whether it was ever actually used in service (especially considering its lack of waterproofing, which I’ll explain below), or how many units were produced. If anyone reading this has additional information, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
This model appears to be closely based on the U.S. TA-312/PT. The handset is marked H-60/PT, and is using TX module TA-117/PT and RX module TY-235/PT. The magneto also seems to match the G-42/PT type exactly. Despite its overall sturdy construction and integrated magneto-rechargeable battery — which makes it seemingly well-suited for field use — there’s a major flaw: it’s not waterproof, or even splash-proof. The bottom has large openings, meaning even brief submersion would likely destroy the electronics. This is a rather odd design choice for a field telephone developed in 1989.
From Notice technique du telephone de campagne TLEE 89 (translated from French) [1]:
PRESENTATION OF THE SET:
|
The TLEE 89 field telephone set comes in the form of a parallelepiped aluminum alloy block, painted in NATO green, contained in a canvas carrying case. It can be used on a local battery or on a central battery network, as a mobile station in its bag or out of its bag and as a wall-mounted station fixed using the fixing kit. |
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
| Power | 4 BA30 1.5 volt batteries, operating limit 3.5 volts to 6 volts |
| Consumption | 16mA when talking |
| Audio characteristics |
Combined amplifier set Transmission-reception: Bandwidth 300 -3000 hz, distortion < 5%, s/n ratio > 50 db Emission level 0 db on 600 ohms Adjustable listening level Sidetone -10 db |
| Call generator |
Electromagnetic magneto (rotation speed 100 rpm) Voltage delivered on load: 70 a 100 volts Frequency 16hz |
| Call receiver |
Audio: dual tone electronics, day/night position Visual: led indicator with memory |
TACTICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
| The TLEE 89 telephone can be used in local or central battery mode. |
| Its autonomy with BA30 longe duration batteries is approximately 1000 hours. |
| Emergency position: Possibility of use without battery after recharging the internal backup accumulator, autonomy equal to charging time. |
| Its range on two-wire line is approximately 40 km. |
| Usable in desktop or wall position. |
| Protected against eavesdropping. |
| Visual call memory. |
| Option: Leather bag. |
Disassembled.
Ready to use.
It look very similar to a TA-312/PT.
The magneto lever ist identical to a TA-312/PT.
The handset is firmly hold in place and can be used as "handle" to lift the complete set.
The "VOLUME" knob set's the receiving amp. volume.
The "SONNERIE" "JOUR" "NUIT" switch, switches the incoming signal (bell) volume high (Jour=Day) or low (NUIT=Night).
The "MEMOIRE D'APPEL" LED indicates that an unanswered call was received (It is cleared when going "off hook").
The "TEST" button light the "PILES" (Batteries) LED if batteries are still good.
"T" is the earth (terre) connection and then L1 and L2.
The black button in the receiver tray is the "hook switch".
The knob with the white dot is to choose the modes "SEC" (mode to charge the internal rechargeable battery), "BL" (batterie locale = lb, local battery) and "BC" (batterie centrale = cb, common battery).
The bottom is closed with a simple alu sheet, hold by 6 screws.
The holes are to make the ringer audible ... and to make the instrument NOT water, splash or dust-proof.
Inside from left to right:
Main circuit board (connected to rest by a D-SUB 25 connection).
Rechargeable battery board.
Battery board and electronic ringer.
Magneto (identical to a G-42/PT from a TA-312/PT).
The main and battery board do just slide out.
Main circuit board.
Main circuit board bottom.
Akku board.
6N-75P type akku, replaceable (fixed with a zip tie).
Magneto (identical to a G-42/PT from a TA-312/PT).
Handset (H-60/PT, same as on TA-312/PT).
Handset (H-60/PT, same as on TA-312/PT).
TX (TA-117/PT, same as on TA-312/PT).
RX (TA-235/PT, same as on TA-312/PT).
Ready in leather bag.
The pocket in the lid holds the wall mounting set.
Louis Vuitton style.
Ringer holes on bottom also on bag.
Label on set.
Below the slid used for the wall mounting kit ... and to make the instrument NOT water, splash or dust-proof.
Label.
109: Serial number?
TLTI: Supplier, probably there were different suppliers.
3/93: Made in March 1993?
NSN: 5805.14.4469205
User guide for emergency mode (run out of batteries).
1. Take out batteries
2. Choose mode "SEC"
3. Turn magneto
4. Choose mode "BL"
You can talk about as long as you turned the magneto.
Battery compartment.
Sealed! But what for, rest of instrument is not even splash proof.
Wall mount set.
Block diagram [1].
Circuit diagram of main board [1].
Wiring diagram [1].
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