Alton

A redundant PABX3 from the MAFF in Winchester formed the basis of this exchange and completed the system. Numbers were in the range 34XX.

The 50 point line finders had fitted on a narrower rack than the standard 4'6" racks we were using, 8 position final selectors bank multiples equipped the rack but these were not used.

Two ringers type 44 were installed.

On opening it was connected by underground cable to Medstead, no overhead route was ever provided by the Mid-Hants.

The same selector shelf arrangement existed as at Alresford, again a maximum of 50 extensions. Levels 2 and 4 for Alresford and Ropley went via a common junction route to Ropley (UAX 0 and 1 relay sets with junction hunters) and level 5 for Medstead, calls to this exchange went on direct junctions and not via the tandem.

A PP223 was used initially before being replaced with a PP2040.

When recovered this exchange went to Project Red Sand, a WW2 anti-aircraft fort in the Thames Estuary.

from Turntable 2nd November 1985

from Turntable 7th December 1985 

Rear view of relay set rack, selectors and line finders on back rack    Teleprinter 15 on the left.

Junction relays sets on the right also shown is the 4 channel carrier shelf

On extreme right is one of the soldered MDF blocks.

Later view of same racks.

Shelf E - final selectors

Shelf D - i/c and 2nd selectors   

Shelf C - local 1st selectors

Shelf B - line finders

Shelf A - line relays 

The small selector on shelf E was a patching selector, if an incoming selector became faulty it could be replaced by the patching one to maintain service, this was in the days of bothway junctions and it was not possible to back busy junctions. 

Relay set rack.

Krone distribution strips which replaced soldered blocks, still in use with the Norstar system.

Exchange recovery - 62 type carrier rack on the left.

The narrower width of the line finder shelf can be seen. 

Alton exchange and signal box - the cabinets contained the standby batteries until replaced by a PP2040, old power unit shown awaiting collection for scrap.

Gas recombination cells replaced the lead acid type in the external cabinets.