Ropley UAX12

Initially a small DIY switchboard was installed connected to Alresford, later a UAX 12 was placed in service on March 2nd 1979 - one A and one C unit were provided, numbers were in the range 3XX, two both way junctions were provided between the 2 stations.

To dial from Alresford to Ropley the code was 9 and in the other direction 5.

Call barring was provided on the junctions.

The two exchanges worked well but did not offer much scope for the railways planned eastward extension, a start was made on an additional rack that would have been used as a tandem exchange, this was based on 2000 type selectors but never saw service as newer equipment was later obtained.

Ropley developments

The UAX12 was replaced by an exchange again built from bits, a PABX 3 rack mounting 2 ringers and selector shelves from Ferranti at Bracknell and a Plessey rack used to mount junction relay sets, 50 point linefinders and miscellaneous relay sets.  

Ten position bank multiples were used, 4 in total - 1st selectors, incoming selectors, second selectors and final selectors. The exchange was designed from the outset to act as a local exchange plus a tandem switch for the rest of the line although at the time of installation only 2 exchanges were operational. The existing 3XX numbers were prefixed with 4.

With the full opening of the line there were direct circuits to the other 3 stations. 

Lack of space in the exchange meant a small power unit had to be used with the standby batteries in external cabinets. Later a PP2040 was fitted.

The old UAX12 went to a Post Office Telephone museum in Brighton, present whereabouts are unknown although someone said it had gone to Amberley, enquiries there have brought no response.

Some years later the third unused Plessey 50 extension line finder shelf went to the Dean Forest Railway and is now in use at Parkend Station.

Shelf E - final selectors

Shelf D - second selectors

Shelf C - incoming 1st selectors

Shelf B - local 1st selectors (not shown)

Shelf A - 2 ringers type 44 and associated relay sets (not shown)

The red labels on the incoming selectors indicated junction guard relay sets were fitted at the far end.

Due to the restricted space it was not possible to take reasonable pictures of the Strowger exchanges at any site.

Box connection that replaced original MDF in the old exchange room, also shown is the EPG2A standby clock and Norstar Startalk unit.

The shelf at the top has a TRT284 call sender on it.

The combined efforts of the railway official PW gang, IT department and the Sunday PW gang  - Telecom department taking the easy option and taking the picture.

Standby 50 volt battery for the Strowger exchange at Ropley

Lead acid cells were changed for 2 sets of gas combination cells, later replaced by a PP2040