Posted on Jun 25, 2014
Who remembers the TA-312 field phone? I was ADA and it was a must! What are your stories?
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The TA -312 Field Phone (LEGENDARY) WE CALLED THE BATTERIES BA 30S
The analog, 2-wire, battery operated TA-312/PT replaced and will interoperate with the World War II and Korean War EE-8 field phone. The rugged and reliable TA-312 was used from the 1950s through the 1980s before being superceded by the TA-838 analog field phone. TA-312's continue in use throughout the U.S. forces as well as many allied countries.
The TA-312/PT is a two-wire, battery operated field telephone. It has a
range of 38 km using WD-1 wire, and was a successor to the EE-8 field
phone used during World War II and Korea. Primarily used from 1950-
1990, it was replaced by the TA-838. It's typically stored in a canvas
bag. An optional TA-955 dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) adapter
allows push button operational interface with automatic analog switches.
To install the TA-312 telephone:
* Strip away one-half inch of insulation from each strand of the WD-1
wire line.
* Depress the spring-loaded line binding posts and insert one strand of
the wire into each post. It doesn't matter which one goes where.
* Adjust buzzer volume control knob to LOUD.
* Turn the INT-EXT switch to INT (Internal). The TA-312 has the
capability of either using the standard H-60/PT handset (INT) or an
external H-144/U headset (EXT).
* Turn the circuit selector switch to LB. (Local battery).
The TA-312
http://www.personal.psu.edu/wmc12/telephones/TA-312.html[6/25/2014 10:03:37 PM]
* Insert the two BA-30 batteries into the battery compartment (one up
and one down). Two D-Call batteries work just as well.
* Seat the handset firmly in the retaining cradle.
* Turn the handcrank rapidly a few turns. Remove the handset from the
retaining cradle and wait for the other operator to answer.
* Depress the push-to-talk switch to talk. Release the push-to-talk
switch to listen.
The Technical Manual used for the TA-312 is TM 11-5805-201-12.
The analog, 2-wire, battery operated TA-312/PT replaced and will interoperate with the World War II and Korean War EE-8 field phone. The rugged and reliable TA-312 was used from the 1950s through the 1980s before being superceded by the TA-838 analog field phone. TA-312's continue in use throughout the U.S. forces as well as many allied countries.
The TA-312/PT is a two-wire, battery operated field telephone. It has a
range of 38 km using WD-1 wire, and was a successor to the EE-8 field
phone used during World War II and Korea. Primarily used from 1950-
1990, it was replaced by the TA-838. It's typically stored in a canvas
bag. An optional TA-955 dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) adapter
allows push button operational interface with automatic analog switches.
To install the TA-312 telephone:
* Strip away one-half inch of insulation from each strand of the WD-1
wire line.
* Depress the spring-loaded line binding posts and insert one strand of
the wire into each post. It doesn't matter which one goes where.
* Adjust buzzer volume control knob to LOUD.
* Turn the INT-EXT switch to INT (Internal). The TA-312 has the
capability of either using the standard H-60/PT handset (INT) or an
external H-144/U headset (EXT).
* Turn the circuit selector switch to LB. (Local battery).
The TA-312
http://www.personal.psu.edu/wmc12/telephones/TA-312.html[6/25/2014 10:03:37 PM]
* Insert the two BA-30 batteries into the battery compartment (one up
and one down). Two D-Call batteries work just as well.
* Seat the handset firmly in the retaining cradle.
* Turn the handcrank rapidly a few turns. Remove the handset from the
retaining cradle and wait for the other operator to answer.
* Depress the push-to-talk switch to talk. Release the push-to-talk
switch to listen.
The Technical Manual used for the TA-312 is TM 11-5805-201-12.
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TrainingCommunications
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 112
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How about the EE-8 field phone?
check it out at
http://olive-drab.com/od_electronics_ee8.php
EE-8 Military Field Phone
The EE-8 Field Telephone was used by the Signal Corps from before World War II through the Vietnam War. It was housed in leather, then canvas, and its last production had a nylon case and straps, after the changeover to that material in 1967.
The EE-8 Field Telephone was standardized in 1932 and procurement began in 1937, providing a lighter and more functional unit just in time for the huge mobilization of the U.S. military for WW II. Among other improvements, the EE-8 increased the maximum transmission range of the predecessor EE-5 Field Telephone by six miles or more.
Field Telephone EE-8 On Tree (from TM 11-333)
Field Telephone EE-8 On Tree (from TM 11-333).
Today in WW II: 10 Nov 1941 To increase production, US Army gives Ford Motor Co. a contract to manufacture the Willys designed jeep. More ↓
EE-8 Military Field Telephone
EE-8 field phone in leather case
The U.S. Army Field Telephones EE-8, EE-8A, and EE-8B is a portable field telephone desgned for use on either local or common battery telephone systems. The talking and signaling range varies with the type of wire used, the condition of the wire (dry, wet, frayed) and whether the wire is on the ground or in the air. As a local battery telephone, a talking range of 11 to 17 miles is typical, suitable for Corps area usage.
The phones are contained in a case approximately 9.5 x 7.75 x 3.5 inches weighing about 9.75 pounds including battery. The EE-8-A and -B are a little larger than the EE-8. The main difference between the EE-8 and the other models is that a section of the case lid has been cut out and replaced by flexible material to enable the handset to be hung on the case in a position to hold down the lever switch.
At the start of World War II, the EE-8 in a leather case wiih a leather strap was standard issue. However, experience in the Pacific showed right away that leather did not hold up and the EE-8 leather case was replaced by an olive drab canvas case with web strap. The EE-8 and EE-8A utilize an aluminum chassis while the EE-8B chassis is sheet steel.
At the top of the phone, exposed when the cover is opened, there is a terminal block. All control switches and binding posts for wire are contained on the terminal block. The lever switch is curved and spring loaded so that it is depressed when the weight of the handset is rested on it (EE-8 is off line, switch open). The EE-8 comes on the line when the handset is lifted (switch closed).
A 90-100 volt, 20 Hz hand-cranked ringing generator GN-38 is contained in the case of an EE-8 or EE-8A while the GN-38A or GN-38B is used with the EE-8B. The crank is operated from the side of the case. The TS-9-F Handset connects to the EE-8 or EE-8A and is stored in the case, in an open area accessible when the top cover is open. The EE-8B has similar handset TS-13-E. Two BA-30 1.5 volt D-cell batteries are installed in the battery compartment reached from the terminal block area at the top-inside of the case.
Also WD-1 Field wire with four copper strands for conductivity, and three strands of steel for strength, long lengths had to have repeaters. How about spiral four cable with repeaters. TA 1 switchboards for company internal communication, SB-22 switchboards for Bn level communication.
check it out at
http://olive-drab.com/od_electronics_ee8.php
EE-8 Military Field Phone
The EE-8 Field Telephone was used by the Signal Corps from before World War II through the Vietnam War. It was housed in leather, then canvas, and its last production had a nylon case and straps, after the changeover to that material in 1967.
The EE-8 Field Telephone was standardized in 1932 and procurement began in 1937, providing a lighter and more functional unit just in time for the huge mobilization of the U.S. military for WW II. Among other improvements, the EE-8 increased the maximum transmission range of the predecessor EE-5 Field Telephone by six miles or more.
Field Telephone EE-8 On Tree (from TM 11-333)
Field Telephone EE-8 On Tree (from TM 11-333).
Today in WW II: 10 Nov 1941 To increase production, US Army gives Ford Motor Co. a contract to manufacture the Willys designed jeep. More ↓
EE-8 Military Field Telephone
EE-8 field phone in leather case
The U.S. Army Field Telephones EE-8, EE-8A, and EE-8B is a portable field telephone desgned for use on either local or common battery telephone systems. The talking and signaling range varies with the type of wire used, the condition of the wire (dry, wet, frayed) and whether the wire is on the ground or in the air. As a local battery telephone, a talking range of 11 to 17 miles is typical, suitable for Corps area usage.
The phones are contained in a case approximately 9.5 x 7.75 x 3.5 inches weighing about 9.75 pounds including battery. The EE-8-A and -B are a little larger than the EE-8. The main difference between the EE-8 and the other models is that a section of the case lid has been cut out and replaced by flexible material to enable the handset to be hung on the case in a position to hold down the lever switch.
At the start of World War II, the EE-8 in a leather case wiih a leather strap was standard issue. However, experience in the Pacific showed right away that leather did not hold up and the EE-8 leather case was replaced by an olive drab canvas case with web strap. The EE-8 and EE-8A utilize an aluminum chassis while the EE-8B chassis is sheet steel.
At the top of the phone, exposed when the cover is opened, there is a terminal block. All control switches and binding posts for wire are contained on the terminal block. The lever switch is curved and spring loaded so that it is depressed when the weight of the handset is rested on it (EE-8 is off line, switch open). The EE-8 comes on the line when the handset is lifted (switch closed).
A 90-100 volt, 20 Hz hand-cranked ringing generator GN-38 is contained in the case of an EE-8 or EE-8A while the GN-38A or GN-38B is used with the EE-8B. The crank is operated from the side of the case. The TS-9-F Handset connects to the EE-8 or EE-8A and is stored in the case, in an open area accessible when the top cover is open. The EE-8B has similar handset TS-13-E. Two BA-30 1.5 volt D-cell batteries are installed in the battery compartment reached from the terminal block area at the top-inside of the case.
Also WD-1 Field wire with four copper strands for conductivity, and three strands of steel for strength, long lengths had to have repeaters. How about spiral four cable with repeaters. TA 1 switchboards for company internal communication, SB-22 switchboards for Bn level communication.
EE-8 Military Field Phone information and photos from Olive-Drab.com
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
Thanks for the in-depth history of the EE-8, this is going back right here. Very introspective analysis for all to share and learn a lot about. Once again appreciate your post. This is legendary here.
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CSM Charles Hayden
MSG Wirts, Roger that. I was trained as a 3097 Telephone Installer Repairman @ Camp San Luis Obispo, CA.
The 'Angry 26' ? vans we had in Korea had - carrier-repeater capability. Using the spiral 4 cables, capable of ?16? multiplexed channels then in use. We would WHISTLE further stations to generate a ring tone.
The 'Angry 26' ? vans we had in Korea had - carrier-repeater capability. Using the spiral 4 cables, capable of ?16? multiplexed channels then in use. We would WHISTLE further stations to generate a ring tone.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
Wow...I appreciate the post. I learn something new every day. Thanks CSM Charles Hayden.
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I remember using that in 2003 OIF 1 with 1st Armored Division. One of those for the whole BDE, it took me an hour just to get connected back home. Sometimes it didn't it connect. Well it was free so I can't complain. It beats using those Iraqi cell for $3 per min (back in 03) that was a lot.
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Remember those well!! I agree with SFC Rich Carey , they were great to use to shock unsuspecting victims! LOL!
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UGHHH!!! I remember these from the early 90s. The funny thing is my current unit has a bunch of them, which we have been directed to turn in based on the COPA listing. Double ughhh!!! Oh, let's add in the good ole TA-1s too.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
Good Field Craft, just curious, in the Army we had to make a field expedient antenna and throw it up in the trees to get a signal, did you have have to improvise for signal?
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SFC Mark Merino
We used a camo net spreader. We riveted metal plates front and back and then wired them all together. You could boomerang that bamf way up into the trees connected to wire. Same principle for camo-netting the Bradley in the woodline without using camo poles.
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I like cutting the line in the middle of the night, then watching someone get in trouble for sleeping and not answering. When the entire time it wasn't ringing. Oh the good ole days.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
Yea that must have happen to me, when Sarge, " was like radio check, " negative contact, roger out!
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SFC (Join to see)
Well I don't know about your unit, but my current one it fell off of MTOE, so they were turned in.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
That's not good, brother the force still has to shoot move and communicate.
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CSM Michael Lynch
SFC Mark Merino absolutely it was the only way we in FDC could get data to the Howitzers to put rounds on target. There were several times that a 1SG would have to be silenced on the line as he was putting out chow info in the middle of a fire mission, great feeling as an E-4 LOL. Also when you call cease fire and then hear a big boom because that gun lost commo and counted out the TOT and the LT let the round go. Fun times HAHA
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Used them in the 25th Inf Div from 1973-75. They never failed.....I was a 31M back then....
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Stephen Williams thanks for sharing, you bring up a great point. The Ta-312 never failed me also. What a majestic piece of equipment. ...Sweet!
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