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 The rugged and reliable TA-312 was used from the 1950s through the 1980s before being superceded by the TA-838 analog field phone.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 The rugged and reliable TA-312 was used from the 1950s through the 1980s before being superceded by the TA-838 analog field phone.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.
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 112
SPC (Join to see)
I jumped with the PRC-77, KY-57, and extra batteries many times. That is a load to haul with all your other gear.
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SFC Davis, I do remember those and thanks for reminding me. I need to joke with the younger generation of Soldiers have them go to commo and ask for some TA-312s for field prep. If we ever have a situation where we have an EM pulse from the enemy destroys our modern methods of communication we will have to break out the ol' TA-312s for short distance communication.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
Thanks that is the truth! Basic communication to get the mission accomplished!
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SFC Peter Cyprian
And you DO NOT need batteries for emergency operation (up to 2 miles)- simply use the ear piece to both talk and listen. If you have x2 phones, connect them together and try it.
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Oh yes I remember this phone...matter of fact I still have it on my hand receipt and on top of that we still use it on field exercises!!!
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SPC Brandon Bare
Yes, how could I forget. Â I remember doing night operations and having limited communications via radio. Â I think we had a problem with the radio or perhaps it was just training. Â It has been a long time ago. Â I can't imagine that they would have completely phased them out. Â I know when I was in the MLRS Unit, if we had them we never used them. Â But a line infantry unit is a different story. Â It has been a decade for me though. Â I am full of rusty bolts. :)Â
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
The TA-31 is still effective today. It will always be a great way to communicate when called upon.
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My original MOS is is Cable Dawg 25L so we had this things all over the place. During one of my FTX is FT Huachuca when I was a young PFC or SPC can't really remember we hook the 1SG 3-12 to the M8 Alarm (NBC) so whenever he would ring his orderly room he was really activating the alarm and everyone would run arround getting on their MOP gear..... I pulled this prank on every 1SG and Commander I ever had during my early years in the service needles to say I became the push up King....... I pass this knowledge to my privates but eventually the Army took all the 3 -12 away.....
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
Very inspiring, it could always be used in devious ways to say the leastl thanks for the memories
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I remember the days in the field at Fort Hood during Lifeline. Running wire all over the place!
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Anyone remember using helicopters to run wire across the tops of the trees for long distance comms? I remember they had issues with the Cobras getting the wire in their rotor blades when landing. Caused a few accidents.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
LTC Paul Mullins, Sir I learn something new every day, never knew Cobras where used for that task. Very intriguing in my opinion.
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This by far was my most favorite piece of equipment that I had on my hand receipt. I used this during EVERY deployment. Fantastic equipment and never had RADIO Frequency Interference and was pretty much secure (as long as someone didn't dig up the line and tap into it).
The last time I used this was in 2007 in Afghanistan from the CP - Radar - to our sleeping quarters. This thing didn't depend on a Generator because it used standard Flashlight batteries and was all weather. Great tool - hope the military never gets rid of it.
The last time I used this was in 2007 in Afghanistan from the CP - Radar - to our sleeping quarters. This thing didn't depend on a Generator because it used standard Flashlight batteries and was all weather. Great tool - hope the military never gets rid of it.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Donald LeBlanc, thanks for the post, it just goes to show how useful a good piece of equipment can still stand the test of time. I always say this Iconic and Legendary in the terms of shoot, move and COMMUNICATE.
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We used TA-312 in SF units along with SB-22. Well made equipment. I would love to get my hands on a dozen or so 312s and SB-22.
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MSG John Wirts
Check this out!
ttp://http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Field-Radio-Phones-TA-312-PT-Army-Marine-Military-Telephone-TA-312-/ [login to see] 1
ttp://http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Field-Radio-Phones-TA-312-PT-Army-Marine-Military-Telephone-TA-312-/ [login to see] 1
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SGT Edward Thomas
If I could get them at that price I'd have one angry wife right now. I have found d as low as $25 each and once came across an SB-22 for over $500
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