"First" key system?

From: Bruce Lane <kyrrin_at_jps.net>
Date: Mon Mar 23 12:29:57 1998

Sam Ismail typed out...

>I have an AT&T Horizon phone system (circa late 70s) which is significant
>in the history of telephone systems as it was the first "key" system. It

        <reaminder snipped>

        Sam, speaking as an ex-telco person, I can say with confidence that the
Horizon was far from being the first "key" system. That honor goes to the
original electromechanical 1A system, which was introduced in the late
50's/early 60's.

        During the early-to-mid 60's, the 1A1 was introduced. It had several
improvements over the 1A, mainly in reduced size, weight, and complexity.
In the later 60's, the venerable 1A2 key system components were introduced.
They endured well into the early 90's, and are still in use in various
incarnations to this day (I have a 1A2 system here in the house).

        The Horizon system fits neatly into the category of 'hybrid' systems. It
could, dependent on programming, become either an electronic key system or
a small PABX, incorporating the best features of both.

        Thus endeth key system history 101. We now return to normal topical stuff.
;-)

        BTW, if you ever want to look for a good home for that Horizon... ;-)


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bruce Lane, Sysop, The Dragon's Cave BBS (Fidonet 1:343/272)
(Hamateur: WD6EOS) (E-mail: kyrrin_at_jps.net)
"Our science can only describe an object, event, or living thing in our own
human terms. It cannot, in any way, define any of them..."
Received on Mon Mar 23 1998 - 12:29:57 GMT