Why won't my ITT rotary phone ring?

Question

It's a black rotary ITT desk phone, number 50000LR30M 67675 on the bottom, from the Matanuska Tel. ***'n. It has a standard modular jack. It can call out, and when I know I'm getting a call it can pick up. It just can't ring. There is no exterior volume k**b. It is a "Golden Tone" ringer the seller said. I've tried various wiring combinations (black wire to K, red to L1, etc.) but those were only for Western Bell 500's. Couldn't find any info on an ITT. Is it my phone company and/or the Ringer Equivilance Number, because it worked for the seller?

Answer 1

Okay, it worked for the seller?  Does that mean you saw it demonstrated?  If so, it could be the REN.  It MIGHT be the wireing, but if it dials out and can be answered, I would bet on a REN problem. Those older phones draw a lot of current.

Answer 2

The LR in the product code indicates it was originally "less ringer" meaning it didn't come with a ringer.  Obviously if you've tried different wiring combinations someone must have added a ringer.  While I am not familiar with ITT telephones I believe the wiring should be the same as a Western or Northern Electric.  Try putting the black ringer wire on L1, the red ringer wire on L2, the slate (grey) ringer wire on K, and the slate-red (grey-red) ringer wire on A.

You can find more info here;

http://www.telephonearchive.com/kelloggt...

and here:

http://www.telephonecollectors.org/libra...

Try adjusting the bias spring in the ringer.  Between the two gongs you will see a very fine wire.  The wire has two slots it can sit in.  By placing your finger on the end of the wire you can move it to the other slot which will reduce the tension on the bell..  You should be able to have up to five phones on one telephone line before having ringer equivilency problems.