HANDSET No. 16
The Handset No. 16A
The Handset No. 16A is shorter and flatter than the Handset No. 3, and consists of 2 main clip-together mouldings, fixed with a single screw at the earcap end.  A styling feature is made of the part-line between the mouldings by chamfering each at 45 degrees.  The handset is moulded in acrylonitrile/butadiene/ styrene (ABS) plastic some 4 mm thick and has sufficient strength without need for an internal lattice, thereby leaving as much space as possible for any extra components required in the facility handset etc.

The receiver is acoustically sealed directly to the inner face of the earcap (as in the Handset No. 3).  However, the microphone is positioned using a polyethylene ring, which enables a constant material thickness to be maintained in the microphone area of the lower moulding, thereby minimizing the chance of sink marks (it also simplifies the adoption of an alternative microphone).  Each transducer is held in position, under pressure, by an easily removable acetal copolymer clip.  The microphone clip also anchors the cord grommet, and channels in the lower handset moulding serve to position the receiver wires.

  • Handset No. 16A - Standard Ambassador style handset fitted to early (basic) models.

  • Handset No. 16B - Standard Ambassador style handset fitted to later (developed) models.  Identified by a recess in main handset body, just underneath a 'pepper-pot' earpiece (pictured above right).

  • Handset No. 16C - I/C speech amplifier (pictured above left).

  • Handset No. 16D - Neon lamp (pictured above left).

  • Handset No. 16E - Transmitter cut off (locking/non-locking).

Handsets No. 16C, 16D & 16E are only fitted to Mk1 (basic) Ambassador telephones.  These Handsets were available in Stone and Dark Brown colours.


 


Dismantling the handset

Access to the microphone and receiver insets or other components is obtained by removing the screw at the receiver end of the handset and then pulling the two halves apart, starting at the receiver end.  Do not use a screwdriver or other bladed instrument to prise the sections apart.

 


The microphone and receiver insets are removed by lifting the square cut end of the retaining clips and then sliding the clip towards the centre of the handset.  Ensure that the wires are located in the central groove on replacement of the clip.

 

 
 
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Last revised: November 05, 2022

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