SignalTraffic Forums

Ok so a part of my system is up and running! I have yet to get the OSAM master working with the local 820A's but the Remote Operator program is in full swing! I can call up the backyard intersection via my PC in my "home signal shop" and program the controller, monitor its status and put the lights into flash mode.

So here are just some updated pictures, with the cement base finished, and all the equipment installed, just like the late 1980s!

So heres the outside of the cabinet. These older TTS branded cabinets are interesting because of the door being smaller than the cabinet its self. This appearance, with the heavy duty hinges, really gives the cabinet a "tough" vault like look. These cabinets were once common around many areas of D/FW when TTS (Traffic and Transportation Supply Inc.) was the leading controller and cabinet distributor for the region and for many areas of TxDOT in both Dallas and Fort Worth area districts.

The cabinet is from 1983, but the prints were redrawn in 1985 when new equipment and preemption was added. TTS refurbished many of their own cabinets. Citys would bring them in and the company would upgrade them.


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

This cabinet originally ran Crouse Hindes DMK-2 controllers.


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

But now it runs Multisonics 820A OSAM controllers. The D connector cable on the far left of the controller is terminated into an ad-on panel mounted below the shelves.


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

Telephone and modem. Its connected to Extension 12 on the PBX system in the garage. My desk phone is on extension 11, so I can actually call the "office" from the cabinet just like back in the day.


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

Telephone line termination box and modem power supply.


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

Detector test switches and service panel. An interesting note about TTS is that in all of their cabinets, they installed a FAN TEST button. The vent fans are very important in Texas Summers and this Fort Worth based company knew that.


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

Detector panel and other functions


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

Original cabinet prints.


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

Communications and line voltage conduit


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

Communication line terminated in the garage


cabinet communications by dallassignals, on Flickr

And finally, to my desktop computer!


Untitled by dallassignals, on Flickr

I will have another post coming up that will hopefully have a video of the computer running and modems dialing. Its a lot of fun to play around with!!

Very cool !!!

Your set up is one of my favorites on the forum!! Holding true to your late 80's theme and recreating a signalshop is amazing!

That is pretty awesome! Love it.

Well done! I love it!!

very nice. def 80's right down to the dot matrix printer, old pc monitor and rotary phone

Well done!

Thanks guys! It has been so much fun to set this system up and there is so many other functions I want to play with.

Something funny happened last night. I had my outside telephone line for my house connected to the PBX system because my computer can also access a dial up network. Well, when someone calls the house, the PBX sends the call to all 18 of its extensions so all of the telephones on the extensions will ring. However, modems are also on the line and my Hayes modem in my backyard cabinet kept auto answering the home phone. It would ring once and then who ever was calling would hear the classic static and high pitch tone that modems use to talk.

The modem will have a dip switch somewhere to turn auto answer on/off.

DFWSignals89 wrote: However, modems are also on the line and my Hayes modem in my backyard cabinet kept auto answering the home phone. It would ring once and then who ever was calling would hear the classic static and high pitch tone that modems use to talk.

You should keep that feature for the next presidential campaign. It would give THEM something to think about!