SignalTraffic Forums

by **2070** on Thu Feb 16, 2012 6:20 pm

I think some here was asking about the same type of light??

Or was that you in the MSN group???

by **C-Phase** on Thu Feb 16, 2012 7:06 pm

Not sure if were an MSN site but yes I did inquie about the history of this light and box after getting it. That was a while ago and with no success.

Its ashame, most guys I know in their 70's & 80's would be the one's to shed more light (no pun intended) on the subject. However all the one's I know do not use the internet.......

by **OldCarcelero** on Thu Feb 16, 2012 8:38 pm

The Gamewell flashlight controller usually is used for controlling the light atop Police Call Boxes to tell the beat cop to phone in. The Sarge at the desk may have a message or a call for the beat cop to handle and in the "Olden Days" there were no cell phones or walkie-talkies to communicate. The Sarge would flip a switch for the light on the particular call box to light, the controller would do the work. I suppose the controller could have been wired to the beacon for the same purpose for better visibility.

by **vaughnsimon** on Thu Feb 16, 2012 9:02 pm

OldCarcelero wrote:The Gamewell flashlight controller usually is used for controlling the light atop Police Call Boxes to tell the beat cop to phone in.

Well I I just learned something. Thanks you OC. I assumed the box was a flasher, but couldn't see anything that looked like a motor. Now it all makes sense.

It seems some of the first lights were gas! (From: http://www.toledofiremuseum.com/alarmoffice/alarmoffice.htm)

"Meanwhile, new ideas for the police alarm signaling system were being developed and tried out. A new flash light signal to notify the patrolmen on the street to call the alarm office was constructed and installed at Jackson and Michigan Streets. This signal light was mounted on the alarm box pedestal. The gas tank was set in a manhole at the base of the pedestal.

When the patrolmen on that district were wanted, the police alarm operator threw a switch in the alarm office, which increased the flow of the current on that particular circuit. This increase actuated the relay valve on the gas tank and the light began to flash its signal. The first flashlight went in service on Friday, April 18th, 1919.

This flashlight was so successful in operation that a number of these lights were installed shortly after. The design of the pedestal was changed to house the gas tank. A globe replaced the lens and this arrangement gave greater visibility of the flashing signal.

Vaughn

by **somuchtoseeanddo** on Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:18 pm

C-Phase wrote:Got it, Thank you !!

I could go on! That is a SUPER PIECE! YOWZA! Congrats!

by **C-Phase** on Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:26 pm

Thanks for some of the ifo so far fella's :good:

Another question,
I applied 7.5 volts DC to the magnet end which in turn closes the AC fused circuit and contacts allowing the flow to light the beacon.

My question is does anyone know if there would have been a DC circuit on the pole or some sort of DC signal line or battery???

Also unless there was some sort of interupter via flasher or relay, it would be a steady burning, and not flashing. Any idea's?

by **C-Phase** on Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:32 pm

Took it apart two days ago and decided to not alter or modify anything but bring it back to original condition.

Everything is mounted on a heavy thick slate board

Cleaned up and ready to go. Once I finsih the housing, It will go back in.

by **MN-20** on Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:37 pm

Hmmm, looks similar to mine, except that yours appeared to be connected to a high voltage series street lighting circuit.

I do have the bracket this was mounted on, sort of a scaled down street light bracket.

Jesse

by **C-Phase** on Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:43 pm

Yes they look similar.
Mine was in the middle of the 4 way intersection clamped to a guy wire strung caddy corner from pole to pole. The feed wires were lashed to the guy wire and connected to the controller mounted up on the pole.
It still has two insulator spools and two bolt guy wire clamp attached :cool:

It was not connected to a high voltage street light circuit however. 120 volt secondary

by **mikerm** on Fri Feb 17, 2012 12:16 am

Wow, that is fantastic! :thumbsup:

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Gamewell Flashlight Controller & signal light

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Re: Gamewell Flashlight Controller & signal light

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