Philips PACT 200, where do I start

[hadoque]

Hi
I've just laid hands on a Swedish Philips PACT 200, and I have no clue what to do with it. I have a dutch manual, for a PACT 220, downloaded from this forum, but it doesn't help me much. I would like to do some kind of self test.
The machine starts up, but the only response I get from it is paper feed and alarm when I lift the paper feeder lid.

I've measured internal voltages, seen by the fuses in the picture, and they are ok within a volt or so.

My goal is to use this as a serial terminal, connected to a computer. Also connecting to someone over the internet would be fun.

Where do I start? I am a hardware developer , so I have access to a lot of electronics equipment.

[DF3OE]

Hi,
the PACT 200/220 is an extremely rare machine, Maybe you have the only one remaining.
Yet, no documentation is available except what is here on the forum.
Only a few Italian military versions came up on the surplus market.

First of all you have to investigate which line connection system is installed. I assume it is from
Swedish Telex network. Hence it should be either TW39 line current or V.21 tone system.
Both generally need connection to the "central office" that the machine can work.

[hadoque]

Thanks for the quick answer. So, there is no way to get a printout of any kind without a communications connection? Yes, it seems to have been connected to the Swedish telex network, it has the Swedish "Televerket" logo on it.

Actually, there seems to be at least two more Swedish machines:
https://hagforstorget.se/inventarier_oc ... _220_telex

https://digitaltmuseum.se/021026361728/telexapparat

I will look into the Swedish telex network standard, if I can find it, to figure out how to connect it...

[DF3OE]

If the grey cable on the left hand side going upwards is for the outgoing connection, it looks
very much like a tone frequency board, assumingly V.21 standard.

[hadoque]

So, can I connect it to the signal lines of a v.21 modem?

[DF3OE]

Genrally yes. The machine should work in answer mode. What type of plug connector is installed at the machine?
If it is a ADo8 standard, connection to the line is 1 and 4 of the plug.

Telex works 5-bit, 50 baud.

[hadoque]

Great, it's a ADo8 connector. I will try to get hold of an old modem to experiment with.

[DF3OE]

But I tell you, almost ALL old V.21 do not work below 300 baud anymore, from own experience..
But give it a try.

[hadoque]

Thanks for the tips. If I get anywhere, I’ll document it, since the machine is so rare...

[hadoque]

How would you go about testing the functionality of a machine like this one?