I built an intercom from vintage rotary phones!

We're making an intercom system from two Soviet-era rotary phones (model ТА-68)! This episode also features a visit to the Eliava market in Tbilisi, and a look behind the scenes at Mariam's Computer Repair!
Support us on Patreon with a $3 contribution!
/ workshopnation
Download my schematics for this circuit:
drive.google.c...
Featured tools:
Brymen BM235 Multimeter: amzn.to/3Wk5s22
Ferrule Crimping Tool Kit: amzn.to/3hbu64I
Elenco Hook Up Wire Kit: amzn.to/3DSArYH
Wiha ratchet bit set: amzn.to/3IKZS1X
Deoxit contact cleaner: amzn.to/3IO2pIz
Wire strippers: amzn.to/3m31cn9
Solder: amzn.to/3GFXAiF
Amtech flux: amzn.to/3DSLbGo
Solder iron tip cleaner: amzn.to/31TjH6w
Production tools:
Sony A7Siii (main camera): amzn.to/3pWAeyM
Samsung S10 Plus (overhead camera): amzn.to/3ET8H7u
Aperture 300D Mk II COB light: amzn.to/3T0B5e8
Sennheiser wireless lav mic: amzn.to/3IK0YuS
C-stand: amzn.to/3GKMfxM
Be sure to check out our retro computing Instagram channel: / circuitlords
Thanks for watching!
#workshopnation #rotaryphones

[@vespaesian]

I’ve been scouring youtube for a video detailing how to build an intercom system using specifically soviet era phones for hours. Finally found this channel and I’m absolutely floored by the production quality. Everything was perfect. When I saw the number of subscribers I was shocked. I fully expected to see several million. This channel deserves far more recognition. Thank you so much for all the information. I’ll be watching on repeat till I finish my own!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you so much for watching! Let me know how the build goes, or if you have more questions!

[@Nevir202]

What on earth inspired you to do such a thing in the first place? I mean two people doing that same thing isn't THAT many, but still strange that something so obscure came up twice...

[@borninator]

My sentiments exactly. I can't reconcile the quality with the subscriber count. So grateful that Tom Scott's newsletter led me here. This is amazing.

[@ThomasBurns]

@@borninator Thanks so much for watching, Örn!

[@borninator]

@@ThomasBurns No, thank you! It pleases me so much to watch these types of videos. And thanking me with my name even, accents included! Real classy and makes me feel special. A question regarding the build, did you consider an on/off time for the AC ringing to stimulate the type of ring used by the telephone system?

[@ezyto]

sometimes the youtube algorithm does good things like recommending this channel, just awesome

[@anubhavpanda06]

Rather than being technical and dirty nerdy, you videos are so wholesome and full of life nerdy. I love them. Thank you so much sir 🙏🏼.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Anubhav!

[@santyias87]

This channel is a goldmine. I'm so glad I clicked on the link on twitter. Teaches a lot abt tech and life in a beautiful way! Look forward to seeing all your videos!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you so much for watching, and for your support!

[@dalemettee1147]

In the states, we can use 9VDC for the voice circuit. For the ringer circuit, we need 90 volts AC @ 20 hz. An unit serves this voltage.

[@_Ben_T]

Loving the production quality.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Bekar!

[@benmaxinm]

Absolutely amazing. Looks like Netflix documentary.

[@rts9862]

Beautiful video! What a wonderful project!!! It was such a pleasure getting to spend 15-20 minutes with you Thomas, as well as "meeting" your beautiful family!!! I truly enjoyed this project and seeing your passion for every facet therein, Thank You !!!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@MegaSuperCritic]

I am SO excited to watch all your existing and future content. Came over from the friendly CRT robot build. Incredible!!!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much for hanging around, and for the words of support!

[@yeraye.falcon2709]

First video of yours that I watch and I'm already addicted. I'm not a techie myself, but the quality of the production and the stories you tell are engaging. I'm looking forward for more!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Yeray!

[@mcabzas]

Thomas, this video’s got it all! Engaging! Great work.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Michelle! My kingdom for an editor like you. :)

[@slblackmamba]

I just watched every single one of your videos and i can't imagine a how perfect your contents are. In every aspect , your videos are crazy good. Content , editting , story telling and everything is just perfect. Hope to see more from you in near future. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. God bless 😍

[@wildedaveable]

Loved the video. Especially loved the end with your chandelier and friends as you spoke of in the beginning of the video, beautiful and touching. Well Done!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank so much for watching, and for the kind words!

[@waynestewart1919]

Thank you for sharing that journey. I really enjoyed the simplicity and the retro phones used in this project. I pray God's blessings on your computer shop. Something I would love to have one day.

[@ninomartinenko2071]

This was so much fun, missed my city streets driving down to Eliava 😁 loved it, interesting and entertaining, Loved seeing Khatuna and the kids too 😍

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you for watching, Nino!

[@Nyymi85]

Absolutely inspiring and stunning project. The atmosphere and feeling in your videos are superb!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much for watching, Vapaamies!

[@JohnMassaglia]

Having access to a big electronics market like that would be so fun! Thanks for the video.

[@ckovalev]

What an epic! Fantastic project, Thomas. And really well shot/edited, too!

[@mikefitzryk1871]

Nice analysis of how to make it work

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@su30mk30]

Hello. Thank you for such a fun video. That was my childhood dream, unfortunately, I had no knowledge or resources to do so. Maybe I will do it now. I remember when I saw an advertisement you were looking for old Soviet electronics to repair, I thought it was a kind of scam and someone was looking for electronics just for the gold scrapping. I am so glad I was wrong and you bring a second life to those devices.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@latterdaydad]

I'm gobsmacked by the production quality of your videos! After watching tech videos on KZbin for years, I'm almost unsure what to do by not being segued to the sponsor and not hearing the same 12 soundtracks they all use. THANK YOU for your thoughtful, unique projects, tone and especially what I can only describe as a cinematic quality so severely lacking on most of KZbin, particularly in the tech informational/educational realm. You have a new fan and I hope you get many, MANY MORE.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you so much for watching, and for the kind words of support!

[@belabertalan]

Great video and project. That large transformer looks so cool, it would deserve a transparent acrylic enclosure.

[@ThomasBurns]

A clear acrylic enclosure would have been so cool! But given the weight, it would have to be thick acrylic. Thanks for watching, Béla!

[@tscomponents33]

This video, and channel, are great and it needs more views and subs. Glad I found it.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks for watching!

[@haom95]

Great project!!!!! When I was young (probably you just surround the 50's too), I dreamed with this project. Until I went to the university to study Electronics Engineering, I faced this challenge. But I did with key telephones, using audio transformers and I felt great, when felt the ring sound.. But your project is harder, because this rotary phones needs those heavy transformers... Awesome project!!!!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Hector!

[@dheofugado2117]

I love all the choice of songs, now a subscriber. Kudos!

[@Electroarc24]

Sir... You are so professional when it comes to making videos 😉

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Electroarc24]

I'm watching it from Bangladesh....

[@davidcasanova5820]

What the fuck, this is at the level of stuff made here, practical engineering, etc, The quality, music, narrative, heck its even super interesting! KZbin recommend this Channel more and let him grow! Saludos from Spain❤

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, David! ¡Viva España!

[@itsmehans8056]

Saya dari Indonesia, saya harap channel ini bisa berkembang dengan sangat cepat🤲 Kualitas produksi konten, materi, dan informasi yang disampaikan sangat luar biasa. Saya melihat channel DIY besar lain dengan kualitas di bawah anda, sangat mudah untuk melampaui mereka💪💪

[@BenedictMario]

I love your explanations, you make them easy and fun to follow along for beginners

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Benedict!

[@dylancoppard9733]

By far the best video editing on KZbin. Worthy of big production companies

[@ThomasBurns]

Wow! Thanks for the kind words, Dylan!

[@ichbinilya]

love the chandelier subplot

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Ilya!

[@choppergirl]

My uncle had an old mechanical exchange up in the attic, that he wired all the house phones into, so you could dial an extension and ring any other rotary phone in the house. 1 for ground level, 2 for second floor, 3 for the attic third floor. If you were up in the attic and someone operated it, you could see all the rotary actions move on the mechanics to connect the call and disconnect it. And of course you could dial out on the single house line or two. So you are missing that critical part to connec them all, some mechanical exchange. By the time I got around to setting up my own similiar system, it was the 90's, and you could buy something called the RingRite which would allow 2 or 3 phone lines to share the same line, and with the multi ring tone service from the phone company, the RingRite box would capture the first ring, and depending on the ring pattern from the phone company, route the call to the right phone and subsequent rings would be heard on that phone. So basically with one phone line, you could have 3 different numbers with 3 different ring patterns, and the box would capture it and route it to the right phone in your house so everyone could have their own telephone number and never have to get called to the phone somewhere else... but still only pay for one telephone line.

[@ThomasBurns]

Oooh this is cool! That would have been a simpler solution. But not as fun to set up. :)

[@Hugatry]

The other day I was watching phone related videos, thinking about different ways I could use an old rotary phone in this day and age. I am glad I stumbled upon this video. Project as interesting, storytelling was relaxed and enjoyable, describing what you are doing in very natural way, as if we were there following your work in person. Then I watched rest of your videos and they were just as great! Excited to see what you come up with next. Good luck with all the things new job and moving brings to your life!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Hugatry! Working on the next version of the Alexatron robot now!

[@James.Bondsai]

Great video Thomas! Absolute joy to watch, and really cool that you made it work!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you!

[@kd1841]

I tried to make a similar intercom system with my kids as part of a Homeschool project. However, I only had a page or two of poorly written instructions and the project flopped. Back then KZbin was mostly cat videos, so I never used it as a school resource. Oh how I wish this video existed long ago. Oh well, nothing stopping me from trying to still make one for myself. 😂 awesome video! ❤from Texas!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, KD!

[@kaueeuripedes9482]

man i`m realy facinated with the project and the production of your content, everything is amazing, congrats!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Kaue!

[@abrahamshabatee4384]

Super cool ☎️ project ❤ Thank you for sharing kind sir.

[@ElenGlazova]

What a wonderful episode Thomas! Amazingly shot, pleasure to watch🙌🏻

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Elen!

[@weraarchanon3486]

It's great. I love your project. It's incredible but you can do it. Thank you for this video.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you for watching, Wera!

[@alyahewich3062]

Уже соскучился! У вас так мало видео... )) а вообще, очень интересная и полезная идея для частного дома. Спасибо и будьте здоровы!

[@ThomasBurns]

Спасибо что посмотрели!

[@UnwelcomeGuestVideos]

Yes yes yes yes yes. Absolutely love the use of these. Very clever AC/DC switching system.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you!

[@ajithd19]

The days of instant and fast content, I love your content it shows you are your passion in people and technology ❤🎉

[@progexmagzweihander7124]

fun build, thanks for the video

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@analogMensch]

That's farly one of the easiest way to connect two phones including ringing :) I also run some vintage rotary dial phones here at home (german W28 and FeTAp 611), but they are connected to an ond PBX, which is connected to a VOIP adapter, so I can use these phones to make calls to the outside world :) I think the problem you have with the connectors for the phones is, that they short out the upper connections on the phones on your circuit diagram. The capacitors are there to block DC current running to the relay and let AC current for ringing pass through. If you put both upper connections on the sleeve of the jacks, they short out and bypass the capacitors, so DC current can run from on side to the other. So if you pick up one phone, the relay of the other phone also will close and disconnect the ringing. Solutions for this are isolating the jacks (as yu did) or putting the positive side of the DC to the sleeve (positive ground). If you want to build this with a microcontroller, you can also use an series inline relay with DC on the phone. If you dial a number, the relay should flicker. You can sense series relay that's on for a certain amount of time as a picked up phone, and each short pulse on the relay as a number count. a certain amount of downtime on the relay can be detects as hung up phone. On german phones pulse dialing was 40/60ms per number, so I think I would try around 350ms for pick up/hung up and everything below 150ms for number pulsing.

[@ericapelz260]

Beautiful work, both he electronics and the production. Here in the States, we called this a "ring down" circuit; they were typical for field communications at football games.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks for watching, Erica! And for the kind words. :)

[@weirdARAB.]

Love the style of his videos

[@NoodleFlame]

My dad did this for my sister and I when we were younger, fun times. We could talk to each other from our bedrooms for hours on end without having to go into each other rooms, the things parents will do to stop their kids getting out of bed 😁 edit: ours were also very crackly but it just added to the experience!

[@ThomasBurns]

The true test of any cool tech should be whether children like it. :)

[@cedricwilford]

Really well done. Subscribed.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much, Cedric!

[@RafaelCardoso299]

I get lost with the technical part , but these videos are mesmerizing to watch ! Such well done video and amazing craftsmanship. Keep rocking !!!!!!!!!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Rafael!

[@ashisroy101]

Watching 2nd video of this channel. Just subscribed at 13.3K. I am telling you this channel going to sky high very soon.

[@martynehook590]

I love this so much, you're telling about five stories at once and the production is funny, technical, detailed, touching and just wonderful. I really hope you have zillions of subscribers soon, never more deserved!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much!

[@grumblepus]

You should add a momentary button to control the ring after picking up the handset, like a mine phone. That way if one gets knocked off the hook the other isn't ringing incessantly until you can hang up the other. Fantastic build! I have casually considered something like this and I love how simple your system is.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Aaron!

[@antonygreenup]

Your channel is EXCELLENT. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks for watching, Antony!

[@belaoxmyx298]

I really like the way it’s produced and how he uses recycled parts

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Bela!

[@p-niel5328]

I am a new subscriber here. I am happy that I found another YT Channel whose contents are interesting.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, and welcome!

[@go-ig1sh]

Wow! Thanks for your work

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@honda86tb]

Just found my new favorite channel

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you so much, Terry!

[@Frank-Y]

You must have a big team making this kind of video quality.

[@ThomasBurns]

Hahaha I wish! I do have a few very talented friends who are cameramen and camerawomen, and they've been very generous with their time. I couldn't have done it without them!

[@markpirola8152]

Thanks for the passion and simple repurposing of these old phones. On the schematics and metal enclosure I trust you added a nice solid earthing wire to both upper and lower lids. Also a good idea to minimise the 240 AC wiring by having the fuse and switch near the inputs to the transformers where possible. Add additional insulation over any exposed 240v.

[@amircogs]

Beautiful!!

[@l3chevalier]

This looks awesome! Nice simple invention, this is the second video I watch (watching it on lunch breaks), I don't want to watch more than 1 a day because I don't want it to end. This channel is amazing ❤🎉 very happy to have this suggested for me, I came up when watching a Adrian Digital Basement episode. Same vibe, but not so much only on computers.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much!

[@mohamedchikhaoui2463]

Such great videos. Your projects are so much fun and the production quality is pretty unmatched on KZbin. And also, a wonderful family that you've got. Hope the best for you guys

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Mohamed!

[@claytonconn-mh6ve]

Immediately subbed, dude do this as your full time job, youre damn good man 👨

[@ThomasBurns]

Hahaha I wish I could. But it’s evenings and weekends for now. Working on it!

[@RaspduinoUno]

Excellent work. Amazing video production quality as well. Well done!

[@johnterry8890]

Greetings from Texas, USA! Loving this channel. Awesome content. Thank you for sharing your work. I’m positive you will have millions of subs in the future! Have. A great day

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, John!

[@harrison2025]

Really glad i found your channel. Its a wonderful place to nerd out and your filming/editing is really well done. Please, keep it up!!

[@FabioEnrico100]

Wow I am really impressed about the quality of your videos! Good job!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Fabio!

[@eastmolman]

On the old pre rotary phones the ringer uses DC.

[@stephenjohnson5380]

very enjoyable and interesting Thomas!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Steve!

[@peterhayman]

mate youve got a real eye for production, your videos are inspiring my inner child, thank you! ♥

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Peter!

[@fmphotooffice5513]

Excellent presentation. New sub.

[@ThomasBurns]

@@fmphotooffice5513 thanks so much for your support!

[@juangrijalva7646]

Love your vids, great content. Watching from Mexico

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Juan! Viva Mexico!

[@cooIfooI]

love your music choice as well❕

[@dtriplett03]

1:00 We(You) put the Able in Feasible 😅❤

[@codingwithtd5196]

Love the videos you are doing. Thanks.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, TD!

[@ashisroy101]

So much relaxing classic cinematic beutiful ☺️🫠 video editor and camera person should be awarded 😊

[@sepitbeats]

what a fun journey

[@KyleBevis-u7j]

Your channel is amazing! I’m annoyed KZbin didn’t suggest it sooner. I’m burning through all your videos ❤

[@pavlosslavinskyi4871]

First of all respect for the technical aspect it's awesome. Production quality of the million subs channel. Secondly, I always respect Georgian people.

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Pavlos!

[@NicolasMaton]

Your channel is a gem everyone should discover

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Nicolas!

[@I000I]

5:23 - at first i thought it would be "ave Maria"! 😁 Astonishing videos you made! Those phones, chandelier, but also people and this market. Music and production. Really enjoying it! Total gem!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much for watching, and for the comment!

[@4business-englishrundown]

Very cool video! Enjoyed watching!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you!

[@BreathingAir]

Refreshing to see a channel without built-in paid sponsor reads.

[@akshay-ashok]

So glad I found this channel.

[@NoBug404]

Looks like a lovely space to be in.

[@X862go]

good job man!

[@isobelcockerell9068]

Proud of you Thomas!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Isobel!

[@liltr3w339]

I am not sure how but you became my favourite channel on yt. Actually i know why but this is hard to describe, like i have personal connection with you and your videos, something like your goals are mine as well and when i am watching i get the feeling like we have achieved the result together even i have not moved my ass of my chair :D

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you so much! This really means a lot to me. :)

[@javierdelatorrecohen784]

Thomas, I found out about your work from the robot friendly video and now you have another fan, this time from Los Angeles, California USA. I love every part of your videos, but my favorite is when you express frustration with your "argh"... :-)

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Javier!

[@rickyroy8900]

Subscribed within 2 minutes into the video

[@ThomasBurns]

Thanks so much, Ricky!

[@taiwodamilola8622]

Thanks

[@-Nobody-1]

As a radio guy my initial reaction is just use radio waves… but i really like this land line style intercom system. Its just cool… maybe cooler than a radio technology version….

[@avick718]

8:45 Twisting the stranded wire before crimping the terminal often leads to the wire falling out of the terminal. The wire is simply unscrewed from the sleeve. Crimp only the straight wire!

[@ThomasBurns]

Ah good tip-thank you!

[@durgeshgupta5157]

Very interesting and informative

[@DeepTr1p]

Tbilisi my home

[@ThomasBurns]

საქართველოს გაუმარჯოს!

[@khatunamikautadze6082]

Great job!

[@ThomasBurns]

Thank you, Khatuna!

[@davidspencer7718]

Super cool.

[@ThomasBurns]

@@davidspencer7718 Thanks for watching, David!

[@bullzebub]

i love that market! 😀

[@gregkara427]

you are gonna make me cry bro, i was born in neighboring Armenia (live in the US now) and i completely understand the courtyard vibes, keep up the great work.

[@illiadubrovin8995]

nice skills for upcoming nuclear apocalypse

[@HeatherS-vi6kp]

Omii this channel is incredible