Moore Reed Acoustic Coupler type T.C. 301/m acoustic coupler

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An acoustic coupler is a device that allows a computer to transmit data over a standard telephone line by converting digital signals into audible tones and sending them through a telephone handset's speaker and microphone. The coupler physically holds the handset in rubber cups to minimise background noise and ensure sound transmission. 

Acoustic couplers were sensitive to external noise and depended on the widespread standardisation of the dimensions of telephone handsets. Direct electrical connections to telephone networks, once they were made legal, rapidly became the preferred method of attaching modems, and the use of acoustic couplers dwindled. 

An acoustic coupler is prominently featured early in the 1983 film WarGames, when the character David Lightman (played by Matthew Broderick) places a telephone handset into the cradle of an acoustic modem. This shows how telephone lines were used at the time to connect to emerging computer networks—in this case, a military command computer.

This acoustic coupler is a Moore Reed Acoustic Coupler type T.C. 301/m with a serial number of 06213. Unfortunately, the photos don’t show the inside of the coupler box, because the foam padding has deteriorated. However, the box itself features a beautifully varnished, custom-made wooden case. This model opens by pushing in two pegs at the side, unlike the other units in our collection that have clips.

This acoustic coupler was very kindly donated by Becky Bosson.

Date : 1980

Manufacturer : Moore Reed

Physical Description : Machine

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH28748. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.
 

Scan of Document: Moore Reed Acoustic Coupler type T.C. 301/m  acoustic coupler

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