Buttinski Test Telephone: Manual

As a Telstra Technician, the butt is a tool used daily for cooper faults e.g PTSN & ADSL. Like most tools and equipment issued to me, I get it out of the packaging and throw out the manuals.

When I first started at Telstra, we had a CT do a quick take 5 on the Buttinski and how to set up quick dial and common numbers used. Then it just worked for the next 6+ years.

I recently changed by butt to one which was not programmed with memory settings and quickly worked out that there is no spare manuals laying around and they are extremely hard to find online. I have been left with just dialling the numbers in full and not using the tool to its full potential. Until I discovered an old manual left in one of our rural exchanges.

If you have been stuck in a similar position...hopefully this will help!

Download the manual at the bottom of the page. 👍

What is a Buttinski Test Telephone?

A Buttinski Test Telephone, commonly known as a "butt set" or "lineman's handset" is a handheld device used by telephone line technicians to test and monitor telephone lines.

Key Features and Functions:

Connectivity:

• Alligator Clips: Allows connection to telephone wires.
• RJ11 Connector: Standard telephone plug for connecting to phone jacks.

Dialling Capabilities:

• Functions as a traditional telephone, enabling the user to dial out to test line connectivity and quality.

Monitoring:

• Monitor Mode: Enables listening to line activity without interfering with the line.
• Talk Mode: Allows conversation over the line when connected.

Line Testing:

• Can detect dial tone, confirm line voltage, and identify other line conditions.

Rugged Design:

• Durable and portable, built to withstand field conditions.

Common Uses:

• Installation: Verify and test new phone line installations.
• Maintenance: Diagnose issues, such as identifying breaks or shorts in the line.
• Troubleshooting: Determine the source of noise or connection problems on the line.

Usage Example:

A technician might use a butt set to connect to a phone line at a junction box. By switching the device to monitor mode, the technician can listen to the line without disrupting ongoing calls. If a problem is detected, they can switch to talk mode to further diagnose the issue or communicate with another technician.

How to add numbers to memory?

Here is a quick guide to program quick dial numbers on your Buttinski.

Storing numbers in memory:

1. Enter TALK mode.
2. Press STO to enter STORE mode.
3. Press MEM.
4. Select the number you wish to use (0-9).
5. Enter the number you want stored.
6. Press STO to store.

Repeat to add more numbers to memory.

Dial a stored number from memory:

1. Connect to a line.
2. Press TALK.
3. Press MEM.
4. Press the number which you programmed (0-9).

More options can be found on the manual below. Cheers.

Handy Numbers

Recall Line Number: 127 22 123

Recall Private Line Number: 1832 127 22 123

Download the Manual