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Motorola Cellular Telephone Transmitter

Specifications

Motorola Cellular Telephone Transmitter

Category

Communication

Classification

CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Communication - Telecommunication T&E - Telecommunication Devices - Transmitter

Object Origin
Manufacturer:

Motorola, Inc.

Date Manufactured:

1983

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Black rectangular telephone transmitter with a metal shell. Object sits horizontally. In the lower right hand corner of the top face is a black sticker with the Motorola logo in white and "MOTOROLA / DYNA T-A-C" in blue and white text. The front face of the transmitter has a silver circular outlet on the far left side. Next to the outlet is a silver keyhole. To the right of the keyhole is a recessed rectangular shape with white text inside. To th...

Materials:

plastic

metal

Marks: "Model No. F19ATA8822AE / Serial No. 289CHS0063 / Pri Pwr +12VDC Neg Gnd / FCC ID: ABZ89FT5612 / Motorola Inc. / Mfd in U.S.A."

Measurements: Object:
    Height: 2.5 in, Width: 9.875 in, Depth: 9.25 in
    Weight: 8.8 lbs

Credit

Gift of David Meilahn, 1997.18b

Display Status

Not On View

Motorola Cellular Telephone Transmitter

About: Motorola Cellular Telephone Transmitter

About: Motorola Cellular Telephone Transmitter

On October 13, 1983, Illinois Bell (later Ameritech) in Chicago hosted a unique car race to test the first-ever cellular telephone in real-world conditions (nicknamed “The Great Cellular Race”). The race involved 14 cars equipped with new cellular phones, which were groundbreaking technology at the time. The goal was to demonstrate the reliability and practicality of cellular communication while showcasing its potential for future use in cars. The race's winner would be determined not just by speed, but by how effectively the drivers could use the new cellular phones during the race. The race was won by Elmhurst insurance agent, David Meilahn who made the first ever commercial call to his wife. In 1997, he donated this original mobile phone to the Museum. The race was a significant moment in both the history of telecommunications and the auto industry, as it marked the early integration of mobile communication into everyday life, setting the stage for the widespread use of cellular phones in cars.

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Copyright information

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