soundpowered

Soundpowered refers to a type of telephone system that operates without an external electrical power source. These devices, often seen in older industrial settings or as novelty items, use the energy of the user's voice to transmit sound. The basic principle involves a diaphragm that vibrates when spoken into, which in turn moves a permanent magnet. This movement generates a small electrical current in a coil of wire. This current is then sent along the connecting wires to the other handset, where it causes another diaphragm to vibrate, reproducing the sound. The sound quality is generally lower than that of modern powered telephones, and the range is limited. Soundpowered telephones are typically designed for short-distance communication. They are robust and reliable, making them suitable for environments where power outages are a concern or where electrical interference could be an issue. While largely superseded by electronic telephones, they remain in use in specific niche applications and are often collected as vintage communication devices.