Apollo 13 Movie - Receiver

[daren77]

I just watched Apollo 13 and noticed that in the scene where Jim Lovell's wife is in her bedroom she is listening to NASA communications on what appears to be a "NASA" receiver of some sort.

I'm just wondering. Was this a legitimate device or a movie prop to bump up the drama? If it IS real... was this a device available to the public at the time or something given to NASA employees or families?

 

[kf8yk]

It's legit, NASA mission control audio delivered by a leased telephone line installed in the astronauts home.

The real squawk box monitor appears to be a standard ma bell/western electric speaker phone attachment.

Google 'NASA squawk box' for more info & history.

 

[markandjere]

I had wondered that same thing daren.........

 

[rfradioconsult]

It's legit, NASA mission control audio delivered by a leased telephone line installed in the astronauts home.

The real squawk box monitor appears to be a standard ma bell/western electric speaker phone attachment.

Google 'NASA squawk box' for more info & history.

The "speaker" in question was not a Bell or WE product but an off the shelf Radio Shack communications speaker from the mid 70's.

1975 Radio Shack Catalog High-res page 136 of 166

 

[kf8yk]

The "speaker" in question was not a Bell or WE product but an off the shelf Radio Shack communications speaker from the mid 70's.

1975 Radio Shack Catalog High-res page 136 of 166

I was referring to the photo of the real Mrs. Lovell using what appears to be an AT&T/WE model 107A amplifier/speaker

Spokesman 107A Ampl/Mixer Western Electric Company Inc.; New