C42 Set Commander's Mic
 

Can anyone tell me the purpose of the two terminal bayonet socket on the side of this particular version of the C42 Set Microphone? On the outside of the socket is the ID: YA 11421. One of my two headgear assemblies has a small black rubber cap fitted to this socket to keep the elements out. This cap is missing from the mic in the photo.

I have not been able to find any reference to the use of this socket in any of the Canadian C42 Manuals.

Also, if anyone has a spare black cap for this socket laying about, please let me know.

I am thinking it may be a fitting for additional wireless equipment, or perhaps a terminal for attaching test equipment.

David

Idle thought: respirator microphone?

(Are the pins in parallel with the main microphone insert?)

Chris.

Interesting thought, Chris.

I will give the mic a poke with a meter this week and see what it tells me. That would certainly explain the rubber cap. If enough damp got in there, it could play havoc with one's comms.

David

A quick Google revealed the existence of a National Archives document on the trials of "Microphone, Respirator, No.3" in 1957. That's Larkspur era, and the WW2 microphones definitely wouldn't fit the new range. Something would be needed for non-NBC filtered vehicles at the very least.

Maybe if I manage to get to London again I'll look it up.

Chris