Wireless of the Week - week 52

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

I said at the start I’d go until I ran out of radios, and with this week’s installment, I have. I began with a venerable 19 set and will finish with one.

This last week’s feature is a Canadian Wireless Set No.19 Mk.III on a wooden Carrier No.23. The features of the 19 set are by now familiar: 2 to 8 MHz A set with an 8 to 10 mile range, 229 to 241 MHz B set with a 1000 yard range, an intercom and two pre-set ‘flick’ positions. This particular set was made by Northern Electric in 1944.

The 19 Mk.III is the culmination of wartime improvements. It had slow motion control for tuning, improved netting, the ability to independently switch on and off the A, B and IC functions and a 12/24V No.2 Power Supply Unit that operated a rotary transformer as well as a vibrator for lower power consumption and less noise. Bilingual Russian/English face markings were standard though these were often replaced by English only lettering on post war rebuilt sets. Another post war modification was the removal of the plastic clock case on the Supply Unit. This was reputedly because a Signals Warrant Officer became fed up with the sloppy appearance of these as they became chipped and broken so ordered their outright removal. No matter, by that time all the actual time pieces had already been pilfered for personal use.

The wooden carrier with its waterproof cover was versatile allowing the set to be used as a ground station or, with quick release Mounts No.1, as a vehicle station and quickly moved between the two. Its wooden handles allowed the set to be easily carried by two men and the protective face guard protected it from damage. Everything including the variometer, No.3A or 3B Control Unit and power cable was attached so it only required hooking up batteries, aerials and headsets to get it going. The set on its carrier was 37” wide, 11” tall, 14” deep and weighed 105 lbs.

Next week I will post an index of the communication equipment I have presented to help find items of interest should you ever wish to revisit them.

[Grant Bowker]

I've just noticed.... The grille guarding the front of your 19 set has 6 vertical bars if I can count straight. The one I'm copying that Bob Carriere owns has 7. I believe the one you showed in week 1 is the 7 bar variant. Does anyone know the reason for the difference and is there a early/late, truck /armored vehicle or other divide to say which grille is appropriate for what?

[David Dunlop]

There are 7 bars present, Grant. The extreme right (end bar) is hiding behind the canvas corner flap. You can just make out the curve of it running above the wood board.

David

[Grant Bowker]

True, thank you. This is a case of I'm very happy to have been wrong.
I started off thinking "wonderful, I have a pattern to work from" and then was starting to be scared I needed to do more research before going forward from bending parts to jigging and assembly.

[Johnny Canuck]

Look closely, not a variant, 7th is behind the canvas on the right hand side.

Geoff

[JRRDixon]

Just a quick question. I have a 19 set mkII, with power supply and variometer.
I am interested in the junction box. Could you post a better picture of it please?
and the wooden mounting board if you could? I would be interested in seeing if I could make one for mine.

Thanks.
Jason

[Jon Skagfeld]

Wow!

Who would have thought that "old" radios/comms equipment of a certain era could take a year to demonstrate/display/explain?

Good job Bruce. Many thanks.

Looking forward to the index so I can file it away in my favourites for future reference.

[benamucke]

Shucks was waiting for a write up and pictures for the R107 Reception set. Never the less You did a wonderful job.
Ben in Toronto

[benamucke]

Originally Posted by Jon Skagfeld

Wow!

Who would have thought that "old" radios/comms equipment of a certain era could take a year to demonstrate/display/explain?

Good job Bruce. Many thanks.

Looking forward to the index so I can file it away in my favourites for future reference.

Sorry no measurement but have two picturesBase No 3 (1).jpg

Base No 3 (2).jpg