Wireless of the Week - week 41

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Perhaps the most widely used Commonwealth set, second only to the No.19, was the Wireless Set No.22. In many respects it was very similar to the 19 set but without the second, short range B set or intercom for tank use. Because of this similarity, its size, characteristics and, most importantly how to operate it, meant signallers could move between the two sets with little difficulty.

Developed by Pye Radio in 1941, the Wireless Set No.22 was primarily a vehicle radio but designed so it could be quickly removed and operated as a ground station. In practice it fulfilled both these roles and others as diverse as being packed on mules and in light observer aircraft. It was dropped in canisters with airborne troops and wheeled ashore at Dieppe and Normandy in specialized frame ‘baby carriages’. Frequency range was 2 to 8 MHz in two bands just as the 19 set was and it similarly included ‘red’ and ‘blue’ flick position preset channels. The set could operate voice up to 10 miles and CW and MCW (morse) up to 20 miles.

The sender receiver was in a case similar to the 19 set except that it had provision for a harness to carry it as a man pack load similar to the portable No.18 set. It was 17-1/2” wide, 8-1/2” tall, 12-1/2” deep (less the harness) and weighed 36 1/2 pounds. The No.4 Supply Unit ran off a 12V DC power source, usually a pair of 6V batteries in series. It was 7” wide, 8-1/2” tall, 12-1/2” deep (again without its harness) and weighed 21 lbs. While in a vehicle, the set and supply unit sat in a metal frame with a spring loaded quick release strap. When removed it could be carried as a three man load: the set, the supply unit and a pair of batteries. A ‘snatch plug’ lead connected the set to the supply unit and two additional snatch plugs on the face of the set were used to attach headsets. The aerial tuner, fulfilling the same role as the 19 set variometer, was internal and located on the left side of the 22 set sender receiver. Various horizontal and vertical aerials were used and the set could be operated remotely with Remote Control Units F, No.1 and No.2.

Australia built their own version of the 22 set and a later No.122. Canada never did, though its Amplified 19 set equipment could be used with the No.22 as in photograph 5. A British Wireless Set No.22 Mk.II was developed in 1944 that eventually became the Wireless Set No.62.

The 22 set featured here dates probably from 1943 and still has its harness and belt for being carried as a man pack set. The No.4 Mk.IIT Supply Unit is topicalized as indicated by the yellow “T” painted in its face.

I would be very interested in finding a base for this set if anyone knows where one might be had.