Wireless Set 19

[Ron Pier]

As it has been explained to me. You need a Ham Radio Licence to transmit with a WS19. More involved than you might think??
My WS19 used to be in the back of my Morris. I was at a show in Poole some years ago and as mine is still able to transmit. I was talking (on the B set) to my mate in his Dingo who was parked next to me. An old Radio Ham guy got talking to us. He explained that the B set has a very short range horizontally...But vertically it could reach a Jumbo Jet...OOPS! Name withheld

[Jordan Baker]

Bruce Parker has got all the info/paper work for outfitting a Carrier Mk1* with a WS19. He sent me a copy of it all a few years ago. Perhaps check with him.

I Canada you need a license as well to transmit.

One word of caution though. As much as I'd love my WS19 to work in the carrier I wouldn't fell to safe using it at an event. The amount of power going to the antenna is huge and it would be so easy for someone to come up beside the carrier and grab onto it and be touching the hull and grounded all at the same time. Im quite happy having it just sit there for people to look at.

[Neil Ashley]

Providing you have no intention of operating the Radio the chances of ever being challenged over the possession of a working radio set are extremely rare. I have never heard of it happening.

The Amateur Radio Society (or similar name) do courses where you can obtain the basic foundation licence for legal operation. I did mine over a weekend some years ago.

A Mobile Phone will provide a far more reliable method of communication.

[RichardT10829]

hahahahaha indeed but less nostalgic.... unless you use an old motorola brick with rubber antenna i would hate to think of someone grabbing the antenna on a carrier if they didnt get fragged they would have a nasty RF burn i would think.

none working it will be then. thanks for posting up guys..... if anyone wishes to showcase they're sets please do, its always interesting to see how people have done it..

Richie

[Bruce MacMillan]

Your basic kit would depend upon the year you are representing. The MKIIIs were introduced in spring of 1943. In early July, 1943, there was a demand released for over 600 MKIII units for use with carriers.

Installations came as two kits. There was the basic set which included radio,power supply, some antennas, variometer, spares kits, etc.

An installation kit was then ordered for the type of vehicle. This included cables & mounting hardware unique to that vehicle.

The photos are the basic kit, carrier installation kit & part numbers.

[Neil Ashley]

Obviously the number of Carriers actually fitted with wireless at this stage would have been extremely limited so the choice is yours whether to fit.

Don't forget the Chorehorse Generator necessary to charge the batteries.

[Dave Page]

Hi Guys,
you will only get an RF burn while the WS19 is transmitting (TX) unless you have an X.5,5KV MkII Condenser fitted, which has stored the charge from TX. Removing the 500v fuse will disable the TX side of the WS while still allowing RX. If you are convinced that the shock from the 'A' aerial will be something you will just shake off, bear in mind that on TX, with PA and Vario tuned just right, a 110v 40 watt light bulb used as a dummy load will glow.

Laws vary so you may want to check; I believe in the UK -mere- possession of the parts is enough to get you in a lot of trouble should the plod not like your face.

As for the 'B' set, while it may be a very low powered AM set (.4 watts) it also radiates on FM. I tested my set out to 100 yards, and picked the signal up on a Sony "Watchman", which is an FM receiver. This was not done at a show; one doesn't want to temp fate. Caution is the watchword.
Cheers,
Dave

[tankbarrell]

Originally Posted by Dave Page

Laws vary so you may want to check; I believe in the UK -mere- possession of the parts is enough to get you in a lot of trouble should the plod not like your face.
Cheers,
Dave

No, it's been confirmed recently on the 19 set group that there is no problem with possession, it's transmitting or an intention to do so that will get you in trouble.

[Bruce MacMillan]

I can't say what laws are still on the books in England but here in Canada it is still unlawful to possess a transmitter unless you are duly licensed. From our Radio Act R2, Section 4 - prohibitions:

(1) No person shall, except under and in accordance with a radio authorization, install, operate or possess radio apparatus, other than
(a) radio apparatus exempted by or under regulations made under paragraph 6(1)(m); or
(b) radio apparatus that is capable only of the reception of broadcasting and that is not a distribution undertaking.

Having said that I feel the feds have no money, time, or inclination to pursue people unless they are causing interference. Like many laws here that are still on the books, it's one of those just-in-case things.

What "is capable" is up to interpretation as well. Some people think pulling the fuse or output tube is sufficient however the set may be capable of transmitting by replacing the item. Where's a lawyer when you need one.