Working with Wireless/Radio Equipment

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Thanks for that Dave. I'd like to throw out another angle to it. An operating wireless set in the back of a well restored MV marked and kitted out correctly, then crewed with period looking signalers is a living time capsule. However a good number of us are really only interested in one of those three aspects, maybe even two but all three takes some special kind of commitment.

But let's say that's where you want to go. First question, how many times do you get to show off the whole package? Probably not many times a year, and every time involves putting it all together and the inevitable wear and tear. If keeping it complete for your own enjoyment (pick me!!) it still requires either leaving the wireless set in the vehicle where most likely it will suffer moisture and cold in the garage. Or you could take it in and out before each show which is a ton of work and not great on those 75 year old connectors.

I have in the past had the most gratifying experience operating 19 sets in my UC and Fox but have now settled for non-operating, cosmetic sets in the vehicles and my runners safely inside. Now if I had indoor climate controlled storage I may revisit...

[David Dunlop]

I agree whole heartedly the advantages of climate controlled vehicle storage is a huge plus in keeping most wireless sets installed in vehicles healthy. Even the vehicles themselves can be at risk to some degree otherwise these days it seems, Bruce.

You are right, the events one can take advantage of these days are few. Bigger consideration for me, is my reenactment days are long gone, unless there is a Home Guard group hiding somewhere I do not know of. Not sure they make Pattern 37 belts in my size. I now have a new and growing appreciation for suspenders. I even wonder if the Home Guard even used wireless. Hhmmm?

On the bright side, many of the Wireless and FFW vehicles were specifically designed for quick and simple removal of the wireless set. These would be great for infrequent trips to events, even if two live bodies are needed to get the set in and out of the vehicle. Definitely not a great option for other vehicles where the wireless is pretty much ‘hard wired in’ as you pointed out.

The really encouraging thing is the possibility of a growing crossover of interest between working military vehicles and their related wireless kit. Even if the set in your vehicle at a show is not running, if you have a working set at home you are familiar with, you can field questions much more effectively at an event and avoid that ‘deer in headlights look’ when asked a question. That sort of feeds back to Harry a bit and his interest in the 19-Set in its own right.

Would also be kind of fun to have enough working WW2 Wireless Equipment out there again to set up more local and regional Nets, R/T as well as CW. Now if we could only find the sister transmitter to the one they used for Hydra at Camp X.


David

[Harry Moon]

well I hope I do connect with someone local and spark some interest. a couple other topics raised about storage. While I live in a relativly mild climate and on high ground away from little creeks that lately haven't stayed little, it can be moist, so for most of the years I've had the trucks stored outside, canvased and trapped, i put a small electric heater in and keep it running on a low setting. I can emediatly tell if I've unplugged it when i climb in so making sure they are running is a regular checkup along with secure tarps. this will be the first year with the radio and equipment left in the truck but with the small bit of insulation a canvas tarp with a poly tarp over top it should stay relatively dry inside.
also we are very fortunate that we have worked together with a fairly large and dedicated group of young men with VEMRA, Victoria Esquimalt Military Reenactors association, who put together some excellent kit and are keen to participate and perhaps a radio restoration operation would fit in with their limited means and space.

[David Dunlop]

If you Google the Salt Spring Island Amateur Radio Club, Harry, they have a list of all the Amateur Radio Clubs in BC on their site. That might be of help to you finding somebody local who can help you out.

We have a greater weather extreme in these parts, Harry, but I have found it pays to be wary here with synthetic tarps covering things in the spring. The ground starts to heat and the humidity rises up under the tarp only to pool at the high points where the air is cooler. Our glass top patio table, which is wide open underneath does it every year. The moisture drips off the bottom of the glass until the sun is high enough up to heat the glass and burn the condensation off. The fussy lined vinyl cover on our AC compressor does the same thing and is soaked inside at the top each year when we remove it.

David

[Harry Moon]

I always keep my eye out for a couple of days of dry weather and pull the tarps back, I'm still struggling getting the one dry to my satisfaction after remembrance day soaking.

[Bruce MacMillan]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

You are right, the events one can take advantage of these days are few. Bigger consideration for me, is my reenactment days are long gone, unless there is a Home Guard group hiding somewhere I do not know of. Not sure they make Pattern 37 belts in my size. I now have a new and growing appreciation for suspenders. I even wonder if the Home Guard even used wireless. Hhmmm?

David

I'm sure they can find something in your size
https://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/shop-r...-army.html?p=1

As to wireless it was probably a mixture of whatever they could get. In the beginning the Home Guard was at the bottom of the food chain. They were even issued with pike poles. I do have one document from the UK War Office in 1944 stating the Guard was issued with the Canadian WS58.