Wireless of the Week - week 1

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Starting this week and running until run out of radios, I aim to present a 'Wireless of the Week" series showcasing WW2 British and Canadian wireless sets and other communication equipment. Each post will include a general description of the equipment, when and how it was used and a few photos of it and its accessories, manuals, etc.

First up is probably the best known WW2 radio, the venerable Wireless Set No.19. This one is a Canadian made Mk.II set on a No.21 carrier in the turret of an armoured car. Although 19 sets had multiple uses, their use as a 'tank radio' is probably its best known. They came into service in 1942 and were the standard AFV radio in Commonwealth armies until the end of the war and then went on to a lengthy post war service.

The set comprises three parts:

"A" set for voice (R/T) and 'morse' (CW) communication. Range was 10 and 15 miles respectively operating on a frequency between 2 and 8 megahertz.

"B" set for voice communication between vehicles. Range was 1000 yards operating on a frequency between 229 and 241 megahertz.

"IC" intercom for voice communication over the crew's headsets. Of note, the vehicle driver's control unit could not be switched between the A, B and IC sets. He had to push a buzzer and wait for the wireless operator or commander to switch over and hear him speak.

The set operated on 12 or 24 volts set internally on the power supply unit. Spare parts and spare valves boxes were stowed in bins inside the vehicle.

Another feature was the ability to pre-select two frequencies. Red and blue 'flick' positions could be set up and tuned in advance. When required, the operator could quickly rotate the dials until they 'flicked' to the pre-set frequencies and an indicator appeared in the red or blue window to confirm them.

[peter simundson]

Nicely explained. And great photos.

Peter S

[Mike Kelly]

Excellent . Not my favourite wireless set but as there are so many 19 sets around, most collectors start off with them .

[Johnny Canuck]

Thank you Bruce for taking the time to put this together.
Much appreciated. Well thought out.

Geoff

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Just updating with these 19 Mk.II installation instructions for a Ram tank.