Wireless of the Week - week 27

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

The Wireless Set No.9 Mk.1 was developed in Canada in 1942 as an improvement and replacement for the No.9 set. It generally followed the configuration, shape and size of the No.9 but had increased range and was more compatible with aerial systems, remote control units and other wireless accessories then in use.

Similar to the No.9 set, the No.9 Mk.1 had a receiver on the left, a power unit in the centre and a sender on the right. The three units were held in an aluminum shock mounted carrier with lifting handles at either end. It was 43” wide by 13-1/4” tall by 13-3/4” deep and weighed 230 lbs. Its frequency was the same as the No.9 set: 1.87 to 5 MHz but with a greatly increased range of 25 miles R/T (voice) and 50 miles CW (morse) using a 16’ aerial. A detachable Coil, Aerial Tuning #2 was used to match the aerial to the set. The set was capable of operating on two channels ‘A’ (red) and ‘B’ (blue) and had an on-board crystal calibrator. Power was supplied by a 12 volt DC source, usually rechargeable lead acid batteries.

The No.9 Mk.1 was produced in Canada by the Canadian Marconi Company in 1943 and the face markings and name/serial number plates were water transfer decals instead of steel as a war economy measure. A stand alone receiver identical to the one in the set but in its own purpose built case was also manufactured.

While produced in reasonably large numbers and issued to Commonwealth forces fighting in Europe beginning in 1943, the set’s operational life was short as it was replaced by the even more advanced Wireless Set No.52 in 1944.