Wireless Set No. 52 Canadian - Project

[David Dunlop]

While getting into this part of the project, my brain apparently morphed totally into the model hobby world. I was chatting with a friend last evening about my concern in getting the decals to fit smoothly over the paint pads and blend in. The Micro Set product apparently does a pretty good job of doing this in most situations but according to what I have been reading, if one is dealing with a very complex surface, it is best to add a second step to the decal mounting process by giving them a coat of Micro Sol which really gets the decal to blend onto the surface it was applied to. This product seems to be a bit of an aggressive one to work with, for lack of a better term.

My friend calmly advised I step back a bit and realize I am not applying decals to a model at all, where making them look less like a stuck on item and more like a full scale paint applied item is absolutely not important.

For a wireless restoration, the point is actually replicating decals that everybody and their dogs know are simply decals. They are supposed to look like decals if done properly. The only other consideration is that like the original decals, they need an overcoat of something clear to protect them from unnecessary damage. When I took another look at all the decals on my wireless equipment, that point really struck home. They all look exactly like decals, just as they should be.

So no more overthinking this. Just a bit more time and careful work.


David

[David Dunlop]

In retrospect, I overthought this decal work way too much.

I set some time aside earlier today to trim the two decals needed for the Coil assembly front panel and organize ll the tools etc I would need on my bench to get the job done. As I got into it, all the learning from model work 50 years ago came flooding back like the last decals were worked on yesterday. The only two real differences were hand cutting the decals to size and the added step of MICRO SET. and it all worked.

The decals look terrific finally in place and most important they work: glowing the correct luminous green in the dark. I will have to wait a bit to prove that last point. My Canon DSLR has been acting up lately when it comes to "BULB" Time Exposures. One day it works and two days later with the same setup, I get nothing at ll.

I will be letting the decals cure for the recommended 24 hours and then do a top coat over them of satin clear coat.


David

[David Dunlop]

This amazing piece of equipment arrived safe and sound in this mornings Post, complete with its cotton bag of mounting hardware. Its a heck of a lot larger and heavier than I expected. I have only ever seen photographs of one in various wireless manuals over the years with absolutely no reference of scale to go by.

A number of interesting questions have arisen since its arrival, however.

I know production of this item did not start in Canada until sometime in 1941 and it was probably a direct copy of the British version. I have only ever seen photos of Canadian ones made by RCA Canada Limited and either bearing no date, or any of 1942 to 1944. This one is dated 1944, which ties in nicely with my 52-Set, but it was manufactured by Rogers Majestic Limited, which I believe was based in Montreal. It shows a Product Code of “R M SA 3897” and a Serial Number “C253”. So the first question is whether Rogers Majestic was brought onboard to augment the production of these switchboards, or did they take over completely from RCA Canada to allow them to focus on other wartime production?

Second puzzle is this switchboard is identified as:

SW/BD CHARGING NO5C MK I

I never knew a Mk I ever existed until now and am now wondering what exactly changed in the design to warrant the Mk I status?

The other interesting bits are a 1/4-inch C-Broad Arrow stamp and possible part number stamp for the wooden frame on the lower right mounting post and the larger 3/4-inch C-BroadArrow stamp on the centre bottom of the wooden frame.

There is the remains of a piece of tape that was once over the ID info for the two Charger No. 2 terminals on the lower right and the panel markings areall stencils in either white or yellow paint. The yellow seems to focus on the four main switches, the rest being white.

Lastly, the cotton bag for the mounting hardware was made by The Canadian Bag Company Limited in Montreal.


David

[David Dunlop]

Last evening, I did a quick test on the glue residue left on the lower right side of the front panel and it look like it will remove OK with a little careful work and soaking with a glue solvent I have on hand.

I also started some online research on anything I could find about these switchboards, and in particular anything about the MK I Model. Surprisingly, I got a hit from the MLU Forum regarding the Week 37 Wireless of the Week Series Bruce Parker had put together several years ago. Week 37 covered the Switchboard Charging 5C Canadian and in it was a post from Jordan Baker who had run across a photo of a 5C MK I, Serial Number C183, also a 1944 product of Rogers Majestic. The comments back then suggest this variation was intended for the 19-Set HP and the 52-Set as both were rather power hungry wireless sets, and it was noted a new inboard pair of terminal posts were added on the upper portion of each side. The left set are marked, BATT, NO 1, CHARGE. The pair on the right BATT, NO 2, CHARGE. Upon a closer inspection of my switchboard, I now noticed where these additions were located, but the upper terminal post on each side is missing. Clearly the next step will have to be removing the plywood rear cover to see what has been going on with the wiring. I am hoping the terminals were simply removed, but not the related wiring.

In the meantime, I remember a Forum Member a few years back was parting out a Switchboard Charging 5C. If anyone has one being parted out, please get in touch with me. I suspect even a British one will have identical terminal post assemblies.

Be nice to confirm exactly why these two new sets of terminal posts were added and how they function. I have seen wiring diagrams for the original version of these switchboards, so there must also be ones issued for the 5C MK I.


David

[Chris Suslowicz]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

Last evening, I did a quick test on the glue residue left on the lower right side of the front panel and it look like it will remove OK with a little careful work and soaking with a glue solvent I have on hand.

I also started some online research on anything I could find about these switchboards, and in particular anything about the MK I Model. Surprisingly, I got a hit from the MLU Forum regarding the Week 37 Wireless of the Week Series Bruce Parker had put together several years ago. Week 37 covered the Switchboard Charging 5C Canadian and in it was a post from Jordan Baker who had run across a photo of a 5C MK I, Serial Number C183, also a 1944 product of Rogers Majestic. The comments back then suggest this variation was intended for the 19-Set HP and the 52-Set as both were rather power hungry wireless sets, and it was noted a new inboard pair of terminal posts were added on the upper portion of each side. The left set are marked, BATT, NO 1, CHARGE. The pair on the right BATT, NO 2, CHARGE. Upon a closer inspection of my switchboard, I now noticed where these additions were located, but the upper terminal post on each side is missing.

I suspect they were never installed. There are differences between your switchboard and the ones I've seen and yours appears to be for field use with two charging sets, rather than permanently installed in a wireless vehicle.

Clearly the next step will have to be removing the plywood rear cover to see what has been going on with the wiring. I am hoping the terminals were simply removed, but not the related wiring.

It looks as though the positive terminals for the charging (independent of the switch settings) were deleted, and the board re-marked for two charging sets rather than a single charging set when static and "Vehicle Dynamo" on the move.

None of the switchboards I have seen have a rear plywood cover - an indication that they were fitted to a vehicle with non-conducting walls perhaps, whereas this one was for use on the ground and stray bits of metal might short it out if it was unprotected?

In the meantime, I remember a Forum Member a few years back was parting out a Switchboard Charging 5C. If anyone has one being parted out, please get in touch with me. I suspect even a British one will have identical terminal post assemblies.

Almost certainly the same.

Be nice to confirm exactly why these two new sets of terminal posts were added and how they function.

My guess is they are simply wired in parallel with the battery terminals, and the positive terminals were removed (For safety?) when the design was adapted for use out of the vehicle.

I have seen wiring diagrams for the original version of these switchboards, so there must also be ones issued for the 5C MK I.

Optimist!

Best regards,
Chris.

p.s. Now I know what those bits of mounting hardware are for (and need to get some) - they probably fitted to the underside of the radio table (or to the vehicle wall) so that the "spare" switchboard could be stored out of the way when not required. (The vehicle one would be permanently wired in.)

[David Dunlop]

And the plating of hardware and reassembly begins.

Just the two easy parts back on so far but already I have discovered the need to carefully ream out excess paint from all the hardware holes before reinstallation of parts, especially the smaller items. This hardware is all brass and the smaller it is, the more likely I will damage the hardware trying to force it though holes clogged with excess paint. Drill bits work very well at this.

Also was able to get a short time exposure shot of the two new decals on the front panel glowing in the dark.


David

[David Dunlop]

I was able to get a few more pieces for the front panel zinc plated today. Hoping to get at least one put back tomorrow.


David

[Chris Suslowicz]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

A number of interesting questions have arisen since its arrival, however.

I know production of this item did not start in Canada until sometime in 1941 and it was probably a direct copy of the British version. I have only ever seen photos of Canadian ones made by RCA Canada Limited and either bearing no date, or any of 1942 to 1944. This one is dated 1944, which ties in nicely with my 52-Set, but it was manufactured by Rogers Majestic Limited, which I believe was based in Montreal. It shows a Product Code of “R M SA 3897” and a Serial Number “C253”.

Is that SA (Sierra Alfa) or 5A (Five Alfa)?

5A is the Air Ministry stores code for "Electrical, Ground Lighting".

Second puzzle is this switchboard is identified as:

SW/BD CHARGING NO5C MK I

I never knew a Mk I ever existed until now and am now wondering what exactly changed in the design to warrant the Mk I status?
David

"Mk 1" is very rarely seen, because it's the original version of something. Later versions would be identified as Mk.2, Mk.3, etc. and there's the additional "*" marking indicating that an official modification has been applied, (as opposed to major changes or a redesign) e.g. Telephone Sets D Mark V* (or 5*), the * indicating the removal of the headband earpiece (and shorting of the "Phones" terminals) because they had switched to magneto signalling and the operator didn't need to wear a headset to hear the buzzer call.

I wonder if the "Mk 1" is a late-WW2 production of the original design, and that's why it has a plywood back cover and the extra terminals - they used the original drawings and not a later simplified (to ease production and cut costs by removing unnecessary features) version.

If I can fight my way into the shed I'll see what markings are on mine.

(I think that one has been repurposed as a switchboard for a workshop or caravan: all the charging terminals have been disconnected or removed, and the only terminals still connected are "Battery 2" "12V Output" and "Internal Lighting", the last being controlled by the switch at top right. Presumably the battery was removed for charging and there is only one battery?)

Whoops! (From a restoration thread in the HMVF forums...)

ZB/CAN/BR 0183

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Chris.

[David Dunlop]

Not bad news at all, Chris. Surviving documentation on this product is so slim today, every bit of information is useful.

I rechecked the front panel ID on this Switchboard and can confirm the Product Code is Definitely R M Sierra Alpha 3897.

That rear view shot of the wiring will be very helpful. I have a friend in Steinbach taking photos of his as well for me to reference. First glance comparison to the wiring remaining in mine suggests what is still there has been significantly relocated. I will have to test what is still there to see if it makes any sense at all. I see at least one red lead going to a negative terminal so I will need to tread carefully. At this point, I cannot see a drastic rework of the wiring simply to add in two new sets of terminals. What was real may be fully bodged at this point.

My goal, pending discovery of MK I documentation, will be to simply mirror wiring of a basic 5C Switchboard into this one and leave the two sets of additional terminals on the Mk I empty until how they were originally integrated can be confirmed. Need to find two extra terminals for that detail in any event, but it should be doable.


David

[David Dunlop]

It seems that productive work on the 52-Set is going to be hung up for a bit. I have found components on several fronts of the project that require replacement and need to be ordered. However, the ongoing issues with the Canada Post system have effectively shut down that service globally and I already have some items trapped in that system for several weeks.

So, back to basic research.

While working on the Switchboard, Charging No. 5C Mk I, I ended up going to a section of the F 526 Identification List for the 52-Set I had never closely looked at before now. This was the few pages for the Switchboard and I discovered these pages were part of an Issue 3 for the F 526 that was published 02 June 1953. This revealed several interesting facts about Canadian Switchboards, Charging.

First off, I had always seen references to the fact the four switches on the British Switchboards were larger than the ones used in Canadian Production and used pressed steel switch covers, whereas the smaller, Canadian switches used Bakelite covers. Page 151 of Issue 3 of F 526 lists both black phenolic (Bakelite) covers and pressed steel as being available in the Supply System for the Canadian made Switchboards.

The second tidbit of new information was the original manufacturer of both the switch covers, and the complete switches, was identified by the abbreviation “AH&H”, along with their own part numbers for this equipment. It took a little extra digging but “AH&H” turns out to be the Arrow-Hart & Hegeman Electrical Company that was formed in 1927 in Hartford, Connecticut by the merger of Arrow Electric Co. and the Hart & Hegeman Manufacturing Company. At some point AH&H was absorbed by Cooper Industries, who in turn are now part of a global complex called EATON.

So although the Canadian switches are smaller than the British ones, it is quite possible to run across a Canadian made board with either Bakelite, or pressed steel, covers. Either will be correct.


David

[David Dunlop]

I discovered this morning that Lee Valley Tools had opened a shop in Northwest Winnipeg and they happened to carry 10-packs of brass, #6 1-1/4 inch, countersunk, slot head wood screws, so off I went and purchased a pack, all in with taxes for $4.03 Cdn.

That just left blending them in with the factory originals which were black adonized finish. As it turned out, I had a can of satin black rust proof paint on hand and a quick light coat of this dried as an excellent match to the originals.

In the attached photo, the two new screws are located at the top, second from the right and the extreme right at the bottom.



David