Wireless Set No. 52 Canadian - Project

[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.