Aerial mast base

Tony Smith · #1 27-03-09, 03:13

Is the "Mushroom" Insulator ceramic or Bakelite?

Mike K · #2 27-03-09, 03:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

Is the "Mushroom" Insulator ceramic or Bakelite?

The mushroom isn't ceramic , I just had a peak at it and it looks like bakelite to me . For repro purposes , you could use wood or plastic stock even - if you know a friendly wood turner .

Mike

PS . There may have been two versions of this base . One for the 5/8" rods ( my drawing ) and one for the later thicker 7/8" rods . This is conjecture on my part , but I have seen the two different antenna rods ... its difficult to know for sure , being over 60 years later .

Lynn Eades · #3 27-03-09, 12:58

Has any one got the aerial for this base?

nigel ward · #4 28-03-09, 07:02

Hi All

Lynn- I have "D" section aerial lengths. As far as I am aware, they come in 3,4 and 6 feet sections. If your carrier has #11 radio gear I think you need 2 of the 4 feet sections and 1 of the 6 feet sections. They are about 3/4" in width. A.O.P 's than have a bag of 3 feet areials with ground spike, pegs, ropes and other items. This I have also. Some other carriers may have carried this as well. I do have a spare 6 feet section up for grabs.

There must be an aerial section about 5/8 width because the "mushroom" I have is not for the 7/8 "D" section aerial sections.

And

To answer Tony, I beleive the "mushroom" is made of "Ebonite". To me it looks like masonite underlay material that you see under vinyl floor coverings.
I only know this because Nigel Watson pointed it out to me in "wireless for the Warrior", vol1 when I was last speaking to him.

And

To cletrak- Thanx for pickiling me up on me spellin, how remis if me. I new wot I ment, but others may not off. Spelt is in the dictionery.spose its all in haw ya use it.

Kindest Regards and fondest memories

Nigel

Philliphastings · #5 28-03-09, 10:57

Hello Nigel,

Yes, I would be interested in at least one reproduction of the Ant base. for the No11 set equipped Scout Carrier.

The only original one I have ever come across was passed onto Mike K (Hello Mike) some years ago.

I have located the brass cunductor/base insert assembly, which was found in an ash pit with some other small carrier parts. Whatever ébonite'was certainly seems to have been flammable as there is no trace of the material left whatsoever. The brass hardware is in good condition happily.

The same base, but without the toothed section was also used on a ground spike for ground radio use so there may be a small niche market for a few bases amongst serous collectors. I know a few collectors with No11 wireless sets in vehicle or ground mountings whom may also be interested

Good luck with the production and please keep us informed.

Cheers

Phill

Lynn Eades · #6 28-03-09, 13:46

I have one of these bases. It is however in storage, and probably wont see the light of day for six months.
I am keen on the spare section (or any others)you have. My base has the 7/8 hole. is the spare section correct for that?
Where are you?

Mike K · #7 29-03-09, 04:16

Let us not get confused ...

There is a later WW2 era and post war generic ground antenna kit that was in the form of a canvas bag , somewhat like an old golf club bag .. these typically have 7/8" rods - 3 foot long screw together sections and a top whip section ... these are for the 22 - 122 - 62 set . This kit has a ground spike for use with with the EBONITE type 'B' base , guy ropes and pegs are in the kit . Instead of the top whip , some of these kits ( earlier ) had a capacity top hat spider . Tooles disposals had these kits NOS in the early 80's ..marked 1952 on the bag, identical to the WW2 version and probably during the Korean conflict, these were manufactured to supplement the old worn out WW2 stocks . I bought 2 of them at the time.

The earlier ground kit ( 5/8" rods) has the upper base as per my drawings , also on a spike . My theory is :as it is detachable, the upper section can be used in either the toothed vehicle base mode or the spike base mode...it would make sense for them to design it as so. The mushroom insulator in this kit , is not interchangeable with the later EBONITE insulator .

There are also peculiar bases made in Aust. e.g., for the Aust . pattern wireless vehicles, LP carriers and such ..these bases are for the 11 set Aust., and the AWA 101 set and they have nothing to do with the British type base - these have a spring and ceramic insulator setup.

Hi Phil ! Perth is treating you well i hope

Mike