Signals Production Branch History May 1, 1942 - August 31, 1943 Continued
PART 3 Relations with Manufacturer of Communication Equipment (Cont'd)
Amplifier for Wireless Set No. 19:
This equipment was developed for use in conjunction with the long range transmitter portion of the No. 19 Set, to extend the range.
The amplifier was conceived and developed by the Development Group of Directorate of Signals Design, A.E.D.B., during the early months of 1942.
In June, 1942, an order for 37 units was released through the Branch, 25 to be made at Canadian Marconi Company and 12 at Canadian Signals Experimental Establishment (CSEE). Early production forecasts were for delivery in September, 1942.
In October, Canadian Marconi Company had not completed the order because of lack of materials. During November the company had experienced numerous difficulties in make the design operate.
In January, 1943, Canadian Marconi completed delivery of their 25 units but the sets did not meet all the desired operating conditions.
In March, 1943, an additional order for 450 amplifiers was placed on Rogers Majestic Limited after Canadian Marconi had declined to accept it because of already heavy commitments. About the same time an order for 30 more units was placed on C.S.E.E.
It was decided to make some design modifications before production of the new orders started. For this reason, delivery was forecast for October, 1943.
In June, 1943, reports from overseas indicated that the sets already delivered contained faults, the clearing of which required further design changes.
No satisfactory progress having been made during the summer, on the first of September the Branch called the contractor to Ottawa and, with representatives of the Army design group present, endeavoured to establish a production schedule. From this meeting, it is apparent that sets will not be delivered until early 1944 at least.
Wireless Set No. 9:
Wireless Set No. 9 is a combination Transmitter/Receiver with facilities for both radio telegraph and radio telephone operation over distances up to 50 miles. It is a portable unit designed for transportation by truck. In the field, it may be operated in a specially prepared vehicle or it may be set up as a ground station. Power for the set is derived from dynamotors which, in turn, are supplied by storage batteries. The set was developed in the U.K.
As early as November, 1938, the Department of National Defence gave indication that manufacture of the set would be undertaken in Canada. It was not till the middle of 1940, though, that any active negotiations were undertaken.
During the summer of 1940 technical information was provided from which Canadian Marconi Company prepared a quotation. In September, 1940, Canadian Marconi Company and Northern Electric Company were authorized to manufacture 650 sets, dividing the component parts between them.
In November, 1940, complete manufacturing specifications were received from the U.K.
During the next six months preparations for production proceeded. Throughout this period there was continual decision over the quantity of sets required. Finally, late in May, 1941, D.M. & S. issued a formal contract for 650 stations.
In June, 1941, it became apparent that original delivery forecasts could not be met, because the time estimated for setting up production had been underestimated. Also, at this time, difficulties began to develop in the procurement of materials, dynamotors in particular.
In August, 1941, the requirement was reduced to 500 sets. Materials purchased for the remaining 150 Sets were to be disposed of by delivering them as maintenance spares.
In the fall of 1941 the transmitter unit was partially redesigned, resulting in a very appreciable increase in efficiency.
By the first of December, 1941, completed units had been produced. First shipments were made late in the same month.
Lack of dynamotors delayed completion of the order until the late summer of 1942.
In June, 1942, additional orders for the set, totalling 1150 stations, were placed through the Branch. Because of numerous difficulties experienced with the first order, it was decided to modify the design somewhat and to place complete manufacture in the hands of one contractor. Canadian Marconi Company was chosen and the letter of intent was sent to the company late in June.
The modified set was named Wireless Set No. 9 Mark I.
During July a number of engineering meetings were held between the Technical Section of the Branch and Canadian Marconi Company. By the end of August redesign of the set had been completed by the company. Delivery was forecast for February, 1943.
In October, 1942, as a result of a visit overseas of Branch personnel, it was decided that the set would be modified still further. Since current orders were well advanced, these modifications were set over for future production, although Canadian Marconi Company were authorized to proceed with development work. This second modified version of the set was named Wireless Set No. 9 Mk. II.
A new order for 1650 Sets was received from U.K. in November, 1942, while, in March, 1943, Canadian Army added 162 sets. These orders were placed at manufacture as Mk. II sets.
In May, 1943, a sample Mk. I was demonstrated to the Canadian General Staff who approved it. First deliveries were made during May and, by the end of August, 250 sets had been delivered. Completion of the Mk. I version is forecast for December, 1943.
By the end of August, 1943, development of the Mk. II version was nearing completion. Production of pilot models was forecast for November, 1943, while main production was forecast for March, 1944.
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Signals Production Branch History Part One
Signals Production Branch History Part Two
Signals Production Branch History Part Four
