Frequency Range: ?600 meters
Power output: 1 kw
Mode: CW
Typical range:  50 miles
Transmitting antenna: Longwire supported by forward and aft spars.
Receiving antenna: Loop
Mains: A small petrol engine drives an alternator.
Circa: 1923

This set was primarily designed for the British 26 foot, Class A, open lifeboat. The entire set could be placed between the two after thwarts. In a 28 foot lifeboat, the set could be positioned between the upper and above the lower thwarts.

Lifeboat Transmitter. The receiver in this set employs a direction finding technique, hence the reason for the loop antenna  (Courtesy Marconi International Marine Communications Company Ltd)

Per the Exhibit 1923 document "The receiver is of a special type embodying the principle of a direction finder, so that should the boat succeed in getting in touch by wireless with some rescuing
ship out of sight, the boat will be able to guide the rescuing ship towards her, even if the ship herself is not fitted with a direction finding instrument. Owing to the difficulties of navigating an open
boat at sea, great importance is attached to this direction finding receiver which. it is felt, will add very greatly to the chances of rescue being effected on the high seas.

A powerful electric fitted atop the wireless compartment allowed other lifeboats to maintain company with the "wireless boat" at night

 

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Contributors and Credits:

1)  Lewis Bodkin  <05bodkin555(at)gmail.com>
2) A booklet in the Gerstein Library of the University of Toronto

Jun 28/19