From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Page from 'THE AUTOCAR' magazine detailing 1924 model engines and electrical systems from various manufacturers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61\2\ scan0211 | |
| Date | 9th November 1923 | |
| THE AUTOCAR, November 9th, 1923. former being the ready detachment of the main fuses, whilst the lay-out of the wiring is also commendable for its straightforwardness. SMITH. (463) Examination of the various, indeed almost innumerable, items in the electrical equipment of S. Smith and Sons (M.A.), Ltd., shows that, in spite of the already existing high standard of design, considerable improvements have been made in their construction. Perhaps the most important direction in which development has taken place, and it applies to all manner of things, including the dynamos, starters, switchboards, cut-outs, etc., is the extended use of moulded Bakelite, a most admirable insulating material, which this firm produce in their own factory. In particular, this is used in the brush gear rings of the starters and generators, in several terminal bases, etc., wherein its durability and adaptability to all sorts of complex shapes are exceedingly valuable. It is interesting to note that although the majority of the dynamos have been made to give their output at a much lower armature speed than formerly, so as to fit them for direct positive drive from the engine, they have not been increased in dimensions. Instead, the four-pole principle of field magnet arrangement has been adopted in place of the original two-pole. A machine which should prove of interest to owners of light and economical cycle cars is a new permanent-magnet pattern of generator capable of yielding about 40 watts, and giving all the current required where a starter is not fitted. In regard to starters there are numerous types, with various modes of attachment, covering the requirements of all engines from the smallest to the largest. These are suitable for various voltages. All make use of the Bendix pinion form of drive, and are conspicuous for their robust and easily accessible external terminals. Another introduction of interest is a new pattern of cut-out, the mechanism of which is readily exposed by removing a metal lid{A. J. Lidsey} normally held in position by a spring stirrup. An Electric Lighting and Starting Systems. 991 excellent point is that this instrument can be connected up, or disconnected, without detaching it from the surface on which it is mounted, and it is further noticeable that pains have been taken to secure, as is claimed, that the operating armature of this cut-out cannot possibly stick up. The well-known Smith bevel-controlled rotary switchboard, which neatly matches the clock and speedometer, has been much improved by the insetting of a dead beat charge-and-discharge ammeter into the centre of its dial. In connection with the range of lamps of various types, detail improvements have been also made, notably the focussing arrangement of the head lamps takes the form of a simply operated screw adjustment outside of, and at the back of, the lamp body. [Image of a dynamo] Compact and efficient is the latest type of Smith dynamo. [Image of a cut-out] Special provision against sticking has been made in the new Smith cut out. 1924 MODEL ENGINES AT THE SHOW. [Image of an N.P. engine fan and water impeller] Centrifugal water impeller operated by the fan on the 14-22 h.p. N.P. engine. Adjustment of the fan belt is effected by a contracting pulley. [Image of a Rhode power unit] RHODE Neat power unit of the 9.5 h.p. Rhode. The dynamo as well as the magneto are accessibly mounted and driven by the overhead camshaft gear. [Image of a Sunbeam power unit] Extremely up-to-date and symmetrical is the power unit of the overhead valve six-cylinder 20 h.p. Sunbeam. The in-line drive of the water pump, generator and magneto is a feature. [Image of a Moon induction pipe] Exhaust-heated induction pipe on the 23½ h.p. Moon. F 61 | ||