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).
Challenges and potential changes to car electrical systems, specifically switches and the starter.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 178\3\ img131 | |
| Date | 5th April 1932 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/WST. R.{Sir Henry Royce} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} (At Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence.) ORIGINAL R2/M/244.32. Sent from WW. 5.4.32. X6129. X4431. CAR ELECTRICAL WORK - SWITCHES. we seem inclined to jump into great changes which we are ill prepared to make - i.e. someone has got to make good designs which have to go through the proving stage before they are ready for adoption. This takes much time, so we must be content to make the best of what we have for the immediate future, or buy something that has been proved to be good. This has always been very difficult, especially in England. Take even the history of ignition magnetos or batteries. I had the impression that we intended to put the dimming or dipping switch on the steering column, and that this and the electric horn press button would be all to go on the steering column for the present, but someone mentions all the switches, or else Mr. Sidgreaves and I get this impression, which may not be intended, because it is a big job to do really well. Anybody can rig up electrical work somehow, and badly, but it is most rare and difficult to find it well done. Even the Robert Bosch Co. who stand out definitely for good design and excellent work do not always succeed. And it often falls on me for some heavy work to get it passable. STARTER. I am in favour of deleting the hold out part of the sequence starter system. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} and I had discussed this, but as soon as we are able we would like a scheme of cutting off the starter as soon as the engine starts, but I fear that our engine will idle so slowly that the generator will not be charging, and such a device will be difficult to arrange. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||