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).
Technical report discussing issues and potential improvements for Watford and Lucas magnetos.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 48\2\ Scan390 | |
| Date | 7th June 1926 | |
| Contd. -2- EFC {E. Fowler Clarke - Electrical Engineer} 1/T7.6.26. capable of producing a really high class machine, particularly with the assistance of Dr. Turner, and as a result of the combination of C.A.V. and Rotax concerns. The standard Watford magneto has been by no means free from trouble and particularly with regard to the mechanical noise, and in our opinion the internal time functioning of the machine is incorrect for the best performance. For instance, short flat cams are used where longer cams which can be slower at make would probably be an advantage in several ways, including that of noise. The sleeve is very difficult to effectively quieten, and as it appears to be possible to produce a magneto with the necessary range without a sleeve, it would now seem to be an unnecessary refinement. It is true that Messrs. Norths are always ready to carry out any of our suggestions which are in the nature of improvements, and several of these have been adopted from time to time, so that the magneto actually is considerably better now than it might otherwise have been. As regards the Lucas magneto, the further improvements which might be made in producing a new machine for our requirements, are :- (1) Use of Cobalt steel magnet to reduce weight. (2) Additional accommodation for lubrication of the armature bearings. (3) Additional care in the armature winding and insulation, though no fault has occurred. Contd. | ||