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).
9000-mile test of an experimental auto charge control switch and lighting system on a Phantom chassis with a sports body.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 71\2\ scan0031 | |
| Date | 17th March 1928 | |
| X/8800 Extract from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/LG17.3.28. REPORT ON 15-EX. PHANTOM CHASSIS WITH SPORTS BODY 9000 MILES. EXPERIMENTAL AUTO CHARGE CONTROL SWITCH. LOP.D.71499. The control of the charging of the battery by the above is not entirely satisfactory. We noticed that after taking a considerable amount of current for starting, the dynamo charged for only a few minutes, approx. 5, then would cease. It could not possibly have replaced that taken out in so short a time. It would, during the run, periodically give these 5 min. charges and when at 2500 miles the density of the acid was taken we found it down to 10.00. Very little water had evaporated, twice filling of the hydrometer test tube being sufficient to make up the loss. We found out during the runs of 250 miles that if the lights were momentarily switched on, the dynamo would then charge for a period of approx. half an hour, this we made a practice of doing during the remainder of the runs and at the finish of the test the density of the acid was up to 12.50, one cell only requiring addition of water. We have since learned that atmospheric temp. plays an important part in the scheme and at the present is not provided for. The dynamo output having been controlled, the dynamo has not been over-loaded and its condition has remained very good. It has remained silent. The output has been on the low side, 5 amps. being the average. We are of the opinion that for higher speed cars it would be advisable to bring the dynamo charge in later so that the full output would be in use at a high speed. The lighting system has been very good, failure of the rear lamp being the only trouble. This requires a better bracket, the aluminium strip being insufficient. The latest Lucas head lights are a great improvement for night driving, a speed of 60 m.p.h. can be maintained with safety. The dipping arrgt. is very good, and is invaluable for night driving. At first we had trouble because the lamps would not stay vertical, but after attending to the friction in the control, they were O.K. A valuable asset is that on a long straight road the beam of light can be dropped sufficient to stop annoyance to the oncoming car, yet be of sufficient distance from the car to enable objects to be seen clearly and the full dip is only necessary as the oncoming car finally approaches. The electrical system generally has given no trouble. | ||