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).
Letter discussing challenges with installing efficient car radio aerials and sets on all-metal body cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168b\1\ img241 | |
| Date | 4th January 1940 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs}1/BA. 4th January. 1940. M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Olley Esq., Rolls-Royce Incorporated. 2-251 General Motors Building, Detroit, MICHIGAN. U.S.A. [Handwritten note] Reply to this letter In Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}'s File [Signature] Dear Olley, As a result of the growing importance of our radio we feel that we should like to know more about it, especially with regard to the American set and its installation, which we are led to believe, gives, in general, better all round results than the English set. Knowing of your close contact with American car design, we thought that you would be able to help us. We find that the installation of an efficient aerial system is becoming more and more difficult, due to the appearance of the all metal body and the tendency to do away with running boards; this coupled with less road clearance prevents us getting the best out of the undercar type of aerial, mounted on the scuttle is a fair compromise but soon becomes either bent or sloppy under fast running conditions. [Handwritten note in margin] The telescopic type -> Due to the all metal body, the plate type of aerial let in the roof is out of the question. The roof type of aerial mounted on top of the car seems to be the only alternative, but the usual type on the market is objectionable on account of appearance. With regard to the sets themselves, we have tested various makes during the last two years, including Ferranti, Philco, and Motorla, and have found in each case that they begin to deteriorate after a few months and interference creeps in. | ||