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).
Klaxon switches and Dynamo/Cutout systems for cars returned from America.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 36\4\ scan 216 | |
| Date | 17th June 1921 | |
| R.R. 335a (100 T) R.H. 785. 11-15-20. G 2547 x 3014b Extract from RL/G17.6.21. X.3764 - REPORT ON 4 EX RETURNED FROM AMERICA. (8) KLAXON SWITCH. X.4202. Regarding the Klaxon switch, we are using the modification of the starter press button switch for this purpose because it contains a carbon as well as a copper contact, which should prevent any spark at the metallic contact, and so should last in good order indefinitely, and avoid a cause of irritation. (9) DYNAMO AND CUTOUT. X.3014b. X.3770. X.4349. Regarding the dynamo and lighting equipment, we are sorry to say that this seems to be a part in which England has fallen short of expectations. The situation appears rather worse than it really is because of the failure of the automatic charging switch. The reliable operation of this device is of the utmost importance, because should it fail fuses are blown, and the dynamo ceases to operate and at its correct speed, in which case it is often the dynamo which gets blamed. This matter was left in the post-War cars almost entirely to the Lucas Company. They seem to have failed to realise the importanfce of this automatic switch and we, for fear of being throught dogmatic and academically particular, did not condemn what we naturally throught was a crude apparatus. At the moment Lucas are endeavouring to let us have a better constructed automatic switch of an entirely higher class construction, and an improved electrical magnetic arrangement. This apparatus is intended to fit into their switchbox, and should, to a large extent, clear up the definite failures of the whole of the charging system. We hope to be able to send you a supply of these to replace the defective obes on the cars already delivered. | ||