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).
Suggestions for improving the generator (dynamo), headlamp performance, and ignition switch operation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\3\ Scan387 | |
| Date | 21th May 1930 | |
| x777v. To: Sgr C. Er C. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From: Oy. ------------------ Oy2/DM.{D. Munro}21.5.30. ------------------ Generator (Dynamo) -------------------- Having read with great interest R1/M.6.5.30, may I offer the following comments with which I know all of R.R.A.I. are in agreement. (1) Extra charge when headlamps are on, plus less decrease in charge-rate with speed, would be enthusiastically received in U.S. The dropping characteristic with speed makes the road illumination fall off above 30 m.p.h. (on Am.P.I) and since we are only allowed 21 c.p. bulbs in some States and 32 c.p. in others, it is most important that they should be held up to "normal" voltage, which is about 30% above "nominal", for all driving conditions. We made some curves about a year ago of which copies were sent to England, showing tests of lighting power and voltageon 21 c.p. bulbs, which show the extreme importance of keeping the voltage as high as the bulbs will stand with reasonable life. (2) If the charge is increased when headlamps are switched on, could not the "daylight" charge be so reduced that it can stay on all the time without excessive loss of battery water? This would dispense with the charging switch (which as far as we know is not used by other cars, and which is certainly not appreciated by our public) and also with the separate magneto switch. (3) This would simplify the instrument board and allow a more readily understood sequence on the ignition switch, namely - Off. Battery only, Magneto only, both ignitions. We should suggest a very faint "click" in the 2nd and 3rd positions, so that it is evident to the driver that the 4th position is "normal". (4) I am aware that this places entire responsibility on the out-cut for breaking the generator connection when the cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} | ||