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).
Visit to the offices and laboratory of Messrs. Lucas to discuss regulators and ammeters.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 166\2\ img143 | |
| Date | 4th January 1938 | |
| To By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to By/RD. 6092. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs}3/JH.4.1.38. Visit to the Offices and Laboratory of Messrs. Lucas. The main object of the visit was to discuss points arising from our request for a regulator having a higher output characteristic in connection with the recent criticism of undercharging of batteries and to obtain as quickly as possible two modified units. Two such units were ordered by telephone on 20.12.37. but owing to a mistake two of the wrong type were sent. As a result of the discussion it was agreed that the Makers should specially adjust two existing units to our requirements, and forward them as soon as possible. A report on this matter will be issued shortly. Progress in connection with the LR.{Mr Ellor}7 regulator was next discussed. The Makers had carried out the promised modifications for the purpose of reducing the temperature effect, and a completed unit was handed over. We shall now proceed with tests on this. As regards the production design of this unit, it was pointed out by their engineers, that as the scheme stood, the various resistances belonging to the Lucas regulator were to be mounted on the face of the base, together with the regulator and R.R. cutout. They strongly objected to doing this, owing to the heat produced in this resistance. We were compelled to agree with them since we have for a very long time been pressing them to reduce the heating of their regulator, and the consequent temperature effect. To put the resistances in the back of the base, however means some extra cost in the form of a simple distance piece as the base alone, is too shallow to accommodate them. If this is agreed to they are prepared to immediately get out a scheme to this effect. Points in connection with the ammeter were raised and we repeated our criticisms with respect to the sticking of the pointer, the wider zero mark, and the zero error. In reply we were informed that the trouble of sticking was being investigated but that since the dial was a standard part any alteration in the scale marking or extra handwork for the purpose of obtaining a more accurate adjustment of the pointer, would add to the cost of the instrument. In view of this we recommend that subject to passing the road test and providing the trouble of 'sticking' is overcome and the pointer when at rest does touch the zero mark, these instruments be accepted. D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary}/RR | ||