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).
Issues with a Philco car radio installation in a Bentley for H.R.H. The Duke of Kent and recommending a replacement.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 63\3\ scan0288 | |
| Date | 21th March 1935 | |
| Sgd From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst. c.c to Hpl c.c to JS{Mr Johnson's Secretary} c.c to Ely. c.c to DH{D. Henderson - Showroom} c.c to MG c.c to K.{Mr Kilner} 86153. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst.13/MA.21.3.35. B.45.AE - H.R.H. The Duke of Kent. Whilst at K.{Mr Kilner} yesterday discussing car radio installations on Bentley chassis with Messrs.Philco's representative we arranged for the Duke's chauffeur to bring over the car which has been giving a lot of trouble due to the Philco radio installation. Messrs.Philco wanted to put a condenser across the voltage regulator and we have refused them permission because we know it will cause the regulator to give trouble. I tried the car with the radio working and the noise from the set itself was intolerable, far worse in my opinion than the small interference arising from fittings on the car. I told the chauffeur that before he allowed the Philco people to discuss suppression measures on any of our fittings he should insist on them getting the set right. Apparently there is a loose contact inside the set which at certain engine speeds caused considerable noise. Also one of the plug suppressors was out of action and the whole installation in my opinion very discreditable and unworthy of the car. I feel that we ought strongly to recommend the Duke to change this set for a British made Ekco which has now been developed to a high state of efficiency and is definitely the quietest set we have heard (off station) due to special noise suppression device incorporated which /the is their exclusive patent. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst. | ||