Wireless Set No. 18 accessories

Power Supply unit No. 5.

In this page some of the accessories for British Wireless Set No. 18 are listed. Although definitely not a standard issue, Power Supply Unit No. 5 is highlighting the page, primarily due to the fact that I have one in my modest collection (still missing the front panel lid...), and of its interesting shape. These units were primarily intended for use at climates where battery deterioration was at its worst. (Go to the Wireless Set No. 18  page for the front panel view of the No. 18 set).

• Under normal conditions the No. 18 Set was powered by a combined dry battery pack known as "battle battery" which was carried inside the set.
• Power Supply Unit No. 5 is a manpack equipment, providing HT, LT and GB for Wireless Sets No. 18 and No. 68, and HT/LT for Wireless Set No. 38.
• The whole unit is self contained and built into a pressed steel case with carrying harness, strap and web belt, similar to that used with the No. 18 and No. 68 Sets.
• It incorporates a vibratory unit for HT and GB, driven from a 14Ah accumulator which is tapped at 4 volts for LT filament voltage. Whilst operating the set, the accumulator was floatcharged by the hand cranked generator.
• Two different output sockets are provided on the left hand side panel of the Power Supply Unit No. 5 for connecting Wireless Sets No. 18 and No. 68 marked '18' (top) and for Wireless Set No. 38 marked '38' (below).
• Power Supply Unit No. 6 is similar re shape and function, however, fitted with a double voltage generator supplying 162V HT and 3V LT. A NiCad accumulator is used to buffer the LT.
• For technical details of Wireless Set No. 18 see the Wireless sets page.

Power Supply Unit No. 5

Inside view of Power Supply Unit No. 5 showing the various components: Cutout relay: top left; Gear box and hand cranked generator delivering about 7V DC at 5A: top right. Supply Unit Vibratory No. 5 is mounted in the bottom of the set along with the 6V accumulator (not fitted here). Note black and red terminals on top left corner for connecting an external 6V accumulator.

Right hand panel of Power Supply Unit No. 5 showing working instructions plate and on/off switch. Note the folding mechanism of the handle.

Inside view of Supply Unit Vibratory No. 5, part of Power Supply Unit No. 5 showing input connections to 6V accumulator with 4V tap and output sockets for connecting either a No. 18/68 Set or No. 38 Set.

Accessories

Battery, Dry 162/3V, No. 1, the 'battle' battery as used with Wireless Sets No. 18 and 68. Note white linen band provided for lowering and lifting it out of the set. This particular battery was manufactured in April 1964, hence the Nato Stock Number.

Key and Plug Assembly No. 8 has two leads, one of which plugs into the key jack of the transmitter unit, while the other plugs into the microphone socket, extending the filament circuits of transmitter and receiver to the SEND/RECEIVE switch on the key. Note an Aerial Adapter Plug stowed in position in the back of the key body.

Key and Plug Assembly No. 8B is a tropicalised version which has an olive drab colour cover and baseplate (the web leg straps are missing on this key) both plugs filled with moisture-resisting compound and a rubber covered lead. It was in other aspects similar to the standard No. 8 Assembly and principally issued with Wireless Sets No. 18T and No. 68T

Spare valve case 'Cases 4 Valve No. 3' containing one AR8, two ARP12 and one ATP4 valve, was a standard issue with all No. 18 and No. 68 Sets.