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Information Exchange - Expired Items

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40 items

6-Dec-10	Computer Originated World Expired	Philip Pemberton is thinking about doing an FPGA reimplementation of the Computer Originated World, as shown on Andrew Wiseman's "TV Room" website, and elsewhere. He writes:- "I've got a pretty good idea how the hardware "might" work, but I have some questions about the BBC implementation -- specifically how the anti-aliasing worked (I'm guessing the 'landmass' data was alpha-blended), the compression method for the image data, and if any copies of the EPROMs and/or circuit diagrams are known to exist. (this would be an incredible long-shot, but it'd be nice to make the reimplementation as accurate as possible) I've been told that the design was done by Brian Mason but thus far I've been unable to find any further information. Do you have any idea how I might be able to contact Brian, or someone else who might know about the COW?"
31-July-10	Midlands Media Museum Expired	The Midlands Media Museum has recently set up a website dedicated to the history of broadcasting in the Midlands. Its ultimate aim is to be able to create a museum (either in the physical sense, or as online documentation) of Midlands TV and radio production history. They are looking for kind, generous donations of broadcast memorabilia from the Midlands. Maybe it's old scripts, broadcasting equipment, props ... anything that represents the history of broadcasting in the Midlands region. They're also looking for people to write their personal memories for the website. Perhaps you worked at the old ATV studios on Broad Street in Birmingham, or worked at BBC Pebble Mill - they would love to hear from you.
30-May-10	Studer B62 documents available Expired	Neil Gilchrist says: "In the early 1990s I purchased an immaculate Studer B62 (for £10!) in a junk sale at Kingswood Warren. With it I acquired 2 documents: a complete service manual for the Studer A62 (the same machine, but in a "portable" case) and an RD "provisional handbook" for the B62, which appears to have been written by Studer. Both documents contain circuit diagrams, but those in the latter are specifically labelled "B62". The playback amplifier circuit has a couple of alterations, made in blue ballpoint, but that's all." Neil has kindly offered to scan these documents and make them available. Please click on the link above if you would like to request a copy. You might also be amused, and pleased, to read this story about a Studer A80. Information requested by Doug Fisher.
29-May-10	AM6/11 Limiting amplifier Expired	Karl von der Linden says: "Im working professionally at synthesizer service department in Germany to repair access and other synthesizers. But also I'm a hobby recordist. I've got a BBC AM6/11 Limiting amp. I do not know if the machine works or not because I have no pin assignment for the two multipin connectors on the module or the schematics. If you can help me it will great. Many thanks for help.
13-Mar-10	Local Radio Mk 3 Desk Expired	James West says: "I'm interested in the development of the BBC Local Radio Mk 3 Desk, particularly the prototype installed at Radio Cumbria, any unusual variants such as the "music" version installed at Radio Merseyside and commercially produced versions by the likes of Neve. Do you have any information or pictures that would help please?"
5-Mar-10	HMV Concert 600 Electrical Reproducer Expired	Mike Cronk is refurbishing an HMV Concert 600 Electrical Reproducer (amp and speaker) and seeking some drawings. In particularly he is keen to get some drawings of the speakers to see how the metal foil attached itself to what he believes is a moving coil. He also wants to find a source for the foil. He has tried the IET archive with no luck and also the gramophone museum. Any help would be appreciated.
5-Mar-10	Ken Chapman Expired	Jamie Searle works as the engineer at BBC Radio York, having spent the early 1980s at Equipment Department in Avenue House, Chiswick, assembling and testing the BBC Local Radio Mk 3 mixer- these desks are still in service in several radio stations, including York! At the time he worked with Jeremy Lowe (now working at World Service) and Ken Chapman who was their supervisor. He is still in touch with Jeremy but would like to make contact with Ken. Any leads would be appreciated. Here is a picture from the test lab in 1985. Jamie is wearing the bow-tie and Ken is standing next to him. Click the picture to enlarge it.
15-Nov-09	Radiophonic Workshop Expired	Richard Hollingum (University of Northampton) is researching into the pre-history of the Radiophonic Workshop, including the various strands in radio that developed after the Second World War that led to the creation of the Workshop in 1958, where his research ends. Part of his research is through oral history and he would be pleased to talk to, and record, anyone employed by the BBC in an engineering capacity during the period 1945-1958.
15-Nov-09	UN1/715 video measuring unit Expired	Brian Summers (who runs www.tvcameramuseum.org) is on the lookout for a handbook for the UN1/715 video measuring unit (weaver box). He has one in use and sooner or later it is bound to stop working! Please also see lists of other 'difficult wants': TV and Radio.
15-Nov-09	Eddystone receiver Expired	Chris Pettitt is currently researching an Eddystone receiver that was used by the BBC in 1956/7 to monitor band 1 and band 2 transmissions. It looks to be a special version of the Eddystone S890 which was sold to the BBC as a radio microphone receiver. The set has a designation which he thinks confirms it as BBC property HR/20A/176. Do you recognise this kind of designation? Do you know what the set was used for: local station monitoring or rebroadcast perhaps? Any information would be helpful. Click the picture to enlarge it.
22-Sep-09	Ottringham - OSE5 Expired	David Porter would appreciate any extra information that a reader of BBCeng could offer re Ottringham. See the article on Aspidistra and OSE5 in Technical Reviews.
22-Sep-09	Mystery BBC vehicle Expired	Catherine Porter writes: "I'm about to be the proud owner of an gold (believe this is the original colour) H reg (1990) VW Caravelle gl. The current owner tells me the van was originally used by the BBC as an outside broadcasting unit and I'm very keen to get more background on it, a picture would be fabulous. The van was then sold to the owner of a gym and then to the present owner in London. The current owner also told me that before he converted it to a camper the walls were lined with a bright green felt material and it still had some of the transmitter items and generator inside. The only tell tale sign of it's previous life are 6 black 'knobs' evenly spaced out on the roof (I have no idea what the use was). If you can shed any light on this or know of anybody who may be able to help I'd be very grateful. The owner was told by owner number 2 that there were pictures of it being used at a cricket match somewhere in England but I know this doesn't give much to go on. I've just received the old copies of the vehicle log book and the 1st owner listed is Britsish Broadcasting Corp CW Lease UK Ltd, CW House, Cookham Road, Bracknell, RG121RR. Perhaps this leasing firm will jog someone's memory."
25-Aug-09	Novachord Expired	Dan Wilson, an electronic design engineer & vintage synth enthusiast writes: "I'm currently importing an extremely rare 1939 Novachord into the UK. The Novachord was the world's first commercial polyphonic synthesizer, released in 1939, containing 163 valves and weighing 1/4 ton. The reason why I mention this is that I've been told that the BBC had several of these extremely expensive instruments ($1800 in 1939) during WWII and one of the most famous users was Arthur Young who played with Vera Lynn in many of her famous recordings. I have been advised that my instrument is one of few surviving in the whole of Europe - I am now very keen to know if there is just a chance one of these fine instruments is in storage or on show somewhere at the BBC." I am sure that any other relevant information would be of interest.
25-Aug-09	Hadrian Jeffs, Pulham Airstation Expired	Terry Clarkson of Dickleburgh and Rushall Parish Council is trying to contact Hadrian Jeffs on a matter pertaining to the Pulham Airstation. If you know how to contact Hadrian would you please let Terry know.
12-Aug-09	Audio Test Set Expired	Michael Ward writes: ".... looking for EP14/1 Audio Test Set line-up / calibration info. Maybe circuit info as well if possible. Thanks.
17-Jul-09	Studer A80 remote Expired	Sean Williams writes: "I have a couple of ex BBC Scotland Studer A-80s with the BBC fader start section on the right hand side. I am unable to get the fader start to work and am wondering whether this could be to do with the EDAC connector needing to have some pins shorted for full functionality. I have another A-80 remote control unit but this does not function either, when used with the ex-BBC machines. I am wondering whether there is some critical modification that has interfered with normal remote operation. What I am trying to do is configure remote operation generally and to install Capstan Control so that I can use the +/- 7 semitones varispeed for use in the studio for making Musique Concrète. This is part of my PhD research into the physicality of early electronic music practice. Any help or advice on working out the remote control functions would be greatly appreciated."
16-Jun-09	Sony VO 7630 Umatic Video Recorder Expired	Roy Phillips says: "I have recently purchased a Sony VO 7630 Umatic Video Recorder, from a large corporate AV Department that was closed down. I understand that this machine was used by the BBC TV production in large numbers, but is now generally obsolete. It is very difficult to obtain help from Sony for technical help. I am wondering if your library has a copy of the technical handbook for this machine ? I would be pleased to purchase a copy, should it be possible, or just a pdf/photocopy of the connection field at the rear of the machine. Although it is generally obvious what the inputs and outputs are, I would particularly like to have the connections for the TV Recording socket (this is a 8 pin Cinch socket), and what the connections are to the Dubbing in/out connectors (6 pin), I do not recognize the manufacturer of these latter connectors. Trusting you may be able to help to keep this excellent machine in full use."
19-Apr-09	Painton faders Expired	Erik Alderink would like to know if Painton faders are balanced, and how many steps they have. He says "I live in the States, and seeing one in person, let alone opening one up is an impossibility! Thanks for your time, any information would be greatly appreciated."
19-Mar-09	Studer B62 Expired	Doug Fisher would like to obtain (for a friend) a copy of the circuit diagram of the Studer B62, as modified by BBC Designs Department. Help would be much appreciated. Johan De Haan would also like a copy.
8-Mar-09	Woofferton staff list Expired	Jeff Cant would be pleased to receive an email from ex-Wooffertonians who do not yet appear on his tentative WOF Staff list. He would like anyone who qualifies to contact him with details of their service at this transmitting station.
3-Mar-09	Calrec J series MK2 Expired	Brian Moran is hoping that someone may be able to help: "I have part of a Calrec J series MK2 of which I am trying to complete restore and put back into action. So far I have an eight channel bucket loaded with PQ-14s, RL-23s & Painton faders. I also have in my posession the Monitor section. Therefore my first stop is to find an echo return section and hopefully more mic pre input console sections. These could be complete or various modules console frame, PQ-14s PQ-15s etc. Any help would be much appreciated."
12-Feb-09	Crowborough Expired	Doug Morris is seeking information, including photos and diagrams, of the the ASPI1 and other transmitters at Crowborough. He has "collected" virtually everything, pictures and information, that is available on the internet and has the following books "The secret Wireless War" by Geoffrey Pidgeon, 'The Secret History of the PWE' by David Garnett and 'The Black Game' by Ellic Howe.
2-Feb-09	BBC recovery vehicle Expired	Andy Lambert is seeking information about BBC Recovery Vehicles. At this web site you will find one of the many picture galleries that he hosts on his vehicle recovery site. The 15th vehicle down is a BBC recovery vehicle from around 25 years ago. The 14th picture has been suggested is the same vehicle some time earlier (He cannot see it himself). The question is does anyone know if it was re-boded, or if there were two of them, perhaps at different times.
29-July-10	Curriculum for A/B/C Courses Expired	Andy Hasluem, a veteran of BBC WN A79 course (TV) 1980, now works for Turner Broadcast in the US, and the Company is petitioning for his Permanent Residency (Green Card) with US Immigration. They need transcripts (details) of his course of study for the BBC Engineering Certificate, to evaluate his (foreign) education. That means the curriculum for his A/B/C Courses, and timeline if possible. He needs this information urgently, so would greatly appreciate any help. Records of courses from this era are no longer kept by the BBC.
29-May-10	PB1/L1 rotary faders Expired	Martin Kin says: "I am looking for one or more PB1/L1 rotary faders and housings for a Type A restoration project. I am also looking for hybrid transformers and anything else of interest related to this series of equipment. Please would you kindly post this message on your noticeboard - perhaps someone out there can help?. Resolved with help from John Phillips.
13-Mar-10	LL/81MSC Audio transformers Expired	Martin Dale (G6ABU) says: "I'm looking for any data on this and other similar audio transformers as used in BBC engineering equipment; Also LL/75MSC, LL/76MSC, LL/85ASC LL/88MSC Any info would be gratefully received such as impedance, wire colour / connections, ratios etc. I have trawled the web but no joy. Am I right in assuming these were made for the BBC by Gardners?" Resolved with help from John Phillips and John Meredith.
1-Oct-08	BBC mobile recording equipment vans during WWII Expired	Phil Waterman is looking for information about BBC mobile recording equipment vans during WWII, as he has a truck which was used by the BBC in New York City at the end of the war. If you are interested about information on the truck and information he has tracked down take a look at this web page www.canadianmilitarypattern.com where he has information about the truck including video of it covering a parade at the end of the Second World War. While interested in all aspects of the mobile equipment, he is particularly interested in photos or list of equipment that the these vehicles would have carried. He has owned the truck for nearly 30 years and it and its history always draws interest at antique car and truck shows. Any additional information will be greatly appreciated.
9-Jun-08	AM6/7 Expired	Waynne Smart recently bought from eBay a BBC AM6/7 Limiting Amplifier (No.254) and two power units PS2/4. He would like to get the unit restored and back to full working order and set in to its own rack unit with XLR in/outs with the power supply. He is looking for someone who may be able to restore and rack-mount the units for him. He would also appreciate help with sourcing the circuit diagrams. Click here to see the unit on eBay. The RD&CE book lists the following: AM6/7 - Programme Limiting Amplifier for transmitters and unattended studios and as a compressor for "pop" music types of programme. Includes noise gate. Voiceover input, top tilt for use at FM transmitters, and relay to guard automatic monitoring apparatus. CHl/26B, Pegs 23, 39. DD 1968. DD Spec 3.471. DDHB 3.94. EDI. ACO. OBSOLESCENT
4-Jun-08	BBC Leeds Expired	Stuart Childs would like to get in touch with people that used to work in the BBC Broadcasting House based on Woodhouse Lane in Leeds. He is currently conducting some research into the history of the building, with the aim of curating some interviews and photographs for an exhibition in the newly - renovated building.
11-Apr-08	DK4/16 presenters desk Expired	Jim Harpur writes: "I'm the proud owner of 2 x RP2/8 disc reproducers, and what's left of a DK4/16 presenters desk. The turntables still work pretty well, but only the 'bones' of the mixing desk survive. I would like to rebuild the 'desk', but have no circuit diagrams, or plans for the wooden framed desk. I wonder if anyone has any old 'plans' to help me with this project. Many thanks, Jim" According to the Registered Designs and Coded Equipoment book: The DK4/16 is a "Studio Presenter's Desk, used in Radio 1 Club programmes, with 2 RP2/8. Contains 8 channels channels. Transportable wooden desk, formica clad. DD 1972. DDMI 3.548. DDTM 3.125. EDI 10148(1)OCT72."
6-Sep-07 14-Nov-08	Transformers etc. Expired	Stuart Winsor has, over the years, "broken up" some old white fronted bookcase units and he has a quantity of mains and audio transformers and other odd bits which might be useful if anyone is trying to repair/resurrect such. He also has some old TIs and information on quite a number of BBC transformers.
28-Jul-07 14-Nov-08	Painton faders Expired	Wilfried Kobiolka is looking for old quadrant Painton faders. Do you know where he can find such things. Type Number: GS 100 345 or GS 100 349.
31-Dec-07	SCPD monthly news magazines Expired	It has been suggested by Rik Brooks that it would be good to include SCPD monthly news magazines on this web site. If you have a copy of any of the issues and would be willing to help, then would you please email Martin Ellen.
28-May-07 14-Nov-08	Neve General Purpose Radio Console mk IV Expired	Marco Manieri has just purchased one of these mixing consoles, production no. 10180, from a broker in England. The broker did not have any documents whatsoever. Luckily, Marco is in possession of a technical manual for a similar desk, only from a different production run, and it appears that some wiring differs. He would like to get in contact with someone who might be able to help him track down any further documents.
3-Feb-07 14-Nov-08	Broadcasting history in the South West Expired	Tony Byers is researching the history of broadcasting in the South West with the aim of setting up an oral history archive based at BBC Plymouth. This will include interviews with former staff. He is interested in hearing form anyone who worked at Start Point or BH Plymouth in the war years or the immediate post-war period. He is also trying to find out what programmes were made at BH in Seymour Road in the 50s and 60s. One aspect he is trying to find out more about is the visits of war correspondents, including Frank Gillard. If anyone has any information, recordings or photographs dating from the war onwards please get in touch.
30-Jan-07 14-Nov-08	"Secret" sites and Mobile Transmitter Units Expired	Martin Briscoe is often asked about the old Deferred Facilities network, though like most people he was never told much about it. He remembers visiting a site at Normandy near Guildford which he would describe as "covert". How many more of this type of site were there and have any survived? If anyone has any photographs he is sure that Sub Brit and others would welcome seeing copies. Also, does anyone know the background to the Mobile Transmitter Units, or have any photographs of them when still equipped inside. As far as he knows there is there is just the one left rotting away which seems a shame as it should really be saved.
4-Sep-06 14-Nov-08	LSU/10 loudspeakers Expired	Tom Goulet has now received a Technical Instruction on LSU/10 loudspeakers, as requested below (The drivers inside turned out to be made by Parmeko and not Pamphonic). He is now looking for an original amplifier. If you can help then please make contact via the above link.
29-Jan-07 3-Dec-07	Tacolneston Cancelled	Sean Cooper is trying to write an article for his website about the history of the Tacloneston transmission site. He is researching the history of this Norfolk broadcast site, it's transmitters, operation, construction, etc as it is celebrating 50 years. Any help, and/or photos (especially from the earlier days) would be greatly appreciated. Please contact him via his web site. See also the 20-Mar-06 entry below. Project closed, but see request regarding Cromer dated 3-Dec-07.
30-Mar-06	Start Point: U-boat batteries Expired	In the 1950's Start Point had a roomful of submarine batteries to stay on air for 40 seconds in case of a power failure whilst starter cartridges were used to activate the standby generator. There was a wall plaque stating these batteries had been salvaged from a U-boat that had gone aground there in 1942 and that they were manufactured by Siemens. If you can provide any more information about these batteries please contact Anne-Marie Davies. In particular she would like confirmation that they were manufactured by Siemens, because www.uboat.net states that Uboat batteries were all made by AFA.
20-Mar-06	Tacolneston Expired	Hadrian Jeffs is writing a book and contributing to a television programme on BBC Look East to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tacolneston transmitting station in Norfolk, England. Please contact him if you have any interesting information or anecdotes that would be suitable for publication. He would like an account of an average day’s transmitting routine in the 1960’s or 70’s (although not too technical as he is aiming for a fairly general audience), as well as what it’s like to go up the tallest structure in Norfolk.

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