CRHnews - Marconi Marine sparks Alan back on watch in radio room

Former Marconi Marine 'sparks' Radio Officer Alan demonstrates the equipment he once operated on the high seas ''back on watch' in a replica ship's radio room at Sandford Mill industrial museum, Chelmsford, during International Marconi Day, April 23, 2016.
If you are a Marconi veteran who would like your memories recorded on You Tube, contact CRHnews email: [e-mail]
As part of Chelmsford Museums, Sandford Mill offers a whole host of activities when open for special events, however, it is only open to the public on event days unless by prior arrangement.
Throughout the year the Mill holds a selection of events ranging from a celebration of Marconi to historical re-enactments and Science Experiments for all the family.
From April to October the Mill offers a unique range of hands-on, interactive education sessions utilising special equipment and expert teachers.
In these sessions students can learn through practical activities in order to answer big questions and discover new ways of thinking.
Sandford Mill Big Weekend -Saturday, 6 August 2016 - 10:00am to Sunday, 7 August 2016 - 4:00pm .
Science Discovery Day - Sunday, 23 October 2016 - 10:00am to 4:00pm
Chelmsford was once home to several major industries including:
•Marconi, who were the forerunners in developing both radio and television
•Crompton, a major electrical engineering company
•Hoffman, a manufacturer of bearings for a variety of products across the world
Much of Chelmsford Museums industrial collection is stored and displayed at Sandford Mill and is available to view during events.
This includes the historic 1922 Writtle Hut from which Marconi made the first regular entertainment broadcasts.
Much of the work at the Mill is done by a dedicated band of volunteers whilst other external organisations lend much valuable support. If you wish to help us then please get in touch.
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/sandford...

[@colinwheeler6937]

Wow this brings back memories. I joined the Port New Plymouth as newly qualifies Radio Officer with first class PMG in Wirless Telegraphy in March 1961. I was very much the first trip junior under instruction to get my 6 months sea time in before being allowed to go solo. The vessel was launched in 1960 and the radio room comprised the Oceanspan 7. Salvor emergency transmitter and the Mercury Electra main receiver combination. I eventually left Marconi Marine and joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to continue my career

[@CourtRedhandedNews]

What a shame you dont live in Essex, or maybe after the lockdowns finish I could come and record your memories of the high seas?

[@abwoutersen359]

Thanks Alan for bringing me back in time. Beautiful old fashioned Marconi equipped radioroom. 73's fm an ex sparks (Radio Holland). Still using cw as PA5ABW.

[@CourtRedhandedNews]

Glad you enjoyed it - hope you will one day visit Sandford Mill, Chelmsford, where this was recorded. When you do let me know and I will video you for a further CRHnews video.

[@pralaylahiry7201]

Thanks for this nostalgic trip. Did my COP on exactly the same equipment before joining as RO.

[@CourtRedhandedNews]

Hope it was all plain sailing !!!

[@agperez98]

wow i myself is a Radio Operator RTG...im seeng myself during my younger days on this job !

[@CourtRedhandedNews]

wow indeed

[@CourtRedhandedNews]

have you got a video or photographs of you working as an RTG make a film and put it on KZbin and you will become famous for 16 minutes too

[@agperez98]

hey sir thank you ended for the reply oh wow i cant remember if i have a save photo or video during my days as RTG lol ..currently i am working on a british telecom co. as RF HF tech. we have a marconi Tx/Rx and Racal Tx/Rx radio before.

[@CourtRedhandedNews]

You must invite me to visit you and film you working the RF HF stuff especially the Marconi gear,!!!

[@howz2031]

that was same type of radio room, MIMCco, I had in my first ship, on 1966. M/v Activity/HOWZ ex Kaladan/MBPX until 1963. No more than 100W in antenna, just like a lamp power. Noneless I was able to communicate with whole word coastal stations from any ocean

[@CourtRedhandedNews]

Thanks for sharing your memories, please feel free to share more, what I shame you dont live in Essex so I could pop over and video your lifestory!

[@PE1JAS]

Not yet seen the whole vid, but in which museum or vessel is this radio hut? Chapeau! Also Dutch merchant ships used these Marconi radios.

[@CourtRedhandedNews]

Watch out for the Flying Dutchman, he's smarter, faster than the any pirates on the high seas

[@deepthought3316]

Actually Morse code was a very sophisticated communication. In (ideal) Morse one dash has the same duration as three dots. Morse reasoned the more dots and dashes for each letter the longer the message would take to send, so he identified the most commonly used letter in the English language, the letter E = one dot, second most common I = two dots, S = three dots, T = one dash, and so on... Worked on many ships as an RO and ended up at Portishead Radio - GKA - Quite a shock as to work there your Morse had to advance to 27 wpm...with no errors...

[@CourtRedhandedNews]

Always glad to receive instruction and guidance about a subject that is all Greek to me!