Labgear Ltd.
Mella Loona, Leys Road, Cambridge. (1933)
Willow Place, Fair Street, Cambridge (1945)

Labgear (Cambridge) Ltd.
Willow Place, Fair Street, Cambridge (1954)
Cromwell Road, Cambridge. WW 302 (1959)
Abbey Walk, Cambridge CB1 2RQ (1975)

Labgear Cablevision Ltd.
 Botanic House, 100 Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 (1985)

Labgear Ltd.
Philex House Kingfisher Business Park London Road Bedford MK42 0NX (2024)

From the humble shed in '32 to Philex powerhouse in '24, Labgear's journey spanned radio waves to cable networks. Early pioneers of electronics (amplifying Geiger counters!), rode the home TV boom with aerials and amplifiers.
Embracing future tech, they developed cable equipment and prepped for satellite TV. Pye group consolidation, rebranding under Teleste, and finally joining Philex – each twist kept them relevant. Today, Labgear distributes signals, a testament to their decades of adapting and innovating.

The Whispers of Labgear: A Story of Alice M Jones.

Though shrouded in whispers of unconfirmed history, the legend of Alice Maud (Joan) Jones (née Whatling, 1900-1960) and her connection to Labgear Ltd. continues to spark our imagination.

In 1932, within the humble confines of a garden shed at the Jones's Leys Road residence in Cambridge, rumour has it that she ignited the first spark of the company's journey. A year later, destiny intertwined her path with Lawrence Walter Jones (1904 -    ), then the Works Manager at Pye's main factory, Granta Works. Their union in 1933 marked the beginning of a new chapter, and as the world edged towards war in 1939, Alice Maud (Joan) Jones seized the reins. Transforming their garden into a bustling workshop, she spearheaded the crucial production of radio and radar equipment, and it was amidst this wartime spirit that the name "Labgear" first resounded. [1]

By 1947 they presented at the British Industries Fair as Manufacturers of Electronic and Mechanical Measuring Instruments, Machinery, Equipment, and Components, Development, Production, or Service in Electrical, Radio, and Allied Industries, including Experimental Telecommunications. Laboratory Apparatus for Medical and Chemical Research, etc.

In the early 1950s they ran into financial difficulties and around 1952 name changed to Labgear (Cambridge) Ltd. possibly due to Legal or Acquisition Requirements.[2][3]

In 1957 Labgear was manufacturing at three Cambridge locations.

Willow Walk:

• RF and Nucleonics design & production
• Drawing office and general production 
• Machine shop

Prospect Row:

• Wire-wound resistor production
• Stores and additional production lines 

Cromwell Road:

• Primary production lines, mainly for BRW equipment
• TV antenna design & production
• TV splitter boxes etc.

Consolidation and Expansion:

In 1958, the lease expiry at Willow Walk prompted the complete relocation to a former clothing factory on Eden Street. Simultaneously, construction began on a new factory/office complex on Cromwell Road, aiming to centralize all operations under one roof. This goal was achieved in 1959, with only the Machine Shop remaining at Willow Walk.

The Cromwell Road move streamlined production, although wire-wound resistor manufacturing continued at Prospect Row.

Uncertain Transitions:

The exact timing of Labgear becoming a subsidiary of Pye Ltd. remains unconfirmed. However, their name reverted back to Labgear Ltd. around 1959.

Labgear Products 1959: A Diverse Landscape of Electronics

Labgear product range in 1959 stretched far beyond just test equipment. Here's a summary of their varied and fascinating offerings:

Signal Reception and Amplification:

• Aerials: For both TV and FM, ensuring quality reception.
• Amplifiers: Cathode follower, pulse amplifier (for scientific work), and pre-amplifiers for various uses.
• Attenuators: Adjusting RF signal strength.
• Beacon Monitors: Monitoring specific frequencies in the medium-frequency range.

Scientific and Industrial Applications:

• Nucleonic Counters: Diverse equipment for various counting and timing needs in scientific research.
• Electro Deposition: Plating cell for preparing radioactive samples.
• Electronic Relays and Timers: Precise control for various applications.
• Impedance Bridge: Measuring semen activity in cattle (a unique and interesting niche product).
• Instrumentation for Reactors: Specialized equipment for monitoring and controlling nuclear reactors.
• Interference Filters: Eliminating unwanted noise in electronic systems.
• Insulation Testers: Ensuring electrical safety.
• Laboratory Hotplates: For micro-analytical research and sample preparation.
• Lead Castles: Shielding for radiation measurements.
• LF Generators: Generating low-frequency signals for various purposes.

Telecommunications and Electrical Tools:

• Communication Equipment: Frequency convertors, crystal ovens, transistorized intercoms, and transmitters.
• Diplexers and Triplexers: Combining or separating multiple signals.
• TV Suppressors: Reducing unwanted TV interference.

Testing and Monitoring:

• Test Gear: Power meter kits, flash testers, crystal oscillators, and signal strength meters for various electronic needs.
• Transistor Test Sets: Diagnosing and evaluating transistors.
• Radiation Monitors and Rate Meters: Measuring and monitoring radiation levels.
• Sample Changers and Sealing Units: For efficient handling of scientific samples.
• Scintillation Counters: Detecting and measuring ionizing radiation.
• Signal Strength Meters: Gauging signal strength for radio and TV reception.

In the 1962 Pye Group Guide, Labgear was described as a Multifaceted Powerhouse.

• Nuclear Instrumentation Leader: Renowned in the field, Labgear collaborated with the UK Atomic Energy Authority on advanced instruments for medicine, industry, and research. They also offered a range of proprietary counting and timing devices and specialized equipment for Harwell and various industries.
• Aerial Domination: Mass-producing all types of TV and VHF aerials with accessories like field strength meters, diplexers, and interference filters. Their designs were approved by New Towns development corporations, solidifying their presence.
• Communication Experts: This division boasted a wide range of proprietary products like transistorized communication equipment, transmitters, oscillators, crystal ovens, and beacon monitor receivers.
• Component Craft: Producing essential components like wire-wound silicone-coated mains dropper resistors and silicone or vitreous enameled resistors for instruments.
• Testing the Future: A new division focused on high-grade industrial test equipment, already delivering an LF signal generator, RF attenuators, a flash tester, and a service transistor test set.
• Contractual Prowess: The Contracts Division undertook electrical assembly work for UK and overseas government departments, showcasing their versatility and expertise.
• Expansion on the Horizon: Moving into a modern factory promised a significant increase in manufacturing capacity, hinting at ambitious future plans.

Pioneering Innovation (1971-1981):

• 1977: Labgear breaks new ground with the Teletext Adaptor Model 7026, allowing viewers to access text information alongside TV programs – a glimpse into the future of interactive media.
• Continued Growth: Throughout the 70s, Labgear thrives on the increasing demand for television sets in homes. They excel in providing reliable and convenient solutions for multiple TV setups with products like distribution amplifiers and high-performance aerials.

Consolidation and Progress (1981-1988):

• 1981: As part of the larger Pye Group, Labgear joins forces with other smaller companies under the umbrella of Cambridge Electronic Industries (CEI). This fosters collaboration and shared resources.
• 1982: A CEI report praises Labgear's exceptional performance, attributing its success to a strong focus on TV and radio signal distribution equipment. The growing popularity of multi-receiver households and the need for high-quality aerials drive their sales and profits.
• Eyes on the Future: Looking ahead, Labgear anticipates the rise of cable TV by developing advanced components for major providers. They also invest in expert signal processing equipment, preparing for the arrival of satellite TV transmissions.

Reshaping the Landscape (1988-2004):

• 1988: Recognizing the shift towards cable TV, Labgear rebrands as Labgear Cablevision Ltd., aligning its identity with the changing market.
• 1989: Finnish cable network leader Teleste Oy acquires Labgear, expanding its product portfolio and gaining expertise in indoor amplifiers and aerials.
• 1991: To achieve brand consistency across their regional operations, Teleste renames Labgear Cablevision Ltd. to Teleste Cablevision Ltd.[4]
• 2004: Seeking new growth opportunities, Labgear joins Philex Electronic Limited, an accessories specialist. They leverage their expertise in signal distribution products to become Philex's dedicated arm for major UK distributors.

Throughout this dynamic journey, Labgear has consistently demonstrated:

• Adaptability: Evolving from early consumer electronics to embracing new technologies like cable and satellite TV.
• Innovation: Pioneering products like the Teletext Adaptor and investing in advanced components for future broadcast formats.
• Resilience: Navigating changes in ownership and successfully integrating into different business structures.

Today, Labgear remains a relevant player in the world of signal distribution, a testament to their ability to reinvent themselves and stay ahead of the curve.[5]

 References;

[1] International businessmen's who's who, 1967, Page 265.
[2] London Gazette Aug 19, 1952, Page 4442.
[3] Wireless World Dec 1955, Page 85.
[4] Sound Mar 1991, Page 16.
[5] Labgear Company website accessed Jan 2024

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