THE HIRST RESEARCH CENTRE OF GEC _ MOV TUBES

The General Electric Co. (of England), was founded in 1886 by Max and Gustav Byng and Hugo Hirst. These three were originally from Bavaria in Germany and changed their names, respectively, from Binswanger and Hirsch. Hirst was the driving force in the company. Apart from patent rights, the company was not related to the G.E.Co of USA.

In 1916-17 the company began making radio receiving and transmitting tubes for use by the British Military during World War One. Most notable of these was the R type and the company, in close association with the British Navy, began making the "T" series of transmitting types (T1 - T5). Other tubes were to follow in the next few years.

In 1918/19 management of some of the GEC subsidiary companies saw a need for a research laboratory and a proposal for this was put to the GEC head office. A site at East Lane, Wembley was chosen and building began. The large building was completed and opened in 1923.

One of the main products to be looked at was radio tubes, which were becoming more used in many areas since the War. These were studied in depth and a system of numbering was given, with each experimental type given a number prefixed with E. E1 is not known but E2 was an 80 watt rectifier. E30000 was a transistor. These tubes were generally under control of the Marconi Osram Valve Co (MOV), which was founded in 1919.

Experimental tube lists apparently did not use every number and many show only a basic description of the type of tube involved. which, for our purposes means that these particular tubes can't be listed in the Museum. Some were new tube developments and others modifications of an existing military or commercial type. The R and PT2, for example, show several variations in the lists. Some tubes were only made for the British Military Services. In general, modifications included element structure, heater voltage or current, bulb sizes, connections or other bases.

No complete list has been found but one 21 page list has been found. Other smaller lists have been located. Tube data books such as "Babani's International Radio Tube Encyclcpedia" 1954, "P.H.Brans Vade-Mecum" 1948, "Universal Vade-Mecum" 1960 and "The Saga of Marconi Osram Valve" also show a good many types.

The Centre was instrumental in developing the National Grid power system, giving this to the whole UK, Probably the most notable development carried carried out at the Centre was the cavity magnetron during World War Two

Other organizations sometimes required tubes to special specifications and a few of these are HMV, the British Post Office and even the Marconi Company. A few tubes were designed for military laboratories in the Army, Navy and RAF. These tubes were usually given their appropriate Military type number until 1943 when the Common Valve, or (CV prefixed) were introduced. Tubes were made for experiments by other researchers at the Centre. It is obvious, from the lists, that some manufacturing volume of experimental tubes was carried out but most are prototypes. It is interesting that an E157 triode (c. 1930) was found in the notable collection of John Stokes in New Zealand.

There was a large 60 meter high radio transmitting tower at the rear of the building which was a landmark second only to the old Wembley Stadium. The laboratory was moved to the Elliott Armstrong buildings in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire in the early 1990's. Computer development was the primary activity. The original building was used as a set for the 1995 movie "The Young Poisoners Handbook". It was demolished some time after this.

(Sir) Robert Clayton and Joan Algar wrote the book " The GEC Research Laboratories 1919-1984 and this book has been most helpful in prepring this Forum article. Other information has been found on the internet.

To thank the Author because you find the post helpful or well done.

Dear Fin
Thank you for this nice article.
There are two things to change please:

1)
No tapeworm please, write paragraphs. I have asked for this several times (by eMail before).

2)
Please write such an article by beginning at the manufacturer page or attach it to there afterward - perhaps with the help of a moderator.

Cordially,
Ernest

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Dear Ernst:

 

I think there is a problem in your email, I have replied couple of emails but seems you did not get them, please check your SPAM folder to see if my emails get filtered.

 

Thanks 

 

Songping

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Dear Songping
Thank you very much for trying to reach me. Hopefully, you have tried erb at radiomuseum.org - but I did not find anything in the SPAM section or Junk. But I also have to tell you that I get between 30 and 40 SPAM eMails per day plus some JUNK.

Can you try with erb at diet-health.info?
Normally a member can answer each post by using "Mail to the Author" but it is not working for you.
I might be able to try your yahoo.com address if I don't get your eMail.

Thank you very much for trying. I'm still so happy how you guided us in China - very friendly!
Cordially,
Ernest

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Dear Ernst 

I did submit this originally with paragraphs and don't know what happened. I have changed this. Also am not sure how to link this to the manufacturers page but will do soo wityh future Forum articles.

Best regards, Fin

 

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