Ring transformer, 1892

Made:
1892 in Wales
Gavey's ring transformer used in 1892 between Lavernock and Gavey's ring transformer used in 1892 between Lavernock and

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Gavey's ring transformer used in 1892 between Lavernock and
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Gavey's ring transformer used in 1892 between Lavernock and
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

John Gavey's ring transformer, used between Lavernock and Flatholm, made by John Gavey, Wales, 1892. Mounted on polished wooden board

John Gavey's ring transformer, used between Lavernock and Flatholm, made by John Gavey, Wales, 1892.

William Henry Preece (1834-1913) became Engineer-in-Chief of the Post Office in 1892. At the time he was unconvinced of the theories of Heinrich Hertz as a basis for wireless communication but considered that electromagnetic induction could be used for wireless telegraphy over short distances. John Gavey, his assistant, made this ring transformer for trials held in Wales, between Lavernock and the island of Flat Holm, in 1892. The system worked but was impractical for widescale application.

Details

Category:
Telecommunications
Object Number:
2004-171
Materials:
copper (alloy), wood (unidentified) and leather
Measurements:
overall: 100 mm x 330 mm x 405 mm, 13.4kg
type:
transformer
credit:
Donated by BT Heritage and Archives