Wireless Set No. 88
Wireless Set No. 88 Type A
Wireless Set No. 88 was a man pack VHF-FM transceiver developed in about 1947 as a replacement for the No. 38 Set.
It was the first British developed tactical VHF-FM manpack set.
The No. 88 Set could work to Wireless Set No. 31 and four channels marked A to D on its tuning dial correspond with those on Wireless Set No. 88 Type A.
It was principally used for short range infantry communications.
The No. 88 set was carried in a pouch similar to a Bren ammunition pouch, which made carrying and operation inconspicuous.
The battery is carried separately in a similar pouch.
Two versions were made of this set: Type A for infantry Company-Platoon use and Type B for infantry Mortar-Platoon use.
Apart from the difference in frequencies and indication plate, they are distinguishable by their colours.
Type A has an olive drab top panel and case, whilst Type B has a black top.
Wireless Set No. 88 AFV was developed for fitting in tanks and other vehicles along with Wireless Set No. 19 for the purpose of communicating with infantry personnel equipped with Wireless Sets No. 88 Type A. The set comprised a slightly modified standard No. 88 Set Type A, powered from 12V DC by a separate Power Supply And LF Amplifier Unit No. 2. The latter also incorporated AF amplifiers raising the AF output of the No. 88 Set and vehicle harness microphones to a suitable level.
The officer's Telephone, Hand No. 11 is a lightweight handset which plugs into the second socket of the set front panel and can be used at the same time as the operator's assembly.
The operator's Headgear Assembly No. 15 consists of a lightweight wishbone microphone and headphones. The microphone is supported in front of the operator's mouth, allowing the use of both hands.
Power Supply and LF Amplifier Unit No. 2 is powered by the 12V vehicle battery. It provides 1.5V LT and 90V HT for the Wireless Set No. 88AFV. The unit has two AF amplifiers and a transmit-receive relay. It is connected via special Control Boxes No. 16 and No. 17 to the Wireless Set No. 19 harness. A carbon-pile voltage regulator is incorporated which enables the complete No. 88AFV to accept and input between 11 and 16 volts.
Diagram of installation Wireless Set No. 88 AFV, (excluding Wireless Set No. 19)