Diving amplifier equipment type 957 system
Manufacturer
Guided Radio Corp
Date1943
Object number00004222
NameDiving amplifier
MediumMetal
DimensionsOverall: 527 x 504 x 314 mm, 18.6 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis diving amplifier equipment, 'Type 957 System', was issued by the United States Navy Bureau of Ships and is dated 11/4/43. It was manufactured by Guided Radio Corp. in New York.
This amplifier was used by crew on board pearl luggers to communicate with up to three hard-hat divers on pearl beds below. It also allowed the divers to communicate to each other.
The equipment is comprised of a portable communications module and a speaker attached on top. The control panel features switches which control the volume and tone of speech, and a power switch. On the right hand side of the unit is a list of operating instructions, and below that three sockets which connect the cables to the divers.HistoryA communication hose ran from the communication box to the diver's hard hat, this enabled the tender on board the pearling lugger to communicate with the diver on the seabed. This equipment enabled the tender to talk with three divers at any given time and also for the divers to communicate with each other.
On the front of the steel box there are switches which controlled the volume and tone of speech and allowed the tender to talk to the divers and another switch for the divers to communicate amongst themselves. On the left hand
side of the box, there are operating Instructions and on the right hand side, plugs for connecting the hoses.
SignificanceThis radio is an example of the equipment used by divers in Australian waters before the development of the wet-suit, mask, fins and self contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). It is an interesting example of one of the few advantages hard-hat divers had over modern day divers, who are required to communicate through signals.
2012
1950-1989
1950-1989