Equipment for hire

Equipment produced by "BBC".

Sometime maker of specialist studio equipment

A BBC speaker from 1939, the LSU/1 Loud Speaker Unit was part of the OBA/8 outside broadcast 'portable' transmission kit as used throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Our example is in restored working condition. The larger picture shows the back baffle, 'up'.

Of BBC design,this portable battery-powered sound amp (type AM15/503P) in travel case was used in conjunction with film cameras (Arriflex/ Auricon/CP16 etc) using pre-striped magnetic film. The amplifier has a two-channel mixer with two mic inputs plus one 'line'. The unit is enscribed 'BBCTV NEWS N42' which is a helpful indication as to it's working life. Date circa 1973.

Not used these days, (everything is digitally sourced) the Caption Stand was usually placed in the corner somewhere on the studio floor so as to display a test card, picture, nameplate, VT clock, station ident, or credit list.

MN6 series, BBC designed and built this unit has an unusual vertical CRT display of the 'Slim Jim' type and an over-large illuminated source ID. Electrically very similar to our other example, a smaller and thinner version. Fully operational.

Officially: Tone Source, Portable PTS/10/170. Very old all valve design, battery operated. As used for general purpose audio frequency response testing, especially for OBs. Operational.

A BBC-designed vertical waveform monitor, for use positioned beside picture monitors in production galleries. A space saving measure, these units use an unusual vertical CRT display of the 'Slim Jim' type and this version measures only 9 cm wide. We also have an example of the full size variant.

Useful monitor trolley from the BBC's Lime Grove Studios. Used throughout the 1950s and beyond

BBC ashtray, seen in galleries and other locations within the BBC

BBC CLAPPER/SLATE. Used to mark BBC film. Bit faded with age and use. Handy sized

A couple of BBCTV engineering headsets in pretty colours.

Lynn Clopet, BBC secretary and Flesh Tone Reference model

A typical BBC studio red cue light from the 1940s/1980s. Generic design (just a light socket unit and a 15w bulb) Practical. (BBC ashtray extra dressing)