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History of Science Museum

Marconi Radio Valve Type QX, by Marconi Company, London, c. 1921

Inventory Number 31778


Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.31778

Item type
Object
Provenance
Presented by the Marconi Corporation.
Primary inscriptions
"MARCONI VALVE / MADE AT THE OSRAM LAMP WORKS / COVERED BY VARIOUS PATENTS / Q.X. RECTIFIER / 9987" printed on the exterior surface of the bulb.
Object type
Radio valve
Dimensions
Diameter: 30mm Height: 75mm Weight: 0.05kg
Inventory No
31778
Accession Number
2004-9/323

Description

Marconi Radio Valve Type QX, in a thin glass envelope with caps at either ends. With grid and anode connections as envelope side pips and a single strand tungsten filament running the entire length, with a spring for tensioning. Construction was co-axial with helical wire grid surrounding the filament and the fitting within cylindrical anode. In this valve, a 'U' shaped glass support held two stout wire rods that attached to the anode and grid respectively. Thus electrodes were only supported at one end. Type QX valves were identical to Type V24 valves but with a tighter grid pitch. Previously catalogued with assorted other valves.