New Item: Panzer Intercom Box "Z-18"

[Yuri D.]

I have a special place in my heart for Panzer communication equipment, so I was very luck to have procured this item. This is a Z-18 intercom box which was the first one used in Panzers after 1933. Based on Ellison's book, this box was introduced in 1936 for Panzer III and IVs. It did not have a power amplifier, thereby necessitating the modification of the Ukw.E.e and 10W.S.c to provide intercom amplification capability and featuring the "yellow stripe". Note the remnants of a yellow stripe on the front of the Z-18 - which was made in 1940.

Ellison mentions that he has never seen an example of this box. This is the first example that I have ever encountered. Perhaps they were all replaced by Kasten 20 in standard tanks and by Kasten 11 in command tanks.

I welcome all opinions and thoughts.

[Yuri D.]

The cable ports

[Yuri D.]

Top of the box

Note the connectors for the Funker microphone and headphones.

The switch button toggles between "Funk" and "Funk und Bord"

[Yuri D.]

Rear of the box with Waffenamt stamp

[Yuri D.]

Inside:

[Yuri D.]

Inside the lid:

The maker is Deutsche Telefon Werke which also made most of the 23Z radio power distribution boxes for most Panzers.

[Yuri D.]

It is the only intercom box that glows in the dark. There is a luminescent phosphorus stripe on the lid and on the button. I have to find my Geiger counter.

[Kris]

Great item Yuri

[fieldgear]

Hi Yuri

Great addition to your collection! Superb condition too. I'm curious what the "Ellison" book you refer to is?

Best,.>Rob

[Yuri D.]

Here is a reference to the Elissen book:

http://www.battlefrequencies.com/books.php

Yuri

[fieldgear]

Thanks Yuri

I looked on your site & didn't see it. Doh! Too much haste!

thanks,.>Rob

[Yuri D.]

Photo of the Z-18 box in a Panzer III

[Yuri D.]

And another photo of this box in a Panzer IV

[RTY]

And what the Geiger counter said?

[SpookyDad]

Yuri

Are the connectors on the bottom jacks? Or just wiring ports for each station. Any idea why there would be 7 rather than 4 or 5?

Neil