From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: kc5ijd@sprintmail.com Fcc: Sent Date: Thu, 27 Nov 1997 07:05:54 Subject: Military Collector Group Post, Nov.19/97 Message-ID: <19971127.070317.3335.9.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.38 Military Collector Group Post, Nov.19/97 Desert Storm Trophies,& JCMEC: By Bill Howard,& Dennis Starks Part VIII; From Russia & China MYSTERY RADIO; Proposal Pat Needs MAB Stuff; Don't we all! HUMOR; ************************************************************* Desert Storm Trophies,& JCMEC: By Bill Howard,& Dennis Starks Part VIII; From Russia & China We have so far covered radio equipment of British, Italian, French, Suspect German origin. This chapter will continue on with those from Russia & China. ----------------- >From Russia ----------------- Russian Tank Radios During WW II, Russian armor units did not have a radio in each tank as did the Germans and Americans. Tank platoons had a radio in the platoon leaders tank and op orders were then sent to the other tanks by visual signals. Many Russian tanks were lend lease Shermans and in many others the No.19 Wireless set was the standard radio. This was a British designed dual transceiver type, built for Russia in either England, Canada, or the U.S. having a UHF/AM set for intra-platoon communications, & a HF/AM/CW set for longer range coms with higher echelons. For the most part, AM was the standard means of communication among those tanks that had radio sets. To some degree the reliance on visual signals has carried on into the present day. By the late 1950?s this began to change and by the time of Desert Storm, most Russian made tanks had a Russian made radio. In the mid 1950?s the Russians fielded the T 54 tank and later the T 55 tank. These tanks had the R 113 FM set for vehicle to vehicle communication and some tanks had the R 311 , an AM set for monitoring higher level units transmissions. The next major tank to enter Russian service was the T 62 tank which had the R 123 FM radio transceiver. As T 62s began to fill the Soviet inventory, the T 54 and T 55 tanks were transferred to their allies. The T 72 began to replace the T 62.s and by the time of the 1973 mid-east wars, the T 62 was in Arab hands along with the R 113 radios and the R 311 AM sets. By the time Iraq and Iran went to war with each other, the T 72 tanks were being made in an export version. These tanks had the R 123 transceiver. The example that I have was made in Russia , had Russian markings on the case and had English language lables pasted over the Russian lettering. The major Russian tank radios that were captured during Desert Storm were the R 113 and the R 123 sets. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The R 113, Or as the inscription in Russian cyrillic reads ?P 113?, was a frequency modulated, detent tuned, tube type transceiver with a frequency range of 20-22.375 MC. The radio derives it's power from one of two separate power supplies the BP-2B (for 12vdc operation),or the BP-2A(for 24vdc ops). The operating voltage of the vehicle in which it is installed will determine the power unit that is used as the supply. There is a matrix behind the front panel which must be wired to match the voltage of the power source. A complete station consist of the transceiver, the power supply and the antenna matching unit. If we tried to make a comparison between this set, & that of a U.S. design, the closest match would be the RT-66 & it's associated power supply of early 1950's design, & used by us untill the mid 1960's. The set has a transmitting range of 20 km (12.4 miles) with a power output of 16 watts. It has three modes of operation; listen only, transmit/receive and voice operated transmission The radio has a modular design and can be repaired easily by replacing the defective module which would provide it with one advantage over it's U.S. counterpart, though over ten years to late. The set was normally used in conjunction with the R 120 vehicle intercom system which consisted of a tube amplifier, associated cabling and crew station junction boxes. The standard Soviet tankers helmet has a four pin connector which connects to a cable with a push to talk switch.. This cable is connected to the junction box. It is a quick disconnect system, similar to that found on most of the worlds tanks. Because of it?s limited frequency range, the R 113 can not net with some of the radios in the Soviet Army such as the R 105 and the R 108 back pack radios which were also supplied to the Iraqi's. This was the reason that it was replaced by the R 123. (Ref.#2,#8) The R 123 and R 123M Transceivers, These are one of the newest FM sets to be issued to the Soviet forces. It is a compact transceiver that has a frequency range of 20 to 51.5 MC and can be continuously tuned over the entire frequency range, along with a provision for operation from any one of four switch selected preset frequencies. There are two antennas for use with this set, a four meter one for when the vehicle is in motion and a ten meter telescopic antenna for when the vehicle is used as a stationary command post. The R 123M has no internal speaker, therefore a headset/mike or CVC helmet must be used. Normally this is also done through an intercom system. The various voltages that are required to operate this set are supplied by a transistorized power supply. The R-123 has a planning range of over 16 to 55 Km (10 to 35 miles) depending on the type of antenna used. The set has excellent frequency stability and because of its modular design, repairs are easily accomplished by replacement of the defective module. However, a problem in that the antenna loading indicators will give several different indications during the antenna loading procedure. It is therefore possible for an unskilled operator to load the antennas improperly and the set will transmit far below it?s maximum power out put. This set is normally used with the R 124 intercom system, a fully transistorized replacement for the R 120. It is very similar to the R 120 intercom system in that it consists of an amplifier, crew station junction boxes, connecting cords and CVC helmets. The connecting cords came in small leather pouches and I have samples of the push to talk switches both in Cyrillic and in English. The R-123, being the result of the Soviet Union's modernization plan of the early 1970's, it is an odd mixture of technologies dating from 1950's-late 1970's, including 1950's tubes, 1960's solid state, & an almost state of the art LCD desplay. It can be netted with several US sets to include the AN/VRC 12 series of radios, the AN/PRC 77, the AN/PRR 9 and the AN/PRT 4 A. The R 123 has a voice operated mode(VOX) and the R 123M set does not have this VOX capability. It had become the standard set of the Soviet and Warsaw pact armies before their collapse, & was also included in all armored vehicles that the Soviets exported thus the reason for it's prevalence in the Iraqi inventory. The sample in my collection was brought back from Desert Storm and had English language metal tags glued on over the Russian cyrillic writing. The glue did not hold up well in the desert heat and many were falling off. One is also forced to wonder what good are English language tags to an Iraqi tank crewman. As of the mid 1980's, replacement of the R-123 has been underway with the R-173. This is a modern, all solid state, synthesized radio that tunes 30-76 MHz in 1kHz steps. Provision for preset channel memory, keyboard entry for frequencies and an LED readout. The R-173 has not as yet been encountered in Iraqi hands. (Ref.#1,#2,#9) Both of the R-113,& R-123 as well as most of the other Russian sets, were first recovered from various Mid east wars and were gone over and tested by Technical Intelligence Personnel during the 1970's. They were described in technical intelligence bulletins and later in the Operators Manuals produced in support of the OPFOR training programs. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russian Back Pack Sets,(R-105,R-108,R-109, R-114) The most common of all the Russian radios to be found not just in Iraq, but all over the world, is the R-105 family of backpack radios. The radio is rather primitive by anybodies standards, it is not easy to use, nor does it have any saving graces save one, "If you fire one up, it usually works". First introduced in the early 1950's, it was revamped in the 1960's to use more modern materials(D models), & again in the 1970's(M models). It has been referred to by many as a slightly updated copy of captured WW-II German sets and many of it's characteristics, & accessories will show this lineage. All the sets in this series are of tube type design, with the only presents of transistors being in the radio's internal inverter power supply. Their cabinets(M models) are constructed of a heavy bakelight type material, sealed with paraffin to prevent water & dust seepage. A removable cover allows access to the sets controls which are placed up one edge. The radio is fully operational with this cover in place & it does provide exceptional protection for the controls, as well as further enhancement of the radios water tight integrity. The opposite edge of the radio has an identical cover to house it's rechargeable nicad batteries. The short antenna supplied with the sets is unique in design & also reminiscent of it's WW-II German ancestry. Constructed of a series of aluminum beads strung on a steel cable, a stiff spring on the end keeps pressure against these beads & a semi rigid but flexible antenna results. Releasing this spring tension collapses the antenna allowing it to be rolled up for easy storage. Better than the British system on the PRC-349, US SCR-300, & anything produced in WW-II, but still not as good as the U.S. "Stanley" tape configuration thats been in use since 1949. Accessories are available to allow the set to perform various task. Without exception they exhibit the utmost in simplicity, & crud utilitarian design. Carry equipment consist of a very thin plastic covered cushion that is placed on the back of the radio, & simple canvas straps. A long sectional antenna is provided to increase the sets range while in it's backpack configuration, it does not incorporate a spring to minimize damage. This same antenna is combined with a "C" clamp type mount for use as a vehicular antenna. A metal frame used to secure the radio in it's transit case, can also double as a vehicular mount. It's combination headset/mic is very similar to that used with the WW-II U.S. Navy TBY. A handset could also be used that is virtually a copy of a WW-II German type, & looks much like those used on U.S. EE-8 field telephones. Other accessories include a long wire antenna, & a 50 watt mobile amplifier is also known to have been built, both intended to increase the basic radios range, the later has not been encountered as a Desert Storm Trophy. The R-105 is the most common of the series, & was intended for use by infantry units. Operating in one continuous band on 36-46.1mc, with an intended channel spacing of 25 or 50kc. RF power output is rated at 1 watt, FM. Power is derived from two internal nicad batteries. Differences between the R-105 & other radios in this family can be seen below. R-108, R-109, R-114 The R-108, R-109, & R-114 are identical to the R-105 with the exception of frequency coverage, & the intended branch of service they were to be used by. In similar fashion to U.S. allocations in the 50's-early 60's. The VHF frequency spectrum was sectioned off, the different types of combat units having there own frequency range. To this end we have the R-108 being operated by artillery units, between 28-36.5mc. The R-109, by anti-aircraft artillery on 21.5-28.5mc. And the R-114 20-26mc for command & liaison at battalion level. Though the R-105M series had been reported to be out of production before 1987, the following provided by one of our group would tend to indicate it was produced longer than officially thought. Further, it might reflect the build up of all armaments, do to the hostilities between Iraq & Iran. "One interesting fact: I have an R-105M Russian set that came from the Gulf, the wood transit case has a contract number and date on it. The date is 1986, this is consistant with the other equipment I have seen that seems to have been purchased in the early 1980s. The BCC-349s have a similar production date on them." Documents that were included with my set indicate it entered service in 1982, & had a last inspection date of 1990. Note, these documents are present in both Russian & German. Production of this radio series has taken place in many of the former Warsaw Pact countries. Today, East German examples in near new condition, with all their accessories & in the transit case, can be had from a west coast surplus dealer, though a bit pricie for me. Only the Russian variants of the R-105D,M, & R-108D,M have been confirmed as in use by Iraqi forces. Versions of these radios have also been found that display panel makings in English, & Spanish. Though it is possible that these examples are of Desert Storm origin, that has not been confirmed. And there is a possibility that these variants made their way to this country by way of Granada. Remember that one? Ref.#1,#2,#3,#7 We can easily see why the tank radios of Russian origin were present in Iraq. Basically if you purchased a Russian tank, You got a Russian radio! The question arises, that if the Iraqi's had a choice, whether they would purchase equipment of such extremely antiquated design? In the case of the Portable radios, this answer is simple, and a reoccurring one, those were cheep! Huge stockpiles still exist of these types, they are being dumped today by the trainload(literally) as can be seen by their surplus sales both here & in European publications. In the case of the tank radios, maybe that question will be answered by our Chinese entry into the field. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >From China, the Type 889 ----------------------------------- The Type 889 is the only radio of Chinese origin to return here from operations in the Gulf. Primarily designed for use in armored vehicles, it will fit the foot print of the Russian R-123/113 series, but all similarities stop there. The Type 889 is a fully modern set of all solid state, synthesized design. It features 20-49.975mc operation in 25kc steps. A selectable RF power output of 3watts/low or 20watts/high. And it was intended to be a slide-in replacement for the Russian R-113 or R-123. Though it will fit the mounts of those radios, all connections are completely different. Built by China National Electronics Import & Export Corp, with an obviously eye towards the export market. All panel markings on the set are in English, with the only indication of it's Chinese origin being the characters found inside the radio. In the last part of this chapter, the question was presented,"If given a choice, would the Iraqi's purchase equipment of such extremely antiquated design?" I think our question has been answered! As the appearance of this set ruffly coincides with that of the new R-173 of the USSR, yet was apparently chosen over it, our minds can only ponder as to why? Ref.#2,#7 Unless further information is received, this chapter completes all the known communications equipment to have been brought here as trophies from Desert Storm. The next & final chapter will conclude our series with some parting comments, observations,& information that has been presented since the series began. As always, if you have any input to offer at all, we'd like to hear from you. Dennis Starks Bill Howard miliary-radio-guy@juno.com wlhoward@gte.net Referanses; #1) the Authors personal collection #2) Janes Military Communications #3) Associated equipments manuals #7) a source that prefers to remain anonymous Ref.#8 Pages 69 and 70, Ref.#9 Pages 101 and 102 Soviet Communication Devices(U) OPERATOR?S MANUAL, the 11th Military Intelligence Battalion, Dec 1981, re printd by the 203rd M.I. Bn(Technical Intelligence) ************************************************************* MYSTERY RADIO; Proposal I have a proposition for a new subject line in our group posting, that of "Mystery Radio". The subject matter will be the origins,use, & history of radios that have yet to be explained, or have been with the results little known to the general public. There are many such radios, though relatively common, we know almost nothing about. Each issue will close with subject radio for the next so that input can be received prior to it's publishing. I suspect a good set to start with would be the Navy RBZ. This mainly because I've already answered most of the questions surrounding this radio, but as yet have not distributed this info, so it should make an easy start. What you all think? & send me some suggestions for your Mystery Radio candidate. Dennis ************************************************************* Pat Needs MAB Stuff; Hello Dennis: Upon my return from Florida, I found a UPS Package containing a Very nice MAB. Has the RS-38A mike. MISSING the Antenna & Load Coil Assembly (& break-away connector), Vibrator Power Unit & lead acidbattery), Headset Assembly (skull cap & headphones w/break-away connector), "Canvas Carring Case" Any help you can provide would be most appreciated ! Thank you, Pat Lombardi PasqualeNJ@AOL.com >MISSING the Antenna & Load Coil Assembly (& break-away connector), > Headset Assembly (skull cap & headphones w/breal-away connector), > "Canvas Carring Case" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- everybody needs exactly the same thing, further fueled by an artical I wrote on the sets that turned into a series, a couple months ago & is now part of the backmail. > Vibrator Power Unit & lead acid battery), ---------------------------------------------------------------- I know you already got the power supply, & I suspect the battery too. I need three of them myself. Perhaps you should send me some more pictures so I can tell you what else you got & where it is. Damn shame I know more about your shit than you do! Dennis **************************************************************** HUMOR; Suppose Edgar Allan Poe Used a Computer Once upon a midnight dreary, fingers cramped and vision bleary, System manuals piled high and wasted paper on the floor, Longing for the warmth of bedsheets, Still I sat there, doing spreadsheets: Having reached the bottom line, I took a floppy from the drawer. Typing with a steady hand, I then invoked the SAVE command and waited for the disk to store, Only this and nothing more. Deep into the monitor peering, long I sat there wond'ring, fearing, Doubting, while the disk kept churning, turning yet to churn some more. "Save!" I said, "You cursed mother! Save my data from before!" One thing did the phosphors answer, only this and nothing more, Just, "Abort, Retry, Ignore?" Was this some occult illusion? Some maniacal intrusion? These were choices undesired, ones I'd never faced before. Carefully, I weighed the choices as the disk made monstrous noises. The cursor flashed, insistent, waiting, baiting me to type some more. Clearly I must press a key, choosing one and nothing more, From " Abort, Retry, Ignore?" With my fingers pale and trembling, Slowly toward the keyboard bending, Longing for a happy ending, hoping all would be restored, Praying for some guarantee Timidly I pressed a key. But on the screen there still persisted, words appearing as before. Ghastly grim they blinked and taunted, haunted, as my patience wore, Saying."Abort, Retry, Ignore?" I tried to catch the chips off-guard - I pressed again, but twice as hard. I pleaded with the cursed machine: I begged and cried and then I swore. Then I tried in desperation, sev'ral random combinations, Still there came the incantation, just as senseless as before. Cursor blinking, mocking, winking, flashing nonsense as before. Reading, "Abort, Retry, Ignore?" There I sat, distraught, exhausted; by my own machine accosted Getting up I turned away and paced across the office floor. And then I saw dreadful sight: a lightning bolt cut through the night. A gasp of horror overtook me, shook me to my very core. The lightning zapped my previous data, lost and gone forevermore. Not even, "Abort, Retry, Ignore?" To this day I do not know The place to which lost data goes. What demonic nether world is wrought where data will be stored, Beyond the reach of mortal souls, beyond the ether, in black holes? But sure as there's C, Pascal, Lotus, Ashton-Tate and more, You will one day be left to wander, lost on some Plutonian shore, Pleading, "Abort, Retry, Ignore?" Author Unknown --------- End forwarded message ---------- When finished reading use browser back button or go to http://www.prc68.com/MCGP/MCGP.html