From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#1 Fcc: Sent Date: Sat, 29 Nov 1997 07:06:08 Subject: Military Collector Group Post, Nov.29/97 Message-ID: <19971129.070513.8295.4.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Forwarded X-Mailer: Juno 1.38 Military Collector Group Post, Nov.29/97 Inex: GRC-109/RS-1; What, Why, When, Where Part II, Descriptions, & Observations of the RS-1, GRC-109, & GRA-71 By Pete McCollum with Further Comments by Dennis Starks Internet Book Shop?? Wire Size?? Hue's Got More Stuff to Trade Off; (wish I had sumthin ta trade em) HUMOR; *************************************************** GRC-109/RS-1; What, Why, When, Where Part II, Descriptions, & Observations of the RS-1, GRC-109, & GRA-71 By Pete McCollum with Further Comments by Dennis Starks Descriptions, ------------ The RS-1 consists of: - Receiver RR-2. Tunes 3-24 mhz in 3 bands: 3-6, 6-12, and 12-24 mhz. Tube complement: 1T4 RF amp, 1L6 converter, 1T4 455 khz IF (two), 1U5 detector/audio, and 1T4 BFO/audio. The 1L6 tube seems to be somewhat hard to find, and is in demand because it was used in certain models of the Zenith Trans-Oceanic radio. It is believed that a 1U6 would work in place of the 1L6, but 1U6's are rare, too. Size: 8.625 X 5.5 X 5.438 inches. - Transmitter RT-3. Tunes 3-22 mhz, xtal control, accepts crystals with 3/4" pin-spacing (i.e. FT-243), or 1" pin-spacing. 15W maximum output. Tube complement: 6AC7 oscillator and 2E26 final. Size: 8.625 X 5.5 X 5.438 inches. - Power supply RP-2 or RP-3. Input is 75-260 VAC, 40-1000 Hz; with switch- selectable input voltage and a meter to indicate the current line voltage. The RP-3 is bigger, and allows operation from 6 VDC using a vibrator circuit. Uses a 0B2 as a regulator for the receiver's B+. The GRC-109 is the Army adoption of the RS-1, and consists of receiver R-1004, transmitter T-784, and power supply PP-2685 or PP-2684. The RS-1 and GRC-109 are identical except for labeling, although all known T-784's have a connector for a Burst Coder (GRA-71) on the front panel. This difference is an "MWO" (Modification Work Order) on the T-784. The T-784 characteristics are described in NSN 5820-00-892-0880. Cost:$532. The R-1004 characteristics are described in NSN 5820-00-892-0882. Cost:$1122. The units are waterproofed and tested for 7.5 PSI. There is also a GRC-109A set, which is a later model which has a different case with hasp-type lid fasteners, instead of thumbscrews; and there is a carrying handle built into one side. It also has some cost-saving design changes: for example, the window for the tuning dial is a part of the front-panel casting, instead of being a separate screw-on piece. The non-A model is more 'attractive'. The GRA-71 is a device that allows the user to record a message composed of dits and dahs onto a small tape cartridge, then the message is 'played back' at a rate of about 300 WPM, and electrically keys the T-784. The purpose is to 'burst transmit' a message, so that the bad guys don't have enough time to RDF your location. Also, the burst message is not copy-able unless you are able to record it, then play it back at a reduced speed. A few other radios (such as the PRC-64 and PRC-104) support the GRA-71 also. Apparently some GRA-71's were made with non-Roman letters on the coder wheels, for use in S.E. Asia. Some general notes and observations: ------------------------------------ The PP-268x/RP-x power supply, in combination with the 'lampholder adaptor', allow the GRC-109/RS-1 to be operated from AC mains practically anywhere in the world. Physically, you can plug into either US-style AC outlets, or into round-pin (European-style) outlets. The round pins can be unscrewed and inverted to change the diameter of the pins, plus the rubber plug is somewhat flexible to allow changing the spacing of the pins. One part of the lampholder adaptor can be used to get power from a standard light bulb socket, or from a bayonet-style bulb socket. Radio Shack sells a Euro-to-US AC plug adaptor that can be used if you don't have the 'lampholder adaptor'. Electrically, the PP-268x/RP-x units accept a wide range of voltages and frequencies. The R-1004/RR-2 and T-784/RT-3 are also designed with flexibility in mind. Note that with the exception of the burst-keyer connector and the power supply connectors, everything uses simple binding posts for electrical connections. I believe that this was to facilitate emergency hookups for antennas, headphones, etc. (also, these types of connectors allow the front panel to be water-tight more easily) For example: I can imagine an operative in some low-budget east-Asian hotel room, with his RS-1 set plugged into the bare bulb socket hanging from the ceiling, the antenna wire draped across the curtain rods, and the ground wire clamped onto the cast-iron radiator (the wire and clamp is included with the GRC-109 set). Discovering that his headphones are missing, he uses the TL-29 knife (also included with the GRC-109 set) to cut the handset off of the telephone, strip the wires, and connect it to his RR-2's 'Phones' binding posts. This would be a messier task if the radio had something like a 1/4" phone jack to deal with. In case the code key on the T-784/RT-3 is damaged, there are binding posts for you to connect a substitute. It seems that Admiral made most/all of the GRC-109 and RS-1 stuff, and that Oklahoma Aerotronics made the GRC-109A's. The "A" models seem to all have an A-suffix on the serial number, and they have snap-type lid fasteners instead of thumbscrews. All (?) T-784's have been modified as per "MWO 11-5820-474-35/1", which is described in the GRA-71 manual as: "Modification of Radio Set AN/GRC-109 to make it compatible with Coder - Burst Transmission Group AN/GRA-71". Presumably, this MWO was to install the connector on the T-784 that mates with the GRA-71. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes on the GRA-71 (from the manual): - TM 11-5835-224-12: "Coder - Burst Transmission Group AN/GRA-71", dated 27 May 1964. Bill Howard has a copy of the manual that Stenographic Machines sent to the government - it is spiral bound, and dated 1-Jan-1964. - Manual mentions that info is copyrighted by Stenographic Machines, Inc. They are the original maker, but Arvin made the low bid on the second lot. - Alternate nomenclature (used by Stenographic Machines) for the pieces are as follows: MX-4496 CO/B-8 MX-4495 CO-3B KY-468 KE-8B MA-9 CA-3B MX-4498 KA-3 - The manual specifically mentions the T-784/GRC-109 transmitter - it does not say that the GRA-71 can be used with any other radio. - The "IDY" button sends out a continuous stream of "dots" at 300 WPM. It apparently is the same on all units, *not* a unique identifier signal. - The 'handle extension' on the MX-4496 is supposed to be opened while in use, to allow you to more easily and smoothly operate it. - The tape in the MA-9 is designed to be replaceable. It contains 12.5 feet of 3M Type 428 "Instrument Grade" recording tape. - The tape moves at 4.5" per second, dots are 3.3 ms, and dashes are 10 ms. - Transistors in the KY-468 are 2N207, 2N492, 2N884, 2N799, 2N887 (SCR), and 2N1377; a total of 13 transistors and 1 SCR. - The MX-4498 contains a converter for changing 6.3 VAC into 12 VDC. Notes on the GRA-71 (from Bill Howard): As to the AN/GRA 71 Code Burst Transmitter. I first came in contact with these sets when the 100th MTC in Louisville, Ky put on a training exercise for the Ranger Infantry Company in Pontiac Michigan in the late 1970's. Each patrol was equipped with an AN/GRA 71 and was at a separate table. The controller put out various models such as tanks, railroad tracks with a train, etc. The patrol had to observe, click out a message and at specified times, transmit the message (probably used PRC-104's). This was received at the company on a special receiver, decoded, and the information transmitted to the Corps G2 (that was me). We then posted the information to the situation map and at pre-determined times, we conducted a "briefing for the Corps Commander" and allowed the patrols to observe the briefing. They all learned how critical their information was to the intelligence effort. I wes interested in the AN/GRA 71 and wrote to the manufacturer, Stenographic Machines. They wrote back that they were the original maker and when the contract was put out for bid for a second batch, Stenographic Machines was not the low bidder. They were kind enough to send me a copy of their instruction manual with the caveat that it was protected property and could not be copied or reproduced. They also said that from time to time, people found parts of the set in flea markets and wrote to them asking for information or repair parts, etc. of which they had none. Compiled by: Pete McCollum 3810 Whisper Hollow Dr. Colo. Springs, CO 80920 719-548-3525 MCCOLLUM@SSDEVO.ENET.DEC.COM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Further Comments; The price & NSN number information Pete includes above, is quoted from Ref.#1, which also includes a price of $1007 for the completed set, & notes sales to both the Department of the Army, & Navy. This is also the source for the water pressure test figures. The GRC-109(A) defers from the standard model mainly in the case as Pete describes. This (A) is usually referred to as "Armored Plated" because the difference does not stop with it's hasp fasteners, nor the carry handle. The case thickness of the (A) models is much thicker than that of the early variant, with a corresponding added weight. It is this added weight that makes the set less desirable. At least on some variants of the (A) model, the lids are not made of cast aluminum, but a high impact plastic or bakelite type material. Additionally, the (A) models set's have the code burst capability without the need of the MWO. While Pete's comments on the clandestine purpose & use of the GRA-71 are indeed true. This was not the primary mission of the set as it applies to use by the military. Here, the goal was frequency congestion, & conservation. To better understand this problem an understanding of the general SOP of isolated base camps in Vietnam. In Ref.#2 the writer describes his duties as a Special Forces radioman, & tells us something of their communications plans & operations. It was required to make twice daily reports of the camps activities, the morning began with a transmitted weather report, & reception of any incoming traffic, in the afternoon Situation Report(sitrep), in these most the activities of the day were reported, including any enemy contact(which took place every day). It might also include a after action report(AAR), which would be the results of any offensive actions undertaken. All this message traffic was encrypted using "one-time pads". In the case of the sitrep, & AAR, this process could take hours. And in the event an unexperienced, fresh out of school CW operator(as most were), could take a couple more hours to complete the transmission. All this same time numerous other detachments are waiting to send their traffic, also contending with erratic propagation. So we can immediately see the advantage to being able to transmit an hour long message in a few minutes, regardless of the expertise of the sender. Even after the advent of SSB/voice and it's widespread destitution and use in the field, the code burst transmissions were continued into the late 70's because of the extreme difficulty in encrypting voice transmissions, the time required to submit reports, and with the impracticality of TTY systems in small front line combat units. It must also be remembered that code burst or high speed code transmissions are not a late innovation of the 50's or 60's. In fact it predates TTY, and saw widespread use in WW-II by high power stations before the advent of TTY. Today, front line units use notebook computers & packet to effect these same ends. Starting only a couple years ago, the fazing out of all TTY systems began, with their replacement mode being Packet. Ref.#1 also list a cost to the Army for the GRA-71 as $759.14. A second model is also shown as the M2000 also built by the Stenograph Corp, at the same price. Lastly, it was most likely the PRC-74, & not the PRC-104 that Bill remembers the training exercise with, past conversations with him on that subject support this conclusion. Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com Referances; #1) Federal Logistics Data on Compact Disk(Fedlog) 1995. #2) Tan Phu, Special Forces Team A-23 In Combat, By Leigh Wade *************************************************** Internet Book Shop?? Dennis, Have you ever heard of the Internet Bookshop? somebody asked me if it was reliable and I never heard of it. told him I would ask around and see what it was. Bill Howard e-mail wlhoward@gte.net *************************************************** Wire Size?? Dennis, Do you know what 3 mm wire translates to in Standard American Guage wire sizes? It must be a larger diameter than 18 guage. Is there such a thing as a conversion table located anywhere? Bill Howard e-mail wlhoward@gte.net ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I don't know Bill, I stay plum the hell away from that metric shit. I drive 30 year old vehicles to insure I'm metric free! Dennis *************************************************** Hue's Got More Stuff to Trade Off; i will be wanting to dispose these and prefer to trade: German WW1 spark transmitter, field portable. working condition, with some papers. USN SE-1420 rec WW1, no case and requires substantial restoration, tho not hopeless Japan 94-5 low power rec + trans, ground air rec type 0, HRO ( maybe ), telegraph learning device with crank spring powered motor which plays letters punched in metal disk, also audio osc for code training. Martin Autoplex ( first bug key, 1904 ) with carrying case. x-rare. i am interested in axis radio gear WW2. hue miller ho4bart@aol.com ************************************************* HUMOR; Dave Sundheimer W0NBZ w0nbz@juno.com Burnsville (near Minneapolis) Minnesot Ol' Fred had been a faithful Christian and was in the hospital, near death. The family called their pastor to stand with them. As the pastor stood next to the bed, Ol' Fred's condition appeared to deteriorate and he motioned frantically for something to write on. The pastor lovingly handed him a pen and a piece of paper, and Ol' Fred used his last bit of energy to scribble a note, then he died. The pastor thought it best not to look at the note at that time, so he placed it in his jacket pocket. At the funeral, as he was finishing the message, he realized that he was wearing the same jacket that he was wearing when Ol' Fred died. He said, "You know, ol' Fred handed me a note just before he died. I haven't looked at it, but knowing Fred, I'm sure there's a word of inspiration there for us all." He opened the note, and read, "You're standing on my oxygen tube!" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >The following letters are taken from an actual incident between a London >hotel and one of it's guests. The Hotel ended up submitting the letters to the London Sunday Times. > >Dear Maid, > > Please do not leave any more of those little bars of soap in my >bathroom since I have brought my own bath-sized Dial. Please remove the >six unopened little bars from the shelf under the medicine chest and >another three in the shower soap dish. They are in my way. > >Thank you, >S. Berman >_____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Room 635, > I am not your regular maid. She will be back tomorrow, Thursday, from >her day off. I took the 3 hotel soaps out of the shower dish as you >requested. The 6 bars on your shelf I took out of your way and put on top >of your Kleenex dispenser in case you should change your mind. This leaves >only 3 bars I left today which my instructions from the management is to >leave 3 soaps daily. I hope this is satisfactory. > >Kathy, relief maid >_______________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Maid - I hope you are my regular maid, > > Apparently Kathy did not tell you about my note to her concerning the >little bars of soap. When I got back to my room this evening I found you >had added 3 little Camays to the shelf under my medicine cabinet. I am >going to be here in the Hotel for 2 weeks and have brought my own >bath-sized Dial so I won't need those 6 little Camays which are on the >shelf. They are in my way when shaving, brushing teeth, etc. Please >remove them. > >S. Berman >_____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Mr. Berman, > > My day off was last Wednesday so the relief maid left 3 hotel soaps >which we are instructed by the management. I took the 6 soaps which were >in your way on the shelf and put them in the soap dish where your Dial was. >I put the Dial in the medicine cabinet for you convenience. I didn't >remove the 3 complimentary soaps which are always placed inside the >medicine cabinet for all new check-ins and which you did not object to when >you checked in last Monday. Please let me know if I can be of further >assistance. > >Your regular maid, Dotty >____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Mr. Berman, > > The assistant manager, Mr. Kensedder, informed me this morning that >you called him last evening and said you were unhappy with your maid >service. I have assigned a new girl to your room. I hope you will accept >my apologies for any past inconvenience. If you have any further >complaints please contact me so I can give it my personal attention. Call >extension 1108 between 8 am and 5 pm. > >Thank you, >Elaine Carmen, Housekeeper >_____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Ms. Carmen, > > It is impossible to contact you by phone since I leave the Hotel for >business at 7:45 am and don't get back before 5:30 or 6:00 pm. That's the >reason I called Mr. Kensedder last night. You were already off duty. I >only asked Mr. Kensedder if he could do anything about those little bars of >soap. > >The new maid you assigned me must have thought I was a new check-in today, >since she left another 3 bars of hotel soap in my medicine cabinet along >with her regular delivery of 3 bars on the bathroom shelf. In just 5 days >here I have accumulated 24 little bars of soap. Why are you doing this to >me? > >S. Berman >_____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Mr. Berman, > > Your maid, Kathy, has been instructed to stop delivering soap to your >room and remove the extra soaps. If I can be of further assistance, please >call extension 1108 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. > >Elaine Carmen, Housekeeper >_____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Mr. Kensedder, > > My bath-sized Dial is missing. Every bar of soap was taken from my >room including my own bath-sized Dial. I came in late last night and had >to call the bellhop to bring me 4 little Cashmere Bouquets. > >S. Berman >_____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Mr. Berman, > > I have informed our housekeeper, Elaine Carmen, of your soap problem. >I cannot understand why there was no soap in your room since our maids are >instructed to leave 3 bars of soap each time they service a room. The >situation will be rectified immediately. Please accept my apologies for >the inconvenience. > >Martin L. Kensedder >Assistant Manager >_____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Ms. Carmen, > > Who the hell left 54 little bars of Camay in my room? I came in last >night and found 54 little bars of soap. I don't want 54 little bars of >Camay. I want my one damn bar of bath-sized Dial. Do you realise I have >54 bars of soap here? All I want is my bath-sized Dial. Please give me >back my bath-sized Dial. > >S. Berman >_____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Mr. Berman, > > You complained too much of soap in your room so I had them removed. >Then you complained to Mr. Kensedder that all your soap was missing so I >personally returned them. The 24 Camays which had been taken and the 3 >Camays you are supposed to receive daily. I don't know anything about the >4 Cashmere Bouquets. Obviously your maid, Kathy, did not know I had >returned your soaps so she also brought 24 Camays plus the 3 daily Camays. >I don't know where you got the idea this Hotel issues bath-sized Dial. I >was able to locate some bath-sized Ivory which I left in your room. > >Elaine Carmen, Housekeeper >_____________________________________________________________________ > >Dear Ms. Carmen, > > Just a short note to bring you up to date on my latest soap inventory. >As of today I possess: > > -On the shelf under the medicine cabinet > 18 Camay in 4 stacks of 4 and 1 stack of 2. > -On the Kleenex dispenser > 11 Camay in 2 stacks of 4 and 1 stack of 3. > -On the bedroom dresser > 1 stack of 3 Cashmere Bouquet, > 1 stack of 4 bath-sized Ivory > 8 Camay in 2 stacks of 4. > -Inside the medicine cabinet > 14 Camay in 3 stacks of 4 and 1 stack of 2. > -In the shower soap dish > 6 Camay - very moist. > -On the northeast corner of the tub > 1 Cashmere Bouquet, slightly used. > -On the northwest corner of the tub > 6 Camays in 2 stacks of 3. > >Please ask Kathy when she services my room to make sure the stacks are >neatly piled and dusted. Also, please advise her that stacks of more than >4 have a tendency to tip. May I suggest that my bedroom window sill is not >in use and will make an excellent spot for future soap deliveries. One >more item, I have purchased another bar of bath-sized Dial which I am >keeping in the hotel vault in order to avoid further misunderstandings. > >S.Berman --------- End forwarded message ---------- When finished reading use browser back button or go to http://www.prc68.com/MCGP/MCGP.html