MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, FEB.18/98 INDEX: GRA-71 CODE BURST RECORDING; From Pete McCollum GPS, MORE ON THE TRIMBLE & OTHERS; From Steve Haney, & Mark Blair MARK NEEDS T-195 PARTS; MEMBERS WRITE; ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; DEALER INVITATION; HUMOR; *********************************************** GRA-71 CODE BURST RECORDING; From Pete McCollum Recently I got the attached note from Jeffrey W., regarding the question: "What equipment might have been used to record burst messages from the GRA-71?". Pete McCollum mccollum@ssdevo.enet.dec.com ---------------------------------------------------- At least one of the pieces of equipment that was used to record and play back the burst message was the AN/GSH-17 Recorder-Reproducer Set, Sound (NSN 5835-00-901-4924). Except for the name and NSN I am working from memory, but I believe the following description is fairly accurate. The "gish 17" is basically a 4 Track Tape recorder/player with two tape decks and two inputs to record from two recievers at once. This was so that traffic could be copied from two teams in the field at once if neccesary. It would work with basically any radio set from the same period (R-390, GRC-106, GRC-19, etc) as long as the appropriate connecting cables were used. This was not a piece of equipment that would have been used in the man-pack mode as it is quite large and heavy (approx 30"x24"x24", 100 lbs) and operates from 115 volts 60 Hz. It only has the capability to record and play back burst messages, it does not send them. As far as I know there never was any device suitable for man-pack operation that would record the burst messages transmitted from the base station to the teams in the field until the appearance of the OA/8990 Digital Message Device Group (nicknamed "dee-meg") made by RACAL in the 1980's which could both send and receive burst messages. It was part of the Special Forces Burst Communication System. An interesting note on this device (the OA/8890) which was designed to be used with the PRC-70 and PSC-3 generation of equipment. Even though this piece was designed some 30 years or so after the GRC-109, I have seen some references that suggest that it may have been used to send burst transmissions with the GRC-109 transmitter through the use of a locally manufactured connecting cable, but would not receive them. *********************************************** MORE ON TRIMBLE GPS; From Steve Haney, & Mark Blair I got one of the Trimpack GPS receivers from Fair back when the had them (I called in my oder the morning after I received the catlog, and got one of the last ones!). On the minus side, it's very large compared to current civilian models (like my Garmin GPS-II), eats batteries at an amazing rate, has a dim backlight, stores only 26 waypoints, has no map display, and is very expensive (I got mine for $400, vs. under $200 for civilian models with far more features). On the plus side, it's fully waterproof, built like a brick $#!^house, tracks at up to 999 knots (unlike some civilian models which have a 99-knot limitation to avoid competing with more expensive airplane GPS boxes), has some simple air navigation modes, and it's green. If you want a GPS unit for practical use, you'll get MUCH more for your money with almost any civilian GPS unit. On the other hand, if you have an irrational hunger for green electronic stuff (like me), want a piece of green gear that was in service not too long ago (like me), want a piece of recent history (like me), or are basically touched in the head (like me), you might be quite happy with one. Some Trimpacks had various options that mine doesn't have: * Red backlight * 1089 waypoints * "Have-quick" (a system for very accurate time measurement; these units are supposed to have a black knob, according to my manual). Trimble sells the technical manual for it. It just describes the computer interface, and doesn't include any service information. Get their phone number from their webpage if you want to order one. Incidentally, I still haven't found the proper connector for the data interface (like the 5-pin audio connectors on current radio gear, but with a sixth pin in the center). I think I found one company that sold them, but they were $40 each with a minimum order of 10 pieces. Yeah, right! In short, it works fine, but it's big, hungry, expensive, and not too feature-full compared to current units. I hope that helps you. Mark J. Blair KE6MYK ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INPUT FOR THE GPS COMMENTS: I HAVE A TRIMBLE TRIMPACK WHICH I USE IN MY VEHICLE. USEING IT WITH BATTERIES WOULD BE OK FOR SHORT PERIODS BUT IT IS A REAL HOG COMPARED TO MOST ANYTHING TODAY. SEVERAL ADVANTAGES HOWEVER: IT IS RELATIVLY SIMPLE TO OPERATE, COMMPARABLE TO THE MILITARIZED COMMERCIAL HANDHELD RADIOS THAT THE MILITARY USES IN THE SIMPLIEST FORM. THERE ARE NOT A LOT OF BELLS AND WHISLTES ON THE TRIMPACK. IT IS RUGGED, I HAVE SEEN SOME OF THE COMMERCIAL STUFF THAT IS VERY RESPECTABLE EQUIPMENT, BUT NOTHING AS RUGGED AS THE MILITARY UNITS. THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ANTENNA'S ARE EXCELLANT. I HAVE ONLY DONE ONE DIRECT COMPARISON, AND THE TRIMPACK DID BETTER USEING THE INTERNAL ANTENNA THAN A CIVILIAN MODEL USING AN EXTERNAL. I HAVE HEARD OTHER ACOUNTS OF THE SAME THING. BUT THE EXTERNAL ANTENNA IS BIG COMPARED TO TODAYS STUFF, AS BIG AS SOME WHOLE GPS UNITS! BY THE WAY, THE TRIMPACK, OR AN/PSN-10, OR SLGR (SMALL LIGHTWEIGHT GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM RECEIVER) IS A SECOND GENERATION, MAYBE EVEN THIRD. THAT WOULD BE A GREAT ARGUEMENT TO HAVE SINCE THE WHOLE DEVELOPMENT THING MOVED SO FAST ANYWAY. THE AN/PSN-8 WAS A BACK PACK UNIT, LARGER THAN A PRC-77. THE AN/PSN-9 WAS A LUNCHBOX SIZED UNIT, AND USED THE BB5586, THE LITHUM BATTERY FOR THE PRC-77. THE CURRENT ISSUE UNIT MADE BY ROCKWELL COLLINS IS THE PSN-11, CALLED THE PLGR. IT HAS SELECTIVE AVALIABILITY AND OTHER GOVERNMENT ONLY FEATURES. THE TRIMBLE TRIMPACK NEVER HAD THE INCREASED ACCURACY, OR TO QUOTE THE PROJECT MANAGERS MANUAL: "THE TRIMPACK IS ONLY CAPABLE OF STANDARD POSITIONING SERVICE (SPS) OPERATION." I HAVE SEEN A LARGE NUMBER OF THESE SETS AND MOUNT KITS COME OUT OF FORT HOOD, AND BELIEVE THAT THE IIICORP ARMOUR UNITS USED THEM IN THE GULF. MOST OF THE TRIMPACKS THAT THE MILITARY HAS RELEASED HAVE BEEN "DEMILITARIZED", MEANING DESTROYED, CONTRARY TO THE RULES OF THE GOVERNMENT. THIS IS AN OFF THE SHELF ITEM, YOU COULD HAVE PURCHASED IT, OR AT LEAST 3 OF THE 4 MILITARY VARIANTS, FROM TRIMBLE, BUT IT WAS GPS SO THEY BROKE THEM. THANKS STEVE *********************************************** MARK NEEDS T-195 PARTS; I just received my T-195B transmitter from Fair Radio on Monday. Phil said it was their last one. It arrived in pretty good shape, but I need a few parts for it: * Both meters (Fair supplied a battery meter from the non-B model, but I'd like to get both correct meters for the -B model if I can). * Both exhaust vent covers (the small ones on the left side). * Whip antenna lug (it looks like the important part of mine is broken off). * CX-1599/U dogbone cable to connect it to my R-392 (I have connectors to make one, but I'd still like to get an original if I can). That's one $@&^#$ heavy radio. Luckily, I only injured one foot and an unimportant part of a wall unpacking it. :-) In case anybody is interested, it was made by Federal Mfg. & Engineering Corp., order number 4096-PP-60, serial number 1212. It has an overhaul label from Pirmasens Army Depot, with a date code of 2182 (21st week of 1982?). Thanks for any help.... -- Mark J. Blair KE6MYK e-mail: mblair@gruumsh.irv.ca.us DO NOT SEND ANY UNSOLICITED COMMERCIAL EMAIL TO THIS SITE *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; #Dennis, sounds reasonable to me, but I suspect some dealers would be put off by the 'no single items'. I wouldn't mind that. Might give a list member access to something he was looking for. Regards, Don Reaves WA5BBS CCA 378 46 Arbor Oaks Drive N. Little Rock AR 72120 dr@cei.net R-390 list manager Maybe so, but the type dealers that would have only a single item to sell, I don't want here. They would not contribute to the group, and this isn't "Boat Anchors." I know too many small time dealers of this type, a half dozen of which I will have nothing to do with. I don't want to be the one the has to weed out the good from the bad. Dennis #Dennis, Steve is a great choice for our first 'commercial vendor.' He reflects the kind of person you have targeted. I have had nothing but more than satisfactory purchases from him. You are doing well! 73 Joseph W Pinner Now if we can just find some more like him! Dennis ------------------------------------------------------------------- #Dennis, Found the following web site, Israel Defense Forces, masking tape, plastic sheeting, and gas masks. They have more to worry about than Slick Willie's willy... http://www.idf.il/English/MAIN.HTM 73, Bob W9RAN *********************************************** ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; Haney Electronic Company: J-45, leg iron CW keys, Correct for BC-1306, GRC-9, GRC-109, and PRC-47. These are new old stock units most still in original packaging, several contract dates from 1968 to 1980's. They include cord CD-201A with PJ-055B connector. The member price is $20.00ea, plus shipping. ed) except for the cord, the J-45 is identical to the KY-? used with the latter model equipment like the GRC-106. AS-2975, PRC-70 dipole antenna kit. Unused Similar to that use with the PRC-74 differing mainly in the balun it uses. The member price is $25.00ea, plus shipping ed) as the freq range of the PRC-70 is 2-79mc, and it's output 50ohms, these antennas should be good for just about any portable radio application. Quoted prices are good to group members only. To place an order contact Steve Haney at ed) I've known Steve for several years, and have conducted numerous transactions, including trades, with him. You can deal with him in total confidence. The prices he has quoted us are well under that you'd expect to pay elsewhere, even at a hamfest, especially that of the J-45's. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The below equipment has become available via two estates. I expect to go up and inspect the property next month, maybe sooner. If you have any interest in this stuff, let me know, and what you'd expect to pay for it, & I'll haggle with the estate executor. Dennis MUCH OF THE FOLLOWING HAS MANUALS BC 640 system NOT GREAT CONDITION ANOTHER SYSTEM JUST LIKE IT IN GOOD CONDITION BOTH COMPLETE WITH MANUALS BC640A tx type 5031A AMP PN6A (COULD BE PN3A OR PN8A) OUTPUT 5001 DRIVER 5001 OSCILLATOR PN9A 5001 MODULATOR PN10A 5001 CTL PANEL PN11A 5008 POWER SUP PN12A 5008/9 2ND PWR SUP SAME PW CONTROL PN13A 110K RBA SYSTEM CFT 46154 PERCISION APP 5" O SCOPE 5003A POWER UNIT RA-42-B RECTIFIER ASSOCIATED REASEARCH VIBROTEST UNIT J1195/GRC46 INTERCONNECT B KAAR ENG 25E RECIEVER S# 985 PA42B RECTIFIER 2- FIELD COMMUNICATIONS SETS BC 610E HALLICRAFTER TRANSMITTER BC939 TUNER MANY TU51 TUNING UNITS BC 939A TUNER RA 62B RECTIFIER 3 - R11A T11B T11A 3 - R32 REC STILL IN BOX SPARE PARTS PP112/ ?? KIT STILL IN BOX ASSORTED TUBES 2 - SW225 SWITCH 2 - BOX OF 4 (I THINK) TYPE 207 TUBES UNE UNOPENDE BOX RADIOSOND 2 - DYNAMOTOR MODEL MAR NAVY XTALS CY684 SPARE PARTS KIT KAAR TRANSMITTER SERIES 19 RADIOTELEPHONE RDR RADIO REC EQ CRV46283 REC IN TRANSIT CASE WITH MANUAL MILITARY 8MM MOVIE CAMERA KODAK SW225 SWITCH SIGNAL CORPS SLSC RADIO FILTER HALLICRAFTER SX 62 NO CASE STANDARD SIGNAL GENERATOR 805C LAMPKIN 105 RECIEVER EICO 955 CAP TESTER TS47A TEST OSCILLATOR LAJ4 AUDIO OSCILLATOR 2 - GONSET CAP COMMUNICATOR FR4-U FREQUENCY METER 2 HALLICRAGTERS SPLATTER GUARD I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH MUCH OF THIS EQUIPMENT SO PLEASE EXCUSE TYPO'S OR BAD DESCRIPTIONS. PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I WANT TO BE FAIR TO THE FAMILY *********************************************** DEALER INVITATION; Your input has resulted in the below final draft of our official dealer invitation. You can select/copy/paste it to a message intended for prospective dealers. Thanks, Dennis Dear Sirs, I represent an international email group of military collectors, historians, and museums, centered mainly on, but not limited to communications equipment and history. We publish a daily email magazine (Military Collector Group Post) which features articles on items of radio equipment it's use, and history in general. Along with this we have regular post listing our members wanted, and extra equipment available for sale or trade. Of these, the equipment wanted is most common. All this it done at absolutely no cost to any member. While in the past, membership to commercial dealers has been strictly limited, a recent poll has indicated that the general membership would like to amend this to allow a limited membership to reputable commercial dealers. This so that they might be able to monitor the needs of our members and supply assistance whenever in their power, and to their mutual advantage. With the above, the creation of a new column in our publication entitled, "On the Commercial Front". Here we will feature ads from commercial dealers, or in general, non-member resources. This column would be available to you as a limited member at no cost, to advertise your wares, catalog availability etc. Rules would however apply to the use of this column. First, you must be able to conduct all negotiations via email, your ability to transmit a catalog on this medium is optional, but to your advantage if possible. Second, any item advertized in this column must be available in sufficient quantities to allow participation by a reasonable number of our members. I/E no single item sales. Of course you may still sell any quantity or type of equipment to members as a result of their posted individual needs. Third, items advertised in this column must include a reasonable price, and reflect a savings peculiar to our members alone, under that which you would expect to charge the general public. I/E special member prices only. This should still prove profitable for you due to the quantities you might expect to sell, combined with no further cost like advertizing. Also single item sales to our members in response to their posted want list, as a result of your membership, will further contribute to your general profits. Fourth, the available space in this column is limited, you will be able to advertize the availabily of only a couple items at a time. For anything over this, you might advertize the avalability of your catalog. Fifth, you must advise me in the event that your quantities have become limited, or sold out. So that I may discontinue any unnecessary advertizing, thus conserving the limited space. Last, It will be absolutely forbidden to send unsolicited mail,"SPAMS", using this group, or email addresses you might receive as a result of being a member. ALL messages to the group must go through the editor. You will be able to confirm the membership of a prospective customer before extending any special price to them. Also keep in mind that the general membership of this organization is screened, and all have agreed to abide by rules before they are included in our number. There should therefore be no dead beats among us. If you would like to participate let me know, and I'll send you more information about our group. Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com Editor, "Military Collector Group Post". An international email magazine dedicated to the preservation of history and the equipment that made it. *********************************************** HUMOR; Painful Puns Hangover: The wrath of grapes. Income Tax: Capital punishment. A used car is not always what it's jacked up to be. Two silkworms were in a race. They ended up in a tie. To my sweetheart: My cooking's gotten better since I fondue. A robber broke into the police station and stole all the toilet seats, and the police didn't have anything to go on. Middle Age: When actions creak louder than words. Egotist: One who is me-deep in conversation. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused his dentist's Novocain during root canal work? He wanted to transcend dental medication. Did you hear about the woman who started dating rakes and fell on hard tines? Why won't melons elope in Las Vegas? They cantaloupe. Q: What do Christmas and a crab on the beach have in common? A: They both involve sandy claws. Archeologist: A man whose career lies in ruins. Kleptomaniac: One who can't help himself from helping himself. Did you hear about the snake who gave birth to a bouncing baby boa? Once I got angry at the chef of an Italian restaurant, so I gave him a pizza my mind. The fish secretary lodged herself in a pipe and could no longer type. Her doctor said, "This is a clear case of 'Carp in tunnel' syndrome." A friend of mine who commutes to work everyday through the Lincoln Tunnel with a bunch of co- workers recently complained about what a pain it was. I told him that he may have a bad case of "car pool tunnel syndrome." California smog test: Can UCLA? The competition at a local dog show was quite "Ruff" Q: How did the pig with laryngitis feel? A: Dis-gruntled. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BT customer information: RING...... RING...... RING...... CLICK! Recording - "Hello, welcome to the Psychiatric Hotline." If you are obsessive-compulsive, please press 1 repeatedly. If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2. If you have multiple personalities, please press 3, 4, 5 and 6. If you are paranoid-delusional, we know who you are and what you want. Just stay on the line until we can trace the call. If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice will tell you which number to press. If you are maniac-depressive, it doesn't matter which number you press. No one will answer. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three friends are in a car driving to the ballgame when a Mack truck runs them over, killing them instantly. They find themselves at the Pearly Gates being interviewed by St. Peter. "OK, you," he says, pointing to Vito, "How many times did you cheat on your wife? And don't lie, I'm St. Peter you know. " Vito hangs his head and replies, "Honestly Pete, I was banging two maybe tree different broads a week." St. Pete says, "OK, your car in heaven is that used Geo Metro over there, goodbye." He looks at Eddie and asks, "How many times did you cheat on your wife?" Eddie replies, "I must admit that in 15 years of marriage I did cheat on my wife 3 times." St. Peter says, "OK, your car in heaven is that LeBaron, goodbye." He then looks at Jacob and asks, "And you, how many times did you cheat on your wife?" Jacob lifts his head high and replies, "I am proud to say that over 20 years of marriage, I never cheated on my wife! In fact, my beloved has been dead for 2 years now and I remained celibate the wholetime!" St. Peter replies, "Very impressive. Your car in heaven is that Ferrari convertible. Goodbye!" A couple of hours later, Vito and Eddie are waiting for Jacob at the park where all three had planned to meet. Jacob arrives a couple of minute late in his Ferrari, and his friends notice that he is sobbing like a baby. Vito asks, "Hey! Whatsamatterwidyou? We should be crying! We're stuck with these ugly buckets and you got a new Ferrari!" Jacob, between sobs replies, "I just saw my wife on a skateboard!" *********************************************** (The preceding was a product of the"Military Collector Group Post", an international email magazine dedicated to the preservation of history and the equipment that made it. Unlimited circulation of this material is authorized so long as the proper credits to the original authors, and publisher are included. For more information conserning this group contact Dennis Starks at, military-radio-guy@juno.com) --------- End forwarded message ----------