MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, MAR.20/98 INDEX: COASTWATCHERS RADIOS; by Dave Prince MEMBERS WRITE; NEW MEMBER; Spencer Banner ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; HUMOR; *********************************************** The next MYSTERY RADIO has not as yet been selected, let me know what your candidate radio is. I've noticed that several members now have their web pages in operation. Everyone that has their web page on line, send me it's address, and I'll post them all here. Also feel free to use any material presented in our group post provided the proper acknowledgements are included. Bill Howard has been forwarding me some very interesting material on POW's, and MIA's. With issues dating from WW-II, political neglect, etc. Not really suited for including in these post, if you have an interest you can contact Bill at I will shortly be send my Delco 5300 manual to Mark Gluch so that he can copy it, those persons that didn't get a copy when Ralph provided this service for us, may contact him at< MARK1G@AOL.COM>. If the needed count of manuals exceeds 3 or 4, Mark will need to make abnormal arrangements to get them done, so let him know if you need one now. Dennis *********************************************** COASTWATCHERS RADIOS; by David Prince Forward; In the past I've asked from our Aussie collectors several questions about the coast watchers radios. The response was a little fragmented and conflicting. The following from Dave will clear up this conflict, and provide us with some of the reasoning behind it. I could never understand way, when a radio set needed be relatively portable so that it could be regularly moved to avoid DF'ing and capture by the enemy, the Coast Watchers had such large and cumbersome sets, Now we know why. To further understand this confusion, see Backmail #27. As I read it myself, each paragraph rased another question with me, but all were answered as I read on, Thanks Dave. The origins of the Coast Watcher network, and the equipment they used, is very similar to those clandestine stations operating in the early part of WW-II for the OSS in China, Vietnam, and various other Indo-Chinese countries. I/E foreign businessmen, plantation owners, miners, and oil companies, that once hostilities started, went underground using their company equipment to transmit vital information out of the country. As the war progressed, and their equipment began to age, also proving sourly suited to these type activities, the OSS, and Naval Intelligence provided these operators with more suitable equipment, and some measure of logistic support. You might also note that until late in the war, U.S. Naval Intelligence operated a network of clandestine operatives in these countries that was far greater than that of the OSS. I hope when next we hear from Dave, he tell's us more of the W/S No.108's, 208's and ATR-4a's and b's. Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- G'day Dennis, I don't know if you ever did get any detailed info apart from what was in #27 as I have not yet requested all the Backmail up till I joined the group. Anyway, Here's the story as I have been able to glean from various publications. In 1913, the company of Amalgamated Wireless Australasia, more commonly known as AWA, was established to combine the interests of the Marconi and Telefunken companies. In the early 1920's the Australian Government became a part owner of the company. In the 1930's, AWA was given the task to set up a wireless communications network around Australia and the South West Pacific islands such as New Guinea, Fiji, Solomons to name just a few. The idea was to provide communications to widely separated airfields, mines, plantations and settlements, etc. This network was to become known as the Teleradio network because AWA, in order to set up the circuit, developed a range of equipments called the Teleradio. Naturally enough, the first of these was called the Teleradio 1. Initially, some 200 Teleradios were installed and base stations in major towns and islands were set up as links back to Australia. By about 1940, the series had developed to the Teleradio 3A and then in 1941, AWA made big changes and produced the 3B model. The Tx (Type 1J6798) was two channel crystal controlled AM/CW with a separate vibrator type power supply (Type D6799) which incorporated a speaker for the Rx. The Rx (Type *C6770) was 5-band 200kHz to 30MHz general coverage with one crystal channel. All three of the above units were built into identical sized and shaped metal boxes. There was also a small Aerial Coupling Unit (Type J6847) that went with the Tx. Prior to WW2, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) had organised many civilian Teleradio operators into Spotters nets to report on any unusual activities in and around the various islands. These 'spotters' were able to give suggestions as to what was required in these radios and AWA developed the 3BZ during 1942. The 3BZ Tx (Type J50062) had 6 crystal channels and the Aerial Coupling Unit was built in as was a heavy duty vibrator unit. The Rx (Type *C6770) had 4 bands. There were several versions depending on frequency range required and battery voltage available i.e. 6 or 12 volt. The version was identified by a number placed in front of the 'C' in the type number. When the war came to the South west Pacific area and the Japanese started moving into the islands, many of these operators from plantations and mines and townships took the teleradios and moved back into the mountains and jungle to form a very brave band of spotters, The Coastwatchers. A Coastwatchers typical station would often consist of a mix of 3A, 3B or 3BZ components depending on what was available at the time. The station obviously consisted of the Tx, the Rx and Speaker Box, as well as the various cables, aerials, key, microphone, headphones, tools, lead-acid storage batteries, petrol-motor driven battery charging generator. It was also necessary to carry oil and fuel for this generator of course as well as any other pack that the operators carried. The weight of the entire station came in at around the 200 pounds mark. It can be seen from this that the Coastwatchers had to rely heavily on local natives to assist with manhandling of the station and this assistance was invaluable to the effectiveness of the Coastwatching network as a whole. As the war progressed the civilians operators were eventually given some military status by being incorporated into the Navy (this was mainly to enable some sort of assistance to the spotter's families should anything happen to him). These 'navy' civilians were eventually joined in the task by Army and Airforce spotting groups, one such being the formation of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. U.S. Forces also provided 'spotters'. Also, as the war progressed, newer and smaller wireless sets such as the W/S No.108's, 208's and ATR-4a's and b's made spotting life a little 'easier' if one can use that word to describe a dangerous operation. Much of this description has been gleaned from a story in HRSA Radio Waves, January 1996, written by Colin MacKinnon, a book called "The Private War of the Spotters: A History of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company",the original manuals for the 3B and 3BZ Stations and from a report by Sub-Lieutenant Reid on his activities on Bouganville Island 1942/43. Teleradios 3A and 3B are very hard to find these days. There does appear to be quite a few 3BZ's still around but these are mostly now in the hands of collectors. Hope this is of some use, Dennis. -- Dave Prince VK4KDP Brisbane, Queensland, Australia davprin@gil.com.au http://www.gil.com.au/~davprin Collector and restorer of Military Radio, Signalling Equipment and WW2 Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) Vehicles. *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; In yesterdays column, Jim Karlow's input on the Delco/PRC-88? The receiver board in question was the PRR-9 vice PRR-11. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More on the BB-490 I can verify that these cells both work well and do sometimes vent. I purchased some from Fair Radio Sales and some from Mike Murphy, very few (1-3) did not hold a charge or charge well. However, when put under heavy load (in a rapid discharge situation) I did have a battery vent SO2 gas (rotten eggs smell) and another develop a small crack (both heated up considerably-- very warm to the touch. In cases of light to moderate discharge where there was little battery heating on discharge and there was no venting or cracking. In general I would have to rate these as a relatively good buy, considering they come with charger, but be careful of outgassing and heating under heavy load-- a general problem by the way with most sealed batteries including common alkaline and zinc cells. Best Regards, Geoff Bunza gbunza@eagledes.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Went looking for radio parts today for work and stopped by a local surplus place. Found something interesting -- The control head for an AN/ARC-217 HF aircraft set. The mil designator is C-1217A made by Rockwell-Collins and identical to their number 514A8/HF9010 used with the Collins HF-9000 aircraft HF radio set. In amongst the junk and bits of wire is this obviously Collins piece of "stuff" and had to get it. Anyone wants to see what it looks like can look in a current Janes and it is listed in the "Air Force Communications" section under both system names. Nifty looking control head, not sure exactly what the heck I would ever need it for, but it makes a good paperweight. If someone thinks they really want it and can talk me out of it, they are welcome to try. :-) Now if only the REST of the radio just happened to be on that same pallet of surplus..... Tom Norris badger@telalink.net http://www.telalink.net/~badger/millist/mi.html *********************************************** NEW MEMBER; Spencer Banner Dennis, I would love to subscribe to your e-mail magazine. Let me answer the two questions you pose first- 1. I accept the conditions in the e-mail you sent out. 2. A bit about me: I work as a manager of a large county government radio shop and 800 mhz trunked infrastructure. While I like the two way radio stuff its gotten a bit boring and my personal tastes in radio gear (I'm a ham, SWL, etc...) have turned to more exotic stuff- mainly surveillance receivers (Watkins-Johnson, RACAL, etc....), both government and military. I also have general interest in military tactical radios- mostly late model stuff, and enjoy reading anything about the use of radios under combat conditions. 'Spy' radios are also becoming interesting to me. Between managing a staff of 13 and having two small kids at home its a bit of a challenge to have ANY hobbies, but thats about it. Pls start sending the e-mails! I am especially interested in the article on Desert Storm Trophies! Thanks. sb Spencer Banner Spencer.Bahner@metrokc.gov *********************************************** 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. 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 H-250 handsets, new, latest issue. $17.50 ea U-229 audio connectors, $1.00ea U-77 audio connectors, $2.00ea PRC-25 or 77 battery connectors, removed from battery, with white plastic spacer. $1.00ea A list of available manuals is available on request. Quoted prices are good to group members only. To place an order contact Steve Haney at , If you have trouble with this address, call 817-496-3346. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *********************************************** HUMOR; "Donation" A farmer named Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside with a pet dog he doted on. The dog finally died and Muldoon went to the parish priest and asked, "Father, my dog has died. Could you be saying a mass for the creature?" Father Patrick replied, "No, we cannot have services for an animal in the church, but there's a new denomination down the road, no telling what they believe, but maybe they'll do something for the animal." Muldoon said, "I'll go right now. By the way, do you think $5,000 is enough to donate for the service?" To which Father Patrick quickly replied, "Why didn't you tell me the dog was Catholic?" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Eulogy" Mean old Fitzgerald died and his funeral was held by Father O'Malley in a parish in Ireland. Fitzgerald was a rich businessman that treated his factory workers and family very poorly; never had a good word for anyone, but lots of bad ones, a penny pincher and slave driver. Only seven people showed up for the funeral, and usually the whole parish showed up when someone passed. Father treated all his flock the same and started his usual mass. When it came time for the eulogy, no one came forward. Father asked for someone to do the proper thing, but all just bowed their heads and looked at the floor. Father said, surely someone has something nice to say about old Fitzgerald. No one looked up. Father got mad and said, now this is my church and someone is going to give a few words good of eulogy. No one moved, but finally Paddy, the janitor, stood up and said, "His brother was meaner". ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Confession" Two Irish lads had been out shacking up with their girl friends. One felt guilty and decided he should stop at the church and confess. He went into the confession booth and told the Father, "Father, I have sinned. I have committed fornication with a lady. Please forgive me." The Father said, "Tell me who the lady was." The lad said he couldn't do that and the Father said he couldn't grant him forgiveness unless he did. "Was it the bony Mollie O'Grady?" asked the Father. "No." "Was it Rosie Kelly?" "No." "Was it that red-headed wench Tessie O'Malley?" "No." "Well then," said the Father, "You'll not be forgiven." When the lad met his friend outside the friend asked, "So, did you find forgiveness." "No," said the other, "but I picked up three good leads!" Happy Saint Pat's! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actual signs seen in jolly old England: Sign in a laundromat: AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT In an office: WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN In an office: AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD Outside a secondhand shop: WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES etc. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN? Sign outside a new town hall which was to be opened by the Prince of Wales: THE TOWN HALL IS CLOSED UNTIL OPENING. IT WILL REMAIN CLOSED AFTER BEING OPENED. OPEN TOMORROW. Outside a photographer's studio: OUT TO LUNCH: IF NOT BACK BY FIVE, OUT FOR DINNER ALSO Outside a disco: SMARTS IS THE MOST EXCLUSIVE DISCO IN TOWN. EVERYONE WELCOME Sign warning of quicksand: QUICKSAND. ANY PERSON PASSING THIS POINT WILL BE DROWNED. BY ORDER OF THE DISTRICT COUNCIL. Notice sent to residents of a Whiltshire parish: DUE TO INCREASING PROBLEMS WITH LITTER LOUTS AND VANDALS WE MUST ASK ANYONE WITH RELATIVES BURIED IN THE GRAVEYARD TO DO THEIR BEST TO KEEP THEM IN ORDER Notice in a dry cleaner's window: ANYONE LEAVING THEIR GARMENTS HERE FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS WILL BE DISPOSED OF. Notice in health food shop window: CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS Spotted in a safari park: ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR Seen during a conference: FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE FIRST FLOOR Notice in a field: THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES Message on a leaflet: IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS Sign on a repair shop door: WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK) Spotted in a toilet in a London office block: TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW *********************************************** (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 ----------