MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, MAR.30/98 INDEX: ANNOUNCEMENTS; KOREAN WAR VINTAGE? And Dating Radio Equipment; Part I, By Dennis Starks MEMBERS WRITE; HUMOR; *********************************************** ANNOUNCEMENTS; I know of the infraction Juno is now practicing with the pasting of their propaganda randomly during, and in the text of messages. I've sent them a protest, also drafted a message for the use of about 100 other known Juno users. If you too would like to send a protest below is a message draft, and the addresses to send it to. Perhaps it's time to SPAM Juno back a little. Subject line: UNETHICAL practice! to:charlesa@juno.com, president@juno.com, postoffice@staff.juno.com, postoffice@juno.com, feedback@juno.com Dear Sirs In regard your pasting of the Juno promotional material in transmitted messages. While I see nothing wrong with pasting your propaganda at the end of a clients message. It is not at all appropriate to past it MANY times right in the text of his message. In this regard, I just received a message from a friend, in the text of his message, no less than 5 times was your paste. This is an extremely UNETHICAL practice! And if the peddler practices such tactics, what's the consumer to thing of the product he's peddling??? You do yourself no service in this method of advertising, in fact you are already causing damage, both with the clients you now have, and those that might have particpated in your system. How dumb can that person be who's idea this was??? *********************************************** KOREAN WAR VINTAGE? And Dating Radio Equipment; Part I, By Dennis Starks Forward, Most depressing is the fact that the Korean War period is the most historically neglected time in our recent history, especially as it applies to radio, and communications. We know almost nothing of the radio equipment used during this conflict except for the fact that most of it was of WW-II origin. We've all seen it many times, it goes something like this, "FOR SALE: RT-68 Korean War vintage transceiver $45.00", but is it a Korean War vintage set? Or a PRC-6, 8, 9, or 10, how about a GRC-9, RT-66, 67, 68, 70? Usually not. Only two of the radios listed here could possibly have been in service in time to participate in the Korean War, and one of those, wouldn't have had anything compatible in the field to talk to. Dating Equipment, When no other historical documentation is available, we can use several things to try and estimate the vintage of equipment. The first, and most commonly looked for, is the order date present on the data plate of most items. But this is just that, an ORDER date, the radio's actual delivery into using hands can lag this date by as much as one year. And many times, especially with Air Force and Navy equipment, this order date might be in the form of a contract number, which we often can't extract a date from. Even when we do have a legible order date, we may not know if this was an early contract, or one that came many years after the radio was first adopted. The second, most common, and sometimes all we have, date will be present in the applicable equipments manuals. Nearly all of these will have a printing or acceptance date. And if we're lucky, mention of any material it supersedes along with it's date. But several things contribute to the inaccuracy of these dates. In the case of any government printed manual, is the fact that a Preliminary manual, printed by the original contractor, or developing agency will almost always exist. The government manual, may, or may not indicate the existence of this earlier manual. So any government manual will lag the entrance of it's associated equipment by at least one year. And if this manual is a re-print, or later version, and does not reflect this in it's opening pages, we can be further deceived. To conclude, the Preliminary manuals printed by the original manufacturer is a more accurate measure of early time period. A sad reality is that collectors, when seeking out manuals for their equipment, often prefer to have the absolute latest versions. Often neglecting or discarding the early government, and preliminary manuals which would have provided us with a far better understanding of the radio. The most accurate means of Dating by far can be found contained in the equipment's MFP stamp, if it has one. The anti-fungus treatment would have been applied either immediately before it's deployment, or just after, and possibly several more times during it's life. Each time this treatment is applied, the radio or other items of electronic equipment, would normally have been stamped in ink with the month and year. But all this, again, only when we're lucky. The worst way of determining a date, is by looking in the various equipment list of the time. I/E the TM11-487 series, SIG-3, 5, FM24 series, etc. As we all know, the information contained in these was very often obsolete before these publications were printed, and long discarded equipment was still listed many years after it's disappearance. The 1950 edition of TM11-487 list none of the radios commonly referred to as Korean War vintage. Hmmm! Another bad method is to compare the AN number, and it's order, with one of another radio of known vintage. For instance, the PRC-5 was in use during WW-II, the PRC-6 wouldn't come along till about 1950, the PRC-8,9,10 not until 1951 at the earliest, and the PRC-7 about 1956. Did you note that the numbers went forwards, then backwards? Then theresa the best references of all, the vintage publications, and official annals. Like vintage magazines articles, The CMH series "The Signal Corps", or "Test for Technology" etc. But for the Korean War period, we very sadly, don't have any! So, keeping all the above in mind, let's look at a few examples. The PRC-6, This is one of the very few radios commonly referred to as Korean War vintage that could have conceivably been used then, and there. Development of the radio began during WW-II, with early prototypes being completed before the wars end. But these prototypes were nothing like the familiar radio we know today. The RT unit was housed in one cabinet, and the batteries in another, at least two more variants would be developed before 1949, and the introduction of the radio we all know. The earliest known manual for the PRC-6 was the preliminary manual printed by Ratheon in 1949. This would most likely be the earliest date a PRC-6 could have been in the field. But what could it talk to? Only another PRC-6, as there wasn't yet any other compatible radios available. If the PRC-6 did see any service in Korea, it was most likely only in a simi-experimental capacity. This because even though it was introduced in 1949, it would have taken a couple years for sufficient quantities to be fielded, and the Korean war only lasted three years. An example of this can be seen in the PRC-25, though the radio was adopted in 1962, it would not be until 1965 that any significant quantities saw service. Some additional dates for the PRC-6 include: Contract dates, 1951(Emerson). 1952(Emerson, Ratheon, Sentinal, at $185.93). 1955(CBS-Columbia, at $104.50). Manuals, Ratheon Preliminary 1949. TM11-296, Oct 1951, C-1 Nov 1951, C-2 Jan 1953, C-4 1954. TM11-206 Sept 1955. TM11-4069 June 1952, C-1 Aug 1953. TM11-4069 Sept 1955. In the next installment of this series, we will further discuss some of the other radios that may have, could have, did, or didn't contribute to the ceasing of hostilities in the Korean War. And examine their dates, and earliest origins. In the mean time, any input you might have is always welcome. Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com Referances: TM11-487A,1958,MIL-HDBK-161,Military Handbook Electronic Communication Equipment. SIG 3,Oct 1953,List of Current Issue Items. ECOM 4451,Nov 1976,History of the Squad Radio. ( the last two available from W7FG Vintage Manuals) Related Topics: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST Backmail #29, The RT-70,more than just a Tank Radio! by Dennis Starks AN Type Numbers Versas RT Type Numbers, & Some URC Questions. By Dennis Starks *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; Hamfest Report, Hail Group: i attended a small hamfest at Coburg Oregun 3/ 28/ 98 and i thot i would detail some things i saw there. One seller had a 7-9 ARC-5 xmtr that looked like it just came out of the box, the wrinkle paint looked like it was salted with diamonds, if you know what i mean, for $50, and a plain finish BC- equivalent in same condition for $25. i thot long about getting them but talked myself out of it, reasoning that i had tons of gear that did the same job, but better. when i went back later to reconsider, someone had made the decision for me, and the ARC-5 was sold. it went to someone who won't use it either, but at least it didn't go to some fogey who wants to follow the instructions in some stupid conversion article. The same seller also had 2 Halli HT-2's with manual copy, in looking new, unused condition, 2 for $225. And he had apparently sold another one earlier. One seller had quantities of J-38 and J-47 keys, for $20 each. I also saw a URC-4 v good condx sold for $10. A BC-603 in good ++ condx, much better than you usually see them, unsold for $25. A TBX-2 with 2 reversible front panel modifications and no front cover for $35. ( does this one have less radium than later models? at least the meters have less- they are actually standard plain whiteface meters, as compared to later TBX combat-black face meters ). A TBY antenna for $50. 2 new boxed relays for TCS xmtr for $1 each. ( but box sez not for TCS 6 - 8, strange....) I bought a homemade receiver which seems to have a type RU receiver inside it as a tunable IF for the rest, this in a 19" cabinet, for $13, i just wanted some of the mechanics and the receiver coil, since i have no schematic and the thing seems to require external power, it looks like it will have to die ( so that others can live....) anyway, this was a pretty fun small event, with this military stuff and a bunch of hamgear at prices that varied but were frequently in the bargain class. regards, hue ed) It's a damn shame you couldn't have rescued that poor Command Set from it's fate. Even though it is aircraft crap. I'm amazed, what with all those goodies, and respectable prices, thats all you came home with!!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Event Freqs, Dennis, for your 6-meter frequencies to operate mil FM gear, why not just use one of the 49 MHz CB frequencies? As you point out, the signals are not going to bother anyone beyond a few miles at most. And no user of toy walkie talkies or baby monitor is going to make a federal case out of this either. You can forget callsigns, have unlicensed friends talk to you, use tactical callsigns, etc, just like the the CB walkie talkie frequencies were intended. Possibly, some equipments might be able to make use of the 49-MHz 3rd overtone CB transmit crystals which are quite inexpensive. Think about it. My friend up in WA state who likes to run BC-611s and PRC-47s uses 4495 kHz for this, even tho he has an advanced class license. I don't really think this is a big deal, for one thing the golden age of HF communications is pretty well over, and besides, how many people are going to be on the air? ( This is for occasional, "field day" and demonstration use. ) BTW, from reading European pubs i see that at least the Netherlands allows unlicensed communications for special event demonstrations, such as for military vehicle shows or military radio demonstration events. And Sweden, is it, allows that ancient Alexanderson alternator to be fired up on VLF for demonstration purposes and historic anniversaries. And the UK allows novice class licensees 5 watts AM power on 160 meters. My point is, the FCC's standards are not always the same as the rest of the world's. ( also btw, my friend picked 4495 cuz it is the old USArmy AF air to ground frequency. ) I have been thinking it would be cute for someone to broadcast occasional news and weather broadcasts on HF using some old classic Press Wireless or Navy transmitter (cw mode). with the emptying of the ham cw bands this would be practical on the ham bands, but for historic voice mode reenactments, i think the hambands are just too crowded. regards, Hue My vote for a 6m freq is 51.0, and folks should keep a "watch" on that freq, as band openings should come along as the sunspot number goes up. I worked a guy in Texas using 10W on 52.525 last spring, and it would be alot of fun to hook up with some folks with our "green" radios...... Mark ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inverter Designs, I have been busy with work, so my time to do experiments with the power supplies has been about zilch. Things look even busier on the horizon, so I may be really out of it for a while. If someone is interested in doing some hardware experimentation with my designs, let me know. Mark MARK1G@AOL.COM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Old Batteries, Dennis, I just sent the below message to Antique Electronic Supply in Tempe Arizona concerning their 1.5 volt military surplus batteries. You may not want to re send the entire message but think you should say something. Bill Howard ____________________________________________________________ Dear Sirs, Some years back I purchased several of the 1.5 v military dry cell batteries from you to put in a display of a 1920 era radio set. I was hoping that they would die peacefully and not corrode. They did not and began to eat away the paper. My solution was to cut off the paper outer casing, make a dummy from PVC pipe and graft on the top of the zinc casing, some wooden plugs and newspaper to fatten the PVC pipe and re glue the outer casing. This worked well but one outer casing was so badly corroded that I had to throw it away. I recently ordered four more of the batteries from you with plans of cutting off the outer case and using the outer wrapping etc. The batteries arrived today and I cut off the outer wrapper of one of them and removed it. I note that the corrosion has already begun to eat throught the zinc casing. These are the BA 23 Cells and appear to have been made in September 1983. I would like to suggest that you inspect your stocks of the batteries and you might consider a warning to other customers. My PVC dummies look like the real thing and are good for display. There is also the option to add some D-cells in series or even Gel cells hidden inside the battery. William L. Howard --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I would like to give a very positive A+ to our commercial guy Steve Haney . I got the antenna AS-2975 from him he is easy to deal with and very prompt and the antenna was excellant , First class operator . Thanks and best wishes , Lee *********************************************** HUMOR; A DOG's LIFE - Submitted by K.Stevens It's common practice in England to ring a telephone by sending extra voltage across one side of the two wire circuit and ground (earth in England). When the subscriber answers the phone, it switches to the two wire circuit for the conversation. This method allows two parties on the same line to be signaled without disturbing each other. Anyway, an elderly lady with several pets called to say that her telephone failed to ring when her friends called; and that on the few occasions when it did ring her dog always barked first. The telephone repairman proceeded to the scene, curious to see this psychic dog. He climbed a nearby telephone pole, hooked in his test set, and dialed the subscriber's house. The phone didn't ring. He tried again. The dog barked loudly, followed by a ringing telephone. Climbing down from the pole, the telephone repairman found: a. The dog was tied to the telephone system's ground post via an iron chain and collar.. b. The dog was receiving 90 volts of signaling current. c. After several such jolts, the dog would start barking and urinating on the ground.. d. The wet ground now completed the circuit and the phone would ring.. Which shows you that some problems can be fixed by just "pissing " on them. But only temporarily.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PET MONKEY A GUY WALKS INTO A BAR WITH HIS PET MONKEY. HE ORDERS A DRINK AND WHILE HE'S DRINKING IT THE MONKEY JUMPS ALL AROUND ALL OVER THE PLACE. THE MONKEY GRABS SOME OLIVES OFF THE BAR AND EATS THEM, THEN GRABS SOME SLICED LIMES AND EATS THEM, THEN JUMPS UP ON THE POOL TABLE, GRABS THE CUE BALL, STICKS IT IN HIS MOUTH AND SWALLOWS IT WHOLE. THE BARTENDER SCREAMS AT THE GUY, "DID YOU SEE WHAT YOUR MONKEY JUST DID?" THE GUY SAYS, "NO, WHAT?" "HE JUST ATE THE CUE BALL OFF MY POOL TABLE, WHOLE!" SAYS THE BARTENDER. "YEAH, THAT DOESN'T SURPRISE ME,"REPLIED THE PATRON. "HE EATS EVERYTHING IN SIGHT, THE LITTLE BASTARD. I'LL PAY FOR THE CUE BALL AND STUFF." HE FINISHES HIS DRINK, PAYS HIS BILL, AND LEAVES. TWO WEEKS LATER HE'S IN THE BAR AGAIN, AND HE HAS HIS MONKEY WITH HIM. HE ORDERS A DRINK AND THE MONKEY STARTS RUNNING AROUND THE BAR AGAIN. WHILE THE MAN IS DRINKING HIS DRINK, THE MONKEY FINDS A MARASCHINO CHERRY ON THE BAR. HE GRABS IT, STICKS IT UP HIS BUTT, PULLS IT OUT, AND EATS IT. THE BARTENDER IS DISGUSTED. "DID YOU SEE WHAT YOUR MONKEY DID NOW?" HE ASKS. "NOW WHAT?" RESPONDS THE PATRON. "WELL, HE STUCK A MARASCHINO CHERRY UP HIS BUTT, THEN PULLED IT OUT AND ATE IT."SAYS THE BARKEEP "YEAH, THAT DOESN'T SURPRISE ME,"REPLIED THE PATRON. "HE STILL EATS EVERYTHING IN SIGHT, BUT EVER SINCE HE PASSED THAT DAMN CUE BALL HE MEASURES EVERYTHING FIRST" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all those Haiku fans out there, here are the winners and those of honorable mention of the "Haiku Error Messages" contest: Three things are certain: Death, taxes, and lost data. Guess which has occurred. - - - - - - - - - - - - Everything is gone; Your life's work has been destroyed. Squeeze trigger? (Y/N) - - - - - - - - - - - - Windows NT crashed. I am the Blue Screen of Death. No one hears your screams. - - - - - - - - - - - - Seeing my great fault Through darkening blue windows I begin again - - - - - - - - - - - - The code was willing, It considered your request, But the chips were weak. - - - - - - - - - - - - Printer not ready. Could be a fatal error. Have a pen handy? - - - - - - - - - - - - A file that big? It might be very useful. But now it is gone. - - - - - - - - - - - - Errors have occurred. We won't tell you where or why. Lazy programmers. - - - - - - - - - - - - Server's poor response Not quick enough for browser. Timed out, plum blossom. - - - - - - - - - - - - Chaos reigns within. Reflect, repent, and reboot. Order shall return. - - - - - - - - - - - - Login incorrect. Only perfect spellers may enter this system. - - - - - - - - - - - - This site has been moved. We'd tell you where, but then we'd have to delete you. - - - - - - - - - - - - wind catches lily scatt'ring petals to the wind: segmentation fault - - - - - - - - - - - - ABORTED effort: Close all that you have. You ask way too much. - - - - - - - - - - - - First snow, then silence. This thousand dollar screen dies so beautifully. - - - - - - - - - - - - With searching comes loss and the presence of absence: "My Novel" not found. - - - - - - - - - - - - The Tao that is seen Is not the true Tao, until You bring fresh toner. - - - - - - - - - - - - The Web site you seek cannot be located but endless others exist - - - - - - - - - - - - Stay the patient course Of little worth is your ire The network is down - - - - - - - - - - - - A crash reduces your expensive computer to a simple stone. - - - - - - - - - - - - There is a chasm of carbon and silicon the software can't bridge - - - - - - - - - - - - Yesterday it worked Today it is not working Windows is like that - - - - - - - - - - - - To have no errors Would be life without meaning No struggle, no joy - - - - - - - - - - - - You step in the stream, but the water has moved on. This page is not here. - - - - - - - - - - - - No keyboard present Hit F1 to continue Zen engineering? - - - - - - - - - - - - Hal, open the file Hal, open the damn file, Hal open the... PLEASE Hal! - - - - - - - - - - - - Out of memory. We wish to hold the whole sky, But we never will. - - - - - - - - - - - - Having been erased, The document you're seeking Must now be retyped. - - - - - - - - - - - - The ten thousand things How long do any persist? Netscape, too, has gone. - - - - - - - - - - - - Rather than a beep Or a rude error message, These words: "File not found." - - - - - - - - - - - - Serious error. All shortcuts have disappeared. Screen. Mind. Both are blank. *********************************************** (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) ***********************************************