MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, MAR.9/98 INDEX: MYSTERY RADIO; The PRC-28. by Dennis Starks WHATSIT; FSC-173A? MEMBER WRITE; MEMBER PROFILE; Mike Cowart ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; HUMOR; *********************************************** Did you all get yesterday's Group Want's & Trade's? Did everybody get the list of manuals & books that saked for it. Juno been screwed up all weekend. Dennis *********************************************** MYSTERY RADIO; The PRC-28. by Dennis Starks Back when I first started collecting military radio equipment, and my reference library would not fill my desk draw(now it's one room of my shop building). One of the places I'd strive to learn about equipment I didn't have, was the "Can Communicate With" section of operators manuals. This is the first place that I saw reference to a PRC-28, The "Can Communicate With" section of an PRC-25 manual. It didn't tell ya much, but it did let ya know the thing existed, and operated between 30 and 42mc. 20 years later, I own one, and it's operator's manual, and I don't know much more now than I did then. Below is a description of the set taken from Ref.#1 among others: PRC-28/RT-339; Backpack VHF, FM transceiver, Identical to PRC-9A or 10A, except is not continuously tunable. Ops 30-42mc on any one xtal control channel, with an RF output of 850mw. All other parameters, accessories etc are the same as PRC-9A. Requires 135v, 67.5v/20ma, 1.5v/500ma(rec),135v/55ma, 67.5v/15ma, -6v(trans), supplied by BA-279 or AM-598. Accessories include H-33 handset, CY-744 battery box, BA-279 battery, AT-271 & AB-129(long antenna & rubber spring base), AT-272 short tape antenna, AT-339 homing antenna, M-1945 belt, CW-216 ant & acc bag, ST-120 backpack harness. RT-339 less battery box 9.5 x 3 x 10.5in, 9lbs. Original cost, circa 1953, $810.00. Ref.#3 Only after a close inspection can you tell that a PRC-28 is not a PRC-8A, 9A, or 10A, or vice versa. Externally they are almost identical. Even when looking inside the radio, it's not easy to see the differences. For simplicity, we'll just include the PRC-9 in the following comparisons, but the PRC-8A, 9A, and 10A will also apply. #1. Most obvious, the PRC-28 has a xtal control transmitter, vice the continuous tunability of the PRC-9. What is not obvious, even when referring to the radios manual, is that the receiver is not xtal control, and is tunable over the radios entire range. But the user is denied access to this receiver tunability. There is no dial pointer adjust (but the protective ear is still there). And the normal tuning knob has been replaced with a screwdriver adjustment, protected by a screw on cap, same with the dial lock control. #2. The cost, the PRC-28 cost $810.00 as ordered from RCA circa 1953, and 1954. In comparison, the PRC-8 was $326.37, the PRC-9 $513.96, and the PRC-10 $592.78, all from the same source. What could account for the great difference in cost, when the same basic radio was involved? #3. Internally, the transmit oscillator module has been replaced with a crystal socket. And while the manual states there is no Pulse Sweep Generator module, in reality, there is. The later is normally function of the transmitters AFC system, and would have no place in crystal control radio, except that it also provides for side tone of transmitted signals. The last odd internal feature is the Discriminator module. normally this a hermetically sealed module in all variants of this PRC family. But the two known examples of the PRC-28, both have screw down end caps that can be removed to allow adjustment. Manuals state that the PRC-28 uses the same Discriminator module as the PRC-9A, but this version has never been found installed in them. #4. The PRC-28 was apparently not operable with the AM-598 vehicular power supply/audio amplifier. Though I can see no reason why not, the manual specifically states,"There is no current modification which permits use of the AM-598/U or AM-598A/U with radio set AN/PRC-28". As we have absolutely no historical information on the set, we can only draw on it's physical attributes to form some kind of idea as to it's intended purpose in life: #1, The PRC-28 was obviously an attempt to "dummy proof" a PRC-9, or 10. And as all known examples show Marine Corps use, this would tend to support that assumption.(I can't help but slur those poor dumb bastards every chance I get) #2, The frequency range of 20-55mc was subdivided into three segments at the time. 20-28mc(Armor), 27-39mc(Artillery), 38-55mc(Infantry). As the PRC-28 overlaps those frequencies used by the Artillery, and Infantry. Could it have be meant as a liaison radio between these contingents? Or between them and a their supply/support organization? #3, Remember our last series,"Off the Shelf Prick's"? Note, those radios that were capable of low-band FM operation, covered the same frequency range. Could the PRC-28 have been specifically modified for enhanced compatibility with these types? Intended to fill a similar role, but one requiring a more robust radio? Like the PRC-21 but in a different band? If this were the case, the logistic, and support problems would have been greatly reduced due to the fact the PRC-28 could use all the same ancillary equipment as the PRC-9, even the manuals and running spares. This alone would justify the added expense of the radio, especially as the commercial,"Off the Shelf" PRC's, weren't cheep either, and they required their own peculiar support channels! #4, The PRC-28 is listed in Ref.#3 as "Used By" the U.S. Navy. Again referring back to "Off The Shelf Prick's" we know that the Navy was by far the largest user of these type radios. Would this tend to support point #3 above? Ref.#3 is the only known reference material that list these "Off the Shelf" types, as used by all the branches of our military. It is also the only one to list the PRC-28. It's update, printed in 1964, drops all those types, including the PRC-28. Yet PRC-28 manuals are typically dated late 1961. Hmmm? #5, Ever since the introduction of the BC-1000 in WW-II, most all U.S. backpack FM radios have been designed to allow back to back, unattended repeater operation using two radios connected together. Could the PRC-28 have been specifically adapted to better perform this task? We do know that specially designed equipment was provided expressly to the Marine Corps in later years to serve in this capacity using the PRC-25, or PRC-77. At least three contracts were let for the PRC-28 between 1952, and 1954. All appear to have been with RCA. The one in my collection is of a 1952 contract, has the serial number of 164, a U.S. Navy inventory tag screwed to it, and if the magic marker writing on it's case is correct, was originally on 41.95mc. You should note that the standard channel spacing of the time was 100kc, thus 41.95 would not have been a standard tactical frequency. On the other hand, 50kc spacing was typical of commercial equipment by virtue of it's crystal control. Hmmm? To be honest with you all, I had not noticed the above similarities between the PRC-28 and the "Off the Shelf" types until I started writing this article. Nor would I have, if I hadn't just finished writing the "Off The Shelf" series. But the more we look at the limited evidence, the more it looks as though point #3 above might be the proper conclusion, with #1, and #2 following in second place. What do you think? OK, so what's the next Mystery Radio to be? Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com References: #1) MILITARY RADIO DATA, VOLUME I, PRC Designated Radio Equipment, by Dennis Starks (copies available from the author) #3) TM11-487A,1958,MIL-HDBK-161,Military Handbook Electronic Communication Equipment. TM11-5820-292-10, Sept 1961, Operator's Manual, Radio Sets AN/PRC-8, 8A, 9, 9A, 10, 10A, and 28 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, OFF THE SHELF PRICK's; FEB. 11/98, FEB.13/98, FEB.16/98, FEB.17/98, FEB.19/98, FEB.21/98, FEB.23/98, MAR.3/98 by Dennis Starks *********************************************** WHATSIT; FSC-173A? Dennis, I just picked up a WAVEMETER, made by the Frequency Standard Company of Asbury Park, New Jersey. It is a Model FSC 173A. Looks like a WW II vintage item but since the Frequency Calibration chart is dated 4/30/56 and it uses a 1N21B crystal, I assume it is post war. It is some form of a frequency meter. It covers 1600 to 2250 MC. What I am wondering is this a more precise instrument than the BC 221? Does anybody know anything about it? The only reason I got it was that it was made in Asbury Park near where I grew up and about 5 miles from fort Monmouth. I assume it was either made for the Signal Corps labs or was made from technology developed there. Any information on this item would be helpful. Thanks Bill Howard THE WILLIAM L. HOWARD ORDNANCE TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE MUSEUM e-mail wlhoward@gte.net Telephone AC 813 585-7756 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill, there is no similarity between a wave meter, and a beat frequency meter ala BC-221. A wave meter is simply a field strength meter with a calibrated front end, or preselector. About like an old xtal diode receiver, but with a meter replacing the headphones. They were used to give only a relative indication of output and frequency range, kinda a go/no-go deal. The BC-221 on the other hand was an extremely accurate piece of equipment that could perform several duties including frequency measurement, but only up to about 20mc. Keep the BC-221, give the wave meter to somebody. Dennis *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; Dennis, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to publish the mil radio list. I dont have too much to contribute (other than the odd piece to someone from time to time) but I sure enjoy learning about this gear. Thanks for the effort you put into it. /john HI DENNIS YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB. I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED THE COMMERCIAL RADIOS WITH PRC NUMBERS. TODD ed) John, & Todd, thanks a bunch for yer input. I like to know yur all out there, and these post are being received by someone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ozona Bob Bob is at Preddy’s Funeral Home here in Ozona. They are going to have graveside at 2:00 PM Monday in Mereta Tx. This is around Ballinger. Thank you Les Long. ed) Bob was a prominent figure on 75 and 40mtr AM nets. He will be missed by many. *********************************************** MEMBER PROFILE; Mike Cowart Hi Dennis, I received your invitation and want to join the group. I DO accept the the conditions stated in the invitation. Personal profile: I am a 50-year-old electrical engineer working as a technical writer for Hewlett-Parckard's High Performance System Lab in Richardson, TX. I have worked in electronics all my life: as an electronics technician, designer, and manager. I have a BSEE from Univ of Texas arlington. I started playing with electronics around the age of nine and got my Novice ticket in 1962 (WN5CMI). I obtained my Extra Class license in 1973. I started boatanchor collecting about two years ago, and my colloection is rather modest. I own the following: 3 Heathkit AT-1s (the AT-1 was my first transmitter) Hallicrafters S38 (it was my first receiver) 75S3 32S1 312B4 KWM-2 and my military BAs: 51J3 BC-669 BC-348 BC-342 and a couple of commands sets I have just recently acquired the military stuff, but that is what I am most interested in. I have been studying WWII and the events leading up to it for about a year now. I am especially interested in the bombers of that war and would like to acquire a "complete" set of bomber radio gear. But I am also interested in ALL radios used during the war. I can lend assistance to the group as a technician, but not as an expert in old mil radios; I am learning quickly, but am no expert! Thank you for considering my joining the group. 73, Mike Cowart - WA5CMI cowart@rsn.hp.com *********************************************** 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 , If you have trouble with this address, call 817-496-3346. *********************************************** HUMOR; Actual sentences found in church bulletins. 1.Don't let worry kill you, let the church help. 2.Thursday night pot luck dinner. Prayer and medication to follow. 3.Remember to pray for the many who are sick of our church and community. 4. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. 5.The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer,the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer. 6.This afternoon there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All wishing to become Little Mothers,Please see the minister in his private study. 7.This afternoon there will be meeting in the south and north ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends. 8.This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs.Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar. 9.The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind and they may be seen in the church basement on Friday. ------Fred D. Haley ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A man buys several sheep, hoping to breed them for wool. After several weeks, he notices that none of the sheep are getting pregnant, and calls a vet for help. The vet tells him that he should try artificial insemination. The guy doesn't have the slightest idea what this means but, not wanting to display his ignorance, only asks the vet how he will know when the sheep are pregnant. The vet tells him that they will stop standing around and will, instead, lay down and wallow in the grass when they are pregnant. The man hangs up and gives it some thought. He comes to the conclusion that artificial insemination means he has to impregnate the sheep. So, he loads the sheep into his truck, drives them out into the woods, has sex with them all, brings them back and goes to bed. Next morning, he wakes and looks out at the sheep. Seeing that they are all still standing around, he concludes that the first try didn't take, and loads them in the truck again. He drives them out to the woods, bangs each sheep twice for good measure, brings them back and goes to bed. Next morning, he wakes to find the sheep still just standing around. One more try, he tells himself and proceeds to load them and drive them out to the woods. He spends all day shagging the sheep and, upon returning home, falls listlessly into bed. The next morning, he cannot even raise himself from the bed to look at the sheep. He asks his wife to look out and tell him if the sheep are lying in the grass. "no," she says, "they're all in the truck and one of them is honking the horn." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO IDENTIFY WHERE A DRIVER IS FROM: - One hand on wheel, one hand on horn: Chicago - One hand on wheel, one finger out window: New York - One hand on wheel, one hand on newspaper, foot solidly on accelerator: Boston - One hand on wheel, cradling cell phone,brick on accelerator: California. With gun in lap: L.A. - Both hands on wheel, eyes shut, both feet on brake, quivering in terror: Ohio, but driving in California. - Both hands in air, gesturing, both feet on accelerator, head turned to talk to someone in back seat: Italy - One hand on latte, one knee on wheel, cradling cell phone, foot on brake, mind on game: Seattle - One hand on wheel, one hand on hunting rifle, alternating between both feet being on the accelerator and both on the brake, throwing a McDonalds bag out the window: Texas city male - One hand on wheel, one hand hanging out the window, keeping speed steadily at 70mph, driving down the center of the road unless coming around a blind curve, in which case they are on the left side of the road: Texas country male - One hand constantly refocusing the rear-view mirror to show different angles of the BIG hair, one hand going between mousse, brush, and rat-tail to keep the helmet hair going, both feet on the accelerator, poodle steering the car, chrome .38 revolver with mother of pearl inlaid handle in the glove compartment: Texas female - Both hands on steering wheel in a relaxed posture, eyes constantly checking the rear-view mirror to watch for visible emissions from their own or another's car: Colorado - One hand on steering wheel, yelling obscenities, the other hand waving gun out the window and firing repeatedly, keeping a careful eye out for landmarks along the way so as to be able to come back and pick up any bullets that didn't hit other motorists so as not to litter: Colorado resident on spotting a car with Texas plate. - Four wheel drive pickup truck, shotgun mounted in rear window, beer cans on floor, squirrel tails attached to antenna: West Virginia male. - Junker, driven by someone who previously had a nice car and who is now wearing a barrel: Las Vegas - Two hands gripping wheel, blue hair barely visible above window level, driving 35 on the interstate in the left lane with the left blinker on: Florida "seasoned citizen" driver, also known as "no-see-um" (or could it be Marge Simpson?) - Two hands on the wheel, driving forty-five in a seventy mph zone in the left lane, with the left turn signal on, and making a right turn: New Mexico resident (as anyone who has ever driven through this lovely state can attest) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A Blonde and a brunette were walking outside when the brunette said, "Oh, look at the dead bird." The Blonde looked skyward and said "Where, where?" How do you drown a Blonde? Put a scratch & sniff sticker at the bottom of the pool. Why does it take longer to build a Blonde snowman as opposed to a regular one? You have to hollow out the head. Why don't Blondes like making KOOL-AID? Because they can't fit 8 cups of water in the little packet. Did you hear about the two Blondes that were found frozen to death in their car at a drive-in movie theater? They went to see "Closed for the Winter". Why won't they hire Blondes as pharmacists? They keep breaking the prescription bottles in the typewriters. What do you call an eternity? Four Blondes at a four-way stop. Why do Blondes have "TGIF" written on their shoes? Toes Go In First. Three Blondes were driving to Disneyland. After being in the car for 4 hours they finally saw a sign that said "Disneyland left" so they turned around and went home. What do smart Blondes and UFO's have in common? You always hear about them but you never see them. What did the Blonde say when she opened the box of Cheerios? Oh look, daddy ... doughnut seeds. Why did the Blonde stare at a can of frozen orange juice? Because it said concentrate. Why do Blondes always smile during lightning storms? They think their picture is being taken. How can you tell when a Blonde sends you a fax? It has a stamp on it. Why can't Blondes dial 911? They can't find the eleven on the phone! What do you do if a Blonde throws a pin at you? Run, she's got a grenade in her mouth! How can you tell if a Blonde has been using your computer? There is whiteout all over the monitor. Why shouldn't Blondes have coffee breaks? It takes too long to retrain them. *********************************************** (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) ***********************************************