MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, JUNE 19/98 Index: COUNTERMEASURES/SURVEILLANCE RECEIVERS; ?? MEMBERS WRITE; Field Phone Remote Control, Fingering, PC Boards, More PP-4679, HUMOR; *********************************************** Get yer stuff ready and in by tonight for tomorrows "Paper Trail", and by Saturday night for the Sunday's "Group Wants/Trades". *********************************************** COUNTERMEASURES/SURVEILLANCE RECEIVERS; Dennis, I am looking for a couple relatively recent solid state mil receivers: AN/URR-69 or R-1444/UR HF receiver and R-1518/UR Vhf receiver I also have a dumb question for the mail list group. Here goes: How exactly were 'countermeasure' receivers used? Many of these Rxs were manually tuned and would have been difficult to use to find 'hostle emitters' under combat conditions- was that how they were actually used or am I missing something. I guess that role would have been OK for units in a stand-off position (like naval vessels or land based support facilities) but I am unclear on details of military useage of this kind of surveillance receiving gear. Feedback? Thanks, Spencer Bahner spencer12345@classic.msn.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spencer, There has always been several different varieties of "Countermeasures", or "Surveyance" receivers each having a different intended purpose in life. And with these different purposes, there was a correspondingly different type receiver used. Some of the purposes are as follows. #1. "Intercept" receivers, to detect, monitor, and derive intelligence from enemy traffic. In this capacity we have a fair quality communications receivers usually used in a fixed location. Located far remote, and usually on a different continent than the subject signals being analysed. Beginning in WW-II a series of Hammerlund designed radios were used almost exclusively in this role. They included the BC-779, BC-794, R-270, BC-1004, etc. All these receivers were physically identical, differing mainly in frequency coverage. Used in conjunction with each other in systems like the SCR-244, and FRR-12, it is to their credit that the cracking and daily decoding of both German and Japanese codes can be attributed. Later came such receivers as the R-274(SP-600), and R-274D(SX-73), which could cover the entire spectrum between 500kc and 54mc in a single package. With this increased frequency agility also came the ability to use a single type receiver to performed the tasks of other intercept/monitoring/communications duties that previously required a host of different types of equipment employed in as many different capacities. #2. To analyze and derive intelligence from the enemy signal itself. On the HF bands, quality receivers that might have included a Panoramic indicator like the BC-1303, or the exotic Navy RBY which was an SX-28 with an integrated panoramic adapter. Not restricted to intelligence operations, receivers of these types would also perform the functions of spectrum management, or general communications, and monitoring. On the VHF/UHF bands, the APR-4, and APR-5, or the Navy's RDO, or RDZ might be used. They were used to detect, analyze, and locate enemy radar as well as other signals. In the case of these, the band pass was purposely wide to both pass the wide radar pulse signals they were to detect, and to allow fast manual tuning or "scanning". Much of the very exotic and specialized Watkins Johnson equipment found today had a similar purpose in life as the receivers noted in this category. #3. Dual purpose Surveyance, of either enemy, or allied traffic. Closer to the front lines, receivers like the BC-787, Hallicrafters S-27, or S-36(the famous "UHF" receivers) were used to keep track of enemy movements. Capable of operation between approx 27-120mc, either AM or FM. These receivers were used to monitor tactical enemy traffic, usually of armored columns, providing information on troop movements, and concentrations. But every bit as important was their use to monitor friendly traffic. Patton himself kept an S-36 close at hand as it was his best source for up-to-date information on the problems or fast pace progress of his own command. Intelligence operators also used this equipment to insure that proper radio doctrine/security measures were being observed by troops in the field. #4. Direction finding. Also in close proximity to the front lines were the direction finders. They might include systems like the WW-II SCR-255(BC-903), SCR-503(BC-1003), or the postwar R-395/PRD-1, and a host of others. Each considered to be field portable(a very loosely used term to say the least), they were used for the spot location of either friendly or enemy transmitters. All these receivers were provided with a rather broad IF bandwidth, and fast tuning, both to facilitate faster manual "scanning" of the frequency spectrum minimizing the chance of inadvertently passing over a suspect signal. You might note, that while the R-395 was grossly obsolete shortly after it's introduction, it received widespread use in Vietnam, and was still listed as a current issue item until about 1983. A step down from the above would be the real close in direction finders, like the SCR-504(famous suite case receiver), or the Navy DAG. Both used to narrow down the location of an enemy or clandestine transmitter to within a few yards. Beginning in the late 50's, and progressing into the late 70's, there was an ernest attempt to develop, and adopt a receiver, or set of receivers to replace the monster R-395. Until such receivers as the R-744/PRR(VHF), and R-901/GR(HF) appeared in the late 50's, systems actually billed as "test equipment" would see "stop gap" use in direction finding. These referred to as "interference measuring and detection sets" they were mainly built by Stoddard and other companies usually associated with test equipment. Included were the R-178/URM-3, NM-50, NM-52, and a host of others. While some were very complex in the array of antennas and accessories they included, all were blessed with the same wide bandwidth and fast tuning of their predecessors. While the use of these varied "Test equipment" types continued possibly as late as the early 80's, the 60's saw a steady succession of experimental receivers interring the field. Like the R-1410XE(solid state VHF), though still having experimental nomenclature, it is possible that it was built in sufficient quantities to actually have seen service in the field. Or the R-1218(XE-3) of 1968 which would actually be adopted and included with the R-1518(it's VHF twin) in the TRQ-30 set. Possibly the first truly portable, solid state direction finding system to receive official adoption. At the same time came the R-1484/PRR-15 possibly only adopted by the Marine Corps out of desperation or impatience with the dilly dallying of the other services. Desert Storm saw the use of commercial "Scanners" built by AOR, and capable of HF/VHF/ and UHF multi mode operation. Possibly only acquired as an expedient, they were bought up by the military in such quantities that the civilian market suffered greatly. The R-1444 on the other hand, does not really fit the niche of a direction finder. While it is certainly capable of direction finding, I'd sooner category it as an auxiliary receiver intended to be used in the same role as or possibly even as a replace for the GRR-5. I hope that I've answered some questions, and posed some others without thoroughly confusing everyone. Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; Field Phone Remote Control, I have what may be a stupid question about field phones in general - the EE-8, TA-312, TA-43, etc. I have a project that will require a current of approx 6ma to key a remote control ( similar to the method used by modern and not so modern commercial gear ) Do these generate enough current when the ptt switch is pressed to do the job or do the phones just create the bare minimum to make thier own loop ( current unknown to me, that is why I am asking ) work? Can someone recommend a field phone that might work and that might be available for cheap from the usual sources. Or any sources for that matter...... Darned I wish I could find my pair of EE-8's. Tom badger@telalink.net ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fingering, > My bathroom has a digital sink. When I want to stop the water running, I > put my finger in the faucet. > -- Ron Smith Better not send out this kind of information. It could lead to digital sex! We might never hear from some of these guys if they figure that out. Lenox ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PC Boards, I wonder if anyone in the group is a PC board master? It would be nice to have them for the radios like the BC-611 and PRC-6s as there are a lot of them around. The BC-611 would be particularly nice ass there is not much room for ham-fisted builders to work in! Lenox ed) when the last time our attention was on PC boards and inverters, there was a couple volunteers willing to produce limited quantities of the PC boards. Maybe we'll get back to it as the project progresses. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis Just got the group post and I saw the same ad about the PRC6 and the ad said they were not working and were for display only seems like we got the better of the bunch Carl ed) I hope so. If nothing else, these will have been better screened. And as a result I've been prodded into expanding on a long controversial subject of major interest(the inverters). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More PP-4679, Regards Fair Radio's PP-4679, It looks like its only a charger, ie it aint regulated. I would suggest as an ideal mil shack power supply the PP-4763/GRC on page 23. Yep, they are not cheap at $225, but I think it is the cheapest 50Amps you can buy. It is also fully regulated. It barely knows its there even when driving my GRC-106 (40amps needed) Steve Hill VK4CZT ed) that's one of the things that confused me in Fairs add. Maybe some of the new owners can clear this up. If indeed it's not regulated, it's use to power equipment would be questionable. The PP-4763, while a fine piece of equipment, it's very heavy, and it's blower noisy, so unless you really need that much current, a pain in the ass. *********************************************** KIM's WANT's; Dennis here are some items I'm looking for please include this in your weekly broadcast. Thanks. Group I'm looking for the following: -- AN/PRC64A -- Dead battery for above -- 2 whip antennas for AN/PRR9A reciever. -- audio connectors for Racal equipment 6 pin male/female. -- mic/headset connector for SEM52 transciever. my email: wb4lzq@mindspring.com ed) many of the items your looking for are also in need by a large numbr of our members, if you find any, or a source, please let us know. *********************************************** HUMOR; An award should go to the United Airlines gate agent in Denver for being smart and funny, and making her point, when confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo. During the final days at Denver's old Stapleton airport, a crowded United flight was canceled. A single agent was rebooking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly, an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight andit has to be FIRST CLASS."The agent replied, "I'm sorry sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but I've got to help these folks first, and I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "Do you have any idea who I am?" Without hesitating, the gate agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone. "May I have your attention please?" she began, her voice bellowing throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at the gate WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to gate 17." With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the United agent, gritted his teeth and swore "F--- you." Without flinching, she smiled and said, "I'm sorry, sir, but you'll have to stand in line for that, too." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The top 39 things you would NEVER hear a TRUE Southerner say ever, no matter how much they've had to drink, no matter how far from the South: 39. "I'll take Shakespeare for 1000, Alex" 38. Duct tape won't fix that. 37. Lisa Marie sure was lucky to catch Michael. 36. Come to think of it, I'll have a Heineken. 35. We don't keep firearms in this house. 34. Has anybody seen the sideburns trimmer? 33. You can't feed that to the dog. 32. I thought Graceland was tacky. 31. No kids in the back of the pick-up, it's not safe. 30. Wrasslin's fake. 29. Honey, did you mail that donation to Greenpeace? 28. We're vegetarians. 27. Do you think my hair is too big? 26. I'll have grapefruit instead of biscuits and gravy. 25. Honey, do these bonsai trees need watering? 24. Who's Richard Petty? 23. Give me the small bag of pork rinds. 22. Deer heads detract from the decor. 21. Spitting is such a nasty habit. 20. I just couldn't find a thing at Wal-Mart today. 19. Trim the fat off that steak. 18. Cappuccino tastes better that espresso. 17. The tires on that truck are too big. 16. I'll have the arugula and ridicchio salad. 15. I've got it all on a floppy disk. 14. Unsweetened tea tastes better. 13. Would you like you fish poached or broiled? 12. My fiancee, Paula Jo, is registered at Tiffany's. 11. I've got two cases of Zima for the Super Bowl. 10. Little Debbie snack cakes have too many fat grams. 9. Checkmate. 8. She's too old to be wearing a bikini. 7. Does the salad bar have bean sprouts? 6. Hey, here's an episode of "Hee Haw" that we haven't seen. 5. I don't have a favorite college team. 4. Be sure to bring my salad dressing on the side. 3. I believe you cooked those green beans too long. 2. Those shorts ought to be a little longer, Darla. And the #1 thing you would NEVER hear a Southerner say is -- 1. Elvis who? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two old Irishmen were holding up the bar at the local pub, reminiscing and drinking as they were wont to do, when one became quite melancholy and asked his friend, "Sean, when my time comes and I pass on, can ye do me a favour?" His friend replies, "Liam, you've been my friend for nigh on thirty years...just ask and I'll do it for you. What would you like me to do?" The first one said, "Sean, on me mantelpiece at home is an old, old bottle of fine Irish whiskey. When they bury me, would you be mindin' it if ye poured it over me grave?" And the second one gravely replies, "Liam, you know I'll be honored to do as you ask. But I'm wonderin', would you mind if I passed it through me kidneys first?" --------------------------------------------------- "My god! What happened to you?" the bartender asked Kelly as he hobbled in on a crutch, one arm in a cast. "I got in a tiff with Riley." "Riley? He's just a wee fellow," the barkeep said, surprised. "He must have had something in his hand." "That he did," Kelly said. "A shovel it was." "Dear Lord. Didn't you have anything in your hand?" "Aye, that I did-Mrs. Riley's tit." Kelly said. "And a beautiful thing it was, but not much use in a fight." ------------------------------------------------------ An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman were sitting in a bar, drinking (as they do), and discussing how stupid their wives were. The Englishman says, "I tell you, my wife is so stupid. Last week she went to the supermarket and bought $300 worth of meat because it was on sale, and we don't even have a fridge to keep it in." The Scotsman agrees that she sounds pretty thick, but says his wife is thicker. "Just last week," he laments, "she went out and spent $17 000 on a new car. And she doesn't even know how to drive!" The Irishman nods sagely, and agrees that these two woman sound like they both walked through the stupid forest and got hit by every branch. However, he still thinks his wife is dumber. "Ah, it kills me every time oi think of it," he chuckles. "My wife just left to go on a holiday in Greece. I watched her packing her bag, and she must have put about 100 condoms in there. And she doesn't even have a penis!" --------------------------------------------------- The neighbourhood's most notorious tippler making his way unsteadily homeward, encountered the parish priest, who inquired about the suspicious bulge in his coat pocket. "It's holy water, Father," the culprit protested piously. The priest removed the bottle, sniffed at it and announced that it contained whisky. "Glory be," cried the drunk. "A miracle!" ---------------------------------------------------- Father O'Grady was saying his goodbye's to the parishioners after his Sunday morning service as he always does when Mary Clancey came up to him in tears. "What's bothering you so, dear?" inquired Farther O'Grady. "Oh, father, I've got terrible news." Replied Mary. "Well what is it, Mary?" "Well, my husband, passed away last night, Father." "Oh, Mary" said the father, "that's terrible. Tell me Mary, did he have any last requests?" "Well, yes he did father," replied Mary. "What did he ask, Mary?" Mary replied, "He said, 'Please, Mary, put down the gun...'" ----------------------------------------------------- One fine day in Ireland, a guy is out golfing and gets up to the 16th hole. He tees up and cranks one. Unfortunately, it goes into the woods on the side of the fairway. He goes looking for his ball and comes across this little guy with this huge knot on his head and the golfball lying right beside him. "Goodness," says the golfer then proceeds to revive the poor little guy. Upon awakening, the little guy says, "Well, you caught me fair and square. I am a leprechaun. I will grant you three wishes." The man says "I can't take anything from you, I'm just glad I didn't hurt you too badly," and walks away. Watching the golfer depart, the leprechaun says "Well, he was a nice enough guy, and he did catch me, so I have to do something for him. I'll give him the three things that I would want. I'll give him unlimited money, a great golf game, and a great sex life." Well, a year goes past (as they often do in jokes like this) and the same golfer is out golfing on the same course at the 16th hole. He gets up and hits one into the same woods and goes off looking for his ball. When he finds the ball he sees the same little guy and asks how he is doing. The leprechaun says, "I'm fine, and might I ask how your golf game is?" The golfer says, "It's great! I hit under par every time." "I did that for you," responds the leprechaun, "And might I ask how your money is holding out?" "Well, now that you mention it, every time I put my hand in my pocket, I pull out a hundred dollar bill" he replied. The leprechaun smiles and says, "I did that for you. And might I ask how your sex life is?" Now the golfer looks at him a little shyly and says, "Well, maybe once or twice a week." Floored, the leprechaun stammers, "Once or twice a week?" The golfer looks at him sheepishly and says, "Well, that's not too bad for a Catholic priest in a small parish." ------------------------------------------------------- McQuillan walked into a bar and ordered martini after martini, each time removing the olives and placing them in a jar. When the jar was filled with olives and all the drinks consumed, the Irishman started to leave. "S'cuse me," said a customer, who was puzzled over what McQuillan had done. "What was that all about?" "Nothing," said the Irishman, "My wife just sent me out for a jar of olives." ------------------------------------------------------- Two Irish guys are fishing. The first guy reels in his line and sees that he's snagged an old bottle. As he's taking it off the hook, a genie pops out of the bottle. The genie says, "Ahh! That's great. I was trapped in there for centuries. I have to give you one wish." The Irish guy says, "Turn the lake into beer." The genie says "Done!" He waves his hand, and the lake turns into beer. The Irish guy says to his pal, "So what do you think?" The second guy says, "I think you're a fool. Now we have to pee in the boat." --------------------------------------------------------- A Irish, a English, and a Scottish man all enter an Irish pub, and all being men of good taste order a pint of Guinness. Just as the barkeep places their perfect pints before each of the three men, three flies to match the three men land in their pints. The Englishman picks the fly out, but his stomach would not put up with such things and pushes his pint back towards the bar and leaves. The Scotsman, being a bit more hardy, looked at his pint funny for a moment, picked the fly out and tossed it, then proceeded to drink his pint. The Irishman caused a commotion, as he was seen slapping the fly on its back over his pint yelling out at it "Spit it out ya bastard, that's my pint.!" *********************************************** (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 or this group are included. For more information conserning this group contact Dennis Starks at, military-radio-guy@juno.com) ***********************************************