MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, JUNE 22/98 Index: REPORT FROM ELGIN; From Ed Guzick MRCG MEET, SAN LUIS OBISPO CA.; From Ed Zeranski RACAL STUFF ON THE WAY; From Tom Norris MEMBERS WRITE; AM-4306? Collins 918 M? More R-1444, NEW MEMBER; Doug Greville ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; Haney Electronic Co. Museum Down Sizing List, HUMOR; *********************************************** REPORT FROM ELGIN; Dennis, Spent the morning at the Elgin, Illinois Antique Radio meet, (this is not the big meet). Our forecast last night and this morning too was for storms which never materialized and could have reduced the crowds. Attendance was about the same as last year covering in total about one row of the parking lot. As usual there was lots of antique radios. The AM broadcast type! However, little to no military stuff. I saw a RT77 $30, 3 nondescript dynamotors/pwr supplies which I did not get details or prices on (don't chastise me Dennis). A real ratty looking T-17 mic, frayed RCA tube manuals for $10 and a BC-620 manual for $8. The object of my affections was a Hammarlund SP-600 in fair condition for $399.99. Love to have one but not in this poor mans price category. I left with a TL-207 alignment tool which I'll trade off if someone needs it. The event may have appeared differently through someone else's eyes but that's how I saw it. Ed Guzick ed) I don't know how many SP-600 I've owned over the years. All were parted with after a search for a suitable cabinet proved futile. None were ever sold for more than $125.00(and that was a slick one). I once drug one to various hamfest all over the state of Missouri mounted in a four foot tall cabinet that had formerly been used to house automotive test equipment. The top portion of the cabinet was tilted at a 45 degree angle(that's way the SP-600 fit in it). The entire rig was priced at $100. I finally sold the cabinet for $50, but the guy made me take the SP-600 out of it. *********************************************** MRCG MEET, SAN LUIS OBISPO CA.; From Ed Zeranski Folks There are published photos of the May MRCG meet in San Luis Obispo in the June (#110) Electric radio. Hank Brown, W6DXJ, wrote the article and in my opinion did a fine job.(Picture of his self on page 14) Y'all can see actual BA folk on page 16, Mark Blair and Paul Bernhardt. The white VDub on 17 is the property of GRC-9/RU-GF enhanced Jay Coward and page 38 has Mort Jones...in the background with hands on hips is Anthony Fellino in his TCS equipt VW Van. Poptop behind Anthony is me. Dave Ross is the un ID'd guy talking with Tom Horsfall on page 17, he had a PRC-47 online Friday and Saturday in his weather challenged pickup truck/campsite/MRC vehicle running off the nasty mil battery. Just got off the fone with Hank, we are planning for next year with hopefully a more organized operational (sit on down..try this thing) set up with freqs worked out etc. Suggestions? Info? Directions? Gimme an email reply or tell non netted friends to drop a line to: Ed Zeranski This is a private opinion or statement. home email: ezeran@cris.com Ed Zeranski 4712 Coronado Ave. San Diego, CA 92107 ejz@nosc.mil (work) ezeran@cris.com (home)/ezeran@concentric.net 619-223-3242 ed) this MRCG is not associated with ours, but we do have some common members including Ed, Mark Blair, and Jay Coward. *********************************************** RACAL STUFF ON THE WAY; From Tom Norris [ Dennis, I have alread told you this, but this is a more "wordy" copy for the list ] Hey, several folks have been looking for a better copy of the Racal manuals. I have found a tentitive source for a first-generation copy of the manuals for the TRA.931X, MA.985B, MA.988, MA.949, and MA.937. This is a package deal I am working on with Racal themselves. Dont ask details, as it may jepordize the deal. More as it develops. And this WILL TAKE SOME TIME, heck the post office jsut told me this afternoon that it will take a month or so JUST TO GET AN INTERNATIONAL Money Order, for Britain, at least. If I wanted to buy something from Nicaragua, or Egypt, they can cut me a check right there, but most of the EU countries, I have to pay the PO up front, sign a voucher, and a money order will be mailed directly to me in about 6 weeks. And at twice the price for the money order that I might buy for sending to the fictional Nicaraguan ham with all the Soviet surplus..... When I get the manuals -- hopefully before next year -- I will post to the list and let you know the quality. Since it is gonna be $$bux$$, I will have to charge for copies, though not much I promise. On the connectors -- I have found a source of ORIGINAL NEW ( expensive ) connectors. ITT-Cannon makes that particular line of connectors, and they can be had at MUCH LESS ( as much as 50% less ) than is advertized in the Newark and other like catalogs. Ordered a pair of audio connectors for my Syncal-30/TRA.931X last wedensday, got here today. It is through a local company here in Nashville. These are the same series used by the likes of the PRC-47 and others that use a bayonet-collar connector. I know most folks are looking for cutoffs, but I have not had a lot of luck with finding just the exact connector I need in a cutoff. Example of price, the connector for the Racal audio ( MS3116F10-6P ) was $22. The power connector for the Racal vehicular power supply ( a 12-3 ) was $27. Like I said - not cheap, but also NOT INOBTAINIUM as I once thought this series of connector was until about a week ago. Any distributor that carries the more common Cannon "MS" ( the connector with the threaded collar ) can order these. I am trying to talk my distributor into getting me a priced list of the entire series, so stand by.... No luck on finding the right-angle backs for these so far. It is possible I can find a mate to the connector on the SEM-52A. I need a DETAILED sketch or drawing of pic of the connector, and any number that may be on the thing. Anyone with a good closeup lens and some 100 speed film would do nicely for detail, just give me several angles and good lighting. I will do my best to research this connector, but not having seen one of the radios, I need help. Toroids, Hmmmm. Somewhere I have a box full of 88mh toroids left over from my RTTY days, but like Dennis, I have them "somewhere" and have no idea. If I do stuble upon them I will let the list know. I was a small quantity.... 73 all Tom Norris badger@telalink.net ed) Ya know Racal has associate companies in the US. Would it not be easier to negotiate with them? I have posted the Cannon number for the SEM-52A connector here several time, but currently can't find it. *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; AM-4306? In Communication for Armor (June 67) from the US Armor School, Fort Knox, there is mention of a power amp for the PRC-77 - the AM-4306. It is described as being used in either the manpack or vehicular configurations. Anybody know anything about this unit - or every see one? 73 Joseph W Pinner Lafayette, LA KC5IJD EMail: kc5ijd@sprintmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Collins 918 M? Hallo Dennis, many compliments for your very important and precoius = work. Idid not see an other similar at this time. Very good ! ! Could I ask to our friend if someone knows the Collins 918 M transceiver ? I need its TM, but nobody knows it ! ! Thank you for your help ! Carmelo ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More R-1444, Hi Dennis, I must respectfully question your remark that compares the R-1444 to an "auxiliary receiver", ala the GRR-5. As a proud owner of one, let me point out the specs: 0.5-30 MC in 100 Hz steps, all-mode (AM, USB, LSB, CW, and *FM*), 3 IF bandwidths (1, 4, and 25 KC), sensitive, small, portable, 3 power options. Has a 'recorder' output (fixed audio level). Has 50 ohm or whip antenna connections. Has a 'scan' selection, which mechanically multiplies the tuning rate by a factor of 10. RF gain with AGC setting, and a tiny signal strength meter. The front dial glass is shielded (to keep radiation in, I assume). Call me crazy, but that sounds like a fairly high-end portable intercept receiver to me. Pete ed) the more you describe your R-1444(another radio I don't have, and want), the more it does sounds like a universal axillary receiver. Possibly even intended to replace the GRR-5(as that is what this receiver was meant for and no other known receiver ever replaced it). As noted in the article, there is a big difference between an "Intercept" receiver, and one intended for DF work. Also note what I wrote "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". Also note the word "Possibly"! Just for the sake of argument, let us compare the R-1444, and the GRR-5. R-1444, sensitive, small, portable, 3 power options. GRR-5, small(for it's day), portable(for it's day), sensitive, "5" power supply options. R-1444, Has 50 ohm or whip antenna connections. GRR-5, Hmm, it does too. R-1444, 'scan' selection, which mechanically multiplies the tuning rate by a factor of 10. GRR-5, Me too! R-1444, RF gain with AGC setting, and a tiny signal strength meter. GRR-5, RF gain, and AVC I got. But no tiny meter, shucks! R-1444, Has a 'recorder' output (fixed audio level). GRR-5, I ain't got this either, but neither did any other receiver until 1968. Jane's 1981 describes the R-1444/URR-69,"It is used either as a general-purpose receiver or as an axillary equipment in a direction finding system". The text go's on to say that the set is in widespread use with US Forces all over the world. Typically, DF sets are not built in very large quantities. The current field DF set(or was until a couple years ago), is the TRQ-30(I have two of them). The one in my collection was retired from service with the 501st Military Intelligence, and consist of R-1518/UR (20-150mc AM/FM/CW in two bands), R-1218/UR (.5-20mc AM/USB/LSB). DF Loop Antennas AS-1523(.5-21mc), AS-1526(19-50mc), AS-1527(45-100mc), AS-1528(95-157.5mc), AB-1110 Ant. Pedestal/Tripod, and PNH-7 recorder. It is entirely possible that the R-1444 is, or can be, a direct replacement for the R-1218. But I still contend that it's primary role is that of a general-purpose receiver, and it's direction finding qualities are only secondary. Dennis *********************************************** NEW MEMBER; Doug Greville I am 37 y.o. and my prinicple interest is armoured vehicles, the radio aspect is part and parcel of having complete vehicles. I have never been in the military other than school cadets. I bring my vehicles to driving condition and use an AN/Vic-1 system in one of them as an interecom. I would like to so equip another 2 vehicles. Regards Doug ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Armoured Vehicles Collector _______ _/_(_o_)_\_ ____ _/|___|_|___|\_ /____\ / [___] [___] \ Douglas Greville _/[o]___\_ /\_ [o] [o] _/\ Broken Hill __/=_|____|_=\__ |w||___________||w| N.S.W. /__\__________/__\ |w|\u u/|w| Australia |w| \ / |w| |w| \_________/ |w| |w|$ \______/ $|w| [w] [w] [w] [w] M8 Ferret dgrev@ruralnet.net.au Web Armour site at: http://Fast.to/DG (http://users.hunterlink.net.au/~derf/dga/) *********************************************** ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; Haney Electronic Co. 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. 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. 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 PP-7286/U. Nicad battery charger. Will charge 5ea 6, 12, 24, or 28 volt batteries. Includes copy of operations manual. These are very clean units, special group price, $40.00, plus appox 38lbs shipping. PRC-70 Selector assembly, unused, forest green. NSN 5820-01-092-5904, also called the A1 module. This is part of the front panel, with 6 frequency select knobs, and readouts, controls for power, mode, volume, and squelch. Includes printed circuit board with microprocessor. $60.00 STEVE HANEY ed) Steve has a list of manuals available on request via email. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Museum Down Sizing List, The Louisiana Museum of Military History, due to financial realities will be will be moving to smaller quarters. We have been asked to help liquidate some of the Commo gear. Below is the first list of equipment that's been made available. If you have an interest in any item contact Joe below via email and he'll pass along any needed info. AM-1780, untested but good condition, $ 25 AS-2851, 30-80 log periodic complete, $ 125 BB-451, NOS with electrolyte kit, $ 185 BB-451, used, $ 100 CU-2267/GR, Five unit multicoupler - with two spare F-1482, $125 DY-105, untested but looks good, $ 45 DY-105, no dynamotor, $ 25 GRC / VRC, lots of cables, ASK GRC-109, details later MD-522, with cables, $ 100 PPS-4, complete except for optical sight, $ 300 PRC-25, with accessories, $ 300 PRC-41, with antenna / PP-3700 AC supply - working, $ 175 PRC-68, with handset, antenna and battery - working but a little rough, $200 PRC-68, with handset, antenna and battery - working, good condition, $ 235 PRC-77, with accessories, $ 350 PRC-90, with battery - working, $ 100 PRC-90, with battery - no 282.8 transmit, $ 50 PRR-9/PRT-4A, working w/manual copy, $ 50 R-442, working, good condition, $ 225 RT-524A, unchecked, $ 300 RT-524A, working, $ 500 RT-858/PPS-6, RT only, Make offer Russian 62R1, VHF cargo pocket transceiver with mike and dipole wire antenna - Make offer Russian R-105M, no accessories, $ 100 Russian R-108, no accessories, $ 100 TRC-77, untested but good condition, $ 75 TS-323, good condition, $ 35 TT-722/TG, untested, $ 50 ITEMS NOT FOR EXPORT All reasonable offers will be considered All items plus shipping Payment to: Glen Thibodeaux c/o Louisiana Museum of Military History P. O. Box 92110 Lafayette, LA 70509 Glen is looking for PRC-64 accessories, G-43 or G-58 generator and M-1 Carbines / accessories. If folks would just contact me directly, I will take care of getting things to Glen. Joseph W Pinner EMail: kc5ijd@sprintmail.com *********************************************** HUMOR; A typical macho man married a typical good-looking lady. After the wedding, he laid down the following rules. " I'll be home when I want, if I want, and at what time I want, and I don't expect any hassle from you. I expect a great dinner to be on the table when I want it unless I tell you other- wise. I'll go hunting, fishing, boozing, and card-playing when I want with my old buddies and don't you give me a hard time about it. Those are the rules. Any comments?" His new bride replied, "No, that's fine with me. Just understand that there will be sex here at 7 o'clock morning and evening- whether you're here or not. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A husband with a wife and four children was always going out on various projects. Either going to work, going out for the evening at the bar with the boys or going hunting and fishing. When ever he went out, his wife would ask."Are you taking me along" to which he always replied, "No, you had better stay home with the children, Mother of four!" This went on for many years, and one day the scene repeated and he said "No, you stay home with the children, Mother of four!" to which the wife replied. "All right father of two!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 WAYS TO SAY SOMEONE IS STUPID 1. The wheel is spinning, but the hamster is dead. 2. Got into the gene pool while the lifeguard wasn't watching. 3. It's hard to believe that he beat 100,000 other sperm. 4. A few clowns short of a circus. 5. A few fries short of a Happy Meal. 6. A few beers short of a six-pack. 7. Doesn't have all his cornflakes in one box. 8. The cheese slid off his cracker. 9. Body by Fisher, brains by Mattel. 10. Has an IQ of 2, but it takes 3 to grunt. 11. Warning: Objects in mirror are dumber than they appear. 12. Couldn't pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel. 13. He fell out of the Stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down. 14. One taco short of a combination plate. 15. All foam, no beer. 16. As smart as bait. 17. Chimney's clogged. 18. Elevator doesn't go all the way to the top floor. 19. Forgot to pay his brain bill. 20. Proof that evolution CAN go in reverse. 21. Receiver is off the hook 22. Skylight leaks a little 23. Slinky's kinked. 24. Surfing in Nebraska. 25. Too much yardage between the goalposts. 26. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer. 27. Not the sharpest tool in the shed. 28. A room temperature IQ. 29. Bright as Alaska in December. 30. Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming. 31. If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week. 32. Some drink from the fountain of knowledge, but he just gargled. 33. Takes him an hour and a half to watch 60 minutes. 34. His belt doesn't go through all the loops. 35. If he had another brain it would be lonely. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm leaving the apartment. But first I'm getting a thousand roaches. 'Cause it said in the rent book, "Leave the place as you found it." -- Dolly Allen --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A husband and wife wake up in the morning and the wife says "I just had the weirdest dream. I went to the fair and they had a booth that was selling dicks. They had an 8 inch one for $500, a 10 inch one for $1000." The husband said, "Were there any like mine?" She said,"Yes, they were selling $1.00 a dozen." A few days later and the couple wake up and the husbands says, "I had the weirdest dream last night. I went to the circus. They had all these clowns selling pussies. There was one very tight and sweet smelling for $1000, there was one shaved, soft and so shiny for $5000" The wife says, "Was there any like mine?" He said, "Oh yes, 2 of them." She said, "only 2?" He said, "Yes, they were using one to hold ice and beer, and throwing the empties in the other." *********************************************** (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) ***********************************************