MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, July 2/98 Index: ANNOUNCEMENTS; Sunday Group Want/Trade Post, My Writing and Research, Cumulative Index, MANUALS, FIELD MAINT. DEPO MAINT.?? MEMBERS WRITE; Green Radios on My WEB Site, More Web Sites of Interest, NEW MEMBERS; Ed Kirkley, Chuck Milton, HUMOR; *********************************************** ANNOUNCEMENTS; Sunday Group Want/Trade Post, The Sunday Group Want/Trade's size has maxed out again. There are many, MANY entries that have not change in a long time. I have found in the past that the only way to get them updated is to just start from scrap. So next Sunday's post will include only those new additions received this week. I/E all current listings will be deleted, and we'll start from scrap next week. My Writing and Research, Since starting this group a little over a year ago, my life ambition has been curtailed. This to document and publish all the known military radios and describe them. Only the first in a multi part series has so far been completed(Vol.#1 PRC Designated Military Radio Equipment). The second was to be BC, and SCR designated equipment, and the third, Navy types. Writing for this Post has taken up all the time formerly allotted to this task. While almost all of the information I need to complete this project has been compiled, none of it(or very little) has been poked into the computer yet, and a great deal of new information has surfaced since I thought I had finished. So I've decided on a way to combine this research/documenting with the Group Post. Beginning shortly, each chapter as it is completed, will be posted here. Cumulative Index, To start with, I plan to compile a "Cumulative Index" of ALL the reference material in my library. Not just the material's existing index, but one of every item mentioned in it. I/E, if a CD-501, or PE-103 is listed under SCR-284, then they too will be listed in the Cumulative Index. What this will all provide is a method by which information can be instantly located on ANY item of communications equipment including canvas bags, antennas, mounts, cables etc. As each installment of the "Cumulative Index" is completed and posted, this is what you'll want to do with it. #1. Create a file in your word processor of choice. Name it "Cindex". #2. With your email read screen open, and the article of interest displayed. Open your new word processor program/file. #3. Use"Select"(methods vari between email programs) to accent and select the portion of the Post to copy. Pull down "EDIT" choose "COPY". #4. Switch to your open word proc file, place your curser where you want the selected material to be placed. Pull down "EDIT" choose "PASTE". The selected items of the Group Post will now be part of this new file. Once a section of the Cumulative Index is completed, and pasted to your new word processor file. You'll be able to use "SELECT/FIND" functions to locate any item of communications equipment, then learn what system the item is associated with, and in what publication more information can be obtained. After all the documents that contain information on WW-II(and earlier) vintage Signal Corps equipment have been indexed, I'll begin with the in-depth descriptions of BC numbered type equipment, then conclude with SCR numbered systems. By the time we are finished ALL known types will be included(Even Radar, and Aircraft shit). After all the Signal Corps equipment is completed, I begin on the Navy types. I was out of town for a few days at a funeral, I'm back now, and in almost full swing. Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** MANUALS, FIELD MAINT. DEPO MAINT.?? Groupites: Not to gloat, but I just scored a GRC-9 from Mike Lingr in Texas. I'm going on the assumption that it's in horrible shape and it'll take me years to get it to work. My question for you guys is "Can someone tell me the difference between the field maintenance, depot maintenance, and organizational maintenance manuals?" Also this one: "If I get these manuals, in addition to the April issue of ER, is there a chance that I can get the radio going again?" I took electronics in high school and studied it on my own after, and I know how to solder". I figured I'd order the manual from Fair when I order the accesories, and see what they send me. Thanks for your input and expirience. ps: I couldn't go in Ground Radio Repair in the Air Force cause I'm color blind; now I just get my neihbors to tell me the colors. Sean T. Kelly, KK4TS/Portable sean_k@hotmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sean, The GRC-9 is a very simple, and GOOD radio, sure you can fix it! And you'll be most happy with it once it's operational. In regard your color-blindness, you don't need color perception to work on electronic equipment, thats what they make all that test equipment for. I flunked 32 test for color perception when I entered Naval service. I was most unhappy as were my recruiters, me having already been an electronic technician for four years prior to my enlistment, and had received two years of training in that field. According to Hoyle, being color blind, there was only a couple rates I'd could pursue(none very pleasant). But I fooled them all. I enlisted non-rated. Upon completion of Boot Camp, I received orders to report aboard USS John F. Kennedy no later than 22:00 hours on December 10/1976. That was the extent of these orders, they did not detail what division I was to be assigned. When I confronted the half-asleep Yeoman in Personnel at exactly 22:00, they, not seeing any designated department on my orders, asked me where I was supposed to go. I simply said "where the radios are", "I'm an Electronic Technician". As no billets were open in ER division, they sent me to TTY repair(CR Division). Manned by Radioman, I had to get the hell out of there and away from those Monkey Motion contraptions in short order! I ended up in Facilities Control(still CR Division). A year later someone realized I was color blind, but by then I'd made 3rd Class PO, was now rated as a Radioman, and there was nothing they could do about it. The rest is history. Manuals? In the early, uncomplicated days of military radio, only a single manual, usually published by the original manufacturer of the equipment, was required that would include both operational, and servicing information. This practice continued until the early days of WW-II. As the equipment in question became more complicated/advanced, serviceability in the field became near to, if not impossible. This not only because of the limited technical expertise of the operator, but more so because of the immensely complicated logistics involved with the supply of the higher echelon repair parts in a combat zone(anything other than some tubes). As a result manuals were printed that more directly involved the level of maintenance allowed under normal circumstances at the various echelons. In WW-II these were divided into the SCR, and BC manuals(in our case we'll use SCR-694 and BC-1306 as examples). The SCR-694 manual, intended for use by the operator, would usually contain enough information to operate, maintain and provide simple service to most equipment included in his radio system including tube placement, a schematic, and maybe some simple maintenance checks, along with an inventory and descriptions of all the major, and minor components in a complete radio system. On the other hand, the BC-1306(major component of the SCR-694) manual would contain in depth service information for this receiver-transmitter only. The BC-1306 manual contains no operational information, no accessories descriptions or maintenance info, no system information at all. On the other hand it would contain detailed circuit descriptions, parts placement, symptom diagnoses and troubleshooting info, etc. Early 50's equipment manuals would follow closely the format of those in med-late WW-II, as the technology or complication of systems had changed very little. But the manuals would have different names. There's now a FIELD Maintenance Manual replacing the old BC manual. And OPERATOR's manual replacing the SCR. And far less service is now allowed on the Operator level. Entering the 60's, two things effected major changes in the equipment operations and service system. First was the entrance of solid state technology into the field. This pretty much making impossible any service by the operator in the field. And with this en ability to service a radio in combat, also came the negating of the training associated with it. In this respect, by the close of the Vietnam war, very few radio operators were indeed Radioman at all. The expected increased reliability of solid state designs would mean that the operator would no longer carry even the simplest of replacement parts with him into combat. Instead, if any maintenance other than changing batteries were contemplated, this would take place once the operator returned to his base(Organization), and at this level only the simple replacement of modules might be effected. If the simple replacement of modules would not fix the problem, the item would then be sent in for DEPO Maintenance where troubleshooting down to a circuit level was authorized. All this greatly simplifying the amount of training required by the personnel at a particular level, and the all important logistic support required by any item of combat equipment. Second, and most important when trying to explain the multitude of various manuals currently available for any item of equipment, is the Preventive Maintenance System(PMS). In the sixties the PMS program was initiated for ALL items of military equipment, not just complicated, intricate, radio and electronic apparatus, But EVERYTHING had/has it's PMS schedule. As each item of equipment progresses through it PMS schedule it might be checked for operation or defects, cleaned, lubricated, or repairs minor or major be made. All dependant on the level of PMS being conducted, and the expertise, training, or echelon of the personnel conducting the PMS. Each level of operation and responsibility has it's own PMS that is conducted, be it weekly monthly, quarterly, or yearly. At the Operator level, a radio might be checked for operation, and all it's accessories inspected and inventoried once weekly or monthly(Operator and Organizational Maintenance Manuals). Remember, the operator may or may not be a radioman at all, thus his technical expertise limited, and as such manuals at this level are usually fairly simple and often times only include operational instructions of the radio, and a list of accessories included with a radio set. For current equipment, these Operators manuals have been reduced to only the simplest of operating instructions. At the next levels come FIELD, and in later times, DEPO maintenance manuals. Dependant on the complexity of the particular item, these may be combined in a single manual. Field Maint is usually conducted at a level just above that of an operator, by personnel with the required technical expertise. In the early days Electronic Technicians(ET), and in the latter, Radioman(RM) might be capable of maintenance at this level. In the early days, actual repair of a radio and not just "maintenance" of equipment might take place at this level. But with the increasingly complicated nature of electronic equipment, and with that, the amount of information, and expertise required to repair an item of equipment came the need for manuals divided into a last category. DEPO maintenance/Repair manuals represent the most technical of them all. Like the Field Maint, and BC-(*) manuals of old, they contain no operational or system information. They are strictly limited to the detailed information needed by an ET to effect any conceivable repair on a particular item of equipment. Conducted at a DEPO level far removed from any combat, with the utmost of available logistic support. The above is a ruff outline of the manuals types we might encounter. The different technical periods in our developmental history will overlap each other slightly. But what does all this mean to us the collectors? When you first begin to assemble, or restore a system you need to know three things. How the radio was operated, what accessories items composed an operational system, and how to repair it. For operation and accessories information you must have the SCR manuals of WW-II for the SCR-694, or the Operators, and Organizational manuals for say the latter GRC-87/VRC-34(GRC-9). This need can be further complicated by current trends which include a simple Operator's Instruction Book. These will contain very little in the way of accessories information, so we must step up to the Operator/Organizational Maint Manual to gain any knowledge of these accessories. To effect any needed repairs to your WW-II SCR-694, the SCR-(*) manual will do in many cases. But for anything other than simple repairs, the BC-1306 manual will be needed. In the same light, the GRC-87/VRC-34 manual will contain no schematics, nor repair info, so you need the GRC-9 Field Maint manual. Beginning in the sixties Field Maint manuals would be largely negated by DEPO Maint Manuals, to the point that today if a schematic diagram is needed, the Depo Maint Manual is the only one that will contain it. To close, you did the right thing in ordering both manuals for your GRC-9. And rule of thumb, JUST GET EVERY MANUAL YOU CAN LAY YOUR HANDS ON! Each will contain needed information of either a technical or historic nature not found in the other. Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com ***************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; Green Radios on My WEB Site, I took a few snapshots of a couple of my "Green Radios" that I took along to field day this past weekend. Those interested can take a look at an actual PRC-47 and Racal Syncal in action on the alt.binaries.pictures.radio newsgroup. For those who may not have access to the alt.binaries.pictures.radio newsgroup, I have put a link to the pics on the web site. Pics only, no captions yet. This field day was put on my Tennessee Tech radio club and friends and took place on a nice high chigger and tick ridden ridge in eastern TN. 73 Tom HTTP://www.telalink.net/~badger/millist/mi.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More Web Sites of Interest, Here a couple of Web Sites the groupe might enjoy www.janes.com info from Janes book and more www.radiofinder.com nice pictures high prices but fun to look at Carl ed) to say Joe Thurtel's stuff is high is a horrible understatement! *********************************************** NEW MEMBERS; Dennis, I accept the terms with hesitation. I am NOT in this to make money, (if I were my wife would like it a lot better), :) I have lost more money than I have ever put into this. I love helping people and I really need help as avionics/radios are not my occupation. I am a 50 year old Grandfather, Vietnam Vet, that currently works for US Airways as a supervisor in Heavy Maintenance in Charlotte, NC. I am very interested in and own several PRC-25's/77's. I am in the process of putting them in as base stations, mobiles, and what ever else I can think of. I am looking for a 70's model military 880 in camo paint restored or restorable to drive. I love anything from the military if it's real military and not import junk. I have uniforms, weapons, gear, rations, etc, etc. If this is not enough let me know and I'll bore you some more! I would like very much to join the group and help out any way that I can. Sincerely, Ed Kirkley ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chuck Milton, I think I can honestly say I've always liked radio and have been involved with them since building my first crystal set, a foxhole radio, around age 7. The thrill of hearing the local AM'er without batteries or electricity is still with me. I am retired from AT&T after 32 years and many locations throughout the US. My hobby for the years has been collecting and restoring 1920-1950 vintage sets. The emphasis is on repair as thats where I get the most enjoyment. My collection is now at 150+ prime sets. I got my Radiotelephone First Class Ticket in 1963 and worked on AM Broadcast transmitters while attending school. When I was recruited by AT&T, I was hired to supervise part of their Interstate TD-2 Microwave routes and was able to learn that phase of radio at the same time. My career shifted to Marketing/Sales/Finance and from then on I was chained to a desk and business suit while racking up zillions of frequent flyer miles. Ham Radio was always a goal and after retirement I went ahead and got licensed. I started restoring BA gear for on-air use as well as adding to my collection. Currently have Collins, WRL and Heath stations in working order. I do repairs on BA's for local hams who desire to keep these fine pieces of gear working on the air. I enjoy the historical side of radio and have a lot of paper for reference and just plain enjoyable reading. I have only recently become interested in Military gear and have started down that road with an RS1/GRC-109 and an RS-6. Also, an R-390a and I'm hoping to get an ART-13 for AM use. I like to swap radios and enjoy keeping them in circulation and away from destruction. In addition to my ham ticket and General RadioTel certificate(formerly First Class) I am a member of AWA, Collins Collectors Association, Mid-Atlantic Antique Radio Club, Southeastern Antique Radio Society, Bluegrass Amateur Radio Society and the Mid-South Antique Radio Club. ER is my favorite magazine and the Internet keeps me in touch with hams and collectors from all over. I like CW and AM but recognize that there are times when SSB is in order. Locally, I keep in touch with an all-mode 2m rig. XYL and I are empty-nesters and will be re-locating to Northern Florida in the near future. I want space to erect antennas and have a larger shack for all the gear. Thanks, Dennis, for the invitation and hope this info is sufficient. Looking forward to participating with the group. KF4LYF, Chuck Milton *********************************************** HUMOR; A fellow decides to take off early from work and go drinking. He stays until the bar closes at 2am, at which time he is extremely drunk. When he enters his house, he doesn't want to wake anyone, so he takes off his shoes and starts tip-toeing up the stairs. Half-way up the stairs, he falls over backwards and lands flat on his rear end. That wouldn't have been so bad, except that he had couple of empty pint bottles in his back pockets, and they broke, and the broken glass carved up his buttocks terribly. But, he was so drunk that he didn't know he was hurt. A few minutes later, as he was undressing, he noticed blood, so he checked himself out in the mirror, and, sure enough, his behind was cut up something terrible. Well, he repaired the damage as best he could under the circumstances, and he went to bed. The next morning, his head was hurting, and his rear was hurting, and he was hunkering under the covers trying to think up some good story, when his wife came into the bedroom. "Well, you really tied one on last night," she said. "Where'd you go?" "I worked late," he said, "and I stopped off for a couple of beers." "A couple of beers? That's a laugh," she replied. "You got plastered last night. Where the heck did you go?" "What makes you so sure I got drunk last night, anyway?" "Well," she replied, "my first big clue was when I got up this morning and found a bunch of band-aids stuck to the mirror." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transported to a surreal landscape, a young girl kills the first woman she meets for a pair of shoes and then teams up with three complete strangers to kill again. -- TV listing for the movie, The Wizard of Oz, in the Marin County, CA newspaper ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two men were talking. One of them said, "The words "aggravation' and "irritation'--they're supposed to mean the same thing but they do not. He said, "I'll show you. Hand me that telephone book. I'll pick any name and any number at random and I'll call up. First I'll show you what irritation is." He calls a number and a lady says, "Hello?" He says, "Hello, I'd like to speak to Herman." She says, "There's no Herman here, you must have the wrong number." He apologized and hung up. A minute later he dialed the same number. The same lady answered the phone. He said, "Hello, I'd like to speak to Herman." She said, "You must be the gentleman who called before. There's no Herman here. I'm sorry!" Another minute goes by, he dialed the same number again. He said, "I'd like to speak to Herman." By now she's mad. She says, "I told you three times there's no Herman living here! Leave me alone!" And she hung up. The fellow turns to his friend and says, "Now that's irritation. Now I'll show you what aggravation is." He dialed the same number. The same lady answered the phone. He said, "Hello, this is Herman, were there any messages for me?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On their way to a justice of the peace to get married, a couple has a fatal car accident. The couple is sitting outside heaven`s gate waiting on St. Peter. While waiting, they wonder if they could possibly get married in Heaven. St. Peter finally shows up and they ask him. St. Peter says, "I don`t know, this is the first time anyone has ever asked. Let me go find out," and he leaves. The couple sits for a couple of months and begins to wonder if they really should get married in Heaven, what with the eternal aspect of it all. "What if it doesn`t work out?" they wonder. "Are we stuck together forever?" St. Peter returns after yet another month, looking somewhat bedraggled. "Yes," he informs the couple, " You can get married in Heaven." "Great," says the couple, "but what if things don`t work out? Could we also get a divorce in Heaven?" St. Peter, red-faced, slams his clipboard onto the ground. "What`s wrong?" exclaims the frightened couple. "Come on!" St. Peter exclaims, "It took me three months to find a priest up here! Do you have any idea how long it`s going to take for me to find a lawyer!?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A veterinary surgeon had had a heck of a day, but when he got home from tending to all the sick animals his wife was waiting with a long cool drink and a romantic candle-lit dinner, after which they had a few more drinks and went happily to bed. At about 2:00 in the morning, the phone rang. "Is this the vet?" asked an elderly lady's voice. "Yes, it is", replied the vet, "Is this an emergency?" "Well, sort of", said the elderly lady, "there's a whole bunch of cats on the roof outside making a terrible noise mating and I can't get to sleep. What can I do about it?" There was a sharp intake of breath from the vet, who then patiently replied "Open the window and tell them they're wanted on the phone" "Really?" said the elderly lady, "Will that stop them?" "Should do," said the vet, "- IT STOPPED ME!" *********************************************** (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) ***********************************************