MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Sept.9/98 Index: RUSSIAN MILITARY RADIOS PART II; By LTC William L. Howard MEMBERS WRITE; Igloo White Program? Gathersberg Hamfest, 51mc! Studebaker In WW-II, See You on 6, NEW MEMBER; Wes Gladhart HUMOR; *********************************************** RUSSIAN MILITARY RADIOS PART II; By LTC William L. Howard WW II PERIOD RADIOS 1935 TO 1950 GENERAL ISSUE TACTICAL RADIOS Patrol Radios ( Similar to the BC 611 set-British Type 38 - Japanese Type 94-6) During WW II the Russians had a series of short range patrol radios, all working on VHF with a simple super-regenerative circuit. These sets, designated PPC (RRS), PbC (RBS) and PPY(RRU) worked between 32 and 40 Mc/s. The Model PPC, manufactured from 1940 onward, worked with two type UB-240 tubes, both common for transmit and receive. It was normally carried in a case, slung over the operators shoulder and powered by dry batteries mounted in the bottom of the case. The frequency range covered 32.4 to 36.8 Mc/s in a single band, the dial being calibrated in 33 ‘channels’ (66-98). The antenna was approximatly 1.6 meters tall and was equipped with a capacitive top. This type of antenna was in common use and could be found used with other (higher powered) man-pack sets. The range of the PPC was approximatly 500meters. A complete set weighed 3.5 kg and measured only 170 x 250 x 60 mm. Company/Battalion Radios: 6PK set, (British W.S. 18 and US BC-745 sets) This station was built in two wooden chest. Chest No 1 carried the radio and was packed by the assistant radio operator. The principle radio operator packed the No 2 chest which held the batteries. He could then stand behind the assistant and tune the radio and set the controls. This set was to be for general purpose communication at the Battalion level, in the infantry, artillery and cavalry. It operated from 3.750 to 5.250 Mc/s, receiving up to 5.500Mc/s, its dial being calibrated in 61 channels indicating 150-210. The RF power was 0.66 W, increased to 1 watt in the later 6 PK D. The set was powered by several 80 volt dry cells and a 4 volt accumulator. The transceiver was built into a wooden chest covered with canvas. The transmitter used four type UB 110 tubes and the receiver was a TRF circuit and used a type SB 112 tube in the RF stage and the UB 110 tubes in the detector and AF stages. The tubes were made by Swerdlana and the set was made by Ordshonikidse both of which were in Moscow. 10 and 12 Pk sets (Not fielded) RB and RB 40 In the period 1930-1941 a new generation of sets were developed having the same specifications as the 6PKD set. These operated from 1.5 - 6 Mc/s . Transmitter /Receiver A-7, A-7-A, A-7-B with Chest. These stations were one of the very few sets that were Frequency Modulated and operating on the VHF band, working on either side of the lower limit of the band (27-32 Mc/s). They were used by the artillery brigades and rifle regiments down to unit level. This set came in a wooden carrying case which housed the transceiver, batteries and all related accessories. The set was 15 1/2” x 13 1/4’ x 7”. The set is recognized by a large semi-circular tuning dial on the right side, a panel meter, top center and two large terminals on the left side for connection to telephone wires when being used by artillery forward observers. There are several versions and the A-7 had two meters on the front panel, later versions had only one meter. This set is contained in a metal case and the ones I have seen were painted olive green. It is one of the better constructed sets of the period. RB, RBM, RBM-1 and RBM-5 with accessories: These stations were probably the first of what might be called the next new generation of Russian radios. The RB first appeared in 1938 and covered 1.5 to 6 MHz. It was designed by the NISKA group. The RBM and RBM-5 appeared in 1942 and covered 1.75 to 6 MHz. This set was made in a metal case, thus making it almost watertight, and transported by pack straps. In later versions, a canvas pack was used. An examination of four pictures of the set reveal that it made use of a superhetrodyne receiver, (Six I F transformers were observed) There appeared to be two three gang tuning capacitors. Front panel controls and connections consisted of two main tuning controls and dials mounted below glass windows. There appeared to be a 5 position band selector switch, a transmit/receive switch was located in the center. Sockets for headphones and a key were at the bottom of the set. Two more pointer knobs appeared to be mounted under the tuning capacitors and connected by long shafts to potentiometers mounted at the rear of the set. Two sockets with 5 male pins were on either side of the set which presumably were for the power supply connections. Of the few diagrams in the technical manual, there were diagrams for three ways to connect the batteries. Voltage requirements were for 2.5 volts from a 2HKH-22 wet cell battery for the tube filaments and three bAC 80 batteries with taps at + 60,+ 80, and + 90 volts. The set required 80 volts and 200 volts for plate supply. Once again, the practice of having two cases, one for the radio and one for the batteries meant that the radio operator and his assistant travelled with an electrical umbelical cord between them which made rapid movement almost impossible. RRU, RRS, RBS: These stations were designed by Vladimir Ivanovich Nemtsov, a famous author of science fiction stories. He worked as NKVD designer and all the stations were made at NKVD secret institute, named Plant Nr.4 NKVD. He had written a book named "Parallels Crossing", devoted to his life and his pre-war radio designer's activity. RRU was made in 1936, the frequency range of the RRU was 7.42-9.05 mc, power .1 W, weight 4.1 kG ; Max range 2.5 km. RRS- in 1940, there also were RBS and RBS-2 "Arax". And latest one was the RBS-3 or "Arax-2", which was made in a telephone pipe.(How you call the pipe in USA, don't know). The RRS was claimed for a range of 1.5 km and weight of 4 kG. Some sources say 8 Kg. RBS means Radiostancija Bataljonnoj Seti or Battalion Net Radio. RRS means Radiostancija Rotnoj Seti or Company Net Radio RBS or 4-R type had range of 3,5 km( "Arax"- 4...5 km), and weight of 12 Kg("Arax"- 10 kG) People who tried to use them under combat circumstances all said they were not useful and abandoned in 1941. Soldiers and officers often called them "SeeSeeButNotHear", laughing that one can often see his correspondent but has no communication chances. V 100 Series: The V 100 Series of radios was a Lend Lease set made by the Pilot Radio company. Externally it resembles the SCR 284. It came in four packs, the radio, the generator, the generator seats and the antenna bags. Unlike the American SCR 284 generator which had a seat for one man, the V 100 generator had seats for two people, one on either side of the generator. There were the V 100, the V 100-A which appeared in 1943 and the V 100-B which appeared in 1944. ed[the V-100 was also supplied in large quantities to Nationalist Chinese Forces, and used extensively by both them and U.S. contingents located in this theater. Personal accounts report that the set was a good one, and better than many of the standard issue sets of the same type.] Base/Fixed Station Radios RSB, RSB-BIS, RSB-F This HF wireless set was used by the Army at Corps and Divison level as a mobile or fixed station. The RSB-F may be installed in a GAZ, ZIS-5 or Ford wireless vehicle. The transmitter comes in a square case 14” x 13” x 8” and weighs 30 lbs. The set operated from either a 13 foot rod antenna or a 33 foot mast antenna. The complete set, as shown in the British I.D. book was set up in a wooden case which had the RSB-F transmitter, the Type US receiver, an antenna matching unit, two dynamotors and all associated cabling. The transmitter has a larg semi circular arc tuning dial covering the top half of the set. It had a swing arm type of tuning arm which appeared to have a quick release type of knob. The receiver, about half the size of the transmitter also has a large semi circular tuning dial. The receiver appeared to be a super hetrodyne set with at least two IF transformers. RSB-F This was an airborn station for bombers, (according to Serge.) Wireless Set TYPE RAF-KV, RAF KV 3 This wireless set is used at Front and Army level and is operated by a crew of 9 men. It is installed in a ZIS wireless vehicle. The set is made up of the type 500-K-3 transmitter and the type US receiver. The set uses a 33 foot high telescopic mast fastened to the ground by guy wires. Receivers: The term surveillance receiver refers to general listening for radio signals and not used exclusively for radio intercept and code breaking. It was a general purpose receiver, which was versatile and reliable enough for all kinds of work and not only for some limited frequency range or certain purpose and distance communication. Wireless Receiver Type KV-M This is a communication receiver which is sometimes used for monitoring and intercept work. It covers 1,500 to 27,00 Kc/s in 5 bands. It is a superhet receiver with 5 stages of Rf and 4 IF stages, AGC and has a crystal calibration oscillator. It is in a metal case, 18” x 15” x 10 1/2“ and weighs 59 1/4 lbs. It has a swivel dial light fitted at the top center of the panel, two clamp handles on either side and an inlaid tuning dial. The set uses 17 tubes, type 2K2M Radio Direction Finder PKV-45(45 PK-3). This is the identification given in a post war British intelligence publication. According to U1SX, who actually used the set, the correct designation is 45 PK-3 and was the Russian’s basic surveillance receiver. It was the most advanced design of the time. It is a transportable HF direction finder using “Adcock” type antenna. Voice and CW reception are provided in the frequency range 1.5 to 16.8 Mc/s in four bands. The receiver and the goniometer are housed in a metal case, which measures 17 1/2 “ x 23 3/4 “ x 17 1/4” and the wooden transit case is 34 1/2” x 23 3/4” x 20 1/2”. the set weighs 800 lbs. The antenna is four verticle dipoles 29’7” in length and the active elements are 26’8” long.. . THE WILLIAM L. HOWARD ORDNANCE TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE MUSEUM e-mail wlhoward@gte.net Telephone AC 727- 585-7756 ed[Many of the equipment discriptions in this part were supplied and presented by the author without editing by Vlad Dvorkin KB9OLM ex. UA3ACR ] *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; Igloo White Program? Dennis, Does anyone in the group have any information on the Igloo White program or the radio equipment that was used in these intrusion detectors. Does anyone have any of the parts for the PSID(The giant crayon with a tree for an antenna?) Bill Howard e-mail wlhoward@gte.net Telephone AC 727- 585-7756 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gathersberg Hamfest, 51mc! The Gathersberg Hamfest is this weekend ( Sunday). its one of the larger shows in the northeast and I will be there. Have we set up a mill radio net frequency? want to know if I should load up the RT-70 in the car ( no crap about using a 70, not when the whole group is all worked up about BC-1000 and GRC-9,s ). If we do have a net frequency do we use our call signs or make up our own ( I will use Captain America )? Know at least one other member will be there ( K4CHE B, Smith ) but he will wimp out and use commercial UHF handhelds. Let me know what going on. Ray Fantini, KA3EKH afterthought: ed) 51mc is the freq we use for special events, just use your call if you have one, or your name, none of that "handle" bull shit. If ya realy wanted ta play Army, you'd use a call of two phonetic letters followed by a digit, maybe composed from your name, I/E Romeo Fox- one. I'm not gonna bad mouth your RT-70, I think their a fine radio(see "Not Just a Tank Radio"). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See You on 6, A while back, members discussed the use of 51.60 (and 51.00 secondary) as FM frequencies for mil radio collectors who are Amateurs. With a major DX cycle coming up, 6 meters may be interesting in a year or so. 51.60 might serve as all-purpose DX, net, gab and calling freq for green radio owners. Those who have it may wish to use "new squelch" (150 Hz CTCSS) to keep out static and TV buzz on 51.60. The freq is a little noisy from TV #2 here in Los Angeles. In Southern CA, I've been hearing and working some FM'ers on 50.30. This freq has (I'm told) been around for some time for calling and yakking. It is not a mil collectors freq, just another simplex freq like 52.525. You might check this freq or call a few CQs here from time to time. See you on 51.60 or 50.30. Jay Coote, W6CJ ed) We have reserved the use of 51mc mainly for short range use at special events or gatherings, and 51.6 for DX work. Presently, we still need to come up with an acceptable freq for 10mtr FM, and all other bands in CW and SSB modes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Studebaker In WW-II, I was interested in hearing how well any of the Studebaker stuff held up during the war. They made quite a few of the 6x6 trucks, I understand. The Stude-built Cyclone engine powered some of the B-17s. Also, there is the matter of the Weasel. Little tracked open-top vehicle, powered by a flathead 6 cylinder. What anybody did with a Weasel, I'm not sure. But I'd love to hear...(some members of the Studebaker Drivers Club sill keep Weasels). I'm interested in adding a WWII page for the Studebaker club site (http://www.studebakerclubs.com/sdc/index.htm) Any personal experiences? Thanks, Jim Brady *********************************************** NEW MEMBER; Wes Gladhart Hello, I got your info / guidelines for membership from KC5IJD in Lafayette LA. and I'm very interested in participating. I'm originally a military vehicle nut with such things as WWII jeeps and Dodge 3/4 ton, and some more jeeps from the 50s. when I go to a vehicle meet or parade, everyone seems to need a 50 cal machine gun to keep up so I got interested in radios. I've collected some obscure gear and I've learned to be wary when answering adds. Most people are happy to help but some are in it for the bucks and I'd rather not use them unless they're the last resort. Your group really sounds like the ideal resource for the collector with questions. My primary current project is the Marine Corps' GRC-14 (MRC-55) which apparently was never actually put into service. My goal is to have a show quality M38-A1 jeep fully outfitted with the GRC-14 and possibly other appropriate rigs. The search for hardware has been long and slow. I'm also considering making the WC-52 Dodge a commo vehicle with the SCR-58 and ??? I accept Guidlines 1 thru 7 and my info is; Wes Gladhart, Email jeepstuf@aol.com Thanks for considering me, Wes *********************************************** HUMOR; Heaven or Hell There once was a consultant who lived her whole life without ever taking advantage of any of the people she worked for. In fact, she made sure that every job she did resulted in a win-win situation. One day while walking down the street she was tragically hit by a bus and she died. Her soul arrived up in heaven where she was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter himself. "Welcome to Heaven," said St.Peter. "Before you get settled in though it seems we have a problem. You see, strangely enough, we've never once had a consultant make it this far and we're not really sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in." said the consultant. "Well, I'd like to, but I have higher orders. What we're going to do is let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven and then you can choose whichever one you want to spend an eternity in." "Actually, I think I've made up my mind...I prefer to stay in Heaven" "Sorry, we have rules..." And with that St. Peter put the consultant in an elevator and it went down-down-down to hell. The doors opened and the consultant found herself stepping out onto the putting green of a beautiful golf course. In the distance was a country club and standing in front of her were all her friends - fellow consultants that she had worked with and they were all dressed in evening gowns and cheering for her. They ran up and kissed her on both cheeks and they talked about old times. They played an excellent round of golf and at night went to the country club where she enjoyed an excellent steak and lobster dinner. She met the Devil who was actually a really nice guy (kinda cute) and she had a great time telling jokes and dancing. The consultant was having good time that before she knew it, it was time to leave. Everybody shook her hand and waved good-bye as she got on the elevator. The elevator went up-up-up and opened back up at the Pearly Gates and found St. Peter waiting for her. "Now it's time to spend a day in heaven." So the consultant spent the next 24 hours lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing. She had a great time and before she knew it her 24 hours were up and St.Peter came and got her. "So, you've spent a day in hell and you've spent a day in heaven. Now you must choose your eternity." The consultant paused for a second and then replied, "Well, I never thought I'd say this, I mean, Heaven has been really great and all, but I think I had a better time in Hell." So St. Peter escorted her to the elevator and again the consultant went down-down-down back to Hell. When the doors of the elevator opened she found herself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth. She saw her friends were dressed in rags and were picking up the garbage and putting it in sacks. The Devil came up to her and put his arm around her. "I don't understand," stammered the consultant, "yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a country club and we ate lobster and we danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland of garbage and all my friends look miserable." The Devil looked at her and smiled, "That's because yesterday we were recruiting you, but today you're staff." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A guy has been asking the prettiest girl in town for a date and finally she agrees to go out with him. He takes her to a nice restaurant, buys her a fancy dinner with expensive wine and on the way home he pulls over to the side of the road in a secluded spot. They start necking and he's getting pretty excited. He starts to reach under her skirt and she stops him, saying she's a virgin and wants to stay that way. "Well, OK," he says, "how a 'bout a blow job?" "EEEEyyyyyyeeeewwwwwww!" she screams. "I'm not putting that thing in my mouth!" He says, "Well then, how about a hand job?" "I've never done that," she says. "What do I have to do?" "Well," he answers, "remember when you were a kid and you used to shake up a Coke bottle and spray your brother with it?" She nods. "Well, it's just like that." So he pulls it out and she grabs hold of it and starts shaking it. A few seconds later, his head flops back on the headrest, his eyes close, snot starts to run out of his nose, wax blows out of his ears and he screams out in pain. "What's wrong?!" she cries out. "TAKE YOUR THUMB OFF OF THE END!!!!!!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joe, Billy, and Tom were walking home from school one warm spring day. As they were cutting through the alleys and back yards they happened to look through a hole in the fence of one of the yards, where a woman was sunbathing in the nude. As they looked through the hole, suddenly Billy started to scream and took off running for home. He ran so fast that his 2 friends, trying to catch him were soon left far behind. The next day, as they came home again, they found the same hole in the fence and started to watch the woman. Again, after just a few minutes, Billy started screaming, and took off like a shot. On the third day, Johnny and Tommy agreed on a plan. They would be between Billy and home if he started to run, and they would find out what the problem was. Just as before, Billy could only look for a few minutes then he started to run for home. This time, Johnny and Tommy grabbed him and demanded to know what was wrong. "My mother told me that if I ever looked at a naked woman, I would turn to stone. I started to feel something getting awfully hard ..." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bubba died in a fire and his body was so badly burned that the morgue needed someone to I.D. the body. So they called up his two friends, Jim-Bob and Billy-Joe, to come and try to I.D. the body. Jim-Bob went in and the mortician pulled back the sheet, and Jim-Bob said "Yep, he's burnt purdy bad. Roll him over." So, the mortician rolled him over, and Jim-Bob looked at his butt and said "No, dat ain't Bubba." The mortician didn't say anything, but thought that was kind of strange. Then,he brought in Billy-Joe to I.D. the body, and Billy-Joe looked at him and said "Yep, he's burnt real bad. Roll him over." The mortician rolled him over, and Billy-Joe looked down at his butt and said "No, dat ain't Bubba." The mortician said "How can you tell?" Billy-Joe said, "Well, Bubba had two assholes." "What? He had two assholes?!" said the mortician. "Yep. Everyone in town knew he had two assholes. Every time the three of us went to town, everyone would say, 'Here comes Bubba with them two assholes'!! *********************************************** (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) ***********************************************