From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#3 Fcc: Sent Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1999 07:11:38 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, July 27/99 Message-ID: <19990727.071038.13455.2.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, July 27/99 Index: ANNOUNCEMENTS; THE AN/PRC-68 LEGACY; By Alan D. Tasker, WA1NYR DESPERATION SALE, LAST CALL; HUMOR; *********************************************** ANNOUNCEMENTS; The email address for Pete Williams(our Aussie contact for the inverter power supply project) was incorrect, and should have been *********************************************** THE AN/PRC-68 LEGACY; By Alan D. Tasker, WA1NYR (atasker@ix.netcom.com) A. Introduction In the annals of US Military Portables, only four types have produced more than one "offspring," at least by my definition (A production unit that offered some significant difference from its production unit parent that was not just an MWO). These four are as follows. The ACR RT-10 (RT-10, RT-20, URC-10, RT-60, and PRC-93) rescue radios. The AN/PRC-90 (PRC-90, 103, 106, 125, and 96) rescue radios. The AN/PRC-74 (74, 74A, 74B, and 74C) HF Special Forces radios. The AN/PRC-68 (68, 68A, 68B, 126,128, and 136) squad radios. The following discussion will explain to some degree the story of the AN/PRC-68 and it's origins, the first synthesized U.S. military handheld radio, and the similar but improved products that followed, all of which began production out of Magnavox in Fort Wayne, Indiana starting sometime in 1976. Ref #1, 6 B. Background A "Squad Radio" is a small tactical radio, preferably operable with just one hand, that is intended for short-range communications(normally under 1 mile). The World War II SCR-536/BC-611 was the first real squad radio. Operating in the HF/AM mode with just 50-mW output power max, it met with limited success. Before the end of that war, development had begun, and early prototypes finished of it's successor, the AN/PRC-6. By 1949 final production versions had been built resulting in a much better radio. Operating in VHF/FM mode with approx 400mw output power, it proved very successful. The "History of the Squad Radio" was written in 1976, and chronicled the Army's attempts over the years at developing a replacement for the AN/PRC-6, and in effect, the SCR-536. Most attempts were either too heavy, lacked performance, or were too expensive. These includes the Canadian CPRC-26, PRC-15, PRC-30, PRC-34, PRC-35, PRC-36, and the Dutch PRC-260. The expense issue arose out of the Army's desire to equip each & every combat soldier with a radio, and not just each squad. Ref. #1 In its last attempt, the Army had been concentrating on separate units; namely, the two-channel hand held AN/PRT-4 transmitter and it's companion single channel helmet mounted AN/PRR-9 receiver. In practice, all the members of a squad would be supplied with a PRR-9 receiver, but only the squad leader would be issued both the receiver, and the PRT-4 transmitter. This allowed the squad leader to issue orders to all his squad members, but provided no means for their response. This system met with some initial success. But interest died quickly with the resentment by the individual squad members for their inability to communicate back to their leaders. After less than a year in combat, the PRT-4 and PRR-9's were relegated to mass storage in various depos. They would still be carried as a standard issue items for at least another 15 years, though they were seldom used. Ref.#10 Meanwhile, the Marine Corps grew tired of the Army's lack of response to its input on what was suppose to be a joint services project. Their requests for the development of a multi-channel squad transceiver (i.e.both transmitter and receiver in one case) were largely ignored. Consequently, as an expedient, they combined the PRT-4 transmitter, and the PRR-9 receiver into a common cabinet, giving it the designation of PRC-88. Ref. #1, 11 At the same time(approx 1964) that the expedient PRC-88 was produced, development was initiated by the Marine Corps on their own for a completely different radio set. Information is sketchy as to what firms might have been involved in initial trials, but several versions of multi-channel non-synthesized, and synthesized, prototype PRC-68 units made by Motorola do exist in the collecting community. Their form was quite different than the final version, but it is pictures of these units that exist in early field manuals, and commercial publications. Before the eventual entrance of the PRC-68, there were several false starts, or expedients used out of desperation, and in very limited quantities by our military forces. These included the before mentioned PRC-88, both German & domestic solid state versions of the old PRC-6. The joint U.S. & Israeli PRC-601/PRC-602 among others. Special Forces in Vietnam used radios of the OPS series including the HT-1, -2, FM-1, -2(and others) that were being built by Hallicrafters(among others), and supplied to various Southeast Asian, and South/Central-American governments by the CIA. Also, a host of commercially available business band radios were used. U.S. serviceman serving abroad often used equipment obtained from their host country from the late 70's till the late 80's until sufficient quantities of the PRC-68 family radios became available. Ref.#7 Eventually, a synthesized version of the PRC-68 made by Magnavox won out, and a production order was placed with them in 1976. Thus, the legacy began. Ref. #1, 5, 6, 7 C. The Basic AN/PRC-68 Design The RT-1113/PRC-68 is the first of the synthesized hand held portables designed and built by what was then Magnavox/Ft. Wayne, Indiana (since swallowed by Hughes Electronics, which has since been swallowed by Raytheon). As such, it has some advantages and disadvantages over the units that that followed. The good news... 10 channels, synthesized, covering 30-79.95 MHz Small size (about 8.5" high by 3.75" wide by 1.5" thick) Simple modular construction (8 modules) All solid state Optional SVM (secure voice module) can be added in the battery box Antenna Options, short rubber, long rubber, or tape (same as the PRC-25 short antenna) Battery options, BA-1588 Mercury, BB-388 NMH, BB-? NiCad with it's own case, BA-3588 Lithium 150 Hz sub-audible tone on Tx., carrier squelch on Rx This is the unit most available today on the surplus market, selling for $200 and up, and is the easiest to fix. It also covers 51 MHz, which seems to be the right frequency for military communications equipment/vehicle owners to have. Ref #2, 4 D. Limitations The limitations of the basic PRC-68 design were as follows. 50 kHz spacing instead of the then emerging new standard of 25 kHz Needs a field strength meter to tune the antenna-matching network when changing channel sets The10 channels are in successive steps of 200 kHz spacing. E. The AN/PRC-68A The RT-1113A/PRC-68A was the first attempt to solve some of the shortcomings of the PRC-68. The designers lengthened the case by about an inch, changed to two modules (One front, one rear), and went to microprocessor control (all of which became the standard for all models to come). The set has 25 kHz channel spacing, does not need an FSM for tune up, and allows 10 channels to be randomly programmed as long as all ten are within one of the 4 slightly overlapping bands. These four bands are as follows. 30 to 42 MHz 40-54 MHz 50-64 MHz 60-79.975 MHz Units carry a 1984 contract date. Ref #2, 4 F. THE AN/PRC-68B The PRC-68B was ordered by both the Marines and Air Force on what I suspect was combined funding. Therefore, this radio has the most functionality of any of them, including all that followed. A display was added where the speaker/mic was, so the spkr/mic was moved to a projection of the top piece (they call it the "panel"), making the unit 0.6 inches taller than the PRC-68A (1.6 inches taller than the PRC-68). This size and the display became the standard for all units to come, the only changes being in the frequency setting controls. The antenna-tuning switch was moved to the front (the unit beeps at you when you do not have it set right). This allows all 10 channels to be randomly programmed anywhere in the band of coverage. This unit also handles Tx to Rx offsets (for repeaters). Two features unique to the "B" model only are that it allows the channels to be set in 2.5 kHz increments, making it compatible with almost any band plan anywhere, and each channel can be programmed as a narrow band channel (i.e. like the hams, police and fire, etc.) or as a wide band channel (military). The unit could be switched from low band (30-88 MHz) to High Band (130-174 MHz) by swapping out the RF module. Production began in 1984. Fair Radio has these for $495 with antenna, low band only. From time to time, Murphy has these also. Ref #2, 4, 6 G. The AN/PRC-126 The RT-1547/PRC-126 came along as a simplified PRC-68B, low band only. It kept the display, but lost that complicated wide/narrow and 2.5 kHz stuff. Therefore, it is back to 25 kHz channels, and no possibility some grunt can set it wrong. This is the present Army/Marine combat hand held, and it entered service in 1986. Units sell for $500-750. Ref #2, 4, 6 H. The AN/PRC-128 The PRC-128 (Scope Shield I) is a PRC-126 but with 12.5 kHz channel spacing for AF guard duty. It also can take a high band module. Market price seems to be similar to that of the 126. Ref #2, 4 I. The AN/PRC-136 The PRC-136 is, I suspect, a High Band only PRC-126 or 128, and is in service with the Marine Corps Crash Fire Rescue Service (CFRS). Ref #9 J. Mobile Power Amplifier Units Some of these units had a vehicular RF/AF/Power Supply module to allow powering from the vehicle, amplification of RF and AF signals, and unit mounting while in the vehicle. These are as follows. Ref #8 PRC-68A, OG-174 for Army fire control PRC-68B, AM-7302 PRC-128, OF-185 PRC-136, OG-196 PRC-138 (NSN 5820-01-369-6046)(Scope Shield II, Racal, not Magnavox), OF-228 (Note: this radio covers three bands by module replacement, not just the two bands of the PRC-68B, 128.)(Listed for reference only) K. Additional Information Additional Nomenclatures There are a number of additional nomenclatures floating around that would tend to indicate that additional different versions of these basic designs were produced. However, little physical evidence seems to exist that there was any significant production. There are many possible explanations of this. For instance, when the program began, the AN/PRC-68B with a low band module installed was called an AN/PRC-68B(V)1, and with a high band module installed was called an AN/PRC-68B(V)2. Ref #3, Magnavox generated preliminary manual. However, when the very same program was further along, most references to the "(V)1 and (V)2" had been dropped, although the actual units are labeled AN/PRC-68B(V). Ref #3, Magnavox generated final manual. This shows that nomenclature can sometimes change during the existence of a program. In addition, Magnavox's advertising literature for this product (assumed generated before a sale was made) shows a unit slightly different from what was eventually produced. This shows that many times, a company will make a few prototypes with some kind of nomenclature, either government supplied or self generated, in order to show them off and perhaps entice an order. Of course, there is always the possibility of an actual government contract for a few test units that never makes it into production. Or has a very limited production run for a specialized agency. Or is bought by a foreign government. In any event, the following is a list of orphan units, other than the ones listed above, about which very little is known. It should be noted that the"X" after a model number almost always designates an "experimental", and would tend to account for the lack of physical examples. Nevertheless, these models do exist in both official, and commercial documents. Ref #5, 6, 7 AN/PRC-68X, a single channel unit whose frequency is selected by front panel switches. Others claim this designation refers to a high band PRC-68. In addition, most all other models of the PRC-68, and it's successors have versions with an X designation. Web Addresses where members of the AN/PRC-68 series are mentioned http://webhome.globalserve.net/rlacroix/radspec/radspec.html http://amsaa-www.arl.mil/rad/jkjkjkj.htm http://www.monmouth.army.mil/prjbk97/dmm/34-10.html http://www.3coscom.wiesbaden.army.mil/317th/f9.html http://www.netside.com/~lcoble/dir9/commo.htm Manuals, NSN PRC-68, NSN 5820-01-079-9260 TM 11-5820-882-10/TM 07827A-10/1, Operator Manual TM 11-5820-882-23/TM 06827A-23/2, Org & DS Maint Manual PRC-68A, NSN 5820-01-180-8943 TM 11-5820-882-23&P-1, Unit &int DS Maint Manual TM 06827B-24/2, Org & Int Maint Inst Manual PRC-68B, NSN 5820-01-179-7027 (5820-01-248-2852 high band) MX-63-107, Ops Inst MX-63-121, Ops and Maint Inst with IPB PRC-126, NSN 5820-01-215-126 TM 11-5820-1025-10, Ops Manual TM 11-5820-1025-?? (MX-63-114B), Ops & Maint Inst with IPB PRC-128, NSN 5820-01-288-0626 TO 31R2-4-810-1, Ops & Maint Inst with IPB, Org TO 31R2-4-810-3, Maint Inst with IPB, Depot PRC-136, NSN 5820-01-390-9438 L. References 1. "History of the Squad Radio," Marvin W. Curtis, ECOM Report # 4451 2. Observation 3. Manufacturer's advertising literature and/or technical reports 4. The Technical Manuals for the individual units 5. Jane's Military Communications, 1981 and/or 1989 and/or 1994-5 6. Military Collector Group Post, 7/20/99 7. Military Collector Group Post, Condensed PRC Data, 10/22/98-11/3/98 (compiled from Military Radio Data vol.I, "PRC Designated Radio Equiment", by Dennis Starks) see: HTTP://www.telalink.net/~badger/millist/mi.html for the condensed version. 8. Information provided by Joseph Pinner 9. Military Internet Posting 10. Military Communications,"Test For Technology", the U.S. Army in Vietnam, by John D. Bergen 11.Military Collector Group Post, Mystery Radio, The PRC-88, Backmail #41 ed) While the PRC-68 did inter large scale production in 1976, there existed a severe shortage of the radios until the late 1980's. By the time of the 1990 Gulf War, there was still not enough of the PRC-68 nor it's successors to go around(yes the PRC-68 did serve in Desert Storm in great quantities). This accounts for the numerous expedient radios used from military, commercial, and foreign origins. Readers are strongly urged to seek out and read all those references listed above to get a more in-depth understanding of the subject. Each will in turn provide numerous other sources of information. see also the following material: Miliary Collector Group Post: Backmail #27; PRC-126 HINTS; Backmail #29; PRC-68 QUESTIONS; Backmail #46; OFF THE SHELF PRICK's; By Dennis Starks (can also be seen at: http://www.softcom.net/users/buzz/backmail.html) Backmail #50: US MILITARY PORTABLE RADIOS; PART I, II, III, & IV, By Alan D. Tasker WA1NYR Conclusion By Dennis Starks US MILITARY PORTABLE RADIOS; Discussion US MILITARY PORTABLE RADIOS; More Discussion BURNING QUESTIONS; Backmail #58; KOREAN WAR VINTAGE? And Dating Radio (PRC-6 Example)By Dennis Starks Backmail #62: MEMBERS WRITE #1; Special Forces Radio in Vietnam, MX-300R/Granada/Special Forces/Rangers, Backmail #70: MOTOROLA'S PARA-MILITARY MX PROGRAMMABLES; by Dennis Starks AND OTHERS! *********************************************** DESPERATION SALE, LAST CALL;(A Bunch of Stuff Added) Big Military Vehicle Auction Aug. 5th. I gotta rase funds to go. Will sell the following, but would still rather trade! Stuff will only be sold if checks will arrive here before Aug. 4th. B & K, 1477,15mc dual trace "O" scope,w/probes. $60 1211A,portable Color Pattern Generator.$10 510,portale transistor checker,w/case, less leads. $15 465,CRT Tester,w/updated charts.$36 Sencor, TF46 "Super Cricket" Transistor/Fet Tester(one of the best ever made, and the only one that well identify the device's leeds) #1,Missing battery cover. $25 TR15 transistor checker,$25.00 TF151,Transistor/Fet Tester.missing carry handle, $30 TF151A,Transistor/Fet Tester,w/leeds.$35 AC "Power Rite", Variable Isolation Transformer & Safety Analyzer.$60 Tenma, 72-550,Video Head Tester.#1 w/maunal,case,& leeds $12. #2 less manual,$10 72-410(same as B & K), LCD didgital multi meter,(checks capacitors). w/leeds $25 as above except not a preaty, less original leeds. $23 General Radio, GR 650A Imp Brdg $100.00. GR 516C Rad Freq Brdg $75.00. GE Type YCW-1,Capacitance/Resistance Bridge,(old but works great). $30 Systron Donner, 101 pulse gen,ops .1kc-10mc,w/manual.$125.00 Heathkit "Q"meter $20.00. EMC 213 tube chckr. $20.00 Knight Kit KG-670 R/C bridge. $15.00 Measurements Mod 111 Xtal calibrator. $15.00 HP 200J Aud sig gen $30.00. RCA VoltOhmist WV-500A $10.00. Military, BC-221 freq meters. $20.00(got a bunch of um) LM-21 Freq meter $15.00. ME-9 multi meter $15.00. ME-297 solid state VOM $20.00. TS-1301/PSM-13 batt test set $13.00. VO-6E BC-1000 Test osc $10.00. PRC-6;The first hand-held FM transceiver.Ops 47-54mc, fm, 400mw, 1ch, xtal contr. Used 1950-mid 60's. fr cond, nchkd, will need paint.w/xtal, & antenna. $36.00 2 avail. PRC-10;38-54mc, FM, 1watt, packpack transceiver.Intered sevice approx 1952 & served till mid 60's. 2 avail, vg-exc cond, chkd. $50 PRT-4, PRR-9;47-54mc, fm, 450mw, 2ch, xtal contr, hnd hld trans & comp helmit worn resc. First solid state set, interred service 1964.Did not fairwell with the troops, they not liking the inability to respond when only issued the receiver. PRT-4 "A" models have 150cps tone for compatibility with PRC-25/77 squelch. #1, W/ant, xtal, bat box, GD cond chkd.PRT-4 $25.00. #2, PRT-4A & PRR-9 new in box with all acc and man $70.00pr #3, PRT-4A, w/ant, xtal, bat box, unused exc cond, $25.00ea 2 avail #4, PRR-9, w/ant, rebuilt SAAD, carc color, unused exc cond, $25.00 4 avail R-109/GRC;27-38mc, fm, cont tune, vehicular rec.P/O of RT-68 fam of equip. No mods, exc cond, nchkd.$39.00 RT-68/GRC; 38-54mc FM, 12watt, cont tune or 100kc steps, vehicular & ground transceiver.Ops from 6/12/24vdc or 110vac dependant on pwr sup used, PP-112 24vdc or PP-109 12vdc sup avail. Ugly but works good $35.00 2 avail HT-1E;Hand-held, 30-42mc(will work 10mtrs, but not 6),one channel, xtal control, AM, 1.5 watt transceiver.Built by Hallicrafters(circa 1963-1969)as part of the OPS series of equipment, as such it was used in the Village & Hamlet radio system of Vietnam.Requires 8 'D' cell batteries, or external 12vdc.New in box, with partial copy manual.$50.00(ONE LEFT) PR-35, Tesla hand-held or body worn VHF/FM transceiver used for covert surveillance by the KGB East German bad guy's, and reportedly post fall CIA. Extremely small, 3 chan vest pocket type radio about a 1/2" thick. Ops on 160mc. Includes all acc.2ea antennas(rubber duck ant & wire undercover), spkr/mic, remote PTT, manual, vibrator(silent alert, like a pager), 2ea nicad packs, charger adapter, all in original shipping box. Hammertone grey metal finish. Checked. $160.00 URC-32(Collins KWT-6), 1.8-30mc, 500watt all mode, synthesized transceiver. Mounted in 6' rack cabinet, widely used by the U.S.Navy and Air Force. w/manual, VG cond chkd. $600(big & heavy, local pickup only) GRR-5;General purpose, ground or vehicular receiver, used from approx 1952 to late 60's.Ops 1.8-18mc AM/CW, from 6/12/24vdc, or external dry batteries, or 110vac. Though intended to replace the BC-728 in anti-aircraft early warning systems. The GRR-5 was usualy installed with GRC-19 sets, thus the grunts would keep their hands off the "good radio"(R-392) when listing to AFRTS. Mounts, manuals,& parts avail.GD cond. nchkd but can, $90.00 GRC-9(rec section only);2-12mc, usable as is with ext sup, or use to restore your GRC-9.Grill face not incl.Reported to work good, but the guy lied about everything else, so?(I bought complete GRC-9 & this is what I got!). GD cond $20.00 RT-662/GRC-106;R/T unit only for GRC-106, 2-30mc in 1kc steps plus verniar tune, AM/USB/CW/FSK/NSFK, solid state, vehicular & ground, transceiver, provides 100mw to drive AM-3349 400w amplifier.Intered service early 60's & remains in use today.Pwr cable included.Many acc items avail including cables, mounts, parts, manuals, TTY equipment & antennas.(first one to go will incude a depo maint man copy) #1, GD cond, CHKD $175.00 #2, FR cond CHKD $150.00 R-1289/PRR, Military adoption of a commercial General Electric model P925 receiver circa 1964. Possibly intended either for troop entertainment or civil distribution in the event of a nuclear attack. Solid state radio Ops 550- 1600kc and 4-12mc in two bands from 4ea "C" cell batteries. Can use either it's internal telescoping antenna or an external long wire. New in sealed box with manual. $35.00 2 avail 618T;Collins, 2-30mc, synthesized, 500w, AM/SSB aircraft(ARC-102) transceiver, also used in FAC vehicles(MRC-108).The Standard of comparison for over 25 years. Remains in service today with many foreign countries & airlines.All are missing the side covers.GD cond NCHKD,$125.00,2 avail 17A3;Countermeasures rec.Built by General Electronics.Tunes 30-250mc in two bands, am/fm/cw.Bandwidths of NBFM/3/30/300/500kc & 4mc. Controls for Audio selection(10kc/am/pulse/fm),coarse fine tune, ANL threshold, AFC, BFO, IF & audio gain, outputs for video/IF/AF, many other gadjets.Two units rack mntd, VG cond chkd.$150.00(heavy, in two pieces, local pickup only) PAT-50A;Bendix "Flightweight" vintage(circa 1947) mini aircraft VHF transmitter, 5 chan xtal contr, w/mount & modulator.GD cond nchkd,$35.00 BC-728;Portable Receiver.Ops on 4 preset/pushbuttin/tunable, channels 2-6mc AM.Pwr by internal 2 volt BA-45, or external 6/12vdc.W/AN-75 telescoping antenna.Believe it or not, officially this sweet little radio was replaced by the GRR-5! Fr-gd cond nchkd, less antenna $50.00 BC-1306;3.8-6mc, AM/CW, cont tune or two chan xtal contr, 5w/15w.Manpack trans/rec, designed for mountain & airborne troops.Intended to replace BC-654 & was later replaced by the GRC-9 which looks very simi but is larger.VG cond. $135.00 2 avail. PE-237, 6/12/24vdc vibrator pwr sup, & manual also avail. BC-1306;rec or trans sections only.No cab avail comp & Vg-Exc cond Trans $60.00, Trans(modified)$35.00, Rec $25.00. ARC-2/RT-298;Late WW-II Collins Auto Tune HF Transceiver. Intended to replace the ARC-5/SCR-274 systems with a single radio. Ops 2-9mc AM/MCW/CW, pair 1625 outputs. Antenna insulator has been tastefully replaced with SO-239, nothing de-faced, w/manual copy,& internal dynomotor.EXC cond CHKD, $200(I know thats a bunch, but thats what I gave for it.) ARC-Type 12;Aircraft command set components.Used in most aircraft early 50's-late 60's R-11A, 190-550kc receiver. #1, w.dyno, connector covers, & M-12 shockmount/rack. VG cond.$27.00 #2, w/dyno, VG cond. $20.00 #3, w/dyno, GD cond. $18.00 #4, R-11A(R-511/ARC), no dyno, gd cond. $15.00 R-13B, 108-135mc receiver. #1, VG cond, w/dyno & connector,$20.00 #2, w/dyno, E-11 rack, MT-5 shock mount, $28.00 R-15, Rec, no Dyno, VG cond,$15.00 R-19, 118-148mc rec. #1, no dyno, GD cond $15.00 #2, converted to 12vdc w/solid state inverter pwr sup, VG cond $20.00 #3, w/dyno, gd cond,$19.00 R-445/ARN-30, no dyno.GD cond.$11.00 R-511, no dyno, GD cond.$11.00 T-13A, transmitter, GD cond,$15.00, 2 avail SET, Includes, R-34A, solid state power supply, B-13A converter, E-14-A-1 dual rack, M-10 shock mount, VG cond. $40.00 CV-431A/AR, VHF-UHF converter-transmitter, w/connectors.VG cond, $26.00 C-1917/AR, control for CV-431 etc, w/connectors,$20.00 MT-1174/ARR, dual rec chock mount. $12.00 APR-4/R-54;Very similar to APR-4Y, w/TN-17(74-320mc tunning umit, dated 1944),others avail.DAY-45, VG cond, NCHKD.$125.00 APR-4Y;Part of ALR-5 airborne countermeasures receiving system.Receives 30-1000mc AM/FM/CW/Pulse using CV-253 4 band tuning unit(other tuning units also avail).110vac operation w/some documentation.VG cond CHKD,$140.00 APR-5A/R-111;Late WW-II rec comp to above.Tunes 1000-5000mc thus extending system range.VG-EXC cond nchkd.$75.00 ARC-38/RT-311;Collins 618S-1, 2-25mc, 100w, AM/CW, aircraft transceiver, VG cond nchkd.$100.00 ARC-38A/RT-594;As above except government converted to SSB.W/man, CPC-1 contr head, conn, DY-118 dyno.VG cond nchkd.$145.00.Take both ARC-38 & 38A, $200.00(modules interchange). ARR-52A/R-1170; Used to monitor under water radio transmissions from sonabuoies , w/manual copy VG cond, nchkd. $20.00 UPX-7;Simi to APX-6 IFF transponder, w/C-744 control head.GD cond NCHKD $25.00, SCR-57;WW-I, aircraft interphone box, very attractive walnut box with brass hardware, switch selects interphone or radio, EXCCOND.$75.00 RAX-1;WW-II, Navy aircraft rec, used with various liaison transmitters.Navy's equivalent to BC-348 but much narrower.Two rec with different ranges required per system. Tunes .2-1.5mc, am/cw, rear panel connector missing, no dyno, gd cond, ncgkd, $50.00 RBZ;WW-II, Navy rec.Publicized as "Raider" rec, was used by many Gov groups to include Sig Corps, OSS, Marines.Interred service late 1942, the one in my collection shows PMS conducted till 1964.Tunes 2-6mc(5-13mc for RBZ spec),AM.Built by Emerson, the set is ex-tremely small, normally worn on the chest & uses the helmet for an antenna. #1,& #2, W/ant lead, canv bag, scull cap/phones.EXC cond chkd. $80 #3,& #4, Parts radios, very bad condition $15.00ea# TBX-(*);WW-II, Navy.2-8mc, 8-15w, am/cw, manpack trans/rec.TBX series interred service 1939 & used till late 50's by various Gov agencies, this due to it's water tight nature & ability to float(with lid in place). #1, TBX-2, VG cond less lid & cal charts,$100.00. #2, TBX-?, Missing data plate, early model uses 837 output, and 5ea #34 tubes, simi gloss black front panel vice crinkle, Wobbler vice BFO Pitch. VG cond $95.00 #3, TBX-8, w/lid, original manual, less cal charts. exc cond, $180.00 TBY;Pre War, first Navy/Marine backpack(Handie Talkie)transceiver.Was built throughout the war though no one knows why!Tunes 28-80mc (plus a lot of slop),am/mcw, 500mw.Very impressive looking but not much count TBY-7, W/canv pack/bag, headset, mic, cw key, Bat box(HB),spares, ant.VG-exc cond nchkd.$165.00. DAE;WW-II, Navy, RDF rec, built by Radio Marine.Tunes 240-2000kc, am/cw.No cab, dial window yellowed, 110vac ops.VG-cond nchkd $45.00 SA-211(Motorola),or CA-32(CAI);HF/SSB(usb & lsb)/CW, solid state back pack trnscvrs.Approx 10 watts, on two xtal contr channels, Between aprox 2-10mc(on 5.8mc).Ops from 110vac pwr sup/charger clips to bottom of radio, or on the face for storage.Could also use a battery box(D cells) in the same manor.Very interesting little radios, possibly part of the OPS series, or Vietnam expedient.Need more info as keeping one for collection.w/110vac pwr sup.exc cond chkd, OD color,$100.00 CS-79N, battery box for manpack use of BC-620/659.new in box,$25.00(quantities avail) BC-965,Control box for BC-966(IFF Rec-trans,same as the Navy ABK), $10 BC-1303, contr for SCR-522.FR cond.$10.00, 2 avail# I-82, radio compass indicator used with various radio compass receivers,$20.00, vg cond C-847, contr head/spkr for VRC-19 family radios, w/cable.$15.00,#,2 avail C-1123/GRC-26, remote contr/juction box for T-368 & late BC-610's.controls trans two recrs & TTY quip.$25.00.2 avail C-1474/GRC, remote contr/junction box for T-368 or BC-610.$14.00.2 avail CFL-23285, control head for Navy MN transceiver, FR cond.$10.00 CD-53142, line filter unit for DAS-3 receiver, new in box,$10.00 CCW-211202-B, Hand crank gen, appears to be for early TBX series. $55.00 CLG-20144, vibrator power supply/charger for WW-II Navy TBY transceiver $25.00 TCS;Collins designed gen purp trans & comp rec.Used universaly in vehicles, ships, small boats, aircraft,& grnd installations.TCS series interred service 1939 & remained in use till early 60's. Tunes 1.5-12mc, am/cw, 20w. #2 TCS-12 by Collins, rec is missing data plt, vg-exc cond nchkd, $125.00. #3 TCS-7, transmitter, by Stewart Warner, pwr con has been changed to octal(will include original),gd cond nchkd.$55.00 #4 TCS-5, receiver, pwr con changed(original included),missing rack handles(may have replacements), gd cond, nchkd,$55.00 #5 Home Brew pwr sup for TSC trans & rec, with cables, nicely made, has octal connections(originals avail),$50.00 COL-211330-A, 12 or 24vdc dynomotor power sup for TCS-12 trans/rec.$65.00 PP-380, 110vac pwr sup for TCS, will need rec conn replaced, maybe some other work,$65.00 New Noise Limiter Kits for all TCS's. Original military with all parts & instructions for field installation(they realy work too). $25.00 3 avail. BC-367, interphone box used in early WW-II armored vehicals, will need on/off switch & fuse holders replaced. $15.00 RM-29, remote control used with most ground radio equipment WW-II till mid 50's. This one early war production stamped steel case version.GD cond, $25.00 RL-2B, 24vdc antenna reel, used with BC-375 for trailing wire antenna in B- 17.Missing side cover.$40.00 Stuff for the BC-654/SCR-284: GN-45, Hand crank gen for BC-654.w/one crank.VG cond chkd.$75.00 PE-103, Dyno pwr sup for BC-654.GD cond w/cables, nckd, $75.00 J-48, CW Key for BC-654/SCR-284, less cable, w/cover, $60.00 MS-56(first section, goes in the insulator for man-pack use). MS-55(the largest stackable mast section). The missing link mast sections for your BC-654, 4ea avail,$17.00ea MS-54, mast sections, unavail for many years, used w/above stack for greater hight, unused,$10.00(several avail) PU-385(XW-1)/FRC-44, 110vac 60cps to 110vac 400cps brushless motor generator, great for running PRC-47 from 110vac 60cps, will include 20ft PRC-47 AC pwr cable,$90.00, MD-522A/GRC, FSK modulator/demodulator, solid state, w/man, cables, mnt.EXC cond NCHKD$75.00.2 avail(local pickup only) UGC-74, teletype set, w/man, cables.EXC cond.nchkd.$75.00(local pickup only) U.S. Forest Service, Feild Telephones circa aprox 1910, built by Kelog. Used by the Signal Corps in WW-I. 3 avail, cond fr-gd. $125 EE-1A, WW-I(dated 1919) field telegraph/telephone set(Buzzerphone), built by Western Electric, w/earphone. Gd-vg cond. $160 MT-1898, mount for R-442.used $20.00, new $25.00@# MT-1029, mount for VRC-12 family or AM-2060 & PRC-25/77.New, 30.00 MX-2799, base/tuner/spring/mount for AT-912 vehicular 30-76mc antenna, gd cond nchkd, 20.00, 4 avail(these were replaced by the MX-6707/AS-1729) H-63, Headsets, various-VRC/PRC-uses, U-77-con, w/SA-142, GSA-6(inline- PTT),boom-mic-VG-cond.$16.00 H-63, as-above, headphones only, 500ohm, may need clean up or repair.$5.00(several avail) Boom mics for above, use with same or to repair M-29's.W/JJ-055 $2.00(several avail) H-157, late modle aviation headsets, H-87 boom-mic, U-174 con.Unused $18.00 H-161, VRC headsets, useable with PRC-25/77.H-140 boom mic, dual U-229 con.inline PTT, exc New cond,$19.00 sev avail.# Cords alone $5.00 3 avail.# H-251, late modle 500ohm headphones, U-229 con.New$16.00(several avail) H-277, late modle headphones, 500ohm, U-77 con.VG-exc cond,$15.00, 4-avail J-654/G, U-77 Y cable, alows use of 2 audio acc from 1 con.$10.00, 5 avl As-above-except-U-229-connectors.$8.00, 7 avail LS-6C, WW-II vintage megaphone/PA system, includeds LS-6C hand held horn/mic, T-36 hand mic, CS-91C carry case(pr-fr cond),M-230 tripod, Phila 43.GD-VG cond NCHKD,$60.00 LS-166, loud speaker for use with PRC-10, RT-68 etc, U-77-con.$11.00 LS-454, as LS-166 except for use with PRC-25/VRC-12 etc.U-229 con.$10.00 M-29, carbon mic.U-77-con.used $7.00 M-80, 500ohm dynamic niose cansceling, U-229 con, used $5.00, New $10.00. less con $2.00 No.4A, British WW-II ping-pong padle type hand mic, cloth cords w/large 4 pin square conn.exc cond.$15.00, 3avail SW-141, In line PTT switch used with lip & throat mics, JK-48 one end, PL-68 other,$10.00, 3avail Dennis *********************************************** HUMOR; The San Francisco Zoo has an elephant named Calle who has a chronic illness, requiring medication. The zoo people couldn't get Calle to take her dose orally, so a California pharmocologist developed a suppository. The 10-inch-long, 4-pound cocoa-butter bullets are crafted by the good folks at Guittard Chocolates in Burlingame. Administering the DAILY medication requires five zoo workers, including one person to distract Calle with treats and one person who wears a full-arm glove to "deliver" the medicine. FIVE PEOPLE HAVE JOBS WORSE THAN YOURS ... NOW STOP WHINING AND GET BACK TO WORK!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------ A man died in a horrible fire. The mortician thought it was possibly this guy he met once named George, but the body was so badly burned, he needed somebody to make a positive identification. That task fell to George's two friends, Joe and Al. Joe came over to the body and said, "He's burned pretty bad, all right. Roll him over." Joe looked at the dead man's buttocks and said, "Nope, that ain't George." Thinking the incident strange, the mortician said nothing. He then brought in Al. Al takes a look at the body and said, "Wow, he's burned to a crisp. Roll him over." Again, the same reply, "Nope, that ain't George." The mortician said, "How can you tell?" Al replied, "George had two assholes." The mortician then said, "What?! How could he have two assholes?" Then Al replied, "Everybody knew George had two assholes. Whenever the three of us would go into town you'd hear people say, 'Here comes George with those two assholes!'" ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1994's MOST BIZARRE SUICIDE At the 1994 annual awards dinner given by the American Association for Forensic Science, AAFS president Don Harper Mills astounded his audience in San Diego with the legal complications of a bizarre death. Here is the story: On 23 March 1994, the medical examiner viewed the body of Ronald Opus and concluded that he died from a shotgun wound to the head. The decedent had jumped from the top of a ten-story building intending to commit suicide (he left a note indicating his despondency). As he fell past the ninth floor, his life was interrupted by a shotgun blast through a window, which killed him instantly. Neither the shooter nor the decedent was aware that a safety net had been erected at the eighth floor level to protect some window washers and that Opus would not have been able to complete his suicide anyway because of this. Ordinarily, Dr. Mills continued, a person who sets out to commit suicide ultimately succeeds, even though the mechanism might not be what he intended. That Opus was shot on the way to certain death nine stories below probably would not have changed his mode of death from suicide to homicide. But the fact that his suicidal intent would not have been successful caused the medical examiner to feel that he had a homicide on his hands. The room on the ninth floor whence the shotgun blast emanated was occupied by an elderly man and his wife. They were arguing and he was threatening her with the shotgun. He was so upset that, when he pulled the trigger, he completely missed his wife and pellets went through the window striking Opus. When one intends to kill subject A but kills subject B in the attempt, one is guilty of the murder of subject B. When confronted with this charge, the old man and his wife were both adamant that neither knew that the shotgun was loaded. The old man said it was his long standing habit to threaten his wife with the unloaded shotgun. He had no intention to murder her - therefore, the killing of Opus appeared to be an accident. That is, the gun had been accidentally loaded. The continuing investigation turned up a witness who saw the old couple's son loading the shotgun approximately six weeks prior to the fatal incident. It transpired that the old lady had cut off her son's financial support and the son, knowing the propensity of his father to use the shotgun threateningly, loaded the gun with the expectation that his father would shoot his mother. The case now becomes one of murder on the part of the son for the death of Ronald Opus. There was an exquisite twist. Further investigation revealed that the son, one Ronald Opus, had become increasingly despondent over the failure of his attempt to engineer his mother's murder. This led him to jump off the ten- story building on March 23, only to be killed by a shotgun blast through a ninth story window. The medical examiner closed the case as a suicide. ------------------------------------------------------------------ An Irishman walks into a bar in Dublin, orders three pints of Guinness and sits in the back of the room, drinking a sip out of each one in turn. When he finishes them, he comes back to the bar and orders three more.The bartender asks him, "You know, a pint goes flat after I draw it; it would taste better if you bought one at a time."The Irishman replies, "Well, you see, I have two brothers. One is in America, the other in Australia, and I'm here in Dublin. When we all left home, we promised that we'd drink this way to remember the days when we drank together." The bartender admits that this is a nice custom, and leaves it there. The Irishman becomes a regular in the bar, and always drinks the same way: He orders three pints and drinks them in turn. One day, he comes in and orders two pints. All the other regulars notice and fall silent.When he comes back to the bar for the second round, the bartender says, "I don't want to intrude on your grief, but I wanted to offer my condolences on your great loss." The Irishman looks confused for a moment, then a light dawns in his eye and he laughs. "Oh, no," he says, "everyone's fine. I've just quit drinking." *********************************************** 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 concerning this group or membership contact Dennis Starks at, . A list of selected articles of interest to members can be seen at: http://www.softcom.net/users/buzz/backmail.html ***********************************************