From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#2 Fcc: Sent Date: Tue, 3 Nov 1998 05:54:06 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Nov.3/98 Message-ID: <19981103.055309.13735.10.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Nov.3/98 Index: PRR-9 PROJECT UPDATE; PRC RADIO DATA FINAL ADDENDA; by Dennis Starks MEMBERS WRITE; Conversion, Aircraft Fetish to Green Ground, PRR-9/PRT-4 Manual Copies, St. Paul Mn. Hamfest, BC-222 Battery Box. ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; R-1289/PRR RECEIVER's, PRC-75's, HUMOR; *********************************************** PRR-9 PROJECT UPDATE; The following is the list of participants, if I have anything wrong, haven't included you, or if you'd like to amend anything please let me know by 10:00 at which time I must cut off any changes and get the order in to the vendor. Dennis PRR-9 extra antenna Tod Huss 20ea Carl Konefski 10ea 10ea Joe Pinner 10ea. 5ea Jim Wood 10ea. Wammes Witkop 10ea George Humphry 5ea. Hal N. Blaisdell 20 ea 10ea Ralph Hogan 20ea. Leo Orsborn 6ea. 6ea William Smith 6ea. Don Reave 10ea 10ea Pete McCollum 2ea R. Zelick 4ea 4ea. Alan Tasker 6ea 6ea Kevin Hough 6ea 6ea Chris Hassec 5ea Kim Cambell 5ea 3ea. Leandro Traverso 4ea Bruce Haffner 2ea 2ea Jim Hopper 10ea 10ea Wes Gladhart 3ea 3ea Aussies: Ion O'Toole 4ea Pete Williams 4ea Steve Hill 4ea. 4ea. Dave Prince 4ea Ray Robinson 4ea Adrian Heinrich 4ea *********************************************** PRC RADIO DATA FINAL ADDENDA; Since this series began a few more radio models have surfaced. The following data was compiled with information supplied by group members with my thanks. You can copy/past this additional information with your other material. Following data supplied by Hal Blaisdell who has a working example and a manual in his collection: PRC-125; Life Vest worn UHF/AM transceiver. Developed for the U.S. Navy circa 1990. Intended for use by downed aircrew in the process of rescue operations. The PRC-125 is a totally water tight, two piece design composed of a control and R/T unit connected via a 36" umbilical cable. The control unit houses a combination speaker/mic, controls for PTT and volume, and connections for the antenna and earphone. The R/T unit has controls for channel selection, beacon mode, power on/off, and houses the systems battery. A pouch is provide on the umbilical cable for earphone storage. In operation, the R/T unit is contained in a special pouch at the front lower area of the life vest. The control unit is secured to the right breast area of the life vest via hook/loop fasteners(Velcro). A flexible rubber antenna is mounted on top the control unit. Features include: Two piece radio design allows normal operation of with R/T unit submerged. Large speaker size and increased audio output to allow use in the high noise environment of helicopter rotor wash. Specially designed for operation from survival vest without being removed. Two channel capacity. Rec-Trans switching accomplished by internal magnetic reed switches. Ops on two channels(282.9 & 243mc). AM phone or beacon(243mc only) modes. Range: .5nm swimmer to swimmer, 5nm swimmer to aircraft at 100ft, 9nm swimmer to aircraft at 500ft, 12nm swimmer to aircraft at 1000ft, 30nm swimmer to aircraft at 5000ft. System components include: Unit Control pn.1880AS101-01, Assembly Radio Receiver/Transmitter pn.1880AS109-01, Antenna pn.1880AS118-01, Battery Dry BA-1568, Earphone(same as used with PRC-90 and others), Life Vest LPU-28/P, Manual NAVAIR 16-35PRC125-1. Some reference materials have publication dates of Dec.1990, 1992, and 1993. Ref.#30 Following additional information for the PRC-128 supplied by Alan Tasker and Joe Pinner who have manuals in their libraries. PRC-128(V); Hand held VHF/FM Transceiver. At least one version of this radio(Magnavox) is identical in appearance to the PRC-126. The PRC-128 apparently differs from that radio in it's ability to operate on either of two bands (VHF Hi or Low) dependant on an optional module installed internally. This is similar in practice to the PRC-68B(V)*, and for which it is believed this radio was intended to replace. Ops 30-87.988mc,& 130-173.988mc,with an RF power output of 1 watt,from 12vdc.The OF-185/PRC allows vehicular use. Built by Magnavox(Ref.#30,#31) and or Motorola(Ref.#28) under the Air Force Scope Shield program. One reference source states to use 5820-01-248-2852 (PRC-68B(V)2, 130-174mc) and 5820-01-179-7027 (PRC- 68B(V), 30-80mc) until current supplies are exhausted. This would tend to indicate the PRC-126 was intended to replace those radios. It would follow that sub-model types might also exist in the same manner as it's predecessor, I/E PRC-128(V)1 for radios supplied with the low band module(30-88mc), and PRC-128(V)2 for those supplied with the high band module (130-174mc). Original cost $3,093.00,NSN 5820-01-288-0626. Ref.#28,#30,#31 Following data provided by Bruce Haffner, and Ray Robinson. UK/PRC-316; Man Pack portable HF/AM/CW transceiver. Built in the United Kingdom originally as the A16, the PRC-316 is similar in concept and purpose to the U.S. PRC-64. Though extremely small and light weight it must be set up for operation & cannot be operated while in motion. Features: Very simple operation, 45 xtal control channels. Built in antenna adjustments allow the use of 1/2 wave dipole antenna. Code burst operation at 300wpm using GRA-71 code burst generator. Ops 2-7mc with a peak RF output rated at 4 watts. Power is derived from a 12vdc battery mounted under the set, or any external 12vdc source. Size 7.9 x 4.4 x 3.5in. Weighs just under 5 lb less battery. Known accessories include: 1/2 dipole antenna adjustable to frequency. Optional single unit microphone/receiver or conventional double receiver/boom microphone. Ref: "RADIO BYGONES" Issue #43 Oct/Nov 1996 & #45 page 4, "MILITARY W.A.R.S." newsletter of the Military Wireless Radio Society John F.H. Taylor Bulletin No. 36 August 1998, . Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; Conversion, Aircraft Fetish to Green Ground, Hi Dennis, Found 2 references to a PRC-316 and I notice it isn't in your list. Radio Bygones #43 page 4 talks about the PRC-316 (A16) and Radio Bygones #45 page 4 talks about the UK/PRC-316 (A16) and the BCC-30 (A14) (A13). If you don't have them, I can photocopy and send them over. I have a few green radios, but your series of articles has got me interested and I see them in a new light. You'll have to go a lot further to convert me from aircraft shit, but you might have noticed that I have ordered some greens from you. 73s Ray VK2ILV ed) Well as it seems I don't have much competition, I think your conversion from "aircraft shit" to "green radios" should be complete before long(hint!). Thanks for the PRC-316 info, I'm going to impose on Bruce for copies of the #43 issue of Radio Bygones data But I would like the material on the BCC-30 etc in issue #45. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRR-9/PRT-4 Manual Copies, Dennis, I can make the necesary copies for prr9 and you can send the prt4 manual as well. I'll do them both for the group buys. tnx, Ralph Hogan ed) Thanks a lot for your offer. But I really hate to impose on you AGAIN to perform this service for the FOURTH time. I think it's somebody else's turn. I've not yet received any request for the manuals anyway. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Paul Mn. Hamfest, BC-222 Battery Box. Hi Dennis I put a check in the mail today for the PRC-6 shipping. Thanks for your efforts, this sure did turn out to be one hell of an undertaking for you !!!! I attended the Hamfest in St. Paul this Saturday, not very productive, the only green radios I saw were a couple of dirty BC-222 for $75 each ( no battery box with either one). and as I had the 5 year old with me I didn't spend much time dickering ( besides which the owner didn't want to move on his price). Visited with Dave S. who was helping a friend of his at his book table. We saw maybe a dozen used ham radios (HF) and the typical tons and tons of used computer garbage ---- not really what I would call a HAMfest!! Talk to you later, have a good one. Kevin Hough ed) the BC-222 price was just a little steep(dependant on condition), they didn't have a battery box. Their battery was a metal incased type like a really big sardine can. It was simply strapped to the bottom of the radio. There has been some debate, and I've seen some wax coated batteries that were very similar and had the same connector but they would not fit the radio as the connector was offset too far to one side. In any case, and much to my dismay, they still didn't have a battery box. *********************************************** ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; R-1289/PRR RECEIVER, new in unopened boxes from 1964 contract. Military adoption of a commercial General Electric radio model P-925. We suspect these were either intended for troop intertainment use, or for cold war Civil Defence use in the event of a Nuclear attack. Receivers tune 540-1600kc & 4.0-12.0mc in two bands. Ops from 4ea "C" cell batteries. $20ea plus $5 SHIPPING. Case of 8 for $120.00 plus shipping. STEVE HANEY HANEY ELECTRONIC CO 7225 GREENLEE FORT WORTH TX 76112-5808 817-496-3346 VOICE 817-496-5510 FAX ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRC-75's, All money must be in before shipping and prices are shipping extra. 10ea PRC 75 100.00 ea complete no accy 13ea Chassis 20.00 ea no covers or modules 10ea Parts radios missing parts or modules ect 30.00 ea 2ea Battery boxes very hard to find item 25.00 ea 5ea Covers for radios 8.00 ea nice to have an extra 8ea Power cords 10.00 ea 13ea Crypto cables 15 ea no crypto boxes can be made into power cord 5ea Lanyards 8.00 ea 8ea 50 ohom coax cable adaptors (hard to find) 15.00ea 5ea Transport cases 25.00 ea 9ea misc Modules 10.00 ea 7ea Antennas 10.00 ea When requests are in I will notify who was first so there will be no hard feelings whish there were more Carl *********************************************** HUMOR; Hangover: The wrath of grapes. Income Tax: Capital punishment. A used car is not always what it's jacked up to be. "Sects! Sects! Sects!" said the first monk to the second. "Is that all you think about?" Two silkworms were in a race. They ended up in a tie. To my sweetheart: My cooking's gotten better since I fondue. A robber broke into the police station and stole all the toilet seats,and the police didn't have anything to go on. Middle Age: When actions creak louder than words. Egotist: One who is medeep in conversation. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused his dentist's Novocain during root canal work? He wanted to transcend dental medication. Did you hear about the woman who started dating rakes and fell on hard tines? Why won't melons elope in Las Vegas? They cantaloupe. Q: What do Christmas and a crab on the beach have in common? A: They both involve sandy claws. Archeologist: A man whose career lies in ruins. Kleptomaniac: One who can't help himself from helping himself. Did you hear about the snake who gave birth to a bouncing baby boa? Once I got angry at the chef of an Italian restaurant, so I gave him a pizza my mind. The fish secretary lodged herself in a pipe and could no longer type. Her doctor said, "This is a clear case of 'Carp in tunnel' syndrome." Sign on Music Store: "Out to Lunch, Bach at 1:00, Offenbach at 2:00" Did you hear about the guy who ran through the screen door? He strained himself. California smog test: Can UCLA? The competition at a local dog show was quite "Ruff" Q: How did the pig with laryngitis feel? A: Disgruntled. A friend of mine who commutes to work everyday through the Lincoln Tunnel with a bunch of coworkers recently complained about what a pain it was. I told him that he may have a bad case of "car pool tunnel syndrome." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following was written by State Representative Mitchell Kaye from Cobb County, GA We, the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid any more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt-ridden, delusional and other liberal, commie, pinko bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that a whole lot of people were confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim that they require a Bill of No Rights. ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything. ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone - not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc., but the World is full of idiots, and probably always will be. ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful, do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy. ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes. ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care. ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair. ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big-screen color TV or a life of leisure. ARTICLE VII: You don't have the right to demand that our children risk their lives in foreign wars to soothe your aching conscience. We hate oppressive governments and won't lift a finger to stop you from going to fight if you'd like. However, we do not enjoy parenting the entire world and do not want to spend so much of our time battling each and every little tyrant with a military uniform and a funny hat. ARTICLE VIII: You don't have the right to a job. All of us sure want all of you to have one, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. ARTICLE X: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to pursue happiness - which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an overabundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am writing this promptly in order that you may receive an accurate account of events free from the distortion which is always a feature of the worlds media. We were entering port having just picked up the pilot. The junior apprentice had been on the monkey island taking down the code flag 'G' and replacing it with code flag 'H'. He is a first trip apprentice and not very bright was having difficulty folding the 'G' flag correctly in such a manner that it would fit in the code flag pigeon hole. I demonstrated to him the correct method but he failed to let go of the end of the flag when instructed. Exasperated by his stupidity I shouted at him to "Let go!" The First Officer, who was standing in the wheelhouse beside the helmsman took my words to be an instruction and repeated them over the loudhailer to the third mate who was on foc'sle head. The Third Mate duly instructed the carpenter who was tending the windlass, to let go the port anchor which had been cleared away in case it was needed. The effect of dropping the anchor whilst proceeding at full harbour speed was twofold. Firstly it proved impossible to apply the brake to the anchor chain and eight shackles were smashed and lost over the side. The damage to the windlass has yet to be ascertained but the carpenter, whilst apparently physically undamaged, appears to have lost his power of speech. Hopefully this will not be a permanent affliction. The second effect of letting go the anchor was to cause the vessel to sheer to port towards a narrow tributary of the main channel, which was spanned by a swing bridge. The bridge operator, seeing us approaching had the presence of mind to open the bridge, but, unfortunately failed to stop and check the road traffic before doing so. The effect was to spill two cars, a minibus, and a cattle truck into our number one hatch. The Third Officer assessing the situation correctly, let go the starboard anchor in an attempt to slow our vessel. Sadly this was of little help as the anchor fell on the bridge operator's cabin. I have, so far, confined my report to events at the forward end of the vessel. At the after end they were also having difficulties. As we approached the swing bridge I gave two rings on the telegraph for emergency full astern and rang the engine room to aquaint them with the situation. The response of the duty engineer was to tell me that the sea temperature was 72 degrees and would there be a movie show that evening. My reply would not contribute usefully to this report. The propeller started to turn for emergency full astern at the moment that the Second Officer was making fast the tug under the port quarter. The Second Officers initiative in making fast the towing warp enabled us to bring aboard the tug's crew before it sank. I am pleased to report that the overhead power cables that were carried away by our fore topmast were not live. There seems to have been a power cut over the whole port area just seconds before we hit the cables. This does however mean that we were unable to assess where the electricity pylon landed. I have a suspicion that our dropping the anchor in an area marked on the chart as the position of an underwater electricity cable may have played some part in this situation. The Third Officer is collecting the insurance details of the vehicles in the fore hatch and I will forward these to you with this report. The Boatswain and his mate are rounding up the contents of the cattle truck, which, by the noise, I judge to be pigs. I am constantly surprised at the inability of foreigners to cope with difficulties such as we have experienced. The pilot is at this moment sitting on my day cabin settee alternately weeping and cursing and has consumed the best part of two bottles of my best gin. The tug skipper, I regret to report, became very violent and made a number of ridiculous suggestions as what he wished me to do with my ship. I have instructed the Chief Steward to restrain him which he has done by using the straight jacket from the ships medical store. It is ironic, if not a little sad, to reflect that none of this would have been necessary had the apprentice been aware that it is not necessary to fly the 'G' and 'H' flags in the hours of darkness. ENDS. *********************************************** (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) ***********************************************