From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#1 Fcc: Sent Date: Mon, 7 Dec 1998 05:49:24 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Dec.7/98 Message-ID: <19981207.054822.5151.15.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Dec.7/98 Index: ADDENDA, PRC DESIGNATED MILITARY RADIO EQUIPMENT; Part III, PRC-77A/25 > PRC-9610. by Dennis Starks LIBRARY MANUALS ON THEIR WAY; MEMBERS WRITE; ISB? NEW MEMBER; Mike Rioux W1USN ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; HUMOR; *********************************************** ADDENDA, PRC DESIGNATED MILITARY RADIO EQUIPMENT; Part III, PRC-77A/25 > PRC-9610. by Dennis Starks Forward, I've just completed compiling the following data for inclusion with all previously posted info on this subject. Those who have the printed text may print this material with the format shown below. PRC-77A/25 IR;Non-US version of the US PRC-77. This variant is domestically produced in Iran by Communications Industries Group, Tehran. While physically identical to US versions, these variants feature 25kc channel spacing for a possible 1,840 channels between 30 and 75.975mc, and have been updated with a digital synthesizer, and all silicon semiconductors. All accessories are the same as for standard PRC-77 versions with the additional availability of the AM-6277/IR to increase audio output. Ref.#12C PRC-105/A;Iranian VHF/FM back-pack transceiver. The PRC-105/A Composed of RT-105 transceiver and ancillary audio and antenna equipment which are common with PRC-25 and PRC-77 equipments. Features: four place rotary knob frequency selection, and selectable RF power outputs. Ops 36-76mc with a possible 1600 channels. RF output power is a selectable .6, 2.5, or 5 watts. Size: 69 x 285 x 290mm at 3.6kg. Accessories include: AA-20 portable combination speaker/audio amplifier, H-10 handset, HB-370 harness and antenna bag. Domestically produced in Iran by Communications Industries Group, Tehran, beginning in 1987. It is similar in size and appearance to the PRC-122 of the same country. Ref.#12C PRC-113/RT-1319;Backpack VHF/UHF,AM transceiver.Developed as part of Pacer Speak programme for the three US services,it is compatible with Vinson COMSEC systems.Advanced features of this radio include LCD frequency & mode display,key pad control of frequency,squelch,power output,& DF tone.In addition an optional ECCOM capability is available,at least Air Force models have been equipped with HAVE QUICK anti-jamming facilities. The PRC-113 is a tactical radio set,when combined with various accessories it is intended to replace a number of earlier systems including the PRC-66,GRC-153,GRC-155,MRC-107,& MRC-108.The basic RT unit(RT-1319) can be used with numerous adapting equipments to form a variety of VRC,GRC & MRC types,these include GRC-206,TRC-176,& VRC-83. Ops 116-149.975mc AM(FM on request),in 25kc steps,for a possible 1360 channels(8 channels presettable).And 225-399.975mc AM(FM optional),in 25kc steps for a possible 7000 channels(8 channels presettable).RF power output is a selectable 2 watts(low) or 10 watts (high).Requires BA-5590(lithium battery)or BB-590(rechargeable nicad battery). The basic RT-1319 has been combined with various ancillary equipment to form several GRC, VRC, and TRC type systems. Some of these include GRC-206. VRC-83(V) when combined with a 30w RF amplifier, audio amplifier, and companion speaker. TRC-176 as a portable table top, or rack mount system. The PRC-113 & its family of equipment interred service 1983,over 54 million dollars is expected to be spent by the projects completion. Ref.#12,#29 PRC-117/RT-1406;Backpack,VHF,FM,ECCOM transceiver.The PRC-117 is a microprocessor-controled random frequency hopping(any 5mc band segment) radio set designed for use in electronic warfare environments. It features built in self test,simplex or half duplex operation, channel scanning,true dual frequency repeater operation with back to back units,& a clear-net function that alerts the user while in frequency hopping or secure mode that a conventional operator is trying to contact him.All cables,audio & antenna accessories are interchangeable with PRC-25/77 types. Ops 30-89.975mc in 25kc steps with 8 preset channels.RF power output is a selectable 1 or 10 watts(.1 or 10 watts optional).Requires 12v supplied by internal rechargeable nicad batteries.Size 76mmH x 200mmW x 280mmD,5.8kg. The VRC-94A(V) combines the basic RT-1406 with the ancillary equipment for vehicular operation at power levels of 100mw, 1/10watts(VRC-94A(V)-1, and 50 watts(VRC-94A(V)-3) from 12 or 24vdc. First introduced in 1983 a D series is also reported to be available. Operable with Comsec equipment TSEC/KY-57 useing J-3987A/PRC-117 interface unit. Introduced 1982 by Harris Corp.The PRC-117 is beleived to be in use by US forces. Ref.#12,#31 PRC-122;Iranian VHF/FM pack-pack transceiver. Composed of the RT-122 transceiver, this radio appears to be an updated version of the PRC- 105/A of this same country. Features and accessories are the same as that radio except for: Frequency range of 30-80mc with a possible 2000 channels spaced 25kc apart. 9 present channel capacity, and selectable RF power outputs of .1 and 4 watts. Hidden LED display for night operation. Ancillary equipment are available to allow vehicular or ground operation as the VRC/GRC-105. These include RA-102 RF amplifier, and the MU-292 software controlled antenna matching unit. Domestically produced in Iran by Communications Industries Group, Tehran begining in 1989. It is very similar in size and appearance to the PRC-105/A of the same country. Ref.#12C PRC-127/RT-1594;Handheld VHF,FM transceiver.This equipment is a slightly modified Bendix King commercial business band radio.These modific- ations include a 2.5 watt RF output vice 5 watts,and the omission of the scan switch.Though it was most likely intended for various security uses,it is known to have been used in a tactical role in recent Desert Storm activities. Features include,14 preset channels,front panel key pad for entry of channel frequencies,LCD display(a sliding/removeable door protects the key pad & LCD display when not in use),optional scan & call guard tone squelch,& clone capabilities(some PRC-127's are provided without the key pad). Ops on any of 14 preset channels 136-160mc.RF power output is rated 2.5 watts.Requires 12vdc as supplied by either rechargeable nicad battery packs(two ea provided),or a battery box containing 8ea "AA" alkaline batteries.Size 7.8 x 2.5 x 1.52",1.5lbs(with battery). Accessories include AS-3960 helical rubber antenna,speaker/mic & nylon case/cover,nylon carry holster,dual rate automatic drop-in battery charger,2ea nicad battery packs & 1ea alkaline battery pack. The PRC-127 interred service in approx 1990.The commercial 5 watt/ scanning,& UHF versions are also known to be in use. Beginning in 1995 a very similar, if not the same radio began production in Sweden by Shadow Technologies as the SFH-41 Chameleon. Two frequency hopping versions are in production by Transcrypt International as the PH-26 and PH-27 Phantoms. Original cost $910.00,NSN 5820-01-266-5964. Ref.#12C,#26,#28,#30,#31 PRC-132;Backpack HF/VHF, SSB/FM transceiver. Built by Loral-Conic TerraCom(formerly Southcom), the PRC-132 is a small lightweight tactical Radio intended for use by special forces teams. Features Extremely small size and light weight, selectable RF power output levels, 80 pre-programmable duplex channels, half duplex operation, full compatibility with all current encryption devices, three extra internal card slots for optional encryption, spread spectrum and or Data modem, FM operation from 20-50mc. Ops 1.6-50mc with selectable RF output levels of 5, 10, 20, and 50 watts. Requires 10-16vdc. Weight 16.1lbs(5kg). Reported to have been fielded with U.S. Navy Seal Teams, and U.S. Army Special Forces. Radio's marked with the commercial model number of M50 are known to have seen service with at least one U.S. National Guard unit. Ref.#28,#12C PRC-138(V)2; HF/VHF, USB/LSB/AME/CW/FM transceiver. Ruggedized set can be used as a manpack,vehicular,base, or transportable station. Features Digital signal processing, LCD data display, keyboard data entry, ECCM frequency hopping, embedded frequency hopping. Embedded modems for 39 tone 2400bps(MIL-STD-188-110A)(2400bps TX/74bps RX), FSK 300bps, sync/async terminals, FAX, DMED or other data devices. Encryption for data & voice modes. Multi band & imagery narrowband COMSEC(ANDVT). Ancillary equipment to provide 125,150, & 400watts RF output. Ops 1.6-60mc, with a basic RF power output of 20 watts(HF) and 10 watts(VHF). Size: 264 x 77 x 332mm. Built by Harris Corp. Ref.#33,#12C PRC-138(V)X; One description of this equipment follows that of the PRC-138(V)2 with the addition of: In April of 1995 the U.S. Special Operations Command awarded Harris a $85 million contract to supply these radios sets for use in the 'Improved Special Operations Forces High Frequency Manpack Radio System(ISHMRS). Ref.#12C Another, possibly incorrect description follows: Hand-held VHF,FM transceiver.A development contract was awarded to Harris Corp.early in 1995 by the U.S.Special Operations Command(USSOCOM) for this "next generation"of hand-held secure tactical radios. This article also states that the PRC-138 has been in use by Special Operations Forces for some time.The contract will add new(classified) functions & advance capabilities.No further information. Ref.Defense & Security Electronics,(Sept.95) PRC-139(V)(C); The description of this equipment follows that of the PRC-139(C) with the additional notes that selected band operation is accomplished by the selection of a particular internal transceiver module. Features 14 channel capacity with 25 or 12.5kc channel spacing, channel by channel programmed crypto rates of 12 or 16kbits/s for compatibility with Federal and Military systems, internal embedded COMSEC device for US type1 Vinson encryption. Options include an internal speaker/mic, and internal digital data display with keyboard for programmability, commercial COMSEC for non- U.S. users. Ancillary equipment is available to allow hand-held, mobile, base station, and tactical repeater operation. The GRC-238 is a hand transportable base station that combines two PRC- 139's with a cabinet, digital display and control circuits. An RF power amplifier with selectable output levels of 5/16/40 watts. Operation can be from any 10-32vdc source, or an AC source of 110/220/240 volts. Size 197 x 254 x 368mm, 6.3kg. The TRC-199 is a tactical repeater formed from two PRC-139 hand helds combined with control circuits. A field tunable duplexer allows for single antenna operation with frequency separation at 3% of the operating frequency or 4mc typical. Source voltage is the same as that for the GRC-238. RF power output levels are a selectable 2 or 10 watts with an optional 40 watt amplifier available. The system can be housed is a cushioned cage for air dropping. Size 197 x 254 x 368mm at 25.4kg. Ref.#12C PRC-140;Back-pack,VHF/UHF,FM/AM multi band ECCOM transceiver. The PRC-140 was developed by Motorola as part of the Saturn(Second Generation Antijam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO) system & is intended by them to replace the PRC-113. Features VHF/UHF(optional 3 bands),FM/AM/Data modes,compatibility with VINSON,SINCGARS,HAVE QUICK & HAVE QUICK II comsec sytems,30 active or 30 single-channel preset operation,built in test facilities, selectable RF output power, optional embedded encryption, fast and slow frequency hop modes. Ops 116-149.975mc and 225-399.935mc. RF power outputs of 2w(low) and 10w(high). Size 76mmH x 264mmW x 229mmD(348mm with battery), weight 5.85kg with battery. Can use either BA-5590 or BA-590 batteries. Ref.Motorola product literature 1995, #12C PRC-436;Non-US,handheld VHF,FM transceiver.Built in Italy by IRET,The PRC- 436 seems to be an improvement over the PRC-416,& intended for the same purpose.With the added features below,it can be easily held in one hand to be used. Features include digital synthesis with three place rotary knob frequency selection,built in loud speaker/mic,external audio accessory connection,& an automatic battery save circuit reduces current drain during no signal conditions to 15ma. Ops 40-50mc,in 25kc steps,for a possible 400 channels,(optionally any 10mc segment of 30-90mc).RF power output is 500mw.Requires approx 12vdc supplied by 9ea 500mhr nicad batteries contained in a lower battery box.Size 245mmH x 90mmW x 40mmD,1.1kg(with battery & antenna). 1995 production parameters are reported as any 10mc band between 30- 90mc optional. Selectable RF power outputs of 1w(high) and .5w(low) Known accessories include,long steel tape antenna,& a short rubber helical antenna. Ref.#12,#12C PRC-515(RU-20); Non-US, HF back-pack SSB/AME/CW transceiver. Built in Croatia by RIZ Professional Electronic Group, Zagreb. This model PRC-515 does not appear to have any affiliation with other radios of this same model number. Features include, will survive submersion in water up to 1mtr for up to two hours. Using nicad batteries a mission operational time of up to 12 hours can be expected. For extended field operation, a hand crank generator is available. Ops: 2-29.9999mc with a possible 28,000 channels spaced at 100cps. USB, LSB, AME, CW, and data modes of operation. 20 watts RF output. Size: 229mmH x 321mmW x 76mmD at 5.7kg. Accessories are available for vehicular operation at power levels of 100 and 400 watts. Ref.#12C PRC-624; Israeli VHF/FM hand-held transceiver. Built by Tadiran, the PRC- 624 was designed as a tactical radio for intra-team communications. Features LCD data display, Built in loud speaker and microphone, 10 preset channel capacity, selectable RF power output, data compatible at 10bits/s to 20kbits/s, and expected battery life of 17hrs(at 2w) and 24hrs(at .5w). Ops 30-88mc in 25kc steps providing a possible 2320 channels. RF power output is rated at 2w(high) and .5w(low). Size: 180 x 40 x 80mm at less than 1kg(with battery & antenna). Accessories include external audio devices compatible with other standard types, option pre-packaged lithium or standard AA alkaline types. Ref.#12C PRC-730;Non-US,Back-pack,VHF,FM,frequency hopping transceiver.The PRC-730 number may be the result of a type error,in Ref.#12.The actual number may be PRC-370.Built in Israel by Tadiran,this radio is part of their CNR-900 series of equipment. It can be combine with numerous ancillary equipments to provide portable,ground,vehicular,& aircraft installations in much the same manor as the US PRC-119.These include the VRC-742 short,& VRC-745 long range vehicular radios,CNR-900U aircraft,& a dual transceiver VRC-1465 for long range repeater operation. Features include digital frequency display,key-pad entry of frequency channel & mode(these functions can also be interred from an external loader or cloned from another already programmed set).Full band frequency hopping with ten presets.Data transmission at 16kbs,& ten presetable voice or data channels. Ops 30-89.975mc in 25k steps for a possible 2,320 channels.RF output power is a selectable 4 watts or 250mw(50 watts in high power vehic- ular role).Requires 12,9-14,or 24vdc dependant on the installation. Size 85mmH x 240mmW x 310mmD,7.5kg(8kg with ECCOM). It is possible that this equipment is being supplied by Tadiran on a second source basis to the U.S.Singars Program, specifically the RT-1439. Ref.#12, #12C PRC-770; VHF/FM pack-pack transceiver. The PRC-770 is reported to be a fully updated version of the PRC-77 built by Napco International. It is identical in all respects to the PRC-77 and all internal modules are interchangeable except the A-40 and crystal filters. Improvements over the standard PRC-77 include 25kc channel spacing, and fully updated circuit design. This radio is reported to have been in production for the U.S. Army, and for 50 other countries as of mid 1996. Ref.#12C PRC-999K; Korean VHF/FM ECCM Back-Pack transceiver. Built in Korea by Gold Star Precision, the PRC-999K is designed to be a frequency hopping drop-in replacement for the PRC-77 and PRC-1077. Features digital data display, keyboard data entry, data transmission capabilities(75-16kbits), scan and retranse modes, remote control ability, 6 channel presets, and ancillary equipment to allow vehicular operation(VRC-946K,-947K,-949K). Selectable RF output power. Secure modes of Singars V in SC mode, ECCM FH mode, frequency hopping at 100 channels/second full or partial band. Ops 30-87.975mc in 25kc steps. RF output powers of .3, 5, and 10 watts(selectable). Size: 240H x 90W x 290Dmm, weight 5.8kg(less battery). Ref.#12C PRC-1060; VHF/FM hand-held transceiver. Built by Datron World Communications(formerly Trans World), the PRC-1060 is a rugedized tactical set that is submersable to 1mtr without damage. Features LCD data display, built in loud speaker and mic, 4 channel scanning, selectable RF power output, 12 hour mission battery life expectancy, and external encryption options. Ops 30-87.975mc in 25kc steps. RF power output levels of 100mw(low) and 2 watts(high). Size 254mmH x 88.9mmW x 44.5mmD at 1.2kg(with H- 4595 battery). The designation of PRC-1060 is a commercial model number and not a military AN type. Ref.#12C PRC-1070; VHF/FM hand-held transceiver. The PRC-1070 is basically the same radio as the PRC-1060 offered by the same company. It shares the same operational and physical parameters with the additional feature of an internal card slot that will allow full upgrading to PRC-1080 specifications with ECCOM/COMSEC capabilities. For more information see PRC-1060 and PRC-1080. Ref.#12C PRC-1080; VHF/FM hand-held ECCOM transceiver. The PRC-1080 is the same radio as the PRC-1070 excepting that it is already provided with internal ECCOM options. It's operational and physical parameters are the same as those for the PRC-1060. Features built in digital 16kbits voice encryption, frequency hopping, 9 preset channel capacity. The designations of PRC-1060,-1070, and -1060 are commercial model numbers and not a military AN type. Ref.#12C PRC-2250; HF LSB/USB/AM/CW/Data portable transceiver. Built by SGC of Bellevue Washington, the PRC-2250 is a ruggedized version of their SG- 2000 Multi Mission transceiver. Apparently intended as a low budget alternative system for portable, base, or vehicular operation. Features full data display on an LCD screen, optional computer control via RS-232 connection, full band scan with a possible 100 channels preset, .1/1/3/5kc frequency steps, remote control head, complete telephone line control via RS-232 serial port connection, optional SGC encryption system. Ops 500kc-30mc(receive), 1.6-30mc(transceive) with -/+10cps frequency stability. RF power output is rated at 125watts from 13.6vdc(800ma rec/16amps TX voice). Size: 117 x 254 x 380mm, 5.4kg(less shock mount). Known accessories include SG-230(Smart tuner, computer controlled automatic), SG-303T tactical mobile antenna. The designation of PRC-2250 is appearantly a commercial model number and not an official AN/type. Ref.#12C PRC-5620/RT-5600; Turkish VHF/FM Pack-pack transceiver. Built in Turkey by ASELSAN Military Electronics Industries, the PRC-5620 is a front line tactical transceiver part of the multi role PRC/VRC-5600 systems. The basic RT-5600 can be combined with ancillary equipment to form the PRC-5620 backpack, or VRC-5621,-5624,and -5630 tank radios, and the VRC-5622, -5623, -5628, and -5629 vehicular units. Ops 30-75.975mc in 25kc steps, with up to 10 channels being presetable. RF power outputs dependant on the configuration are rated at 25mw, 250mw, 2, 2.5, 10, and 30 watts. Ref.#12C PRC-6516(EC); Racal/Cougarnet VHF/FM(highband) secure hand-held transceiver. Built by Racal and derived from the Cougar Personal Radio, the PRC-6516 has been included in the U.S. Airforce Scope Shield program, and is the basis for their entry into the Scope Shield II program. Features digital voice encryption with built in encryption modules, security enhancement with 2 code combinations and a zeroise position, frequency and crypto codes are changed by programmer or key/fill unit, Self test functions with multiple warning tones, simi duplex operation, selectable RF output power levels, 10 preset channel capacity, and an array of ancillary equipment to all hand-held, vehicular, base, and man-pack portable systems. Ops on optional bands of 68-88mc, 132-174mc, or 403-470mc. RF output power is 2watts(optional amplifiers available for 10 and 20 watts). Listed power supply voltage is 13.6vdc but this may reflect a system voltage requirement and the actual RT operational voltage may be less. This system is said to be in use by the UK Army, Royal Marines, and numerous overseas forces. It received a U.S. NSA endorsement in April of 1992(132-174mc version), and has been subject to $22.7 million in U.S. Scope Sheild and Scope Sheild II purchases. Ref.#12C PRC-9610; Turkish VHF/FM/Data back-pack transceiver. Built in Turkey by ASELSEN, the PRC-9610 is the basic configuration of the PRC/VRC-9600 series systems. The basic RT unit was designed to be combined with various ancillary components to form a variety of multi role systems including the vehicular VRC-9611(5watt), VRC-9612(50watt), VRC-9614(dual transceiver 5 and 50watt). For use in armored vehicles, systems include VRC- 9621(5watt), VRC-9622(50watt), VRC-9624(dual transceiver 5 and 50watt), and the VRC-9625(dual transceiver 50watts each). Features include digital data display with keyboard data entry, data transmission modes, optional encryption, frequency hopping at 200hops/s, and variable RF output power. Ops 30-88mc in 25kc steps, with optional expansion to 108mc. RF power output is an adjustable 100um,10mw,800mw, and 5 watts(50 watts with optional PA-9601 amplifier). Accessories include PA-9601 50 watt amplifier, LI-9601 wire line interface unit, VR-9601 and RC-9601 wire line remote control units, KD-9601 code key distribution unit, FG-9601 code loading unit.Ref.#12C ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To include the above data in your printed copies Format: Courier #12 font. Margins, top .07", bottum .25", left .5", right .5", header .07", footer 0. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis Starks; Collector/Historian Midwest Military Communications Museum email: military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** LIBRARY MANUALS ON THEIR WAY; The following of my library manuals are on their way to Group members. In standing with the requirement of making copies for other group members at cost plus postage, you may contact them if you need a copy. This curtesy is extended to group members only, please do not abuse it! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #1, Radio Sets GRC-106,A,di sup & gen sup maint manual, TM11-5820-520-34,Feb.72 #2, " ", C-2 April 1974 Though they are not marked to that effect and the TM number does not reflect it, these are the Depo Maint manuals for both the GRC-106 and "A" models. Be advized, the first of these is very thick and complicated. It will be neather easy nor cheep to reproduce. The second is only an update. If you need a copy, contact Dave Sundhiemer at . ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CPRC-26,Radio Set,data summary, Telecommunications I 160 Radio Set,technical description,Telecommunications I 162 Radio Set,electrical,Telecommunications I 163 Radio Set,field & base repair,Telecommunications I 164 Radio Set,permissive repair schedule,Telecommunications I 166 Radio Set,modification instructions,Telecommunications I 167 Radio Set,aluminum instruction plate,(Dutch) Convertion Artical, Ham Radio,Mar.85 The preceeding is the most complete set of manuals for the CPRC-26 known to exist in the U.S.. They are not very good in regard to quality of the pictures they contained do to the poor quality of the originals. If you need any of them contact Ralph Hogan at ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Radio Receiver and Transmitter BC-620, A, B, F, G, H, J, Repair Instructions,TM11-4022,Jun.45 For copies of the above contact C.B. Mueller(Buzz) at ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis Starks; Collector/Historian Midwest Military Communications Museum email: military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; ISB? Time for a new question, what is ISB and what is it used for ? my R-1051 has ISB both upper and lower sideband at the same time. a lot of effort and expense is involved in this, dual audio, filters and detectors. why ? what was this mode used for ? multiple voice or teletype circuits ? my WJ-8888 has it too so it must have bin a big thing back in the seventies. is it still used today? Ray Fantini RAFANTINI@SSU.EDU ed) ISB(independent side band) is a mode which allows the transmission of two completely separate sets of intelligence on opposite sidebands of a single frequency. Say for instance you have a TTY circuit set up on LSB of a selected frequency, you could also operate another circuit on the opposite(USB) at the same time. When I first became familiar with our HF equipment aboard ship, I asked this same question of our URT-23's and R-1051's. Nobody knew what it was so I did some study. Some months later we were unable to find a stable unused freq to set up a circuit from the Med to Panama. I suggested we try this mode with a circuit that was already up and running, it worked, so from then on(but not very often) we'd use it again when frequency congestion or iffee propagation was a problem. I can't say weither it's still used today or not, but I see no reason why it wouldn't be. How be it, it was very seldom used, and not all radio sets even in the military were so equipt(many Airforce/Navy, very few Army). *********************************************** NEW MEMBER; Mike Rioux W1USN I have been interested in radios in general, ham radio in particular, and have always been fascinated by military surplus electronics. I am currently in my 30th year of active and reserve service in the US Navy. I am a Commander and an Intelligence officer. I like small, covert radio equipment. My current 'small' collection includes a PRC-64 (I looked for over 10 years before I finally acquired one! - a Delco 5300), GRC-109 set, PatrolPhone SC-120, a URC-87, and a soon to be acquired PRC-74B. I also build small transceivers to use in ham radio. I have an additional interest in codes and ciphers and own a M209B cipher machine and a lot of books relating to codes and ciphers. I am also a high-power shooter and collect M1 Garands. I would like to acquire the 'accessory' kit for the PRC-64, and any ancillary equipment for the PRC-74B. Thanks, Mike Rioux W1USN *********************************************** ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; The R-1289/PRR offered us by Steve Haney are now sold out. He was surprised at the rate these things sold, and thanks you all. *********************************************** HUMOR; MEMO From: The Computer Support Group To: All PC users RE: Year 2000 software This memo is to announce the development of a new software system. We are currently updating our data center so that all firm data is Year 2000 compliant. The new Program is referred to as the 'Millennia Year Application Software System," henceforth to be abbreviated as MYASS. Next Thursday at 8:30 am there will be a meeting in which I will show MYASS to everyone. We will continue to hold demonstrations through out the month so that all firm employees will have an opportunity to get a good look at MYASS. As for the status of the implementation of the program, I have not addressed the networking aspects so currently only one person at a time can use MYASS. This restriction will be removed after MYASS expands. Several people are using the program already, and have come to depend on it. Just this morning, I walked into a subordinate's office and was not surprised to find he had his nose in MYASS. I've noticed that some of the less technical personnel are somewhat afraid of MYASS. Just last week, when asked to enter some information into the program, I had a secretary say to me, "I'm a little nervous. I've never put anything in MYASS before." I volunteered to help her through her first time, and, when we were through, she admitted that it was relatively painless and she was actually looking forward to doing it again. She went so far as to say that after using SAP and Oracle, she was ready to kiss MYASS. I know there are concerns over the virus that was found in MYASS upon initial installation, but I am pleased to say the virus has been eliminated and we were able to save MYASS. In the future, however, protection will be required prior to entering MYASS. We planned this database to encompass all information associated with the business. So, as you begin using the program, feel free to put anything you want into MYASS. As MYASS grows larger, we envision a time when it will be common place to walk by an office and see a manager hand a paper to an employee and say "Here, stick this in MYASS." This program has already demonstrated great benefit to the firm during recent OSHA and EPA audits. After requesting certain historical data, the agency reps were amazed at how quickly we provided the information. When asked how the numbers could be retrieved so rapidly, our managing partner proudly stated, "It was simple. I just pulled them out of MYASS." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Really Stupid People - - Police in Wichita, Kansas, arrested a 22-year-old man at an airport hotel after he tried to pass two (counterfeit) $16 bills. - - A man in Johannesberg, South Africa, shot his 49-year-old friend in the face, seriously wounding him, while the two practiced shooting beer cans off each other's head. - - A company trying to continue its five-year perfect safety record showed its workers a film aimed at encouraging the use of safety goggles on the job. According to Industrial Machinery News, the film's depiction of gory industrial accidents was so graphic that twenty-five workers suffered minor injuries in their rush to leave the screening room. Thirteen others fainted, and one man required seven stitches after he cut his head falling off a chair while watching the film. - - The Chico, California, City Council enacted a ban on nuclear weapons, setting a $500 fine for anyone detonating one within city limits. - - A bus carrying five passengers was hit by a car in St. Louis, but by the time police arrived on the scene, fourteen pedestrians had boarded the bus and had begun to complain of whiplash injuries and back pain. - - Swedish business consultant Ulf af Trolle labored 13 years on a book about Swedish economic solutions. He took the 250-page manuscript to be copied, only to have it reduced to 50,000 strips of paper in seconds when a worker confused the copier with the shredder. - - A convict broke out of jail in Washington D.C., then a few days later accompanied his girlfriend to her trial for robbery. At lunch, he went out for a sandwich. She needed to see him, and thus had him paged. Police officers recognized his name and arrested him as he returned to the courthouse in a car he had stolen over the lunch hour. - - Police in Radnor, Pennsylvania, interrogated a suspect by placing a metal colander on his head and connecting it with wires to a photocopy machine. The message "He's lying" was placed in the copier, and police pressed the copy button each time they thought the suspect wasn't telling the truth. Believing the "lie detector" was working, the suspect confessed. - - When two service station attendants in Ionia, Michigan, refused to hand over the cash to an intoxicated robber, the man threatened to call the police. They still refused, so the robber called the police and was arrested. - - A Los Angeles man who later said he was "tired of walking," stole a steamroller and led police on a 5 mph chase until an officer stepped aboard and brought the vehicle to a stop. Let's face it-English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend, that you comb through annals of history but not a single annal? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it? If teachers taught, why didn't preacher praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? If you wrote a letter, perhaps you bote your tongue? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? Park on driveways and drive on parkways? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and wise guy are opposites? How can overlook and oversee be opposites, while quite a lot and quite a few are alike? How can the weather be hot as hell one day and cold as hell another. Have you noticed that we talk about certain things only when they are absent? Have you ever seen a horseful carriage or a strapful gown? Met a sung hero or experienced requited love? Have you ever run into someone who was combobulated, gruntled, ruly or peccable? And where are all those people who ARE spring chickens or who would ACTUALLY hurt a fly? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm clock goes off by going on. English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race (which, of course, isn't a race at all). That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. And why, when I wind up my watch, I start it, but when I wind up this essay, I end it. *********************************************** (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) ***********************************************