From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#3 Fcc: Sent Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 08:36:11 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Apr.28/99 Message-ID: <19990428.083510.2303.8.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Apr.28/99 Index: ANNOUNCEMENTS; "THE SIGNAL CORPS" BACK IN PRINT; Weekend Post/Monthly Purge, PARA-MILITARY RADIOS; Part VII, by Dennis Starks The Tesla PR-35, SSR-5A, MEMBERS WRITE; BC-348-O, and Hallicrafters Versions. Czech Tatra & Unimogs? HUMOR; *********************************************** ANNOUNCEMENTS; "THE SIGNAL CORPS" BACK IN PRINT; It would appear from several message that I've received, that "The Signal Corps" is back in print and available from the Government printing office. The GPO maintains a web site that can be ordered from, and they do accept international orders. I VERY STRONGLY advise anyone who does not have this set to get one while you still can! The U.S. Army in WW-II, The Signal Corps: Vol. 1: The Emergency (to Dec. 1941) Vol. 2: The Test (Dec. 1941 - July 1943) Vol. 3: The Outcome (Mid 1943 through 1945) Weekend Post/Monthly Purge, Next weekend will be the first of this month. With that, the "Paper Trail", and "Group Want's/Trade's" will again be purged to begin fresh. So have your entries in before Friday night. *********************************************** PARA-MILITARY RADIOS; Part VII by Dennis Starks Tesla PR-35(KGB & Various Communist Block Agencies) The PR-35 interred production in the late 1970's and is known to have still been in use in the late 1980's. It was expressly designed as an ultra concealable radio set for use by agents during covert surveillance. As such the PR-35 has no provisions for local control, it was worn concealed on the agents body, and a novel selection of accessories were provided for it's enhanced operation. These included a conventional speaker/mic, and rubber duckie type antenna for casual use. Or for maximum concealability under clothing a special mic, remote PTT switch, and wire type antenna could be used. The Tesla also boasted a unique method of silent signaling. This in the form of an extremely small vibrator that was kept in it's user's pocket and could be activated by the special tone transmitted by a distant radio. This would then alert it's user to incoming traffic without alarming persons near by. Equally unique was it's method of optional power, and charging of it's nicad batteries. A universal module was supplied with each set that would allow both operation of the radio, or charging of it's nicad batteries from just about any DC voltage source an agent might encounter. The PR-35 operates on three crystal control channels in the area of 160mc FM, with an RF power output of 300mw. It's power supply of 5-7vdc was normally derived from a 225mhr nicad battery(two packs included with each set). All cabinet parts, even the accessories, are of sheet metal construction and have a baked-on hammertone gray finish. The radio proper is only 5/8" thick, 3" wide, 5 7/9" tall. My example was built in East Germany(1980), and exhibits a quality in construction unusual to communist block countries. Several informed source also place the use of this little radio set in the hands of the U.S. CIA stationed in the European theater after the fall of the Berlin Wall. These radio sets have been offered in excellent condition contained in their original shipping containers by the German Surplus dealer Helmut Singer for some time at a moderate cost, so I just had to have one. My thanks to Chris Hassic for obtaining them for me. ----------------------------------------------------------------- WW-II SSR-5A (Office of Strategic Services) The SSR-5 was developed late in WW-II expressly for the OSS(Office of Strategic Services). Originally, it was conceived as the receiver component of the SSTR-5 suite case type transmitting and receiving station. Issued separately, it was smuggled, or air dropped to operatives behind the lines who would then have the ability to receive encrypted messages from several originating sources. These receivers were hand built in very limited quantities, and might look today like something home brewed by a gifted Ham. Only common, off-the-shelf parts were used to keep production time and cost to a minimum. They were micro-miniature in size by the standards of the time, and no slouch even by today's standards, being only about one third the size of a standard cigar box. It was a six tube superhytrodyne receiver that would operate 2-12mc in two bands, AM and CW. It required 90volts B+, and 1.5v for the heaters normally supplied by external batteries. In post war years, surplus cabinet parts for these receivers were acquired by one enterprising company, combined with the internal components, and commercially marketed for a short time in kit form. Some of you might remember adds in period QST and CQ magazines for the "Lucy Receiver" at $19.95 where it was touted as "designed for, and used by the U.S.Secret Service, Para-Troopers, and the land and sea forces", there is no historic evidence to support the later part of this claim, and it's most likely just promotional propaganda. Also, it is unknown where the "Lucy" nick name came from, whether this too was just promotional hype, or one adopted by actual war time users. The SSR-5 did remained in government service of some kind or other until the late 1950's which is evidenced by the dated modifications made to the one in my collection. Used during war time in much the same way as the Navy RBZ(special), it too remained in inventory long after the war, Hmmm? Midwest Military Communications Museum. Dennis Starks email: military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; BC-348-O, and Hallicrafters Versions. Produced by RCA (CRV) under contract number 145-WF-42. Contract number was not printed on nameplate- only on a paper label inside unit case, and these cases were often swapped. Same design as the BC-348-S by Belmont. Highest documented serial number: 6125 Tube Line-up: 1st RF(6K7), 2nd RF(6K7), 1st DET(6J7), OSC(6C5), VR(991), 1st IF(6K7), 2nd IF/BFO(6F7), 3rd IF/2nd DET/AVC(6B8), OUTPUT(41) Correct shock mounts: FT-154-E, -L, -P, -T or -W. I have a BC-348-O in my collection. I wouldn't call them "rare," but they are uncommon. Near-complete information on the various models of BC-348 can be found at Ken Corwin's BC-348 web page at: http://hereford.ampr.org/history/bc-348.html I've never heard of a 348 made by Hallicrafters. If you know of one, it is very important that all the information on its nomenclature plate, its tube line-up and any other distinguishing features be documented for the record. Please let anyone you know that has a Halli 348 that I would appreciate getting to contact them. Good luck OM! 73 Dave AB5S Dennis, Bob Lindren wanted to know diffferences on the BC 348 series. Literature here says that the BC 348 -E, M, P, O, S were the same. Minor variations one suspects depends upon who got the contract. They were 28 volt operated and used double ended tubes ... 6K7 and the like. If you look at the parts lists, and then to the manufacturer, the BC - 348 - E, M, and P, had the RF parts made by Stromberg C arlson... one could assume that they made the radios. The other models, BC-348 O, and S appeared to use RCA components predominently. Guess who made them. The 12 volt versions were labelled BC- 224 -E, G, H, and L. The only difference in the schematics was the addition of a capacitor in series with the connection to the antenna coil for band #1. The later series were the BC- 348-J, N and Q. Circuit was basically similar but used single ended tubes... 6SK7 et al. In my opinion, the contingencies of war at the later stages { 1943} caused economies to be made in construction techniques and materials. A '348 Q I have used ironsheet for the RF tube shelf in lieu of aliuminium which may have been needed for airplanes. Comparing both models in my collection, I would give preference to the BC - 348 O series. IT's a pity early users tossed out the dynamotors thus making so much harder for us restorers, altho' I know of one guy that has a motor but finds it difficult to part with. ![ hint] pete VK 3 IZ ed)Hallicrafters is listed in TM11-487(HDBK-151) 1958 as the supplier of the BC-348(ARR-11) at a cost of $397.00, for the ARC-8(combo ART-13 & BC-348). I'll try to remember who it was that had found one. FYI, I think I got two DM-28's so nyaaaa! ----------------------------------------------------------------- Czech Tatra & Unimogs? I recently saw a 4 wd magazine that featured an 8x8 truck that I believe was made in the Czech Rep. by Tatra. The article said it was purchased by a surplus dealer as a former US Army vehicle (it still showed US markings) that had been captured during Desert Storm. Does anyone know any other instances of captured or non-inventory vehicles in use by US forces? I have seen a couple of examples of the German Unimog (4x4 1 1/4ton) that were used by US Army engineers. These had backhoes and dozer blades mounted. Are any of these ever released by DRMO? Great articles on the MX series! I got a couple last week and plan on putting them on 2 Meters. Couldn't have done it without the info from the postings! My only question is-Where the heck is the stop pin for the channel selector and how do I move it to make a 12 ch? Ken Sakamoto ed) Tom Norris and I had some conversation about imported military vehicles at the Little Rock hamfest last weekend, the back-hoe-Unimog was one of them. The weekend before last at the Joplin hamfest I had a long conversation with the recent purchaser of a NATO surplus Unimog(for $7800) who wanted to put the proper radio in it. But I've not heard any stories about re-utilized Warsaw Pact captured vehicles in official use. I was told a story of some Russian wire line communications vehicles, with shelters, that were imported into the Gulf area(Louisiana?), as the story goes, the purchaser wanted to sell me it's contents, and the EPA would not allow the importation of the trucks because of their smog emission standards so he was scrapping them out with the only component to survive being the shelters. Apparently some quantities of NATO surplus Unimogs are coming into the country and being sold at almost reasonable prices. I've not heard of any being surplused from U.S. military sources. *********************************************** HUMOR; This was an actual letter from and a reply to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, State of Michigan: Mr. Ryan De Vries 2088 Dagget Pierson, MI 49339 Dear Mr. DeVries: SUBJECT: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023-1 T11N, R10W, Sec. 20, Montcalm County It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent unauthorized activity on the above-referenced parcel of property. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity: Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond. A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the Department's files shows that no permits have been issued. Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, annotated. The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially failed during a recent rain event, causing debris and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted. The Department therefore orders you to cease and desist all unauthorized activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams from the stream channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31,1998. Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff. Failure to comply with this request or any further unauthorized activity on the site may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action. We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions. Sincerely, David L. Price District Representative Land and Water Management Division RESPONSE Dear Mr. Price: Re: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023; T11N, R10W, Sec 20; Montcalm County Your certified letter dated 12/17/97 has been handed to me to respond to. You sent out a great deal of carbon copies to a lot of people, but you neglected to include their addresses. You will, therefore, have to send them a copy of my response. First of all, Mr. Ryan De Vries is not the legal landowner and/or contractor at 2088 Dagget, Pierson, Michigan - I am the legal owner and a couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, authorize, nor supervised their dam project, I think they would be highly offended that you call their skillful use of natural building materials "debris." I would like to challenge your department to attempt to emulate their dam project any time and/or any place you choose. I believe I can safely state there is no way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic. As to your request, I do not think the beavers are aware that they first must fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity. My first dam question to you is: (1) are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers or (2) do you require all beavers throughout this State to conform to said dam request? If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, through the Freedom of Information Act I request completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits that have been issued. Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451of the Public Acts of 1994,being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, annotated. I have several concerns. My first concern is - aren't the beavers entitled to legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said representation - so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer. The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed during a recent rain event causing flooding is proof that this is a natural occurrence which the department is required to protect. In other words, we should leave the Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling their dam names. If you want the stream "restored" to a dam free-flow condition * please contact the beavers - but if you are going to arrest them (they obviously did not pay any attention to your dam letter-being unable to read English) -- be sure they are read the Miranda rights first. As for me, I am not going to cause more flooding or dam debris jams by interfering with these dam builders. If you want to hurt these dam beavers-be aware I am sending a copy of your dam letter and this response to PETA. If your dam Department seriously finds all dams of this nature inherently hazardous and truly will not permit their existence in this State-I seriously hope you are not selectively enforcing this dam policy - or once again both I and the Spring Pond Beavers will scream prejudice! In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green and water flows downstream. They have more dam right than I do to live and enjoy Spring Pond. If the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection lives to its name, it should protect the natural resources (Beavers) and the environment (Beavers' Dams). So, as far as the beavers and I are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more elevated enforcement action right now. Why wait until 1/31/98? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then and there will be no way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them then. In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention a real environmental quality (health) problem in the area. It is the bears. Bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the beavers alone. If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! (The bears are not careful where they dump!) Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response to your dam office via another government organization - the dam USPS. Maybe, someday, it will get there. Sincerely, Stephen L. Tvedten cc: PETA ----------------------------------------------------------------- I would like to express my thanks to those of you who were thoughtfull enough to send your condolences to the family of the mouse that got roasted in my SX-28. John Doe Mouse received bouquets of fresh cut flowers, several one pound bricks of different kinds of cheese, sympathy cards with a likeness of Mickey Mouse on the front, and a music box resembling Mighty Mouse that played the Battle Hymn Of The Republic! I was deluged with e-mail from all over the planet. I got one today, April 24th, from Russia. This gentleman, a government official, offered to ship me old rectifier tubes so I could build a memorial to Mr. Mouse! This is actually true! Incredible! Does the Hallicrafters reflector have readers there? Now several of you went totally over the edge for this unfortunate rodent who nested on the Hallicrafters chasis. One of you in Texas, sent the cat a Helium baloon that congratulated it for barfing on my tennis shoe! Some girl in a Cat Woman costume delivered it to my door. She sang me this little ditty about the Mickey Mouse Club while the cassette recorder she had under her costume played taps! "M I C. C what happens when you are mean to Mr. Mouse? K E Y. Y? Because cat's like mice! M O U S E." Has Annette come out of retirement? Then there was the guy who sent the forensics team here to remove the remains of Mr. Mouse from the inside of my reciever! I mean this mouse didn't just get fried like an overdone burger on a grill, he explodedlike an over inflated tire! the whole inside of the cabinet had mouse drippings, dripping! Now this guy was not some animal lover with misplaced fantasies of helpfulness, as he was not concerned about Mr. Mouse getting a proper burial. He wanted to be certain that the classic SX-28 got every micron of mouse tissue removed and not one tiny droplet of mouse juice damaged the circuitry. They did do a nice job of cleaning it up, I must admit! Before they got out the door, in rolled a herse complete with funeral director and staff! They pulled right up on my lawn and started to unload! The forensic dude with the plastic sealed body baggie just stood there with his lowe rlip hanging so far down that he got footprints on it! One burly guy grabbed the mouse remains, placed them in a little coffin, closed the lid, put some kind of special airtight seal on it and stared at me. "Are you the guy who executed this poor rodent without so much as a trial? If I had my way mister, I would roast your butt with my butane lighter, right here and now!" Some woman cleared her throat, spit on my sidewalk and broke into a few verses of Hickory Dickory Dock. Then they mumbled some words, crossed themselves, did a little dance like they were trying to scratch fleas under their armpits and carried the little coffin to the waiting herse. It really was sort of touching, in a strange way. Somebody actually spent their moneyf or this? As the hearse roared off down the street I heard the guy with the shoe marks on his tongue shout, "Look! That guy in the black tux has a flame thrower!" Whoosh! The little coffin went up in a puff of white smoke and the big burley football wanna be started throwing ashes out the window. I gave the forensic guy an ice cube for his tongue and locked my back door! If you people are so charitible, why don't you send me a pair of tennis shoes that don't smell like rotten seafood? Somebody offer to take this wacko cat that keeps burying himself under the sand in the litter box! And please don't send me any more of those electronic cards with the voice of Mickey Mouse squeeking Amazing Grace! Let the mouse be dead and let me get back to polishing boat anchors instead of sending thank you notes! Oh yes, don't forget the Hallicrafters Collectors Association twenty meter net tomorrow, Sunday April 25th at 1:45 PM EDT, (1745 UTC), on 14.293 Mhz. Your net controller will be Craing Winchar VE4WI. Send your mouse-o-grams to him! Duane Fischer W8DBF ----------------------------------------------------------------- Two boys are playing football in Golden Gate Park when one is attacked by a rabid Rottweiler. Thinking quickly, the other boy rips off a board of the nearby fence, wedges it down the dog's collar and twists, breaking the dog's neck. A reporter who was strolling by sees the incident, and rushes over to interview the boy. "Young Forty Niners'Fan Saves Friend From Vicious Animal," he starts writing in his notebook. "But I'm not a Niners fan," the little hero replied. "Sorry, since we are in San Francisco I just assumed you were." said the reporter and starts again. "Little Oakland Raiders' Fan Rescues Friend From Horrific Attack" he continued writing in his notebook. "I'm not a Raiders fan either," the boy said. "I assumed everyone in the Bay Area was either for the Niners or Raiders. What team do you root for?" the reporter asked. "I'm a Cowboys fan." the child said. The reporter starts a new sheet in his notebook and writes, "Little Redneck Kills Beloved Family Pet." ----------------------------------------------------------------- A loser is a stowaway on a kamikaze plane. -- Charlie Manna ----------------------------------------------------------------- Does college pay? Of course. If you're a halfback or a basketball player they pay you very well. College athletes are always saying to me, "When should I turn pro?" And I say not until you've earned all you can in college. -- Will Rogers ----------------------------------------------------------------- Some guy came running in the other night and said, "Somebody stole my car!" I said, "Did you see him?" He said, "No, but I got his license plate." -- Bill Barner *********************************************** (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) ***********************************************