From: Dennis R Starks To: PasqualeNJ@aol.com,kg0qe@juno.com,w0nbz@juno.com,jawbrey@juno.com, lee@vtw.net,pmonroe@inwave.com,cranwill@roanoke.infi.net, ranickel@mwci.net,peterada@mindspring.com,haffner@mcs.net, eldim@worldnet.att.net,dr@cei.net,mrhro@pdq.net, kargokult@proaxis.com,ip500@roanoke.infi.net,bstrang@iac.net, jayc@hpcmrd42.sj.hp.com,AAFRadio@erols.com, jupeter@net-tech.com.au,rzelick@inetarena.com,ae4zh@juno.com, fsglong@mscomm.com,noel@mail.li.com,tactcom@rocketmail.com, davprin@gil.com.au,wa5cmi@access1.net,badger@telalink.net, smithab1@bellatlantic.net,jproc@idirect.com,marmot@core.com, torchboots@email.msn.com,adrian_heinrich@hotmail.com, wb4lzq@atl.mindspring.com,DKWkid@aol.com,TVComlGuy@aol.com, located@worldnet.att.net,tscm@jps.net,janschrader@juno.com, richwurtz@juno.com,carmelo.litrico@ctonline.it, jlbowers@planetkc.com,rbrunner@gis.net, spencer12345@classic.msn.com,d2012pn1@ozemail.com.au, dgrev@apollo.ruralnet.net.au,ae4in@webshoppe.net, peter@bergent.net,l.meulstee@wxs.nl Date: Thu, 2 Dec 1999 05:40:03 -0600 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Dec.2/99 Message-ID: <19991202.054004.-210069.3.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Mailer: Juno 3.0.13 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Full-Name: Dennis R Starks X-Status: Sent X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 0-12,14,16-19,21-32,34-35,38-39,41,43-46,54,59,63,70,74,78-81,83-140,142-189,191-196,198-201,203-205,207-208,210-223,227-234,238-251,257-329,331,333-396,398-400,407-409 X-Juno-Att: 0 X-Juno-Fcc: Sent Items X-Juno-Size: 17758 X-Juno-RefParts: 0 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Dec.2/99 Index: WW-II COMANCHE CODE TALKER GETS AWARD; FSE 38/58 HAPPY CAMPER; From Breck Smith GOVERNMENT Y2K EMERGENCY FREQS; MEMBERS WRITE; First Computers URC-10 Vest? G-77 Hand Crank Generator? NEW MEMBER; Murray McCabe HUMOR; *********************************************** WW-II COMANCHE CODE TALKER GETS AWARD; The Army today presented a special award to the last surviving member of an elite World War II group that used their native language as an unbreakable code to relay sensitive U.S. military messages during the crucial weeks following the D-Day landings in Europe. Charles Chibitty of the Comanche Code Talkers received the Knowlton Award in a ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. The award, established in 1995 by the Military Intelligence Corps Association, recognizes individuals for outstanding intelligence work. It was named for Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton, who served in the Revolutionary War. Chibitty was one of 17 Comanche Indians recruited to serve in the Army Signals Corps because of their unique language. Like the larger group of Navajo Indians who performed a similar service as Marines in the Pacific theater during World War II, the Comanches were dubbed ``code talkers.'' The Comanches coded messages from the battlefields in Europe back to division headquarters, where another of their group decoded the messages, thereby avoiding the common problem of enemy decoding. They used the phrase ``crazy white man'' -- posah-tai-vo in Comanche -- to refer to Adolf Hitler. Because they had a native word for airplane but not bomber, they used the Comanche phrase for ``pregnant airplane.'' Chibitty, 78, was born near Medicine Park, Okla. He enlisted in the Army in January 1941 and achieved the rank of corporal. He earned the World War II Victory Medal, the European Theater of Operations (5th Bronze Star) Victory Medal, the Europe African Middle East Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. *********************************************** FSE 38/58 HAPPY CAMPER; From Breck Smith Many Thanks to ALAN TASKER for his efforts in finding and coordinating the FSE 38 project. I received my radio last week. It was well packed and in its original canvas case.I was gone for the day when it arrived and my family put it next to the shop door trying to figure out what it was with the foreign language on the box, I guess the next step was to soak the box in water. I was surprised to see that the helmet antenna was included, as well as a battery storage case.I know that the group is working on a manual but thought I would send a few of my observations. Initial bench inspection at 6 volts, power was as stated and exceeded the 10 and 50 mw.Current used at 6 volts was 15 mills in idle, transmit was 90 mills in the 50 mw position. Receiver sensitivity was approximate 2 uv but I did not run the 12 db SINAD test yet. Opening the radio up revealed two rows of spare crystals for changing frequency. I guess that the antenna was meant for helmet use, I could probably get the existing mounting system to work by attaching the two small brackets to the lower portion of the ears and the large antenna housing with the U shaped bracket would attach under the front teeth. Only one crystal is needed for both transmit & receive, and the unit has a common 10.7 IF.(Note your old low band 6 meter scanner crystals should work, i.e., the crystal formula is Oper Freq minus 10.7MC=XTAL FREQ). I have found the oscillator and receiver voltage test points on the test plug. Note if you go to far in frequency it will require alignment. I will probably wait until further tech data is available before attempting alignment on 51.0 or 51.6 Mcs. I fabricated a battery shell using an alumuminum tube with a fabricated lexan base. The lexan base was drilled out and fitted with a spring contact. The tube houses two Lithium batteries and after insertion the battery cover fits. Will try and analyze the crystal specs this month and come up with specs and alignment to move the radio up to 51.0. Perhaps alignment instructions can be published that just require turning each coil a certain number of turns to get you close. Again thanks to ALAN TASKER Breck ed) Good to learn of the 10.7mc IF freq. This may also allow the use of PRT-4/PRR-9 xtals. *********************************************** GOVERNMENT Y2K EMERGENCY FREQS; Y2K Emergency Frequency List (Provided by radio station WGTG, McHalesville, GA) Upper-Sideband Voice 4585 Khz Civil Air Patrol Command and Control 5203 North Carolina National Guard 5211 Federal Emergency Management Agency 5755 Federal Agencies' Emergency Command and Control 6870 Federal Aviation Administration Command and Control 7302 USAF MARS Emergency Net 7635 Civil Air Patrol Alternate C&C 7743 Federal Agencies' C&C Net 8093 National Guard Command and Control Net 8125 FAA Regional Command and Control Net 10493 FEMA Command and Control Net 11045 Federal Agencies' C&C Net 13457 FAA Regional Command and Control Alternate U. S. Army National Guard - USB Voice 3032 Khz Night-time Primary Net 5203 Night-time Alternate Net 7648 Day-time Primary Net 4442 Night-time Operations 4445 Night-time Operations 4520 Night-time Operations 5202 Night-time Operations 6766 Evening Operations 6910 Evening Operations 10796 Day-time Operations 12168 Day-time Operations *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; First Computer? > who built the first computer? I belong to another e-mail list where this question was discussed at length last year. The long and short of it is that it depends on "what is your definition of a computer"? Some of the factors are: - Does it have a 'stored program'? - Is the program modifiable? - Does it implement the 'standard' programming constructs, such as IF/THEN decisions, branching, and looping? - Does it 'calculate' results, or is it a 'lookup table'? - Does it have to be 'electronic', or is mechanical OK? - etc. By some definitions, any of the old mechanical adding machines are computers, and they can be much older than Turing, et al. Or what about a player-piano? It has a 'modifiable stored program', and executes a series of 'instructions', right? On the other hand, it does not 'calculate' anything, and it has no if/then or branching capability... Pete ----------------------------- Some time ago, I read some information (source is lost in the cobwebs of my brain) pertinent to Ed's questions about who really invented the computer. In fact, the Fort Worth, TX, Science Museum has an excellent exhibit about the history of computing. Part of the problem of deciding who invented the first computer involves defining what one means by a computer. The modern definition is such that the machine must be capable of programmable, general purpose calculation. In other words, machines designed for a specific calculation and incapable of other, general calculations are not strictly considered "computers." The other problem in discovering the "first" computer involves the actual type of device. Mechanical computers have been known for many years. However, most people alive today have never seen a general purpose mechanical computer. Most people consider the modern electronic, general purpose computer to be "the computer." As I recall, the wartime "Colossus" is considered by many to be the first electronic computer and the "Eniac" is the first general purpose computer. Although the Colossus could be programmed, it was designed for a specific purpose and had strict limits on what calculations it could perform. I could probably be more specific if I could remember where I read all of this. Perhaps some other group member is more up-to-date on the subject. The first computer I ever used was a Univac 1103 so I don't go back to the really early days of computing! I just finished reading "Code Breaking" by Rudolf Kippenhahn. This is currently available in bookstores. It is a history and explanation of codes and codebreaking with very interesting coverage of the enigma machine. It details the Polish contribution as well as the French and British involvement. The theory of various codes is given along with easy to understand examples. It is an excellent book to read along with the group discussions of the enigma. Lenox Carruth Dallas, TX carruth@geo-thermal.com Collector of WW-II Communications Equipment and Memorabilia ----------------------------------------------------------------- URC-10 Vest? Dennis: I'd appreciate it if you'd ask the group in any one knows which downed airman's vest that uses the URC-10 radio. Thanks, Roland ----------------------------------------------------------------- G-77 Hand Crank Generator? Does anyone know of a source for the G-77 handcranked generator that supplies 12 to 17 volts DC? Breck ed) I don't know where one might be found, but if you find one let me know, I'd like to have one too. Until now I'd never even heard of a G-77. *********************************************** NEW MEMBER; Thank you for your Invitation which I'm please to accept, together with the 6 principles. Personal details are set out below. If additional information is required please advise and it will be supplied. Murray McCabe, murray@mcabe15.freeserve.co.uk Nationality: Scottish Language: English with basic facility in technical French Normal employment: Problems on large motors and generators. Hobby interest: The history and design of military manpack radio specifically, but not exclusively, VHF FM. Why a set was designed one way and not another. Underlying philosophies and restrictions. Milestone designs. Component development effects on set design. Sources of data and hardware. General interest in DC-DC transistor converters for valve sets. Some data held on and/or experience with: US AN/PRC-10 and -10A series, derivatives and accessories US PRC-28, European versions, UK SR A41 and SR A42 Nos.1 and SR A41 Nos. 2 and 3, Canadian CPRC-509 and -510, AM-598, French 'AQ' series and BA-511A DC-DC transistor converters and Canadian PP-5095 transistor converter. UK SR A40 (CPRC-26) W. German SEM-35 US AN/PRC-25 and -77 UK PRC-351/2 and BCC-543 ATU (TUAAM) French BA-491A DC-DC converter for PRC-6 type sets Restrictions: It is generally uneconomic for a UK citizen to purchase surplus gear from a US dealer. The initial costs are too high. End user certification, carriage, insurance and import duty can further increase these costs by 80% e.g. a PRC-6 from Fair Radio can cost £100 to import while a French 6 channel version of the PRC-6 (TR PP-8A) is on sale from European dealers at £24. Limited access to photocopying. The best to you and yours, Murray *********************************************** HUMOR; BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR THE FOLLOWING VIRUSES CLINTON VIRUS .... Gives you a 7 Inch Hard Drive with NO memory. VIAGRA VIRUS..... Makes a new hard drive out of an old floppy. LEWINSKY VIRUS.... Sucks all the memory out of your computer then emails everyone about what it did. RONALD REAGAN VIRUS.... Saves your data, but forgets where it is stored. MIKE TYSON VIRUS.... Quits after two bytes. OPRAH WINFREY VIRUS....... Your 300 MB hard drive suddenly shrinks to 100 MB ,then slowly expands to 200 MB DR. JACK KEVORKIAN VIRUS..... Deletes all old files ELLEN DEGENERES VIRUS.... Disks can no longer be inserted . DISNEY VIRUS...Everything in your computer goes Goofy PROZAC VIRUS... Screws up your RAM but your processor doesn't care. JOEY BUTTAFUOCO VIRUS.... Only attacks minor files ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER VIRUS... Terminates some files, leaves, but IT WILL BE BAAAAACK LORENA BOBBIT VIRUS... Re-formats your hard drive into a 3.5 floppy, then discards it through Windows ----------------------------------------------------------------- Joe took his blind date to the carnival. "What would you like to do first, Kim?" asked Joe. "I want to get weighed," she said. They ambled over to the weight guesser. He guessed 120 pounds. She got on the scale; it read 117 and she won a prize. Next the couple went on the ferris wheel. When the ride was over, Joe again asked Kim what she would like to do. "I want to get weighed," she said. Back to the weight guesser they went. Since they had been there before, he guessed her correct weight, and Joe lost his dollar. The couple walked around the carnival and again he asked where to next. "I want to get weighed," she responded. By this time, Joe figured she was really weird and took her home early, dropping her off with a handshake. Her roommate, Laura, asked how the blind date was, to which Kim responded, "Oh, Waura, it was wousy." ----------------------------------------------------------------- A couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. Their domestic tranquillity had long been the talk of the town. A local newspaper reporter was inquiring as to the secret of their long and happy marriage. "Well, it dates back to our honeymoon," explained the man. "We visited the Grand Canyon and took a trip down to the bottom on the canyon by pack mule. We hadn't gone too far when my wife's mule stumbled. My wife quietly said, 'That's once.' We proceeded a little further and the mule stumbled again. Once more my wife quietly said, 'That twice.' We hadn't gone a half- mile when the mule stumbled the third time. My wife quietly removed a revolver from her pocket and shot the mule dead. I started to protest over her treatment of the mule when she looked at me and quietly said 'That's once.'" ----------------------------------------------------------------- IDIOTS AT WORK... I was signing the receipt for my credit card purchase when the clerk noticed that I had never signed my name on the back of the credit card. She informed me that she could not complete the transaction unless the card was signed. When I asked why, she explained that it was necessary to compare the signature on the credit card with the signature I just signed on the receipt. So I signed the credit card in front of her. She carefully compared that signature to the one I signed on the receipt. As luck would have it, they matched. ADVICE FOR IDIOTS An actual tip from page 16 of the HP "Environmental, Health & Safety Handbook for Employees: "Blink your eyelids periodically to lubricate your eyes." IDIOTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the Deer Crossing sign on our road. The reason: Many deer were being hit by cars and he no longer wanted them to cross there. IDIOTS IN FOOD SERVICE My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the individual behind the counter for "minimal lettuce," He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg. IDIOT SIGHTINGS Sighting #1: I was at the airport, checking in at the gate, when the airport employee asked, "Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?" I said, "If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?" He smiled and nodded knowingly, "That's why we ask." Sighting #2: The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it is safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine, when she asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals to blind people when the light is red. She responded, appalled, "What on earth are blind people doing driving?" Sighting #3: At a good-bye lunch for an old and dear coworker who is leaving the company due to "downsizing," our manager spoke up and said, "this is fun. We should have lunch like this more often." Not another word was spoken. We just looked at each other like deer staring into the headlights of an approaching truck. Sighting #4: I worked with an Individual who plugged her power strip back into itself and for the life of her could not understand why her system would not turn on. Sighting #5: When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told that the keys had been accidentally locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's side door. As I watched from the passenger's side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered it was open. "Hey," I announced to the technician, "It's open!" "I know," answered the young man.- "I already got that side." *********************************************** 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 ***********************************************