From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#4 Fcc: Sent Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 05:44:56 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Sept.21/99 Message-ID: <19990921.054402.10719.0.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Sept.21/99 Index: MEMBERS WRITE; More PRC-127, & PRC-127A, More PRC-112, SKY-515? ARC-123? WW-II Troop Radio? More GRC-14, New SSTR-1 Notes & Navy MAB Connection, NEW MEMBER; Bruce Stewart HUMOR; *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; More PRC-127, & PRC-127A, Dennis et al, One of the feature differences of the PRC-127A is that it has 28 channels instead of 14. There may be other differences. I think 127s are showing up because the Army is switching to the 127A. There were/are a number of non Military Gvt agencies buying this radio as well. Alan Good Morning Gentlemen, The biggist difference I have found between the two is that the PRC-127a is capable of 12.5 kHz channel spacing (tighter deviation on TX audio, different IF filters on RX, etc.), in addition to the standard 25/30 kHz channel spacing. This change was made in August of 1996. I am still going through the data I have downloaded. Regarding other agencies purchasing the radios, I know of: DoD/USA, FEMA, USDT/IRS, GSA/FPS, DoJ/INS, DoJ/INS, DoJ/USMS, USDA, DoI/USF&WS, DoI/NPS, DoI/BLM, DoI/BIA, VA National Guard, City of Tampa (FL), New York Transit Authority, Florida Division of Forestry, Idaho Bureau of Communications. Mark Dennis, I got a PRC-127A model. The difference I have been told is the A model will support 28 channels and closer channel spacing. However, my 'A' has still a 14 channel switch. There may be some way to 'bank' switch I am not yet aware of. I'm looking for operating/programming instructions, charger and a replacement volume pot. Ralph Hogan ------------------------------------------------------------------ More PRC-112, Dennis, There used to be an article on the web that told how NASA married an extended duty battery to the PRC-112 for use in the space shuttle. I believe the unit was there in case of a "way off course" landing. Also, I believe the PRC-112A has ICOM (internal COMSEC), i.e. scrambled voice capability. Alan Dennis, Thanks for information on the PRC-112. I got also an e-mail from Mr. Tasker confirming the past existence of an article on the NASA's PRC-112 use on the net. I heard that the PRC-112 was modified to use by the astronauts for communications inside and outside the Space Shuttle (probably UHF low power???). Unfortunately, I am not able to recover this article. By the way, I think there was a secure voice version of the PRC-112, too. I found some info on such at Ft. Gordon's web site. There was a picture of an alleged secure PRC-112 with an extra audio socket. Jane's also reported such version. Can you check this? Surprisingly, the PRC-112 was offered in Poland to the army. I do not know whether they decided to buy it. Today, the radio can be even bought at a Motorola Poland representative. I also inquired at Motorola (USA) about the price of their commercial PRC-112 offered to the public and advertised on the net - it's $5000. The price in Poland is even higher - I was told, it is equal to a brand new car. There is also an URL you can download a TM for the PRC-112 in pdf format (about 20 MB): http://pma202.navair.navy.mil . Try it. -- Jan Bury e-mail: yahya@orient.uw.edu.pl ------------------------------------------------------------------ SKY-515? Hi Dennis. Came across this item on e-bay. #164226520 Looks a lot like a PRC-25/77 configuration in civilian clothes for the civil aero band. Never seen anything like this before. Model SKY-515 MWP by a company called DYNAIR. Are you familiar with this? Regards, Rudolf Salomon ed) Yes I'm familiar with them, and have 1.5 units in my collection. The SKY-515 is nothing like the PRC-25/77 either inside or out. Numbers of these radio sets were sold to the U.S. Navy for some as-yet unknown purpose. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ARC-123? I was browsing Mike Murphy's surplus website and noticed a radio that I have seen there for quite a while. The ARC-123 rcvr/exciter, 2-30 mhz in 100hz increments, SSB for just $105. Looked it up and found it on the NJ7P Mil List. Made by Cincinnati Electronics. Looks like a fairly modern set. Does anyone know anything about it. Like how difficult it might be to get a manual, control pannel and power for it to use it on the ham bands? I checked on the NTIS data base and got no hits. Did a general search on the internet and also had no luck. 73 de Rudolf Salomon - KD6NRQ ----------------------------------------------------------------- WW-II Troop Radio? Hi Dennis, I recently acquired a piece of military equipment and need some information. Unfortunately, even though it is good condition and works fine, the ID plate is missing. I've checked it thoroughly and cannot locate any additional identification. I was hoping if I described it, one of our members can give the correct nomenclature and even possibly have TM available for copy. It is WWII vintage and I believe it was called a "morale" receiver. It has 3 bands, standard broadcast, and shortwave 6-10 mc / shortwave 10-15 mc. It measures 17x9x10 weighing in at about 25 pounds. Typical OD green ,large internal (6 ft+) telescoping antenna, and a 6E5 tuning eye. There is a warning on the front panel "do not use aboard ship, unsafe radiation limits." Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Cliff ----------------------------------------------------------------- More GRC-14, Wes, Hue, Dennis I only have the R808 but was loaned the whole GRC-14 manual( a biggun!) by Dave Stinson to copy the RX part. My RX was saved from a dumpster death in Norfolk then shipped to San Diego getting a pretty nasty beating by UPS. It uses the same pwr connector as the R392. If you need a copy of the RX info I can make a copy in a couple weeks when I get home. Dave has since sold his '808 and I guess the manual but might remember the buyer who might also be up for loaning or copying the stuff. What the manual showed was a rather large TX, modulator power supply, two R808, and two rtty terminals in the back of a Jeep. There was a section on installing the aux generator and/or dynamotor under the hood also. All in all the Jeep looked pretty damn full, crowded, and must have crawled on long hills. Dave said the Corps dropped the rig because of mechanical instability. The rx runs off AC line or DC and has an internal tty conv. How used? My guess, based on '60s Navy ops not '50s, is one RX was used to copy 'Fleet Broadcast' and a TX/RX were used for comms by an ashore headquarters element with the fleet or their upper command structure. Ed Zeranski ----------------------------------------------------------------- New SSTR-1 Notes & Navy MAB Connection, Hey guys, I just added some details about SSTR-1 variants, thanks to some paperwork from Bill Strangfeld. Did you know that early SSR-1's used 6Sx7-series tubes, with a 2MC IF, while later ones used 7x7-series loktals with a 455KC IF? Also, in a section about antennas, it mentions using the whip from an "MAB paraset" as a portable short-range antenna (up to 15 miles). It sort of implies that OSS folks were familiar with the MAB - maybe they were a primary user of it, even though it's a Navy-style nomenclature?? Maybe that would explain why regular paratroops are not familiar with it?? I will ask a couple of the old-timers about the MAB, and see what they say. What do you think, should I move my MAB from the "military radio" shelf over to the "clandestine radio" shelf? ;-) ;-) . Pete ed) While it's a little pre-mature to crown the MAB a clandestine radio, it is still a most worthwhile addition to any collection. There is a precedence for OSS familiarity with Naval radio sets, consider the RBZ and it's documented OSS connections. Or the DAG(Navy equivalent of the SCR-504) which remained so classified as to keep it's existence completely unknown till well after WW-II. Also consider that a great many of the OSS's operatives were either on loan from the Marine Corps, or had prior Marine Corps service(except for officers who were for the most part drawn from civilian Lawyer ranks, and OSS hierarch being Ivy league lawyers). Also consider the lack of a tactical radio set for their use until the later part of the war(even then, we don't know for sure if one actually existed), and the fact that they operated several full blown combat groups, not to mention equipping, and training, indigenous personnel. MAB/OSS use could partially explain the early disappearance of the MAB, and DAV from Marine Corps service. Or, there use of it could have been the result of opportunity, the Marine Corps having apparently abandon these sets by mid war leaving large stocks of radio sets available for the asking. When combined with the fact that the OSS had severe problems getting equipment developed and manufactured, the large stocks of dormant MAB's might have been a very attractive, and viable expedient. One last point, MAB markings are very sparse, I/E a little tiny data plate that is easily removed leaving the radio almost completely sterile. I've also seen a number of sets that came directly from government surplus having had all identifying marks ground off. Hmmmm? One last consideration, Fair Radio Sales, has been selling what they call "demilled" radios for years that have had their audio accessories removed. I do not believe these radios where purposely demilled by the government. I believe that the missing audio accessories are the result of a modification work order, or overhaul, that got canceled before it's completion. This belief is further reinforced by the fact that they also had NEW canvas bags for them at the same time. *********************************************** NEW MEMBER; Bruce Stewart Hi Dennis, A month or so ago I contacted you after Mike Murphy passed your name and group along to me. I am involved in a department start-up at my place of employment and just didn't have the spare time to sit down and write back. Things have settled down so I am now doing so. As a brief intro, I have been involved in mil communication (mostly UHF and HF) since approximately 1965. This came about due to a need to known when aircraft were arriving or departing a local military base where my brother and myself spent a great deal of time photographing aircraft. The interest grew to the point where I have owned or currently own almost every UHF aircraft and many ground radios from the ARC-27 through the ARC-186. I still own both a functioning ARC-27A and a ARC-55B. I would have to say the UHF military commo is my chief interest although HF also takes up allot of my monitoring time. I have made up wiring harnesses for so many different aircraft radios it gives me a headache. I am luckier than most in that I live in Tucson and over the past 20 years have become very friendly with the aircraft scrappers. I have been able to obtain racks, connectors and radios that are virtually unavailable elsewhere. The stories that I could tell about Collins equipment that is literally just dumped on the desert, i.e.. ARC-38A's, ARR-41, ARC-73, BC-348's, ARC-27 & 55 along with their control boxes etc. Well, I hope I have not rambled too much. I think your group would be a great source of support and I think I could help some folks out with some of their issues as well. From time to time I have radio sets to let go and the guys on your list may have an interest. Regards Bruce Stewart *********************************************** HUMOR; Brett Favre (Thanks Kim) Brett Favre, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven,God began showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Packers flag in the window. "This house is yours for eternity, Brett," said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here." Brett felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house. On the way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3-story mansion with a Blue and Orange sidewalk, 50-foot tall flagpole with an enormous Broncos logo flag, and in every window, a Broncos towel. Brett looked at God and said, "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was an all-pro quarterback, I won the Super Bowl, and I even went to the Hall of Fame." God said, "So what do you want to know, Brett?" "Well, why does John Elway get a better house than me?" God chuckled and said, "Brett, that's not John Elway's house. It's mine." ------------------------------------------------------------------ Indian Timers The cowboy was walking in the woods one day and he comes to a clearing. There on a blanket was a naked Indian with an erection. "What are you doing?" the cowboy asks. The Indian answers, "Me tell time." "OK. If you are so good, what time is it?" The Indian looks down at his penis and the shadow it made and said, "It 2 o'clock." The cowboy looks at his watch and says, "By Golly, you are right!" The cowboy starts walking again and comes upon another naked Indian laying on a blanket. "Don't tell me.... You telling time also?" The Indian looks up at him and says, "Yes, me telling time." "Okay smartass, what time is it?" The Indian looks up at the sun and down at his penis and says, "It 4 o'clock." The cowboy is amazed at the Indian. He keeps walking and hours later he comes upon an Indian on a blanket, masturbating. "Don't tell me you are telling time!!??" Indian looks up at him and says, "No, me winding watch!" ------------------------------------------------------------------ AGE HAS PRIVILEGES A flashy show girl married a 97 year-old retired well-to-do General, largely because she held the belief that the old codger wouldn't even survive the wedding night. While her new husband was in the bathroom, the woman slipped into a black see- through nightie and struck her most seductive pose upon the bed. When the old man finally emerged, she was startled to see that he was stark naked except for earplugs, a clothes pin on his nose and a condom. "Why are you wearing those?" she asked in amazement. "Because if there's anything I just can't stand, "he grumbled, "it's the sound of a woman screaming and the smell of burning rubber." ------------------------------------------------------------------ SECRET This guy walks into a bar and two steps in, he realizes it's a gay bar. "But what the heck", he says, "I really want a drink." When the gay waiter approaches, he says to the customer, "What's the name of your penis?" The customer says, "Look, I'm not into any of that. All I want is a drink". The gay waiter says, "I'm sorry but I can't serve you until you tell me the name of your penis. Mine for instance is called Nike, for the slogan 'Just Do It.' That guy down at the end of the bar calls his Snickers, because 'It really Satisfies." The customer looks dumbfounded so the bartender tells him he will give him a second to think it over. So the customer asks the man sitting to his left, who is sipping on a beer, "Hey bud, what's the name of your penis?" The man looks back and says with a smile, "TIMEX." The thirsty customer asks, "Why Timex?" The fella proudly replies, "Cause it takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin!" A little shaken, the customer turns to the fella on his right, who is sipping a fruity Margarita and says, "So, what do you call your penis?" The man turns to him and proudly exclaims, "FORD, because Quality is Job 1." Then he adds, "Have you driven a Ford, lately?" Even more shaken, the customer has to think for a moment before he comes up with a name for his penis. Finally, he turns to the bartender and exclaims, "The name of my penis is Secret. Now give me my beer." The bartender begins to pour the customer a beer, but with a puzzled look asks, "Why secret?" The customer says, "Because it's STRONG ENOUGH FOR A MAN, BUT MADE FOR A WOMAN!" ------------------------------------------------------------------ A married couple were in a terrible accident where the woman's face was severely burned. The doctor told the husband that they couldn't graft any skin from her body because she was too skinny. So the husband offered to donate some of his own skin. However, the only skin on his body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from his buttocks. The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and requested that the doctor also honor their secret. After all, this was a very delicate matter. After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the woman's new beauty. She looked more beautiful than she ever had before! All her friends and relatives just went on and on about her youthful beauty! One day, she was alone with her husband, and she was overcome with emotion at his sacrifice. She said, "Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. There is no way I could ever repay you." "My darling," he replied, "think nothing of it. I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek." ------------------------------------------------------------------ George's Physical 70-year-old George went for his annual physical. All of his tests came back with normal results. Dr. Smith said, "George, everything looks great physically. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with yourself, and do you have a good relationship with your God?" George replied, "God and me are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight, so he's fixed it so that when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom (poof!) the light goes on when I pee, and then (poof!) the light goes off when I'm done." "Wow," commented Dr. Smith, "that's incredible!" A little later in the day Dr. Smith called George's wife. "Thelma," he said, "George is just fine. Physically he's great. But I had to call because I'm in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that he gets up during the night and (poof!) the light goes on in the bathroom, and then (poof!) the light goes off?" Thelma exclaimed, "That old fool! He's peeing in the refrigerator again!" *********************************************** 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 ***********************************************