From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#2 Fcc: Sent Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 03:35:18 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, June 7/99 Message-ID: <19990607.033424.6799.5.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, June 7/99 Index: INVERTER POWER SUPPLIES AVAILABLE; GROUP PROJECT? MEMBERS WRITE; Mike Needs R-388 Parts & Advice, Mark B's Web Site Moved & Updated, NEW MEMBERS; Ed Buttle, Chuck Brumely HUMOR; *********************************************** INVERTER POWER SUPPLIES AVAILABLE; Forward, Last year, we were offered a deal on commercially built inverter power supplies for the PRC-6, CPRC-26, PRC-10, and BC-611's. A PRC-6 version was supplied for testing and evaluation. As I've not been able to clear off my bench long enough to do any testing of this sample inverter, this project has been delayed. Peter Berg has taken up the ball, and provided us with the below impressive data. If all goes well, we might be able to make a quantity purchase of these supplies as a group. The details are now being hashed out. Two sets of test results follow. Dennis ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pete's Prelimary Test Results, Hi Dennis I just finished testing the little DC-DC converter which Carlmelo manufactures for the PRC-6 and I am impressed. Test setup: a working PRC-6 and a 3.4 Ah 6V gelcel. Battery drain when OFF: not measurable (<2 micro Amps) Battery drain (receive, without signal) 542 mA Battery drain (receive, with signal) 537 mA Battery drain (transmit) 1076 to 1114 mA Voltages Out ( receive) 1.20 to 1.34 V (filaments) -5.1 V (bias) 48.9 V (B+1) 101 V (B+2) - not used in receive mode Voltages out (transmit) 1.20 V (filaments) - maybe a little low but OK -5.1 V (bias) 48.9V (B+1) 87.0 V (B+2) -used in transmit only. The module did not get (more than a lttle bit) warm. This would probly yield somewhere like 4 hours use on a charge (assuming 80% listen, 20% yak) Anyway, I am glad I bought this thing and will be ordering more. ----------------------------------------------------------------- In Depth Testing, Pete's preliminary test were conducted with a fixed 6vdc power source which would have represented a best case situation. As the PRC-6 inverter/power supply was specifically designed to be used with Gell Cell batteries, and with the almost linear discharge curve these type batteries have(tapering battery voltage), I asked Pete to again conduct the test with various input voltages to simulate an actual battery as it would discharge in the real-world. This would give us some idea of the actual use time we could expect from using these power supplies with the recommended batteries. The results were again impressive. In Depth Testing, Source Voltage Versus Output Voltage, Hi Dennis I finished testing the "Carmelo DC-DC Converter Module" for the PRC-6. Here are the results. Note I used a working (known) PRC-6 and a Panasonic LCR6V4P Gelcel. This 4Ah gelcel is available surplus for about 6.95 (I probably paid too much) and it is a perfect fit for the PRC-6. At the start of the test, the battery was fully charged. The unit was left on Receive. Every 60 minutes, transmit was held for 1 minute after which voltages were written down. A signal was transmitted on 51.0 MHz modulated 15 kHz with a 1000 Hz tone. I measured receiver sensitivity (subjective, tone level) and transmitter output (using spectrum analyzer) once every hour. Vht1 and Vht2 were measured in receive and in transmit. These voltages are indicated as [Vreceive/Vtransmit]. Start: Vbat=6.41V, Vfil=1.4V, Vbias-5.3V, Vht1=49.1/40.9V, Vht2=98.3/82.0V after 1 hour the voltages were: Vbat=6.17V, 1.32V -5.47V, 49.8/41.0V, 99.9/82.1V after 2 hours: Vbat=6.00V, 1.31V, -5.40V, 49.4/40.1V, 99.3/80.4V after 3 hours: Vbat=5.93V, 1.31V, -5.33V, 49.0/39.0V, 98.6/78.3V after 4 hours: Vbat=5.80V, 1.30V, -5.26V, 48.7/38.0V, 98.0/76.1V after 5 hours: Vbat=5.62V, 1.29V, -5.13V, 48.2/36.2V, 97.0/72.8V after 6 hours: Vbat=4.23V, 1.16V, -3.68V< 37.5/22.0V, 81.2/43.7V Note that after 1 hour the unit had warmed up a little bit. This probably explains the higher efficiency and slightly higher output voltages. Note that at the 5 hour test, receiver sensitivity was still at 100%, and transmitter output was still within 1 db of output with full battery. At the 6 hour test, the receiver tone could still be heard, but transmitter output was down by 10 db (still sort of "working" but now useless). Conclusion: unit works very well. I am going to equip my PRC-6's accordingly. The filament voltage is perhaps somewhat low at the (nominal) 1.3V but there is no noticeable degradation of performance at this level and the tubes will probably last a long time this way. If anyone is interested I can provide a photograph of this setup. I can't wait to try Carmelo's module for the BC-611, he says it is now ready. Btw Cor Meulmans from the WS-19 museum in Holland gave me a circuit developed by Philips in the 60's which can be used as a simple converter for the BC-611. It does not need a on-off switch since it is self-starting. Pretty neat. He had one working. If I get a chance I will try this sometime and report on it. Regards, Peter Berg <"Peter Berg"@rc-direct.com> ----------------------------------------------------------------- Conclusions, and Comments, Pete's test results for the PRC-6 version of these power supplies are impressive. The amount of operational time that would be allowed from a battery would seem to be at least 4 hours, and possibly as much as 5 hours. This too is impressive. If the other models available hold up to this same performance level, we will be able to fire up A LOT of old radios with a minimum of effort. As delivered, these inverters are completely plug-n-play. They require absolutely no modifications to the radio, and can be installed by even the dumbest of people. The radio is simply plugged into the mating connector on one end of the power supply, and a battery is connected to the color coded leads on the other. That's it! There is only one draw back that I can see in their design. The modules are completely potted. I/E dipped in an epoxy-like resin which then forms a 2.75" x 1.5" x 2.5" brick. This means that in the event it should fail, there is absolutely no way that the power supply could be repaired. Also, each power supply can only be used on the radio it was specifically intended to operate. I/E you can't purchase a PRC-10 module and modify it to operate a BC-1000, or old Motorola "Draggie-Talkie" etc. Personally, having been involved in electronics repair all my life, I HATE ANYTHING that is POTTED. But these things do work, and should prove a real boom to us all. Dennis Starks; Collector/Historian Midwest Military Communications Museum email: military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** GROUP PROJECT? As noted in the above report, we have a chance to purchase as a group, a large quantity of these various inverter power supplies at a significant savings in both money, and logistics problems. As they are built in Italy by one of our members, it is my plan to select a single central point in the U.S. and another in Australia which will then import all the units for all the members in their respective countries. It is hoped that this method will result in a number of advantages for both our members, and Carmelo as the seller. #1, Carmelo's shipping complications will be almost eliminated. #2, Shipping to a central point will mean that only one payment to Carmelo will need be made. This negating the expensive, and sometimes complicated need for each member to find a way to exchange domestic currency for that of European. #3, Any possible importation/customs problems will be greatly reduced. There are a number of similar, unlisted, advantages, but I think you get the point. We will need a volunteer in Australia, and another in the U.S., willing to receive these units, arrange for the needed funds transfer, and ship them on to their final destination. While I did have two volunteers the last time this project was brought up, I'd like to hear from you again. Keep in mind, that this will be monumental undertaking for you. European members should be able to order directly from Carmelo receiving the same price break the rest of us will get. Though I do not have an actual cost rundown for each member, and the final details have not yet been hashed out with Carmelo, the following is the cost of each unit before any shipping, or customs charges are added. Price per unit, 100 unit or more order, U.S. Dollars: PRC-6, $27.50 BC-611, $32.10 CPRC-26, $32.10 PRC-10, $32.10 BC-1000, $32.10 Carmelo also informs me of a %20 tax(I.V.A./V.A.T.) that must be added. I don't understand, and it hasn't yet been explained to me, but I don't see why we would be subject to this tax if all the units are exported out of the country? One thing I MUST KNOW now! ARE YOU INTERESTED? If so, you must let me know, along with the quantities of each power supply type you'd like to purchase. At this time, data is needed for planning purposes, to get an idea of how to proceed. Dennis *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; Mike Needs R-388 Parts & Advice, I am getting started again on the restoration of my R-388. Between Kids and work not as much time as I would like for the fun stuff. I got it cleaned up, tubes tested/replaced and a broken switch replaced. Still need to remount the front panel. Took it off to make it easier to clean. Before I do that, does anyone have any advice on the best way to lubricate the gears and what should I use? I need the following parts. Top Cover Bottom cover and hardware 100 KC calibration crystal Also any tips that anyone has on the alignment and common problems with this model would be greatly appreciated as well. 73's Mike N6WIG -- Mikhael Brown ----------------------------------------------------------------- Mark B's Web Site Moved & Updated, I have a couple of announcements about my web site: 1. Mark's Green Radio Page has outgrown its old site (http://members.home.net/mblair1), so I have moved it to a new site: http://www.qsl.net/ke6myk/ Please update your bookmarks and links. The new site isn't always as fast as the old one, but my web page's content has grown larger than my old site's file quota. 2. I've completely rewritten my German SEM-25 page. It now has all-new photographs, as well as complete schematics for the radio. If you're interested, follow the link in the "Technical Information" section of my web page. -- Mark J. Blair, KE6MYK PGP 2.6.2 public key available from http://pgp.ai.mit.edu/ Web page: http://www.qsl.net/ke6myk/ *********************************************** NEW MEMBERS; Ed Buttle, Chuck Brumely Hello Dennis; My name is Ed and I have been around military radios for about 40 years. I am 56 years old (years young ????), happily divorced for 23 years, four daughters, all college grads, eleven grand - children and "a bun in the oven" due to arrive in January. The day job is construction (outside commercial) and I am also in the bar-night club business (the night job) as the owner - manager - permitte. I have been fascinated by the electro/mechanical complexity of of mil gear for years, from the very simple push button tuning of the BC-603/604 to the more complex Autotune of the AN/ART-13 and the modern(?) GRC-106. The level of machining exactness and hand assembly required to produce this equipment will never be seen again. It's just not cost effective. Take a look at the hand welded corners of the ART-13 case and the cover, they are beautiful !!!. Just look at the hand assembly required to produce the Autotune assembly of the GRC/T-195. In this age of broad band tuning, pin diode switching, micro miniature components, soulless solid state stuff, we will NEVER,EVER, see this art (yes it is an art form)(to me anyway) again. 73's de Edd.B. W1AFA Storrs, Ct. Boatanchor radios warm up the shack. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Chuck Loffler featured in the MCGP June 3/99 "NEW MEMBER" column should have been Chuck Brumely. Sorry. *********************************************** HUMOR; A man was out in an open field on a windy day trying to get a kite to fly The kite would bob and weave, but not fly right His wife saw the dilemma and went out to talk with him In a sarcastic tone she said "You will never get that to fly, what you need is a piece of tail" the man replied "That is what I told you, but you told me to go fly a kite" ----------------------------------------------------------------- CANDY KISS A little boy's first day in school and a teacher was going to play a "guessing" game. She passed out different items to each of the students and proceeded to ask each student what item they received. When it was the new boy, Little Jimmy's turn, the teacher gave him a candy kiss. She asked "Do you know what it is?" Jimmy replied "No" The teacher said, "Go ahead and open it up and taste it." Little Jimmy did so. The teacher then asked, "Now do you know what it is?" Little Jimmy said "Nooooo." The teacher said, "I"ll give you a hint...it is something your daddy wants from your mommy every morning before he goes to work." A little girl in the back of the class jumps up and screams "JIMMY, SPIT IT OUT! IT'S A PIECE OF ASS!! ----------------------------------------------------------------- McDonald's Fast Food Job Application: This is an actual job application someone submitted at a McDonald's fast-food establishment AND THEY HIRED HIM!(editor's note: I would have hired him too!!) NAME: Greg Bulmash DESIRED POSITION: Reclining. HA But seriously, whatever's available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn't be applying here in the first place. DESIRED SALARY: $185,000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz style severance package. If that's not possible make an offer and we can haggle. EDUCATION: Yes. LAST POSITION HELD: Target for middle management hostility. SALARY: Less than I'm worth. MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: My incredible collection of stolen pens and post-it notes. REASON FOR LEAVING: It sucked. HOURS AVAILABLE TO WORK: Any. PREFERRED HOURS: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL SKILLS?: Yes, but they're better suited to a more intimate environment. MAY WE CONTACT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?: If I had one, would I be here? DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT YOU FROM LIFTING UP TO 50 LBS?: Of what? DO YOU HAVE A CAR?: I think the more appropriate question here would be "Do you have a car that runs?" HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?: I may already be a winner of the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS?: Living in the Bahamas with a fabulously wealthy super model who thinks I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I'd like to be doing that now. DO YOU CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE?: No, but I dare you to prove otherwise. SIGN HERE: Scorpio with Libra rising. ----------------------------------------------------------------- A man has six children and is very proud of his achievement. He is so proud of himself that he starts calling his wife "Mother of Six" in spite of her objections. One night they go to a party. The man decides that it's time to go home, and wants to find out if his wife is ready to leave as well. He shouts at the top of his voice, "Shall we go home Mother of Six?" His wife, irritated by her husbands lack of discretion shouts back... "Anytime you're ready, Father of Four!" ----------------------------------------------------------------- Don't Make a Nurse Angry A big shot business man had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. He was a royal pain to the nurses because he bossed them around just like he did his employees. None of the hospital staff wanted to have anything to do with him. The head nurse was the only one who could stand up to him. She came into his room and announced, "I have to take your temperature." After complaining for several minutes, he finally settled down, crossed his arms and opened his mouth. "No, I'm sorry, the nurse stated, "but for this reading, I cannot use an oral thermometer." This started another round of complaining, but eventually he rolled over and bared his dairy aire. After feeling the nurse insert the thermometer, he heard her announce, "I have to get something. Now you stay JUST LIKE THAT until I get back!" She leaves the door to his room open on her way out. He curses under his breath as he hears people walking past his door laughing. After almost an hour, the man's doctor comes into the room. "What's going on here?" asked the doctor. Angrily, the man answers, "What's the matter, Doc? Haven't you ever seen someone having their temperature taken?" After a pause, the doctor confesses, "Well, no. I guess I haven't. Not with a carnation anyway." ----------------------------------------------------------------- OVERLY SUSPICIOUS Sometimes women are overly suspicious of their husbands. When Adam stayed out very late for a few nights, Eve became upset. "You're running around with other women," she charged. "You're being unreasonable," Adam responded. "You're the only woman on earth." The quarrel continued until Adam fell asleep,only to be awakened by someone poking him in the chest. It was Eve. "What do you think you're doing?" Adam demanded. "Counting your ribs," said Eve. ----------------------------------------------------------------- An executive was in a quandary. He had to get rid of one of his staff. He had narrowed it down to two people, Mary and Jack. That one was a hard decision to make as they were both equally qualified and both did excellent work. He finally decided that in the morning which ever one used the water fountain first would have to go. Mary came in the next morning hungover after partying all night. She went to the water fountain to get some water to take an aspirin and the executive approached her and said: "Mary, I've never done this before, but I have to lay you or Jack off." Mary replied: "Could you jack off, I have a terrible headache." *********************************************** 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 ***********************************************