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Military Collector Group Post
Backmail #52
(12pages) Index: POSTWAR BRITISH NUMBERING SYSTEM; From Ray Robinson
TOTALLY AUSTRALIAN, the A510; Praise From an Outlander, by Dennis Starks
MORE ON THE AUSTRALIAN A-510; From Steve Hill, & Dennis Starks CURRENT
AUSSIE RADIO EQUIPMENT; Circa 1966, from Dave Prince *****************************************
POSTWAR BRITISH NUMBERING SYSTEM; From Ray Robinson Hi Dennis, When the
English WS numbering system (Wireless Set) was reaching capacity, they
changed to a new system, commonly known as the Larkspur system in the
late 50s early 60s. This coincided with the introduction of new models,
which were generally in cast boxes, used FM and the VHF bands. Some were
new designs, some were copies. The A40 from the CPRC-26, A41 from the
PRC-10, A42 from the PRC-9. The numbering system meant: A 0-10 Manpack
B 10-100w Man Portable C 100-1Kw Vehicle D 1kw-10Kw Transportable/Mobile
E >10kw Fixed 10-39 3-30mhz 40-69 30mhz-3ghz 70-99 above 3ghz Ref: Larkspur,
Louis Meulstee, Radio Bygones June/July 1995, P20-26 Regards Ray VK2ILV
ed) Louis Meulstee is the Dutch author for an excellant series of books(two
known at this time) entitled "Wireless for the Warrior", A technical history
of Radio Communications Equipment in the British Army. Vol. I Wireless
Sets No.1-88. Published by the same company as Radio Bygones: GC Arnold
Partners 9 Wetherby Close, Broadstone Dorset BH18 8JB England. British
Library number ISBN 1898805 08 3. It is not known whether this book is
yet available in the U.S. or Australia but it is a very worthwhile addition
to your library. ***************************************** TOTALLY AUSTRALIAN,
the A510; Praise From an Outlander, by Dennis Starks FOREWORD, I feel
somewhat strange about writing this article, me being an American writing
about an Australian set. Especially as I have never seen either it or
it's manual in the flesh. I sincerely hope that with the material previously
written, & that provided by Steve Hill, I can do this great little radio
the justice it deserves. I further expect to correct my lack of material,
both hardware, and printed mater with Steve's help, or any other volunteer,
in the very near future, translation, I'm gonna get me wonna these neat
little bastards. IN THE BEGINNING, The A510 is a miniature tactical HF
transmitter/receiver man pack set built by Amalgamated Wireless Australia
(AWA) in the mid fifties. Though manuals are dated 1956, one of it's first
public introductions was by way of a Cover Page Photo on the November
1954 issue of "Radio and Hobbies", which was followed by an article entitled
"Radio for the Army" in the December issue of this same magazine of Australian
origin. Though the text of this article indicates that other material
had previously been written in newspapers etc, examples of these have
not been found. As the set was completely designed, and built in Aussie
Land, it instilled a great deal of well deserved national pride which
it still enjoys today. Though the above article is very well done, it
is greatly lacking in information as it applies to the technical aspects
of the radio, I/E frequency range, use, power output, tube line up, power
requirements, design, etc. In this respect it is very similar to WW-II
vintage U.S. publications where the publishers and sources are over protective
of the possibly sensitive nature of the information they might divulge.
In fact, the paranoia in this case is so acute, that even the model number
of the radio is not divulged even though the article contains numerous
excellent pictures of the set, both inside and out. Even at that, the
article is very good and gives us some valuable insight into the development
and use of the set, Especially as it was written after some actual use
in the field, with Korea named specifically. Hereafter when referring
to this article we will simply call it (ref.#1). Dated prior to the above,
January 3 1953, as featured in a issue of the AWA Journal(I suspect an
In-House publication produced by the manufacturer), in an article entitled
"Answer to Jungle War", the A510 is described, and it's production announced,
with an initial order of 1400 sets having a cost of 340,000 pounds (pounds
as in monetary system, not weight, who knows what that is in real money?).
Here it is reported that the radio set's prototypes had been recently
tested under fire(actual combat) in Malaya. Further, the A510 is compared
to sets currently in use (I wish I knew what these were), and is said
to be 1/2 the weight at 17lbs vice 34, it's batteries have 1/2 the weight
yet twice the life, double the frequency range of the existing set, and
contact times to the net stations cut from 10 minutes to 50 seconds. This
last would lead us to think that the set it replaced was not operable
without being set up. Possibly a British set of WW-II origin like the
W.S.#48 or #68 either of which would match the information given. Hereafter
this article will be referred to as Ref.#2. The text goes on to say "The
new set has created considerable interest among Service Chiefs in Britain,
and America. No set so light, compact, and powerful has yet been developed
anywhere in the world. Experts believe the new Australian set may become
widely used by other countries". As I am not expert on British equipment
or development, I cannot speculate as to the impact this may have had
on them, I do know that several British sets both before after the advent
of the A510 share some very common characteristics. In the U.S. development
was going on with equipment having similar operational parameters. It's
also known that foreign equipment was routinely tested if for no other
reasons than it's design concept, or packaging. This is indeed the case
with the Canadian CPRC-26. During this same decade, the U.S. had progressed
far beyond the use of miniature tubes(as used in the A510) in any of it's
portable equipment. Instead, SUB-miniature types had been in widespread
use sense post WW-II. American designers were then preoccupied with trying
to develop practical applications for the then relatively new transistor,
and had completed prototypes of such radios as the PRT-4/PRR-9, and PRC-25
among others. Only one radio emerged during this time period that might
have been influenced by the A510, this was the PRC-7 developed for the
Navy. We do not know if the PRC-7 ever entered production. Regardless,
it's internal & external design were completely different than the A510.
I for one, would have been most delighted if the U.S. had acquired at
least a small quantity of these little sets.. THE RADIO SET, While I generally
describe sets of this type as Man-Pack, or Back-Pack, the A-510 really
fits neither. The former usually being a set that while transportable
by one or more men, is not operable while in motion, and must be set up
for operation in a stationary manner. The later, as a set that is worn
on the operators back, and is operable from this location while in motion.
The A-510, while it could indeed be setup for simi-fixed operation, thus
extended range, it could also be operated while in motion, being worn
by the operator. Though not on his back, and in a manner distinctive to
Commonwealth equipment! The set was worn in two canvas bags around the
waist of the operator, usually across his stomach. The transmitter in
one, the receiver in the other, connected by an umbilical cable. The photos
available would make it appear that this was a rather cumbersome arrangement,
especially with an 8ft whip sticking out the top of this tiny transmitter,
but it must have worked. Another peculiarity found usually only on Commonwealth
equipment, is the internal desiccating material contained inside the cases
to remove humidity including also an indicator to show if humidity has
leaked into the unit. This along with the extremely rugged construction
of this set clearly show the radios intended purpose in life, and the
environment that it and it's users would be expectedly operating in. To
include an extensive use of the vast experience the Australian Army has
gained in many years of operations under these conditions. Indeed Ref.#1
states; "World War II taught many lessons about man-carried radio sets,
and these lessons have been well learned, and absorbed." Both the transmitter,
& receiver are housed in cast aluminum, water tight cabinets each measuring
3.5 x 6.5 x 8.5 inches. These dimensions are inclusive of the batteries
which are contained inside each unit(further details on battery placement
later). The set has a combined weight of 20lbs which includes all the
ancillary equipment when being worn by the operator. These ancillary equipments
are carried in two each separate canvas bags "Satchels Signals", one containing
the handset, whip tuner and whip aerials(Aussie for antennas), while the
other carries other miscellaneous accessories. The built in ATU allows
a large variety of antennas to be used including several different wire
types or an 8ft whip. The antenna connector is designed such that the
whip antenna tuner(basically a tunable base load coil) clips onto the
connector. This whip antenna also includes a ball and socket joint to
allow whip movement. A couple of the usable wire type antennas are, a
dipole with a balanced feeder, or a short wire antenna with a counterpoise,
both are in turn provided with marks indicating wire length, for the purposes
of tuning the antenna.. The counterpoise may also be used to improve whip
antenna performance. Two weighted guy ropes are used for suspending these
wire antennas from trees. A typical accessory package includes an 8ft
whip antenna with spare, headset with a built in boom microphone, a miniature
key that can be clipped onto the operator's body or the transmitter for
CW operation, a telephone style handset that can also be used in parallel
with the headset, the rod tuner for use with the 8ft whip, a hand crank
generator, spare batteries, and three each wire looms for the associated
antennas. THE RECEIVER, The receiver is a high quality five valve (thats
Aussie for "Tubes") superheterodyne type with performance rated as excellent
by all accounts both past and present. It features 2-12mc operation with
two bands, VFO control, AM and CW modes. Front panel controls include
a lockable frequency tune control, volume, band switch, and a pushbutton
that controls the frequency dial light, lastly, two headset jacks similar
to those inline types found on the CPRC-26. A very novel approach to mode
switching saves the set from wasting precious space on it's tiny front
panels. Plugging in the CW key automatically switches the set from AM
to CW operation. This action simultaneously turns on the receivers BFO,
and switches the transmitter to CW. There is no separate BFO pitch control,
which to my mind is a waist of panel space on any receiver regardless
of it's size. The basic power required for the receiver is 1.5vdc for
the heaters/panel light, and 90vdc B+,(or HT "High Tension" as the Aussies
like to call it). This normally provided by the set's internal batteries
(A & B respective) which would allow ten hours of continuous operation.
The heater battery is contained in the receiver, while the B+, and bias
(-7.5vdc) batteries are housed inside the base of the transmitter. For
those interested in such things, the tube lineup is as follows; 1T4, 1R5,
2ea 1T5, 1S5 in order from the antenna to the headphones. THE TRANSMITTER,
Contained in a near identical case as the receiver, is it's companion
transmitter. It also operates over 2-12mc, both AM, and CW, with an RF
power output of about one watt(500mw AM). Using crystal control, it has
provisions for operation on up to four preset channels. Front panel controls
include an antenna tank tune, a dual control that is ganged for both channel
selection and antenna load, a function switch that selects between OFF/AM/CW/R,
'R' being receiver only. An extra tiny panel meter provides antenna tuning
indications, and test the set's batteries, it is aided by a switch with
possitions A/B/NET, where A & B are used for the best indication while
tuning the antenna, and of course NET fof 'spotting' the receiver. As
with the receiver's frequency dial, the panel meter is also illuminated
with control via a momentary switch. Also present are the antenna jack/mount,
and the CW key connector. The transmitter uses four tubes to accomplish
it's task, these include a pair of 3A4's in the output, another as a crystal
oscillator, and a 1T4 as a grid modulator. Power requirements are the
same as the receiver, excepting for the additional -7vdc bias. While it
is impossible to adequately here describe the internal skunk works of
either units of this set, suffice to say, they are a marvel of mechanical
engineering, and quality construction. As can be expected in a radio of
this size, and capabilities, the internal parts are very densely packed,
amazingly so!! A FINE HERITAGE, Besides the theaters of conflict already
mentioned, Ref.#2 refers to testing and lessons learned in jungle warfare
in "[the islands], and more recently in Malaysia", we don't know exactly
what was meant by "the islands", but the text go's on to say; "The saving
of time in establishing communications may make the difference in capturing
bandits or letting them slip through the net". The A-510 is definitely
known to have served with distinction along side Australian forces in
South Vietnam, AT LEAST until it's probable replacement by the U.S. PRC-64
beginning in late 1965. I do not believe it was completely replaced in
all avenues of military service until the advent and widespread fielding
of the PRC-1F series in the early seventies. The later follows closely
the design/use concept of the US PRC-74, having the same frequency range,
but provided with far greater mode and operational versatility. After
this, the A-510 continued to serve with popularity in Army Cadet units
until it was relegated to government disposal stores (The Australian surplus
system) in fairly recent years. As too has recently been the fate of the
PRC-64 and only preceding this radio by a very narrow measure of time.
THE A-510 TODAY, Today the A-510 enjoys great popularity with collectors
and user's alike, both in Australia, and abroad. Several are known to
still be on the air, and used on a regular basses. One set in particular
is running around the South Pacific in a Yacht, and is used daily for
CW contacts. Another set out of New South Wales is on the air nightly
on 80 meters CW. Steve Hill's set is on the air, useing a home brewed
inverter power supply, and contacts have been made. In it's country of
origin, the A-510 is most highly regarded by radio affectionates and is
considered a national treasure, rightly so! It was completely designed
and built domesticaly, with an extensive knowledge of Jungle Warfare that
few if any Army in the world can boast. This combined with the radio's
significant contribution to history. I can find no better way to conclude
this story than the ending used in the article printed in 1954(Ref.#1),
"From our observation we can record that not only has the army received
a remarkably efficient and robust radio set, but the Australian engineers
who produced it have rendered a great service to their country". Dennis
Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com
Acknowledgements; Much of the material presented here was extracted either
from the articles listed in the text, or information provided by Steve
Hill with my sincere thanks. Copies of the articles mensioned were provided
by Steve Darveniza, also along with some personal observations. *****************************************
MORE ON THE AUSTRALIAN A-510; From Steve Hill, & Dennis Starks SH) I find
it quite interesting that the radio that replaced it, the PRC-64 is inferior
to the A510. The PRC-64 is a lot smaller and lighter but... The PRC-64
cannot be used on the move which I would think is a major disadvantage
for a front line radio. The PRC-64 has more power, but not much, the receiver
is limited to four crystal channels, the controls are user unfriendly,
and internally the design leaves much room for improvement. -------------------------------------------------------------
DS) While I can also question the existence of the PRC-64 in front line
tactical units, and also sight some failings. The basic truth is that
the PRC-64, & the A-510 were designed with two completely different concepts
in mind, with a corresponding 20 year difference in communications doctrine,
and procedures. The A-510 was designed as a small unit, front line tactical
set with the Old School practice of early WW-II mind. This being that
HF freqs would penetrate jungle foliage better than VHF. While this is
true, for patrol units, on the move, never being separated from other
bodies by more than a couple miles, the difference is negligible. And
when combined with the added bulk of the A-510, and the extreme frequency
congestion and management problems of a modern army(especially with 4
or 5 armies in the field in relative close proximity), any advantage of
the A-510 in this role could be quickly outweighed even by the lowly PRC-10.
While the A-510 would indeed have some merit over the PRC-64 in use as
a simi-fixed installation. It lacked the ability to be used with a code
burst generator(GRA-71) which received every bit as widespread use in
the Australian Army as it did with the U.S.'s. Further, the PRC-64's use
of mechanical filters in it's receiver allowed for closer channel spacing
thus less frequency congestion/conflict. Lastly, and probably most important,
the PRC-64 was far cheeper to produce than the A-510, especially in quantities.
As I've reported, the A-510 is a marvel of mechanical engineering, design,
and quality construction. This all has a correspondingly high cost in
materials, and specialized parts. The PRC-64 excepting for it's far cheeper
stamped out aluminum case, was built entirely from "off the shelf" parts.
We can surmise that at the time of Australia's entrance into the Vietnam
conflict, there probably wasn't sufficient quantities of the A-510 on
hand. If there was, battlefield casualties would have quickly reduced
their numbers. Australia has a traditionally small peacetime army, with
an even smaller military budget. This combined with the above would easily
spell the demise of the A-510. SH) I built a power supply to allow my
A510 to be operated. This is necessary as batteries are not available.
My power supply consists of a 1.5Volt cell for heaters, a 9Volt cell for
bias, and a home brew inverter powered by a 12Volt sealed lead acid battery
to make the 90V HT. The power supply fits nicely into the battery compartments,
allowing me to use the set on the move. I have had one QSO with the set.
My set is serial number 1734. It is in good condition, despite looking
used. None of the rubber has perished and all the accessories are in good
condition. -----------------------------------------------------------
DS) You make me green with envy! Some time you might detail the supply
you used. I believe you once said it utilizes a filament transformer turned
around backwards. SH) The A510 is a beautiful little radio that I enjoy
having, however due to lack of power output and being crystal controlled,
it has limited value as a ham set. I believe there is a guy in Victoria
who uses his A510 regularly. ------------------------------------------------------------
DS) While I might agree with the xtal control being a hindrance, definitely
not it's power output. This makes it all the more fun! A very young man
about 200 miles distant from me, built himself an AM transmitter entirely
from junk solid state CB radios(finally a good use for them). It's output
was less than 1 watt. To the great amazement of all he regularly participates
in daytime round tables on 75 meters, covering a four state area. And
many more hams will argue the virtues of 1 watt on CW. Steve Hill VK4CZT
39 Banbury St. Carina. 4152. Brisbane. Australia. ------------------------------------------------------------
Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com
*********************************************** CURRENT AUSSIE RADIO EQUIPMENT;
Circa 1966, from Dave Prince G'day again, Dennis. The following may be
of interest to you and/or the group. This info is taken from the Royal
Australian Corps of Signals book "Field Signal Equipment Data Summary
- 1966". The equipment is listed as per the index of the book and the
'status' (in brackets) from the summary text. This book was apparently
still being used in 1969 because it has handwritten notes and dates till
that time. The 'status' is at 1966 but where equipment became obselete
after that year up to 1969, I have added that info. C = Current Standard,
D = In Development Stages, O = Obselete ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio set A510 (O) Radio Set A512 (PRC-A1 handwritten change to PRC-F1)
(D) Radio Set AN/PRC-64 (C) Coder Burst Transmission Unit AN/GRA-71 Radio
Set MTR-1 (C) Radio Set AN/PRC-47 (C) Radio Set AN/PRC-62 (D) Radio Set
AN/GRC-106 (C) Radio Set C11/R210 (O) Partially Replaced by AN/PRC-47
Radio Set C13 (O) Replaced by AN/GRC-106 Radio Set 'Australphone' (O)
Radio Set AN/TRC-75 (Duplex) (C) Radio Set AN/PRC-70 (D) Radio Transmitter
AN/PRT-4 and Radio Receiver AN/PRR-9 (D) Radio Set CPRC-26 (O) Radio Set
AN/PRC-9A and 10 (O) To be replaced by AN/PRC-25 Remote Ctrl Group AN/GRA-6
(C) Amplifier-Power Supply AM-598/U (O) Antenna AT-339/PRC and AT-340/PRC
(O) Radio Set AN/PRC-25 Series (C) Radio Set Ctrl Group AN/GRA-39 (C)
Antenna AT-784/PRC (To be introduced 1966) radio Set AN/VRC-12 Series
(C) Radio Set C42 and C45 (O) To be replaced by AN/VRC-12 Series Radio
Set B47 and B48 (O) To be replaced by AN/VRC-53 and AN/VRC-125 Radio Set
AN/TRC-24 (C) Radio Set B70 (C) Radio Set AN/PRC-41 (C) Radio Set A43R
(C) Radio Terminal AN/TRC-90A (C) Radio Terminal AN/TSC-38 (C) Radio Set
'Skyranger' HC-5D (O) To be replaced by Sunair SA-14 Radio Set 'Sunair'
SA-14 (C) Replaced later by 14RA Radio Set AN/ARC-44 (C) (O 1969) Replaced
by AN/ARC-54 Radio Set AN/ARC-54 (C) Radio Set 618F1A (C) Radio set PTR-170
(C) Radio Set A618/ACAS (C) (O 1969) Radio Set 696 (C) Reception Set R5223
(C) Reception Set R-391/URR (C) Reception Set R216 (C) Admiralty Type
Receiver B40 (C) (O 1967) "Lifeguard' Automatic Alarm (C) Keyer Automatic
Distress Signal (C) Antenna Equipment RC-292 (C) Mast Telescopic 27ft
(C) Terminal Telegraph Telephone AN/TCC-14 (O) Terminal Telegraph Telephone
AN/TCC-29 (C) Carrier Telephone Terminal TA-5006/U (F2200) (C) Telegraph
Terminal AN/MSC-29 (C) TTY Central Office AN/MGC-17 (C) Central Office
telephone Manual AN/MTC-3 (C) Central Office Telephone Manual AN/MTC-7
(C) Panel Patching Communication SB-611/MRC (C) Medium Radio Relay Terminal
Set AN/MRC-69(T) (C) Medium Radio Relay Repeater Set AN/MRC-69(R) (C)
TTY Set AN/PGC-1 (C) TTY Set AN/GGC-3 (C) Telephone Set TA-1/PT (C) Telephone
Set K (C) Switchboard SB-993/GT (C) Switchboard SB-22/PT (C) Switchboard
SB-86/P (C) Reel Unit CE-11 (C) Reel RL-159/U (C) Reeling Machine, Cable,
Hand, RL-31-E (O) Reeling Machine, Cable, Hand, RL-288/(X) (D) Reeling
Machine, Cable, Hand, Skid Mounted RL-289/(X) (D) Trailer, Cable Reel
RL-35 (C) Reel DR-4 (O) Replaced by RL-159/U -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Getting away from that subject, did the U.S. use the Coder Burst Keyer
AN/GRA-71 with the PRC-25 or 77 sets (or GRC-125/160)? The Aussies did
with the help of an Adapter Set, Morse Transmission, MX-F2 which was an
oscillator in a cast alloy case and which could be attached directly to
the power connector on top of the radio. A small hand key or the GRA-71
could then be attached. My handbook on the Adapter is dated June '72.
Cheers Dennis, -- Dave Prince VK4KDP Brisbane, Queensland, Australia davprin@gil.com.au
http://www.gil.com.au/~davprin Collector and restorer of Military Radio,
Signalling Equipment and WW2 Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) Vehicles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave, To my knowledge, the PRC-25/77 family of equipment were never adapted
by the U.S. for use with MCW. This was most likely because the only use
for CW from the mid sixties on was to allow for the transmission of encrypted
messages, and the GRA-71 kept on the air time to a minimum. This all on
the HF bands only. On the other hand, voice encryption equipment had been
developed for FM equipment so there was no need. By the late seventies
technology was able to narrow up the required bandwidth needed for voice
encryption thus making it suitable for the HF bands and SSB. This contributing
to the demise of CW, and the GRA-71 in military applications. Interestingly,
the OPS series of FM radios were adapted for the transmission of MCW with
an external key, and tone oscillator. A few of these included the FM-1,
and FM-2(hand held, highband, and lowband respective), and the FM-5, and
FM-7(backpack, highband, and lowband respective). But these radios were
acquired by the CIA for mass, "under the counter", distribution to underdeveloped
contingents, at minimal expense. The lineup of radios in your list is
most interesting, especially as it would tend to show some cooperation
between the U.S. and Australia in the development and testing of equipment,
and there are two obvious examples. The PRC-70 is listed as developmental
in your 1966 list. Though development began in 1964, it would not be until
1971 that experimental AVCO versions were tested, and an entitial order
of 21 test models were ordered, 1980 saw the first order of production
units. Until it's appearance in your list the only historical evidence
to the existence of the PRC-62 (Manpack HF, AM/SSB transceiver), is as
follows: [this radio was reported to be used in Vietnam by patrols to
talk to unit headquarters in a magazine article"Vietnam, Electronics in
War", Electronics magazine May 16,1966. It is unknown how accurate the
statements are, as this set has never been encountered. Reported to operate
2-30mc, AM & SSB.] Hmmm? Could this have been an Aussie radio all along,
acquired in limited quantities by the U.S.? Until I saw it in your list,
I had my doubts as to whether it ever actually existed. Another interesting
radio is the CPRC-26, Australia brings the known user count up to four
for this fine little radio. The U.S. did acquire a small quantity for
testing in the mid 50's, but concluded that it offered "no significant
advantage", while the statement itself was bull shit, there was some logic
in our not adopting it, but thats another story. The ARC-44, though it
was grossly outdated by 1966, it remained in widespread use by the U.S.
until the early 70's, as fitted in small observation/spotter aircraft
like the OE-1 Cessna, and in UH-1 helicopters(where it failed regularly
due to vibration). Can the above simulate the advantages to the study
of seemingly foreign radio equipment to enhance our understand of the
domestic? Thanks again Dave. Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN
military-radio-guy@juno.com ***********************************************
(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 are included. For more information conserning this group contact
Dennis Starks at, military-radio-guy@juno.com) ***********************************************
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