[Milsurplus] Re: [ARC5] Pipsqueak info needed

[David Stinson]

An interesting note on the "Pipsqueak:"
While gathering information for my "Battle of Britain"
TR-9D HF rig (helped by several terrific people here),
I learned that the set was designed with two crystal-
controlled channels.  The first channel was for tactical
communication.  When activated, the "Pipsqueak"
switched the set to the second channel and transmitted
a tone for a portion of every minute.
Therefore, the "Pipsqueak" came into use in late 1939
and continued to be installed through SCR-274N
and SCR-522.  That means it was in service from
1939 to 1943 at least.  Not bad for a system
many people thought was never used.

Some folks have said the "Pipsqueak" was an
"early IFF," some that it was for flight location
and some as a distress beacon.
All three views are correct.
Besides Fighter Command's obvious DF uses,
nervous flak crews got the word
of friendly aircraft passing overhead
before they could get itchy trigger fingers.

73 DE Dave AB5S

Mike Hanz wrote:
> Try http://members.cox.net/aaf-radio-1/BC-616.jpg, Jack.
> 
> Never tried the clock longevity - just keep cycling it until it runs down?
> 
> 73,
> Mike

>> One of the current projects is to  get an RC-96
>> "Pipsqueak" setup going with my SCR-274N.