[ARC5] Re: [Milsurplus] Command key ?

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

Bob, 

I agree about the hard-mounted J-37 in the B-29.  But the J-38 was almost the 
only Signal Corps straight key that did not use the J-37 basic key mechanism 
as a building block (J-41 is only other one I'm aware of).  The J-38 is built 
differently (coil instead of leaf spring for one thing and shorting lever for 
another) and was procurred for use with two or three code training systems, 
not for tactical use.  The J-37 was used by itself (as in the B-29 installation) 
but more commonly as part of other keys such as J-43, 44, 45, 47 and 48-A.

But notice that I didn't say the J-38 was never used tactically, just that it 
wasn't intended to be.  :-)

In a message dated 6/25/2005 3:30:56 PM Central Daylight Time, 
macklinbob at msn.com writes: 
> In the B-29 and later aircraft wirh ART-13/BC-348 intallations the J37/J38
> keys were permanently installed to the radio operators table. But during the
> Korean War period (I was there) the radio operator could use his own speed
> key if he so chose. This was also true in the submarine service.
> 
> Bob Macklin
> K5MYJ/7
> Seattle, Wa.

73
Robert Downs - Houston
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