[ARC5] Stromberg-Carlson Model D Aircraft Receiver (RFL, ARC, BRC)

[Michael Tauson]

On Dec 30, 2007 5:04 AM, Mike Morrow <kk5f at earthlink.net> wrote:

> It would be interesting to see a chronology and outline of the relationships between Radio
> Frequency Laboratories, Aircraft Radio Corporation, and Boonton Radio Corporation, all
> located in Boonton, NJ.

RFL begat A.R.C. in 1927 as an aircraft installation & maintenance
subsidiary.  This changed in 1934 (lovely year, that!) putting A.R.C.
at the top of the food chain and RFL only sharing executives.  The B-3
was a late 20s Model B design built by Stromberg-Carlson and
installed/maintained by A.R.C..  It's a relative of the one Doolittle
used in the first blind landing in 1929.

Boonton Radio Corporation (which later formed then became Boonton
Radio Labs) was a separate entity independent of the RFL line.  From
what I can see, they were just another of the radio companies that
formed in and around Boonton during that growth period.

> The RFL Type B-3 utilizes a brass seal (pin) to prevent outer case removal without breaking seal.  A plate around this seal says:

Yep.  They didn't want people poking around inside.  This was part &
parcel with all the RFL designs but pretty much went away as the
design responsibility shifted to A.R.C. as Dr. Hull developed his own
team.

> I've seen picures of the Type K receivers that Mike Hanz uncovered, and the system
> diagram on Mike's website.  It would be interesting if any components of the Type K
> transmitter system still survive anywhere.

It would indeed!  But, much like the NRL conversions of the ATA/ARA
sets to crystal control, there are none to be had.  That is a true
bummer.

Best regards,

Kludge, WH7HG