[Milsurplus] Re: [ARC5] SCR-274-N Transmitter Dial Accuracy

[Neil]

>> I have often wondered how the users of the MF/HF commands sets
>> netted the receiver to the associated transmitter...
> 
> I should have clarified that this referred to in-flight operation.

Yes, I understood that you meant in-flight operation.


>>Why would a pilot want to net his receiver to his own transmitter?
> 
> Er...maybe because the "coffee grinder" controls hanging out in the open
> got tweaked intentionally or inadvertently while in flight.  This was
> a very common complaint, and once it occurred there was no easy way to
> get the receiver back.  The pushbutton selectors with no tuning controls
> on the early VHF command sets were praised by pilots in comparision.
> The problem was enough to lead to the stabilized preset lock-tuned
> command set communication receivers (R-25, 26, 27/ARC-5) in many USN
> aircraft.
> 
> A fighter pilot isn't going to pull out a LM or BC-221 and adjust his
> receivers with it in flight. :-)  This isn't easily done even on large
> aircraft with a radio operator, since the receiver controls aren't at
> the radio operator position.
> 
> Mike / KK5F


Yes, everyone understands that controls get bumped and pilots tune
around if they think they're off-tune.  The problem with netting to one's
own transmitter is two-fold:

Firstly, it doesn't guarantee that it will result in your receiver being tuned
to the flight's designated working frequency, and more importantly, to the
Flight Leader, from whom you will be receiving orders. If your transmitter
happens to be off by a few Kc, so will your receiver.  In a flight of ten
planes, the receivers would be all over the place.

Secondly, if each pilot were to key his transmitter for a calibration check
every time he felt the need, you can imagine the QRM.  The people who
designed the Command radios were no doubt very well aware that this
would be a problem.

Therefore, doesn't it make more sense for the Flight Leader to key his
transmitter after take-off (and whenever requested) so that all pilots in
the flight can net to him?

73 de Neil ZL1ANM