[ARC5] SCR-AF-183

[Michael Tauson]

On Tue, Oct 27, 2009 at 12:34 PM, David Stinson <arc5 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:
> SCR-AF-183 is not compat. with other models.

Oh, wonderful, an orphan.  On the other hand, so is the SCR-AA-183.

> While it is the early A.R.C. design (with some mods)
> it may have been- if not the first, then one of the first-
> sub-contracts that A.R.C. let to Western Electric.

Which early design, the one used with the SCR-AB, -AC-183?  Those were
Model B sets as was the AA version.  There probably a few earlier
Model D versions before the design settled down much like the GF/RU
when through a few evolutions resulting in the 46048D, 46051A and
52063A.  Whether or not any more Model B sets were built is another
question.

> Or perhaps the Army asked W.E. to compete using
> the same basic design.  I have no documentation
> either way, but the "subcontract" idea is most likely.

It also wouldn't be the last time WE "freelanced" A.R.C.'s designed.
The SCR-274-N's changes made it cheaper to build but they had some
problems.  Later on, there were issues with the WE-built RUs.

>
> Bracketing the -AF-,
> A.R.C. produced the SCR-AE-183 on several orders,
> the earliest of which I have documentation
> is SC-132368 Date 6-5-35 (an earlier order system)
> and the latest one I have,  17879-NY-39 1-10-39
> (that's odd, I know).
> A.R.C. produced SCR-AG-183 on order 11487-NY-36.
>
> So A.R.C. and W.E. were producing very similar sets
> during the same time period.  It could be W.E. was
> "taking up some slack" from A.R.C. as they were to do
> later, because I have never seen a piece of -AG- equipment,
> while many parts of -AE- have surfaced.

Would you happen to have a list of the coil sets used with these and
the AD version?  Also, was the AD version a stand-alone as well?

> I'll leave the final answer as to why W.E. stuck its nose
> in the middle of the SCR-xx-183 life-cycle to the lucky
> person who gets to spend a month or three in the archives.

If I can get funding, that would be me.  The current plan is a month
at Wright-Patt and two additional in DC with a computer, a scanner and
a camera.  Oh, and an RA/caregiver.  (Those who know me know why the
caregiver part.)  I know I'll be staying on base at W-P and at the DC
Navy Yard, have a fair idea about local transportation and some
concept about other local expenses.  The longer parts of the ride (HNL
to Dayton to DC and back) are part of the unsolved problems as is
paying for the whole thing.  Wheee!

> The -AF- receiver, rx control box, dynamotor and junction box
> were also componants of the receive-only set SCR-AB-185
> and radio-compass set SCR-AB-186.
> "While the general appearance and fuctioning of this radio set
> are the same as those of the others......, many of the circuits
> are different and most of the parts are not interchangeable..."

It's almost like they built a completely different set based on the
same basic platform then disguised it as an SCR-**-183.  Weird.

> The set was furnish either with a "normal" range of coils,
> or with an "alternative" set,
> depending on the mission of the installation aircraft.

Er, was that C-182 the same as the one used with other systems or was
it unique to the AF version?

> I've seen one -AF- receiver and one antenna switch (BC-AF-198)
> on Ebay, but couldn't afford either of them.  Have photos if needed.

I don't know about needed, but they would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for the wonderful info!

Best regards,

Michael, WH7HG
--
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