[ARC5] Radio Equipment installed in Grumman F6F-3 at NMNA

[Mike Morrow]

I wrote:

>But for a typical at-sea service configuration, obtain a CBY-46105 3 to 6 MC receiver
>to serve with the CBY-52208, in place of that .19 to .55 MC unit.  That 46129 receiver
>would not have been used in at-sea service, especially with the ZB-3 homing adapter
>and its associated 46145 BCB receiver in place.

John/W4THQ wrote:

>The F6F-3 (an early model, quite rare: most common is F6F-5), the SBD-3 also in our
>shop, and the SBD-5 completed last November were all recovered from Lake Michigan.
>This F6F-3 made a hard landing, hit the barrier, and ended up hanging over the side
>by its tailhook.  After the pilot was rescued, the aircraft was cut loose to drop
>into the lake.  I think it was down about 200 feet or so.

I was not aware of the background of this aircraft.  Since it was lost with the
gear that you listed aboard, then I withdraw my suggestion to make any change in
the radio installation just as you found there.  If the sets can be restored, that
would be the ultimate "authentic" and historical installation.

When was the aircraft lost?

I would still be very interested in the cables between the CBY-46145 and the ZB-3.
All that should have been required is a three-conductor cable between the largest
control (eight-pin) connector on the back of the ZB-3, to the connector (five-pin
plus one guide pin) on the front of the CBY-46145.  In addition, there should have
been a cable connected by PL-259 (type) at the back of the ZB-3 to the antenna terminal
on the CBY-46145.  The other two connectors on the back of the ZB-3 should be unused, and
possibly covered.  I have been unable ever to find any manual that actually documents
this configuration, but a contemporary aircraft with such an arrangement would be
proof enough.  I would also be interested in a photo, if possible, of the receiver
control box, showing the .52 to 1.5 MC dial in particular.

It sounds like there's going to be a lot of work required to restore this historical
aircraft.  Good luck!

Mike / KK5F