[ARC5] [Milsurplus] Unusual Command Set type rcvr I saw, 13.5-20 MHz

[arc5 at ix.netcom.com]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <boeing377 at aol.com>
Subject: Unusual Command Set type rcvr I saw, 13.5-20 MHz
 
> Data plate said TYPE CBY 46108  A UNIT OF RAT-1 EQUIPMENT
> 
> Serial No. 2
> 
> Dial is 13.5-20 Mc

Your friend has a very rare and desireable set.
The RAT (12-volt) and RAT-1 (24-volt) receivers 
were the first A.R.C. production sets
we would recognize as what are typically 
(and incorrectly) called "ARC-5."  
The model you have matches another serial #2 set 
which would tune 20-27 MC.  
Only 50 complete RAT-1 sets-
which were composed of two receivers, 
two local control drawers,
two remote control drawers, two dynamotors, 
a rack with shock mount and a tuning box- 
were produced for the U.S. Navy.  There is 
evidence the Navy ordered them to test frequencies
around 25 MC for aircraft use, but there is also 
eye-witness testimony of them being used 
in an early pre-war ELINT application.
Less than ten (IIRC about four) of your model are known 
to have survived.  It is genuinely rare, and worthy
of careful preservation.  
Please tell him I said: "Congratulations!"

Does he have the RAT-1 dynamotor on the back?
Also- the drawer in the front: is it remote (no controls)
or local control, and what is the serial number on 
the front of the box (should be on a little silver plate)?
Please ask you friend in what part of the country he
found it, and if he would be so kind as to allow me 
to include him in my small database;
I'm trying to keep track of the few remaining 
RAT and RAT-1 items.

73 Dave S. AB5S