[ARC5] Where used?

[Mike Hanz]

On 6/17/2010 8:49 PM, jcoward5452 at aol.com wrote:
> Just got a really clean C-39/ARC-5 contract NXsa-38868 s/n 5998 CCT. As this just selects ICS/RADIO, is it a remote control for a crew member other than Pilot?  Or was this for a fixed tuned system with Interphone capability for the Pilot? Has (2) 12 pin connectors marked "K" and one smaller 3 pin with no marking. Has the usual TEL and MIC jacks and the built in cord with the 2 pin jack for a mask mic.VOLUME (variable), and MIC (switch) control for ICS and Radio are the only operator controls.
>    

It's one of those sorta inexplicable interphone jack boxes that were 
produced for aircraft which (presumably) had no other system aboard.  It 
was most often used in two or three place planes, but the ARC-5 manual 
shows examples in multiplace airframes - presumably replacing (or even 
augmenting) RL-* jack boxes.  Its equivalent with a microphone relay was 
called the C-48/ARC-5, though plenty of C-39s were produced that were 
later modified to include the relay, making the result a fuzzed-up, 
confused mess.

>   And what ICS is compatable? RL-* ?
>    

That's a bit like asking what gasoline was used in 1955 Chevys.  The 
ARC-5 manual shows both the RL-* and AN/AIC-4, so suit yourself. :-)
73,
Mike