[ARC5] Mystery Black Box

[Jay Coward via ARC5]

The RF connectors may provide a clue. They have a bail retainer and that seems to be to be used on UK gear.(?)
 Smarter people speak up!
 Jay
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael A. Bittner <mmab at cox.net>
To: ARC5 <ARC5 at mailman.QTH.net>; Milsurplus <Milsurplus at mailman.QTH.net>
Sent: Sat, Apr 26, 2014 3:19 pm
Subject: [ARC5] Mystery Black Box


I found this mystery black box in mint condition, still in its herm. sealed 
overseas packing at the TRW swap meet.  Does anyone have any further information 
on it?  Tech. manual availability?  See photos here:

http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/kmmab/library/?sort=2&page=1



Description 

Name/Nomenclature:                Frequency Converter CV-27/UPN

Power:                                     115/80 Volts, 60/400 Hz, 1 Phase

Serial No.                                 A-327

Contract No.                            CAON-2000-DAY-DE-AR

Stock & Part No.                     1660-211 963 170 XD2 2C720-27

Name of Activity or Mfg.:         Dayton AFD

Date:                                        16 Dec 1955

Tech. Order Compliance Record: 00-20K-11

 

Front Panel Description (left to right):

Top Row: Antenna Connector, Spare Fuse, Receiver Connector.

Middle Row: 4-Pos. Antenna Match Switch, 3-Pos. Switch (HF/ L.F. Distant/L.F. 
Local)

Bottom Row: Power Connector, Power Switch, Pilot Light, Fuse, 115V/80V Selector 
Sw.

 

Size: 6-5/8" Wide x 6-1/8" High x 8-5/8" Deep (Not including shock mounts & 
controls)

 

Tubes: 6SJ7, 6SA7, 6X5

 

Probable Function:

With middle 3-position switch in the L.F. Distant or L.F. Local positions, it 
probably converts signals in some unknown low frequency range to some unknown 
high frequency range for tuning on an HF receiver.  With the switch in the H.F. 
position, it probably connects the two antenna connectors together for normal HF 
reception on a connected HF receiver.



I found an instruction manual reference at: 

http://books.google.com/books/about/Handbook_of_Operating_Instructions_for_L.html?id=r3mmtgAACAAJ

http://www.jproc.ca/hyperbolic/loran_a.html



The manual doesn't seem to be available in print or on line, but the manual 
title says "Loran Low Frequency Converter", so it has something to do with 
LORAN.

My own experience is with LORAN A using the AN/APN-4 in the Martin PBM Mariner 
flying boat.

A good description of LORAN A can be found at: http://www.jproc.ca/hyperbolic/loran_a.html



Questions:

So what did this black box do? Convert LORAN C to LORAN A?  Can't be because 
LORAN C wasn't invented yet in 1955.

What LF range does it cover?

What HF range is its output?

How was is used, with what receiver(s), for what military purpose?

Anybody know?  Guesses welcome.

  

Mike - W6MAB  

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