[ARC5] BC-229 / BC-429 receivers

[Mike Hanz]

On 10/11/2014 3:39 PM, AKLDGUY . wrote:
> So I've deduced that, if fitted, the loop connector socket on the front
> panel can simply be ignored with no loss of function.

Yup.  A couple of mine have lovely knurled edge blank plugs that are 
inserted to block them off from dust and vermin, though I note that 
operational photos usually show them empty of such plugs.  I have never 
seen a photo with an actual cable plugged into it.

For all the inclusion of loop antenna capability on the various "command 
sets" of the era, it seems curious that a line of associated loops 
wasn't nomenclatured to go with them.  The rapid rise of single purpose 
DF receivers developed in both Army and Navy radio laboratories in the 
late 1930s is probably the primary reason, though certainly firms like 
Bendix with their commercial MN-** series helped fill the void for 
isolated requirements.  Numbers are hard to come by, though - my 
research on an obscure compass modulator for the SCR-183 sets at the 
bottom of http://aafradio.org/flightdeck/1935/SCR-AE-183.html unearthed 
a claim that Fairchild Aerial Camera Corporation produced 10,000 of 
their ash wood E-4 loops for aircraft between 1935 and 1947, so there 
had to be a market for them.

           73,
  - Mike  KC4TOS