[ARC5] CRN-1 MF Emergency Transmiiter

[Hubert Miller]

>Subject: [ARC5] CRN-1 MF Emergency Transmiiter

According to a book I have, "How to fly the B-29 Superfortress" which is in reality the XXI Bomber Command Combat Crew Manual, B-29's were equipped with emergency beacons that broadcast in the BCB band, the AN/CRN-1, described as a single tube battery powered low frequency buoy transmitter.  The CRN-1 was designed to float and broadcast a non directional signal on the frequency range 1400 KHZ to 1750 KHZ, a CW signal keyed at 180 times a minute and interrupted by a preset single code letter.  The signal normally could be picked up approximately 50 miles away over open sea and could reach as far as 1000 miles.  The CRN-1 was homed on by ADF sets, and in addition a number of B-29's in each squadron were equipped with transmitters capable of transmitting in the LF/MF band so they could act as rendezvous aircraft that could be homed on by other B-29's.  So that is why the LF/MF oscillators for the ART-13 were an option.
>Wayne WB5WSV

THANKS for posting this info and the book reference ! Good stuff !
-Hue Miller