[ARC5] [Milsurplus] 26003A Navy aviation key

[Rich Post]

Yes, flameproof in fuel vapor situations.  But also good for avoiding some
of the 'potential' bites on cathode keyed older rigs!
[image: The Bendix MT-11B enclosed key alongside open practice key.JPG]


On Sun, Jun 11, 2023 at 8:08 AM Michael Hanz <aaf-radio-1 at aafradio.org>
wrote:

> Once more with the picture...
>
> On 6/11/2023 8:07 AM, Michael Hanz wrote:
>
> Along with KK5F's excellent coverage of this key, perhaps a photo of an
> original Bendix MT-11B might be useful.  Sure looks like the 26003 family.
>
> Bendix was into the radio scene as soon as aircraft became more than a
> curiosity.  The early aircraft apparently reeked of gasoline fumes on a
> *good* day, and an open telegraph key that could potentially initiate a
> spark upon key make or release wasn't a good idea.  Even later, a bullet or
> shell through a wing could provide a dousing or at least gasoline vapor
> throughout the cockpit.  The term 'flameproof' seems a bit odd,  except in
> the context of not lighting a flame in a fuel rich environment.  This in
> aircraft that had cigarette ashtrays in every plane... 😁
>
> - Mike  KC4TOS
>
>
>
>
> On 6/10/2023 1:43 PM, Mike Morrow wrote:
>
>
> From the NAVSHIPS 900,109 Navy Type Number book of September 1945, the
> following information is provided on the four nt-26003* keys:
>
> CN-26003     GM     CN-G-115
> KEY-TELEGRAPH
> FLAME-PROOF
> INSULATED FRAME.
> 05/03/33
>
>      -26003A     GO     RE 26F 111
> HAND TELEGRAPH KEY:   (NAF #37153)
> FLAME PROOF,
> INSULATED FRAME.
> KNOB OF LAMINATED MATERIAL SPEC. 17-P-5 TYPE-PBM.
> 10/11/33
>
> CME-26003B     VA-1     GRE 26J 1154A
> KEY, TELEGRAPH
> FLAME-PROOF
> (SLIGHT IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPONENTS)
> 01/06/38
>
> CME-26003C     VA-2 & VB-1     GRE 26J 1156A
> KEY, TELEGRAPH
> FLAME-PROOF
> SAME AS -26003B EXCEPT FOR LARGER TERMINAL TUBE FOR ARMORED CABLE
> 10/04/39
>
> Note that nt-26003 is associated with transmitter GM, and that nt-26003A
> is associated with transmitter GO.
>
> nt-26003B is associated with visual signaling equipment VA-1, and that
> nt-26003C is associated with visual signaling equipment VA-2 and VB-1.
>
> This key is my favorite military key.  I have owned five that were pulled
> from USN patrol aircraft being scrapped that had AN/ARC-25 (AN/ART-13 with
> AN/ARR-15A), AN/ARC-38, AN/ARC-38A, or AN/ARC-94 HF radio sets installed.
> ALL.were nt-26003A keys.  At least one had the two-minute key-down caution.
>
> Mike / KK5F
>
>
>
> --
> Michael Hanz - KC4TOS
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ARC5 mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/arc5
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ARC5 at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: https://www.qsl.net/donate.html
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/arc5/attachments/20230611/46bc7475/attachment-0001.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: guEpQu40Ow1c8nNO.png
Type: image/png
Size: 465840 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/arc5/attachments/20230611/46bc7475/attachment-0001.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: The Bendix MT-11B enclosed key alongside open practice key.JPG
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 193871 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/arc5/attachments/20230611/46bc7475/attachment-0001.jpe>