[Boatanchors] A Vintage Japanese Glowbug.

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 8/10/06, Tom NØJMY - AAR7FV <tfarl at mchsi.com> wrote:
> At the Cedar Rapids 'fest last week I picked me up a cute little mobile
> AM transmitter, a Mars Thunderbird.  Apparently made in Japan in the
> early '60s.  About the size of a Heathkit QF-1.  It's xtal controlled on
> 75 and 40 with two 6AQ5's and a 12AU7.  I found a little bit on the web
> about it at: http://members.aol.com/tcsopr/marsamtx.htm . Anybody
> familiar with this unit?

Tom -

I'm not sure if he still frequents these lists, but Larry Rau W6WUH at
Occidental Radio in 6-Land (his 6 call really is in 6-Land, it's true)
is a big Mars nut. I helped him track down one of these little
beasties a few years back. Nifty little box, reminds me a bit of the
old Gonset Commander, at least for size.

They also made a linear amp and SWR bridge, probably a few other
trinkets as well.

Larry's a good man and enjoys talking about the old gear, so I'm sure
he will be most helpful in sharing whatever info he has. He's the one
who who did the rundown on the 'new' Globe King a few years back,
listed on e-ham.

Good luck, and enjoy your new find -

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ