[ForSale-Swap] Update on FAA sets FA-8190 and FA-8191

[James Duffer]

These were referred to as "BUEC" (back up emergency communications) and were 
used to back up RCAG (remote control air/ground) sites.  They were not 
colocated with RCAG but usually located at Long Range Radar sites where they 
were maintained by the radar techs.  They were controlled by the Air Route 
Traffic Control Centers via the telephone channels on the microwave link or 
telephone lines.  They had provisions for local or manual control where the 
frequency could be selected by the thumbwheels on the synthesizer and keyed 
etc.  They were fairly reliable and used also by the U.S. Air Force on a 
system which I can't recall, maybe SAGE.  Maintenance was accomplished by 
replacing modules with the synthesizer being the most frequently replaced.

The control was accomplished by sending series of tones on the phone lines 
which formed words that selected frequency, keyed the unit etc.  I forget 
the frequency of the audio tones that were alternated to control the system 
as this was done from the ARTCC and not at the radar site (where I worked).

The radar techs received no specialized training on this system and as time 
went on, it proved none was really needed.

It seems strange that the state of the art systems that I have had 
experience with in the military and FAA are now sold on the surplus market. 
(AN/GRC-19/46, 106, and BUEC etc)  Makes me feel I am getting old.

73, Jim, de wd4air

>From: "Byron Tatum" <bjtatum at ev1.net>
>To: <ForSale-Swap at mailman.qth.net>
>Subject: [ForSale-Swap] Update on FAA sets FA-8190 and FA-8191
>Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2005 22:36:54 -0600
>
>Hello-
>     Just some updated info for all interested concerning the :
>         FA-8190 ----- UHF 20 watt AM transceiver 230 to 399.5 Mhz.
>         FA-8191 ----- VHF 20 watt AM transceiver 118 to 135.975 Mhz.
>     I found the manual sets packed up in 2 boxes with radios. There is the 
>full operator instruction book { about 1-1/4" thick} and a section of large 
>pages from the troubleshooting manual for each type radio. I plan to try 
>and find a reasonable copying firm that will make copies for anyone in need 
>of manuals. No ideas at this time, suggestions?
>     I have 2 UHF sets and several VHF sets left if anyone is interested.I 
>have checked these for receive and transmit. The UHF sets are 175.00.They 
>are quite a bit more involved with more modules, including a nice looking 
>receiver preamp.These sets are real beasts but I believe the highest 
>quality of any of their type.
>     From just a brief study of manual it appears these sets have a fairly 
>sophisticated remote control capability using the 4 wire telephone line. 
>Anyway, they are very clean internally but have a film of some material on 
>outside of cases and panel. At first I thought it was nicotine but then a 
>friend commented to me that he has a UHF one with that same material on 
>outside of case and he believes it to be some type of preservative.It 
>cleans off OK with towel and window cleaner.I believe the radio slid into 
>an air cooled drawer and that may be reason for coating material { 
>lubrication?].
>     Thanks all for interest, Byron.
>
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