[Milsurplus] ARC-5 data tags...

[brianm@carsoncomm.net]

 FWIW, I have two ARA 1.5-3 mc. receivers here, both under the same contract
number (NOs-74912).  Serial # 941 has had the date surgically removed,
whereas serial # 2651 has the date intact.  Incidently, the date is June 29,
1940.  Can anyone get closer with the serial numbers?

 73,
Brian  wj0p

> Kenneth G. Gordon wrote:
>
> >I have had several ARC-5/ARA receivers where the data tags on the top
> >case have the date section excised from the tag, leaving a
rectangular-ish
> >gap.  Why was this done? Strange...  Anyone know?
> >
>
> I've seen it done on a few early ARA and ATA sets, but never on an
> SCR-274N or ARC-5 set.  The reasoning is best explained in a book on
> radar, surprisingly enough.  In 'Instruments of Darkness' (IIRC), there
> is an excellent excerpt on the intelligence value of captured German
> electronics, which had painstakingly dated records of repairs inside the
> sets.  Comparing sets captured at various points in the war, they showed
> technology changes, problem solutions, material substitutions, etc.
> which the British were able to effectively exploit or add to the growing
> intelligence picture. The US sets you will find most frequently with
> this modification are those carried by long range Navy patrol aircraft
> early in the war, since they had the greatest potential for being
> captured.  Thus, the ARA/ATA, RAX-1, ATC, ATD, GO-9, GP-7, etc.
> frequently have that section milled or ground off of the tag.  By the
> time the SCR-274N and ARC-5 had arrived, such effort was apparently
> considered overtaken by events, since it was clear the Allies would win
> the war.  I think it was partially dependent on the Service involved, as
> well - the Signal Corps didn't seem to consider it as much a threat as
> the Navy, at least based on my meager sampling.
>
> 73,
> Mike
>
>
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