[Milsurplus] The Gas receiver

Sun, 2 Nov 2003 18:11:41 -0500

Wow Marty:

All this talk of pork 'n gas is takin' its toll <urp>

9000 spy radios?  Were there that many spies?  Does Paul Harvey know about
all this?

Anyway, since you're in the know on the Angry-fives -- and pork might
explain the real reason why those were made -- some observations and
questions:

-- The radio/power supply-speaker/cabinet arrangement is unusual -- 1/2
radio, 1/2 mult-mode power supply -- with a selenium or maybe copper oxide
rectifier riveted in the case and part of the wiring harness between the
two.  While technically undistinquished in most ways, someone had a heck of
an imagination.

-- There is a UK functional equivalent. I don't know if they were also
intended (or sold as) "gas radios".  It's the R-209, with Mark II and III
versions.  Less than 1/3rd the size of a GRR-5 setup.  Similar frequency
coverage and the later models were multi-voltage.  Trap door to protect the
built in speaker against moisture and maybe concussion as well.  No detent
setup.

-- Even though it has a waterproof, blast-resistant speaker, the GRR-5 sound
quality is decent, whereas the otherwise similar outboard LS-166's (and
others like it), the external speaker for the GRC-106, R-392, and the GRR-5
(among others) sounds downright poor.

Here's the question -- The GRR-5 seems to use a similar tube lineup as a 600
series Zenith Transoceanic -- with 1.5 volt tubes, etc. -- some of the same
numbers.  However, the Zeniths use a 1L6 mixer where the GRR-5 uses a 1R5 (I
think).  You can sub a 1R5 (much cheaper) to check out a TO, but even if you
re-align it for the 1R5, sensitivity will fall off above 5 MC.

Any thoughts, observations on all that?

Barry

PS, Ironic, but I suppose if it weren't for the ol' pork barrel, we'd have
fewer toys to share.  I have several AN/GRR-5's around here.  Guess I'm a
late entry to the good ol' boys club., but not quite ready to shell out $1K
plus for my share of the spy radio pork, especially if you're tellin' me
they're historically bogus.  Wait a minute - that makes them even more
interesting historically, but then I watch the History Channel way too much.
(All the stuff getting declassified after 50 years.)

PS #2 -- The first music and sounds of the outside world I heard as a baby
came from an Emerson 520 -- the catalin "cheese grater" 5 tube table radio.
Still have it (needs a 12SQ7).  So, I may be predisposed to look the other
way where Emerson is concerned (though I think some Chinese outfit owns the
name now. Ooops.  Where's Paul Harvey when you need him?)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marty R's GI-stuff haunt" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] The Gas receiver

>
> OK, here's some oral tradition on "the gas receiver(s)"
>
> BC728 used it's pre-sets to monitor channels for "gas warnings."  Read
> mustard gas.
>
> But it was a drifty critter & hence there was a borderline need for
> a replacement in '53.  The GRR5 with it's detent pre-sets was the
> critter - a little needed-gizmo which, nevertheless, sent Emmerson
> the $$$.
>
> Backing up, BC728 came about 'cause there were systems of trench alarm
> bells to warn of mustard gas in ww1 & it was thot something like the
> BC728 wud better address that in ww2.  Or in GRR5's case, Korea.
>
> This aint "History of Sig Corps / ww2 stuff."  It's a Paul Harvey
> "rest of the story" tale.  Thank god there's one man left with
> the info (to carry on, to carry on).
>
> One man who may connect with an Emerson guy, a renowned ham, on the
> "RS-6 assignment.".
>
> BTW, try this URL for me just before fold-up @ Lawrenceville.  RS-6
> talk magnet display to my left just 30 min.s ago.
>
>   http://qsl.asti.com//LATE.stuff/rs-6_on_easle.jpg
>
> Sed I'd do it, Hue!
>
> I'm sure you'll see it's RT6A 9368 & company.  And for those with
> superman-class eyes, you'll see a BC191's RA34H just inside Dotch's
> tailgate by RR taillight.  Still looking to mate.
>
> 9000 spy radios, indeed.  Can you spell P-O-R-K  B-A-R-R-R-E-L???
> _______________________________________________
> Milsurplus mailing list
> [email protected]
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/milsurplus
>