[Milsurplus] 68, 22, 19, 18, Sets.

[Paul Galpin]

The facts are :
1. The 19 set is the 19 set that we all know - usually fixed in a vehicle or
at an operating position. Uses 807 in the final. Maybe with an HP unit to
boost the output. Used where 240 or 12V power is plentifully available.

2. The 22 set is a similar but different transceiver, fixed in a vehicle or
"portable", meaning one guy carries the 12V battery(ies), one the set and
one the rest of the accessories, but not really suitable for use on the
move. Designed to be sparing on 12V power. Typically carried out to an
artillery spotting position and operated from there, with one member
trotting back occasionally to get newly charged batts. Same frequency range
as the 19, but lower power - uses 3x EL32 (VT52) in the final.

3. The 18 and 68 sets were only designed as portables, used on-the-move.
One operator and one carrier. There is no separate "battery version" of the
18/68 - they are designed to run as frugally as possible from dry cells
(120V and 3V). Of course the batteries can be replaced by a mains supply,
but AFAIK there was never an official one made, even the workshop/training
supply was a collection of larger batteries. All versions of the 18 and 68
sets are basically the same circuitry, except that the 68 is a low frequency
version of the 18.

Frequency ranges:
WS19  	2-8MHz
WS22  	2-8MHz
WS18  	6-9MHz
WS68R&T	3-5.2MHz
WS68P		1.7-2.9MHz

Much of this info comes from Louis Meultee's books - surely everyone on this
list should have the set?! If not, why not?



As regards "Market Garden" the stories I have heard include wrong crystals
(68s and later 18s could take a crystal), and also sets netted in, but then
stored for a long time, and not re-netted before use. Yes, I can just
visualise the poor operators being told "These sets have been tuned in using
very expensive equipment, and if I find any of you have been touching that
frequency knob, you'll be on a charge before you know what's happened!!"

Paul Galpin
(ZR6ACV)
Ex Royal Signals