[Milsurplus] ARC-109

[Mike Morrow]

Marty wrote of the AN/ARC-109:

>225-400 Collins.  Apparrently still in C5, F14, F15, etc.

I doubt that many are still in service, even in the reserves.  The AN/ARC-109 was first put in service in 1967!  The control box  is neat.  It uses magnetic core memory to store 20 frequency channels.  It must have cost an arm and a leg 35 years ago.

The set uses 400 Hz AC power.

>One in these parts & pedigree known - not tossed over the fence.  P/O
>fed-funded research project.

Georgia Tech apparently had a few in near new condition, with mounts and control boxes.  I think they all got surplused years ago.

>Owner, a pal, wants to "clear a grand" for the thing.

Wish him a **lot** of luck.  I bought one on ebay last year (a Ga. Tech unit with mount and control box) for about $75 total, plus shipping.   There was another set just like that on ebay at about the same time that went for about the same money.

Fair Radio has the set for about $300, I think.

>That sensible, or is price "unclear?"

The set is clearly NOT worth even $150 today, IMHO.  But it's a nice piece of gear to look at.

Bruce Stewart, on this list, has I believe a fair amount of experience with this set.

73,
Mike / KK5F