[Milsurplus] Re:TBY

[David Stinson]

Robert Flory wrote:

> Found an interesting tidbit on TBY application.  It is mentioned as
> emergency alternative to TBS in this report of PT-109 loss.

Thank you, Robert!
Like the documentation we've found on their use
in Atlantic convoys, it's also stated the TBY
was used as an "interphone" between boats:

"...... Lt. Brantinghams' boats were further subdivided into two 
sections; PT 159, radar equipped, operating with PT 157, while PT 162, 
under the command of Lt.(jg) J. R. Lowrey, was the lead boat of the 
second section with PT 109 following. PTs 159 and 162 both carried TBYs 
for inter-boat communications. Instructions were issued to Lt.(jg) Jack 
Kennedy, captain of PT 109, to follow closely on PT 162's starboard 
quarter, which would keep in touch with the radar equipped PT 159 by 
TBY. [Portable radio equipment of low power used as emergency for TBS.]"

I have a feeling we're going to find out that the TBY,
like the BC-375, got an undeserved bad reputation
from hams who didn't know how to handle them.
The people in charge of providing communications for
all these diverse applications weren't stupid.
If they installed TBYs in so many places,
it was because they worked reliably.

73 Dave S>