[Milsurplus] Re {MILSURPLUS} Where was RAL and RAK used?

[howard holden]

Fleet subs are equipped with only one set of RAL/RAK with power supplies for each, at least the Balao class. At the USS Ling we have a working RAL (the RAK was raided for tubes to get the RAL working, but is in otherwise good shape), and the junction box for the pair. A neat idea but the box's mounting location is a real knee jammer in the tiny radio room.

The other HF receivers are a pair of RBS with power supplies, not nearly as good as the RAL in my opinion. We have one RBS working, and the RAL runs rings around it. Also built better. The RAL is also far easier to service than the RBS. If anyone has done "open-heart" surgery on the RF sections of an RBS you will know what I mean. 

The original fitting-out records indicate this is the correct combo, along with an RAO and an RBL for morale purposes. We don't have the RAO, but rather an RBH along with the RBL.

The RAL is used regularly on 40M and 20M CW along with a TBW transmitter (not sub issue), and it gives a very good account of itself. It's also a hoot to operate with the regen and RF trim controls. Calibration is done with the LM-18. We even use the RAL sometimes to get a better copy on SSB than our "modern" HF rig. The only real drawback, besides no direct freq readout, is the overload when you transmit anywhere near the tuned frequency. Severe blocking.

The RAL is also a good LF RX down to its bottom end of 300 KC, it makes a good beacon receiver, but again  the overloading situation can be a bit much, with our location in the Hackensack NJ meadowlands its plethora of 50KW AM BC stations.

Howie WB2AWQ/NX2ND USS Ling