[Milsurplus] Command Sets, the conversion thereof

[Michael Tauson]

Hi, Mike,  

> > TO ME (emphasis added), modifying a NOS rig is like taking white-out to a
> > Picasso because you don't like both eyes on the same side of the face.

> It is even more pointless to do this on a flounder. <g>

Perhaps, but filet of Picasso just doesn't taste as good. <G>

> My outlook is that the gear doesn't have to be anywhere near NOS to merit 
> preservation in original state (including capacitors, resistors, tubes, etc. 
> where possible).  

After a brief hiatus from HF, I got back into it - with surplus, of course -
and the NOS pieces weren't to be found.  What I did get was pretty ragged but
still intact and ready to rock 'n roll ... for the most part.  Physical cleanup
was the greater part of getting them running again although some required some
parts replacement which sometimes altered the innards.  I'm thinking of one
particular TCS receiver I had in which every resister and fixed capacitor had
to be replaced.  Underneath the skirts, it was thoroughly modern in that regard
but the chassis was unaltered as was the panel.  It was a real sweetie too ...
and the gentleman I eventually sold it to (when I moved aboard my boat) thought
so as well.

> The key characteristic is that it be in the condition that 
> it was in while still in *military* service, even if it left the service 
> dirty, beat-up, well-used, and possessing many later military mods, MWOs, 
> ECNs, or depot overhauls.  

I had a BC-348-something that you would have loved.  It had stickers and stamps
from all over the place as well as some chalk marks and a goodly collection of
dents & dings.  Still worked like it came out of the factory though ... or
close enough for government work. <G>

I have two build'um projects on the dock, one being a system built around an
A.R.C. C-40 control box (or the panel mount equivelent, the designation of
which I can't recall) plus the ARN-30 and associated pieces to accompany it for
a full Nav/Com setup, and the other the flight and nav instrument panel with
all electronic aids installed.  Veteran radios are more than welcome.  Larry,
from whom I got the A.R.C. communicator, has already provided me with some of
the pieces for the former but I have a long way to go to even start either one.
 Both will be displays.  Working displays.  The former includes some ARC-5 gear
that will be tough to find, but that just adds spice to the porject, right?

Oh, gee.  I guess that means I'm hording the sets, doesn't it.  

I guess I am.

Best regards,

Michael, K3MXO

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