[Milsurplus] ATD

[Mike Hanz]

Mike Morrow wrote:

>I think they would have been better off with BC-348 receivers.  Logistically one BC-348 would be easier to support than three failure-prone separate receivers, and the installation itself would take up less volume and weight.
>

Yes, but I would find it rather difficult to monitor three different 
frequencies at one time as you can with the RAX-1 triplet...heh, heh.

I suppose I should also take mild issue with the "failure prone" 
presumption.  With a plate voltage of only ~160v, the tube failure rate 
is demonstrably lower from a statistical standpoint than with the 
BC-348, and tubes have always been the highest frequency replacement 
component with WWII era equipment.

>The RAX gear is definitely cool in a 1930s sort of way (just like the RU/GF gear).  That makes it seem like an anachronism when paired with such an "ahead-of-its-time" set like the ATC.  In addition, for any given HF frequency covered by both the BC-348 and a RAX, I believe that the BC-348 would the superior performer.
>

I guess I'd have to question that point.  There's not a lot of 
difference design-wise between the two sets that would make one the 
superior of the other.  The BC-348 crystal filter for certain band 
conditions and transmission modes is certainly a plus in our current 
environment.  The longer tuning range (turns per kHz ) of the RAX-1 is 
an advantage under some conditions.  One would have to construct a 
complete performance matrix with mutually agreed weighting factors to 
make a reasonable comparison, but that would quickly become a quagmire 
from those who question the weights used for each factor, so I for one 
ain't gonna attempt it. <g>

>You know that if you convert from an AN/ARC-8 to that PB4Y set, you'll need to get an ATC rather than a T-47A/ART-13 to make the spirits smile upon you.
>

Agree!  There are certain traditions that must be preserved, including 
the use of bottled salt spray and Neptunian incantations prior to first 
power application.  :-)

73,
Mike