[Milsurplus] Re: [ARC5] GP-x Transmitter, RAX Rcvr? + TU Wanted

[Mike Morrow]

Dave wrote:

>Is there any documentation- or even a credible story-
>of an "official" installation of the GP-x series transmitters
>with the RAX receivers?

I've never seen photos of any aircraft installation of a GP-series transmitter with anything other than one or more RU-series receivers.

>The RAXs are "kosher" with the ART-13,

No doubt the ATC or T-47.  I suspect that was not a very common combo, though.  It seems to me that in WWII-era installations, the ARB or even the R-26 or R-27/ARC-5 was a more common companion.  That's certainly documented in the AN/ARC-5 LF/MF/HF Maintenance Instructions AN 16-30ARC5-2 and Operating Instructions NA 08-5Q-95.

>but I've already got an ATC in my AN/ARC-8.

But...I believe that the USN's ATC or T-47/ART-13 would *not* be proper for the AN/ARC-8, which was essentially a USAAF set.  The improved T-47A/ARC-8, with Signal Corps nomenclature plate, VFO dial B vernier scale, dynamotor control power top lid interlock switch, and calibration book with data in 1 kc increments throughout the whole tuning range, should be in an AN/ARC-8 installation.

The AN/ARC-8 is my favorite military radio set of all time.  I think is was clearly and by far the finest airborne aircraft LF/MF/HF set in the world during WWII and the years immediately after.  Some were still flying in active duty (non-reserve) USAF aircraft into the 1970s.  (I'm not too crazy about that AN/ARC-8 LF/MF external tank coil and antenna switching unit CU-32/ART-13A, though.  It's actually slightly larger than the T-47A is!)

I've just about completed my AN/ARC-8, and I'm working on my AN/ARC-25, the USN's post-war combo of the T-47/ART-13 and R-105/ARR-15.  I've got a good T-47 and O-16, CU-25 and -26, and even a servicable DY-12.

I suppose the best combo would be a USAAF T-47A with a USN R-105A, but that would be, AFAIK, inaccurate.

>I'm seeking a "D" range tuning unit for the GP-x transmitters.

The one that came with my GP-7 had been completely stripped by a ham.  Shame, because the serial number matched the transmitter, as they all should.  How are you going to satisfy the need for 800 cps AC for that GP?

One of my other USN aircraft radio projects is an ATD and ARB and ZB combo.  Unfortunately, I don't have a confident feeling that many ATDs actually ever flew.

So much stuff, so little time!

73,
Mike / KK5F