[Milsurplus] GRC-19 vs. GRC-9

Hue Miller kargo_cult at msn.com
Sat Feb 24 22:53:29 EST 2007


Since the GRC-13 came out 4 years later than the GRC-9,
1949 versus 1945, i have to assume the Navy wanted a 
portable HF rig with more splashproof than the GRC-9, 
maybe more robust, maybe a little simpler to operate -
no tuning around, netting, etc. As for cost to build, it looks
pretty much like a tossup. I would think the GRC-9 a little
easier to repair, doesn't have all the tuned sections for
the preset channels, plus you can yank the receiver or 
transmitter, and replace just that section, send the defect
unit to depot. Probably the lack of VFO in the GRC-13 
eventually became recognized as a big drawback for 
events that were not thoroughly preplanned. Maybe the 
GRC-13 was the Navy's way of asserting its independence,
or throwing some business to RCA. Eventually the GRC-19
seems to have fallen by the wayside with even the Navy
using the GRC-9.
I don't think i have ever seen the handcrank generator for
the GRC-19, or the AC supply.
-Hue Miller


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