[Milsurplus] RCA SSB-1

[w8au at sssnet.com]

On 6/10/2007, "Hue Miller" <kargo_cult at msn.com> wrote:


>Possibly it might have more interest if it was variable
>receive, at least; or had a military nameplate. "Boat type
>radios" just don't have a very large following yet -
>maybe they never will - since they're overwhelmingly
>crystal controlled and tend to be pretty big, and don't
>have any military cachet. 

To add to the info submitted about the BuShips project
engineer's selection of the SSB-1 for the Navy, let me add
this:

The SSB-1 was the first SSB rig used by the Navy prior to
the introduction of the URC-32 by Collins.  My first experience
with it was on the USS Myles C. Fox (DDR-829) when I came
aboard in 1959.  It was installed in CIC.  It was originally installed
sometime around 1956.  I did some PM on it and checked tubes, but it was
mostly trouble free.

After our yard period at Charlestown, MA in 1960, it disappeared
and was replaced by the URC-32.

I bought mine about 25 years ago at a Columbus OH GSA auction, mainly for
sentimental reasons.  (and it is a sharp looking rig. :-)  It reminded
me of a BC-669 on steroids!  It was stocked with four Navy channels,
from low of 3 mhz to high of 13.975 mHz.  It sat for years and this
spring I dusted it off and replaced part of the circuitry that the last
(Navy?) tech had removed, retuned it and put it on 75 meters.

Needing to get rid of a few things (xyl orders) I found that KW1I, Dale,
was interested and he actually drove over while visiting his daughter
nearby.  (Best way to "ship" this BA)

Dale now has it on 60 meters daily, and uses a synthesized osc in place
of the xtal.

Result:  One SSB-1 saved, two people have had fun with it, and may it
live on forever!  :-)

Perry   w8au