[Milsurplus] Re: [ARC5] HF/VHF Again

[Marty Reynolds]

> Just found this jewel:

NEAT.  & confirms one TBM pilot, Lt Dusty Collins, description of the TBM
electronics... an item of which shows in bungeed ASB radar display
mounting under Gunner's dashboard in CAF example.

>
> CTG 77.4 comments:
> 1. FM2 and TBM aircraft of TG 77.4 were equipped with WE-233A, and F6F
aircraft with AN/ARC 5. Because of the large number of carrier divisions
involved and the resulting variance in crystals, three VHF frequencies
only
> were available for aircraft operations. These were 140,58 mcs (channel
1), 142.02 mcs (channel 2), and 142.74 (channel 4). Channel numeral
> designations
> were made in accordance with the "old" Navy system, and promulgated by
dispatch in order to aid CSA and the FDOs in designating operating
frequencies. This method of designating channels was necessary owing to
the
> confusion resulting from the various systems in use and was determined
in conference with all task unit communication officers as most
convenient.
>

Collins flew TBM patrols & only used WE233 fm island bases in '42 & '43.
Said earlier short-wave sets (RU-GF) were nightmares.

This 'testimony' fm 2004 tho he's still kicking

NOW I don't think this's been sed.  Pre-war CAA (not faa) VHF band was
140-144.  Hence...  But some few xtals have turned up for 144+. May be a
corroboration that 'channel shortage' was coming of age

   Marty