[Milsurplus] Re: [ARC5] Re: History of ham mods; opinions?

[Edward Greeley]

Well, I know for a fact, having observed it, that AN/APN-9 LORAN 
receivers were used, unmodified, aboard commercial fishing boats until 
the old 1700 KHz LORAN system was phased out. That was easy to do since 
the boats were mostly diesels with 24 to 32 volt elec. systems and 
rotary inverters to supply the 115 volt, 400 Hz needed for primary power 
were readily available then. I also "heard", but never saw, that the 
earlier AN/APN-4 LORANs were also used on some vessels. Then, too, I 
"heard" that BC-375s were used on fishing boats in the far east until 
fairly recently (late 1970s). Since I was never in the far east I can't 
vouch for that, but some US surplus dealers told me that "a lot" of 
BC-375s were being sold to far east interests for that purpose.

BTW, if anyone is interested, I have a fairly decent AN/APN-9 that would 
be suitable for a war-bird resto or a collection that I would sell for 
real cheap. Complete except for the rubber viewing hood, but otherwise 
unmolested and original, but well used. I need the space for other "new" 
toys.

FWIW,
Ed Greeley



  Jack Antonio wrote:

> Something overlooked in this dialogue
> of modified WWII gear, are the "professional modifications".
> These usages probably rate just as much mention as amateur
> usage.
> 
> Examples.
> 
> I have heard of the airlines rebuilding BC-348s into rack
> panels, with AC supplies. Saw an ad once for a BC-348 so
> rebuilt by Delta Airlines, I was too late to snag it.
> 
> I have an NAB (National Association of Broadcasters)Engineering
> Handbook which has a chapter on converting an SCR-508 for use on the 26 
> MC/s remote pickup frequencies.
> 
> SCR-269s being used on fishing boats for direction finding.
> 
> Any other examples of WWII surplus being used professionally?
> 
> Jack Antonio WA7DIA