[Milsurplus] Boulevard Receiver

[bstewart at ipass.net]

This is interesting to see this thread start up since I have a R-138 on the
bench now. I picked this up of eBay a while back. The wiring was in such sad
shape that I tore it down to the bare chassis and am now re-wiring it. I have a
copy of the info that Bouvelard Electronics sent along with the kits. It
includes a specs, pics, schematic, parts list and numerous changes. I still have
a ways to go on the re-wiring, but hopefully I will complete it and get it
working.

I also have some info on the R-138 history:
According to the name plate on mine (s/n 752) it was indeed for the US Coast
Guard & dated 29 Dec 1948, mfg. by L.R. Dooley Inc, New York. The contract nr.
was TCG 37736, Order nr. 13.241-C. According to a GAO publicatioin from June
1953, Dooley, after submitting some prototypes, was notified that the rcvr did
not meet specs and the contract was terminated. I guess, then, Dooley sold the
parts and already built rcvrs to Bouvelard. The contract had been for 800
rcvrs. The contract price was orig. for $85,376 but later went up, after
changes, to $92,200. After the dust had settled on the Dooley deal, on Aug 29,
1952 the USCG issued an invitation to bid for the same quantity and type rcvr
as the Dooley deal. The Hallicrafters Co. submitted the lowest acceptable bid
at $262,968. Don't know if they made any rcvrs or not. In the GAO letter, they
are fusing about the process taking so long to complete.

I only know of one other R-138 in use. I hope to, one day, make that number go
up. If any one needs any of the info I have I would be glad to make some
photocopies and mail out..no scanner here.
73 de Bill K4JYS
  
Quoting BSugarberg <bsugarberg at core.com>:

> Hello,
> 
> This receiver was produced in limited numbers under a contract for the
> Coast Guard.  After the contract was finished, the remaining parts
> inventory was purchased by a company called Boulevard Electronics,
> who marketed the receiver as a kit.
> 
> 73, Bruce WA8TNC
> =================
> Hue Miller wrote:
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "Richard Brunner" 
> > 
> >> Re:
> >>> "Boulevard radio" from kit. Actually, i think it's a repackaged and
> >>> de-nameplated FRC-something by Wilcox, part of a one-bay
> >>> transmitter + receiver. .........
> >> Many years ago a friend assembled one from a kit.  I think it looks like 
> >> something designed for the Coast Guard, as it's also ac/dc, and could be 
> >> used on a ship.  The one that just sold on the 'bay had the nameplate 
> >> missing.
> >>
> >> Richard, AA1P 
> > 
> > Tnx for your input. This kinda tallies with what the seller replied, that
> the
> > Raymond Moore books states it was a Coast Guard receiver. I have seen
> > such an advertisement in back of old Radio & Television News magazine.
> > I don't recall that it was identified there as "Boulevard". I seem to
> recall also
> > somehow that minimal assembly instructions were supplied, like maybe only
> > a schematic. Possibly left over components after a contract was cancelled?
> > The AC/DC revelation makes me feel relieved i didn't bid on it.
> > What FRC-receiver i thought it was, continues to puzzle me, but i will
> find
> > the manual here "someday".  -Hue
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