[Milsurplus] RAX nix surveillance

[Mike Morrow]

Robert wrote:

>All ten GO models covered 300-600 KC.  GO covered 4000-13575 KC (the 4000 
>may be a typo, but as it was the only model made by CHS it may be correct).  
>GO-1 thru GO-3 covered 3000-13575 KC.  GO-4 thru GO-6 covered 3000-26500 KC. 

Now that's very interesting.  I'm glad Hue raised the question.  I had no idea
that some mid-1930s USN aircraft transmitters were designed for frequencies
approaching 27 MC.  I wonder how that worked out.

That throws new light on the RAV and RAX intended use discussions.  It
suggests that the 27 MC specification for the Rat, RAV and RAX could be
related to these transmitters.  Most RU sets used as companion to the
GO- and GP-series ended coverage at the 13575 KC quoted above.  Perhaps
the RAT was simply intended to fill the gap between where RU coverage
ends and where GO-4 to -6 transmitter coverage ends, IAW for liason
set use?  Were that true, the RAV may have been proposed as a liason 
receiver replacing the RU and the RAT to provide full coverage with
the GO-4 to -6 transmitters.

So, there are interesting arguments to be made for the RAT, RAV, and RAX
to have been intended for either liason receiver service OR surveillance
receiver service.  I'm leaning toward the former, based on the information
that Robert supplied.

I'd like to see some reports of how the 7 to 27 MC RAX receiver performed
in the upper ranges, compared to a 20 to 27 MC RAT or RAV.  The RAX would
have one more RF stage and one more IF stage than does the RAT or RAV.
I'd bet that made a difference in favor of the RAX.

Mike / KK5F