[Milsurplus] RFL

Mike Morrow kk5f at earthlink.net
Sat Oct 8 02:44:08 EDT 2011


Howie wrote:

> RFL is now known as RFL Electronics, on Powerville Rd, Boonton.

Several years ago I found their website while searching for information
about the mid-1930s aircraft beacon band receiver RFL Type B-3.  The
receiver is shown in the bottom left corner of the company history
brochure at http://www.rflelect.com/pdf_files/Corporate%20Catalogue.pdf .

The B-3 is extremely well made.  What's interesting is that originally
the outer case was sealed to the rear chassis with a small brass rivet,
allowing only RFL access even for tube replacement.  The brass plate
around the seal reads:
 
              WARNING
    DO NOT BREAK THIS SEAL UNDER
           ANY CONDITION
 IF FAILURE SHOULD OCCUR WIRE TYPE AND
 SERIAL NUMBER IMMEDIATELY TO THE MAN-
 UFACTURERS AND RETURN THIS UNIT TO THEM
 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  A NEW UNIT WILL BE
 SHIPPED PREPAID ON RECEIPT OF WIRE
 UNDER CONDITIONS OF GUARANTEE.

I guess RFL didn't want anyone but them even seeing the inside of
their equipment!  My B-3 is like new inside, with all original Sylvania
tubes.  It's a joy to look at.

Mike / KK5F


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