[Milsurplus] Unusual AN/URC-4 Found

[Mike Morrow]

At a recent gunshow, I purchased an RT-159B/URC-4 that was permanently
marked for the unusual frequencies of 121.46 and 292.93 MHz.  Every one
I've seen in the past 30 years have been set for 121.5 and 243.0 MHz.

The frequency notation was part of the original printed front instruction
plate as applied at the time of manufacture.

The crystal frequency is actually 6748 kHz, so the actual frequencies are
121.464 and 242.928 MHz.

Usually when such odd frequencies are used for survival sets, it is for
training use.  If that's what these frequencies were for, then it could
only have been between URC-4-to-URC-4 sets.  UHF aircraft sets of the 1950s
era tuned in 100 kHz intervals, so no channel would have matched these
oddballs.

The set was complete with crystal, eight tubes, and all the proper 
tube-restraint rubber bands.  I've got a bucket full of AN/URC-4 units,
but this cost me only $20.  I couldn't resist.

Mike / KK5F