[Milsurplus] WTB: AN/ARC-38 transceiver

[Kludge]

No, the older equipment is no longer used in aviation as originally intended
but I don't see how that has any bearing on anything.  There are collectors
who do let the equipment sit looking pretty but there are also those who
operate it as intended - or as close as is possible - in what I would guess
could be called "living history" displays.  I'm one of the latter and find
nothing useless about any of the pieces I have or want.  I also take offense
at the mere thought of them being considered useless.

Saying USB has no real use for hams isn't right considering that everything
above 10 MC is traditionally USB and it can even be found on 80 & 40m on
some nets.  Being channelized presents a challenge rather than a roadblock
which makes being an *operator* rather important.  Having a separate
receiver like the R-648/ARR-41 helps but then that's how the system was
originally intended to operate.  In any event, it comes down to whether you
want to actually work for QSOs or want them to fall in your lap.  The latter
is pretty much how appliance operators are and I refuse to be classed with
them.  I don't know about anyone else. 

If you want a Frankenstein design, look at the resistor network and codebook
required to tune the AN/ARC-38(A).  Even Rube Goldberg would run away in
horror at it yet it worked well enough that the Navy used it for a number of
years.  There was probably a good reason for the complexity and Collins
probably had a real good time making it so it was as complex as possible.
I've stared at the design a few times and think I know how to add a unit
between the control box and the radio to make it tune between channels but I
have to go back and look at the schematics again to be sure.  If so, this
can be done without altering the equipment even slightly.  Ray, I'd think
that someone like you, who's considered somewhat an expert on the
AN/ARC-38(A), would have already puzzled it out.  

Best regards,
 
Michael, WH7HG ex-K3MXO, ex-KN3MXO, WPE3ARS, BL01xh ex-Mensa A&P PP BGI 
I am me.  I’m the only one who’s qualified.
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