[Milsurplus] ARC-2/2A stuff

[Mike Morrow]

Eugene wrote:

> The set is not in front of me (its on its way back from Dayton)
> but I'll be sure to snap some pictures and post them. And find
> out whether it is an RT-91 with mods or RT-298.  Basically it
> looks like the 2A on the front panel but the nomen plate says ARC-2

You can bet money that it's an RT-91 that has had the mods that I
mentioned.  The only clear and obvious differences on the front
panel of the original RT-91 and the RT-298 are:
1.  The RT-298 does not have an RF amp meter function, so it has
    no meter switch.
2.  The RT-298 added two fuse holders on the right side where the
    RT-91 has nothing.
3.  The RT-298 uses plastic-body crank knobs in two places, while
    the RT-91 uses quality all-metal crank knobs.  (The plastic
    knobs are very easy to break when the unit is packed improperly
    for shipping.)

Not much difference at all.  But after the mods, there can be almost
no difference to notice.

The RT-91 mods usually eliminated the RF amp meter function,
*sometimes* including elimination of the meter switch and plugging
its hole.  Visual difference number 1 disappears.  (But many times
the switch was left in place, and sometimes the RF amp meter
function has been left intact even though other mods were done.)

The RT-91 mods added two fuse holders in the same location as on
the RT-298.  Visual difference number 2 disappears.

The visual difference between the RT-298 plastic crank knobs and
the RT-91 all-metal crank knobs remain, but one has to know what
to look for.  It is easy for an old RT-91 that has been officially
modified to look almost identical to the RT-298.

The most common devices missing from an AN/ARC-2 unit are the two
screw-in ventilation screens at the back, along with the spanner
that is used to install or remove these screen assemblies.

The AN/ARC-2 is beautifully built in a manner that is similar to the
AN/ARR-15.  But the AN/ARR-15 is a much better HF receiver than the
AN/ARC-2 is a HF transceiver.

The U.S. Coast Guard also used this set in some of their aircraft. 

Mike / KK5F