[Milsurplus] ARC-2/2A stuff

[Mike Morrow]

> Thank, I'll get that ER!

Walt's ER article is interesting, but it won't be all that helpful,
as the Maintenance Instructions that you can get from Robert/WA5CAB
would be.  Don't try and find an original manual unless you want to
spend about $100 for one.

>  Here are some pictures of my unit. Looks like an RT-91/ARC-2 data
>  plate.  Has metal knobs, has RF meter, does not have meter switch.

Your photos show **exactly** what I described in my 21 May post:

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

RT-91 units that escaped the partial RT-298 "upgrades" are rather rare.
I believe those are the most desirable units.  I don't care much for
the RT-298.

> has RF meter

No.  Your unit has the RF amp meter function disabled.  The meter now
shows PA current at all times.

> Also interesting to note that this one has been stamped
> "TYPE TEST UNIT"

It was likely a maintenance shop unit.

> http://www.w2hx.com/x/ARC/ARC-2/

Not a bad looking example, and one that still has both ventilation
screens and the associated spanner wrench.

Unfortunately, it is not a high performance unit, even when it was
in service use, IMHO.  But it is attractive.

Mike / KK5F