[Milsurplus] AN/MRR-2 receiver video - rare prototype - My R-441A/SRR-13A

[Mike Morrow]

I got my R-441A/SRR-13A in 1969 from NAVMARCORMARS for my station N0LTD in Arkansas.  At that time there were many AN/SRR-13, -13A, and AN/FRR-23 receivers available for issue in Eighth Naval District MARS, along with junk units for parts.

My R-441A had all the latest mods like replacing most of the vacuum-tube diodes with solid state units, plus HV power supply conversion to solid state.  I had to re-establish loading on some gears in the tuning mechanism.  Once, when a tube failed, I was able to get a replacement through Supply at the local USAF base.  I did not find it difficult to troubleshoot as long as AC power was jury-rigged to the chassis (not case) back.  This was my main general coverage receiver until 1982...it was with me (in the BOQs) at every duty station when I was on active duty in the USN.  MARS dropped accountability on it in 1973, so it became mine to keep.  I found it to be very stable and useful on SSB.  I still have it, but it hasn't been powered up in more than ten years.

Every one of these related FRR/SRR receivers I ever saw was made by RCA.  I found tubes inexpensive and easy to find.

I wanted a R-439/SRR-11, but every one I found appeared to have multiple problems.  Finally I got a good-condition R-1134B/WRR-3B VLF/LF/MF receiver.  AN/WRR-3* sets were on USS Intrepid CVS-11 on 500 kHz watch and in standby service on USS Daniel Boone SSBN-629 when I was stationed on those ships in the 1970s.  IMHO, the AN/WRR-3* is the best of the many vacuum-tube VLF/LF/MF receivers used by the USN between 1925 and 1980.

I was never much interested in the R-390 series...I've owned none.  I have only R-392/URR and R-648/ARR-41 units

Mike / KK5F