The Navy built a series of wooden-hulled minesweepers in the early 1950s. They used aluminum block diesel engines (and TCS sets with aluminum or stainless steel cabinets). 

Does anyone have a copy of Field Change 10 for TCS???

I also found reference to several shipboard DF sets with aluminum parts to minimize compass disturbance. 

AI answers are usually plausible and sometimes correct. YMMV. 

Nick England K4NYW
Chapel Hill NC
www.navy-radio.com


On Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 9:26 PM Brenda Gentry via Milsurplus <milsurplus@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

Were TCS rigs ever used in aircraft, or backpacked ashore where light weight would be welcome?  On a PT boat a non-magnetic cabinet might reduce interference with the magnetic compass, but the three V-12 Packard engines would probably have a thousand times the influence on the compass. The AI answer is almost comical if it were not for some  people believing it.

     B. Gentry, KA2IVY

On 3/19/26 9:05 PM, Charlie L. via Milsurplus wrote:
So, took the bull by the horns and asked AI why the Navy would want a radio cabinet made out of non magnetic material:

The US Navy would prefer a radio cabinet made from aluminum or stainless steel for its non-magnetic properties to minimize interference with sensitive electronic equipment and to enhance the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding. These materials help ensure that radio signals are transmitted clearly without distortion from magnetic fields.

So, there you go...must be the truth since it came from the internet.   Let's see what the consensus is in all 57 states.

Charlie W4MEC in NC

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