[Motorola] Research Line for amateur use

Thu, 21 Mar 2002 17:29:45 -0500

Thanks, Geoff. I thought my memory was failing me as I seemed to remember
(correctly) the MOTRAC as the Transistor Research Line. Also, we nicknamed
the MOTRAC's with the big round connector the MOTRAIN. Also, I do not think
the MOTRAN name ever made it to the UHF radios, only LO and HI band. The 100
watt UHF MST version (the last MOTRAC, and was manufactured concurrently
with the first LO and HI band MICORS) had 1 ceramic external anode tube, an
8072, which cost $20! Also, didn't the MICOR predate the MOCOM 70? --Mike
WV2ZOW

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Geoff Fors
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 9:09 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Motorola] Research Line for amateur use

Actually, the Motrac was Motorola's "Transistor Research Line." The original
Research Line was produced from approx. 1950-1955, is mainly 6 volt,
vibrator/dynamotor powered, all tube gear.  The postwar progression of
models is "Deluxe," "Research," "Twin-V," "T-Power," "Motrac," "Motran,"
"Mocom 70" (first called Motran II), Micor, Syntor, Syntor X, Syntor X9000,
and then Spectra etc.

There were more models as well, in lower "price tiers," such as Mocom 30,
Mocom 10, Dispatcher, etc..

I recently converted and tuned up a small fleet of 1956 vintage T43GGV "Twin
V" mobiles for an SF bay area ham group who collect military and old two way
radios.  They use them on 146.52.  There are still some ex-highway patrol
Motran radios on 6 meters throughout California.  I have a FMTR-41V Research
Line utility base on 52.525.  So, to answer the question, yes, people still
use the old tube stuff, but it's not always easy !

Geoff Fors
WB6NVH

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