[MRCA] Chinese Military Type 102E Radio Set

[D. Platt]

On 3/28/2012 1:42 PM, James Meyer wrote:
> On one of the auction sites on the web I see this radio set available from a Ontario seller.
> Chinese Military Type 102E Radio Set
> What's the scoop on this radio set up?   Anyway had some fun with one of these?   I'd go for one but the darn shipping is a killer.
> thanks!  JIM WT2W
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Jim,

At the peril of self-aggrandizement, I guess I've had about as much 
experience as anyone with these things, around here.  I did a couple of 
in-depth articles in Electric Radio magazine a few years ago and one 
more recently on a power supply.  The articles include tech data and 
alignment procedures.  But, let me pass on a bit of info to you.  The 
102E, also known as the XD-6 is a transmitter-receiver combination that 
is a very close clone of the Signal Corps GRC-9 and a cousin to the 
BC-1306.  They share the same operating frequencies and voltages.  It 
runs about 20 watts out on CW, a bit less on phone.  Its either VFO or 
crystal control (using 2nd harmonic).  The tube lineup is same as the 
GRC-9 and the BC-1306, virtually.  Its easy to get on the air.  Unlike 
the GRC-9, the 102E's, as available, do not have a supply for both the 
receiver and transmitter.  As delivered from Harry An (Red Star) at this 
time, there is no hand-crank gen available, either.  They are available 
from a West Coast ham, as is the necessary transmitter power cable 
(needed for either generator or home-brew a.c. supply).  But, that's no 
big deal.  The receivers, as delivered in the USA are battery only; that 
is, 90v and 1.5v.  Again, the ER articles cover all of this.  I have 
bought three systems from Harry and still have one left and its 
currently on the air.  They work rather well, I think, and look good, 
too.  I chose to use some P-touch generated labels to go over the 
Chinese characters.  It looks just fine, in the end, and they can be 
removed, easily.  Regarding shipping, I originally paid about $100 per 
complete system.  UPS tried to charge me some border-crossing "handling 
fees", after the fact, but when I asked them very pointed questions, I 
never heard from them again.  I'm not the only one this happened to back 
then.

If you have a mind to, they are a nice acquisition.  The gear is next to 
new condition, I suspect they're depot re-packs ore something.  The only 
think you would need to do is get one of the transmitter connectors.  
All the other plugs are standard US-type octal or phone and mic plugs.   
They really did copy the US equipment.........

Regards

Jeep - K3HVG