[MRCA] M U R explanation

[crp.wd8axb at comcast.net]

I want to add to this. 

My critique of M.U.R. of a TBY and BC-222 and No. 19 "B" set  is not to diminish the service of the intrepid soldier or Marine that had to use the equipment. 

It is to the serviceman's credit that he used the equipment and kept it running in severe battle service. 

No one faults the doughboy's bravery when a Chauchat jam-a-matic AR  was put into his hands. 



Like Ray says, now it is to our credit to bring the equipment back up to living history. 

That is what we're here for.   


And I have a working No. 19 MK3 "A"  set, and have saved other equipment from the scrap heap. 
When I was in high school, I had an 80 meter Command Set receiver w/dynamotor mounted in my car, just to say I could do it. 

Charlie WD8AXB 

----- Original Message -----


From: "Ray Fantini" <RAFANTINI at salisbury.edu> 
To: mrca at mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2012 9:50:36 AM 
Subject: [MRCA] Most Useless Radio 

Don't think anyone is questioning the value of the TBS or TBY within the context of WW2, the most useless radio category at the MRCA is only relevant within the confines of the Gilbert MRCA get together. A group that gets together once or twice a year to legally operates old military radios.  Other than static displays and there are many that have been presented at Gilbert if you want to operate an item in your collection it has to be something that will operate within the structure of the amateur radio service, anyone who brings a radio that will not operate within that context, or that may be very large, heavy or require an exceptional effort to transport or operate is in the running for the "most useless radio "prize. The award is to the person and not the radio and has always been regarded as a badge of honor by the group members. 
In the dozen or so years that I have been involved with this group I have seen the development of a web page, over ten years of a first class event at Gilbert in collaboration with Red Ball Military Transport Association, special event stations and living history exhibits throughout the year and the "Moose and Squirrel Net" developed by this group. All of the members that I have been involved with are first class people and serious collectors, and feel that the misunderstanding is in assuming that we are in some way awarding this title to an item when it is awarded to a person. 
Ray F