Vintage Army Radio Operator
A.D.MM News

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Last update 10/12/2000

To see the A.D. MM rules (Modified)

The Bomber Command Security Set  (by G3IFF)
 
 

A.D.MM Bulletin

N°8   December   2000

This Bulletin is devoted to the ADMM competitors that using Ex-Military radio stations  are tring to collect 2000 points during the 2000 year. If you need more details drop me a note.
Comments are appreciated.

The AD MM seems to be on the rigth way to became, for the ex-military radio set users,  the event of the year.  The participant stations  are more then 100, and they are still  increasing.  This bulletin will be sent also by post to the friends that send their log by post or fax.

Stations that reached
the 2000 points target

G3IFF - Class A
G4BXD - Class A
 

Still in fighting :

I0BR points Class A  1267  (133 )
Sets used: ARC102, BC610, SEM25, VRQ102, ART13, GRC106, GRC19, WS19, SCR193,ARC618S,URC87,PRC1099,SCR506,R130,SCR274,PRC838,PRC47,
GRC9,PRC247,VRC12,SCR284, SEM35,PRC638,VRQ109,MRC95,
 ARC38, RT13/BC348, Torn Fu B1


 

ON9CFJ  points Class A  1048 (40 )
Set used : PARASET
GRC9

 
 


IK0MOZ points Class A 996  (7)
points Class B 1014 (25)
Sets used: SEG100, PRC247, WS19,GRC9, RT1/PRC, R130, SEG15

IK0QDQ points Class A  554 (  * )
Sets used: GRC19, GRC106,BC669,VRC12,BC1306,WS19MKII,GRC9,BC654,MRC95, SCR543,
SCR274, BC611

I014769 points Class B 527 ( 302 )
Receiver used: BC348, EK-07, R1051, EM25,R326,R323,R110


 

IK5FUZ   145  (*)
Sets used: C11/R210, GRC106A, PRC47
 

UNDER 100 POINTS :

LA5MT points 80 ( * )
Sets used: GRC109, GRC165

VA3ORP points 72 ( * )
Sets used: WS19, AT1/AR2,GRC109

IN3EEA  ( * )
Sets used: R130, GRC106

IZ4CZJ  ( * )
Set used : SEG100; SEG15
 

(  * )  Some Log missing

Othes participants
F5XM  : TCS, TRC310, T1154,GRC9;  F6ASF: TRVM10;  F5IST: TRVM10; F6ANM
DL/PA0HTT;  DJ1KS
G0DRT :   TCS+BC348, T1154;  G0JCY :  TCS;      G0TBI :  T1502,T1154,BC191,GRC9;
 GOTDJ : HF156;   G0WWH : T1154 ;   G3AAT :   WS19 ;    G3CWT : WS19 ;
 G3DXZ  :  HT30 ; G3GTJ ; G3HVI : RCA552;   G3LEO :  T1154 ; G3LPS : T1154 ;
G3KMY : TCS ;    G3KVT  : ET4336+AR88 ;  G3TBQ :   BC375  ;    G3TFC  :  ART13 ;
 G3XAJ : GRC9 ;  G3YNT  : WS19 ; G3YPS: WS19; G3XAJ:GRC9;  G3XYJ : GRC9 ;  G4CVU : T1154 ; G4EJM : ET4336 ;  G4GDR : T1154 ;
G4NCU : 5G ;  G4GEN  :  WS52, TR4310,B2,A510,T1154,WS53,WS22,MK123,ZC1 ;  G4WWX :  GR345 ;
G4XWD : ET4336 ;  GB2IWM : T1154 ;
GM3SWK  :  TCS ;
GW3LJS  :  ART13, WS52 ; GW4RYK : WS19 ;
M0BIC : T1154 ; M0BWH : WS19
I0WLL : KWM2A,SEG15 ;  IK0RKN : CAT/B ;  IK2XEG : NTR100,GRC165,SEG100,618T3 ;  IK2GBC : 618T3 ;
IK4MXZ  :  VRC101. HF380 ; IK3WRS : MRS8000 ;   IK4WLO : SEG100,NTR100 ;  I4GQO : GRC106 ;
 IV3PVD : KWM2A, GRC9 ; IT9IRI : SINCAL30 ; IZ2BHZ : VRC247, GRC165; I0MFJ : Ha5K39C ; I4JBC : SEG15
 IZ4CZJ :  SEG15, SEG100;   I5PLK : KWM2A ; I5XUZ : ST1075 ;  IN3HU P : GRC106,GRC9;   IN3WWY  : SEG100
I4YMB : RF282; IX1OTS : ART13;  I4DOR : WS19; IK5FKB: SEG15, HF400;
LA1ID  :  CAT/A ;   LA4IF  : CAT/B;    LA4GF :  CAT/A;   LA6RC : CAT/C;  LA8XD : CAT/C
ON4DU  :  PARASET
OZ7JQ  :  CAT/C
PA0AAJ : BC375 ; PA0CMP  :  LORENZ,GRC3030,WS19 ;    PA0CWF : T1154,GRC9;  PA0JAN : GRC9;
PA0LCE  : T1154, GRC9 ; PA0HGV : GRC9 ;  PA0HTT : BC-191, GRC3030, SEG15 ; PA0HOP : T1154 ;
PA0WDW: WS18;  PA3ACC : T1154, SK10;  PA3CLQ : GRC9 :  PA3CKX  :  GRC3030; PA3FPA :
PI4SRS : GRC3035 (C11);
VE3CBK  :   WS19;    VE3RIH  :  WS19
W1GDZ   :   PRC47;   W1NU  :  WS19;   W1RRU  :   CATB

Statistics :
Valid QSO  declared: 1508
Participant stations : 101
Countries : 12
Continents : 2

The best :
Operator : Ray - G3IFF
Sets activator : Ben - G4BXD
Full vintage : Ray - G3IFF ;
Monitor : Mario - I014769
QSO : VA3ORP/Dave/WS19 - IK0MOZ/Mario/SEG100
Country : England
Station : WS19, TCS, T1154
Band  : 80 m
Modes : CW, USB

-Gear Up  for Ray - G3IFF and Ben - G4BXD that already arrived to 2000 points. Congratulations indeed.

ATTENTION PLEASE - IMPORTANT INFO

When we started someone doubted about the possibility to reach so many points in a year, but the arrival of the logs confirmed this possibility and we proceeded. Unfortunately now, specially in some area, there is no chance to reach the goal because the possibility for new valid QSO decrease daily and we risk a steady situation.
To solve this problem we varied the ADMM rules dividing the competition in two classes with two different systems to reach the requested 2000 points :

Class A : According the original rule ( The same station can be logged once in the same band, mode or with the same equipment)
Class B : For the last quarter only (Oct./Nov./Dec.) the same station can be logged for each QSO without band, mode or set restriction.   The only restriction is that the QSO is valid if done in different day.

With the introduction of this rule we will acknowledge the merit to the operators worked ADMM according the original rule but  will be awarded also the OM that spent long time to radio without reach a result comparable to the effort.
 

- Very poor  activity.  G stations  usually very active now on SK .  19 Set group organized a series of
Atlantic Hop tests using the WS19 sets. Look on 7020 KHz around 04:00 UTC. Good possibility to make
an extracontinental Cat.A  QSO.

- Still  no logs from many very active stations this probably because they have not  internet facility.  This bulletin and news will be sent also by post in returm to the log.

- The number of Italian active stations  in CW is increasing. IX1OTS - Walter with ART-13  and I4DOR - Rigo with WS19 .  Pay attention to these calls.

- I0MFJ - Serafino is on air using the historic WW2 german set Ha5K39C usually on sunday morning
on 3745 KHz AM, also I0BR - Roberto is active on the same mode/QRG using a German set
Torn Fu B1

- Best QSO on September :  ON9CFJ and ON4DU both with spy set PARASET type

- G3IFF is  active using the new (...Hi...Hi...) set T1154/R1082.  Ray  also if already reached his Class A 2000 points  sends regularly his log like monitor.

-With the log, please put  a short description of sets used and possibly some pictures of the same. I will attach them to the end of this Bulletin to make a gallery where is possible have an idea of the sets we are using. Better if the picture is taken in operation and include the operator... so not only callsign and set type but also images.
 

-Remember to spread around the ADMM activity info.

QTC

Dear Mario

Here is my report log for June 2000, I am especially pleased to have contacted Joe IV3PVD.....TNX for the help.
In addition to operating I am busy at present putting togheter a very unusual radio installation.....I have the reciver type R1082 working and now paying attention to the transmitter type T1154 wich is badly corroded.
The title of the installation is "Bomber Command Security Set". I enclose an article about it wich explains the purpose and use, you might find it of some interest.
I hope to have it working by september to give a few more "Cat A" points to other operators.
The effort being put in to get this unusual equipment on the air is entirely due to the "prompt" from yourself  in suggesting and organizing A.D.MM.   Thankyou !

Regard from

Ray Coley
G3IFF

WHERE WE ARE  -  SUGGESTED QRG

Here below are listed the frequencies of Some european Domestic nets:

F : 3665 KHz AM  Sat. from   07:30 Z  - F5OTG.
      7095 KHz  LSB  Sat. from 09:30 Z

PA : 3705 KHz AM/USB  Sun.  from 08:00 Z
         3575 KHz CW  Sun. from  07:15 Z - PI4SRS

G : 3577 KHz CW  Sun. from 09:30  to 11:30 Z.
       3625 KHz AM/SSB  Working days from 12:00 alle 13:00  Z.

I :    3745 KHz  USB  Wed. and Fry.  19:30 Z
        3745 KHz  USB / AM  Sun.  from  07:30 Z
        7045 KHz LSB  Sat.  from 12:30 Z

D :   3664 KHz  USB  After 18:00 CET  (No particular day)

LA : 3510 KHz  CW    Saturday  07:30 Z  Summer  or   08:30 Z  Winter  - LA2ID

If you know other QRG where there is  a regular activity please let me know. Special request is for VE, VK, W, ZL, ZS areas
 

3577 KHz
In this period I noted a good propagation on 80 m starting from 19 Z. I can lissen without big problems many G, PA and F stations, so I propose, if UK friends accept the intrusion, to use like meeting point the 3577 KHz +/- 2KHz starting from 19 Z

3575 KHz
This  QRG seems to be the only active specially on friday evening starting from 19:30 Z.  Good possibility to meet PA stations with accettable RST also in Italy.

  PI4SRS in action
 

73 de Mario - IK0MOZ

V.A.R.O.     DIARY

SRS  -  WINTER  RENDEZ VOUS

The winter SRS RV by Radio will be on 29 - 30  December from 11:00 to 11:00 UTC. As usual many are the frequencies suggested but the activity will be concentrated on 3575 KHz CW.
The club station PI4SRS will be on air at unpredictable time and will act also like Joker station.
Be prepared for this last  Y2K event.

ATLANTIC HOP

The Canadian 19 Set Group organized a new serie of transatlantic experiments with WS19. On Nov. 30 they alredy made some 2 Way QSO  between NA-EU. Usually these tentatives are made on Friday or Saturday night around 04:00 UTC on 7020 KHz +/- QRM  CW. SSB experiments also are in progress.


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Gallery  and sets description
work in progress

AN/GRC-9 + LV80 (IK0MOZ)

AN/GRC-9
Radio set. Portable or vehicular used by infantry and armoured units for HF communications.
F.Range:  2-12 MHz in 3 bands
Type of modulation: AM
Type of signals : Voice, MCW, CW
Power Output : 1- 7 W (Low/High)
Basic components : RT77, DY88, BG-172 (antenna parts, key, LS-7), BG-174 (Antenna rods, cords), BG-175 (generator GN-58)
Antenna : Whip, Wire, Dipole
Pow.requir: External PSU type PE-237,  DY88 or GN-58 

LV-80
RF Amplifier. German design. Built to improve GRC-9 power.  Exist also a Dutch version known like RA-1/GRC-1009. Built in two boxex: 1) Linear ; 2) PSU
F.Range:  2-12 MHz
Power Output : 40 - 80 W
Antenna : Whip, Wire, Dipole
Power requir. 24 V dc around 12 A
 

PRC-247A (IK0MOZ)

Radio station. Manpack. Light weight 2-30 MHz USB/LSB/CW communications. Manufacturer IRET
F.Range:  2-29.99 MHz  in 100 Hz  steps
Type of signals : Voice (A3, A3J), MCW, CW
Power Output : 3- 20 W (Low/High)
Basic components : PRC247
Antenna : Whip with built in variometer, Wire, Dipole
Pow.requir: 24 Vdc NiKad batteries or external PSU


 

RT1/PRC  (IK0MOZ)

Also Known like  RH4/212 or E/PRC1.  Full transistors Radio station. Manpack. Replaced in Italian Army the GRC-9


 

F.Range:  2-12 MHz  in 1 KHz  steps + 500 Hz Clarifier
Type of signals : Voice (A3, A3J/USB), MCW, CW
Power Output : 2- 15 W (Low/High)
Basic components : Radio set, Battery pack, 12/24 DC/DC converter
Antenna : Whip with built in variometer, Wire, Dipole
Pow.requir: 24 Vdc with external  batteries.
Manufacturer : GTE - Italy

AN/MRC-95  (I0BR)

Radio station, vehicular. Medium power specially designed for air to ground communications.
F.Range : 2-30 MHz in 100 Hz steps.
Type of signals : Voice ( A3, A3J upper and lower), CW, FSK
Power output : 400 W in A3J, 100 W in  A1, A3, F1.
Basic components : RTX 618T3, ATU 490D-1, FSK Mod. 700B-2, TTY TT4A/TG
Antenna : Whip
Power requirement : 27.5 Vdc

EK07/D  (I0-14769)

Receiver - Short Waves - Manufacturer Rhode-Schwarz.
F. Range 0.5 - 30.1 MHz in 12 Bands. Fine tuning.
Type of signals : AM and CW. BFO and filters 0.15, 0.3, 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6 KHz
Audio output : 15 and 600 Ohm
Antenna Input : 50 and 75 Ohm
Power requirements : 220 Vca

 
 

PARASET (ON9CFJ)

Transceiver. Spy rig. Short Wave.
Used from Dutch resistance groups during WW2. TX one tube crystal controlled, RX two tubes
reaction type.  Output around 5 W.  6 volt   vibrator PSU.

Ra 190 (G4BXD)
Made in Sweden radio set.  Low power transmitter-receiver for short range HF communications.


 

Ra 200 (G4BXD)

Made in Sweden Radio set. Portable and vehicular. Year 1962.
Frequency Range 2-8 MHz
Type of modulation : AM
Type of signals : A1 and A3
Tx Power output : 0.5 _ 8 W
Receiver section : Frequency coverage : 2 - 8 MHz in two bands; Superheterodyne, IF 500 KHz
Antenna : 3.15 m whip or wire
Range : 5 - 70 Km

T1154    Tale 1             (G3IFF)

An unfortunate feature of the T1154 design is that ic can not be adjusted on frequency or tuned without radiating a signal. This fact might be a slight nuisance to members of a net when T1154 signal appears with the operator adjusting the Master Oscillator onto frequency, or getting it back on frequency whilst contacts are in progress.

This slight nuisance was a problem for the RAF in the 1949s. When an operation was being prepared teh wireless operator were adjusting and tuning the T1154 during the day, also doing air tests in some numbers. All these signals being radiated dall upon the keen and interested ears of the German monitoring service.

Radio silence during an operation was the rule, but radio silence during preparation was not possible if the sets were to be used at all.

The distinctive W/T note produced by keying the T1154, was an aid in identifying the signals coming from Bomber Command, thus giving the German service prior notice that an operation was in preparation, this in itself wat not too important but the art of intelligence is lots of snippets of information added togheter.

The nature of the note produced, that is the "chirp" in frequency under keying actually depends on which part of the frequency band is being used, for instance at the low end of the HF band at 2.5 Mc/s where plenty of capacitance is in circuit the note is not too bad.

A much more identificable and significant feature, never mentioned these days is that in addition to the chirpy note a buzzing sound was superimposed on the signal by the entire transmitter,  particulary the enclosing case being vibrated by the aircraft engines, this in spite of the rubber shock mountings. This vibration brought about slight frequency modulation in addition to the chirp.

It is this feature which made Bomber Command aircraft signals so readily identificable to the German monitoring service.

My own experince is that in the 1950s I could immediately recognize RAF Transport Command aircraft from others flying in the Mediterranean aerea (Avro York).

We can place ourselves in the same position as the German service by listening before 0930 on a saturday, numerous carriers can be heard, some shifting in frequency and other sounds indicating that a net is girding up for action.

If we heard these signal and sounds every day we would be confused as to whether a NET was preparing or not.

Similarly if tuning and adjustment signals from Bomber Command were heard on daily basis then the security leak would be plugged. This was the answer to the problem.

A new set was put togheter using the 12 Volt version of the T1154 togheter with the R1082 receiver, both of which were obsolete for aircraft use. This set was called the "Bomber Command Security Set".

The idea was that numbers of these sets were put out into countryside and operated in such a way in tuning, test calls and contacts, using RAF procedures and call signs at varour times every day, thus genuine preparation was masked by daily appearance of similar sounding signals.

The T1154 in these special sets had a small but very important modification. An electric motor, having an eccentric bob-weight on its shaft, was bolted to the casing of the T1154 adjacent to the Master Oscillator. Thus when this motor was run at some speed it caused the casing to vibrate, bringing about a buzz on the signal which was exactly the same as from aircraft in flight. The rotation speed of the motor was variable giving the T1154 the charatteristic sound of different aircraft types as desidered.

A drawing of the set exists, a copy of which is shown here. The following might clarify some points :
Item 1    Giant 6 Volt batterier, in series, supplying 54 Amps.
Item 7    R1082 Receiver.
Item 6    T1154 Transmitter.
Item 12    Electric motor bolted to the T1154 case.
Fig. 3     Shows detail of the bob-weight fastened to the motor shaft.

The aerial used with there sets was a single pole supporting an inverted Vee wire, end feed.

Note that the equipment is fixed in wooden stackable boxes, with rope handles to aid transportation and setting up on site somewhere in the countryside.

It would be interesting to hear that someone has a T1154 with holes drilled in the side of the case.

Regards from Ray Coley (G3IFF)

Links

Wireless Set No 19 Web Page
Grey Green Radio (WW2 Its Radio)
Seg15 & Seg100 (RFT sets site)
G4BXD - Ben Nock Web pages
CORMMA - The French connection
Vintage Military ARS
 
 

Please email me any  URL that speaks about AD MM  activity to add to the table...