Articles

Some of the very interesting technical articles reproduced from early editions of the VMARS News Letter from 1999 to 2006. In 2006 the News Letter ended and was split into two publications, the News Sheet for general Society information, and SIGNAL , the quarterly, technical VMARS flagship publication.

Some extracts from the later monthly News Sheet publication, produced after July 2006, can be viewed here.

Please note : All articles accessed from these page are copyright © VMARS or their respective author. They may not be reproduced elsewhere in any form without permission from the author. Webmasters are welcome to provide a link direct to any article, provided its source ( www.vmars.org.uk ) is acknowledged.

The titles of currently available articles are underlined: to download, click on the underlined title. If you require an article that is not currently available, please contact the editor as above and we will add it to the site if possible.

All articles are in pdf format, a free reader can be downloaded from here . Articles will open in a new window, to get back to the index just close the article window.

You can select an article publication date from the table below or click on the title to go straight to the article. Not all articles are listed in this table. For the complete list of available articles see the listing below this table.You can search article titles and descriptions by using the Ctrl F function on your keyboard and entering a keyword in the text search box.

Issue 1 – December 1998 Restoration of a T1509 Transmitter	Issue 2 – January 1999 Wireless Set No.42 – The WWII Larkspur Set	Issue 3 – March 1999 Wireless Set A40 Part 1 LV-80 for the GRC9	Issue 4 – May 1999 The WS42 – Its Demise
Issue 5 – June 1999 Wireless Set A40 Part 2 The High Power Version of the WS19 Quality of emissions and self regulation	Issue 6 – August 1999 The ER-40-A; a French 88 Set The Canadian Wireless Set No.52 Audio Output for the WS52 Receiver	Issue 7 – October 1999 The Wireless Set No.31	Issue 8 – December 1999 The SR A41 No.3 Resurrecting an R109 Receiver
Issue 9 – February 2000 The Racal Automatic Aerial Matching Unit type VRA549C GRC-19 US Army station	Issue 10 – April 2000 Capacitor Reforming AM on Ten	Issue 11 – June 2000 Restoring a Homebrew Transmitter	Issue 12 – August2000 The SEM-35 Manpack
Issue 13 – October 2000 The “DX200” Linear Amplifer	Issue 14 – December 2000 The R-161 Radio Stations The UK PRC316/A16	Issue 15 – February 2001 The R134	Issue 16 – April 2001 Near Vertical Incidence Skywave Communication
Issue 17 – June 2001 Is Your Shack Really Safe? Louis’ Luton Legacy	Issue 18 – August 2001 An R107, Back from the Dead When is a spy radio not a spy radio?	Issue 19 – October 2001 The AR88 Again	Issue 20 – December 2001 Radio Link S.R. Mark II The RST 101 – a Belgian Special Forces set
Issue 21 – February 2002 The Labgear LG300 5 Band Transmitter	Issue 22 – April 2002 The KW Vanguard Replacing a Worn Out Rotary Converter in a 62 Set with a Solid-State DC to DC Power Supply	Issue 23 – June 2002 The Yaesu Musen FT-7B The French TR-PP-11 (Part 1)	Issue 24 – August 2002 Powering the Soviet R107 Transceiver
Issue 25 – October 2002 Poor Boy’s Collins: The TCS An Audio Interface for the Soviet R107	Issue 26 – December 2002 A Look at Decoupling Capacitors Repairing the RT (VRC) 321 Radio Set	Issue 27 – February 2003 Operating 24 Volt Equipment in a 12 Volt Vehicle Refurbishing a Clansman Battery Obtaining VFO Stability from an LG300 on HF CW	Issue 28 – April 2003 Adding Lower Sideband to the RT 320 1950s Minimitter Deluxe Transmitter
Issue 29 – June 2003 The Soviet R131 LRRP Sets The A41 No 3 Electret microphone replacement for a carbon insert	Issue 30 – August 2003 The Pye SSB130 Band-pass Filters for VHF	Issue 31 – October 2003 The Pye Bantam HP1AM The Creed Model 7 Page Teleprinter	Issue 32 – December 2003 The Yaesu FT200 A Solid State Vibrator  A fault with the C11 Tx The Angrynine – a voyage of discovery – Part 1
Issue 33 – February 2004 The GRC-9 Part 2…the journey continues	Issue 34 – April 2004 Oscillations!	Issue 35 – June 2004 Vintage Homebrew on Five Megs! The French/Italian TRPP- 13/RV-3 (ER-95A)VHF	Issue 36 – August 2004 The Heathkit HW17 Some Early Admiralty Wireless Equipment The TR1985/6/7 and TR1998 series of Airband Transceivers
Issue 37 – October 2004 Shifting crystals Phantom” The Signals Regiment in Richmond Park The PRC320 PSU	Issue 38 – December 2004	Issue 39 – February 2005 Modification of Crew Box 2-set and Design of an interface unit for non-Clansman Radio Sets The GRC-9 – some useful hints	Issue 40 – April 2005
Issue 41 – June 2005 Clansman Harness Special Operations Executive – The B2 spy set Interface II The Marconi CNY-2	Issue 42 – August 2005 The Clansman UK/PRC-351 and its Variants	Issue 43 – October 2005	Issue 44 – December 2005 More on the Clansman 24V, 4 Amp-hour NI-Cad Battery The Clansman UK/PRC-351 and its Variants – Part 2
Issue 45 – March 2006 An H2S Ground Mapping Radar Project Tuning and Adjustment of the French TR-PP-11B	Issue 46 – May 2006 More power from the TCS A Clansman Headset Tester	Issue 47 – July 2006 Clansman Batteries and Test Set Adaptor Charger DC

Summary of technical articles published in the VMARS Newsletter. The routine online publication of technical articles stopped in July 2006 for copyright reasons. Regular technical and historical interest articles continue to be published in Signal, the VMARS technical journal, which is distributed free to all members of the Society. For details of the Signal journal please click here For VMARS membership details please click here .

Issue 1 – December 1998

Restoration of a T1509 Transmitter

Richard Hankins

Describes an extensive struggle to repair an example of this monster, 350W fixed RAF Tx, which had evidently been “got at” by a previous owner. Includes block diagram, outline spec and sketch of the unit. 2 pages.

Issue 2 – January 1999

Wireless Set No.42 – The WWII Larkspur Set

Richard Hankins

The author asserts that not only is this the finest of the WWII era manpack sets, but the reasons given for its demise by the MOD are not credible. Some sort of official cover up of a long forgotten embarrassment is suggested. History and description of set given. Block diagram, spec and line drawings included. 5 pages.

Issue 3 – March 1999

Wireless Set A40 Part 1	Richard Hankins	Full description of this VHF manpack set given, circuitry, accessories, specification. Similar sets from other nations discussed. Some pictures of the set included. 4 pages.
Points from the Tony Helm QTH	Tony Helm	Brief descriptions of the RA-1 and LV-80 amplifiers given, and a method of tuning up the LV-80. 2 pages.

Issue 4 – May 1999

The WS42 – Its Demise: An uneducated guess	Ray Coley	Ray suggests that the disappearance of the WS42 is less mysterious than it seems, and was probably due to a defence budget cut.
Some thoughts on vintage radio nets	Howard Aspinall	The author discusses the various band options for vintage set operation, and sets out the need for good relations with other amateurs not interested in old sets, with their inevitably wide occupied bandwidth. Mentions the danger of Type Approval ceasing all such operations.
On the wing of a Lancaster	Stuart McKinnon	Report of operations on the 80m AM net on 24th April 1999, with a fine variety of vintage sets on the air. 1 page.

Issue 5 – June 1999

Wireless Set A40 Part 2	Murray McCabe	Ways of powering the A40 now the original battery is obsolete, using the TR-PP-8A invertor. Includes invertor circuit. 3½ pages.
The High Power Version of the WS19	Richard Hankins	Description of RF Amplifier No. 2. Includes history of variants, drawing of unit, and circuit diagram. 5 pages.
Quality of emissions and self regulation	Peter Walker	The author discusses the need to keep emissions from vintage Tx’s clean from spuriae and harmonics if we are to avoid Type Approval being imposed. 1 page.

Issue 6 – August 1999

The ER-40-A; a French 88 Set	Antony Wedgwood	Description of set given, along with some pictures. Question of whether the ER-40A and WS88 have a common ancestor posed. 4 pages.
The Canadian Wireless Set No.52	Alan Morriss	Description of the complete WS52 Tx/Rx given, along with pictures and block diagrams. 5 pages.
Audio Output for the WS52 Receiver	Tom Bloxam	Modifications given for WS52 Rx to increase audio output. Includes circuit showing mods. 1 page.

Issue 7 – October 1999

The Wireless Set No.31 – boring !	Richard Hankins	Traces history of this set, and the switch to FM during WWII. Gives simple non-destructive modifications to move set up to 6m band. Includes pictures, block diagrams, and layout for mods. 7 pages.
Surplus Military Radio on the Net	Murray McCabe	List of internet webpages (with URLs) for all kinds of vintage and military wireless. 3 pages.

Issue 8 – December 1999

The SR A41 No.3	Murray McCabe	Description of this rare A41 variant. Includes circuit notes, comparison with A41 No.2 and block diagram. 5 pages.
Resurrecting an R109 Receiver	Howard Aspinall	Description and restoration. Full circuit diagram and pictures. 4 pages.

Issue 9 – February 2000

The Racal Automatic Aerial Matching Unit type VRA549C	Howard Aspinall	Description including block diagrams. Discusses how to use with non-military sets. 2 pages.
An unusual set	Tony Helm	Brief details of the GRC-19 set, with picture of the T-195 Tx. 1 page.
Hugh Kemp’s EMER and Radio data index	Hugh Kemp	Listing of EMERs and other data held by Hugh which are available for copying. 4 pages.

Issue 10 – April 2000

The VMARS Equipment Directory – Part 1	Richard Hankins	Brief technical details with picture of WS19, C11/R210, R209 MkII, AR-88D, WS88. 3 pages.
Capacitor Reforming – or how to avoid the Big Bang!	Mike Hazell, Richard Hankins	Discussion of need to reform electrolytic capacitors, and description with circuit of unit to carry out this task. 3 pages.
AM on Ten	Roger Spear	Description of conversion of Pye Cambridge to 10m, with pictures. 1½ pages.

Issue 11 – June 2000

Technical problems affecting radio communications by the Double Cross Agents	“A former MI5 officer” (submitted by John Teague)	Reprint of an article from “British Intelligence in the Second World War”, 1990 Vol.4, which describes how radio was used to fool the Germans using double agents. 3 pages.
Restoring a Homebrew Transmitter	Colin Guy	Detailed description with pictures of the restoration of a dual 807 AM HF transmitter. 2½ pages.
The VMARS Equipment Directory – Part 2	Roger Spear, Jim Cookson, Walter Farrar	Brief technical details with pictures of Heathkit HW series, KW Vespa Tx, R308, Der Festungsnotsender. 2½ pages.
The last of the HF valved manpacks	Antony Wedgwood	Comparison and description with pictures and technical specs of A510, HF156 and SR128 sets. 4½ pages.

Issue 12 – August 2000

Military Radio Communications (Part 1)	Brigadier J.B.Hickman (submitted by Chris Cooper)	Reprint of a classic paper published by the IEE in 1947. Describes technical developments in Army radio communications, and how they were driven by the experiences of World War II. With additional illustrations of some of the sets to which the author refers. This first part looks at portable and low power mobile sets. 8 pages.
The SEM-35 Manpack	Murray McCabe	Detailed description with block diagram. Performance and restoration discussed. 5 pages.
The VMARS Equipment Directory – Part 3	Richard Hankins	Brief technical details, with pictures, of WS 38 Mk.I & II, WS 62, WS 46. 1½ pages.
Berkeley Castle Scrapbook	Richard Hankins	Account of VMARS “radio camp” at the Berkeley Military Show, with pictures. 2 pages.

Issue 13 – October 2000

Military Radio Communications (Part 2)	Brigadier J.B.Hickman (submitted by Chris Cooper)	Final part of a paper from the IEE Radio Communication Convention, 1947 (see Issue 12). This part covers high power mobile sets, wireless vehicles and long distance wireless links used in WWII, and also considers future trends. 9 pages
The “DX200” Linear Amplifer	Roger Spear	An unauthorised but effective modification of a battered Heathkit DX40 produces the mythical “DX200” linear amplifier. 1½ pages.
The VMARS Equipment Directory – Part 4	Martin Swift, Richard Hankins, Jim Cookson, Tony Helm	Brief technical details with pictures of the B70 Link Equipment, Receiver Type R107, Receiver R206 Mk II, AN/GRC-106 (and GRC-106A). 2½ pages.

Issue 14 – December 20000

The R-161 Radio Stations	Joe Bell	A general description (with some colour pictures) of the Soviet R161-5 frequency hopping HF radio system, together with details of the R161-A2M version in its associated Zil-131 truck. Specifications and aerial layouts included. 8 pages.
The UK PRC316/A16	John Teague	The history and development of the rightly celebrated ‘Jungle Set’. Includes design requirements, basic technical data, illustrations of both the interior (in colour) and the accessories, and aerials used to achieve NVIS propagation. Appendix on its use on the amateur bands. 8 pages.

Issue 15 – February 2001

Notes on Radio Reception in Germany (1942 – 45)	Anthony Lister MIEE	How the author received foreign broadcasts while a prisoner of war in Germany. Notes compiled for MI9 on his return, and not previously published. Includes a commentary by John Teague. 5½ pages.
The R134	Tony Helm	A general description of the R134, a Hungarian designed tank radio that was one of the last – and most sophisticated – Warsaw Pact equipments. 3 pages.
Enemy Airborne Radio Equipment (Part 1)	C P Edwards	A reprint of an IEE paper first published in 1943. It describes the most widely used radio communication and aids to navigation found in German military aircraft, with brief mention of Italian and Japanese practice. 3 pages.
The VMARS Equipment Directory – Part 5	Richard Hankins, Roger Spear	Brief technical details with pictures of the Hallicrafters S-27 and an Eddystone GDO. 1 page.

Issue 16 – April 2001

Near Vertical Incidence Skywave Communication	Antony Wedgwood	A brief history of the use of NVIS in the British Army. The concept is not new and was first comprehensively studied towards the end of WW2. It was used to good effect on long range patrols with low power HF sets such as the A510, SR 128 and PRC-316. Details of some specialised aerials, such as the Shirley, are included. 5 pages.
Enemy Airborne Radio Equipment (Part 2)	C P Edwards	A continuation of the paper reproduced in Issue 15, including some photos which did not appear in the original article. 3 pages.

Issue 17 – June 2001

Is Your Shack Really Safe?	Colin Guy	A timely reminder of some elementary precautions to ensure a long and happy old age! 1½ pages.
The TRC-77	Tony Helm	Brief details of the TRC-77, an HF manpack designed for recce patrols operating in the forward edge of the battle area. 2 pages.
Louis’ Luton Legacy	Roger Spear	How some historic items, including actual hardware, which were once the property of Louis Varney G5RV, were discovered and rescued from a boot sale. A fascinating piece of research, which holds lessons for us all. 2 pages.
The VMARS Equipment Directory – Part 6	Chris Cooper	Brief technical details with pictures of armed services test gear, featuring the Signal Generator CT 212, Noise Generator CT 82 and VHF Signal Generator CT 394A. 1½ pages.

Issue 18 – August 2001

Enemy Airborne Radio Equipment (Part 3)	C P Edwards	A continuation of the paper reproduced in Issues 15 and 16. 10 pages.
An R107, Back from the Dead	Mike Hoddy	How a neglected and badly stored R107 was coaxed back into life. 2 pages.
When is a spy radio not a spy radio?	Tony Helm	An attempt to classify so-called ‘spy radios’ into more accurate functional categories, prompted by concern that indiscriminate use of the term could ‘hype up’ the price of other special forces sets. 1½ pages.

Issue 19 – October 2001

Enemy Airborne Radio Equipment (Part 4 – final)	C P Edwards	A continuation of the paper reproduced in earlier issues. Italian and Japanese equipment; installation practice, materials, components etc. 4 pages.
A Lifetime’s Hobby	Peter Sables	Some of the fascinating byways explored by the author in the course of his hobby – 25 line mechanical television and an FM crystal radio, to name but a few. 3 pages.
Vintage Radio at G3GGK	Peter Simpson	A description of the author’s 1950s and 1960s stations, mainly based on Collins equipment. 1½ pages.
The AR88 Again	Tom Bloxham	Simple modifications to improve sensitivity. ½ page.
The VMARS Equipment Directory – Part 7	Tony Helm, Chris Cooper	Brief technical details with pictures of the Rohde & Schwarz SK010 transmitter and MF/HF Signal Generator CT 452A. 1½ pages.

Issue 20 – December 2001

Radio Link S.R. Mark II	Colin Guy	General description, technical details and method of operating some rarely encountered equipment used for gun sound ranging. 4 pages.
The RST 101 – a Belgian Special Forces set	Antony Wedgwood	A brief technical description of this small CW transceiver, probably dating from the 1950s, whose purpose and use is obscure. 1 page.
Thirteen ways to Prolong Transmitter Tube Life: Heintz & Kaufman Engineers Revisited	Robert E Grinder (submitted by Alan Morriss)	A reprinted article, which examines the scientific characteristics of thoriated tungsten filaments and suggests various ways of prolonging their active lives. 2½ pages.
Battery Charging in the Field (The Hard Way)	Walter Farrar	A note on the WW2 German HLSa hand charging set. ½ page.
A Classic Contest Entry	Peter Chadwick	How an HRO was rebuilt and became a ‘classic’ contest receiver. 1½ pages.
Measuring Aerial Current	Colin Guy	Some practical advice on ways to measure aerial current – in the absence of a thermocouple meter! 1 page.
Description of Radio Emissions	Joe Bell	A key to the modern system of designating radio emissions. 1 page.
Some Speculations on the HRO	Gerald Stancey	An informed commentary on certain questions about the development and construction of the HRO receiver. 1½ pages.
Radio Parts Found in the Alps	Roberto Orlandi	Roberto and his brother visited a WW2 aircraft crash site, and were amazed to find recognisable radio parts.  Photos and request for information.

Issue 21 – February 2002

The Labgear LG300 5 Band Transmitter	Ken Brooks	The purchase and restoration of this ‘real man’s transmitter’, a classic design from the 1950s and once the treasured possession of a fortunate few. 3 pages.
How could you! When is it OK to modify Vintage Gear?	Simon Dabbs	How much – if at all – can one legitimately modify classic equipment? A contribution to this never ending debate, using an R1155A and T1154 as examples. 1¼ pages.
KW201 Receiver – a Restoration Project for 2002 (Part 1)	Mike Hoddy	A technical description of this 1966 receiver, with some thoughts on its future restoration. 2 pages.
The KW Vanguard	Colin Guy	As vintage rigs go, the KW Vanguard seems to be one of, if not the most popular at present. After a short technical summary (including circuit diagram), the author describes the restoration of his set, which has now become his main station AM rig. 3 pages.

Issue 22 – April 2002

T1154/R1155 French Style	John Teague	Notes on a very rare French military radio – Type number 3/11 – designed in the mid thirties for aircraft use. Technical specification and photographs, and comparison with its British equivalent. 2 pages.
Modifications to the RA17L for SSB Reception	David Sylvester	A commonly noted limitation of the (otherwise excellent) RA17 is its performance on SSB. The author gives a detailed description of how he put in a product detector and slightly modified the AGC circuit, with most pleasing results. 2½ pages.
Replacing a Worn Out Rotary Converter in a 62 Set with a Solid-State DC to DC Power Supply	Simon Dabbs	Mechanical components such as rotary converters and vibrators are often the earliest items to fail on vintage gear, and the most difficult to replace. The author describes his home brew transistorized inverter, which has prolonged the active life of his WS 62. 1½ pages.
The Hack Green Report	Joe Bell	Describes the Racal TR1870 installation at Hack Green Nuclear Bunker (see Issue 21 for details) with photographs and a request for help to get the unit going. 2½ pages.
The KW Vanguard … Some Further Notes	Colin Guy	A follow up to the previous article. Discusses VFO instability, its possible causes and remedial action, and safety measures at the aerial end. 1½ pages.
Restoration of the R1156	Roger Spear	A brief description, with pictures, of the little known development of the famous R1155 receiver. 1 page.

Issue 23 – June 2002

The RST101 – a Postscript	Antony Wedgwood	More on the Belgian Special Forces set described in Issue 20, – a testament to the value of the VMARS website! Includes technical specification, ancillary equipment and photographs. 1½ pages.
The Yaesu Musen FT-7B	John Teague	An appreciation of this early but underrated solid state transceiver, which includes a true AM facility. 1 page.
The French TR-PP-11 (Part 1)	Jacques Feyssac and Murray McCabe	An introduction to this VHF/FM squad radio, setting it in the context of earlier British, Canadian and US developments. 4 pages.
‘G4BXM Goes Commercial’	Roger Spear	Brief descriptions of three commercial rigs used (and rescued) by the author: the Redifon Radiotelephone GR 377DF, the Ajax Trawler rig and the Granger Associates SSB Teletransceiver model 174-2. 1½ pages

Issue 24 – August 2002

The French TR-PP-11 (Part 2)	Jacques Feyssac and Murray McCabe	A continuation of the previous article: where to find them, general description and technical details. 4 pages.
Netting the Mk 123	Antony Wedgwood	The article describes a well established arrangement for netting the receiver to the transmitter, which does not involve any modification to the set itself. 1 page.
Identification Unit RDF1	Robin Caine	A general description of this equipment, the exact purpose of which is unknown – suggestions, please! 1 page.
Powering the Soviet R107 Transceiver	Richard Walker and Colin Guy	How to power the set from a 5 Volt computer supply unit. As an alternative, Nicads can be used and recharged with a simple charger, for which circuit details are also given. 2 pages.
A Further Note on the RA117 AGC System	Neil Clyne	A reader’s experiences and follow up comments on the modification suggestedin Issue 22. 1 page.

Issue 25 – October 2002

The Museum of Cypher Equipment	Ken Mitchell	A brief description of the author’s museum, open to VMARS members by prior arrangement. 1 page.
Poor Boy’s Collins: The TCS	Dennis Starks’ history, edited by Mike Hoddy	The compact design and robustness of the TCS series of equipment make it a viable (and, at present, realistically priced) mobile/portable station for VMARS type activity. 2 ½ pages.
The Aspidistra Story (Part 1)	Roger Spear	WW2 ’black’ broadcasting from the Sussex Downs – its antecedents and development. 3 ½ pages.
An Audio Interface for the Soviet R107	Colin Guy	The original Soviet headset is not the most convenient or satisfactory for general use. The author describes an interface box suitable for connecting a standard Larkspur headset in its place. 1 page.
The Muckleburgh Collection	Colin Guy	A brief description of this collection of miltary vehicles, tanks and aircraft, together with over 2500 other exhibits – including a substantial radio exhibition. 1 ½ pages.
The VMARS Equipment Directory – Part 7	Richard Hankins	The Canadian VRL receiver. ½ page
The hallicrafters S-27C VHF Receiver	Jim Cookson	A description of the author’s set, with a commentary on its key features – and what still needs to be done by way of restoration! 2 pages.

Issue 26 – December 2002

Deception by Wireless – The Aspidistra Story (Part 2)	Roger Spear	Concluding the previous article, including a fascinating description of the author’s recent visit to the Aspidistra site.| 3 ½ pages.
The Soviet Naval Spetznaz Tx/Rx ‘GRANIT’	Tony Helm	Describes this small manpack radio from the 1950s, which roughly equates with the UK Mk 128 SAS transceiver. 1 page.
Recorders Sound Ranging No 1 Mk 4 & 5	Jim Farquhar	Further information on the equipment described in Issue 20, based on the author’s actual experience in use. 1 page.
A Look at Decoupling Capacitors	Gerald Stancey	Suitable high voltage decoupling capacitors, frequently needed in restorations, are difficult to find. The author explores the issue of HF performance and how to decide whether your junk box replacement will be up to the job. 1 page.
SOE Signals – an extract from OPERATION FRESTON	Submitted by John Teague	OPERATION FRESTON was the last SOE operation in Poland during WW2. Extracts from the book of the same name, by Jeffrey Bines, comprise remarks by the radio operator on the field use of W/T equipment (an AP 4) and a typical signals plan. 2 pages.
Repairing the RT (VRC) 321 Radio Set	Joe Bell	A cautionary tale of fault finding and repair to this interesting but complex set. Includes some technical data which may help those who need to diagnose a problem in their own equipment. 3 ½ pages.

Issue 27 – February 2003

Visit to the Signals Museum, RAF Henlow	Chris Cooper	A brief account of this museum, which formed the venue for a recent Committee meeting, and can be visited by special arrangement. 1 page.
Operating 24 Volt Equipment in a 12 Volt Vehicle	Simon Dabbs	The common problem of operating 24V, usually ex WD equipment, from a 12V vehicle supply is addressed by the author, who offers his own solution. 2 pages.
Refurbishing a Clansman Battery	Colin Guy	How to refill your Clansman battery with new NiCads – not as simple a job as it might seem! 1 ½ pages.
Aeronautical Communications (Part 1)	Submitted by Chris Cooper	The first part of a classic paper, published by the Institution of Electrical Engineers in 1947. It outlines the operational requirements governing the use of communication equipment in aircraft, drawing particularly on wartime experience. 4 pages.
Obtaining VFO Stability from an LG300 on HF CW	Peter Mellett	The poor VFO stability of this ‘real man’s transmitter’ is addressed by the use of an external unit, requiring minimal modification to the original equipment. 1 page.
The Plessey Type 112 Power Supply	Colin Guy	Details of this useful PSU, which can solve the perennial problem of running power hungry 24V equipment from the mains. 1 ½ pages.
Vintage Gear for M3s – or ‘Sprogs for All’	Richard Hankins	The need for M3s to observe equipment standards, particularly in respect of spurious emissions, raises the question of just how bad our vintage gear really is – and what M3s (and others) can do about it. Includes the results of spectrum analysis on several vintage transmitters and details of a simple filter for 80m. 3 pages.

Issue 28 – April 2003

Aeronautical Communications (Part 2)	Submitted by Chris Cooper	Concluding part of a classic paper, published by the Institution of Electrical Engineers in 1947. 5 pages.
Adding Lower Sideband to the RT 320	Andrew Smith	Describes a (fairly) simple and unobtrusive modification to this excellent equipment, making it compatible with amateur use on 7 MHz. 2 pages.
1950s Minimitter Deluxe Transmitter	Mike Hoddy	The author’s restoration of this classic transmitter. 3 pages.
Adding Squelch to the Soviet R107	Colin Guy	An ingenious and non-invasive method of adding a much-needed squelch function to this VHF FM transceiver. 2 pages.

Issue 29 – June 2003

The Soviet R131 LRRP Sets	Tony Helm	Summarized descriptions for three Soviet manpacks used by Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols. 1½ pages.
Ahoy there, Racal fans!	Neil Clyne	Problems with the RA117E AGC system on switching from standby to manual gain control. Describes a non-standard fix, but further help would be appreciated. ½ page.
The A41 No 3 – back in captivity	Antony Wedgwood	The near mythical solid state version of the A41 appears at last. General description and pictures of the set, with details of how it was (more or less) got to work. 1½ pages.
Hints and Tips	Colin Guy	Suggested cures for loose valve bases and noisy PTT switches. ½ page.
Electret microphone replacement for a carbon insert	F Hueber (submitted by Colin Guy)	A drop in replacement for those poor quality carbon inserts, including its own pre-amplifier. 1 ½ pages.

Issue 30 – August 2003

Exercise Feeler	Brian Austin (submitted by John Teague)	Describes the special radio and radar trials designed to identify and eliminate problems of mutual interference during the D Day landings. 3 pages.
Portishead Radio will breathe again	Joe Bell	A last minute visit to the Rugby VLF station ran some Portishead gear to earth, which it is hoped to install at Hack Green. Photographic nostalgia included! 2 pages.
Hints and Tips	Simon Dabbs John Teague	Repairing WS19 variometer knobs; restoring crackle painted finishes; the imminent demise of lead/tin solder. 1 page.
The Pye SSB130	Colin Guy	A technical description of this 1970ish general purpose pmr set, operating ssb/cw on six preset frequencies. Includes guidance on setting up for 5 Mc/s. 3 pages.
The Cosmetic Surgery	Simon Dabbs	Benefit from the author’s experience of adding those essential finishing touches. Includes paints (with sources of olive-green); decals; knobs and machine screws. 1 page.
Band-pass Filters for VHF	John Keeley	An appreciation of two excellent US filters, the F1482/GRC and F194/U. 1½ pages.

Issue 31 – October 2003

The Bognor Regis Wireless Museum	Andy Hearn	An illustrated description of this museum, largely broadcast but with some WW2 military equipment. 1 page.
The Pye Bantam HP1AM	Colin Guy	A radio once sought after by the amateur community – and standard issue, years ago, for TVI inspectors! – but now almost forgotten. Detailed technical description. 4 pages.
A Possible Solution to the Noise Problem	Roger Basford	With Top Band and 80m increasingly cluttered with man made QRM, an active receiving loop may be the answer. An appreciation of the Wellbrook ALA1530. 1 page.
The Creed Model 7 Page Teleprinter	Alan G Hobbs	A technical history and description of this well known and once successful relic of the mechanical age. 1½ pages.
Brighton Police Pocket Wireless Set	Martin Swift	Describes a very early experiment in (one way) police PMR. ½ page.
The Orkney Wireless Museum	Richard Hankins	A brief description of this museum at Kirkwall, which features both domestic broadcast and military communications equipment. ½ page.

Issue 32 – December 2003

The BC-474/SCR-288field portable manpacktransceiver	Michael Starke	An unusual and interesting US Army set dating from 1940 isdescribed – along with restoration notes. 1½ pages.
The Yaesu FT200	Colin Guy	A 1960’s amateur transceiver of some note is described, withcomprehensive circuit description, block diagram and photos.Circuit for original PSU is also given. 5½ pages.
A Solid State Vibrator	Simon Dabbs	A very simple solid state substitute for a vibrator is given, withcircuit. ½ page.
A fault with the C11 Tx	RichardHankins &Mike Hazell	Failure of the C11’s aerial changeover relay seems endemic.Repair instructions given, with long term solution. 1½ pages.
The Angrynine – a voyage of discovery –Part 1	Mike Hoddy	Description of the GRC-9 HF manpack set, particularly thereceiver. Gives hints on restoration for use on the air, plusphotos, a spec, contacts and some weblinks. 2½ pages.
Extending the usefulness of theCrystal Calibrator	GeraldStancey	Making the well known crystal calibrator more useful by addingmore or different output frequencies. Circuits given. 2 pages.

Issue 33 – February 2004

Low, medium and highfrequencycommunication to andfrom H.M. ships	W.P.Anderson &E.J.Grainger	1st part of an historic article reprinted from the IEERadiocommunication Convention, 1947. Describes naval setsboth well known and obscure. Covers transmitters receiversand wavemeters, 1934 to end of WWII. 5 pages.
Which those CV valves?	Chris Cooper	An explanation and description of the CV valve numberingsystem, plus a list of valve manufacturers. 2 pages.
New life for the FT200	Roger Davis	Reprint of article from “Radio ZS” 1995 and QST Feb.2000.Covers replacement of the 6JS6C PA valves with the more common 6146B. 1 page
When Alf met Louis	Roger Spear	Fascinating tale of old amateur rigs, Alf Grimsdale, G3CJU andLouis Varney G5RV – and their restoration. 1 page.
The GRC-9 Part 2…the journey continues	Mike Hoddy	Continuation of article from issue 32, discussing thetransmitter, its use, and a mains power pack. 3 pages.

Issue 34 – April 2004

Low, medium and highfrequencycommunication to andfrom H.M. ships	W.P.Anderson &E.J.Grainger	2nd part of an historic article reprinted from the IEERadiocommunication Convention, 1947. Problems with radioduring WWII. Shipborne aerials. New equipment based onWWII experience. 8 pages.
Oscillations!	RichardHankins,	Examples of instability in the WS19 and A14HP sets arediscussed, along with cures. 1½ pages.
Hints and Tips	AntonyWedgwood	Connection of your favourite headset to a variety of vintage radios – a solution. A new source for A13 batteries. ½ page.
D-Day deception plan –Operation Fortitude	Colonel (Retd)Cliff Walters	Reprint of an article from “The Shutter Telegraph”, the RoyalSignals Museum newsletter, describing the wireless deception of the Germans before D-Day
Shaftsbury Valve Day 2004	RichardHankins	Report on the “Valve Day” run by BVARS in Dorset, withphotos. 1 page.

Issue 35 – June 2004

Vintage Homebrew on Five Megs!	Roger BasfordG3VKM	Restoration of an old homebrewed valve Tx originally used bythe ATC. 2 pages.
VMARS at Flixton	Peter Walker,G4PLW	Vintage radio stations and displays at the Norfolk & SuffolkAviation Museum, Flixton. 1 page.
Hints & Tips	Colin Guy,G4DDI	Dealing with interference from domestic electrical machines.Tuning inductive aerials. Finding noisy contacts on an aerial. 1page.
17mpg RTTY mobile	Mick Bone	The fitting out of 1967 vintage Landrover with Larkspur radiosets, and RTTY installation of the period. 1 page.
The French/Italian TRPP- 13/RV-3 (ER-95A)VHF FM Radio	J Feyssac &M.McCabe	Technical description with block diagram of the ER-95A.Review of actual working example and comparison with similarsets, like the SEM-35. Spec & weblinks. 5 pages.
A lookalike TCS power supply unit	Ken BrooksG3XSJ	Construction of a power supply built to match the style of theTCS receiver and transmitter. 1 page.
D-Day RemembranceNet – 4th to 7th June2004	MichaelBuckley,M1CCF	Description with photos of the stations that took part in themilitary nets, June 2004 including those from Gold Beach,Normandy.

Issue 36 – August 2004

The Heathkit HW17	Colin Guy, G4DDI	Notes on this 2m AM transceiver sold in the 1960’s. 1 photo of set. 1 page.
Plessey PTR3411 “Groundsat”	Joe Bell, G4PMY and Mike Pinfold ZL1BTB	Description with photos of a little known “on-channel” VHF repeater system – a difficult technical feat, which was patented by the company. 1½ pages.
Some Early Admiralty Wireless Equipment	John Keeley G6RAV	Descriptions of rare early Naval radio equipment, with circuits and photos. 2½ pages.
The TR1985/6/7 and TR1998 series of Airband Transceivers	Colin Guy, G4DDI	Detailed description of these transceivers, with photos and block diagram of the STR.9-X. 6 pages.

Issue 37 – October 2004

The Lincolnshire Aviation Centre	Colin Guy G4DDI	Notes about a museum local to the author which includes radio equipment in its displays. With photos. 1 page.
The Power of the Past Country Fair	Peter Walker, G4PLW	Notes on demonstration of the author’s Bedford QLR with WS19 etc on board, at a show open to the public. 1 page.
Shifting crystals	Colin Guy, G4DDI	Notes on how quartz crystals work, and how to adjust their frequency by various techniques. 3 pages.
“Phantom” The Signals Regiment in Richmond Park	Roger Spear, G4BXM	The author describes the home of the Phantom unit in Richmond Park, with photos. 1½ pages.
Phantom Signals 1940 to 1941	Col (retd) DTW Gibson MBE	Memories from an officer who served with “Phantom” describing long distance working with early sets like the WS1, WS9 and WS11. 1½ pages.
The PRC320 PSU	Colin Guy, G4DDI	Technical discussion of the switch-mode PSU used in the Clansman HF manpack, and the cure of faults in it. 2 pages.
Events 2005 & Pippingford Park – the family weekend	Michael Buckley, Richard Hankins and Andy Jackson	Photos and info from events that VMARS members have attended during 2004, and request for input for events in 2005. 2½ pages.
Discussion on “Naval Communication”	Various	Reprint of historical article from the IEE Radiocommunication Convention of 1947. This is a follow up to the 1 st and 2 nd parts of the article in issues 33 and 34. 3 pages.

Issue 38 – December 2004

You can have this; its not working	Mike Stott, G0NEE	Experiences of the repair of a WS No.22. 2 pages.
Tactical base station for VMARS nets	Tony Helm, G4BCX	The author describes the sets he uses on the VMARS nets, mainly of Warsaw Pact origin. 1 page.
The “phoney” 12 set – a return to chassis bashing	Roger Spear, G4BXM	The building of a replica WS12 is described, for use with a R107 at the exhibition of the Phantom units in Richmond Park. 2 pages.
The development of radio valves	J.H.E. Griffiths	Historic article from the IEE Radiolocation Convention 1946 covering the rapid development of the valve during WWII, particularly for the new area of RADAR at centimetric wavelengths. 5½ pages.
The TAU Systems SPC3000 Aerial Tuning Unit	Joe Bell, G4PMY	Description of a high power ATU, built in the days when they were “big and chunky” and could genuinely handle the power. 1page.

Issue 39 – February 2005

The Great Question….Just where do you keep your collection?	Mike Hoddy, G0JXX	One solution to housing a growing collection – with photos. 1 page.
Modification of Crew Box 2-set and Design of an interface unit for non-Clansman Radio Sets	Joe Bell, G4PMY	Description with circuits of one of the main Clansman harness boxes, and details of how to interface other sets by picking up audio and control signals.. 2 pages.
Replicating the circuit of the RST-101	Tom Smith, G3EFY	A home-made replica of the RST-101 clandestine radio set, with photos and circuits. 2½ pages.
G8LIU in BC342 mode (Part 2)	Neil Clyne G8LIU	Completion of the author’s experience of the restoration of one of these sets.
Sets Wireless Portable No.1 – 1942	Capt. A.C.Wray RN	Memories of using a WS No.1 and other sets in the Junior Training Corps and Home Guard during WWII. I page.
British Army Wireless Sender No.53	Alan Morriss, G4GEN	Photos, circuits and comprehensive description of this famous army transmitter, which the author regularly uses on the air. 3 pages.
The GRC-9 – some useful hints	Colin Guy, G4DDI	Dealing with some quirks when operating this popular HF transceiver. 2 pages.

Issue 40 – April 2005

An Anthology of Wire HF Aerials	Simon Dabbs, G4GFN	Some wire HF aerials re-visited along details of suitable matching units. 2½ pages, outline drawings and circuits
A few ideas about operating from a blind person’s point of view.	Mark Ellis M5AKT	Operating radio equipment from a visually impaired point of view. 1 page
Vibrator replacement – the professional approach	Richard Hankins G7RVI	Details of some professional solid-state replacements for electro-mechanical vibrators. 2½ pages, photographs, circuit and screenshots of operating waveforms.
More on Crystal Shifting	Dave Porter G4OYX	Using electronic means to shift crystal frequencies. 2¾ pages with circuits.
The BX-33-A Automatic VHF Aerial Tuner	J.Feyssac and M.McCabe	A description of the French BX-33-A VHF auto-tune aerial base – an accessory for the ER-95-A Radio. 3 pages, photographs, outline drawings and circuits.
SIGs1 Grant Report – Project Witney Phase I	Richard Hankins G7RVI	Initial report on the Special Interest Group (SIG) project to construct a replica TRD Secure Transceiver. The TRD was issued to “Stay Behind” Units in WWII. 3 pages, map, photographs, line drawings and block diagrams

Issue 41 – June 2005

The Harvey-Wells TBS-50 Series Transmitters	Roger Basford, G3VKM	A look at The TBS-50 series of transmitters and a description of setting a TBS-50C transmitter to work. 2 pages and photographs
Recorders, Sound Ranging No. 1 Mk4 & 5	Bob Osbourne	A follow up to the earlier article under the same title in NL26, information taken from contemporary training notes. 2 pages, diagram, photographs of actual recorder film and a cartoon caricature of D-Troop 7 th Survey Regt. RA.
Clansman Harness Interface II	Joe Bell, G4PMY	Following on from an earlier article on the Clansman Harness Equipment, the interface requirements for a Marcon Scimitar V VHF Radio are discussed. 1 page and photograph.
Special Operations Executive – The B2 spy set	Ken Brooks, G3XSJ	The B2 Clandestine Transmitter and Receiver is described. 2½ pages and photographs
Some R1155 Hints	Dave Kemplen	A wiring schedule for the R1155 receiver function switch is provided. 1 page.
The Marconi CNY-2	Peter Shepherd, G7DXV	Some notes on the Marconi CNY-2 transmitter. 1 page and photographs.
If you want to work the DX, use a telephone line!	Colin Guy, G4DDI+-	How telephone lines can make seemingly efficient top band aerials – how QRM from a faulty TFT Monitor Power Supply was being radiated by a nearby overhead telephone lines. 2 pages and photographs.
Events Roundup	–	A look at VMARS displays at some recent radio rallies. 1 page and photographs.

Issue 42 – August 2005

The Clansman UK/PRC-351 and its Variants	Murray McCabe	Technical description of the UK/PRC-351, accessories and variants. 5 pages and may photographs
An update on Project Witney Phase 1	Chris Cooper, Colin Guy, Richard Hankins & Mike Hazell	Progress report on the re-construction of the WW11 TRD Transceiver. 3½ pages with photographs and circuits
Measurement of crystal current in crystal oscillators	Gerald Stancey, G3MCK	Methods of measuring crystal current with results for some typical oscillator circuits. 1 page
Battery Pack for Manpacks AN/PRC-8, 9 & 10	Christian Epardeau, F4ECS (Translated by Simon Dabbs, G4GFN)	Building a “genuine” battery pack for the AN/PRC-8,9 & 10 series of Manpack Transceivers. 2 pages with drawings and battery data.
Operation Liberation 60	Jonathan Wymer, G8URE & Mike Buckley, M1CCF	Celebrating the liberation of Jersey, 60 years on. 1 page with photographs.
Restoring the Wireless Set No. 22	Ken Stevens, G4BVK	Describes the restoration of a WS22. 2 pages with photographs.
Crystal Grinding	Gerald Stancey, G3MCK	Method of crystal grinding using wet and dry paper on a flat surface. ½ page.

Issue 43 – October 2005

100% Modulation of 150 watts of carrier – the easy way	Peter Mellett, G3PIJ	A simple AM modulator using push-pull 811s. 2 pages, circuit and photographs
Ahoy There Landlubbers	Neil Clyne	British Naval radio Equipment. A description of the Marconi Tuner Amplifier B36. 1 page and photograph
Bawdsey and Arnhem Comms	Peter Walker, G4PLW/P	A visit to the site of the Bawdsey Chain Home Transmitter Site for the Arnhem Weekend. 1 page and photographs
An Interference Canceller	Richard Hankins, G7RVI and Mike Hazell, G1EDP	Describes a noise canceller for use on the 160M or 80M bands. 2 pages, circuit, photographs, test results and conclusion.
Show Roundup	Richard Hankins, G7RVI	Report on various radio events, Including “Home Front United” at Oswestry 24 th – 25 th September with John Thompson, G3OKT and his 1952 Commer Radio Repair Truck, Leicester Rally with Stuart McKinnon, G0TBI. 2 pages and photographs.
Pippingford Park, 2005	Simon Dabbs, G4GFN	The Pippingford Park Event, 2005
Getting a WS62 Going	John Mortlock, G3UGY	Setting a WS62 to work, faultfinding and tuning up. Suggestions for increasing the modulation level. 2 pages, circuit and photograph
WS62 Solid State DC – DC PSU	John Mortlock, G3UGY	Modifications to the WS62 DC – DC PSU originally described by Simon Dabbs in NL22. The TIP3055 transistors are replaced with 2SK22232 MOSFETs. 1 page with circuit.

Issue 44 – December 2005

Another 19 Set Saved from the Skip	Walter Blanchard, G3JKV	A working WS19 resurrected from several boxes of very dusty, dirty and neglected kit. 3 pages and photograph
It’s all Mikes fault!	Steve Ward, GW1XVC	Creating a modern/valve hybrid AM transmitter from the junk box. 2 pages, photographs and circuit
The Wireless Set 24 – Candidate for a SIG?	John Keeley, G6RAV	A proposal to form a SIG to build a replica WS24. This VHF transmitter receiver was the forerunner of the WS19 “B” Set. 2½ pages, photographs and circuit.
More on the Clansman 24V, 4 Amp-hour NI-Cad Battery	Simon Dabbs, G4GFN	More on refurbishing the Clansman NI-Cad battery, the sensing diodes and a circuit for an auto-stop discharge circuit. 1½ pages and circuits.
The Clansman UK/PRC-351 and its Variants – Part 2	Murray Mcabe	Part 2 of an overview of the UK/PRC-351 FM Manpack Set, covering associated equipment and some typical transportable and vehicle installations. 3 pages, block diagram and photographs
URC-35 AND R-1051 RADIOS – SOS!	Neil Clyne	Basic information on the US Navy Receiver R-1051B/URR. 1 page and photographs
The VMARS Nets	Simon Dabbs, G4GFN	Details of the VMARS AM, SSB and CW Nets. 1 page.
Radioactive sets – time for action?	Richard Hankins, G7RVI	The issue of ionising radiation from luminous legends etc on some military radio equipment. Dosage levels and basic safety advice. A proposal to form a SIG to consider these issues. 1 page.

Issue 45 – March 2006

An H2S Ground Mapping Radar Project	Mike Green, G4EZM	Describes a project to produce a PPI (Plan Position Indicator) display on an Indicator Unit 184. 3½ pages with photographs.
Tuning and Adjustment of the French TR-PP-11B	J Feyssac & M. McCabe	Alignment of the French TR-PP-11B transistorised FM “Handie-talkie”. 4 pages, circuits, photographs and test data.
Shift that Quartz	Gerald Stancey, G3MCK	Instructions for raising the frequency of plated quartz crystals. 1 page, photograph and test data.
An American Secret Agent’s Radio Station	Tony Helm, G4BCX	Brief description of a CIA designed clandestine station from the early 1950s. 1 page with photographs
A Note on R210 Vibrators	Andy Jackson, G8JAC	Technical notes on the XC354 Vibrator commonly found in the R210 HF Receiver internal power supply. 2 pages, photograph and circuits.
A day out in Blackpool	BRONEK Wedzicha, M0DAF	A report on the VMARS presence at the NARSA (Blackpool Rally. 1 page and photographs

Issue 46 – May 2006

More power from the TCS – Is it worth it?	Bronek Wedzicha, M0DAF	A modification to increase the power output of the TCS transmitter is described and critically evaluated. 4 pages, photographs, screen shots of modulation envelopes and circuit
A Clansman Headset Tester	Colin Guy, G4DDI	A simple unit designed to test Clansman Headsets is described. 2 pages, photographs, circuit and Clansman Headset Plug Wiring table.
Mains-Driven Power Supply Units For Valved Equipment – Part 1	Simon Dabbs, G4GFN	First of a two part article describing the design aspects and safety requirements for mains driven power supply units. 4 pages and circuits
1970s Nostalgia: Remember the “Woodpecker”?	Simon Dabbs, G4GFN	Adapted from an article by Mark Foltarz and Richard Morrow, K5CNF describing the Russian “Woodpecker” OHTR (Over the Horizon Radar) used during the Cold War era. ½ page.
AN/TPS-71 ROTHR	Richard Hankins, G7RVI	Some information on the AN/TPS-71 Relocatable Over the Horizon Radar (ROTHR) taken from the Foundation of American Scientist’s website. ½ page and photograph

Issue 47 – July 2006

Reviving a classic top band design	Bronek Wedzicha, M0DAF	A classic top band valve transmitter design taken from the 4 th Edition of the RSGB Handbook is described. 4½ pages, circuit and photographs
Mains-Driven Power Supply Units For Valved Equipment – Part 2	Simon Dabbs, G4GFN	Earthing arrangements, power supply regulation and low voltage circuits are considered in the second part of article dealing with the design aspects of power supply units for valved equipment. Ten “Golden Rules” for safety are given. 2 pages and circuit.
Kemble 2006	Simon Dabbs, G4GFN	A visit to the Military Vehicle Trust Regional Show at Kemble Airfield in Gloucestershire. 2 pages and photographs.
Clansman Batteries and Test Set Adaptor Charger DC	Murray McCabe	The range of Clansman Batteries and their characteristics along with the Test Set Adaptor Charger DC are described. 6 pages, circuits and functional tables for the Test Set Adaptor.
VMARS Day at Flixton	Peter Walker, G4PLW	The VMARS Day and Open Day at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum. 1 page and photographs.