ARRL Handbook - Defense Edition
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N1ESE:
I recently saw an auction on eBay for a 1942 ARRL Handbook "Defense Edition". What does this "Defense Edition" mean? I assume it has something to do with the War at that time.
N3DRB The Derb:
my memory is fuzzy, but I think they couldn't publish any transmitter stuff among other things that could be construed as possibly helpful to teh enemy.
Rob K2CU:
I have a "regular" handbook from 1942. It has projects for civil defense type VHF transceivers, many similar to the lunch box special, but with metal jacketed octal tubes. Not much else, as it was probably put together and on sale prioor to December 7th, 1941. I found this reference on the web about the "defense:" edition.
"When USA entered WW2 the defense should use a textbook in the education of the many who should use radio communication in the war. The ARRL handbook was chosen and a special edition was published in 1942. It was the 1942 edition cleaned for all amateur related stuff."
I have seen editions from later ion the war. As I recall, they mostly had CD type of gear and related operating activities. There was also projects for low power transmitters using 6L6 bulbs and driving the power lines. It was known as "Carrier Current Communications." the for runner of BPL perhaps.... Seems that the railroads had been using it for years. They talked about using it for talking around town. Can't remember the frequencies used, though.
W3RSW:
I have the '45 edition. About half of it's made from clay coated /acid free paper and half old browning rougher acid paper.
The catalog section is fully 1/3 of the book. Guess they were sure the war would be won at that point and were gearing up for the flood from pent up demand for amateur gear.
Hallicrafters had a multi-page ad based on a letter from Bill Halligan "What about peace time production.?" A four page spread was dedicated to the SX-28A. What a radio! A two page spread was devoted to the SX-25.
The SX 23A looks just like "Slab's." Gotta be proud of that rig.
Chapter 19 is dedicated to "Carrier-current communications."
A reference is made to FCC sec. 2.102 where:
radiation is limited to a field strength of 15 microvolts per meter at a distance in feet of 157,000/fkc. So at 150 Khz (kcs) and a distance of 1046 ft. radiation should not exceed 15 uv. from any power line carrying communications.
A 25 watt 6L6 rig is featured. Very simple, one tube, one tapped coil, CW of course.
Bill, KD0HG:
The subject material was altered in that WWII Handbook; a mention in a wartime QST states that many transmitter projects were removed because hams couldn't get on the air, anyway, and new radio parts were in short supply. The transmitter stuff was replaced with the mentioned carrier current 'hamming', and many WERS rigs on the 2-1/2 meter band. Also some light beam and supersonic communications gear, IIRC.
Now I gotta go rent the Belushi movie 1941...
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