3 Collins Radios: 32V2, R-388, and 75A2

1985 AM/CW Station WB6FZH

LEFT TOP

• HOMEBREW ANTENNA TUNER- "Ultimate" Design, utilizing a WW2 Transmitter Roller Coil, and Variable Capacitors. The Antenna Input switch selects Longwire, Open-Wire Feed, and Coaxial Lines. The Collins Wattmeter sub- assembly from a 1950s military antenna tuning indicator reads forward and reverse power. A small chart holder from a WW2 BC-375 Tuning Unit holds the Antenna Tuner Dial Settings for individual antennas & bands. First Constructed in 1976, The switch and Power Meter were added in 1980.

LEFT TABLE TOP

• COLLINS 32V2 AM/CW TRANSMITTER- This 150 watt, 128 pound, 80-10 meter 14 tube unit has a 4D32 tube in the R.F. Output Stage. It sold originally for $575.00 in 1950. This unit was purchased in the 1970s and has worked well at WB6FZH. A 32V3 parts unit was purchased and disassembled for a complete spare parts inventory. I have a good stock of spare tubes and chassis level components and hope to keep this unit going during my lifetime.

CENTER TOP

• COLLINS R-388/URR RECEIVER (51J-3)- This 18 tube, double conversion superhetrodyne receiver is permability tuned throughout it's 500kc to 30.5 mc frequency range. It is bandswitched with 30, 1000kc bands. It is very stable and accurate utilizing the Collins 70E PTO. It features a built-in 100kc crystal calibration oscillator that can be compared directly against WWV. The receiver was offered without cabinet for $875 in 1951. A matching table top cabinet was availiable separately. Note: This receiver was an outgrowth of the electro-mechanical developement of the 75A series receivers.

CENTER TABLE TOP-(Inside R-388 Rack Cabinet)

• WW2 FL-5 AUDIO FILTER UNIT- This plug-in filter was designed to work with headphones similar to type HS-23 (MC-162 Cushions, R-14 elements, and CD-307A Extension Cord). The filter has two fixed audio frequency frequency filters, one for voice, and the other more narrow for tone for tone use.
• AMECO PCL RF PREAMPLIFIER- Powered by the PS-1 AC Power Supply, this Nuvistor tube type unit covers 160 through 6 meter bands. This is most often used at frequencies above 14 mhz.
• HEATHKIT HM-11 SWR BRIDGE (1962)- This inline unit displays the SWR at the antenna jack of the 32V2. It is an "updated" paint job on the AM-2 model from 1957. Both were sold in kit form for $15.95.

RIGHT TOP

• TABLE TOP SPEAKER- This speaker has not been positively identified. It has an 8" PM Speaker, and a line-to-voice transformer that matches the Line Output of the R-388 very well. A second speaker, from a modern two- way vhf mobile radio system (Motorola Micor), sits behind out of site. This second speaker is connected to the voice coil terminals of the 75A2 receiver. This speaker appears similar to one used with the RCA AR-88 receiver in magazine advertisements.

RIGHT TABLE TOP

COLLINS 75A2 RECEIVER- The 160-10 meter bands are covered. It demodulates AM and CW signals. It has a crystal filter, and noise limiter. The radio weighs 60 pounds. The 148C-1 NBFM adapter and the 8R1 100kc crystal calibrator are offered as accessories.The crystal notch filter narrows the selectivity to 200 cps or less. The famous 7OE series Permability Tuned Oscillator allows reliable direct analog dial readings and a slide-rule reference dial. This is the nicest of the 3 75A2s at WB6FZH. It was purchased in the 1970s and has worked well. A matching 10" speaker was offered separately. The suggested price from Collins was $420 in 1950.

TABLE TOP ACCESSORIES

• SHURE BROTHERS 520SL-7 MICROPHONE- This high impeadance controlled reluctance push-to-talk microphone was seen in late 1940s magazine advertisements.
• WW2 J-38 TELEGRAPH KEY- This classic key is still mounted to the board cut by 15 year-old Novice ham radio operator WN6FZH in 1963. Plated brass Locking nuts were added to the space adjustment, as the threads have been "pounded" out of the metal. A WW2 rubber coated headphone cable with a solid prass 1/4" plug has connected it to many transmitters throughout the years.
• VIBROPLEX SEMI-AUTOMATIC KEY- This "Champion" model was advertised for $9.95 in the 1950s. Their advertisement said "Why be a galley slave to a hand key, save your fist! VIBROPLEX cuts the sending effort in half."
• MILITARY HEADSET- This unidentified US Air Force unit has a built-in microphone that can be attatched to either side and adjustable headband. This headset was used in the 1960s, and has earpieces that go over the ear, and are an improvement over the WW2 headsets. The original plug was cut and a 3' cord with a 1/4" jack installed in the 1970s.

The R-388 receiver was boxed and stored and the station configuration is still in operation today!

Last Updated: March 8, 2006