URC-9

  

The AN/URC-9 is a UHF AM transceiver built by Collins in the early sixties. The AN/VRC-24 is the army 24Volt vehicular version. The AN/TRC-68 is the fixed 240Volt army version.

COMMENTARY

The URC-9 is a transceiver capable of operating on 1750 channels in the 225-399.0MHz frequency range. It consists of the PP-2702 power supply unit and the RT-581/URC-9 transceiver unit which are mounted in a common case. An optional remote control unit allows the station to be controlled from a remote location.

The frequency may be selected via rotary switches on the front panel or one of nineteen user specified preset frequencies may be used. Upon selecting a frequency a motor rotates switches to their correct position via a massive gear-train. The other controls are quite simple. There is a volume control, and a squelch control. A meter and meter switch allow monitoring of critical voltages and currents. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Range:    225-399.9MHz
Mode:                    AM
Power Source:        240VAC
Power Output:    I couldn't find a power figure in the manual, but the final tube is a 4X150.

CONSTRUCTION

The power supply consists mainly of transformers, capacitors and chokes mounted on a chassis.

The transceiver unit is quite impressive. Because of the way it is built, it doesn't seem to have an up. Components, gearing and valves are mounted on all four side around I assume a frame of some sort. It is built so well that I can't see how it is built. The gear train is well and truly hidden away. There is a blower fan mounted on one corner of the frame.

OVERALL RATINGS

    Engineering rating (taking into time of design).

             Layout is most impressive but case is not watertight.8.5/10

    Fitness for purpose rating

             Saw service in a variety of configurations by multiple forces. 10/10

    Usefulness as ham equipment rating

             Doesn't cover the ham bands. 0/10

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