MCR-1 “Biscuit Tin Receiver” HF AM receiver

I found this receiver on a shelf at Axman Surplus in June, 2012 for $4.95. Initially, I had no idea what it was, but thought I could probably get my money out of the 7 pin miniature tubes I could see inside of it. I thought it was some sort of aircraft tuning unit, since it was compact, had control labels that were unfamiliar and was among a number of aircraft band, beacon band and other receivers from airplanes. It looked as if these items were from an estate. It came with only the band unit attached, which will cover the 80 meter band.

Apparently this radio was dropped to resistance fighters in occupied Europe in World War II. I don’t know this particular unit’s role in the war, but I can see it has been modified since with a Jones plug and solder tacked leads to a dry cell battery plug. I hope to get this radio working and use it as a portable shortwave radio.

I tried to apply power to it to see if it would work, but no joy. This thing is going to need a little work. No surprise… I seem to have a nose for broken stuff.

I’ll post more as I progress!

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