Russain R-105M Radio*PIC*

[timkel]

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/1248Russian_R-105M_radio_front_side-med.jpg

[Penguin]

Looks semi-big how big is it?

[timkel]

Originally posted by Penguin
Looks semi-big how big is it?
Its roughly 12"x12"x4" and weighs 20lbs +-

[Penguin]

Thanks.

What kind of range does it get?

[timkel]

I tested it's operation with a scanner and it seems to work perfectly.
Since I only have one radio, I have not tested the range.

[Penguin]

Ah ok an interisting itiem to be sure. What can you use it for? Do you need a licinse to run it can you transmit to other kinds of radios or only to ones of the same type. And what will it pick up?

[timkel]

This radio will transmit and receive on any frequency between 36.0 and 46.0 Mhz
The book says the range is 6 km with the standard whip antenna.
Up to 25 km range with the large static antenna.

Technically a license is required for transmitting. But no license is needed for just listening.
This is mainly just a collectors item.

[Penguin]

Ok that is what I kind of figured. Sure is an interisting colectable. I think colectiables are just all the more interisting if you can use them that is why I wondered.

[az_paul]

Nice find, Timkel. Unfortunately, there's not much to listen to in that frequency range. Dandy collectable, though, and looks mint. Enjoy!!

az_paul

[Buster Charlie]

What kind of power supply do you need to feed that beast! Is it solid state or vacuum tube?

[timkel]

4 D cell batteries supply power to this radio.
tubes? Don't know.

[Buster Charlie]

Originally posted by timkel
4 D cell batteries supply power to this radio.
tubes? Don't know.

The russians used D batteries?

Well if its vacuum tube, it should take a while to 'warm up' and get rather warm while in use.

Anyway I did a google search and found some interesting info


http://www.combatradio.org.uk/105m.jpg

1)this radio is used by the Iraqis so if you moved there maybe you could pick up some transmissons but I doubt i!
2) it appears its mostly vacuum tube, but has some transistors
3) its pretty damn crude but like the AK, it works!
4) Its another example of fine soviet ingenuity, in other words they stole the design from the germans!

http://www.armyradio.com/publish/Articles/William_Howard_Desert_Storm/Pictures/R-105Mopen.jpg
http://www.armyradio.com/publish/Articles/William_Howard_Desert_Storm/Pictures/R-105Mclosed.jpg
closeup of Iraqi R-105m marking
http://www.armyradio.com/publish/Articles/William_Howard_Desert_Storm/Pictures/R-105Msticker.jpg




Iraqi R-105M
R-105 Russian Back Pack Set
The most common of all the Russian radios to be found not just in Iraq, but all over the world, is the R-105 family of backpack radios. The radio is rather primitive by anybody's standards, it is not easy to use, nor does it have any saving graces save one, "If you fire one up, it usually works". First introduced in the early 1950's, it was revamped in the 1960's to use more modern materials ( D models ), and again in the 1970's ( M models ). It has been referred to by many as a slightly updated copy of captured WW II German sets and many of it's characteristics, and accessories will show this lineage.
All the sets in this series are of tube type design, with the only presents of transistors being in the radio's internal inverter power supply. Their cabinets ( M models ) are constructed of a heavy Bakelite type material, sealed with paraffin to prevent water and dust seepage. A removable cover allows access to the sets controls which are placed up one edge.

The radio is fully operational with this cover in place and it does provide exceptional protection for the controls, as well as further enhancement of the radios water tight integrity. The opposite edge of the radio has an identical cover to house it's rechargeable nicad batteries.

The short antenna supplied with the sets is unique in design and also reminiscent of it's WW-II German ancestry. Constructed of a series of aluminium beads strung on a steel cable, a stiff spring on the end keeps pressure against these beads and a semi rigid but flexible antenna. Releasing this spring tension collapses the antenna allowing it to be rolled up for easy storage. Better than the British system on the PRC-349, US SCR-300, and anything produced in WW II, but still not as good as the U.S. "Stanley" tape configuration that's been in use since 1949.

Accessories are available to allow the set to perform various tasks. Without exception they exhibit the utmost in simplicity, and crude utilitarian design. Carry equipment consist of a very thin plastic covered cushion that is placed on the back of the radio, and simple canvas straps. A long sectional antenna is provided to increase the sets range while in it's backpack configuration, it does not incorporate a spring to minimise damage.

This same antenna is combined with a "C" clamp type mount for use as a vehicular antenna. A metal frame used to secure the radio in it's transit case, can also double as a vehicular mount. It's combination headset / mic is very similar to that used with the WW-II U.S. Navy TBY. A handset could also be used that is virtually a copy of a WW-II German type, and looks much like those used on U.S. EE-8 field telephones. Other accessories include a long wire antenna, and a 50 watt mobile amplifier is also known to have been built, both intended to increase the basic radios range, the later has not been encountered as a Desert Storm Trophy.

The R-105 is the most common of the series, and was intended for use by infantry units. Operating in one continuous band on 36-46.1mc, with an intended channel spacing of 25 or 50kc. RF power output is rated at 1 watt, FM. Power is derived from two internal Nicad batteries.

[AvtomatKalashnikova]

nice little history lesson. :) good one.

So it would take a license to transmit with one of these, but not to listen in on tramission? Does FCC have mobile receiver/vans that go around neighborhoods to look for illegal transmission? And how would they know if it's licensed or not???

[timkel]

The original Russian batteries are 4 square nicads of 1.2 volts each. These Russian batteries supply 2.4 and 4.8 volts DC to operate the radio. I use 4 "D" cell batteries to operate the radio.
Technically a HAM radio license of some type is required to transmit. IMHO Chances of getting caught by FCC would be slim. These are low power radios at 1 watt output.