Prc-10

 This is a American manpack UHF-radio (ultrashort wave) with name AN/PRC-10a constructed for
phone F3 (FM) mod.After a happy production in USA with SCR-300/BC-1000 they started in
beginning of 1950´s constructing a new radio,that was smaller and lighter.On this time this was
possible with the new micro-valves.The result ended with PRC-10 (included PRC-8/9).This
radiostations was the first constructetd with modules.Modules make it faster to change
components, and service.Some years later they make PRC-10A.This was license.produced in
Sweden and get the name RA-105. RA-105 was somtimes stationary monted in cars.Power came
from the cars battery 12/24v through a converter.
 I have worked with this set in the field together with Russian R-105D and R-105M,and the
frequence stability  on Ra-105 (PRC-10a) is a looong way from the russian units stability.Russian
and German Wehrmacht are built on the same chassis alloy constructions,giving perfect stability
for self-oscillating oscillators.Ra-105 is made of alluminium plates giving vibrations and
unstability,yes,but it works.

  

  


  Technical data:                 Receiver:  superheterodyn. IF- 4,3 MHz
 The PRC-10 working time in the field ca 25 hrs RX with 1:5 TX

Transmitter mod. thelefony (FM)

Antenna power ca 0,9 W
Antennas - Normalantenna
  - Marschantenna
- koaxialcontact for connecting stationary antenne
Frequencies 38 - 55 MHz       Cover 6m amateur band FM
Channel spacing 100 kHz
Valves 14 st subminiatyr-valve 
Power input - Battery  with connections for +135 V, +67,5 V, -6 V och +1,5 V
- 12/24 V converter
Weight Totalt 7.8 kg, where battery 3,2 kg
Producer Factory Svenska Radio Aktiebolaget (SRA)  (license)
       


 The AN/PRC-10 came into the Army inventory in March, 1951. It is a 16 tube FM radio which was
used as a squad radio. It is part of a family of radios AN/PRC-8, AN/PRC-9, and AN/PRC-10
which differ only in the frequency of operation and the components that determine that frequency.
 Each radio set consists of a superheterodyne FM receiver and FM transmitter use a common
antenna. The Receiver-Transmitter consists of a single panel chassis assembly mounted in a
magnesium case with a watertight seal. A short eight wire cable connects the chassis to the BA-
279/U battery while two springs clamps hold the R-T case to the battery case. The PRC-8,9,10
radios can be adapted for vehicluar use by means of the AM-598/U Amplifier Power Supply that
converts 24 volts to the operating voltages of the radio (the battery cable plugs into the power
supply), plus can drive an audio aux speaker.
 The AT-271/PRC antenna (the long antenna) is used with the radio for maximum range. It is
provided in seven sections connected by an internal stainless steel cable, a total of 10 feet long.
When folded, the cable keeps the sections together as a group. This antenna screws into the
LONG ANT jack on the top control panel. The AT-272/PRC antenna (the short antenna) consists
of several lengths of flexible steel tape riveted together, making a tapered antenna 3 feet long
that screws into the SHORT ANT jack. The short antenna is for general service and can be folded
into the carrying bag that is part of the PRC-10 equipment list.
 In the field, soldiers quickly found that the backpack antenna was a sniper target. The antenna
was therefore removed, or sometimes the radio was carrid upside down with the short antenna
pointed to the ground, which did not seem to effect the range of 3 to 12 miles, depending on
antenna used and siting conditions.
 The handset H-33B/PT connects through a cable and ten contact plug that connects to the
AUDIO jack on the control panel.
 The Army divided up the radio spectrum into three bands, Armor, Artillery and Infantry.  The PRC-
8 20-27.9 MHz, the PRC-9 27-38.9 MHz and the PRC-10 38-54.9 MHz.  Note there is a small
overlap for inter-division communication.  The 38.0 to 54.9 MHz band was what we now call
squad radio

                                                                     
 Radio Set , AN/PRC-10
 JAN Type: AN/PRC-10
Nomenclature: Radio Set
Reference: TM 11-5820-292-XX
NSN: 5820-00-223-5122
Components: RT-176/PRC-10 Receiver-Transmitter, CY-744(*) Battery Case,
BA-279/U Battery, AT-271(*)/PRC Antenna, AT-272(*)/PRC Antenna, AB-129/U
Antenna Spring, H-33(*)/PT Handset
Weight: 7.8kg
Mode: 30F3
Frequency Range: 38-55 MHz
Power Input: A: 1.5, B1: 67.5, B2: 135, C: 6 V from BA-279/U
Power Output: 0.9 W
Number of Channels: Continuous Tuning (Calibration Osc at 2.15 MHz points)
Replaced By: PRC-25
Replaces: BC-1000
Part of: PRC-10
Antenna: AT-271 and AT-272
Description: The PRC-10 is a portable, low-power, frequency-modulated radio
set which can be pack-mounted or installed in vehicles to provide voice
commumnications over relatively short distances. They can also be used for
homing. Provision is made for remote operation and unattended relay operation.
Source: TM 11-5820-292-10, 12 Sep 61. PRC-10a,transmitting and receive in
6m (50-54Mhz) amateur-band FM only,and therfore usable to this work.
  Constructing a converter for 12vdc and automatic charger for gel battery
packs (here 2 x 6v in serial each 7.2 Ah
 
Battery-contact P1
Stift A + 1,5 V
  B + 1,5 V
  C  
  D + 135 V
  E + 67,5 V
  F - 135 V och - 67,5 V
  H -6V
  J - 1,5 V och + 6 V

      Partslist  and Doc 

 The radio RA-105 (PRC-10) going on air. All the voltages to the radio as spec. As a
problem with charging correct the Gel Battrys ,we constructed a charger  for this type.
This controll all the charging and after charging.The components came from the Web
page ELFA
 LA4JH constructing a new power modul for PRC-10 (RA-105).The unit take place into the
old battery box.Two 6v-7.2Ah chargable battery pack included, make all the voltages
needed for operations.This making it possible to operate the radios we have.The orginal
pattery pack with dry cells is not more possible to get.As the radios working on amateur
6m band (50-52Mhz) it is interesting to have them to work again.The project is now
finished.The converter functions as it should,and the RA-105 going on air.Interesting
 people with PRC-10 (RA-105) could get this unit/or printcard completed, from
LA4JH/LA7SNA. The print layout for the converter coming soon.
 Mail to LA4JH  :  Send me a mail.    


 - By at least 1947 wood "concept" mock-ups of this new generation of radios had been
constructed that would almost duplicate the final product. By at least 1950 functioning prototypes
had been completed and possibly even an initial order for production radio sets. By 1951
production radios began to filter into the field, and by 1953, the PRC-10 family of radios(including
the PRC-8 & PRC-9) had become familiar equipment. They would accomplish all those goals that
had been established for the replacement of the SCR-300, and even include some additional
"First" in the area of front line tactical communications equipment. These "first" included modular
construction which allowed for almost instant repair-ability in the field by personnel with a
minimum of training and support equipment. Secondly was the use of the now familiar short
"Tape" antenna which has yet to see a viable substitute design after 50 years(prototype PRC-
10's used a sectional antenna similar to the BC-1000 which was a British.design). The only thing
to remain of the old SCR-300 was it's multi section, collapsible, long "whip" antenna, but now
supplied with a rubber coated spring base to prevent damage while in use(another innovation left
over from WW-II that is still in use today).
 36. Correction of Defect in Socket of Battery BA-279/U
Note. The procedures below apply to Battery BA-279/U procured on Orders No. 16613-Phila-51,
16517-Phila-51,
14453-Phila-51, and .15609-Phila-51 .

a. Reason for Failure of Radio Sets AN I PRC-8, 9, and -10.

Reports have indicated operational failure because of intermittent or poor contact

between@battery plug P1
and the socket of Battery BA-279/U.

Investigation discloses that the following factors are primarily responsible for such difficulties.

( 1) The jacket socket opening is too small to allow the

battery plug to be seated properly in the socket.

(2) The battery socket has sufficient give under pressure to prevent
proper mating@because of inadequate support in the socket well.
 b. Corrective Action in Production.

These difficulties have been corrected in production on contracts awarded after 21 December
1951 by increasing the diamet r of the jacket socket opening from 1/4 inches to 3/3 inches and by
providing improved support in the battery socket well.

c. Corrective Action in Field.

Application of either of the following measures will insure proper mating between the plug and the
connector, whether or not the battery socket is supported adequately in the socket well:

(1) With a knife or@other suitable instrument, cut the top of the battery jacket, at the socket end,
free from the sides for a depth of 2 inches to permit that portion of the jacket to be folded back
from the socket.

(2) Increase the size of the jacket socket opening to approximately 13A inches in diameter by
trimming away a portion of the periphery of the jacket socket opening.

Tube Failure.
An undetermined quantity of tubes type 1AD4, manufactured by Ratheon, have a useful life of as
little as 10 hours when used as the receiver oscillator (V8) in Radio Sets AN/PRC 8 and AN/PRC-
10.

These tubes are in lot numbers 202 through 226.

Failure of this tube is evidenced by oscillation, interrupted at a low repetition rate resembling
motor-boating.

This type of failure will not be indicated on a tube tester.

Present available information indicates that this phenomenon is the result of grid contamination
occasioned by an improper aging processing during manufacture.

b. Replacement.
If oscillation of this type occurs, remove the original tube and replace it with a new tube (Sig C
stock No. 2J1AD4).

When replacing this tube, be sure that the red dot on the tube corresponds to the pimple on the
socket.
  L - Speaker
 A - Receiver Audio
 B - Receiver Audio Ground
 C - Carbon Mike Input
 D - mike ground
 E - PTT then Mike
 F - isolated Push To Talk
 H - isolated PTT Ground
 J - Remote On-Off
 K- CW Key

 Battery-contact P1
Stift A = + 1,5 V
  B = + 1,5 V
  C =  
  D = + 135 V
  E = + 67,5 V
  F = - 135 V och - 67,5 V
  H = -6V
  J = - 1,5 V och + 6 V

PRC-8, 8A, 9, 9A, 10, 10A & 28

CPRC-508, 508A, 509, 509A, 510, & 510A Adapter Plans
Radio Description:
Original radio is tube type, man portable nautical radio.

Specifications:
Original battery designation BA-279.
Original voltage/output - 1.5 VDC.
Original voltage/output - 6 VDC.
Original voltage/output - 67.5 VDC.
Original voltage/output - 135 VDC.

Construction:
90 "AA" cells in series for 135 VDC, with center 'tap' for 67.5 VDC.
4 "D" cells in series for 6 VDC.
4 "D" cells in parallel for 1.5 VDC, older units may use "wax" cells.
Adapter Substitutions:
135 VDC provided by 15 -9 volts in series.
67.5 VDC provided by 'tap' from above.
6 VDC provided by 4 "D" cells in series.
1.5 VDC provided by 4 "D'" cells in parallel.

Parts List:
15 - 9 Volt battery "Snaps" Radio Shack Part Number 270-325.
15 - 9 Volt battery holders Radio Shack Part Number 270-326.
1 - 4-"D" cell holder.
4- 1 "D" cell holders.
Cardboard Box, Electrical Tape, Hookup Wire (Red, Black & Green), Packing
Tape.

Instructions:
Remove "guts" of battery by unfolding the side & slide out battery. Save
cardboard cover. On the top of the battery will be the plastic connector
riveted to a waxed cardboard strip (it may be taped to the base, if a wax cell
type).

Use an Exacts knife to cut the tape and remove connector from the base.
Cut all wires about mid length. All you will keep is the cover, the connector,
and the cardboard strip attached to it. Set these aside for now.

Using your knife or scissors, cut out a cardboard square 8-1/4" x 8-1/4". It
should slide in and out of the OLD battery cover easily. Take the battery
connector strip and place it along one edge of the square and tape it so that
it will hinge. (See Figure [1 & 2], on parts layout sheet). This is the new
base for your adapter.

[Figure 1]

 
 [Figure 2]

Next, glue down the cell holders as shown (see Figure [2], on parts layout
sheet). Don't forget to rough up the surface of the holders with a fine file or
sandpaper, this will help the glue hold. (A hot glue gun works well for this.)
Next take the leads from the 6 volt pack and solder as shown in Figure [3A],
take the red wires from the single "D" cell holders and strip 1/4" of
insulation off. Take a piece of red hookup wire about 12" long and strip 1/4"
from both ends. Twist one end of the hookup wire to the red wires from the
holders, and solder. Tape the joint when done. Do the same for the black
wires from the holders. (See Figure [3B]). Lace the wires between the
holders.
 [Figure 3A, B, C]

Now take the 9 volt batteries, and place them in their holders positive side
up. (Having the batteries in the holders helps to give proper spacing for each
unit.) Glue into place, making sure to keep the glue off the batteries
themselves. Take the 9 volt snaps & strip about 1/4" of insulation off and
solder the black wire of one snap to the red wire of the next snap (see
Figure [3C & 4], nine volt pack connection chain). Continue until all are
hooked together. Solder a green (or any color but red and black) wire, about
12" long at the position together. Solder ad shown in Figure [3C & 4], this is
your 67.5 volt 'tap'. Solder a 12" piece of black wire onto the the last black
lead wire from the 9 volt snaps. Solder and tape all joints. take your time,
and do give yourself room to work. It sounds harder than it is.
 [Figure 4]

When you are through, you'll have a long chain of snaps. Now with all the 9
volt batteries in their holders, snap the chain to the 9 volts starting with the
positive (red wire) closest to the original connector she side that has the 6 -
9 volts in a row). Work your way around the base. (By now you've probably
noticed why you were instructed to place the positive side up. It helps the
wires lay neater.) Once all the snaps are in place, turn the adapter over and
gently lay the red and black wires over onto this side (the bottom). Place a
spot of glue under each set of wires where they are soldered and taped, to
hold them down. (Again a hot glue gun is very useful here.) Solder leads to
the connector as shown in Figure [3].
 REMEMBER YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE CONNECTOR FROM THE
INSIDE.

Optional Step:
Cut several small pieces of corrugated cardboard and build up around the
back of the connector (see drawing [5] ). As usual, use a glue gun with all
soldering. When all soldering is completed to the connector, fold up the
connector strip to the 6 volt pack.

Cut two strips of thin cardboard (cereal box type). One 2" x 1", and one 2" x
1/2", Glue to the front as Shown in Figure [5]. This will strengthen the
connector area.

[Figure 5]

Cut 2 more 8-1/4" x 8-1/4" pieces of cardboard. Now cut a notch 1-1/2" x 3"
in one corner of each. See Drawing [6]. Glue and tape together, set aside.
Take the original bakery cover of the battery and cut off the end near the
opening. (See drawing [7] ). Set aside.
 [Figure 6]

You are ready to use your adapter! place place the 15 - 9 volts into their
holders and connect the snaps. Next place the 8 - "D" cells into their
holders.

[Figure 7]

Lay the radio on a table or on the ground, with the adapter next to it.
Carefully plug the radio into the connector of the adapter. Place the notched
pieces (spacers) over the Adapter with the notch over the connector. This
will keep the cells from working loose. Slide the complete unit into the
cardboard cover and into the battery box from the radio. Reverse this
sequence to replace batteries. It is also recommended that you do not
constantly plug & unplug the connector. Just remove the cover to replace
the cells. Your adapter will last much longer if you follow this procedure, you
can't manhandle this connector.

Use a volt meter to check the voltage output on your battery adapter. Any
small inexpensive one will do. Check the outputs against those given on the
cardboard cover. The 135 and 67.5 pins will, with fresh batteries, read about
150 volts and 75 volts. This is normal. Use alkaline batteries for best
performance & longest life.

Parts list for Power Supply (PRC-10 / RA-105)

Item Quantity Reference Description ELFA part no.
1 6 C1, C2, C3, C4, C16, C20 47nF 65-736-38
2 7 C5, C6, C11, C12, C15, C17, C18 1000uF 16V 67-228-39
3 4 C7, C8, C9, C10 100uF 100V 67-231-83
4 2 C13, C19 330uF 16V 67-155-69
5 1 C14 1uF 16V 65-228-17
6 4 D1, D2, D7, D8 STPS340 70-288-48
7 4 D3, D4, D5, D6 11DQ10 70-221-06
8 6 L1, L2, L3, L5, L6, L7 470uH 58-868-09
9 1 L4 47uH 58-864-86
10 2 R1, R3 1,54k 4M
11 1 R2 17,8k 4M
12 1 R4 22k 4M
13 1 R5 300 4M
14 1 R6 2k 4M
15 1 R7 750 4M
16 1 R8 220k 4M
17 1 T1 - Core ETD29 58-760-08
1 T1 - Bobbin “ 58-760-16
2 T1 - Clip “ 58-760-24
18 1 U6 LM2588T-adj 73-280-57
19 1 U8 LM2575T-adj 73-277-94

20 1 Cooling bracket 1mm Copper Drawing #1

21 1 PC board, double sided Epoxy/glass Drawing #2