US Navy HF & MF Receivers - 1950's & 1960's

My main interest is in HF communications in the 1950's and early 1960's but this is a work in progress
Please send me e-mail with additions, corrections, links, photos, etc. - thanks, Nick K4NYW
Many of these photos are of equipment that was for sale on eBay.
Go here for RECEIVER MANUALS
Main Vintage Navy Radio Page

Be patient and check back often - this project is just getting started!

Pre-war Receivers WW2 Receivers HF Diversity Receiving Systems LF & VLF Receivers VHF & UHF Receivers Fixed Frequency Receivers Receiver Manuals - Links		Wideband receivers Receiver SSB Converter Page Receiver AF Switchboard, Audio Amp & Speaker Page Receiving Antenna Multicoupler Page Receiving RF Patch Panel & Switch Page Receiver Site AF/RF Signal Distribution Units Receiving Panoramic Adaptor Page
Mystery Receiver Schematic from a Navy training course showing "Typical SSB Receiver" which includes a motor-drive AFC for the HF oscillator. Was there ever a Navy receiver like this??? Note: it is evidently not an RCA SSB-R3 which used motor drive AFC for the IF oscillator

1950's & 1960's individual HF & MF receivers

HF/MF Receivers
AN/FRR-22 (R-502/FRR-22) - RCA - info/photos - repairing RF transformers	MF shore version of SRR-12 w/ rack mount + EXT OSC input 0.25-8 mc - 29 tubes FRR-22 with AGC off-norm			NAVSHIPS 92211 - manual

AN/FRR-23	HF shore version of SRR-13 w/ rack mount + EXT OSC input	2-32 mc 29 tubes repairing RF transformers		RCA NAVSHIPS 92211 info/photos manual
AN/FRR-48(XW-1) HF DSB/SSB Receiver 2-32 mc Prototype Only General Electric model XSDR-1	Synthesized, synchronous detection, direct conversion See this paper for much more info And this article by Bill Jones for a history of the development Bill Jones, Dr. John Costas, Roger Swanson, Jack Cunnif
Bottom of RF chassis by Bill Jones	Top of RF chassis by Bill Jones	Top of Synthesizer by Roger Swanson		Bottom of Audio, Alpha-Beta and Audio by Jack Cunnif
AN/FRR-59 AN/FRR-59A AN/FRR-59B photo thanks to WQ9E	HF - shore version of WRR-2() More FRR-59 photos	2-32 mc 1.0 kc tuning (59) 0.5 kc tuning (59A,B) Wadley loop - 65 tubes		National (FRR-59, FRR-59A) Arvin (FRR-59B) info/photos diagram restoration downloadable manual
AN/FRR-59 AN/FRR-59A AN/FRR-59B photo thanks to WQ9E				More FRR-59 photos
CV-920/URR converter - RF tuner	AM-2477/URR amplifier - detector			--
AN/GRR-17 (R-1490/GRR-17)	USMC - Manuf by National - Photos and Info here Manual & photos - USMC TM-05866A-15	Radio Receiver R-1490/GRR-17 is a high dynamic range, dual-conversion superheterodyne receiver for the frequency range from 2.0 to 30.0 me, employing a digital synthesizer for virtually instantaneous frequency selection. Tuning, in increments of 100 cycles, is performed by setting five tuning dials to the signal frequency in megacycles. Vernier tuning of each 100 cycles step is also provided. The operating modes are for reception of upper or lower single sideband (A3j), amplitude modulated (A3), continuous wave (Al ), and frequency shift teletype (Fl ) broadcasts. A panel mounted speaker permits signal monitoring. Output terminations are provided for the connection of external teletype equipment, and a headset or other terminal equipment. The receiver frequency stability is one part in 10^7 per day allowing extended operating periods without operator attention.
AN/MRR-2	MF mobile or transportable use AN/SRR-12 with waterproof case 115vac or 24vdc Thanks to Marty for the photos and videos higher res photo video #1 video #2 video #3 - interior	0.25-8 mc		RCA
AN/MRR-3 need photo - looks like MRR-2	HF mobile or transportable use AN/SRR-13 with waterproof case	2-32 mc		RCA
AN/SRR-12	MF shipboard version of FRR-22 SRR-11, -12, 13 aboard CC-1 USS Northampton	0.25-8 mc 29 tubes repairing RF transformers		RCA info/photos manual Navships 91875
AN/SRR-13 AN/SRR-13A (R-441/SRR-13) SRR-13 SRR-13	HF shipboard version of FRR-23 2-32 mc, 29 tubes SRR-13A with AGC off-norm switch SRR-13A with standby switch	info/photos repairing RF transformers SRR-13A showing AGC off-norm instead of standby switch		RCA, Magnavox Navships 91875 - manual pdf article in Electric Radio magazine - July 1991 p 4
SRR-13A
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AN/TRR-5 R-366/TRR-5 LS-171/U CY-851/TRR-5	Morale MF/HF receiver - Transportable for use ashore			Manual downloadable from here Schematic & Wiring Diagram

AN/URR-10 Spec Sheet	R-231/URR-10 (Hallicrafters SX-42) LS-140/U Loudspeaker MT-598/U Mounting			Need photos
AN/URR-22 (R-302/URR-22) need better photo	ship/shore entertainment rcvr replaces RBO similar to AN/URR-44	0.54-18.6 mc AM/CW		National NAVSHIPS 92161 - download
AN/URR-23	R-381/URR-23 (Collins 51J-1) or R-381A/URR-23 (Collins 51J-2) CY-1235/URR cabinet LS-175/U speaker	0.5 - 30.5 mc		Collins 51J-1 or Collins 51J-2 Contract NObsr-49134 (15 May 1950)
AN/URR-23A R-388/URR (Collins 51J-3 variant) CY-1235/URR cabinet LS-199/U speaker	photo courtesy of K4NCG Collins 51J-3 with MFP and modified antenna input ckt ?	0.5 - 30.5 mc Were all Navy R-388 receivers procured as AN/URR-23A systems? Click here for R-388 contract info page R-388 tag showing AN/URR-23A Navy contract number - thanks to W7HDL		Contract NObsr-52527 (22 June 1951) NAVSHIPS 91678
AN/URR-36	National HRO-50-1 with 4 coils (A-D), & speaker	50-430 kc & .05-35 mc		NAVSHIPS 91648
AN/URR-36A	National HRO-60 (R-523A/URR-36)	50-430 kc & .05-35 mc		with 10 coils, xtal calib, speaker & coil storage unit, and rack Navy Contract NObsr-71193 USCG Contract TCG-39506

AN/URR-39		National NC-183MR (R-651/URR-39 with speaker (LS-228/U) & rack mount (MT-1529/U) 50-150kc & 0.54-31mc standard 47-55mc band replaced with VLF band and bandspread replaced with 0-200 logging scale		National - modified NC-183D standard NC-183D info manual

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AN/URR-41 AN/URR-41 (XN-1) is designed to intercept signals comprised of five modulations and separate them and prepare them for either aural or visual monitoring. The gain control is designed to provide equal amplitude output signals from the five channels with unequal input signal levels. 2-32 mc, 4 bands, 5 preset channels receives A2, A3, A9 Manuf by Hoffman please send email if you have any more info				SB-1064/FRR switch for testing URR-41
AN/URR-44 (R-892/URR-44)	ship/shore entertainment rcvr replaces RBO	0.54-18.6 mc AM/CW		General Instruments NAVSHIPS 93316 - download info & photo similar to URR-22


				URR-44 installed aboard USS Becuna SS-319
AN/URR-51 ? need photo	R-388A	-		NAVSHIPS 92324
AN/URR-74(V)2	Download AN/URR-74(V)2 manual (thanks to Perry W8AU)	Watkins Johnson WJ-8718 variant see photos & info here 5kc-30mc AM (16 or 6 khz), SSB (3.2 khz), RTTY (1 khz) or CW (.3 khz). There is a mechanical BFO built in that can be adjusted in 10 hz increments using decadic thumbwheels The digital readout is clear and bright and goes to a resolution of 10 hz for precise tuning.		AM FM CW LSB USB ISB 0.3, 1, 3.2, 6, 16 kc bandwidths Watkins-Johnson see photos & info here
receivers aboard USS Iowa BB-61	receivers aboard USS Iowa BB-61	Coverage of 5 khz to 30000 khz Selectivity of 16 / 6 / 3.2 / 1 / .3 khz BFO of + or - 8 khz and shown in its own display to the left of the frequency readout 4 Tuning steps AGC fast / slow / off		Modes of AM / FM / CW / LSB / USB / ISB AF/S-Meter 115/220 VAC Digital readout down to 10 hz Sensitivity of .4uV 16 dB (S+N)/N CW IF output RF gain Headphone and line out jacks Rack handles
AN/WRR-2 AN/WRR-2A AN/WRR-2B upper - AM-2477/URR amplifier - detector lower - CV-920/URR converter - RF tuner	HF shipboard version of FRR-59() - different mounting Aboard USS Ticonderoga	2-32 mc 1.0 kc tuning (2) 0.5 kc tuning (2A,B) Wadley loop 65 tubes See FRR-59 block diagrams More FRR-59 photos		National (2, 2A) Arvin (2B) info/photos diagram restoration downloadable manual
R-274B/FRR Hammarlund SP-600-JX-6 - NObsr-52039 SP-600-J-11 - NObsr-52039 SP-600-JX-35 - NObsr-71369 SP-600-JL-24 Special - ?		540kc-54mc		Hammarlund R-274B spec sheet NAVSHIPS 91661 SP-600 series info More SP-600 manuals

R-274B/FRR "special" (Hammarlund SP-600-JL-24) need photo	Hammarlund SP-600-JL-24	100-400kc and 1.35-29.7mc		Hammarlund NAVSHIPS 91661 SP-600 series info SP-600 manuals
R-369/FRC-10 (part of AN/FRC-10A or -10B)		Western Electric 4-28 mc dual channel SSB - for VF AFSK links		Manual TM 11-780 download pdf version
R-388/URR photo thanks to Don Smith	Collins 51J-3 Click here for R-388 contract info page Hollow State News w/ R-388 articles			NAVSHIPS 91678 TM11-854 / TO16-35R-388-5 Some Navy R-388 receivers were procured as AN/URR-23A systems. Others were procured under MIPR-881-47159 Does this mean Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request? Please send e-mail if you can help clarify this - thanks!
R-388A/URR need photo	NAVSEA manual	Collins 51J-4 Were any 51J-4's actually labeled as R-388A? What is an R-388B? Click here for R-388 and R-388A contract info page		Collins Contract NObsr-69046 (16 Nov. 1956) NAVSHIPS 92324 NAVSHIPS 0967-994-9010 NAVSEA 0967-LP-994-9010 (these are reprints of the Collins 51J-4 manual)
R-390/URR	Did the USN use the R-390 or just the R-390A? So far I have not seen a photo of an R-390 in USN service.			Collins Hollow State News w/ R-390 articles R-390/URR info
R-390A/URR		R-390A was a Signal Corps (Army) acquisition but used extensively by the US Navy.		Collins, other manufacturers R-390A FAQ page NAVSHIPS Manual & Field Changes More R-390A Manuals R-390A Contracts and numbers R-390A Manufacturing Drawings Hollow State News w/ R-390A articles
Many Navy R-390A units were modified with a green diode load jack on the front panel (FC 4)				Navy Field Change 3 - rear panel cover with AN connectors for power, line audio, and local audio
		Shipboard - R-390A with CV-591A		COMMSTA - R-390A with URA-8
R-391/URR Auto-tune version of R-390/URR	Used by NAVSECGRU only? (AN/FRA-44 and AN/FLR-7)
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R-450/FRR-28	Hammarlund SP-600 modified by Northern Radio for AN/FRR-28 diversity system	More R-450/FRR-28 photos		Hammarlund SP-600 series info SP-600 manuals article in Electric Radio magazine - Sept 2004, p2
R-618/FRR-32 Need better photo	AN/FRR-23 modified for use in AN/FRR-32 dual diversity system	-		RCA
R-825/URR		TMC GPR-90 540 kc - 31 mc		spec sheet manual
R-840/URR		TMC GPR-90RX (same as R-825 plus xtal control) Contract NObsr-71790 540kc-31mc More photos		spec sheets manual - NAVSHIPS 93165
R-1051/URR R-1051A/URR R-1051B/URR R-1051C/URR R-1051D/URR R-1051E/URR R-1051F/URR R-1051G/URR R-1051H/URR R-1051 Web Page covering variants and other info	solid state (plus 2 tubes in RF) late 60's replacement for most receivers	R-1051 Web Page covering variants and other info		R-1051 Web Page covering variants and other info article in Electric Radio magazine November 1993 p4 R-1051 Manuals
R-1414/URR photo thanks to K1VVC photo thanks to Chuck Please send e-mail if you have any more photos or info A7 HF oscillator board - please send e-mail if you have a parts unit...	HF - solid state -
				probably only used for intercept rather than HF comms - used by ASA - was it also used by NAVSECGRU? Some info in this thread manuf by Sylvania Manual available from www.manualman.com
From 1975 Communications Technician O 3&2 manual - The R-1414/URR radio-receiver is a solid-state, general purpose HF receiver intended primarily for operation in fixed stations or in transportable vans when at a fixed station. It is capable of detecting AM, CW, SSB ,ISB, FM, and FSK signals within the 1.5 to 32 MHZ frequency range. Although the future status of the R-1414/URR receiver is in doubt at present, a description is included in this text for your information. Initial distribution of a limited number of these receivers has been made for field evaluation. It is anticipated that the R-1414/URR will ultimately replace the R-390A/URR at all NAVSECGRU sites. In comparison with the R-390A/URR, the modernization can be readily seen. The R-1414/URR is solid-state, mechanically tuned, covers 1.5. to 32 MHz frequency range, uses double conversion, and has a digital electronic frequency counter display. Being solid-state, the R-14141/URR is smaller in size than the R-390A/URR, and operates cooler. It also has independent sideband monitoring capabilities that are not available in the R-390A/URR. Another feature of the R-1414/URR is its frequency stability achieved by an internal digital AFC network. Both frequency stability and readout accuracy are within ±50 Hz throughout the frequency range of the receiver.
R-1490/GRR-17 - See AN/GRR-17 above -	--	--		--
R-2174/URR	LF/MF/HF solid state	RACAL RA6790/GM		RACAL
R-2307/U (Cubic R-3030A)		Twin receivers 50 kc to 30 mc range IF outputs of 40.455 mc and 455 kc Highly stable with + or - 1 PPM BFO of + or - 10 kc 100 memory channels per receiver Bandwidths of .5 / 2 / 4 / 8 / 16 kc Operating modes of AM / USB / LSB / CW / FM Tuning resolution to 10 cps IF passband shift from .1 to +/ - 9.99 kc		Cubic R-3030A
R-2320/URR (RACAL RA6793A-6)	photos	photos		--
R-2368/URR	Variant of Harris RF-590A LF/MF/HF solid state			Harris
R-2411/U (Cubic R-3035)	50Hz - 30 MHz	similar to R-2307/U		manual
Cubic R-3036 MF/HF Dual Receiver
R-2557/URC	Variant of Harris RF-590 used in AN/URC-131 HFRG			Harris
Collins 75A-4 Collins 75A-4 (Mod)	75A-4(Mod) changes -	75A-4 Bands (mc) 1.5 to 2.5 3.2 to 4.2 6.8 to 7.8 14 to 15 20.8 to 21.8 26.5 to 27.5 28 to 29 29 to 30	75A-4 (Mod) Bands (mc) 1.5 to 2.5 3.2 to 4.2 4.2 to 5.2 5.2 to 6.2 6.8 to 7.8 13 to 14 14 to 15 29 to 30	Collins 75A-4 with 0.8, 3.1, 6.0 kc filters - used by USN in early SSB tests - other uses?? contracts: 75A-4 NObsr-71287, 27 April 1956 75A-4 (Mod) NObsr-71289, 27 April 1956 Manual NAVSHIPS 92788
	photo showing bandswitch changes retaining clips added to this unit for airborne use.
Hammarlund HQ-145 (modified) Hammarlund HQ-180A (modified)	HQ-180A manual - see addendum	==		==

My main interest is in HF communications in the 1950's and early 1960's but this is a work in progress
Please send me e-mail with additions, corrections, links, photos, etc. - thanks, Nick K4NYW
Main Vintage Navy Radio Page

Be patient and check back often - this project is just getting started!
Last updated 08/19/2024

US Navy HF & MF Receivers - 1950's & 1960's

1950's & 1960's individual HF & MF receivers

HF/MF Receivers

AN/FRR-22 (R-502/FRR-22)

AN/FRR-23

AN/FRR-48(XW-1)

AN/FRR-59 AN/FRR-59A AN/FRR-59B

AN/GRR-17 (R-1490/GRR-17)

AN/MRR-2

AN/MRR-3 need photo - looks like MRR-2

AN/SRR-12

AN/SRR-13 AN/SRR-13A (R-441/SRR-13)

AN/TRR-5

AN/URR-10

AN/URR-22 (R-302/URR-22)

AN/URR-23

AN/URR-23A

AN/URR-36

AN/URR-36A

AN/URR-39

AN/URR-41

AN/URR-44 (R-892/URR-44)

AN/URR-51 ?

AN/URR-74(V)2

AN/WRR-2 AN/WRR-2A AN/WRR-2B

R-274B/FRR

R-274B/FRR "special"

R-388/URR

R-388A/URR

R-390/URR

R-390A/URR

R-391/URR

R-450/FRR-28

R-618/FRR-32 Need better photo

R-825/URR

R-840/URR

R-1051/URR R-1051A/URR R-1051B/URR R-1051C/URR R-1051D/URR R-1051E/URR R-1051F/URR R-1051G/URR R-1051H/URR

R-1414/URR

R-1490/GRR-17 - See AN/GRR-17 above -

R-2174/URR

R-2307/U (Cubic R-3030A)

R-2320/URR (RACAL RA6793A-6)

R-2368/URR

R-2411/U (Cubic R-3035)

Cubic R-3036 MF/HF Dual Receiver

R-2557/URC

Collins 75A-4 Collins 75A-4 (Mod)

Hammarlund HQ-145 (modified)

Hammarlund HQ-180A (modified)

AN/FRR-22
(R-502/FRR-22)

AN/FRR-59
AN/FRR-59A
AN/FRR-59B

AN/GRR-17
(R-1490/GRR-17)

AN/MRR-3
need photo - looks like MRR-2

AN/SRR-13
AN/SRR-13A
(R-441/SRR-13)

AN/URR-22
(R-302/URR-22)

AN/URR-44
(R-892/URR-44)

AN/WRR-2
AN/WRR-2A
AN/WRR-2B

R-618/FRR-32

Need better photo

R-1051/URR
R-1051A/URR
R-1051B/URR
R-1051C/URR
R-1051D/URR
R-1051E/URR
R-1051F/URR
R-1051G/URR
R-1051H/URR

R-1490/GRR-17
- See AN/GRR-17 above -

R-2307/U
(Cubic R-3030A)

R-2320/URR
(RACAL RA6793A-6)

Collins 75A-4
Collins 75A-4 (Mod)