by AF4K
Does anyone have any instructions for connecting up this band conversion unit? It looks like a series of multi-gang switches with flying leads, and a control knob labelled for 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres.
Any ideas, leads or advice would be greatly appreciated.
The following are pictures and memories of the activities that some were privileged to enjoy as members of the COMBINED CADET FORCE (CCF) radio network, which was operated in the 5mhz range.
I trust you will enjoy reading them!
This first one came in response to my considering the REMOVAL of
this site after two individuals (including Nick, whose last name
rhymes with Mutton) BLASTED me with threats etc. via e-mail for
letting them know about some annual updates that had occurred here.
At that point, I stopped notifying all of you about changes,
and deleted any and all references to everyone's e-mail
address here on the site and in my records.
I was shocked at the ignorance and nastiness of some antique wireless
hobbyists in the U.K. One would think that this would be a hobby for
FRIENDLY people, but I found out otherwise!
Here's one very kind response that I got:
From: Tony Grogan
Date sent: Wed, 16 Sep 1998
Dear Bry,
I went over to the CCF site and took in and enjoyed the new
page 10 and 11. I am so chuffed that you continue to support this site and
wonder if there is a way, like sending you a check or something , that I
could help you defray the costs???
I want to thank you for your efforts and encourage you by saying that I
left England 30 plus years ago and certainly notice a change in the "new
English" peoples. I can't say for the better..either. Like you, I had such a
happy youth......one I would not trade for...I WILL NOT LET IT BE SPOILED BY
THE IGNORANCE of others. I can now understand the observations of my elders
when they, immediately after WW11 decided to emigrate to "foreign parts" as
"England has changed".
At the time, I just thought this was "running away"..for no-good reason. I
think I understand now.
Another foreign power occupies England now.......its just that "no shots
were fired". ( mores the pity ).
Those that stay are finally swept up in the ways of the "invaders"...they
become "like them". I am sad this is happening.
I served in the Royal Warwick's after cadets...and enjoyed my time.
I served in the US Army and volunteered for South East Asia......a very
different time. I, again, do not regret my experiences and treasure them
too.
Bry, treasure yours too. Any time that you get this @#$% from people over
your site ( why?) remember that ther is me out here that looks forward to
its continuation. It is UNIQUE!!....no one else has anything like it!...do
not be discouraged....and thank you..once again!. Sincerely..Tony Grogan,
WA4MRR/ AAAR4LJ (MARS). TTFN.
= = = = =
(Funny coincidence, but WD4MRR has the same surname as me,
and lives nearby!)
From: Baz Ford Subject: Soundclips Date sent: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 Bry, I have tried many times over a couple of months to access the sound clips, with no success. What is the trick ? The message I get is that the sites do not exist. Regards, Baz Ford VK6MU = = = = = OK Baz, sorry you had difficulty. I will work on those sound clips and see about getting them restored. Brian, G3XLQ / AF4K
Date sent: Wed, 01 Sep 1999 From: Paul Beaumont Subject: Re: Ooops! CCF Site Hello Brian Hope that you are in fine mettle. I have just acquired a 'Reception Set R216' complete with 'Power Supply, Rectifier No 24'. It is pristine condition apart from the modification to the front panel 150/600R audio output plug. Not only is the mechanical condx fine but the electronics are likewise. I have visited the site recently and it is super, no mistake. Good luck es 73 Paul Paul Beaumont Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine Blackett Laboratory Prince Consort Road London SW7 2BZ United Kingdom
From: "Brian Carling" ( af4k@earthlink.net ) To: Paul Beaumont Subject: Re: Associate membership of RSGB Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1999 Hey - great to hear back from you Paul! I was A4941 and moved overseas before I got a BRS number. Somewhere I have got a photo of my old shed in the garden with "A4941" painted on the door in big red letters with aerial and earth symbols painted above and below it. Looked quite spiffy! I used an old R-1155 and other receivers of its ilk! On 1 Sep 99, at 8:51, Paul Beaumont wrote: [ Hi again Bry! [ Not a lot to do at mo. Just read your page 1 again and it didn't sink in [ first time. I was A5973.....had that since 1962 I think and then BRS [ 33454, But then I had another number as well, 24nnnnnn, and that had [ nothing to do with radio! Cheers Paul G7VAK, RSARS 1132
Date: Wed, 01 Sep 1999 From: Paul Subject: Re: Associate membership of RSGB Nice one Bry I lived in a council house in Shirley,Surrey and aerials were always a big problem. I made a few rx's but I also ran WS19 (Cor!) and a R107. The highlight of my receiving career was to have my stickies briefly on an AR88LF that a chap down the road had bought. I managed to buy an AR77E.. (as shewn on Margaret Mills book 'Learning Morse') £17.00.00d. (Was Mrs Mills G2ACC? I've seen the book republished...she must be pushing up the daisies now). I used to string up bits of 28swg Cu wire and they worked great. I even have a more modern version up in the airport compound in 8R, where I used to listen.(I have called it my 8R covert antenna). I am aware that there is at least another up in Israel from advice that I recently gave to another listener who follows the number stations as I do. Incidently are you or any of your contributors aware of the ruling on the receotion of thses stations by BAOR personnel and the resultant '252' if you get caught? If there is I would like to know about it. I don't know any of the others' e-mail addresses but why not take a look at the SWM/spooks/or RSGB page and put out a request. Cheers Paul
From: Matthew Tidball Subject: Withdrawal of website Date sent: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 I just wanted to register my disappointment: First, that you have been subjected to some foolish e-assault by visitors to your fine website; Second, that you have chosen to give up on all of us as a result of the above. I wish, as you do, that there were more people making constructive contributions to a site which should allow us all to relive the good old times on the net. I wish that there were more people from the up-to-date CCF establishment on the net, so that it wouldn't ALL be about your great old times in the 60's. Having said that, the QSL cards on page 11 are very pretty and it is always a delight to see such things. In the fullness of time (when I have raided my parents' cellar and I am back on the net at home), I will get ALL my (unrestricted) CCF material on the web - imagine that, all the cards, all the logs, all the audio. I am sure that if I was on the receiving end of what you seem to have suffered from, I would feel the same way. But what exactly has offended you, and from whom? I would still like to be on the net, and if I had half an idea on how to implement such a net 'outside' the actual CCF net for us ex-cadets, (get hold of some frequencies, etc) I would surely do so. Naturally, there would be some good frequencies for trans-atlantic operation :-) Anyway, don't give up all hope - I haven't. Matthew Tidball, ex c/s 97 G0VBC = = = = = (For those who are curious, two individuals e-mailed me some VERY nasty insulting messages after I simply wrote THEM a polite e-mail to let them know we had updated this site. These had BOTH shown an interest in the CCF and UK Vintage Radio earlier. The verbal assault was quite intense from these two rude swines, otherwise I would not have been considering taking the CCF site down!)
From: L.Meulstee Subject: ccf Date sent: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 Bry, how about this? First picture about 1949 Second picture 1960 Marlborough College CCF using a No. 18 Set Third about 1940 Marlborough Collage CCF using their famous 5 meter transceivers All gathered at Royal Signals Museum, last two copied from Marlborough College CCF memorial booklet about 1962. Greetings, Louis Meulstee PA0PCR RSARS 3663
= = = = = (Many thanks for the nice pictures Louis!)
Date sent: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 Subject: Phew!!! From: Angus Graham Well done, Bry!!!! Seriously, without you the entire CCF thing would die -- honest. There's virtually no activity now -- apart from competitions, etc -- and without your site it would all disappear ...honest! Now, who are these s*ds --- People like "Tony" and "Nick B" --- please? Seriously, IOU a pint, OK??? 73 es the rest, Angus = = = = = Don't worry Angus - I won't let those miserable bastards get me down!
From: Antony Wedgwood Subject: Cadet force memories Date sent: Wed, 3 Nov 1999 Having found this page rather late in the day, I don't know if the correspondence is still open! I was a member of the Marlborough Signals Section in the late 1950s/early 1960s. At the time, Pepin was still spoken of with reverence, although I never met him. I am not sure what Louis Meulstee has found in the Royal Signals Museum, but I do remember reading a centenary (?) history of the school cadet force, which had a fair amount about the signals section. It included a photo of an operator using a Pepin walkie talkie. It also mentioned that in those days keeping the channel open was regarded as rather more important than keeping information from the enemy. This led to a continuous stream of operator's chatter - a prime example, quoted from a field day: 'The general is currying favour with the troops. He has just offered me a sandwich'! Rummaging around the armoury, I also came across what I am sure must have been the remains of one of those sets - just an empty wooden box, alas, measuring about 9 inches square. Incidentally, a rather more illustrious former member of the signals section was General Anthony Deane-Drummond, of Arnhem (and other) fame. His autobiography speaks warmly of Pepin, who must have been one of those inspirational teachers that are all too rarely found. Best wishes Antony Wedgwood G0TJD
Date sent: Mon, 8 Nov 1999 From: Michael Buckley Subject: 20th November at 16.15 I am planning a jamboree on the air for the Cadet Forces signals symposium at the above time. If you can come on air at this time can you let me know please and I will let you have details. This is a trial run for Project Millicom, i suppose!! Mike M1CCF/21B
From: Merry Bob hobnail Subject: Hello Bry Date sent: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 Hello Brian, Don't let the bxxx grind you down. I visited your site and it is nothing short of brilliant, all that info and photos of the old gear. I have a 19 set, and am trying to get it ready to transmit bye December 1999, as I sit my UK RAE then. I have UK novice Licence, and am trying for Morse soon I am 43 years from N/West UK. We're not all bad you know LOL.... I am quite good at abuse, so if you want any of your critics irritating don't hesitate. Really, Bry it is, a very good, enlightening and informative site. I have down loaded it ALL to read at my leisure. It took 10 minutes, and I am MEAN / tight / stingy, So feel assured, if I spend my precious time on the net, down loading your site it HAS to be GOOD Credit where its due. Have some credit :-)!!!!!!!! Thanks for being there and, bye from Bob 2E1 HEX
From: Tony Power Subject: Re: CCF RADIO SITE Date sent: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 G'day Bry, I was sorry to read your message. The site has brought a lot of pleasure to me as many of the bits of equipment mentioned were on the surplus market here when I was a kid...I've got deep regrets now about the number of them that I wrecked! Yes, I agree that there are a lot of whingers and selfish, bad-mannered individuals about. I often reply to requests for help and get less than 50% replies, but on the other hand, I have met some great people who have assisted me with information and parts, from Britian, US and Canada, and they more than balance out the bad ones. Guess you will get many encouraging posts, Bry - at least I hope so! If you do shut down, thanks for the enjoyment I've had. 73, Tony VK5ZPE Blakiston, South Australia.
Date sent: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 From: Graham Henderson Subject: Web Site Hello Bry, I have just come across your Web site and felt that I had to write to say how much I enjoyed it. It is a shame that the pleasure of the many is spoilt by the Boorish behaviour of the few. I am an old timer (66) who was licenced in 1963 i.e in the valve era. I still enjoy my Amateur radio despite the bad manners that one hears on the Bands these days. keep up the good work some way or the other. 73 GM3RTJ Graham Henderson Argyll, Scotland "It is still civilised up here !!"
Date sent: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 From: Howard Aspinall Subject: CCF RADIO SITE Bry I certainly enjoy visiting the site. I can't understand why anyone should (or could) have any logical objection to it. Put it down to envy and a feeling of inferiority on the part of these moronic individuals who only want to inflict their own misery on others. However just a read of some stuff on the UK packet network is an indicator of how things are. Although I don't visit them, I'm told some supposedly amateur radio based internet news servers are infested with rubbish and obnoxious people. I think one has to be thick skinned towards these misguided people. Often they do have a serious mental problem, maybe stemming from "Care in the Community" a scheme over here you may know about, where to save money, most of the UK mental institutions have been closed down and the former inmates let out and supposedly looked after by society at large, being kept on medication etc. We come across the effects everywhere, but since these people are usually secretive and unsociable, a good outlet for them is the internet ( and amateur radio), where they can give vent to their nauseating thought patterns without having to face anyone. I suppose it keeps them off the streets and so saves police budgets! For my say, your site is well worth the effort if only a handful of people visit and enjoy it. I have recommended it to people I know, and they say they've enjoyed it too. Don't let these nasty people win by giving in to them, as I know many people enjoy it. Giving in to them makes them the winners and the decent people the losers. Mainstream amateur radio in the UK will die since high personal standards and dedication are no longer valued. All that matters is getting in the money from issuing licences to all and sundry who then are targets for RSGB membership, and the dealers to buy expensive new imported gear...again more money. That's the only real name of the game here now, yet there are people, usually actively involved with special interests within AR who stick with traditional values are, for the moment, are keeping real amateur radio alive. The internet is supposedly self regulating, and obviously this attracts it to low life and money grabbers who can get away with anything. Although the British government thinks the internet is wonderful, and something everyone must have, I do wonder how long it will be before it becomes totally discredited with decent thinking people just like CB became discredited over here, or alternatively is the subject of global regulation and enforcement (if that is ever possible). I do echo the sentiments of Richard Hankins. Enough from me. Don't let the bastards grind you down! 73..Howard/G3RXH
From: John Wresdell Subject: Cadet Sked Date sent: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 Dear OM, Capt. Mike Buckley, M1CCF is trying to arrange a sked on HF as a demo from Blandford camp on Sat 20 Nov at 1615hrs . This to launch project Millcom, i.e. Cadets ( under supervision ) using their PRC 320 HF radio (USB only) on certain amateur freqs 80m 3650 , 40m 7080 and 20m 14.300 all +/- 10Khz . Active during year 2000, the special c/s would be M2000Y/ unit call e.g. mine would be M2000Y/ 29C , Mike Buckley would be M2000Y/21B I see you are G3XLQ, but cannot find you in latest UK callbook, are you in UK or USA? If USA I am not sure about 20m at 1615hrsZ , although 15m and 10m have been good then. If you want to try 15m / 10m my own call is G3XYF Pse suggest a freq , the time will have to be 1615Z to tie in with lecture programme. 73 John G3XYF RSARS 0623 = = = = = ( Note I am in the USA nowadays, as AF4K)
Date sent: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 From: Michael Buckley Subject: CCF RADIO SITE Come on mate,. your site has been spoken of highly over here. Forget the wingers and take credit for those who do not I have yet to access it but hope to do so eventually when I get something more powerful than a 386PC. Now if you were to send me a copy of the text by email, that would be great. With an address I would return you copies of the current NRN Magazine. Mike M1CCF
Subject: Re: Cadet Sked From: Brian Carling To: John Wresdell Date: 14 November 1999 Sadly, I will be away on the 20th. Perhaps the following weekend you and I could sked on 10m SSB? From G3XYF - Sorry Brian I am away then , From: John Wresdell Date sent: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 I will leave it till the new year - when Millecom up and running and you can QSO with my Cadets from Bridlington School CCF. 73 de John G3XYF [[If you want to try 15m / 10m my own call is G3XYF [[ Pse suggest a freq , the time will have to be 1615Z to tie in with [[lecture programme. [[ 73 John G3XYF RSARS 0623
From: Mike B. Subject: The Wet Whingers Date sent: Sun, 21 Nov 1999 Lo Bry, As an old sweat, I much enjoy your pages. Why these unwashed, uncouth plonkers knock your contributions is byond me. Perhaps World War 3 might bring 'em back to reality. Best Wishes from Mike (G3OUK) Ex R. Sigs and Korean Veteran = = = = = (Thanks mate! - Brian)
From: Michael Foster
Subject: ccfradio
Date sent: Sun, 21 Nov 1999
Dear Brian,
Thanks for the chance to see this site, which was drawn to my
attention by Capt Mike Buckley, currently the Cadet Forces Signals Advisor. I
have just returned from a weekend gathering of officers and Adult Instructors
from the ACF and CCF involved in Signals instruction, including the NRN which is
still going well.
At school from 1965 to 1969 as a cadet at St Dunstans in SE London ( c/s 37C) I
certainly enjoyed my time in the CCF and my involvement with Signals, including
the infamous WS19 with or without high power add-on!
I am still involved 35 years later, but now as officer i/c Exeter School CCF
Signals platoon
Great to see how many others have fond memories of those times !
Ignore malicious idiots with nothing better to do than moan....they're not worth
the bother.
Very best wishes,
Mike Foster
OK Lads! That's it for now. The WET WHINGERS are gone and forgotten now! How about some more CCF notes from you? How is the Millcomm 2000 project coming along? Has anyone made any contacts yet? We should DEFINATELY start a NET on the HF amateur bands for those who are former CCF ops, or who have interest in CCF RADIO! How about a combination of 80m and 20m? Or even 10m? You chaps in UK/Europe could use the 80m net and for those of us ex-patraits, you could work us on 20 or 10m. It would be great fun and we could give it publicity here and report the cativities here on the web site too! Best regards Brian Carling
Here's a few New Links we found on the web! Got any more?
ST. EDMUNDS COLLEGE Combined Cadet Force - Not much about radio, but worth a visit!
Army Cadet Forces in East Anglia
LARKSPUR: Wireless For The Warrior, Pictures Section, click here!
