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Communications Receiver Type
PCR (UK)
Portable
Communications
Receiver Type PCR was the first model in a series of general purpose
receivers used by the British Army and other Allied Armed Forces world
wide from 1944 until some time during the late 1950s. Other
models are
the PCR1, 2, 3, and
PCR3TPL.
The frequencies covered by the PCR model are 2100-850 Metres, 570-190
Metres and 5.8-18MHz. Other models covered slightly different
frequencies. The equipment is externally powered from either a
mains PSU or a 12 Volt dc vibrator unit.
The equipment was designed by Pye Ltd in Cambridge in 1943, the
drawings finalised in March 1944 and the design subsequently
manufactured by Pye, Philips
Lamps, Invicta Radio and possibly by other companies.
The PCR is often described as a forces welfare receiver (its post war
role), however its true origins and actual use during the period
1944 -
1946 are not clear. War-time employees of Pye Ltd in Cambridge
have described
the
equipment as a portable communications receiver or "Invasion Receiver,"
for use by the British Army forces in Europe after the Normany landings
to receive military progress broadcasts as they moved across
Europe. Recent information confirms that the set was also
supplied to Resistance groups
in
Norway, Holland
and France.
Further information on the original war-time application of the PCR is
needed,
together with details of the variant "Communications Receiver Type
PTR", which was fitted with a BFO and suitable for both RT and CW
reception. For more information on the PCR
receiver series please use this link or see
the military product history section of www.pyetelecomhistory.org
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The DRS example PCR
receiver type
ZA26707, Serial No. 12062 was manufactured by Philips Lamps, and
is powered by the matching AC PSU ZA26706.
It is in fairly good condition except for a few paint scratches and the
dial
scale printing being slightly faded .
The designers of the PCR series were the same
team who designed WS18,
WS19 and WS22. Donald H. Hughes signed the drawings.
The circuit detail of the 6 valve receiver is very similar to the "A
Set"
receiver section of Wireless Sets No. 19, with the addition
of
additional front-end selectivity, a 6V6
or EL32 audio output stage, and a slightly narrower IF bandwidth due to
different coupling of the IF transformers.
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The radio unit was
donated to DRS and is now in working condition.
Minor restoration work was carried on both the receiver and the power
supply unit. In the receiver, various wiring modifications were
returned to the
original configuration, including using the dc energised internal
speaker as a power supply smoothing choke, and a replacement power
drop-lead fitted. The PSU has been re-wired and is now earthed
for safety reasons.
Please note that the photographs currently
shown on this
page are of an unmodified equipment sample provided by the Pye Telecom
Historic
Collection. The DRS equipment will be photographed in due
course. |
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