What type of radio did the French use?

[Krille]

Hello!
I wonder what type of radio the france used. And then I im more into them radio the soldiers wore on their backs.
Pictures of the radios is also deeply appreciated

[lew]

SCR-300 -Used in Indochina and Algeria

SCR-536 -Used only in Indochina

A/N PRC-6 Licensed copy made in France known as the TR-PP-8, possibly used late in Indochina. That is only speculation as I am not sure of the date of introduction, but it was used throughout the Algerian conflict, which started 11-1-1954. The earliest manual I've seen was dated 1956, but that is not indicative of when it was first fielded.

Edit: The TR-PP-11 (pictured below) was an updated version of the A/N PRC-6/TR-PP-8. Instead of having to swap out crystals to calibrate frequencies and switch channels- quite the chore in the field- the -11 has a 6-position dial selector to change the channel. The battery compartment was also segregated from the circuitry compartment, thereby allowing less dust and debris into the guts when swapping batteries. Used in Algeria through at least the middle '70's.

A/N PRC-10. Licensed copy made in France known as STTA ER79A. Used in Algeria.

This covers man-portable radios. Tactical radios were basically US WW2 surplus.

[hoover]

PRC 6 looks to early for Indochina. But the PRC 10 was supplied in 1954 by the USA. I have two pics of them in use. They are clearly thinner than the SCR-300.

[lew]

Good to know that. They must have ceased use of the SCR-536 immediately after the war ended and swapped in the PRC-6, because I have never seen any proof of their use after that. Metro units probably already had the PRC-6 and copy thereof before the war was finished.

[lew]

New info: The A/N PRC-10 saw progressive introduction to French field units starting in late 1953. Source: Les Paras Français.

When my ER79A comes in, I'll post some pictures.

[lew]

As promised, here are some preliminary radio pictures. The TR-PP-11 (smaller handheld) is in working condition. Just needs a battery and I'll probably grab a handset like the H-33 pictured with the STTA ER-79A (backpack unit). The ER-79A is in great shape. I was unable to pull off the controls plate with the circuit board attached, but everything else looks to be fine. All the controls move freely and a wipe-down will have it looking mostly new. The canvas gear with the ER-79A are the STA-120A harness and CW-216 accessories pouch for the H-33/PT handset with U-77 connector, AT-892 whip antenna, and gooseneck adapters. I still need the AT-271 "fishing pole" sectional antenna (9+ feet total length) and AB-591/PR spring base. The last step will be to get my Ham license.

Radio pictures

[hvd5677]

I see Colemans Military Surplus has PRC-6 on sale for $29.00. Pretty rough looking and missing antennas and handsets.

[lew]

An antenna for the PRC-6 can easily be had online. Handsets weren't commonly seen in use with that radio, but it wouldn't be out of place. Those are also pretty easy to acquire. French and Italian surplus radio parts- model-specific, of course- should fit just fine if that's what you come across.

[hvd5677]

May 24, 2015 9:38:43 GMT -5 lew said:

An antenna for the PRC-6 can easily be had online. Handsets weren't commonly seen in use with that radio, but it wouldn't be out of place. Those are also pretty easy to acquire. French and Italian surplus radio parts- model-specific, of course- should fit just fine if that's what you come across.

Coudnt pass this up. Got it today; its cool but definitely another re-hab project. Outside battered and dirty; inside has some corrosion.  Ordered the antenna for $15.00. Seen various sources for the handset at around $30-$50 dollars. Ill keep looking to see if I can get one at a lower price.

[lew]

Batteries are going to be the issue for any radio restoration. The originals will be hard to find, and almost certainly won't work if they could be had. Look around for a plan to rig it up to use D-cells or the like. I'm more mechanically inclined, so my grace with electronics is sorely limited.

[hvd5677]

Jun 1, 2015 18:26:27 GMT -5 lew said:

Batteries are going to be the issue for any radio restoration. The originals will be hard to find, and almost certainly won't work if they could be had. Look around for a plan to rig it up to use D-cells or the like. I'm more mechanically inclined, so my grace with electronics is sorely limited.

I didn't get either the mechanical or electronic gene, unfortunately. Im going to focus initially on improving the cosmetics and then consider trying to make it actually work. I may end up with a non-fucntioning prop at the end of the day. By the way, I came across a 1954 photo showing the prc-6 in use by French troops in Indochina. Ill post the reference later.

[lew]

Yes, both the PRC-6 and the PRC-10 saw use in-theater after mid-1953. They were issued to troops in Metropolitan France and Nord Afrique a couple years before that. The SCR's were by far more common in the Far East.

[hvd5677]

One picture is on page 19 of #6  Osprey-Elite Series French Foreign Legion Paratroops

[lew]

Interesting. I looked at that picture not too long ago and overlooked that. Now, keep in mind that those are almost certainly troops fresh from Algeria. Being that, at that time, 1e BEP was a newly reconstituted unit, it therefore was outfitted with (mostly) the latest equipment. Still, the A/N PRC series was fairly uncommon in the EO.

[hvd5677]

Thanks very much. Its great to be able to bring such a focus on particular troops, timing and equipment.

[lew]

One of the joys about Indo/Algérie, for me at least, is untangling the mess of people, places, dates, equipment, politics, etc... So immensely complex, and I learn something new or link together information I already knew every time I open a book or read something online.

[craigtx]

Steve's right, just when you think you might have a handle on practices, you find new information and have to change your preconceived notions.

The nice thing is that a majority of the folks that study the Indo/Algerie period are open to new information and encourage the research of those new to the field.

[hvd5677]

That kind of attitude is much appreciated.

[lew]

We're all still learning.

[hvd5677]

Yeah, particularly with this old radio I am learning paint stripping, corrosion removal and rubber rejuvination

[Kenneth]

It's real simple when you are actually in the army.

First, anything you use, even privately purchased (or swiped) is authentic. The authenticity is established only by your using it.

Second, you want the latest stuff. You aren't the least bit interested in what was used or worn even five years earlier. In fact, if it wasn't still in use, you would probably never see it during your whole time in the service.

Third, just because you have it doesn't mean that everyone else has it. Likewise, just because you read about it in the Army Times or the Overseas Weekly doesn't mean it'll ever reach you before you get out.

Fourth, a three-year enlistment is a long time and two years before you get out is even longer.

Fifth, you will probably wear the same uniform day in and day out. To wear anything else makes it a special occasion and is something to be avoided, especially if it involves a necktie. Men have been known to join the navy just to avoid wearing a necktie. You don't think about the uniform other than to complain about the way the sergeant-major makes you do things with it contrary to design. The first exception is if you work in the motor pool, which is remarkably similar to the garage at your local gas station, minus the snacks. The second exception is when you're in the field, when some but not all rules are relaxed.

All of the above applies to any army that carries on the military tradition of white-washing rocks and tree trunks. I recall one photo of French soldiers getting ready to go home from Algeria. They were wearing their bonnets de police in the latest style (straight on the head but down in front almost between the eyes). They were wearing battledress but no neckties. Shirt collars outside the jacket, just they way you see them worn outside the fatigue or jump jacket (veste). But it was also a civilian style during that period. One wonders which came first. It was even a common practice in the US Army in the 1950s but it had mostly disappeared by the mid-60s, when I was in.

[Jacques]

Hey guys!

I just got my Prc-10 radio in today and opened up the latches to pull out the electronics and got a whiff of the weirdest smell i have ever smelt. Its not like an old surplus smell that I am used to it is something much different. I was wondering if any of you who have a prc-10 or French counterpart have the same thing going on as me. it only smells when I take the electronics out. 

[lew]

I took mine apart a month or so ago and didn't notice anything. Anything biological rotting in there?

[Jacques]

It doesn't look like it, the electronics are in very good condition but its this weird smell that I cant point out. I took the case off and let it air out for a couple of days but I still smell it

[lew]

Might be off-gassing from the paint inside the housing, or from some of the electronic components- specifically anything resinous or plastic.

[cmptruck]

Jacques,
That is MFP. Moisture Fungus Proofing. It was painted or sprayed over the internal components to prevent fungus rot from interfering with the functioning of the radio.
It is a two part resin compound ugly brown in colour, and if I recall right, the later stuff is composed of copper naphthenate which is a bluish purple colour. It just has a strong smell however, it is not toxic.
It is not easy to get off in mass and unless you decide to do some repairs or work inside the set I recommend leaving it alone.
Ian
VA6SSV

[Jacques]

Hey everyone, this is kind of a very specific question but in terms for radios what harness would the French have used for the PRC-10? I've heard that some radiomen in the 6e BPC chose to put their radio in their Bergam. I know the American's in the Korean War used the supplied ST-120 harness that hooked onto the soldiers belt. So bottom line is does any one have any pictures or know what was used to secure the PRC-10 to the soldiers back?


Thanks!

[lew]

I can take pictures of mine, but I can save you a lot of trouble: it is exactly that: the ST-120 harness. Mine is French-made, but it's identical to the US pattern.

[Jacques]

Thank you so much! if you don't mind could you possibly send me a pic of your setup? I have the ST-120 harness and for the life of me cant really figure out how to set it all up. The main question that I have is does it have to be attached to a belt or can it just be used sort of like a backpack?

Merci!

[lew]

Jacques, I'll get a couple pictures. It can be worn as a backpack.