Paraset
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The Paraset was a small, low-power, vacuum tube CW radio transceiver supplied to the resistance groups in France, Belgium and the Netherlands during World War II.[1]
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[edit] History
The Paraset was one of the first successful miniaturized transceivers, built for Britain's Special Operations Executive which conducted espionage and other activities behind German lines during WWII.
The Paraset receiver covered 3.0 to 7.6 Mhz in one band, while the transmitter covered slightly more than the receiver in two bands, selectable by a toggle switch. Power output was 4 to 5 watts. [2]
According to the UK's Paraset Club, the set is known as the Whaddon MkVII and was used for clandestine radio communication primarily in Norway and Europe, developed at the workshops of the Royal Signals Special Communications Unit at Little Horwood and the workshops of Whaddon Hall, Buckinghamshire in the early stages of WW II. The equipment is known as the “Paraset” because it was dropped by parachute either with, or to agents operating in the field.[3]
A number of amateur radio operators build and operate replicas of the Paraset.[4]
[edit] Notes
- ^ http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2007/12/18/1/?nc=1 The First QRP* Ops, ARRL News 12-18-07
- ^ http://www.mines.uidaho.edu/~glowbugs/paraset.htm Radio Transmitters: Ancient and Otherwise Glowbugs site
- ^ http://www.theparasetclub.co.uk/ The Paraset Club
- ^ http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2007/12/18/1/?nc=1 The First QRP* Ops, ARRL News 12-18-07
