Eddystone 770U MKII - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

skyking_comms · 22nd Oct 2022, 2:35 pm

I have come into the possession of an Eddystone 770U MKII.

I have a few questions and wondering if anyone can help -

1) It has a plate on the front stating:
R/81/STR/43
Does anyone know what this means?

2) Another plate on the front says:
5820-99-92-3773 Receiver Radio QS (2)
Serial NO. STR 43
Year YC
Weight 52 LBS
Does anyone know what the first line means and when was this built?

3) I'm unable to open the case - I've removed the 4 screws on the back but the case doesnt budge. Any ideas?

I purchased it as I wanted to dedicate a page to it on my vintage airband website www.airband-radio.co.uk

I'm thinking it might be the earliest radio (apart from the 770U MKI) that covered the 225 - 400mhz airband. Unless anyone knows different?

Thanks

ms660 · 22nd Oct 2022, 2:43 pm

5820-99-92-3773 looks like a NATO Stock Number.

Lawrence.

G6Tanuki · 22nd Oct 2022, 2:45 pm

The long number with hyphens in it is a military National Stock Number, which was (and still is) used in stores management and contract placement to unambiguously identify a particular item.

In this case it shows that your radio is of a type that was supplied under a military contract.

Have a look on the VMARS website and you may be able to find manuals or other relevant documents.

m0cemdave · 22nd Oct 2022, 4:35 pm

You might find some more information via the Eddystone User Group, if you haven't looked there already.

https://eddystoneusergroup.org.uk/

Chris G0EYO is a member of this forum and master of all things Eddystone - he may have some info too.

HTH

skyking_comms · 22nd Oct 2022, 4:51 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0cemdave

You might find some more information via the Eddystone User Group, if you haven't looked there already.

https://eddystoneusergroup.org.uk/

Chris G0EYO is a member of this forum and master of all things Eddystone - he may have some info too.

HTH

Many thanks for all the responses

m0cemdave your link led me to the Eddystone Groups.io which I have now requested to join. I will ask the same questions.

Hopefully between this forum and the Eddystone group I will find answers

G8BBZ · 22nd Oct 2022, 6:24 pm

Hi,

R/81/STR/43 means Refurbished/1981/Stratton/Ser No 43

Year YC means Y=1967 C=March date of manufacture

Stratton was the name of the company behind the Eddystone brand.

Hope this helps

cheers
Peter G8BBZ

G8BBZ · 22nd Oct 2022, 6:34 pm

Hi,
I missed a bit.

Receiver Radio QS (2) means the receiver was supplied to the Royal Navy as part of Outfit QS.
The suffix (2) indicates a variant of the basic Outfit QS fitted with a crystal calibrator.
More info at https://www.rnradioandradar.co.uk/

Peter G8BBZ

skyking_comms · 22nd Oct 2022, 6:38 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8BBZ

Hi,

R/81/STR/43 means Refurbished/1981/Stratton/Ser No 43

Year YC means Y=1967 C=March date of manufacture

Stratton was the name of the company behind the Eddystone brand.

Hope this helps

cheers
Peter G8BBZ

Thank you Peter - that's completed most of the jigsaw puzzle!

Great to be able to put a date to the radio and fascinated to see it was supplied to the Royal Navy.

skyking_comms · 22nd Oct 2022, 6:46 pm

I now wonder whether this radio was used on a Royal Navy Vessel?

I can't seem to find anything about Outfit QS on that RN website
There are other Outfits linked off this page - www.rnradioandradar.co.uk/communications.htm

G8BBZ · 22nd Oct 2022, 11:01 pm

Hi,
from www.rnradioandradar.co.uk/communications.htm goto Receivers - 2nd item in Port menu on left side.
On Receivers page click on Proceed directly to Receiver Matrix at top of page.
On Receiver Matrix Outfit QS is at the bottom of the list on the right hand side.

cheers
Peter G8BBZ

Jon_G4MDC · 23rd Oct 2022, 2:23 am

Not much comment so far about removing the stuck case. They can be very tight. I think I would dribble some light sewing machine oil around the gap between the case and front panel from the top. Then invert the set and the same from the bottom. Let it seep for some hours on each side.

If I remember correctly from my 840C, you can set the 4 screws so they are engaged with the chassis but not with the case. Maybe they can be set with 1/8" clearance and not fall out.

Once adjusted like that put the set on it's back, resting on the screws and the chassis. Firm hand pressure on the outer case will shift that first 1/8". Once you have got it that far the rest should be easy.

skyking_comms · 23rd Oct 2022, 9:20 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8BBZ

Hi,
from www.rnradioandradar.co.uk/communications.htm goto Receivers - 2nd item in Port menu on left side.
On Receivers page click on Proceed directly to Receiver Matrix at top of page.
On Receiver Matrix Outfit QS is at the bottom of the list on the right hand side.

cheers
Peter G8BBZ

Peter - fantastic! Exactly what I was looking for.

The link to 'QS1 and QS2 details' on this page describe the radio I have - http://www.rnradioandradar.co.uk/Com...Rx%20QS/qs.htm

Now I see the naval version of the 770U is quoted as 5820-99-972-1464
I guess mine is a different variant. Would be great to find out more details about my 5820-99-92-3773

Thanks

skyking_comms · 23rd Oct 2022, 9:22 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon_G4MDC

Not much comment so far about removing the stuck case. They can be very tight. I think I would dribble some light sewing machine oil around the gap between the case and front panel from the top. Then invert the set and the same from the bottom. Let it seep for some hours on each side.

If I remember correctly from my 840C, you can set the 4 screws so they are engaged with the chassis but not with the case. Maybe they can be set with 1/8" clearance and not fall out.

Once adjusted like that put the set on it's back, resting on the screws and the chassis. Firm hand pressure on the outer case will shift that first 1/8". Once you have got it that far the rest should be easy.

Thank you for the advice - will see if I can get some sewing machine oil

Chris G0EYO · 23rd Oct 2022, 10:01 am

Skyking comms. Have a look in the restoration section of the EUG website there are very good articles by Gerry O Hara many of which talk about case removal. A question on the Groups.io forum which you have just joined will also raise a helpful reply from those who have solved same problem.
https://eddystoneusergroup.org.uk/restoration-projects/
73
Chris G0EYO
EUG Admin

G8BBZ · 23rd Oct 2022, 11:00 am

Hi,
5820-99-972-1464 refers to the Mk I version of the receiver, as showm in the picture on the QS page.
5820-99-92-3773 refers to the Mk II version of the receiver - Outfit QS(2) - which is what you have.
Peter G8BBZ

skyking_comms · 23rd Oct 2022, 11:42 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8BBZ

Hi,
5820-99-972-1464 refers to the Mk I version of the receiver, as showm in the picture on the QS page.
5820-99-92-3773 refers to the Mk II version of the receiver - Outfit QS(2) - which is what you have.
Peter G8BBZ

That makes sense now - thank you Peter

Hopefully final question... do you have a reference guide that lists the year and month codes? I ask as I'd like to refer to it when I create a webpage on the radio I own. Thanks

Chris G0EYO · 23rd Oct 2022, 2:25 pm

Download the quick reference guide from the EUG website.
https://eddystoneusergroup.org.uk/qr...ference-guide/

Chris G0EYO

skyking_comms · 23rd Oct 2022, 5:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris G0EYO

Download the quick reference guide from the EUG website.
https://eddystoneusergroup.org.uk/qr...ference-guide/

Chris G0EYO

Thanks Chris - when I download the 'Post War Sets' it shows a list of year / month codes. For my code YC it says Y = 1973 and C= March.
Am I missing something as I was earlier told Y = 1967 whereas S = 1967 in that list.

Would be good to confirm what YC is.

Thanks

Chris G0EYO · 23rd Oct 2022, 6:52 pm

Cant really explain this. Y is outside the manufacturing period of that set. However I wonder if it first went out as a S and when it came back for restoration in in 73 perhaps it had a change to a Y. Only guessing no way of knowing.
73
Chris G0EYO

G8BBZ · 24th Oct 2022, 6:55 pm

Hi,
The Date Code shown on the military label is the military date code system which is not the same as the Eddystone internal date code system which is what is shown on the EUG website.
The military date code system is as below:
Date codes used on Uk military equipment 1945 - 1968

1st letter 2nd letter

A 1945 A January
B 1946 B February
C 1947 C March
D 1948 D April
E 1949 E May
F 1950 F June
G 1951 G July
H 1952 H August
J 1953 J September
K 1954 K October
L 1955 L November
M 1956 M December
N 1957
P 1958
Q 1959
R 1960
S 1961
T 1962
U 1963
V 1964
W 1965
X 1966
Y 1967
Z 1968

cheers
Peter G8BBZ

22nd Oct 2022, 2:35 pm	#1
skyking_comms Tetrode Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 55	Eddystone 770U MKII I have come into the possession of an Eddystone 770U MKII. I have a few questions and wondering if anyone can help - 1) It has a plate on the front stating: R/81/STR/43 Does anyone know what this means? 2) Another plate on the front says: 5820-99-92-3773 Receiver Radio QS (2) Serial NO. STR 43 Year YC Weight 52 LBS Does anyone know what the first line means and when was this built? 3) I'm unable to open the case - I've removed the 4 screws on the back but the case doesnt budge. Any ideas? I purchased it as I wanted to dedicate a page to it on my vintage airband website www.airband-radio.co.uk I'm thinking it might be the earliest radio (apart from the 770U MKI) that covered the 225 - 400mhz airband. Unless anyone knows different? Thanks

22nd Oct 2022, 2:43 pm	#2
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII 5820-99-92-3773 looks like a NATO Stock Number. Lawrence.

22nd Oct 2022, 2:45 pm	#3
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 14,007	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII The long number with hyphens in it is a military National Stock Number, which was (and still is) used in stores management and contract placement to unambiguously identify a particular item. In this case it shows that your radio is of a type that was supplied under a military contract. Have a look on the VMARS website and you may be able to find manuals or other relevant documents. __________________ I'm the Operator of my Pocket Calculator. -Kraftwerk.

22nd Oct 2022, 4:35 pm	#4
m0cemdave Octode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, UK. Posts: 1,223	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII You might find some more information via the Eddystone User Group, if you haven't looked there already. https://eddystoneusergroup.org.uk/ Chris G0EYO is a member of this forum and master of all things Eddystone - he may have some info too. HTH

22nd Oct 2022, 6:24 pm	#6
G8BBZ Pentode Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 200	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII Hi, R/81/STR/43 means Refurbished/1981/Stratton/Ser No 43 Year YC means Y=1967 C=March date of manufacture Stratton was the name of the company behind the Eddystone brand. Hope this helps cheers Peter G8BBZ __________________ Peter G8BBZ

22nd Oct 2022, 6:34 pm	#7
G8BBZ Pentode Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 200	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII Hi, I missed a bit. Receiver Radio QS (2) means the receiver was supplied to the Royal Navy as part of Outfit QS. The suffix (2) indicates a variant of the basic Outfit QS fitted with a crystal calibrator. More info at https://www.rnradioandradar.co.uk/ Peter G8BBZ __________________ Peter G8BBZ

22nd Oct 2022, 6:46 pm	#9
skyking_comms Tetrode Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 55	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII I now wonder whether this radio was used on a Royal Navy Vessel? I can't seem to find anything about Outfit QS on that RN website There are other Outfits linked off this page - www.rnradioandradar.co.uk/communications.htm

22nd Oct 2022, 11:01 pm	#10
G8BBZ Pentode Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 200	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII Hi, from www.rnradioandradar.co.uk/communications.htm goto Receivers - 2nd item in Port menu on left side. On Receivers page click on Proceed directly to Receiver Matrix at top of page. On Receiver Matrix Outfit QS is at the bottom of the list on the right hand side. cheers Peter G8BBZ __________________ Peter G8BBZ

23rd Oct 2022, 2:23 am	#11
Jon_G4MDC Nonode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 2,015	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII Not much comment so far about removing the stuck case. They can be very tight. I think I would dribble some light sewing machine oil around the gap between the case and front panel from the top. Then invert the set and the same from the bottom. Let it seep for some hours on each side. If I remember correctly from my 840C, you can set the 4 screws so they are engaged with the chassis but not with the case. Maybe they can be set with 1/8" clearance and not fall out. Once adjusted like that put the set on it's back, resting on the screws and the chassis. Firm hand pressure on the outer case will shift that first 1/8". Once you have got it that far the rest should be easy.

23rd Oct 2022, 10:01 am	#14
Chris G0EYO Pentode Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Redditch, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 196	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII Skyking comms. Have a look in the restoration section of the EUG website there are very good articles by Gerry O Hara many of which talk about case removal. A question on the Groups.io forum which you have just joined will also raise a helpful reply from those who have solved same problem. https://eddystoneusergroup.org.uk/restoration-projects/ 73 Chris G0EYO EUG Admin

23rd Oct 2022, 11:00 am	#15
G8BBZ Pentode Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 200	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII Hi, 5820-99-972-1464 refers to the Mk I version of the receiver, as showm in the picture on the QS page. 5820-99-92-3773 refers to the Mk II version of the receiver - Outfit QS(2) - which is what you have. Peter G8BBZ __________________ Peter G8BBZ

23rd Oct 2022, 2:25 pm	#17
Chris G0EYO Pentode Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Redditch, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 196	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII Download the quick reference guide from the EUG website. https://eddystoneusergroup.org.uk/qr...ference-guide/ Chris G0EYO

23rd Oct 2022, 6:52 pm	#19
Chris G0EYO Pentode Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Redditch, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 196	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII Cant really explain this. Y is outside the manufacturing period of that set. However I wonder if it first went out as a S and when it came back for restoration in in 73 perhaps it had a change to a Y. Only guessing no way of knowing. 73 Chris G0EYO

24th Oct 2022, 6:55 pm	#20
G8BBZ Pentode Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 200	Re: Eddystone 770U MKII Hi, The Date Code shown on the military label is the military date code system which is not the same as the Eddystone internal date code system which is what is shown on the EUG website. The military date code system is as below: Date codes used on Uk military equipment 1945 - 1968 1st letter 2nd letter A 1945 A January B 1946 B February C 1947 C March D 1948 D April E 1949 E May F 1950 F June G 1951 G July H 1952 H August J 1953 J September K 1954 K October L 1955 L November M 1956 M December N 1957 P 1958 Q 1959 R 1960 S 1961 T 1962 U 1963 V 1964 W 1965 X 1966 Y 1967 Z 1968 cheers Peter G8BBZ __________________ Peter G8BBZ