Rediffusion VLF receiver - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Hercsie · 3rd Feb 2015, 6:11 am

Hello from VK1 folks : )

I noticed a posting regarding a rediffusion R500 receiver and thought i would test my luck trying to find any documentation regarding a Rediffusion VLF receiver 10 khz to 500 kHz

photo attached : )

Thanks in anticipation!

John

G8BBZ · 4th Feb 2015, 3:18 pm

Hi John,
The receiver is called R800. Unless you have a special, the frequency coverage only extends to 200kHz. These receivers were specifically designed for use in submarines and include some very complex DSP based data modems. My attempts to discover any kind of documentation have so far been unsuccessful - I think there may be a chance that they are still in service with the Royal Navy which effectively puts the lid on any info leaking out.
Do you have the receiver? Where did it come from? Have you got it going? Mine receives signals but seems insensitive.
Good luck
Peter G8BBZ

4th Feb 2015, 4:59 pm

Note the red 'put ones fire extinguisher here' adaptor on the front, that says submarine all over. Given enough bandwidth should be good for Radio 4.

Hercsie · 25th Aug 2015, 4:30 am

Apologies for the tardy response folks.
I do have the receiver the vendor kindly included a second detachable front panel and a second power supply with the correct 240VAC inputs.
It was procured from a military surplus vendor in Poland.

I am trying to get hold of some documentation - apparently the little plaque on the front of the receiver which says VLF/MF receiver has a serial number underneath it which apparently should link it to some documentation.
I will let you know how I go getting any documentation and/or how I go swapping the power supply and eventually firing it up in anger.

Best 73

John

3rd Feb 2015, 6:11 am	#1
Hercsie Diode Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Canberra, ACT, Australia Posts: 2	Rediffusion VLF receiver Hello from VK1 folks : ) I noticed a posting regarding a rediffusion R500 receiver and thought i would test my luck trying to find any documentation regarding a Rediffusion VLF receiver 10 khz to 500 kHz photo attached : ) Thanks in anticipation! John Attached Thumbnails

4th Feb 2015, 3:18 pm	#2
G8BBZ Pentode Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 196	Re: Rediffusion VLF receiver Hi John, The receiver is called R800. Unless you have a special, the frequency coverage only extends to 200kHz. These receivers were specifically designed for use in submarines and include some very complex DSP based data modems. My attempts to discover any kind of documentation have so far been unsuccessful - I think there may be a chance that they are still in service with the Royal Navy which effectively puts the lid on any info leaking out. Do you have the receiver? Where did it come from? Have you got it going? Mine receives signals but seems insensitive. Good luck Peter G8BBZ __________________ Peter G8BBZ

4th Feb 2015, 4:59 pm	#3
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Rediffusion VLF receiver Note the red 'put ones fire extinguisher here' adaptor on the front, that says submarine all over. Given enough bandwidth should be good for Radio 4.

25th Aug 2015, 4:30 am	#4
Hercsie Diode Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Canberra, ACT, Australia Posts: 2	Re: Rediffusion VLF receiver Apologies for the tardy response folks. I do have the receiver the vendor kindly included a second detachable front panel and a second power supply with the correct 240VAC inputs. It was procured from a military surplus vendor in Poland. I am trying to get hold of some documentation - apparently the little plaque on the front of the receiver which says VLF/MF receiver has a serial number underneath it which apparently should link it to some documentation. I will let you know how I go getting any documentation and/or how I go swapping the power supply and eventually firing it up in anger. Best 73 John