A few queries on the German Fu5 and Fu8 radio sets

Discussion in 'Weapons, Technology & Equipment' started by Gary Kennedy, Apr 6, 2021.

  1. Gary Kennedy

    Gary Kennedy Member

    I posted this over on Axis History Forum but didn't get a bite, so I'm trying here as well.

    I've got a few questions about the operation of the Fu5 and the Fu8 radio sets that I'm looking for answers on. These are quite basic questions, in line with my basic understanding of radio sets of the era.

    The Fu5, as I understand it, consisted of the 10w Sender c and the Ukw Empfanger e (these being the transmitter and the receiver respectively). The 10w S c and the Ukw E e both operated in the frequency range of 27,200 to 33,300 khz. I know the Fu5 was the basic tank set and was also fitted in certain halftracks of the Armoured Panzer Grenadier units, primarily it seems those of Company commanders and upwards.

    My query is a bit more basic, and relates to the general operation of the Fu5. The US Army TME-11-227 technical manual says that both the sender and receiver in the Fu5 could be preset with two frequencies. Were these presets selected in a similar fashion to 'netting' for something such as the British No.19 set? Going from memory a British unit would be given the frequency it was to operate on and then arrange to net all the required sets on that frequency, with a 'control' set broadcasting on the selected frequency and all other sets picking up and locking in on that broadcast. This was all done as part of the general preparation for combat and required the set to be maintained on the frequency until the next netting drill was carried out.

    I'm assuming there was a similar 'drill' for the Fu5, with the individual sets being put onto their two presets, and these being the maintained throughout the subsequent operation? Did the Fu5 require a control set to broadcast or could individual stations be set to the agreed frequency individually? Finally on the preset issue, was it a fairly straightforward matter to switch from one to another and back again during action?

    The Fu8, again as I understand it, consisted of the 30w Sender a and the MW Empfanger c. The 30w S a operated on 1120 to 3000 khz and the MW E c on 830 to 3000 khz. TME-11-227 states the 30w S a had no preset frequencies, and the TME does not look to include an entry for the MW E c.

    Did the MW Empfanger c have the ability to preset more than one frequency at all? And, similarly to the Fu5, did it follow a 'netting' drill to put it on its required frequency, and when selected was it locked into this until the next 'netting drill'?

    Thanks,

    Gary
     
    CL1 likes this.
  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

Share This Page