(c) 2001,2008 Peter McCollum
The RS-511 Attache-Case
Radio
This radio set is shown in Keith Melton's books (see
Bibliography) as the 'attache case radio'. It is essentially the main
components of an RS-6 set, repackaged in a metal Halliburton case. There is a
single metal panel, with the chassis' of the RR-6 and RT-6 mounted on the
underside. The power supply components are different from the RP-6 and RA-6.
Unlike the RS-6, the RS-511 directly supports high-speed burst
keying at 300 WPM (the RS-6 supports an 'automated keyer', but only at speeds
up to 60 WPM). The upper left corner of the panel includes 3 compartments for
storing the KE-8, CO-8, and CA-3 components. These components appear to be the
same as those used in the military AN/GRA-71 "coder-burst transmission
set".
Other changes or improvements of the RS-511 over the RS-6
include:
- Because
of the RS-511's packaging as a single unit, many possible problems with
the RS-6 set are avoided. With the RS-6, there are several cables that
must be connected correctly according to the type of power source, etc.
- A
meter indicates the proper line voltage setting, instead of the simple
neon lamp used in the RS-6.
- The
receiver operates VFO only - no crystal control, apparently.
- A
full-sized straight key is mounted on the panel. There is no apparent
connection for a separate key, other than the KE-8 keyer.
- The
power supply appears to use solid-state rectifiers and electrolytic
capacitors, instead of the 6X4 tube and oil capacitors of the RS-6.
- The
tuning knobs on the RR and RT have been modified so that they can be
accessed through the main panel.
Two variations of this set have been seen: one based on the RR-6
and RT-6 (see images below), and another using RR-6A and RT-6A components (see
Keith Melton's book, "The Ultimate Spy Book"). The one using
"A" model components has the appropriate markings differences on the
front panel, since the RS-6A has a somewhat different frequency range. It is
not known for certain what the nomenclature is for the "A" version,
since the model and serial numbers have been scratched off of that example - it
could possibly be RS-511A.
RS-511
set, serial # 153. This unit was found in Greece. It may have been part of a
"leave-behind" program, but appears to have never been used. Image
courtesy of Kostas M.
The
burst-coder components and antenna and ground wires shipped with the RS-511.
Although not clearly visible in this image, the letters on the coder wheel are
Greek letters. Image courtesy of Kostas M.
The
RS-511 with all of it's known accessories, including a dual hearing-aid type
earphone, and three CA-3 message tapes. Image courtesy of Kostas M.
An
underside view of the RS-511 chassis. The main components are, clockwise from
upper left: RR-6 receiver serial # 6290, RT-6 chassis with some modifications,
power supply rectifier and filter, power transformer, cabling compartment, and
burst-coder storage compartment. Image courtesy of Kostas M.