Ground Radar Displays
In order to get our Console 60 fully working we are looking for a Selsyn used to drive the scan coils and the Height Finder cursor (both the same as the Selsyns on the Height finders which drive them). We have 3 and are looking for a 4th so that we can drive the scan coils and the cursor at the same time. If you know where there is one, please contact the RAF Signals museum on:
01462 851515 Extension 7997
(Dial the extension as soon as the recorded voice is heard).
At the museum we have 3 radar display consoles: types 60, 61 and 64. The 60 and 64 were used for PPI (Plan Position Indicator) displays, and the 61 for "A" scan and height finder displays. We have all 3 working, currently (June 2017)
- The console 60 has only a timebase display (we have the selsyns working to produce a rotating display).
- The console 61 we believe to be fully functional - we can display "A" scan, height finder (nodding) display, and IFF and A scan on the upper CRT.
- The console 64 has a display that approximates to the most advanced form in which it was used (Fixed coil, Phase 1A). (see links at the top of this page).
A short description of consoles 60 and 61 is given below (see link at top of page for Console 64).
See also the Air Publications (A.P.s) for more details:
Additionally the following APs are associated with the consoles, being part of the Radar Office equipment:
Console 60.
is a PPI display console primarily for use in radio vehicle Type 5104.1, powered by internal mains driven power supplies with a glass cursor used to indicate the azication position of the relevant height finder. It is a moving coil display (i.e. the coils rotate around the neck of the CRT)
Its inputs are:
- Video frequency derived from an associated receiving chain on the information
generator rack assembly.
- Range marks from an external calibrator unit, and
azimuth marks (or a video map) can also be displayed.
- A trigger for the timebase.
Facilities:
- Normal PPI with provision for off-centring up to one radius of the CRT.
- On centre
PPI display for putting-on purposes in conjunction with radar Type 13.
The orientation of the Type 13 aerial is shown by an azicator cursor upon a
scale graduated in degrees with an auxiliary scale by which the cursor indication
can be estimated to within deg.
Power inputs:
- (a) 230 volts, 45-60 c/s, maximum current 1.5A, plus power for turning gear
control, timebase, and azicator selsyns; the power consumption of these
selsyns is dependent upon operating conditions.
(b) 50 volts, DC, maximum current 1A, for relay operation.
Main components:
- Indicating unit CRT, Type 30, embodies PPI tube, scan
coil and azicator selsyns and EHT power pack for CRT giving 8 kV at lmA.
- Timebase unit Type 129, embodies timebase circuits
and video amplifying strip.
- Power unit Type 742,
provides 350-volt 250 mA (max.) positive HT and 300-volt 200 mA (max.)
negative bias.
- Control units (training) Type 910 and 911, optical assembly
right-hand, and left-hand, for
aerial position laying.
Console 61.
It's inputs are (among others):
- 230v AC mains for all the power supplies and valve heater transformers.
- 45Mhz IF signals for the Radar and IFF
- Triggers for the timebases (we use the same trigger for all)
- Output from height finder feed-back Magslip.
Facilities:
- The main CRT displays either Radar A-scan or Height Finder signals.
- The small CRT displays IFF on the upper trace and Height Finder signals on the lower trace in A scan. This CRT was originally blue but is now green.
- Calibration markers for the main display
- Narrow Band Width and Short Time Constant capability in the IF strip
Main Components:
- Power Units: Types 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875
- Timebase Units: 134 (Elevation), 135 (IFF), 136 (Range).
- Indicating Units: 31 (IFF), 32 (A scan and Height Finder).
- Amplifiers: A3711 (IF), 295 (AJ and Video),
- Panels: 642 (Sync and Blanking), 643 (Control), 644 (Control), 645 (input)
This console is by far the worst Radar equipment to work on that I have ever met!
Console 61 re-furbishment
Console 64.
A PPI or height finder display powered by external power supplies. It is a Fixed Coil display and there are two main types:
- Phase 1. Deflection amplifiers contain inter-trace switching.
- Phase 1A. Inter-trace switching done in a Mixer in the radar office for each console - deflection amps contain no inter-trace stuff. These types could be either PPI or height finder displays.
Console 64 description
Console 64 re-furbishment
Page last updated 25th February 2018 by Colin Hinson.
