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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: TCS antenna
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Is it true that you could get shocked badly if you touched the tcs antenna while broadcasting?

Bob

Posted By: Bob | Posted on: May 13, 2013 - 6:12am
Total Posts: 181 | Joined: Jun 8, 2010 - 6:21pm



Not a Radio Expert, but I had heard the same thing from one of the PT BOAT VETS who had served as Radio Operator on PT-143. He said with the wet properties of the Ocean, that when transmitting that pole was hot. Now I never heard of anyone getting shocked, but in the book Know your PT BOAT it does say that the antenna is hot and never to touch the antenna.



Posted By: Frank Andruss | Posted on: May 13, 2013 - 6:40am
Total Posts: 3964 | Joined: Feb 9, 2007 - 11:41am



It seems strange that the antenna on the Higgins is so exposed. They even had a halyard attached to the top of the antenna to raise signal flags. Ive heard that the shock was so bad that it would cause a burn.

Bob

Posted By: Bob | Posted on: May 13, 2013 - 1:41pm
Total Posts: 181 | Joined: Jun 8, 2010 - 6:21pm



I'm thinking it was only hot when they were transmitting.
Gary



Posted By: Gary Paulsen | Posted on: May 13, 2013 - 5:48pm
Total Posts: 249 | Joined: Feb 14, 2009 - 6:31am



I see the "Know Your PT Boat" booklet says not to touch it.

Antenna.- ....On patrol, it is ordinarily best to use maximum height.... Another thing-lookouts take notice-never touch the antenna, especially in damp weather. During a transmission, it is a veritable powerhouse. No transmissions or receptions can be carried out successfully while you are in contact with the antenna. Brace yourself with the hand rails provided and not with the antenna.

I know the antenna can be disconnected with the antenna disconnect knife switch when it is not being used to reduce the risk of lightning blowing up the radio. You can see the disconnect knife switch just to the right of the radio in the photo of PT631 charthouse. Jerry

[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/PT631%20Higgins%20Builders%20Photos/nh71658.jpg[/image]


Jerry Gilmartin

Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: May 13, 2013 - 5:55pm
Total Posts: 1469 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm