Type: VHF man-portable transceiver.

Frequency range: 4 crystal controlled channels. Type A: 40.2MHz, 40.9MHz, 41.4MHz, 42.15MHz. Type B: 38.01MHz, 38.6MHz, 39.3MHz, 39.7MHz.

Modes: FM R/T, 15kHz peak deviation.

Tx power: 250mW

Rx sensitivity: 1.8uV for 20dB quieting.

Rx selectivity: -6dB bandwidth 20 - 30kHz.

Rx image rejection: 47dB

Aerials: 4' whip on set, 11' rod on remote aerial base.

Power supply: 90V and 1.5V dry battery.

Circuitry: Rx is a single conversion superhet, with an IF of 3MHz, and xtal controlled local oscillator. The Tx uses a free-running oscillator, with the Rx providing an AFC loop to correct frequency errors.

Variants: The WS88AFV allowed use in a noisy vehicle, with a separate vibrator power pack and audio amplifier.

Usage: introduced in 1947 as a manpack for ground troops.

Notes: one of the first manpacks to use VHF and FM. A really practical design, rugged and simple to operate (not even a volume control!), with set and battery mounted in web pouches on the signaller's belt. Fairly easy to find good examples, but not easy to legally use them these days: conversion to 6m is difficult, conversion to 10m is apparently easier (see PW, Feb '86). The deviation is high, IF bandwidth wide and sensitivity poor, so range is not good - but still a fun set to use. I used one frequently in the CCF - even "tandem mobile".