Radio Collector Seeks Information About Three Manuals
- Lifestyles
- Special Interest
Author: Tom Chirhart - K4NCG
Released 26 December 2004
51J Collins Communications Receiver
Photograph Contributed by Tom Chirhart
Last year Tom Chirhart, an amateur radio operator, collector, and restorer, purchased 1950s vintage radio equipment from San Diego, California. Along with the equipment, he also received original radio manuals including a Collins 51J-1 Communications Receiver Instruction Book. While Tom has obtained some information confirming that the manuals and receiver were used by Aramco for communications with exploration groups, he is interested in learning more.
The three manuals in question are 8.5 x 11 inch operator or instruction manuals.
51J-1 Manual
Photograph Contributed by Tom Chirhart
The front cover of the 51J-1 Manual reads, "HZA Station Copy, Do Not Remove From Station." A stamp inside the front cover dates the manual, "April 14, 1950." Tom has confirmed that "HZA" was the original assigned radio call sign for Aramco.
Inside the front cover of the 51J-3 Manual is the name and address for "James D. Willeford, 2000 David Dr., Ft. Worth, 11, TX" and the manual is dated, "1 August 1952." Tom suspects that Mr. Willeford worked for Aramco at one time.
51J-3 Manual
Photograph Contributed by Tom Chirhart
Inside the front cover, on page 1, hand-written in ink is, "A48X1962 AD 810-P12-A, Recd. March 28, 1953 Serial No. 2076." Below this is stamped in black ink, "RECEIVED MAR 28 1953 COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING SECTION, RETURN TO COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION ENGINEERING SECTION."
Tom has exchanged emails with amateur radio enthusiasts through Collins Collectors Association and has learned that Aramco did have a communications center for communications with exploration groups. With help from a correspondent and former Aramco veteran, Jim Adams, he also learned that HZA was the original call for Aramco and that the radios were used in the oil fields for communications with Dhahran Engineering. He also learned that many of the original radios were lost or stolen and later replaced with the newer S-line and KWM-2 line, Collins radio.
Tom would appreciate hearing from you if you have further knowledge relating to his manuals or to Mr. Willeford. Tom may be reached at sparks@codepoets.com.