REAL RADIOS GLOW IN THE DARK...even some that
are solid state. The LTV G133H is the military version of the Collins
51S-1 receiver. The United States Air Force contracted with LTV Electrosystems
Inc. to augment the Collins 51S-1 receiver for military use. It has heavy
shielding to withstand a nuclear electromagnetic pulse. Although the
front panel looks different, the knob arrangement is basically the same
as the 51S-1, but the knobs are all different shapes and various colors.
This reportedly was to aid the operator to control the radio if blinded
by a nuclear blast. One interesting aspect of this radio is that the lettering
above the controls is backlit so that it shows in the dark. Some of pictures
are with the lights dimmed in the shack to show the lighted display of the
lettering on the panel. This is a very hard to find radio. Actually, this
is the only one I have ever seen that is the "H" model. Most of the ones
manufactured were the "F" model. Osterman describes this receiver as "Very
Scarce" in his book Shortwave Receivers Past and Present.
This
receiver is in outstanding condition. As you can see from the pictures,
it shows very little use. This receiver is all original and has not been
restored or modified. Most of the tubes are the original military grade
tubes. The front panel is almost perfect, the knobs are all original, the
meter and the frequency dials are clear and white. The receiver does an
exceptional job tuning in AM and SSB signals with its Collins mechanical
filters. It is basically a 51S-1 in terms of specifications with a few added
features for the military. The receiver operates from 120 volts. The serial
number is 22XXX and the mfg code is 05395. There is a LTV sticker on top
of the cabinet dated April 25, 1968.
LTV
made a matching G-186A Panaramic Spectrum Display for this receiver. The
G-186A Panaramic Spectrum Display is an unusual and rare matching accessory
for the Collins 51S-1/LTV G133 HF receiver. It was manufactured for the
United States Air Force by LTV Electrosystems Inc. as a matching accessory
for the G133F/H shortwave communication receivers. This is a completely
solid state unit except for the CRT. The serial number of this unit is 10XXX
and the mfg code is 05395. Controls include a sweep width of 25 kc, 50 kc,
100 kc and 300 kc, center frequency control, gain control, marker switch,
horizontal and vertical position, intensity and focus control. Connection
of this radio to the 51S-1/G133 receiver is completed by a single cable connecting
the IF Out of the receiver to the IF In of the Spectrum Display. This unit
operates from 120 volts AC. Operation is pretty straight forward and works
well with my G133H receiver.