The R-902 (XE-2)/PRD: Ed’s flea market mystery radio

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Edward Ganshirt, who writes:

This radio followed me home from a flea market and I am trying to find out what it’s mission was.

I think it is a surveillance radio from the Vietnam era because of it’s low serial number #7 R-902 (XE-2)/PRD.

I can’t seem to find anything on it. It tunes from 96 to 404 MHz FM AM CW is battery powered and is totally waterproof (this would be the radio to take white water rafting) .

I would like a schematic or manual for it.

Does anyone in SWL world know anything about it?

Wow! I’m afraid I would have taken that heavy metal home with me too, Edward! And it’s waterproof? What a bonus! 🙂 Actually, I imagine since it’s waterproof, the internals are likely well-preserved.

Post readers: If you can shed some light on this model R-902, please comment. If you have a service manual or schematic, I’m sure Ed would appreciate a link/copy!

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10 thoughts on “The R-902 (XE-2)/PRD: Ed’s flea market mystery radio

  1. Ed

    Thanks for the report. looking at the dates, I just started first grade elementary school. That radio is a classic

    Reply
  2. Edward

    Interesting! does it work I see some rewiring done for its application so there is no headphone jack. What is the serial# is it? Mine is #7. I have found zilch on it.

    Reply
  3. Jon Lowell

    I just purchased a R-902/GR at an estate sale. The receiver is in excellent condition. The contract date is 1967 and it was manufactured by Servo Corporation of America. It appears to be the same as in your photos. Please let me know if you have found any data.

    Reply
  4. Bill

    I found a reference to the following document:

    Design and Fabrication of Receiver, Radio R-902(xe-1)/prd

    This is referenced on following web site:

    http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0264345

    http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/24441797?versionId=29509008

    I tried to view it on the second link, but got an error. Not sure if I need a login to view.

    The DTIC site says: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

    So maybe you can contact them for a copy.

    Hope this helps.

    Bill
    Smithville, NJ

    Reply
    1. Edward

      I got the same missing link error. sounds like a website problem. Not sure if that information is still retained seeing the release of the report was April 1961. Nothing really great about the radio as a radio itself. But this radio is starting to reveal a very interesting history since it, as far as I know, the only one to “surface” (bad pun intended) . A piece of Americana. I hope they fix the web problem.
      Ed

      Reply
  5. Jeff Wayne, K1YLV

    Accession Number : AD0264345

    Title : DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF RECEIVER, RADIO R-902(XE-1)/PRD

    Corporate Author : MALLORY (P R) AND CO INC INDIANAPOLIS IND

    Personal Author(s) : RIDDLE,M.M.

    Report Date : 15 APR 1961

    Pagination or Media Count : 1

    Abstract : Design work and test results are described on the experimental model of radio receiver R-902(XE-1)/PRD. This receiver is a portable, low battery drain equipment covering the 100 to 400 mc range. Final performance of the experimental model of R-902 receiver and its major subassemblies is discussed. Problem areas and measures taken to improve the final receiver design are presented. (Author)

    Descriptors : *DIRECTION FINDING, *RADIO RECEIVERS, AUDIO AMPLIFIERS, CRYSTAL MIXERS, CRYSTAL OSCILLATORS, INTERMEDIATE FREQUENCY AMPLIFIERS, MOBILE, OSCILLATORS, POWER SUPPLIES, RADIO EQUIPMENT, TUNING DEVICES, ULTRAHIGH FREQUENCY, VERY HIGH FREQUENCY.

    Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

    Reply

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