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Russian spy radio set (Bumblebee)
The R-354 probably is the most widespread spy radio set deployed by the USSR
during the Cold War. It was used by agents in the (foreign) field as well as by
Special Forces (SF) and served in most countries of the former Warsaw Pact.
It was given the codename Shmel (Bumblebee).
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The radio is fully self-contained and can be operated from a (wet) battery
that is stored inside the top lid. A short (white) cable on the front panel
of the radio is used to connect it to the battery, giving approx. 15 minutes
of live.
After that, the battery needs to be recharged, using the supplied manual
generator that is packed separately.
The radio can also be operated from an alternative power source, such as the
battery of a car, or a mains power supply. Suitable cables for this were packed
into one of the pockets of the canvas coat.
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Receiver (left) and transmitter (right) each have their own controls and
frequency display, allowing split-frequency operation. The supplied headphones
can be connected to a two-pin socket on the left of the unit.
A small slight bulb on a flexible arm is present (right) to allow the meter
to be read in the dark. Both frequency displays are projection scales, altough
a later modified version of the R-354 had 7-segment LED displays.
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Sending messages in morse code
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Like its predecessors, the R-354 can only send messages in morse code, using the
morse unit on the right of the radio. The morse unit, that can be recognised by the
numerical key pad (0-9), is bolted onto the front panel of the radio.
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It allow three ways of sending messages in morse code. The first method is by
using the small morse key just above the key pad. Messages can be sent directly,
but this was only used in case of an emergency. Furthermore, the key is not very
comfortable, making it rather difficult to send faultless messages.
If the operator was not trained in giving morse, he could use the number keys to
send a pre-coded (numerical) message, simply by typing the appropriate numbers.
In case of a mistake, the user would press the ······ button.
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The normal mode of operation however, was by using the built-in burst encoder,
allowing pre-coded numerical messages to be sent at very high speed, minimising
the risk of detection. For this, the messages were first stored on photo film
as a series of punched holes, much like with the R-350 radio
set. Standard 35 mm film was used for this purpose, as it was readily available
in most countries around the world. Agents in the field could buy 35 mm film
in virtually any store without attracting attention.
Unlike the R-350 however, the R-354 consumes only half the amount of film,
as the film was first sliced in two halves (of 17.5 mm each) using a supplied
film cutter (see the images below).
Once sliced, the film was fed through the encoder, which punched a series of
holes in the film, representing the various numbers (0-9). Different versions
of the film puncher were supplied (see the next section below).
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Initially, the R-354 was supplied with the film puncher shown here.
It's a rather buly square device that is normally stored under a flap
in the top lid of the radio, aside the film container.
The film is fed through the puncher and the pen is used to 'dial' the
required numbers on the rotating disc. Each number is represented by
a series of holes (rather than a single hole,
as on the R-350).
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Film puncher (newer model)
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The rather bulky film puncher (above) was later replaced by the much smaller
version shown here. It fits nicely in one hand and is stored in the usual bay
of the radio's top lid.
Punching the message works much like a modern dymo label printer. The wheel is
set to the required number before the large white button is pressed. Each number
is represented by a series of holes. A small copper blade, hidden behind the
black instruction plate, can be used to clear the mechanism when it gets
blocked.
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When used by Special Forces, the radio is packed inside a canvas 'coat' that can
be worn on the back of the operator. To allow R-354 units to be dropped behind
enemy lines or in combat zones, a special padded 'para-bag' was available.
When packed in such a padded bag, the radio could be dropped by parachute.
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The back pack has several 'pockets' in which tools, accessories and spares are
stored. The drawing below shows the pack from the rear and gives a rough idea
of where the various items were packed.
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A short extension lead was supplied to allow the radio to be connected to an
external power source, or to connect the battery to a charger.
The extension lead is only about 50 cm long and has a two pin male plug at
one end, and a matching female plug at the other end. The lead is either stored
inside the back pack or in the top lid of the radio, wound around the film
container.
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The battery of the R-354 lasted only a few minutes before it had to be
recharged. Recharging was usually done with a hand generator or a small
mains adapter (both described below).
Alternatively, the battery could be charged from a standard car battery,
using the supplied battery charger cable shown here.
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As the projection scale of the R-354 produces a rather faint image,
a foldable hood was supplied that could be fitted in front of the
display, thereby effectively blocking any sunlight.
The hood was normally folded and stored inside the large pocket
of the back pack (at the rear). The images below show how the hood
was used. It was mounted over the display in such a way that both
frequency adjustment thumbwheels were left free.
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Sometimes a small plastic box with some spares (consumables) is supplied
with the radio. If it is present, it is usually packed inside one of the
pockets of the back pack.
The box contains several light bulbs, fuses and a piece of insulation tape.
As far as we know, the boxes were either black or white (see below).
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Spare parts and accessories
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Some R-354 radio sets were supplied with a small bakelite box containing a number
of spare parts, accessories and consumables. A checklist, glued inside the lid of
the box, shows which items should be present. Please note that at least two
different layouts of the spares box exist.
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The box shown here contains the
following items:
- 4 rechargable batteries
- Battery fluid (container)
- Hex key
- Syringe
- Spare valves (tubes)
- Mains battery charger
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A rather small main adapter was supplied with the accessory kit (shown above).
It's a small grey cubical box that can be plugged straight into a mains socket.
At the back of the unit is a standard mains socket that allows a standard mains
light bulb to be connected. When connected to the battery, the lamp acts as a
current limiter.
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If no mains power is available, the battery can also be charged using a small
crank-operated power generator. Charging the batteries is not an easy task and
takes several hours, for just a few minutes of operation.
The generator is normally stored inside a carrying case with a canvas strap.
The connection cables are stored inside the top lid of the case.
New generators were generally supplied in grease paper, stored inside in a green
wooden box, together with a checklist and instructions.
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Almost any type of headset can be used with the R-354.
In most cases, a common USSR military headset was supplied, with rubber ear
pads and elastic head bands. Such headsets are commonly used with military
radio sets in tanks etc. Headsets are connected to the two-pin socket on
the left of the front panel of the radio.
Alternatively, some sets were used with a small earpiece such as the one
shown below.
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To ensure that the antenna wire is as free as possible from ground and obstacles,
one or two supporting masts are supplied with the radio. These masts are usually
stored inside a canvas bag that is strapped to the bottom of the radio.
The mast is constructed of glass fibre and consists of several telescopic segments.
It is rather light weight and can be erected in seconds.
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Although the R-354 is rather heavy, it is a well constructed electronic hybrid
that shows the clever combination of valves (tubes), transistors and digital building
blocks. The images below give a good impression of the high quality interior.
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Each R-354 was supplied with a set of manuals, complete with user instructions,
circuit diagrams and maintenance information. In some cases, maintenance books
for the radio and the batteries are also present.
In practice, original manuals are extremely rare, as most of them have been
either been lost or destroyed.
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- Power Supply: 6 Volt, 3-8 Amp.
- Frequency range: 2.5 - 15 MHz (in 5 ranges)
- Modulation: A1A, A3A
- TX Power Output: 10 Watt (CW)
- Range: 1500 km
- Weight: 12 kg
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