Radio equipment
The radio equipment we use is very specific to the unit we are recreating. As explained here, we would have been one of six medium armoured radio troops, type 'b'. They were equipped with:
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100 watt sender, powered by either a U100a dynamotor unit or a C100 generator
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a 'torn E b' receiver, powered by a combination of wet and dry cell batteries.
The above combination was known as 'Fu 11 SE 100' (Funkgerät 11, Sender Empfanger 100 watt). There was also an option for the torn E b receiver to be substituted or complimented by a KwEa receiver if necessary.
The picture above shows our Fu 11 SE 100 with (l-r) Torn Eb receiver, 100WS sender, U100a dynamotor and 12 volt, 28 ampere nickel-cadmium batteries.
100 watt sender
This set is designed to be mounted in a vehicle as it is bulky and weighs around 40kg. It's maximum range was up to 250 miles in optimum conditions, which made it ideal for communicating between higher commands (such as between division and regiments). Power was provided from either a storage battery connected to a U100a dynamotor, or directly from a C100 generator set. It was normally used with an 8 metre telescopic mast antenna. It operates in the frequency range of 0.2 to 1.2 MHz.
Tornister Empfänger 'b' receiver
This is a back pack receiver set which comprises 2 boxes - one for the set and one for the batteries and accessories. These boxes lock together so they can be carried. The combined weight is around 16 kilograms. The radio has provision for only 2 sets of headphones. In the field it uses a 2 metre trailing wire antenna, though the longer this is, the better reception. The range is dependant on the power of the transmitting unit, and the length of the antenna (with the right antenna, it was possible for troops stationed in France and Russia to listen to German home service broadcasts). It has 2 sets of batteries; a 2 volt wet storage battery and a 90 volt HT battery. It operates in the frequency range of 0.10 - 7.095 MHz.
Kurzwellen Empfänger 'a' receiver
This is a short wave receiver. As with the 100WS, it is designed to be used in vehicles due to its size and weight (48kg). Power is provided either from two 2B38 wet batteries and two 90V dry cells or a specific dynamotor, NA6. It operates in the frequency range of 0.98 - 10.2 MHz.