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MARS Military Affiliate Radio System -Global Communications Network 1970 film (Collins, vacuum tube)

Computer History Archives Project ("CHAP")

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MARS: Global Radio Communications Network: A nice vintage film excerpt showing the “MARS - Military Auxiliary Radio System” as it was in 1970. Film quality is fairly good, lots of HAM and Military communications equipment, including 1960’s era COLLINS radio transceivers (transmitters, receivers, vacuum tube units), Civilian HAM Radio Operators and Military personnel (Army, Air Force). Shows MARS radio network in operation, providing California, USA to Vietnam voice radio communication via MARS system telephone patch technology.
Radio experts will see recognize a variety of vintage equipment and external antenna arrays.
For many years, the dedicated individuals of the MARS program have provided invaluable service to thousands of people during military operations, times of humanitarian need during natural disasters. This short overview is dedicated to their service. Provided for historical and educational purposes.
MARS was Renamed:
"Military AUXILIARY Radio System," and assigned to the Headquarters, United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM).
The MARS program has evolved over time.
For current information on MARS programs visit these sites:
U.S. Army Military Auxiliary Radio System
netcom.army.mi...
U.S. Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System
www.mars.af.mil/
Here is some additional History:
w6trw.com/wp-c...
Other sites of interest:
Collins Radio Association
collinsra.org/h...
An "Collins Collectors Club"
www.collinsradi...
Collins KWM-2 radio specifications
www.radioing.co...
“Collins Radio Company history” by “Electronics Notes”
www.electronic...
The title of the original film is “A Visit to MARS,” 1970, a Department of Defense film

Опубликовано:

23 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 83

@ricardosuarez8023 2 года назад

Thanks for posting. One cannot compare this to the internet. However, listening to the voice of your loved ones over radio noises and static is a feeling that no modern technology can give you.

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Hi Ricardo, very true. Those sounds of live speech across thousands of miles are like music to the ears, back in the day. ~ VK, CHAP

@petepeters1639 2 года назад

I was a MARS radio operator at AI8AC (US Air Force at Cam Ranh Bay, RVN from July 1970 to July 1971. We were the Gateway station for Air Force MARS in Vietnam and South East Asia. We received our incoming messages via RTTY (Radio Teletype) from AK1AIR in Alaska. Those messages were then relayed to in-country (Vietnam) and to other Air Force South East Asia MARS station by voice. We ran many phone patches over the years and during the years I was stationed at AI8AC. I have a photo of myself and my station supervisor - photo taken by the Stars and Stripes newspaper - but never published. If I could post that picture I would do so. I also received a Certificate of Appreciation from U. S. Army General Creighton Abrahms - MACV Commander of Vietnam. Also a Letter of Appreciation from General Trogden, U.S. Air Force Commander. This was not a job but a labor of love. I am now an FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Operator (N8HIS).

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Hi Pete, thanks very much for sharing some of your experiences as a MARS radio operator! It sounds like a very unique and fascinating experience. It also sounds like you received some very deserved recognition for the work you did helping keep communications lines open. Thank you very much for sharing with us! Keep well. ~ CHAP

@1L6E6VHF 2 года назад

Thank you for service! As I was watching this film, I calculated that I was about the same age as the boy in the film. Sad stuff indeed. Thanks from another "8-Land" ham!

@FletcherFinance 2 года назад

❤❤❤❤❤

@rjy8960 10 месяцев назад

Congratulations - as an amateur myself, you must feel a massive sense of pride and achievement for providing such a vital comms link between family members during a time of great worry.

@martinbachmann6283 8 месяцев назад

Petepeters1639, VERY cool story you have here Sir! Circa 1968, I was in the 6th grade. Home after school one afternoon and all by myself, the phone rings, the MARS operator comes on, & then my DAD! Yes, he was over in Vietnam on a 1-year tour; so glad to talk with him, but I was sad because NO ONE else was at our home but me? I explained this to Him (+ the MARS-operator too, of course), talked just a moment or two, and then about 3 hours later, the MARS-operator called our home back, & everyone else was back home to talk with Him too at the time! GREAT memory indeed, and to this day, I remain VERY grateful to all you awesome MARS folks! (signed - Us Navy Vet)

@laser31415 2 года назад

My grandfather was an amateur radio operator and MARS during the Korean War. My mother remembered people coming over regularly to talk to their sons overseas. He had his shack out back instead of a room in the house.

@faumnamara5181 2 года назад

I used to speak to my father who was at sea in the early 80s just like this, but it was Scottish coast guard that handled the call patch. It was called a Link Call.

@jimchandler6744 6 месяцев назад

I ran many phone patches as a volunteer operator at AI8AB, Bien Hoa, during 1968. It felt good to help the other guys out.

@W1RMD Год назад

Excellent! Behold the glory of vintage Collins equipment and professional style amateur radio! Thanks for showing.

@jthampshire 2 года назад

I was a MARS volunteer in Korea, 1974-75. I was in the 2079th Com Sq and we had all the gear. Our Sq Commander, Major Hall was a ham (K0SSE) so we got great support. Senator Barry Goldwater, also a ham, would place calls for us at no charge. Those were the days.

@petepeters1639 2 года назад

Barry Goldwater, AFC6YPX and AG5EN were ther main relays for our phone patches as well.

@JimBeshears 2 года назад

I was the radio tech for our base survivability unit. We had the KWM2A and linear amps, had a dipole tape antenna for it. It was a lot of fun going out and setting up the equipment so the operators could pass traffic to Barksdale. Loved working on the KWM2A ham set.

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Hi Jim, that sounds like very fascinating work. That equipment was well built and you were lucky to have first hand experience with it! Glad you found our channel too. ~ Victor, at CHAP

@petepeters1639 2 года назад

When I worked Tactical Communications Office, WE, too, had a suitcase wit the KWM2A and the dipole tape antenna for a monthly comm check. We were at K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI 73-76

@PlasmaCoolantLeak Год назад

Operated a KWM2A as an ANG radio operator, good times. Went TDY to Travis at their MARS, "Alpha Golf Alpha 6 Tango Romeo."

@jamiesuejeffery 9 месяцев назад

I am an amateur radio operator. I have been licensed for 30 years. Technology has changed, but emotions don't. Today I was running a noon network. I had 20+ check-in for our local network.For the first time in 30 years, I had a relay. It was a silly one, but still counts. One person checked into the network from the beach in eastern Mexico. I told the relay station to call him a four letter word (you have to keep it G rated on the air.). Signing off, KB7QOD, Kirk, from Nevada, U.S.A.

@GiGiGoesShopping 2 года назад

We used to use this from the PMO in Bermerhaven, Germany. No charges. It had to be limited to 20 minutes or less.

@jerrysimpson3239 2 года назад

Great memories as my Dad and I both being amateur radio operators operated MARS radio stations, one for the Navy and one for the Army. We provided both phone patches and RTTY messages along with our routine weekly net operations for passing traffic to and from overseas.

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Hi Jerry, thank you for sharing your history with this technology. It must have been a fascinating experience. I wish more people knew about the contributions that these operators made. Thanks very much! ~ Victor, at CHAP

@rohnkd4hct260 2 года назад

I was ARMY MARS for over 5 years. Had fun and learned a lot. AAR4JA Out

@samsungtelevision695 2 года назад

This channel is wonderful. The selection of material, the really high quality film transfers, overall “aesthetic” / vibe: all top notch

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Hi Samsung Television, thank you very much for the kind words! We always appreciate the encouragement and are glad you enjoy the video content too! ~ Victor, at CHAP

@jonniez62 27 дней назад

Remember talking to father over MARS 1972 in Guam. It was the only time I got to talk to deployed to Guam or Kadena 68-73.

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 26 дней назад

Hi @jonniez62, that sounds like a very memorable experience! ~ Victor

@rvg2010missionary 2 года назад

Wow! To think my own dad worked MARS in a MARS in Nam 68-69!!

@jvolstad Год назад

I was a MARS operator in Augsburg Germany.

@teethadore 7 месяцев назад

Recognized that old orange and white USACC patch! We called it "the Electric Basketball"

@christopherharmon2433 2 года назад

IIRC there was an episode of MASH where Hawkeye used it to talk to his father who had had a hear attack. He didn't know that it existed, until Charles told him about it.

@petepeters1639 2 года назад

I remember that episode

@frankowalker4662 2 года назад

Great little film. It's amazing what they achieved with what they had.

@papablue5665 2 года назад

Very familiar. My father, ham radio wi with his heathkit and RadioShack gear. Since he was active duty military, few components were from MARS. His gear at time like Transmitters and receivers where separate units. In late 60s he calls with our soldiers in Vietnam and their families. As kids, we didn't understand the big picture what was going on... other than his ham radio usage scrambled our TV. Also, he used his ham autopatch while he traveled. Had list of ham club towers so when he called radio to phone, he logged the ham club and sent them check for using it. In late 60s, early 70s that was very unique. Big point was spent lots of off duty time (when not at sea) connecting servicemen with their families.

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Hi Papablue, thanks very much for sharing your info!.... Ham radio interfering with the TV, I remember those days too! We'd hear the Ham next door talking right over our favorite program. He was running an illegal setup, with over 1,000 watts output! ~ Hunter, at CHAP

@papablue5665 2 года назад

@@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject I think my father did it by the book. We had large antenna in backyard. Wires in ground (had to help dig trenches). Also he had a gallon can with mineral oil I think to tune his rig (my recollection as a kid). Teletype was also noisy when he would receive notices or send. But did you end up getting licensed?

@agentsmithisalive 2 года назад

What a great, informative, evocative film. Another fantastic post by CHAC!

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@rc1564 7 месяцев назад

When I was in the Army I worked in a Mars station at Ft Sam Houston Tx. I remember climbing those 300 ft towers to change the light bulbs

@cyyber1 2 года назад

Ah the memories of building and running a Mars station aboard a sprucan in the 90’s. First ship in the fleet to do pactor. NNN0CVN. Remember to say “ OVER”. Over and over lol.

@kenvandevoort7820 Год назад

Was at AG1AI, 2014th Comm Sq in 1968. Last assignment was 2103rd Comm Sq. Hurricane headed our way and base had no MARS station. I was only 293 on base working as a 291. AFCS gave me emergency authorization for AG4AG and I made an antenna from guy wire and hung it from a pole as high as I dared climb and fastened to a volleyball pole on the other end. Base had no equipment, so I used my Heathkit SB-100. Hurricane missed us. Most memorable phone patch to SEA was "I want a divorce, over".

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject Год назад

Hi Ken, a fascinating story. Bet you heard lots of interesting comm back in those days. .. what is "AG4AG" ? ~ Victor, CHAP

@kenvandevoort7820 Год назад

@@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject AG4AG was the MARS call sign assigned to Ellington AFB when I called HQ Air Force Communications Service to get an emergency authorization to put a station on the air. The frequency AFCS gave me to use was just below 40 meters, so my SB-100 had no trouble covering it. AFCS wanted the station to be permanent. So did I, because then I could work in my own career field.

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject Год назад

@@kenvandevoort7820 Hi Ken, thanks very much for clarifying that. I am always impressed by the exactness and specialized "language" that the communications and telecom specialists use. (!)

@teethadore 7 месяцев назад

I was stationed in Berlin, Germany in 1983-84 - we had a MARS station on Andrews Kaserne - actually did use it a couple of times!

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 7 месяцев назад

Very cool. Thank you for sharing that. ~

@MegaGman61 2 года назад

What a great find!

@Rocketman88002 2 года назад

Collins radio gear, saying over each time you end, the static and fading and the craziness of not having to wait two weeks each way for a letter. The O5C's did us a great service!

@mitchelltolbert9609 2 года назад

Moving forward open air line, I got the mic you to? All frequency maybe.... training possibly. Out of control we're not. Loving that high band peace it is..

@phoneticau 2 года назад

50 years ago professional & amateur commuications was about the same

@lvsluggo007 2 года назад

I spent my tour in Vietnam as an operator at one of the USARV (US Army) MARS stations, up at AB8AX, LZ Hawk Hill, 196th Inf Bde, 23rd Inf Div. between March 1970 and April 1971. It clearly shows what we did for miltary morale traffic back in those days.

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Hi lvsluggo007, that must have been a great experience. I am sure you helped the morale of our service personnel a great deal! It was a great program. ~ Victor, CHAP

@DerAngriff 2 года назад

Wow, what an amazing concept. I assumed that soldiers when returning to one of their big bases could have phoned home? I don't know if the Webster's were actors but it actually hit the ol heartstring a little bit. Our family is everything. We work to preserve it. If they weren't actors and this was a legit family, I hope that SGT Webster made it home it safely.

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Hi DerAngriff, hope he did too! Thanks! ~ Hunter, at CHAP

@jkev1122 2 года назад

When I was in the navy in the early 80's we used autovon lines to call the states from overseas.

@busted_keys 2 года назад

Wow Lenore Jensen had a pretty nice setup there, I wanted to know about all that audio gear she walked past on the way to those nice old boatanchor radios. Was that all for recording radio traffic? Reminds me a little of early electronic music studios. Where are you hiding the Moog, Lenore?

@ChatGPT1111 2 года назад

As a current ham radio operator, we sometimes record our conversations to be able to rewind and log contacts in contests and for ensuring accuracy in the locations. Nowadays, all radios have a SD card reader built-in to the transceiver to automatically record all conversations and remove all silent pauses. Many still use it to hone their morse code skills. Since only open public airways are used, and the FCC permits this, all hams know they are being recorded including by many short wave radio listeners.

@petepeters1639 2 года назад

The Air Force required having these tapes that covere a 24 hour day. Each tape replaced at midnight and stored for 6 months if I reme.ber correctly. As far as equipment...we had several Collins KWM2A radio, 30-L1 amplifiers, a GRT-12 amplifier, a RadioTeletype unit, antennas included Log Periodic antennas with rotors, Rhombic stationary antenna. Oh almost forgot the rack mounted R-390 receiver.

@petepeters1639 2 года назад

I forgot to mention the patch cables on our panel were for connecting base phone service to our phones. She mentioned flipping the switch...our phone were connected to the patch box you see her flipping the switch...each of our radios were equipped with those boxes (forgot the nomenclature but sure it was a Collins)

@busted_keys 2 года назад

@@petepeters1639 That's amazing! Thank you for the info. I imagine it would have been some task keeping those recorders running non-stop. Gives me a new appreciation for being able to talk to my brother when he was overseas with relative ease on a computer.

@lvsluggo007 2 года назад

Another great volunteer ham team was Don and Joyce Largent, AD6QFJ, up in Shafter California. I was an op at AB8AX, in Vietnam and we ran patches thru them quite often. After I left Vietnam I took a roadtrip up to Shafter from my home in San Diego to meet Don/Joyce

@mars3676 2 года назад

PO1 here, this is insane seeing how the sailors before me communicated

@jerrypeal653 4 месяца назад

I’ve been a Amateur operator for decades thought about joining MARS but never did

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 4 месяца назад

I am not a member, but it sounds like a very helpful and fulfilling organization!

@teethadore 7 месяцев назад

Seems there was an episode of "No Time for Sergeants" where the guys found a baby on the barracks doorstep and had to get on the MARS system to find a mother who could tell them how to change the baby's diaper and fix her bottle!

@killer25318 2 года назад

That is so cool

@prismstudios001 2 года назад

Thank God for internet…

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject 2 года назад

Hi Prismstudios001, I am glad for the Internet too. It has exceeded expectations, even though it still has its growing pains. ...OVER.- !.....

@petepeters1639 2 года назад

When the Internet and cellphones stop working ham radio will be there

@jthampshire 2 года назад

A fellow was telling me that cell phones make ham radio obsolete. He said he can do anything with a phone that I can do with a radio. I handed him my phone and told him "last night I talked to a guy in Antarctica. See if you can get him on the phone for me".

@kgunter1955 Год назад

AGA2CH Charleston AFB S.C. My old station!

@kgunter1955 Год назад

Our web control was in the Azores. I was a USAF 304X4, and did this job as a volunteer duty. 1977, got transfered to Korea, and they changed my job to a 275X0. Worked with the US Army, controlling airstrikes. MRC-108 comm jeep. Called on the 400 watt HF radio to Beale AFB all the time, for phone patch to my parents place in Marysville California. Hated that job though. Cross trained in 1980 to 306x0, Crypto Maintenance. Sent to a E&I squadron, sent everywhere installing and doing depot maintenance. Since I also had the 304X4 (Radio Maintenance), I did the depot repair at the Davis Transmitter site, ( Davis California)on the Collins URG 10kw transmitters.

@lillians9294 4 месяца назад

AGA3HQ Scott!

@tangoalpha8381 2 года назад

Excelente 👏👏👏🇧🇷

@72polara 2 года назад

I was Navy MARS for years. NN0FOG over...

@MountainMan7.62x39 Год назад

That soldier looked to be about 25, and his wife looked to be about 50.

@FletcherFinance 2 года назад

Back when we use to help our war efforts instead of fighting against them.

@user-em7lp1sb4k Год назад

1977- 1980 Navy MARS NNN0XJJ NNNN

@lomgshorts3 Год назад

Yes, but MARS is not like this today. It has been cut down to only two services that are going to be ONE service - Army MARS. Navy Marine Corps MARS has been discontinued in 9/2015, and Air Force MARS is but a copy of ARMARS, strict, unfeeling, digitally encrypted, really expensive equipment needed to be compliant. Also, no "health and welfare" messages allowed. No personal messages allowed anymore for servicemen, they must use the internet only. This video is a false representation of MARS today. This is the way it used to be 15 years ago. I have been in MARS 28 years, they want me to continue in MARS, but I cannot afford the equipment they want me to buy as I am retired and cannot afford it all. So, I am going to drop my membership in MARS and just be a Ham Operator again as when I started in MARS. As usual, the government prices us out of something we really enjoyed doing! Helping servicemen endure the long seperation from family and friends. This is very sad for me to do, but I can think of no other thing to do. Goodbye my friends!

@ComputerHistoryArchivesProject Год назад

Hi longshorts3, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience about what the program is like today. It sounds like you have much more insight into how it works and how it worked in the past than most people would be aware of. Very fascinating, thanks for taking the time to share this. ~ VK