Navy SSB-1 SSB Transceiver

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There were several variants of the SSB-1 - The NAVSHIPS 92917 manual covers the original version (it doesn't say Mk I) so presumably this is the first version used by the Navy. I have a Mk IV unit with Navy property tags as well.  - Please e-mail me with  any info or additional photos. I particularly need info on the AN/SRA-20 antenna coupler developed for use with the SSB-1. Thanks

SSB-1 - Navy version

Commercial model from RCA used as an interim SSB transceiver until replaced by AN/URC-32, etc.  - see info below. Navy also used Eldico S-100 transceiver.
60 watts, LSB only, 3-15 mc, two 6146's in output. 250kc and 1400 kc IF's. See block diagram below for signal flow.

Uses 3 kc wide mechanical filters in the 250kc IF. 

• Serial number 5501-55250 used modified Collins F250Z-4 mechanical filters
• Serial number 5601-56200 used Collins F250Z-4 mechanical filters
• Serial number 56201 and above used RCA MFU-250-1 mechanical filters

Crystal-controlled - four channels - crystals are 1400 kc above desired frequency.

The channel selector switch selects the following:
crystal, rcvr RF amp tank, rcvr 1st mixer tank, xmtr 3rd balanced mod. tank, xmtr driver tank, final tank coil taps, final tuning cap, final loading coil taps.

SSB-1 - Navy version
Photo from NAVSHIPS 92917 manual	Receiver-Transmitter chassis	Receiver-Transmitter chassis - there was a separate power supply chassis. This unit has RCA mechanical filters Uses 12AT7 balanced mixers	SSB-1 block diagram from Navy ET manual
upper left - rcvr IF and mechanical filter mid left - crystals - two per oven lower left - xmtr IF and mechanical filter	upper right - 6146 finals mid right - tank coil (caps underneath) mid-left - 6CL6 xmtr driver lower right - loading coil	lower mid- rcvr RF and 1st mixer coils - note 4-way shaft for channel selection switches	upper mid - xmtr driver coils right - final tank caps
input coils for xmtr 250kc and 1400 kc balanced modulators	Serial 5701 and above had aux channel switch terminal board and receiver antenna link added to rear	power supply chassis	NAVSHIPS 92917 manual
Navy SSB-1 Spec Sheets
1958	1962
SSB-1 later versions
SSB-1 Mk II      - operates USB & LSB     - uses RCA mechanical filters     - several different controls	SSB-1 Mk III Need a photo & info	SSB-1 Mk-IV     - Final uses three 6146's.       - Uses 7360 balanced mixer circuits KW1I's SSB-1 Mk IV (thanks to KB0SFP)

Notes from Fred Chapman, Navy project engineer -

In 1958 the U.S. Navy became interested in SSB. Initial tests were conducted on ships using mostly Collins Radio available amateur equipment. There were 16 ships, as I recall, outfitted and used in air defense exercises to prove the advantage over the then used CW/AM circuits. Twenty-Four hour tapes on the side-by-side circuits proved the overwhelming advantage of SSB communications.

The Bureau of Ships project searched for suitable and temporary use of equipments that were available until military equipment (AN/WRC-2, AN/URT-23, AN/URC-32, AN/URC-35, R-1051/URR) could be designed, produced and installed.

The only near suitable commercially available equipment was the RCA SSB-1. This was selected, procured and installed primarily on combatant ships to provide the SSB capability. The intent was to fix-install in the ship's wheel house. When it was determined that a location was to be in CIC or other selected areas, the problem became apparent for the need of a remote antenna tuner. The AN/SRA-20 was quickly designed and produced in a short time to meet the need.

The intent for use was for the equipment to be set up on the four crystal-controlled channels and not changed. These commercial equipments were not ruggedized for the frequent channel changing that fleet operations employed causing equipment casualties. This commercial equipment could not withstand the frequent channel changing requiring crystals and the retuning of screwdriver components.

The SSB-1 was removed from ships when the more ruggedized military equipment became available and then provided to Naval Reserve units for their use.

RCA SSB-3XMTR Linear Amplifier - presumably not a Navy item but interesting anyway - looks like it has 3 gang-tuned amps in parallel, each with a 6146??? 
Please e-mail if you have any info.