The Paraset Club

The Paraset Club is a small group of enthusiasts committed to honouring the memory of the design and manufacturing team who created the Whaddon MkVII “Paraset” radio equipment and the Special Agents who used it for clandestine operations in WWII. Members are required to construct their replica sets as close as possible to the original Paraset design and to operate them with simple wire aerials, like they were used operationally. The group recognises that certain components are difficult or expensive to source, e.g. the 36H audio choke and will endeavour to source components and materials, subject to sufficient demand. A small audio matching transformer is an acceptable alternative to the choke output. Certain features must be preserved however.

· There should be no departure from, alteration or addition to the original Norwegian Paraset circuit, or the circuits on Mario’s IK0MOV’s website at http://www.qsl.net/ik0moz/paraset_eng.htm.

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· The dimensions of the top panel and position of the major panel components must be as detailed on Mario’s IK0MOZ Website. A template for the top panel layout is available to those without Internet access by sending an A5 self addressed, stamped envelope to the Membership Secretary.

· The tuning dial assembly must incorporate a friction drive mechanism similar to those on the IK0MOZ web site or alternatives published on The Paraset Club website at http://www.theparasetclub.co.uk/

· There should be no band-spread devices built into the tuning circuitry.

· The Morse key should be integral with the chassis.

· Original Whaddon MkVII Parasets were enclosed in metal, leather or wooden cases. Later metal cased models built into a “cash box” and were sometimes identified as MKVII/2. Any of these materials may be used.

· As WW2 components, such as resistors and capacitors are difficult to source and may be unreliable, more modem equivalents are admissible. If metal type 6SK7 and 6V6 valves prove difficult to find, those with a glass envelope may be used.

· The Paraset should be used as it was used operationally in WWII, i.e. with a wire aerial but without an ATU.

· Members are expected to contribute to the Newsletter, that will be sent to members with no means of access to the web site, providing they deposit SAE A5 envelopes with the Membership Secretary, when sufficient copy has been received to comply with the prevailing Royal Mail tariffs. The Newsletter is intended to allow members to share information and exchange ideas and experience. The Newsletter and the Group’s survival depend upon contributions from individual members, everyone has the same voice in the Paraset Club. Material such as photographs of their own Parasets, experiences of their construction, and operation, including logs sheets will be most welcome. There are no formal subscriptions but members are invited to make a donation in the form of postage stamps to assist in the Club’s running costs.

· The integrity of members is assumed in fulfilling these criteria.