WW2 Original German Radio Part Kasten Pz. Nr. 20 from the battlefield. Kurland

WW2 GERMAN from KURLAND RELIC. 20 was the standard intercom box for most battle tanks of the Third Reich starting from the year 1942. This box was used in the Panzer III, Panzer IV, Panzer V, Panzer VI and Panzer VII tanks. The system in which this box was used is called the Bordsprechanlage 20. This was a Class C audio frequency amplifier, that consisted of an RV12P2000 vacuum tube, with a potentiometer to control the grid voltage of the vacuum tube (the volume control). 20 drew its power from one of the EU. A dynamotors through a "T" connector next to the power socket of the lower Ukw.

The commander and gunner plugged in their headphones and microphones into the Kasten Pz. 21 and 22 respectively in the turrent, which were connected to the Kasten 5c which in-turn was connected to the Kasten Pz. 20 through the slip ring. The controls for the Kasten Pz. 20 allowed for four modes of operation.

Radio operator is separate / RO & Commander listen to both receiver 1 and receiver 2. Radio operator is separate / Commander listens to receiver 1, RO listens to receiver 2.

Radio operator connected to crew / RO & Commander listen to both receiver 1 and receiver 2. Radio operator connected to crew / Commander listens to receiver 1, RO listens to receiver 2. 90% of the time, the Kasten Pz.

20 is set to mode #1. The theory behind this functionality, is that the crew is busy fighting the tank, while the radio operator is busy monitoring transmissions from the platoon and the command transmitter. If the radio operator wants to speak with the crew, he must turn off the receivers and transmitter, set the Kasten Pz. Bord and make sure to turn the volume of the Kasten Pz. 20 down, or else he will deafen the crew, as the amplification of the RV12P2000 together with the side-tone amplifiers of the Fu5 systems packs a puch for the human ear.

---