Original Item: Only One Available. The use of radio to aid in rescuing survivors of accidents at sea came to the forefront after the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Lifeboats were equipped with spark gap transmitters such as the Marconi Type 241, c. 1920. These operated using Morse code on 500 kHz, the international distress frequency at the time. This frequency had the advantage of long range due to ground-wave propagation and was constantly monitored by all large ships at sea after the Titanic's sinking. However, due to its wavelength of 600 meters, a long antenna was required to achieve good range. Long wires on the order of 1/4 wavelength held up by kites or balloons were often used. Spark-gap continued to be used in lifeboats long after the technology was banned for general communication.

The PRC-90 radio is a dual-channel, self-powered, personal, emergency-rescue radio that is primarily used for two-way voice or modulated continuous-wave (MCW) communications between a downed crewman and a rescue aircraft. It has a provision for transmitting tone and swept-frequency, homing-beacon signals to guide rescue efforts. It operates on two fixed frequencies and is compatible with all UHF AM radios and UHF direction-finder groups.

The distances for line-of-sight transmission depend on a variety of conditions — weather, terrain, or battery power. At 10,000 feet, voice mode is 60 nautical miles, MCW and beacon is 80 nautical miles, and auto direction finder is 50 nautical miles. On the ground, effectiveness is one-half to one mile or more, depending on terrain.

The newest generation of this radio is the AN/PRC-90-2. It combines the features of the AN/PRC-90-1 into a more useful design that closely resembles the original radio. The typical communication range is similar to the AN/PRC-90-1, but a high-power mode increases the voice range to 125 nautical miles at 10,000 feet. The -2 radio also is rated to operate in water 50 feet deep for five minutes or 2 feet deep for 24 hours.

This example is in good condition cosmetic wise as we cannot guarantee that this radio functions. This AN/PRC-90 is being sold as a novelty/display item. All markings appear to be present with the operating instructions label on the back and a complete morse code table as well. The antenna still extends fully and there is just a small piece of rubber coating missing towards the base.

This is a wonderful example that comes ready for display!