F is for - Feldfunksprecher f

[Funksammler]

The Feldfunksprecher f was developed to meet the need of the Panzergrenadiere to have a portable radio that would put them in direct communication with the tanks they were supporting. The FU5 set in the tanks (Ukw.E.e + 10 W.S.c) operated from 27 to 33 MHz, a much lower frequency than the previous b and c versions. The capacitors and coils in the oscillating circuit were redesigned to adapt to the new frequency, the Feldfu.f covered a range from 28 to 33 Mhz. The longer wavelength of 10 m required a much longer antenna, the ideal length of 2.5 meters was halved again by using a lengthening coil in the antenna circuit. The Feldfu.f used a 1.20 meter long strip antenna.

As before the Feldfu.f followed the now familiar design of the front panel to the side of the radio housed in a bakelite box:

All the controls were identical to the other Feldfunksprecher models with the frequency dial at the top, the removable remote control with volume and receiver fine tuning controls in the centre and the battery charge checker on the left of the headset sockets and finally the on/off switch at the bottom.

Unlike other Feldfunksprecher models, the frequency scale of the "f" is calibrated directly in MHz:

280 stands for 28 MHz while 330 stands for 33 MHz. A calibration channel is marked in red at 32 MHz. Whereas the tuning control of the b and c models clicks in place of the separate channels, the control of the "f" model is continuous. Note the slightly different frequency control indicator used on the Feldfu.f.

When looking at the casing of the Feldfu.f, a few differences with the other models emerge. The first is the angled antenna base to deal with the significantly longer antenna length. The longer antenna could no longer be folded to be stored inside the bakelite housing, so a separate antenna bag was required, connected to the D-rings on the housing.

Note that most Feldfu.f's were supplied in the later "thick rim" box introduced at the start of 1944 although some early production "f"'s used the "thin rim" box. Unlike the Feldfu.b, whose name was changed to Feldfu.b1 with the introduction of the new box, the name of the Feldfu.f was not changed. In late 1944 the Feldfu.f did follow the change to the two-valve design of the Feldfu.b2, this version became know as the Feldfu.f1.

A white angle feeler shape is apparent on the top of the box and as usual the Feldfu.f legend is painted on top of the box.

The white identification theme continues on the back lid, a white circle and the Feldfu.f legend are painted on the back lid. Note the two part hinge of the rear lid also introduced on the Feldfu.b1 model.

The rear of the radio shows of the "thick rim" design clearly, with the rubber buffers connected to the housing. The D-rings would carry the antenna bag or in operation could support the A-frame, which was further secured with the leather strap on the bottom.

A closer look at the antenna shows the 1.20 meter "Bandantenne" and carrying bag. The antenna bag is made out of thin "Ersatz" leather and holds the antenna folded in three. A small press stud closes the bag at one end. Two loops with carbine hooks are sewn to the bag to suspend the bag from the Feldfunksprecher casing:

A close up reveals the length stamped onto the antenna. Note that the antenna does not have the metal hooks used on the shorter Feldfu antennas to fold it. Also note that the white colour coding is not used on the antenna. The same antenna was shared with the Feldfu.h model which used an orange colour coding. 

Apart from the antenna, all the accessories are as per the other Feldfunksprechers: the Rückenstütze lumbar support, battery, remote control cable, Dfh.f and Kmf.c could be packed into the back of the casing when required:

Also the "Sturmgepack" A-frame could be attached to the back of the radio. If the A-frame was worn, the antenna bag could no longer be attached. When the radio was in operation this was not a problem, as the empty antenna bag could be folded and stored inside the radio:

The following pictures show an impression of a Panzergrenadier NCO with the Feldfunksprecher f. Usually the Feldfunksprechers were carried by a messenger, but in some cases officers or NCO's chose to wear the radio themselves:

As usual the cables of the headphones and throat microphone are clipped to the remote control cable and pass along the belt. Because there is no space on the belt due to the MP40 pouches, the NCO has fixed the remote control to his Y-straps, 

Note how the angled antenna is kept well away from the wearer's helmet. Even if the Panzergrenadier lies down, the angle of the antenna will allow communication to continue:

The Feldfunksprecher f was introduced relatively late in the war compared to the other models. There is some evidence that the Feldfu.f was first used during the Kursk offensive (July-August 1943), most Feldfu.f's found today are 1944 (thick rim) production models. The Feldfu.f was part of the radio installation of the Panzer and Panzergrenadier command halftracks and would allow the commanders to stay in contact when outside their vehicles. 

When introduced, the Feldfunksprecher f would have had a major impact on infantry-tank cooperation; at last the Panzergrenadiere could act as the eye and ears of the Panzer crews, and the Panzers could provide the heavy support to the Panzergrenadiere when required.

Feldfunksprecher f's are a relatively rare find today with the antenna and antenna bag proving hard to find accessories.