H is for - Feldfunksprecher h

[Funksammler]

The final variant of the Feldfunksprehers is the Feldfu.h model. The "h" was developed to give the infantry a means to communicate directly with the supporting Sturmgeschütze using the FU16 radio:

The FU16 (Ukw.E.h + 10 W.S.h) operated from 23.1 to 24.9 MHz, so significantly below other Feldfunksprecher models. This required a change to the values of the capacitors and inductors in the oscillating circuit as well as in the antenna circuit. Since a 1.20 meter antenna was used (which is short in relation to the quarter wavelength of over 3 meters), the transmitter needed a bit more power; it uses as power valve (RL2.4P2) used instead of the customary amplification valve (RV2.4P700) used in the other Feldfunksprecher version. Curiously the two high frequency valves are switched at the filament, meaning that there must have been a short delay between receiving and transmitting to allow the valve to heat up:

The Feldfunksprecher.h was likely designed as a successor to the Torn.Fu.h(a) models, a portable radio of similar concept:

The Feldfu.h follows the now familiar concept of the control panel on the left side of the bakelite casing:

All the familiar controls are identical to the other Feldfunksprecher types except for the frequency dial, which is calibrated in channels:

The Feldfu.h uses the same channel numbers as the FU16 set used in the Sturmgeschütze and the Torn.Fu.h(a) radios, channels run from 241 to 280 covering 23.1 to 24.9 MHz. A calibration channel is marked in red at channel 270. The frequency control does not snap into the channels like on the Feldfu.b and c models, so the radio can be exactly adjusted to the frequency used by the Sturmgeschütze.

The longer 1.20 meter antenna could no longer be stored inside the housing of the radio, so a special carrying bag was used that could be strapped to the top of the housing. Also in relation to the longer antenna, the antenna mount is fitted at an angle:

The top of the radio reveals the Feldfu.h legend painted on the box and a orange "H" shaped feeler shape:

Note that most Feldfu.h's pre-date the change to the "thick-rim" casing at the start of 1944. It is likely that the Feldfu.h pre-dated the Feldfu.f and that the infantry-tank radio concept was pioneered by the "h" model. In their original concept, the Sturmgeschütze provided close artillery support to the infantry. The Sturmgeschütze were only fitted with a full two-way radio installation from the "Ausf. E" version  from late 1941 onward, so it is likely that the Feldfu.h was introduced around this time as well.

The Feldfu.h legend and a orange circle is painted on the back lid, making it easily distinguishable from the other models:

Like all the Feldfunksprechers, the Feldfu.h was supplied with a Lumbar support, 2.4NC28 battery, antenna, Dfh.f headphones and Kmf.c throat microphone and a remote control cable:

Because the Feldfunkersprecher h shares the same antenna with the Feldfu.f, the colour coding was not used on the antenna, the greater length would have been enough to easily distinguish it from the Feldfu.b and c antennas:

Like all other Feldfunksprecher models, the radio could be worn in combination with the standard infantry equipment, with a a possibility to suspend the A-frame of the "Sturmgepäck" on the back. My impression of a Feldfunksprecher.h in use however depicts a Stug officer, who has descended his command vehicle (Sd.Kfz.253) to direct his "Sturmgeschütze" on foot:

The officer has donned some Y-straps to be able to carry the radio:

Because he is wearing "light order" equipment, he has left the empty antenna bag strapped to the radio:

the remote control unit of the Feldfunk.h is strapped to his belt while he has clipped the control box of the throat microphone to his tunic:

The Feldu.h is one of the rarer variants of the Feldfunksprecher family. There are no Feldfu.h1 or h2 models, indicating that they were no longer produced by the start of 1944. Those found today tend to be in very good unused condition indicating that a few may have survived in Wehrmacht stores at the end of the war.

The role of the Sturmgeschütze changes towards the end, they were more and more used as anti tank ambush hunters or as a surrogate for tanks in the Panzer divisions. In these changed roles the Sturmgeschütze would have been fitted with the FU5 radio sets, so the Feldfu.h would no longer have a relevance in these units. By the end of the war, most Feldfu.h's were probably replaced with Feldfu.f's, with the remaining "h" models kept in stores.

[Desert Rat]

Fantastic items and uniform....!!!

Many Thanks for showing us on MCN......Best to you.

Desert Rat

[val]

One high-quality and high resolution war time photo dated june 1944. Origin - SA Kuva.

Click on it - even serial number is visible - 01534.

[val]

Another photo from the same batch - so it's 01534 /43

[tornfuté]

I will not win mine is far 02601 /43

werner thote  believe 2500 were made 

[val]

1 hour ago, tornfuté said:

I will not win mine is far 02601 /43

werner thote  believe 2500 were made

Too bad, so far @Funksammler is the closest.

Werner should have the best serial number database, maybe he has number 01534 /43

in his database?

[val]

After going through Werner's database, @Funksammler is still a winner!