GE MASTR PE Portable Radio

[tjbroussard]

Anyone using a GE PE series handheld on VHF ham bands? (Looking to convert one.)

Any websites with info on the conversion would be great.

Thanks,

Terry
N5QWA

 

[fineshot1]

Anyone using a GE PE series handheld on VHF ham bands? (Looking to convert one.)

Any websites with info on the conversion would be great.

Thanks,

Terry
N5QWA

conversion to what?

I don't understand your question. The PE is a crystal radio. So you would have to get crystals
from Bomar or ICM and install them in the crystal elements and align the elements and peak
the radio for the new freqs.

 

[tjbroussard]

Basically that. I realize the crystals, realignment, etc. Was wondering if anyone has done one and what their experiences were. Doesn't appear to be much out regarding the PE line.

Thanks

 

[cabletech]

You right about lack of info. Have to realize that the radio is close to thirty years old. I has using one in the eighty's.

 

[n0nhp]

About the only good thing I remember about the PE was that it was repairable. It needed repair a lot!
Check some of the sites that have old service manuals and make sure you have a radio that will tune into the split you want. I think the VHF came in three splits and the UHF in four. If you have the wrong split, you will need to replace a couple of caps and coils. If the radio quits working for no apparent reason, there is what looks like a jumper wire in a piece of tubing on the back side (solder side) of the board that is actually a fuse.
That is about as much as I remember about them, good luck and have fun.

Bruce

 

[tjbroussard]

Part of a project

I'm restoring my '72 Pontiac Ambulance and was given a box of GE goodies, including a MASTR control head already jumpered to power on as if it had a radio behind it: green standby, red PTT. I also was given the old PE, that I was going to use as my ham radio, while adding to the look. I am already using my dad's '82 IC-27A as a mobile in it.

It all looks great, but even better that I can use it on my ham side.

Thanks.

 

[fineshot1]

I used the UHF PE's in the Mid 1970's until late 1980's and they were very robust
and durable. dropped them many times and never had to have them repaired but the
batteries were a problem and had to be replaced about once every two years.

Terry - i sent you a PM as i have some parts for them if you are interested.

 

[n2rda]

I have a few GE PE HTs VHF and UHF

Interesting topic - glad I found it. I LOVE the old GE PE HT mastr ii series. I too used them in the late 70s and early 80s. I've collected a few of both the VHF and UHF models and have the service manual for them, but am not electronic-minded. Id love to have use them on HAM freqs - esp the 440 band on a repeater with a PC/CG. I'd pay someone to do it if they could do it. I'll send the UHF PE HT, you mod it to work on the 440-450 freq I provide w tone, and I'll pay for that. If not UHF, even a mod to my VHF one would be welcomed.

And, anyone know where I could get replacement batteries from? They are impossible to find these days!
Thanks.