Luftwaffe Aircraft Navigation Beacon Morse Keyer/Control Unit MZG-1

[jacksinnj]

Luftwaffe aircraft during WW2 depended for navigation on an extensive network of
omnidirectional radio beacons. Besides the transmitter & antenna, the key item
was the MZG-1. I've uploaded 4 pix of this unit.

I'm in the process of acquiring one of these. They could run on AC line voltage
between 110 & 250 V. The keying drum that actuated the microswitches was driven
by an electric motor. The Morse ID of the unit could & would be changed as
frequently as needed, as could the speed of the motor.

This unit is in pretty decent shape given the time that has passed. The
internals are near pristine & show typical German workmanship.

Jack

[jacksinnj]

A closer examination of the nameplate indicates that this is actually an MZG2 Morsezeichengeber (Morse Code Sender), circa 1943. It is complete except for the Schlüssel (key) needed to change the Morse code character on the code drum but I have obtained the exact dimensions of this key from a collector in Finland as well as pix of the key.

[don_kihotis7]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
I have never seen something like this before.
It looks awesome.

[jacksinnj]

Thanks! The Nazis had hundreds of these navigation beacons all over Germany & occupied Europe. After their defeat, there was no one left to guard or destroy this stuff in the formerly occupied countries, so some of this stuff was 'liberated' by the locals. Major use of these beacons was by the Nachtjagd. Their ground radar controllers would direct them to specific beacons from which they could attack RAF & USAAF bombers.

[don_kihotis7]

Thanks for the info.
Cheers

[la5he]

This equipment is mine , but is for sale , RGds Ragnar