Yes, the Russians learnt very quickly that the efficiency of the quite excellent T34 and its vast numbers comparatively, was seriously compromised by the lack of any radio equipment whatsoever.

To quote Louis Meulstee:
"The Canadian 19 set was first produced in Jan 1942 following the Pye radio design, using local Canadian components and production methods. Several known deficiencies of the British set were overcome and modifications incorporated.

In the summer of 1941 the Dept of National Defence authorised the manufacture of the set in Canada, four engineers of Northern Electric were sent to Pye Radio to transfer the design. . . . . . . . .

The design was later shared with the Canadian Marconi Company and RCA Victor. The latter companies entered production with the placing of Lend-Lease contracts.

One of the primary contracts was with Russia which resulted in the English/Cyrillic lettering on the front panel of the set, PSU and control units."

I well remember the eerie but very impressive glow from the copious luminising on the new and un-issued one I had around 1960 when they were affordable from your pocket money and dumped after the novelty wore off. I suspect the average Health & Safety Inspector today would have a fit if he saw one and tape the area off as a nuclear hazard.

However, I can say after sitting in front of one back then for months probably, that 41½ years and two daughters later, I have not yet died of any attributable cause.

Time will tell though.

I'll keep you posted.

R.