Michael Black wrote:


Gee, I was thinking something like a Gonset Communicator.

Not really, but yes "transceiver" is a very wide open term. It can
go from those transmitter and receivers in one box with very little
in common, to an actual SSB transceiver that the poster likely is
asking about.

Certainly, and - one could go to the other extreme- handy-talkies, which
are as "absurd" as my first example (which was intended
toungue-in-cheek). As the OP noted - there are bound to be favorites,
and keeping within the likely "bounds" he intended- one of the most
world-worthy was the KWM-2/A.

There have been many tube transceivers over the years with good
reputations for performance, etc. - but only the KWM-2 stood
head-and-shoulders above the others in "field" reputation due to it's
service with the military over the Viet Nam years. First introduced in
the late 1950s, the KWM-2/A was fully mature by the time the military
started looking for a "solution" for it's MARS activities starting in
early 1960s. Collins had the perfect answer: A complete HAM (MARS)
station in a pair of Samsonite Suitcases. One holding the KWM-2/A and
the other the power supply, antenna and other accessories - the Marines
first started shipping these to the troops in January, 1963.

Not only very portable, but tough. Operating in a war, in a climate that
would destroy lesser equipment in weeks, the KWM-2/A earned it's
reputation as a reliable, effective workhorse over the next decade
years. I don't have sales figures on the KWM-2/A - but likely when
combined with it's predecessor the KWM-1 - they likely are the top
selling transceiver of all time.

as always - just my .02
--
randy guttery

A Tender Tale - a page dedicated to those Ships and Crews
so vital to the United States Silent Service:
http://tendertale.com