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The ZO-47 consists of three same-size units: a transmitter, a receiver
and a power supply unit, that are connected together by means of short
cables. The set is powered directly from the mains or from a 6V battery
using a vibrator.
The image on the right shows a typical ZO-47 that is part of the
collection of the Dutch Signals Museum
(Museum Verbindingsdienst).
It is an improved version of the original ZO-47 with better components
and more modern valves, that was probably introduced in the early 1950s.
As such is was given the designator ZO-47/01.
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For a long time, the existence of the ZO-47 was unknown to the public.
All that changed when in 1992 two ZO-47 units were discovered in a house
at the Parkstraat in Utrecht, along with a large number of weapons and
explosives [2]. The house was probably a 'forgotten cache' of the Dutch
stay-behind organisation O&I of which the owner had died. Several
experts were asked to investigate the radio set, but in the end the
District Attorney ordered all units to be destroyed.
The destruction of all ZO-47 that had been collected by the organisation
was carried out by the Dutch Army (Landmacht) and took place at the
Dutch Hoogovens (blast furnaces) in IJmuiden (Netherlands). Fortunately,
the officer responsible for the destruction of the ZO-47 and all
other radio sets that had been used by the organisation, kept one of
each unit back and donated it to the Royal Dutch Signals Museum
(Museum Verbindingsdienst) were it was
put on public display.
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The photograph of the ZO-47 shown above, was taken in 2009 at the Museum
Verbindingsdienst [4] shortly before they were closed. Unfortunately,
the quality of the image is rather poor and we have not been able to
photograph another ZO-47 unit since. Better images will have to wait
until the museum reopens sometime in 2014.
At present, not much is known about the ZO-47. Any further information,
however small, would be most welcome. Furthermore, Crypto Museum are looking
for a ZO-47 set for their collection. If you think you can help us further,
please contact us.
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- Herman Schoemaker, Een geheime organisatie in beeld
De Nederlandse stay-behind-organisatie, geheim, onafhankelijk en zelfstandig?
The Dutch stay-behind organisation, secret, independent and autonomous?
(Dutch).
Thesis under supervision of Prof. Dr. B.G.J. de Graaff,
Utrecht University. 7 June 2013.
- RAM Magazine, Mysterie in Utrecht
RAM 136, Oktober 1992.
- Wim Kramer, Mysterie in Utrecht na jaren opgelost
RAM 191, Oktober 1992. pp. 32-35.
- Museum Verbindingsdienst (Royal Dutch Signals Museum)
Retrieved February 2009.
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