[Milsurplus] Did the "F" Model Doom the BC-611?

WA5CAB at cs.com WA5CAB at cs.com
Thu Feb 3 10:57:34 EST 2005


Dave,

I agree with Joe, although your points about the problems introduced with the 
-F and particularly the late -F are good ones (the one you didn't mention is 
that the IF transformer windings have a propensity to go open).  Also, 
"History of the Squad Radio" would mostly support this thesis.

In a message dated 2/3/2005 7:55:39 AM Central Standard Time, 
kc5ijd at sprintmail.com writes: 
> >Theory:  The clunky, buggy "improvements" made to the
> >BC-611 "F" model by adding the new kludge bottom,
> >which allowed connection of external headset and
> >microphone but also introduced about a dozen new
> >failure modes, was a major reason for the quick
> >phase-out of a formerly successful design.
> >
> 
> I don't think so.
> 
> The frequencies range used by the BC-611 (HF) was being quickly 
> replaced for tactical communications by the VHF range and newer sets 
> (BC-1000, BC-1335, SCR-501 and 601, etc.). Its ultimate fate was sealed 
> by this change - though it took years to completely supplant HF 
> tactical radios which still remained in use for longer range 
> communications through the 80s or 90s (?) (PRC-74 &PRC-70).
> 

Robert Downs - Houston
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