[Milsurplus] BC-375 uses

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 17 Feb 2021 at 16:34, David Stinson wrote:

> While the noted web page contains some errors
> and old myths, such as BC-375 being replaced
> by AN/ARC-5 (apples and oranges) and
> that the TVI epidemic was rooted in bad
> transmitter designs, rather than poor TV design
> and unregulated, inadequate power supplies,
> the information on using the 375 successfully
> today is invaluable and the author has my thanks.
> 
> 73 Dave S.

Yes. He did a good job. He generally does.

Back in the early 1960s, I was part of a Search and Rescue operation in Montana, searching 
for a lost hunter. All the communications was done by hams, since the search area was deep 
in the Bob Marshall Wilderness primitive area of western Montana.

The headquarters for this effort was the Missoula County Sheriff's office. I was tasked with 
operating the station, set up for the Sheriff by some of the local hams.

The transmtter was a BC-375 with a T-32 microphone. I cannot clearly remember which 
receiver was being used, although I believe it was a BC-348.

I never did know what power supply was being used with the '375, but whatever it was, was 
quite adequate for the job. I **think** it was a complete AC supply as I most certainly don't 
remember any dynamotor whine. I also believe the supply had been built by the same local 
ham who set up the station.

I also have no idea what was being used for an antenna.

The hams also had set up an AN/GRC-9 out at the search site, powered by that small 2 cycle 
gas generator which I cannot remember the nomenclature, although I have an NIB one here.

The results of the search was completely negative, the lost hunter never being found. The 
results of the communications effort was excellent and was highly praised by the Sheriff's 
office.

Anyway, that station stayed in the Sheriff's office for many years afterwards, and was used 
regularly for S&R efforts which were beyond the range of the usual Sheriff's radio system.

Ken W7EKB