Several years ago I saw an auction on eBay for QST 1940 through 1945 complete for $8 shipped. I did a double take then hit the buy it now button expecting the seller to email me and say the price was a mistake etc. Well, a week or so later they show up at my door! In one of these issues was a review of the BC-652 and BC-653 and as I recall from reading the article it was favorable and they got positive comments about its sturdiness.

I have the BC-652 and BC-653 and both have 12V dynamotors in them. It's been on the shelf for quite a few years (moving it's a chore) but I've been thinking of moving it next in line after the TBW-4 is complete (and the TBW is currently on the bench – I'd like it all up and running for Red Ball).

73 Mark K3MSB

On Wed, Jun 5, 2024 at 10:01 AM Ray Fantini via Milsurplus <milsurplus@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

Think the SCR-506 (BC-652 receiver, BC-653 transmitter and FT-253 rack) gets a bad rep due to its size and weight, that along with being state of the Art in 1940 but by later in the war would speculate that most that were installed in Tanks and Jeeps were removed and replaced with first generation tactical FM sets. The CQ Surplus Conversion Manual referring to it as “Five hundred pounds of Nothing” don’t help. Assume that a lot were around after the war and with the availability of BC-342, 348 and 312 receivers for the serious Ham radio operator receivers like the BC-652 and all the Command sets did not get a lot of Love so they were relegated to SWL and Novices use, maybe the ARB also. With that in mind that’s why under the circumstances so many were just hacked to death and subjects of poor-quality workmanship? Attached are a couple pictures of the Hack job power supply.

But then again cannot be too hard on those who did all this, if it was not perceived to have some value as a SWL, maybe Marine Band or Ham receiver it would have never been saved from recycling or landfilling decades ago and not be here today.

Will have to throw something together for the power supply. There is a DM-40 Dynamotor with pigtail over on the Bay but its $125 and an additional $25 for shipping and can’t see me spending $150 on this project so will see what develops.

Ray F/KA3EKH

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