In theory, the BC-611 could talk to aircraft. I’ve used an SCR-274-N (on the ground) to talk to BC-611s on 3885 kc. Range was very limited. I understand that the range of the BC-611 was not only a function of battery power, but also on the frequency being operated on. Keep in mind, the BC-611 had what had to be the most inefficient antenna ever put on an Army radio. So the BC-611 is actually more efficient on the 60 meters ( the short antenna on the BC-611 is better suited to that frequency band ). Unfortunately, the bandwidth the BC-611 uses is not compatible with use on the 60 meter band. So you’re stuck using 80 meters. 

    The hook up for glider turned the SCR-585 radio into part of an intercom, and tied the radio in that glider into the intercom of the towing aircraft.   When the glider cut loose from the towing aircraft, intercom use of the radio ended. 

73
Mark D. 
WW2RDO

“In matters of style, float with the current. In matters of Principle, stand like a rock. “.   -   Thomas Jefferson 

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 2, 2024, at 3:51 PM, W2HX <[email protected]> wrote:



I thought the gliders had a BC-721 or something. I have one. I know it is probably nearly identical to the BC-611, but for accuracy…

 

 

73 Eugene W2HX
My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@w2hx/videos

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Ray Fantini via Milsurplus
Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 3:24 PM
To: Jeep Platt <[email protected]>; Mark K3MSB <[email protected]>; Military Radio Collectors Association ([email protected]) <[email protected]>; List Milsurplus <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] [MRCA] BC-611 Operational Question

 

the BC-611 transceiver was the core component of the SCR-585 Signal Corps Radio set for CG-4A Gliders.

 

Ray F/KA3EKH

 

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Jeep Platt
Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 3:19 PM
To: Mark K3MSB <[email protected]>; Military Radio Collectors Association ([email protected]) <[email protected]>; List Milsurplus <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [MRCA] BC-611 Operational Question

 

 

Common knowledge that some gliders had a BC-611 and a special mount.  Don't know who they talked to... maybe the tow plane?  In a number of books, I note that the 611 did not have good range. Also read that the SCR-300 FM packset was a real Godsend to ground forces. 

K3HVG

 

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Mark K3MSB <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 1:56:10 PM
To: Military Radio Collectors Association ([email protected]) <[email protected]>; List Milsurplus <[email protected]>
Subject: [MRCA] BC-611 Operational Question

 

Hi Folks

 

I'm interested in hearing about actual confirmed uses of the BC-611 communicating with USAAF aircraft during WW II.

 

I'm not interested in a general discussion of the pros and cons of the 611,  but rather actual instances of using them to talk to aircraft.

 

I've seen one drawing in a TM of a group of GI's on a hillside using the 611 to talk to a flight of B-24 Liberators,   but I've always viewed that as wishful thinking.

 

Reason for asking.  I've been invited to participate with a group of regional USAAF WWI re-enactors.   I'll be redoing my SCR-274N system over the winter to make it transportable for field operations.   I have a pair of 611s that work (well, one has a broken earpiece....) and I was thinking that if the 611 was used in any capacity to talk with USAAF personnel it would make an interesting demo to have people at the event (youth particularly)  talk  to each other with the 274N and a 611.

 

Thanks

 

Mark K3MSB

 

 

 

 

 

 

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