[MRCG] BC-611, BC-721A and the SCR-585-A Radio Set [Gliders]

[willi6 at starpower.net]

Tim, et al: 

I managed to find the manual I was looking for.  It is actually called "Radio Set SCR-585-A" on the cover, rather than the BC-721A or being an appendix to the BC-611 manual.  This is at least a second or third generation copy.  They were available some time ago from Robert W. Downs of Houston, TX.  (He was active at the time in various MIL radio groups.) 
  
In answer to one of the earlier question, it appears that "although modified significantly", the BC-611 could be removed fairly quickly from the glider and used as a Handi-Talkie by the troops on the ground. 
  
Starting from the top of the BC-611 case, the whip antenna stays in place and is still part of the power switch for handheld operation. 
  
Just above the Weather Proof PTT is an access point to the external antenna connector and a small antenna tuning control for use during aircraft operations. 
  
The bottom cover is replaced with another cover that is slightly longer.  It provided the electrical socket to the pilot and co-pilot control box.  Both have headphones, but only pilot has throat microphone.  It also provides a mechanical cable (like an old throttle cable) that mechanically depresses the PTT switch on the radio. 
  
The only installation drawing of a "cockpit" shows a 2-Seat training glider.  I have seen references to them used in the Waco CG-4 and CG-14 type gliders, with the radio placed between the two seats. 
  
The operations section makes numerous references to the limitations of a single channel, low power, battery operated radio.  As far a CONOPS for a Major Glider Assault Force scenario, about the closest the manual comes are the following two paragraphs: 
  
More than two operators can engage in conversation by the use of more units operating on the same frequency.  Because of the receive arrangement used, it is possible to operate several receivers at the same frequency and in close proximity, without interference.  [ I take this as a 'kudo' to superhet receivers, not interfering with each other. ] 
  
There are no limitations on the number of glider radios that may be operated together without interference in any one flight group or series of flight groups.  However, it will be necessary to restrict communications to a minimum, as more than one glider transmitting at a time on the same frequency is apt to cause confusion of orders. 
  
73,  Dave 
  
Dave Williams - K7HMP/4 
Stafford, Virginia 
  
----- Original Message -----


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tim 
  To: West Coast Military Radio Collectors Group 
  Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2014 12:03 PM 
  Subject: Re: [MRCG] WW2 vhf ground mobile (More) 


  While we are at it, would a BC-611 been at all effective in Ground-Air 
  comms?  Particularly with close air support aircraft?   Methinks "not so 
  much"..... 

  Tim 
  N6CC 

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End of MRCG Digest, Vol 28, Issue 9 
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