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

[Robert Burmeister]

Dave,

Does the manual indicate how long is the external antenna when used for
glider operations?

Thanks!

Bob
AG6QL
Saratoga, CA

On Sun, Sep 21, 2014 at 10:20 AM, <willi6 at starpower.net> wrote:

>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of MRCG Digest, Vol 28, Issue 9
> ***********************************
>
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