SCR-284

The SCR-284 was a World War II era combination transmitter and receiver used in vehicles or fixed ground stations.^[1]

BC-654 in operation

History

The Crosley Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio manufactured the Signal Corps Radio set SCR-284 that consisted of the BC-654 and associated support equipment.^[2]

The BC-654 was introduced in Africa during Operation Torch and was the first radio set used for communications from the beach to the U.S. Fleet to coordinate naval gunfire and beach radio networks. More than 50,000 BC-654s were produced and delivered in support of Operation Overlord, the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Over 150,000 units were eventually produced in total. After the war, many BC-654s were sold as surplus for $15 each. Today, many are restored and operated by vintage amateur radio enthusiasts.^[3]

Configurations

• Field Radio Set - World War II era. Battery powered receiver, hand crank generator powered transmitter.
• Vehicular Radio Set - World War II era. 6/12 V dynamotor power, vibrator supply.
• Command Radio Set - Korean War era. two-cycle 3600 RPM, 1 horsepower gas generator power.

Technical Description

• Frequency Range: continuous, 3800 to 5800 kHz
• Modes: AM, CW
• Receiver Type: Single conversion superheterodyne receiver
• IF Frequency: 455 kHz
• Dimensions: 18" × 14" × 9³⁄₄" (BC-654 only)
• Weight: 44.75 lb (20.3 kg) (BC-654 only)

Performance Specifications

• Transmitter output
  • AM: 17 watts
  • CW: 24 watts
• Receiver Sensitivity: TBS

In popular culture

• In the TV show The Munsters, Grandpa Munster was depicted using a BC-654 as part of his amateur radio station.^[4]

See also

• ART 13 transmitter
• ARC-5
• BC-348
• BC-610
• Wireless Set No. 19
• Signal Corps Radio
• SCR-300
• A/N URM-25D Signal Generator
• SCR-694

References

1. Fucci, Antonio. "Radio Set BC-654-A SCR-284-A Receiver and Transmitter".
2. Madison, James H. (Dec 1992). "Discovering America: A Special Issue". Journal of American History 79 (3): 1102–1106. doi:10.2307/2080804. ISSN 0021-8723. Retrieved 2006-11-15.
3. http://www.comcents.com/mhrs/mhrnl/nl4-2.html The Mississippi Historical Radio and Broadcasting Society
4. http://www.qsl.net/arcs/KeyKlix/kkmay07.pdf Amateur Radio Club Of Savannah

General references

• TM-11-275 — Technical Manual And Operating Instructions For The SCR-284-A Radio Set (BC-654-A Radio Receiver And Transmitter)