Radio Receiver & Transmitter BC-1335 (SCR-619)
Updated September 19, 2009
Updated September 19, 2009
The BC-1335 is an FM transceiver used in late World War 2, covering 27.0 through 38.9 MHz in 120 crystal-controlled steps. It is an improved successor to the similar BC-659 radio. The transceiver operates from either 6VDC or 12VDC, supplied from an external source such as a battery pack.
I purchased this set from another collector in August, 2009. I don't have all of the accessories or documentation yet, so I'll need to update this page later after I learn more about this set. I do plan to put it on the air! The seller told me that it works, so I don't expect too much trouble. My set included a DY-44 dynamotor, which allows the set to be powered fomr a 24VDC source.
The set can use either an antenna whip which attaches to a swivel mount on the back of the transceiver, or a remote whip antenna. I have the J-72/GR matching unit which allows this radio to be used with an AB-15 antenna mast base, but I hope to get my hands on the correct built-in whip.
The SCR-619 set could be vehicle-mounted or carried on a special pack frame. In vehicular installations, the set would include Battery Charger PE-219, two each Battery Box CH-291, Mounting FT-506, and Terminal Box J-72/GR.
I hope to obtain the necessary accessories for a comple portable set and/or vehicular installation. If you have any accessories to go along with my set, please contact me to discuss a sale or trade!
Here is the BC-1335 schematic diagram from my April, 1945 printing of TM 11-879, scanned at 600 DPI:
An overview of the kit that I bought. Not shown here are an AB-15 mast base and a set of whip elements which also came with the set.
The exterior of the BC-1335. The last picture shows the antenna mount on the rear of the set, with the top cover removed.
Inside the top of the BC-1335. The unit includes a magic eye tube and test probe which can be used to realign the set without test equipment after changing crystals. Running spares for many components are also stowed inside. I think that the magic eye tube circuit uses a bias reference cell, which is probably quite dead in my set. Once I figure out where it is, I'll see if I can fashion a suitable replacement.
Inside the bottom of the BC-1335.
Terminal Box J-72/GR.
Dynamotor DY-44. I'm not sure how this unit is used with the set yet. I think that it would be connected to 24V power and plugged into the BC-1335's 6V/12V power input plug, but I'm not sure yet.
An almost-complete set of crystals for the BC-1335.
The top cover of the BC-1335 includes a complete schematic, basic operating instructions, and a place to store extra crystals.
When I tried powering up the BC-1335, the vibrator wouldn't start. The spare vibrator didn't work, either. Noticing that both vibrators had been opened before, I pried one open to work on the contacts. I had to sand the contacts with sandpaper to get them to make contact again. I don't know how long they'll last, but at least I got the set to start receiving! It doesn't seem to be transmitting yet.
