WW2 BC-611 Signal Corps Handheld Radio

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is a BC-611 Signal Corps Radio Receiver and Transmitter as used by US and allied forces in WW2. These units were powered by a BA-37 1.5 volt dry battery for the filament supply and a 103.5 V BA-38 battery for plate supply, which usually lasted for a 24 hour period of normal usage. This radio weighed 5 pounds with batteries loaded. The unit operated in AM voice mode between 3.5 and 6.0 MHz frequency range on any one of 50 channels.  The range of the unit varied with terrain; from a few hundred feet, to approximately one mile over land, and 3 miles over water. The antenna was located under a metal protective sleeve, which was unscrewed and placed on a storage post when in use.