WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Radio Telephone and Telegraph Transmitting and Receiving Equipment
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WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by SGM (ret) » Sun Feb 12, 2023 5:34 am

By way of a convoluted set of circumstances, I have acquired a partially complete SCR-300. I'd like to find the missing bits and pieces to assemble it into an externally / cosmetically correct display piece.

The major missing item is no doubt the most difficult to find, that is the BC-1000 unit. The partial radio that I now have actually has the lower box for the BC-1000, but the top and internals are missing. So... Here I am looking for the proverbial bottle of unicorn tears.

Wanted to Buy:

BC-1000 component for SCR-300. Working / functioning condition not important (but still, of course, acceptable). Critical consideration is that the top and lid with all knobs, jack / plug sockets present. Good condition paint and markings are a bonus, but I'm willing to refinish and add new markings, if necessary.

So, basically anything from complete to just the top plate and cover with knobs could be acceptable.

If you have other SCR-300 parts or accessories, I may also be interested in those. As I put this project together, upgrades to what I already have are certainly an attractive option.

Thanks!


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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by retro-roco » Thu Mar 09, 2023 4:35 am

Hi SGM,

I was on a similar search a couple of years back.

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=323201&p=1882174
viewtopic.php?f=36&t=323199&p=1884071

That project is still sitting unfinished on a shelf in the garage. I likely have most of the parts you are looking for. I bought a French chassis and control panel for parts, as my US radio was so badly damaged inside. I don't recall if I have an extra flip up cover, or just the chassis and control panel. I'll try to get a better picture of what I might have available over the next few days.

I also have vinyl paint masks for reproducing the control panel markings, if you end up needing them.
20210527_210913-small.jpg
20210423_125200-small.jpg
channel dial.png
Kirk Gustafson
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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by SGM (ret) » Thu Mar 09, 2023 5:40 am

I'd certainly be interested in checking out anything that you might have and want to move on.

It does look like you're working on restoring a set, though, so perhaps a little explanation of what I'm up to might be fair. In all honesty, I'm not really sure if the SCR-300 project that I'm planning for these components is ever going to come to fruition.

At the present, I'm in the process of buying a complete SCR-300 in working condition from a seller in Belgium. Most of my "discretionary hobby funds" are tied up in that effort at the moment. Once I've completed that purchase (hopefully in the next couple of weeks), I'll be ready to start looking at this other SCR-300 "resto-mod" (to borrow a phrase from the collector car guys). It's a bit of a "long-term" project, though.

My tentative goal for this "resto" project is to assemble an externally / cosmetically correct set while installing either a CB or FRS radio internally. I also plan to replace the handset microphone and receiver elements with modern units while still being able to use it to send and receive with the CB or FRS radio mounted internally. Since this is such radical surgery, it would be a waste to use a known or potentially good and restorable BC-1000. I was really hoping to find a "junker" BC-1000 box with the lid and controls intact. Seems like searching for unicorn tears and fairy dust, though. Until I can find one of those, I'm loath to consider trashing a good unit in this cause. In the end, it may be that this idea never goes any further. It really depends on finding that "junker" BC-1000 first. ("Junker" being, of course, a relative term, but hopefully I've explained what I intend well enough.)

Long-term collecting plans for this SCR-300 branch of my collection will be to also add a VRC-3 with PP-114 to it. I've just recently "cracked the code" on how the FT-250 was "modified" for mounting the VRC-3 / SCR-300. (Surprisingly, it's actually a really simple process.) This, of course, means putting another FT-250 and set of antenna components onto the collecting list.

(Already have an FT-250 and antenna components - preferably an MP-48-A with MS-49 et al masts - on the list to complete my SCR-610 project. For variety, the VRC-3 project will likely get the AB-15 and MS-116 et al masts.)

This would be a third SCR-300 set, but first, I want to assess how this deal for the working SCR-300 goes. If it all works out, then that might suggest trying to go after a working VRC-3 set up to pair up with the working SCR-300.

So, zero down, and two (maybe...three) to go!

BTW, since we're on the subject, there's the battery case CS-139 that held 21 BA-30's (D-cell) and 100(!) BA-42's (C-cell) dry cell batteries and used as a VRC-3 power source in leu of BA-70. Has anyone ever seen one of these? I'd love to find one, if for no other reason than to just get some photos of it.

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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by retro-roco » Thu Mar 09, 2023 7:16 am

Let me start of by calming your concerns about destroying a restoration candidate. I secured the French chassis after determining that my US chassis was simply missing too many control panel parts AND also pretty well destroyed inside as well. I have already completed the cosmetic restoration of the control panel and lid, and can mount either chassis underneath it. I really have no intention of making either chassis into a restored functioning radio. My goal is to assemble one that I can use an FRS radio inside while looking cosmetically on the outside like a WW2 vintage radio.

I have found a number of control panel small parts to replace some that were missing. I just need time to figure what I have duplicates of; so I know what I can offer you. I'll figure it out and let you know.

BTW, thanks for the heads up on the CS-139. I had seen the picture on radionerds.com, but never noticed the terminal on the top matching the BC-1000 plug. I recently picked up a couple of NOS battery tops that I hope to fashion into passable, cosmetic only, BA-70 batteries.

Battry top
BA-70-TOP.jpg
Kirk Gustafson
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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by SGM (ret) » Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:45 am

Oh, those BA-70 tops are very nice! Great find!

Indeed, then, I'll be really interested in what you might have as duplicate parts and bits. It sounds like we have very similar project goals in mind, too.

Yes, the CS-139 was a bit of a surprise when I learned about it. Apparently, it was primarily intended as a replacement or substitute power source for the VRC-3. It appears to lack the features for adding the SCR-300 waist belt and shoulder straps, so it wouldn't seem to be suitable for dismounted ground use. The stats say that it weighed about 18 lbs when loaded with dry-cell batteries, so it was also heavier than the standard CS-128 with the BA-70. My guess is that the CS-139 was short-lived until the PP-114 was available for issue with VRC-3 sets. My info source, TM 11-637, for the CS-139 is dated OCT 44, and I'd never heard of it until I got a copy of that TM. No idea if it appears in later editions of the TM. (I've totally spaced out looking on Radio Nerds for more info about it until you mentioned it. Will have to check that out when I'm finished with this post. Cheers!)

I'll look forward to hearing more from you once you get sorted. Until then, thanks for the reply!

Happy collecting!

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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by Radtech » Sat Mar 11, 2023 12:54 pm

Only a very few CS-139 cases were made as they were too expensive compared to the price of the BA-70 batteries at the time.

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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by Robin » Sat Mar 11, 2023 6:05 pm

A competent sheet metal worker can make a reasonably accurate faux battery using those original tops. :wink:
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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by SGM (ret) » Sat Mar 11, 2023 6:33 pm

Really nice job on those BA-70 battery shells! :mrgreen:

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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by Robin » Sat Mar 11, 2023 6:36 pm

I just need some warmer weather so I can paint them. And thanks! No, wait, who said that I made them?
41 M3 37mm A/T gun
42 M1A1 75mm pack how
43 MBT trailer
43 WC52
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44 Chevy 1.5 ton
44 MZ2 USMC radio Jeep
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M1942 USMC handcart
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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by retro-roco » Sun Mar 12, 2023 3:42 am

Robin, are the top and bottom seams rolled or spot welded or both? Those look great by the way!
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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by Robin » Sun Mar 12, 2023 5:23 am

For the top and bottom I made a 1/4" tall "hair pin" that is notched 5 times at each radius corner on the inside only. Then slipped over the raw edge of the battery body and spot welded on. We don't have a machine to roll form the edge right onto the body. So it's not 100% original but it looks the part.
41 M3 37mm A/T gun
42 M1A1 75mm pack how
43 MBT trailer
43 WC52
43 WC62
44 Chevy 1.5 ton
44 MZ2 USMC radio Jeep
44 RL35 reel cart
44 K38 trailer
43 K52 trailer
43 M3A4 handcarts(8)
M1942 USMC handcart
M1917 Litter Carrier
M1917 Ammo cart
43 Columbia bike

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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by SGM (ret) » Sun Mar 12, 2023 5:48 am

Oh, they do indeed "look the part." I'd ask THE QUESTION, but I suspect that you have plans already. Still, if your plans were to change, I'd certainly be interested.

Again, very, very nice!

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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by Robin » Sun Mar 12, 2023 5:53 am

Those tops come up on ebay. I can certainly make a battery for you if you send me a top. $40 parts and labor plus USPS flat rate shipping.
41 M3 37mm A/T gun
42 M1A1 75mm pack how
43 MBT trailer
43 WC52
43 WC62
44 Chevy 1.5 ton
44 MZ2 USMC radio Jeep
44 RL35 reel cart
44 K38 trailer
43 K52 trailer
43 M3A4 handcarts(8)
M1942 USMC handcart
M1917 Litter Carrier
M1917 Ammo cart
43 Columbia bike

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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by SGM (ret) » Sun Mar 12, 2023 5:56 am

Thanks! I will certainly keep that in mind as I look for a top.

Do please post up the finished "batteries" once you get them done. Very motivational and just nice to look at, too!

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Re: WTB BC-1000 Component for SCR-300

Post by YLG80 » Sun Mar 12, 2023 12:44 pm

Robin wrote:
Sat Mar 11, 2023 6:05 pm
A competent sheet metal worker can make a reasonably accurate faux battery using those original tops. :wink:
Image
Image
Hello,
Nice job !
Do you plan to put electronics in the battery boxes? Is the bottom plate removable?
This is what I did with NOS BA-70: viewtopic.php?t=289673
Nowadays, using modern electronics you could put something more compact to power the BC-1000.

Also another question: do you put some filler inside if it remains a fake battery?
From my experience, the cover (and the walls) will likely not resist to the pressure needed to insert the BC-1000 plug.
In my modified battery, I had to put a piece of wood just below the top cover .

Yves
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serial 164794


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