SCR-203

The SCR-203 was a U.S. Army Pack radio transceiver used during WWII and designed to be mounted on an animal Pack saddle.

Specifications

The SCR-203 was a low power, short range, portable command set designed to clamp onto a Phillips pack saddle for animal-pack transportation and operation. It was used primarily by the cavalry, and field artillery. It consisted of the BC-228 transmitter, the BC-227 receiver, and BC-235 control box and could transmit 7.5 Watts AM voice, MCW, or CW for a range of approximately 30 miles. Its radio frequency coverage was approximately 2.0 to 3.0 Mhz. The unit was powered by various battery packs and a GN-35 hand cranked generator, and used a 25 ft whip antenna.

History

The mule packed radio concept dates back to before WWI and the SCR-203 was the last attempt by the army to mount a radio on a mule due to the decline of the Horse Cavalry and the miniaturization of radio components. The SCR-203 was replaced by the SCR-245.

See also

  • U.S. Signal Corps
  • Signal Corps Radio

References

  • TM 11-227 Radio Communications Equipment 1944
  • TM 11-487 Electrical Communication Systems Equipment 1944
  • TM 11-293 operators manual