trophy160 Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 I will either fit 2 X 353 or one 353 plus DMU into my Saracen as I have these units (yes, I know probably not totally original). If I fit the DMU then really I would like it to be complete hence need what I believe is called the BID 250 unit. Is it unrealistic to think I can get hold of one of these? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlienFTM Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 I will either fit 2 X 353 or one 353 plus DMU into my Saracen as I have these units (yes, I know probably not totally original). If I fit the DMU then really I would like it to be complete hence need what I believe is called the BID 250 unit. Is it unrealistic to think I can get hold of one of these? It is not unreasonable to think you might get hold of a BID250, but what this is is actually a scrambled radio (TOP SECRET in its day), used by unit (regiment, battalion, etc) to talk in clear upstream to Formation (Brigade, Division, etc). We had BID150 based on a C42 in my day (with Larkspur and until the 250 replacement to use with Clansman became available). One of my hats being Regimental Signals Storeman I can tell you that there were iirc seven BID sets in an Armoured Recce Regiment (similar figures around the other battlegroups): RHQ ACV A RHQ ACV B CO LR Med Recce Sqn 1 ACV A Med Recce Sqn 1 ACV B Med Recce Sqn 2 ACV A Med Recce Sqn 2 ACV B Whereas the number of UK/VRC353s probably reached close to 100 per unit. (initially: after I moved on they realised that two times 353 was overkill in a CVR(T) and the fit was amended to be one time 353 and one times 351/2). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trophy160 Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 I appreciate such a knowledgeable response, it's nice to better understand what was installed in practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlienFTM Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 I appreciate such a knowledgeable response, it's nice to better understand what was installed in practice. You're most welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g0ozs Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 There are quite a few BID 250 simulators around in the surplus market (I had and sold two in their DMUs) but no real BIDs to my knowledge. The simulator provides the analogue/digital conversion and can modulate a radio so making the BID/353 pair usable on air but does not encrypt (or has a fixed well known key - I never got round to figuring out the circuit in that much detail). It was intended for training and diagnostic use and I am fairly sure they will turn up on the usual auction site from time to time ! Regards Iain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trophy160 Posted October 30, 2013 Author Share Posted October 30, 2013 Thanks Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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