Description
Philco BC-221-N Vintage Radio Frequency Meter with Calibration Book MC-177-N
Heterodyne frequency meter manufactured by Philco in the early 1940s. Designed to measure radio frequencies using vacuum tube circuitry and dual-dial readout.
Specifications & What's Included
- Model: BC-221-N (Heterodyne Frequency Meter)
- Tubes: VT-116, VT-116, VT-167, VT-163
- Controls: Gain, Corrector, Crystal/Off/Operate/Check, Freq Band Low/High
- Connectors: Phones jack, antenna terminals, power cord
- Form Factor: Portable with carrying case
- Includes: Calibration Book MC-177-N (Serial No. 702) and power cord
Applications
Used for field measurement and verification of radio transmitter frequencies. Heterodyne frequency meters were standard tools in telecommunications, broadcast, and military radio operations during World War II and post-war periods. Operated by comparing an unknown frequency against an internal crystal oscillator reference to provide accurate frequency readout across multiple bands.
Condition: Used
This Philco BC-221-N Vintage Radio Frequency Meter has been inspected and is in good used condition consistent with its age. The outer metal case shows significant paint loss, surface oxidation, and general wear on all sides — expected for a WWII-era instrument of this type. The front panel controls and dial assembly appear intact and undamaged. The internal chassis is present and complete, with vacuum tubes (VT-116, VT-116, VT-163, VT-167) visible and in place. The original brown power cord is present. The Calibration Book MC-177-N (Serial No. 702) is included and in good readable condition with normal shelf wear. The unit has not been powered up or tested at our facility. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
This Philco BC-221-N Vintage Radio Frequency Meter has been inspected and is in good used condition consistent with its age. The outer metal case shows significant paint loss, surface oxidation, and general wear on all sides — expected for a WWII-era instrument of this type. The front panel controls and dial assembly appear intact and undamaged. The internal chassis is present and complete, with vacuum tubes (VT-116, VT-116, VT-163, VT-167) visible and in place. The original brown power cord is present. The Calibration Book MC-177-N (Serial No. 702) is included and in good readable condition with normal shelf wear. The unit has not been powered up or tested at our facility. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
We stand behind every item we sell with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If your item arrives not as described, you may return it within 30 days for a full refund. Please inspect your purchase upon arrival and contact us with any questions.
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Additional Information
Brand: |
Philco |
Model: |
BC-221-N |
MPN: |
BC-221-N |
Secondary Model: |
MC-177-N |
Type: |
Heterodyne Frequency Meter |
SKU: |
47398 |
Seller Notes: |
Includes Calibration Book MC-177-N (Serial No. 702) |
Form Factor: |
Portable / Benchtop, Carrying Case |
Technology: |
Vacuum Tube (Heterodyne) |
Controls: |
Gain, Corrector, Crystal/Off/Operate/Check, Freq Band Low/High |
Tube Types Visible: |
VT-116, VT-116, VT-167, VT-163 |
Dial Type: |
Dial Hundreds + Dial Units (two-dial heterodyne readout) |
Outputs / Connectors: |
Phones jack, antenna terminals, power cord |
Includes: |
Calibration Book MC-177-N (Serial No. 702), power cord |
Era / Period: |
World War II / Early 1940s |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Condition: |
Used – Pulled from Working Environment |
Condition Notes: |
Philco BC-221-N Frequency Meter in good used condition for its age. Case shows paint loss and surface oxidation. Internal chassis and tubes present. Calibration Book MC-177-N (S/N 702) included. Not powered/tested at our facility. |