SCR-584 Range-operator Instructions

From the USN WWII RADAR OPERATOR’S MANUAL, April 1945.

“The two greatest responsibilities of the range operator are: (1) to keep the pip in the notch, and (2) never to let it saturate (flatten on top due to too much receiver sensitivity). The pip must be kept in the center of the notch so that the pip appears even on the pointer's and trainer's scopes. If the pip saturates on the range scope, it will saturate on the trainer's and pointer's scopes, thus preventing them from knowing which way to train or elevate.”

“One of the range operator's hands should always be on the range knob. When he wants to change range quickly, he should turn the range wheel with the small crank on it. For fine adjustment of range, such as keeping the pip in the notch, the operator should grasp the wheel with his hand and not use the crank. Usually this will be the right hand, but in some installations it may require the left.”

Both paragraphs apply to the Mark 3 and Mark 4 radars, which were contemporary with the SCR-584 radar. They are listed in
US Radar-Operational Characteristics Classified by Tactical Situation, August 1943.

Extracts provided by Ken Anderson