TCI/BR 8174 Series, the fixed site receiver technology for the commercial and IC markets

Updated: 17 November 2025

It was used extensivily around the world in the various aviation and maritime fix and shipboard services. In addition, it was used in a large number direction finding sites due to its flexibility.

Introduction:

Note: These are not ITAR controlled items but othe receivers that TCI made can be ITAR units.

This Receiver provides digitally demodulated and filtered audio signal outputs and, as a hardware option, a digital panoramic display of the 6 kHz bandwidth. The 8174 Receiver chassis accommodates a single HF Receiver in a 1.75-inch high, 19-inch wide rack mount enclosure. The Receiver consists of five modules: a receiver module, a demodulation/control module, a synthesizer module, a power supply module and a DC power filter.

General Features

The Receiver provides digital filtering and demodulation of AM, CW, LSB, USB and ISB radio signals in the frequency range 1.5 to 30 MHz at a frequency resolution of 1 Hz. Frequency ranges at the lower end of the spectrum down to 10 kHz are available as an option. A BFO adjustable over ±8 kHz in 1 Hz steps is provided for CW demodulation mode.

Comments:

Note that these units are fully remote controlled units. There are no controls on the unit other than a power switch. You need to use one of the various software packages available for sale or free on the Internet.

We have two of the TCI/BR-8174 that are the ISB model (USB and LSB at the same time). We use the VCP software from TCI/BR and we have one other software package that will control the unit and will decode any of the more common digital waveforms. The VCP software can control up to 32 seperate receivers if using the RS-485 connection. If you use the RS-232 connection, you are limited to one receiver. There is not a Ethernet connection (sadly) but you could use a terminal server.