Commo between MVs

[WC Matt]

Hey fellows!
I've been "noodling" this idea for a little while now (hence my earlier post on PRC-25/PRC-77s).So here it is; I'd like to have commo between my M151A2 and My 1962 Ferret M1/2* (that is, when I get it finished ). I would like to use either the PRC-25 or PRC-77 set up for a vehicle application. I like these radios because they could be converted to back pack configuration if need be.

I'm aware that the PRC-25 is the earlier design but knowing nothing about them or the PRC-77, how does either stack up to one another? Sorry for the "which one's better" kind of question I'm not even sure what kinds of questions to ask here .


* I know the Ferret is British with the lucas electric componants and not compatiable with US radios or anything US but, let me deal with that for now. part of the Ferret's TO&E was a dismountable back pack radio which was stored in a bin to the forward left of the driver.

Thanks guys, for all your help.
WC

[moose53]

The PRC-25 and PRC-77 are essentially the same radio, same power, same freq range etc. The 77 had the capability to use the KY-57 voice scrambler etc. which the 25 did not. either one would therefore be suitable for your use since we cant use the scramblers legally anyway. The 77 would probably be more plentiful now since its newer, and be easier to find parts for.
The clansmen radios the UK used would be compatible as long as the freq range was similar. The required freq would cover the 6 meter (50 MHZ) amateur radio band.

Jim

[toptiger]

ah yes the KY scramblers- we had the KY28 {I think that was the nomenclature} in some of our aircraft in VN and what a pain in the butt they were. Had to be keyed every am and then often glitches negated using them. We were told to protect them in crashes and one of our heros tried to shoot it when he crashed with his 38 special, the several rounds fired only scratched it. He did much more damage to the Huey and when it was airlifted back to our base the mechanics were livid. We called him the KY killer for a few weeks....

[moose53]

I'm not real familiar with the radios in the helos, the FAC acft (cessna O-2's etc) had the KY-58, maybe you had the same one? was kinda a pita to use?

Jim

[WC Matt]

Moose53
Thanks for your reply. Looks like I'll be "hunting up" a pair of PRC-77s when time & finances allow.
Regards,
WC

[moose53]

Murphy's Surplus in El Cajon CA has Prc-77's that are recently govt rebuilt & tested for $550.00...



Jim

[ltsimp]

Do you have to have obtain a ham operators' license to legally transmit on these radios?

[WC Matt]

Itsimp
I'm not sure but I believe you do. The few people I know that have/use working military radios have the license.
Regards,
WC

[rickf]

Do you have to have obtain a ham operators' license to legally transmit on these radios?

Yes you do.

Rick

[moose53]

the bad news is yes you need a Amateur Radio license to operate these radios. the good news is you no longer need to learn the morse code and you only need the Technician level license which is relatively easy to get.

Jim

[WC Matt]

Jim, Rickf
Are you guys going to be at Aberdeen this year? Do you know what days you'll be there?
Regards,
WC

[rickf]

I will be there all three days.

Rick

[bigkev1434]

Id just thought i'd add an appendix to this for Australian users , Australian Defence forces still have exclusive use of all but two of the frequencies that are used with the An/PRC -25s and 77s even though they have now gone to the new Raven sets that apparently run on a completely different set of freaks.

[Rainman]

Prc-25's are a tube type radio, the the 77 is a transistor set as the newer replacement. 77's are easier to get parts for, and the D cell adapters only work for the single voltage 77's, as the 25's need a secondary filament voltage only available with the original batteries and vehicle mounts. Tadiran's are a more recent manufacture and a better quality set. Just some things to consider if you want a functional portable. I have access to recent original batteries if anyone is in need. Prices are very reasonable too.
Rainman

[mrdibbles]

Murphy's Surplus in El Cajon CA has Prc-77's that are recently govt rebuilt & tested for $550.00...



Jim

I bought one of these, purchased from Murphy's, and they are very nice. I also use the AM-2060 vehicular mount. The Gov't Rebuilt PRC-77 looks brand new. If I recall coreectly it was sealed in silver metalic plastic like many of the parts we buy.