MX6707/VRC antenna base

[199th mp]

my M151 came with this base, but no other hardware brackets or cables. can anyone tell me what radio(s)
can be paired up with this unit? also, the mast is broken--does it matter what replacement is used? the old
mast was pretty long. thanks for any help you can offer.

[Rainman]

Hey 199th,
The MX6707 i designed to use with the AN/VRC-12 series of radios. RT-524, PRC-25, PRC-77's mostly. The base has an antenna tuner for use with the RT-524, manual tuning is required for the other vehicle mounted radios. If your using it to transmit it is definitely important to replace the antenna sections with proper sections. If used for receive it's not very important. If it will be around MV owners that know their stuff, it has to be correct no matter what your doing with it. Mounts on the rear corners of the M151 using a sugar scoop and a corner mount with a single extension piece. Somehow I feel like I will be corrected, but that's the basics.
Rainman

[199th mp]

it's mounted as you describe on the right rear corner, since i have the fording kit. so there is a rig i could
connect to this for the PRC25? this is a radio i have some slight familiarity with from the distant past, and
could probably get up to speed again. i will be around those who know as i will be at the tower park event
in april. perhaps i will come away from there with the necessary equipment, who knows what may be
available? thanks for the info.

[Rainman]

Hey 199th,
Yes, if using the PRC's in a mobile configuration you use an AM-2060 in a standard MT-1029 mount that is used for the RT-524's. Here is a link that will keep the need to duplicate efforts to a minimum. Don't want you th think I'm just pointing you in a direction. Lots of good stuff here. http://www.prc68.com/I/VIC.shtml , lots of knowledgeable people here too.
Rainman

[Ralph Fuller]

The three (3) sections of antenna for the R442 are:
MS 116A
MS 117A
MS 118A
Each section costs $6.50 and can be found at Saturn Surplus. Click here:
http://www.saturnsurplus.com/radio/radio.htm
The Antenna Element AT-1095/VRC may be substituted for the normally used three elements.
When the PRC 25 that you are familiar with is installed on a M151 it will look like this. (The "man pack" on the seat is used by the soldier when the radio is taken out of the vehicle.):

[fowlercal]

Are the three sections listed above, (116, 117, and 118) replacements for the AS-1730 lower, and AT-1095 sections? Or are they interchangeable? I have the MX-6707 Base with no antenna sections. Thanks, Cal

[Horst]

No, those mentioned mast section are totally different and only fit to the AB15 / MP15 mast base.

[199th mp]

the broken mast i have was one piece, not sections, and when it was bent forward and hooked in the clip, it extended past the windshield.
was this the wrong mast to begin with?

[Ralph Fuller]

The antenna for the RT 524 is AS 1729. There are two (2) fiberglass sections. (do not paint the fiberglass).
Click here for more information:
http://www.prc68.com/I/AS1729.shtml

[Ralph Fuller]

Manual for the antenna is TM 11-5985-262-14
Operator's, Organizational, Direct Support, and General Support Maintenance Manual.
Antenna AS-1729/VRC (NSN 5985-00-985-9024)

[199th mp]

thanks, ralph--that looks like what is on my M151--there must be a joint somewhere underneath that green tape--when i get
time, i will unwrap it and see if either of the pieces can be saved or if they are both ruined. should i be looking for a 524 set
instead of a prc 25?

[Ralph Fuller]

RT 524 was the radio I saw in Vietnam 1970-71. The PRC 25 or 77 (you won't be able to tell the difference just by looking) was frequently used by the USMC.
Let your wallet/availability determine which radio you choose. Most vets that look at my radio don't know the difference. They just remember a radio on a Jeep. I have the one in the picture, but also have a working RT 524 and R 442.
My antenna was 15' 6" and I found out it exceeded the height I could legally have here in Georgia, and a special permit is required for 14'. I've cut the upper mast so the total is now 12' so I don't have to worry about the antenna coming into contact with power lines.
You can get a working RT 524 for around $400 from Private Jarhead at:
http://www.softcom.net/users/djstutz/pvtjarheadld.html
You can also check out G503 radio/communication board and see what is available at:
http://www.g503.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=36
Go to Ebay and type in "military radio"

[Rainman]

Hey 199th,
Depending on the expendable cash your have will make a difference in what radios you will want to invest in. As Ralph mentioned, RT-524's are $400 - $500 for a working radio (rigs made by Tadiran bring top dollar). A working PRC-25 or PRC-77 will run $350 and up, but for mobile operation you'll need the AM-2060 I mentioned early in this post. That piece will be $100 - $150 and together with the PRC mount in the same mobile mount as the RT-524. Known demilled or untested radios and receivers may go for half the cost as a working rig. R442's are a smaller receive only unit mounted along side the transceiver. Ig takes a different mount and uses the 3 section antenna Ralph posted earlier. It allows the operator to receive on 2 freq's, one on each of the 2 units. RT-524's have a higher transmit wattage and will talk a greater distance.

If a phone call might make it easier to understand, drop me a PM and we'll get you and your radios squared away.
Rainman