Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

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Crusader_22
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Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by Crusader_22 » January 15th, 2011, 9:10 pm

Well, I finally installed a radio set in my truck, a PRC-25, mounted with the AM-2060 amplifier, making the complete rig a AN/VRC-53.

I did the whole shebang today, the sponson plate, MT1029, and cabling to my existing switching antenna base. It went very well, with one little scare when I flipped the switch after the installation, and nothing happened. Turns out, the jumper inside the MT1029 was in the position for remote versus local, a quick fix, and everything was up and running perfectly.

I have another manpack rig, complete PRC-25 radio. Now I have to get my tech HAM license, which I have been putting off for too long already.

It is not as nice as Mr. Dibbles' thread, but neither is my truck! (oh, wait, that's Top's now, right?)

A military vehicle just seems more military with a functional radio set.

Jeff

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Last edited by Crusader_22 on January 15th, 2011, 9:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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11 yrs Army NG, currently full time AH-64D Apache Longbow crewchief
Former 11B, 32 IN BDE, WIARNG "RED ARROW!" OIF 3 2005-2006
General know it all jerk 42 years and running.

SOLD 1971 AM General M151A2
SOLD 1966 USMC M416
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Crusader_22
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck.

Unread post by Crusader_22 » January 15th, 2011, 9:18 pm

Clarification of the jumper location:

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11 yrs Army NG, currently full time AH-64D Apache Longbow crewchief
Former 11B, 32 IN BDE, WIARNG "RED ARROW!" OIF 3 2005-2006
General know it all jerk 42 years and running.

SOLD 1971 AM General M151A2
SOLD 1966 USMC M416
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WC Matt
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by WC Matt » January 16th, 2011, 2:11 pm

Looks good (I'm jelious) 8) :wink: .

Matt
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mrdibbles
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by mrdibbles » January 16th, 2011, 2:28 pm

I like it!
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Ralph Fuller
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by Ralph Fuller » January 16th, 2011, 2:39 pm

That is the way radios looked when I was in Vietnam....scratched, different colors but functional.
Ralph
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199th mp
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by 199th mp » January 16th, 2011, 6:13 pm

hi crusader--like you, i recently got my radio up and running, with nothing found yet to do a comm check--i suppose the practice of wearing the headset while driving would be officially frowned upon, don't you think?
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Crusader_22
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by Crusader_22 » January 16th, 2011, 6:31 pm

Ralph Fuller wrote:That is the way radios looked when I was in Vietnam....scratched, different colors but functional.
..and that's how they will stay. I don't think I have ever seen a military truck in my entire Army career that was all one color, except a BRAND NEW M1165 we just got in our unit, where we had to tear the plastic wrap off the new seats. So, really, it looked like Mr. Dibbles used to own it. :D

I decided a while back, this truck will always be an unrestored "motor pool" example, warts and all, like in service. My brother's even has military BRUSH applied camo paint in spots.

Thanks for the kind words, all of you! Can't wait to get my license for HAM operation. I think I am just about done with this truck, any more additions besides an M60, and I think it will be overdone as a combat truck, if it isn't already.

MP - yes, headset while driving = BAD. :)

Jeff
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11 yrs Army NG, currently full time AH-64D Apache Longbow crewchief
Former 11B, 32 IN BDE, WIARNG "RED ARROW!" OIF 3 2005-2006
General know it all jerk 42 years and running.

SOLD 1971 AM General M151A2
SOLD 1966 USMC M416
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Crusader_22
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by Crusader_22 » January 19th, 2011, 2:05 pm

Couple more, better ones, not crappy cellphone pics.

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11 yrs Army NG, currently full time AH-64D Apache Longbow crewchief
Former 11B, 32 IN BDE, WIARNG "RED ARROW!" OIF 3 2005-2006
General know it all jerk 42 years and running.

SOLD 1971 AM General M151A2
SOLD 1966 USMC M416
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csmith
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by csmith » January 19th, 2011, 10:25 pm

Nice job Jeff, she looks good! I'm with you on the motor pool look!
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toptiger
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by toptiger » January 20th, 2011, 1:20 am

That looks sensational, Jeff and I like the 'period patina'.
I wonder how many jeeps in Vn actually had radios, In my unit very few, but of course we had some that were, errrr, midnight acquisitions. I have never been in ground unit so I have no idea how many jeeps, say a Infantry Company has assigned in the TO&E. Then how many of those had radios?
Any old farts around who remember?
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rickf
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by rickf » January 20th, 2011, 10:44 am

Doesn't matter how many you were supposed to have or were assigned, They seemed to disappear in the night for some reason. I always wondered what a chopper was doing in middle of the night. :lol:

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toptiger
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by toptiger » January 20th, 2011, 5:58 pm

you know, Rick, if Mr D really does move to Florida that will make things pretty pretty easy for us. Probably won't even need the chopper, Those orginal Bartows are light!
Author M-151 MUTT, The Vietnam Jeep
Paper edition http://www.blurb.com/books/1646321
IOS ebook iBookstore: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id598605516
2 M151A2s, M416 trailer, M274A5 Mule,
Former Army Aviator, Bien Hoa, VN 1968-69
Mustang Gunship Platoon Commander
68th Assault Helicopter Company 'Top Tigers'
Central Florida and France
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rickf
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Re: Finally a radio in my truck. AN/VRC-53 (PRC-25)

Unread post by rickf » January 20th, 2011, 6:04 pm

nd you have a pretty extensive grou[ of friends who have many hiding places I am sure. Any of them still flying?

Rick
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone
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