radio question from newb

[ohiohmmwv]

There are quite a few different radios listed on various sites that all say they're from a hmmwv. Can anyone list the radios that were actually available for them originally? Also, are these radios all encrypted or anything, or if I buy one can it operate with same specs as a CB?

 

[SCSG-G4]

Encrypted radios will not be in working condition when released by the govt (and probably won't be in very good physical shape either as they will be crushed and chopped). CB radios operate on specific frequencies below 30 Mhz, modern military radios operate on much higher frequencies, and are incompatible with operation on the CB channels. There are some that would operate on the CB channels, but their power output would make them illegal in the USA to operate as a CB. Others will chime in for more specific answers.

 

[papakb]

Ohiohmmwv,

When the HMMWV was first introduced the most commonly seen radios were the VRC-12 family of radios. These consisted of various mixes of the following radio sets. Some of these numbers represent combinations of the basic sets and nomenclature can be totally confusing to the beginner.

VRC-12 non-encrypted VHF radios:

Transceivers:

PRC-25 or PRC-77 Low power VHF manpacks adapted for vehicular use by installation using the AM-2060, then knows as VRC-53 or VRC-64.

RT-246 or RT-524 High power VHF sets mounted in the M1029 shockmount then known as VRC-43 thru VRC-49

Receiver:

R-442 VHF receiver sometimes referred to as a guard receiver

After this series of radios the SINCGARS radios were introduced around the time of the Gulf War in the early '90s.

Transceivers were the RT-1439 and RT-1523(v)

The difference being the 2 is the RT-1523 had embedded crypto.

The RT-1523 when placed into vehicle adapter AM-7239(v) and then installed into the MT-6352 became sets VRC-87 thru 92.

The RT-1439 got put into an AM-1739 and then that was installed into an MT-6576.

Here's a link to Brooke Clarkes very informative page on Sincgars: http://www.prc68.com/I/RT1439.shtml#MT-6352

There are hundreds of different configurations used in the HMMWV depending on the unit mission. Probably the most common current radios are those made by Thales and Harris.

Hope this helps answer your question.

Kurt

KG6KMJ

 

[CARNAC]

The other question is How much do you want to spend? If you're in the boat with the rest of us, you might get a VRC-12 series radio (this series covers a wide variety of radio systems all based on the RT-524 but some people include the PRC-77 into this since they were compatable and with the amplifier base could use the same mount).

Next line is the RT1439 which is non-crypto SINCGARS and some have been sold in the past for $700 for just the untested RT itself without mounts/cables/antenna/etc but haven't seen that price lately. You would also need the amplifier which I haven't seen for vehicle mounting.

Next is the RT1523 which is the crypto SINCGARS earlier models that were "full size" radios that went in the amplifier mentioned above. On rare occasions there have been ones coming out that have the crypto disable/demilled but break out the checkbook and bring the first born.

Next is the RT1523 with crypto SINCGARS F..... awe forget about it, unobtainum to the common man.

Stick with the desert storm era 12 series.

 

[Wile E. Coyote]

Next is the RT1523 which is the crypto SINCGARS earlier models that were "full size" radios that went in the amplifier mentioned above. On rare occasions there have been ones coming out that have the crypto disable/demilled but break out the checkbook and bring the first born.

Next is the RT1523 with crypto SINCGARS F..... awe forget about it, unobtainum to the common man.

The plain RT-1523 first-generation full-size transceiver will work with the crypto card pulled, and I've heard the B model will too...but the A definitely won't and I'm not sure about the C and D.

The 'half-size' SINCGARS radios (RT-1523E through G) are turning up now for sale - only seen the 'E' model so far available - and it's not clear what they're doing to demil the VINSON stuff...if anything. Mike Murphy's had a few in the last little while.

As others have said there are some deals to be had on RT-1439 non-ICOM SINCGARS now and then, but $700-$900-ish as stated, typically with no accessories. Vehicle adapters and RF amplifiers for them show up on the E-place all the time, but...$250 or so for the AM-7239 VAA, probably $30 for the mounting tray, another $250 or so for the 50W RF amp if so desired, and...ohh...$100 in cables.

 

[CliffSegar]

This sort of question is seen often. Just because the radio can transmit, does not mean that you are authorized. Think of it as highways and road systems. We have rules and control devices to facilitate orderly movement of vehicles and traffic. On radio frequencies, something similar exists in the form of the FCC and NTIA establishing rules as to who and where one is authorized to transmit.
The best solution is earning an amateur radio license which will then allow you to use the transmitter in certain 'bands' of frequencies. Fines on the order of $10,000 are standard for unauthorized transmissions!

 

[papakb]

Cliff is entirely correct with this posting and it's never a bad idea to remind people of the legal aspects of radio operation. Just because the equipment is available doesn't mean it should be used without the appropriate licenses. The FCC has dropped the morse code requirement in their licensing exams so with a few evenings of studying almost anyone should be able to get their Technicians license today. This is the entry level license but it will allow you to use tactical radios in the 6 meter amateur band (50Mhz).

The PRC radios discussed here are all low power sets but when you move up to the VRC sets there is potential to disrupt other radio operators if they are used incorrectly or on the wrong frequencies. In certain parts of the country law enforcement, taxis, public service and others still operate in the 30-75Mhz frequency ranges covered by these radios and disrupting them could lead to investigations into who else is using these frequencies. The results could be very negative for all of us.

Beyond the legal frequencies there are some things that every radio operator needs to know. Proper etiquette during transmission is necessary to allow multiple users to access the band and foul language is never permitted on the amateur bands. Lord knows we're inundated with it on a daily basis the way young people speak today but it has no place over the radio. If you need to be the new Howard Stern please keep it to yourself! Transmissions should be short and to the point and a quiet period to allow others to join into conversations is mandated by the FCC.

Something else to keep in mind with radio operation is that radios for use in this country need to be "type certified" by the FCC to be legal to operate. This means they have checked these radios and they can be operated without spurious noise that could interfere with others. While the cheap Chinese radios being sold on Ebay may look tempting most of them are not approved by the FCC for use in this country.

Most of all, be respectful of other people and we'll all benefit by it.

Kurt

KG6KMJ

 

[Wile E. Coyote]

Taking the time to become a licensed amateur also keeps the amateur radio hobby alive, and helps thwart various legislative and governmental bodies in their attempts to try and take our spectrum away.

 

[Flyingvan911]

We use RT-524's in our deuces. We are also hams use 6 meters (50 Mhz) when taking long trips. The 524 is cheap(er) to buy and get up and running. A basic Technician class ham licanse will allow you to use the 50-54 Mhz portion of the radios frequency range. (Techinicly the FM portion of 6 meters is 51.1 to 53.0 for simplex.)

The 524 is a basic and reliable radio for people needing to talk back and forth.