LF Receivers

URM-106 14 to 250 Kc Field Strength Receiver
FRR-21 14 to 600 kHz Navy tube type receiver, phenomenal performance
TMC VLF Receiver VLRB1 30-600 kHz
TMC VLF Receiver VLRC1 10-40 kHz
CEI Type S302-1 receiver 30 to 300 kHz
Cubic R3030 -  Dual LF, MF and HF receiver

HF Radios

BC-611 - Separate web page (Wiki)
PRC-47 -
PRC-104 -
Vietnam "Village Radio"
The Collins KWM-2 series of radios are covered by the army TM 11-5820-554-xx manuals
ICOM 706 Ham radio
BR RCS-5 Chirp Sounder Receiver
NRD-545 receiver - Rx Antenna Multicouplers - Tx Antenna Couplers - Decoders & Computer Control -
SRR-13 -2 to 32 MHz  navy tube type receiver projection frequency readout
Cubic R3030 - Dual LF, MF and HF receiver
Heathkit Transmitter
Heathkit QRP 2-way radio

VHF Low

VHF Hi

UHF

Microwave

Tempest

GRA-71 Coder-Burst Transmission Group Compatible Radios

GRC-109 -
PRC-64 -
Delco 5300 -
PRC-74 -
PRC-104 -
PRC316 -
PRC-319 -

30 to 88 MHz VHF Low Band

BC-222

WWII tube set operated 28 to 52 MHz.
 

PRC-10

The Army divided up the radio spectrum into three bands, Armor, Artillery and Infantry.  The PRC-8 20-27.9 MHz, the PRC-9 27-38.9 MHz and the PRC-10 38-54.9 MHz.  Note there is a small overlap for inter-division communication.  The 38.0 to 54.9 MHz band was what we now call squad radio.
Also see my RC-292 antenna web page for info on the PRC8, PRC-9 and PRC-10 radios.

PRC-6

"Banana" radio (Wiki) used in Korean conflict (not war).
Radio Receiver-Transmitter, RT-196/PRC-6  47-55.4 MHz, Ser No 3042
TM 11-296-xx for PRC-6  Uses BA270 battery with a number of taps.
Inside the cover the Modifications sticker has the following entries:

• MWO SIG-11-ug6-2  12-60
• MWO SIG-11-ug6-3 12-60
• MWO SIG-11-ug6-4 12-60

TM 11-296 Operation and Organizational Maint.
TM 11-4069 Field Maintenacne/ w Supplemnet

ID-292A/PRC-6 Channel Alignment IndicatorFSN 6625-355-7826

Channel Alignment, 3129-PHILA-51, Serial No 1275
TM 11-6625-332-20P (017122.pdf) Repair parts & special tools
TM 11-6625-332-34P (017123.pdf) Direct & General Support 292 & 292A
TM 11-5059 - Channel Alinement Indicator ID-292/PRC-6

AT-339/PRC 38 to 55.4 Mc DF Loop Antenna

Scan image

38 - 55.4 MHz DF Loop Antenna & Canvas bag, BNC(m) connector that mates to BNC on PRC-6 under cap
With Canvas case that looks a lot like the GRA71-PRC316 canvas case

TNM Enterprises BA-270 Battery AdapterUnit

The adapter can be installed inside the cover of a dead battery to give it realistic look.
• 3 each AAA
• 4 each D
• 10 each 9 Volt
Supplies: Transmitter
• Unit A (filiments) :1.35 to 1.5 V @ 1,000 mA
• Unit B (Low B+): 41.3 to 45.0 V @ 14 mA
• Unit B (High B+): 82.8 to 90.0 V @ 28 mA
• Unit C (Bias): -4.1 to -4.5 V @ 0 mA
Receiver:
• Unit A: 1.35 to 1.5 V @ 440 mA
• Unit B: 41.4 to 45.0 V @ 13 mA
Fort Gordon - Requirements for Radio Set AN /PRC-6 - Ground Radio Communication -

PRT-4 Transmitter & PRR-9 Receiver

PRC-6725

General Information on the PRC-68 -136 Family

RT-1694/PRC-138                                 NSN 5820-01-417-5214

HF & VHF low band
Special Operation Forces - this Harris is a manpack NOT a hand held radio
TM 11-5820-1151-23ING - including"
    CU-2397B/G COUPLER, ANTENNA                     NSN 5985-01-416-4333
    AM-7532/U AMPLIFIER-POWER SUPPLY         NSN5895-01-416-4337
TM 11-5820-1150-12&PING -

PRC-139 - SpecsPRC-6725

This appears to be a Racal radio that can operate at VHF Low (30-88 MHz), VHF Hi (136-174 MHz) and UHF (403-470 MHz) with a module change and was part of the Scope Shield II program.
Aeronautical Expeditionary Airfield Equipment -
Racal accesories :

• Cloning Cable - for radio to radio cloning
• MX-11531/U Frequency Fill Device - a keyboard is part of this device
• MA 6941 PC programming cable - allows a laptop to program the frequencies
• Crypto Fill Cable - looks exactly like the Cloning cable - maybe has a microcontroller with read and fill buttons?
• Ear Microphone Headset - the Telex got a very good review and I expect this one would also
• Handset H250/U -
• Microphone M-80C/U - only usable with the vehicular adapter that supplies the speaker
• Vehicle Adapters - OZ 6727 & MA 6940 - Specs -

Over $125 Million in Sales for Racal's Advanced Tactical Radios  -
MIL-STD-188-220A - Tacter-21 - TCP/IP - Solider Command and Control -  AN/PRC-139(c) radio with GPS (Global Positioning System); helmet mounted display (HMD) (32x24 mm, VGA, 640x480, 8 shades of grey), camera (w/8mm recorder), microphone and earphone; and a ruggedized menu control glove.

AN/PRC-148 MBITR - Specs

Racal Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio - 30-512 MHz, AM/FM; Voice/Data, VINSON & FED-STD-1023
 

FRS Deritives for the Military

U.S. Marines choose ICOM for new communications

  June 1, 2000 - The U.S. Marine Corps has selected a special, modified version of ICOM America's IC-4008A FRS radio for use  as their new intrasquad radio (ISR). This new model will be known as the IC-4008M.

 The IC-4008M is used at the infantry squad level to supplement hand and arm signals. This small, lightweight transceiver is easy to operate and is held in a custom case that is worn on the uniform. All 13,000 units are scheduled to be delivered by October 2000.

 "These are not off-the-shelf IC-4008A's, but they're close", says Bob Carey, Vice President of ICOM America. "This special version of our FRS radio has undergone frequency changes to operate on select U.S. Marine Corps' UHF frequencies." The ISR will not be made available for public purchase.

 The ICOM radio was heavily tested against and selected over a field of other competing models. "This is one tough little radio," says Bob Carey. "We're very pleased and honored that the U.S. Marine Corps has chosen ICOM for this project."

 The Family Radio Service (FRS) band continues to grow in popularity for everyday, no-license, no-fee communications between family and friends. FRS radios may be used on land, sea or air.

 ICOM's IC-4008A is built to meet JIS-4 water resistant standards, so they're perfect for outdoor use or on a boat. Already built to meet tough military specifications and sporting impressive features such as an automatic transponder system, a "smart ring" to confirm that a call has been received, and a foldaway antenna, the IC-4008A was named earlier this year as a "Best Buy" by Consumer's Digest Magazine (1/00).

 Go here for more information on the IC-4008, or call 425-450-6088 for a free brochure.

 For GSA purchasing information, contact Joanne Wegener at 425-450-6090.

Icom Wins Soldier Intercom Award

For Immediate Release
 August 14, 1998

 Contact: Joanne Wegener
 Phone: (425) 450-6090

 Icom Wins Soldier Intercom Award

 (Bellevue, WA) The U.S. Army selected the Icom IC-F3S Portable Transceiver for the new Soldier Intercom. "We are honored at our selection, especially after the rigorous testing and stiff competition with other radio industry leaders", said Chris Lougee, Land Mobile Division Manager, Icom America, Inc. "The Icom IC-F3S had the lowest failure rate during harsh test conditions, and was overwhelmingly preferred during combat situations by the soldiers", he added.

 Icom America will deliver over 22,000 units to fulfill the fielding plan to specific Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault, Light Infantry and Mechanized Infantry units. Other agencies may purchase the Soldier Intercom on Icom America's GSA Contract GS-35F-1094D. It includes an Icom IC-F3S portable transceiver, spare battery, AA alkaline battery pack, combat carrying case and a Telex Stinger stealth headset all packaged and shipped from Icom America, 2380 116th Avenue NE, Bellevue, Washington, 98004.

 The Army tested several transceivers in a tropic environment because the humidity and heavy foliage represented a probable worst case scenario. They were inserted into standard training exercises, over a 4 week period, at the U.S. Army Tropic Test Center, Republic of Panama, in an operationally realistic field environment while engaged in offensive and defensive battle drills. Test results were published in the "System Evaluation Report For The Soldier Intercom (SI)", June 22, 1998, by the US Army Operational Test and Evaluation Command. Although the Icom IC-F3 was tested, they selected the IC-F3S after deciding that no keypad requirement existed.

 "The Icom IC-F3 clearly was favored by the soldier test participants", the report states. Also in the report, "The Icom ranks as the best value of the intercoms tested". The Icom IC-F3 exceeded the performance criterion for standing, and prone operation, over rolling grassland and slightly wooded terrain, in a low power mode. Also, the Icom IC-F3 operated properly after being jumped in airborne operations.

 The Icom IC-F3 experienced only one failure in 1167 operating hours, exceeding the mean time between operational failures criterion (MTBOMF) by a factor of 3. It operated 24-42 hours with the rechargeable battery and 21-36 hours with the throwaway AA cells (10% transmit, 10% receive and 80% standby mode). The soldiers considered the Icom radio the most durable of all the commercial radios tested, and the one preferred to take into combat.

 The average temperature ranged from 75-88°F, average humidity was 87% and the average rainfall was .47 inches per day. These environmental conditions are especially harsh on electronic equipment.

 The soldiers were asked to assemble, insert batteries, initialize and communicate over the Icom radio without the use of the manual.  More than 2/3 of the soldiers rated these tasks as extremely easy. These results indicated the ease of use of the Icom radio, and that the training requirement will be minimal.

 Icom America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Icom, Ltd., Osaka, Japan. For more information please contact:

 Chris Lougee, Land Mobile Division Manager
 Icom America, Inc.
 2380 116th Ave NE
 Bellevue, WA 98004
 (425) 454-8155
 

 Background Information On The Soldier Intercom Project For Sidebar
 The Soldier Intercom (SI) program began to satisfy the need for an infantry inter-squad radio. "The individual soldier operates in a high tempo, high risk, combat environment", states the Single Acquisition Management Plan for the Soldier Intercom, dated December 30, 1997. "Inter-squad commands and communications are passed verbally from person to person or by hand and arm signals. These are often misunderstood, and can result in inaccurate and incomplete situational awareness, especially at night".

 "The success of a squad's mission depends on the ability of the squad leader to communicate rapidly to each individual squad member precise changes in plans and orders, as well as changes in friendly and enemy situations. The individual soldier at the squad level must be able to plan and react quicker than the enemy. The SI will give the individual soldier that capability". No inter-squad electronics communications capability currently exists.

 The SI is a Commercial Off-The-Shelf procurement, which evaluated capabilities and features against cost objectives. Transceivers were tested in combat conditions over a 4 week period, at the U.S. Army Tropic Test center, Republic of Panama, in an operationally realistic field environment while engaged in offensive and defensive battle drills. Test results were published in the "System Evaluation Report For The Soldier Intercom (SI)", June 22, 1998, by the US Army Operational Test and Evaluation Command.

 Overall, 100% of the participants stated that the SI provided better knowledge of their position, tactical situation and threat, and 96% considered it an improvement over hand and arm signals. They felt more secure knowing that if they were wounded, they could be located and helped. The SI helped them in "knowing what's going on" which gave them a sense of having control of the situation.

 The field leadership were unanimous in rating the effectiveness of the squads using the SI. The platoon leader observed "each squad was able to monitor the other squads' progress, problems, success, etc. as the mission was developing". Reactions were better during unplanned and unrehearsed segments, and there was better control over each individual.

PRC-10

38 to 55 MHz tube back pack radio.
Chinese mirror site for radio listings -
BA-279
TM 11-612

Note the frequency ranges of the series:
PRC-8   PRC-9   PRC-10
20  to  28
       27  to  39
              38  to 55 MHz
there is a 1 MHz overlap between bands.  I think that the different models were assigned to Armor, Artillery and Troops.

VRC-12 Series

The RT-246, RT-524 and AM-2060 (holds either the PRC-25 or PRC-77) and the R-442 receiver are all vehicle mounted radio sets operating in the VHF Low Band.  For more about them see my MT-1029 web page.

URC-100 Series

Tempest

HF - That can be used with the GRA-71 or the AN/GRA71-PRC316

To be compatible the radio needs to be able to key the transmitter at a Morse Code speed of 300 Words Per Minute.  Earlier tube type radios could not do this in stock form.  Note that the GRA-71 transmissions were one way.  The field units could not receive comms at this speed since it requires special tape recorder units for receiption.  Today it could be received using digital means.

GRC-109 Spy - Field Radio

CW or use with GRA71.
The PRC-64(A) replaced the GRC-109.

PRC-64

observed info by Pete McCollum -
MCGP Backmails -
Additional Comments by Dennis Starks on the Army Radio web page - "Following closely the adoption of the GRC-109 came the PRC-64 in 1965.  Again a radio of CIA origin via the Delco 5300. While the widespread use of the PRC-64 in US hands may or may not have been short lived, and is open for debate, it did enjoy extreme popularity in the hands of one of our few Vietnam Conflict Allies, the Australians and their Special Operations Group. With the introduction of the "A" model with enhanced code burst operation, it would appear that all or most previous, models where modified to comply to the newer radio's specs in the same is respect as it's predecessors the RS-1, and GRC-109."
Memoirs of a Sneaky Pete by Donald E. Valentine This section covers a tour with the D Company, 1st SF Group which became the 46th SF Company [Ft Bragg, NC and Thailand  June 1966-Oct 1967]
PRC-64A eBay Photo -

Delco 5300

South Carolina Signal Corps Museum - AN/GRC-9, Delco 5300, SSTR-1, ZC-1
observed info by Pete McCollum
Additional Comments by Dennis Starks
U.S. Military Portable Radios by Alan D. Tasker, WA1NYR
InfoSec and InfoWar Portal - email about 5300 -
Delco 5300 Series HF Transceiver by Pete McCollum
W. L. Howard - Technical Intelligence Bulletins -  Vol. 2 No 8 July-August 1997 - Technical Intelligence Museum -
203rd Military Intelligence Battalion - nothing there

PRC-74

See TM 11-5820-590-12 available on line at ETM.
• PP-4514 Power Supply                                                     NSN 5820-00-942-0821
• CY-6121 Battery Box                                                       NSN 5820-00-908-3127

PRC-74A

The 74A, 74B and 74C HF Tranceiver can connect directly to the GRA-71 Keyer (without using the keyer adapter) by means of the CX-10239/PRC-74 cable.
• PP-4514A Power Supply                                                 NSN 5820-00-177-4581
• CY-6314A Battery Box                                                    NSN 5820-00-156-3934

PRC-74B -                                                          NSN 5820-00-935-0030

PRC-74C                                                             NSN 5820-00-177-1641

• TM 11-5820-590-21-1 (015814.pdf)

PRC-104

PRC316

British HF field radio that works with the GRA71-PRC316 high speed morse adapter

PRC-319

British HF field radio with built in digital messaging.  It has a "wide band" CW capability so it might be able to read messages from a GRA-71? photo - without the antenna tuner

BC-611

moved to it's own web page

PRC-47

I got this as a set including the metal transit case.  It had been refurbished and I remember using both the receiver and transmitter.
Now for some reason the transmitter portion does not seem to work. ?GRA-71 use?
This radio is NOT compatable with the GRA-71.

Links

History of the Squad Radio, Marvin W. Curtis, November 1976 ECOM-4451, AD A038437.pdf  97 pages.
U.S. Military Portable Radios - with tables of good data
Batteries - my page
Manuals - whenever you see a notation like (015814.pdf) it means that you can get the manual on line at ETM.
AN/PRC-68 Legacy by Alan D. Tasker, WA1NYR
PRC Data series by Dennis Starks
U.S. Military Portable Radios by By Alan Tasker, WA1NYR
Collecting Military Radios by Ralph Hogan WB4TUR
The Boneyard Radio Price Guide -
The PRC-25 Story by Dennis Starks
PRC-68-B by megaman
AN/PRC-126, Radio Set at Fort Monmouth
Non Tactical Portables at Army Radios web site
Communications  Security and Related Equipment by Frederick W. Chesson -
Additional Comments by Dennis Starks on the Army Radio web page -
TS-3354 can be used for all the radios in this series for 30 - 88 MHz testing.
BB-388A/U, PP-8444A/U Charger, BA-5588U, 1588U, BB-588U
Datron World Communications MT1060MM 35 W RF booster amplifier, power conditioner, and power supply.
Audio Connectors & Cloning - Fill - Retransmission -

[an error occurred while processing this directive] page created 11 Oct. 2000.