Radios

Mac · Post by **Mac** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:12 pm

Hello,

I have an AB15 on my truck, but from what i seem to see this isnt what most people use?

I just bought a NOS MX6707, antenna and everything.... What type of radio could I use with it? what else would I need? I have the sugar scoop and offset.... What type of radio do most people use in thier trucks? What will one cost me?

Thanks!

MSeriesRebuild · Post by **MSeriesRebuild** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm

AB Linn would be able to answer your questions concerning military radio equipment, very knowledgable in this area. E-mail: ablinn@salisbury.net

gwalker · Post by **gwalker** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 5:06 pm

To start there are basically 2 groups of radios used in M-37 (an other trucks), the Korean era tube type sets and the newer transistorized sets that were introduced mid 60's(these sets saw service till the turn of this century), Within these 2 groups there are many radio sets and combinations. The most complex setups would have been used in a communication shelter which would be placed in the bed of a truck. The ab-15 is the ant base for any of the early tube type sets an those sets would be correct in an M-37, However the trucks saw alot of service in vietnam an many would have gotten the newer transistorized sets so the scoop mount is correct as well. Each radio set would have had a vehicle installation kit an instructions, these are hard to come by now, usually you will need to get the installation parts peicemeal now. There are several military radio vendors such as fair radio or barans radio for a start, (e-bay when you know what u want). These vendors can help you select radio equipment typically found in your truck.

powool · Post by **powool** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:59 pm

I'm hoping to install a GRC-19 into my M-37 someday, even if I don't get a shelter for it. I've got the radios, and am working on getting my ham license to operate them.

Juan · Post by **Juan** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:35 am

I would go with a T-195, it's from the transistorized era but it's sweet.
I remember that "Fair Radio Sales" use to have complete sets of this radios at Fair Prices.

Larry S · Post by **Larry S** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:42 am

I think the RT524 is the most common and it does operate the mx6707 antenna. I'm sure my memory is bad but I think the mount is MT1029.

Mac · Post by **Mac** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:35 pm

Is it possible to hook smaller radios like the backpack type to it?

tmbrwolf · Post by **tmbrwolf** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 6:10 pm

yes you can use the PRC 25 / 77 manpack radios, but you will need the amplifier that you mount the radio into and then mounts into the vehicle radio mount, personally I would opt for the VRC series radio (AN/VRC 46) lots more power output! You'll need a ham license to legally transmit with either radio however.

Ken
SFC USA (ret)

CGarbee · Post by **CGarbee** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 5:16 am

If you go with a PRC25/77 or one of the similar Vietnam era radios (and get your codeless technician ham liscense) you can talk to the rest of us in the NCMVPA who have radios installed in vehicles when we go on convoys to shows and other events...

I'm running with a PRC77 in my Cummins powered M37 since I can have it in the cab with me (the "standard" military mounting is for the radio(s) to be in the bed...). I actually have two of them with a mount installed in each of my vehicles and just swap them around depending on what I am driving. I don't use the vehicular mount in this truck, I just pop the radio on the passenger seat and plug in the antenna. (I could run it off the internal battery when its in the truck, but I actually have a power converter and cable to provide the required 14v to the front panel plug--I also have a adapter in place of the stock big battery so that I can run D cell batteries...)

Stop by sometime and I'll show you how I've got everything set up in the various trucks.

gwalker · Post by **gwalker** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:27 am

Here is my VRQ-3 setup it consists of 2 RT-68/GRC radios on a MT-298/GR mount w/ a C-435/GRC retransmission control (TM11-287). It is in an M-715 but would be correct in M-37 as well. One item often overlooked are the troop seat support brackest which should be used in any radio installation.

Mac · Post by **Mac** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:01 pm

Did they use supports in M37s? I know mine had a radio, but it looks like yours are bolted on, and I have no holes there...?

gwalker · Post by **gwalker** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 4:56 pm

Yes they orignally came in the installation kits, they are hard to find so you will prob need to find someone who has a correct m-37 support to copy, they are simple angle iron. Most folks arent aware of them if they never saw an installation kit w/ the instructions and parts . the location for them is shown in the install sheet for each truck. Alot of the manuals are shown in the tech manuals list here but you cant download them, however someone must have the orignals.

CGarbee · Post by **CGarbee** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:10 am

I have copies of the original instal instructions... Only problem that I have with posting them on my website is that the ink on the yellow and green paper is faded enough that it will take a bit of work to get a decent scan...

Mac: If you want to ride over and look at either the radio setup in my truck, or take a gander at the mounting instructions for the VRQ-3 (or similar) setup, just give me a ring...

Mac · Post by **Mac** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:41 am

Will do! I'm pretty busy lately, but I may have time this weekend?