> I want to have some of my trucks radio equiped/capable. I
> have a couple PRC-25radios i would like to use in them.
> My problem is the antennae. What vehicle mount
> antennae can be permanently installed on the vehicles
> that would hook to the PRC-25 with the minumum of
> problems? What connections will I need?
Gale,
Okay, let's see...... It's been about three years since I
ETS'd, and I don't have my manuals handy (they're buried
in storage), so I'm running on brain cells here. However, I
won't be too far off... :)
I don't know if the PRC-25 vehicular mount set up was
original or not, but then again, I don't think that you're
running for 100% original, just functional. So... The set-up
that you are talking about is referred to as the AN/GRC-125
(if you have the accessories along to go "backpack mode".)
If just vehicle mounted only, it's the AN/VRC-64 (I think- I
can't remember what the PRC-77 set-up is called, as they
are close.)
However, for either one, for vehicular use, you need a
24V system, regardless. 12V won't cut it. The mount that
you need is an MT-1029. This consists of the baseplate
which is the part that actually is bolted to the vehicle's body,
five "shockmounts" to absorb the various bumps and
bounces of the vehicle, and the radio tray, which is what the
radio is locked down onto. (This is all bolted together with
1/2" bolts, which is self-explantatory when you see it.)
After you figure out where on the truck you want to
mount the radio, measure from the battery to where the
radio mount will be. (Take into account all of the various
twists, etc.) This is the route that your power cable will
be laid. This is the CX-4721. It comes in umpteen million
varying lengths, so you just have to find a radio surplus
shop that has what you need. One end of the cable has
battery connectors attached. The other end consists of
a plug, which screws into the bottom of the powerbox on
the MT-1029.
The powersupply that you need is called an AM-2060.
This is the part that actually slides into the radiomount,
then is locked into place with a pair of big wingnuts (more or
less.) The PRC-25 locks into the AM-2060 then. (Here's
where I can't remember the correct part's name.) The power
is supplied from the AM-2060 thru a cable we always called
"the dogbone." It's about 6"-7" long, one end plugs into the
-2060s faceplate, the other plugs into the power-plug of
the -25. (That powerplug on the opposite side of the -25's
whip antenna mount, on the radios top-plate.)
The antenna that you need is an AS-1729. It consists of
(again, I'm fuzzy) the matching unit (set up correctly, it
automatically matches the antenna's harmonics for the best
performance), plus the antenna itself. This consists of two
halves. The bottom part screws onto the top of the 1729.
The antenna co-ax cable is a CX-1773. This also comes
in umpteen lengths, so measure from the radio to the
antenna mount, again taking into account all of the twists,
etc. and add about 18". (Worst case, you'll have a little extra
cable to wrap with a rubberband. Better a little too much, than
not enough. Especially after taking the time to strap all of that
co-ax down.)
The "matching unit cable" (I can't remember the right part
name, but any radio surplus company worthy of the name
should know what you're talking about, or they can just look in
the manual.) This plugs into the base of the -1729, and the back
of the -2060. If both are working as they should, whatever
frequency range that you select on the face of the -2060 will
automatically be set on the antenna. (You set the freq on the
-25. Then set the -2060's setting. You should hear a mechanical
"Whirring", then it should stop. This is the matching unit "doing
it's thing." You can check it's accuracy by looking on the bottom
of the -1729. There is a rotating switch on the bottom that allows
you to manually set the freq if either the 1729 or the 2060 aren't
working right.)
I can't remember the name of the mounting bracket for the
-1729, but it's the same bracket used on -151's, -35's, Hummer's,
etc.
Well, I hope that this helps out some. Or it might not be what
you wanted after all. Give me a yell if you have any questions on
this, as it's what I did for several years for Uncle! :)
Jerry