Author Archive

AS-1729/VRC VHF Whip Antenna

“The AS-1729/VRC is an omnidirectional, vertically polarized whip antenna assembly that provides transmission and reception of radio signals (very high frequency (VHF)) between 30 and 76 MHz.” TM 11-5985-262-15 BACKGROUND: […]

ATX Computer Power Supply repurposed

The PC type desktop computers seem to have a universal type ATX or the newer ATX12V power supply. These are multi-voltage units that are pretty much standardized in various power […]

MIL COMMO FTX: Field Day 2023

In an effort to encourage more field operations by Hams, especially with military field radio gear, the following After Action Report is posted. This was a Military Communications Field Training […]

RACAL TRA-967/3 VHF FM Transceiver

Updated 7/3/23 This is a RACAL TRA-967/3 VHF FM transceiver that was formerly operated by Saddam Hussein’s army in Kuwait during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. AKA Operations Desert Shield, Desert […]

End Fed Half Wave Wire Antennas

Updated: 6/29/2023 – A work in progress. End Fed Half Wave wire antennas must be great. Everyone is selling them! Meh. The antenna engineer’s axiom: You can have high gain, […]

PRC-174 HF Manpack Radio Set

UPDATE: 7/30/2023 I recently obtained a veteran RT-936/PRC-174 HF manpack radio from a fellow Ham (Thanks!). These were made by Tadiran from a design clearly originating from Hughes Aircraft, makers […]

Mil Radio Ops at FOB COVID 2020

July 2020: The following is a brief After Action Report on Military Radio training operations at Forward Operating Base COVID, July 2020. Scheduling difficulties required delaying from the June 2020 […]

TRC-77A HF CW Transceiver

UPDATED 8/6/2023 A friend recently gave me an RT-654A/TRC-77. Also known as the TRC-77A.  The RT-654(*) is the basic component of the “AN/TRC-77” set. A Deep Dive – probably more […]

Fast Patrol Torpedo Boats / PTF-17

PTF-17, PTF’s in general and Coastal River Division 21 Ops: Updated – 6/18/2023 A Work in Progress. First, a little background: Why PTF’s?  The Green Water Navy. Despite what several […]

The PRC-47 HF SSB/CW/RATT Transceiver

Updated 10/12/2023 Some notes regarding the AN/PRC-47.  This radio was designed by Collins and 1423 sets were produced by them (Contract NOm-72362, 15 December 1961).  The Department of the Navy […]