1970s CF Radios

[Scott Bentley]

Originally Posted by Stuart Fedak

As I stated before, I am interested in the Bosnia time period and have the RT-524/PRC-25/77 sets. In the Ottawa area several of the Iltis are configured with antenna mounts and vhf whips. I have approached the comms units in both Ottawa and Kingston for guidance on radio configurations, but I am still waiting for e-mail reponse. Lots of promises of information, but I thought there would be more interest.

As an Advanced Amateur Radio operator I can legally possess and operate the MIL radio gear, so I like to configure it to operate cross band into some of my commercial radio equipment. I have used my HF mount and 16 foot Shakespeare antenna to talk to other amateur radio stations in Canada/USA and into Europe. For me, that is a lot of fun.

I guess using your criteria, I am just owning an MV (which is OK). I do have a running Iltis since 2005, have the M101 CDN2 trailer and have done my best to set it up. I have attended air shows, Canada Day parades, Remembrance Day events, public service events such as bicycle races, etc.... I enjoy driving the Iltis and taking it out to play radio.

I look forward to more guidance on what would constitute acceptable radio kit for the Iltis for the Bosnia time period. My research shows the Iltis was configured for a wide range of radio kit. As the TCCCS radio kit is not available on the Canadian surplus market, the only real option is VRC-12.

If there is anyone in the Ottawa region who wants to assist me in this project, I would be more than happy to receive personal guidance.

Cheers!

There was an interesting (heated) discussion about re-enactors portraying the European Campaign in 44-45 and the correct weapons in use. I won't try and reproduce the whole thread, but in essence, although there was an original photo showing a Canadian using a Thompson in Europe, the correct SMG for Europe was the Sten. But the mere existence of the photo created a scenario where everyone who wanted to carry a Thompson justified it through that photo.

I tip my hat to Iltis guys. That is the bitch about restoring/owning something fairly new I guess. As you alluded to, TCCCS is not legally available and if you install anything VRC-12, then you're limiting yourself to portraying 2001 and earlier. TCCCS and VRC-12 did not crossbreed, period.

Did the VRC-12 and HF co-exist in an Iltis? Not in 1999 or earlier. Is there a chance that they did between 1999 and TCCCS in 2000-2001? I personally doubt it, but I don't know for certain, and I wouldn't use that vagueness as a basis to legitimize it.

Although it is very very remotely possible that someone could have rigged up a VIC System in an Iltis, doing so on that premise opens to door to all kinds on nonsense, like guys putting a Javelin Missile on the back seat, me pulling a Giant Viper behind my MUTT, and that "thing" in the Kijiji Add above, and then displaying it at a show as legit.

But, if a guy wants a VIC System or Desert Cam paint for his Iltis, then by all means do it, as long as its understood that it wasn't legit and it isn't passed off as legit:
http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ290251712
http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ286797246

In my mind, and by no means am I any kind of an authority on this, but in my mind, being period correct is having the correct kit for the era being portrayed. Being a purist means that you can't have an MT-1029 (or some other piece of hardware) with a Dataplate dated 1989 in a vehicle that was divested in 1986. Sounds crazy but this is the sort of thing I see on the US Forums.

[chris vickery]

I am now the proud owner of an operational RT-524 and a PRC-77.
All I need now is the co-ax to the AMU, the control cable for the AMU and a power cable for my jeep. I require the Bendix style from the batteries to the bracket as well as the Bendix from there to the radio.

Now, someone tell me about the 77 set. I am a little confused from previous posts here. Was the 77 equipped to be mounted in a vehicle, was it ever tied in with the 524 etc. What would I require, if anything to accomplish this?
My 77 came as the basic unit: radio with battery box, handset and flex base with tape antenna.

[Scott Bentley]

Originally Posted by chris vickery

I am now the proud owner of an operational RT-524 and a PRC-77.
All I need now is the co-ax to the AMU, the control cable for the AMU and a power cable for my jeep. I require the Bendix style from the batteries to the bracket as well as the Bendix from there to the radio.

Now, someone tell me about the 77 set. I am a little confused from previous posts here. Was the 77 equipped to be mounted in a vehicle, was it ever tied in with the 524 etc. What would I require, if anything to accomplish this?
My 77 came as the basic unit: radio with battery box, handset and flex base with tape antenna.

Option 1:

On the Man Pack and probably the most legit way during the era:


Option 2:

Or mounted on an AM-2060 Tray:



For Option 1 you have everything already. For Option 2 you will require:
AM-2060 (not cheap)
MT-1029
C-2299 (under the 524 in the last pic)
MX-6202 and Antenna Elements
Cables
Adapter Bracket for MT-1029 (plate under the MT-1029 in the pics above)
AMU Utility Bracket and an illusive AMU Corner Mount

In a nutshell, you essentially need doubles of everything you needed to run the RT-524, minus the Power Cable with Bendix and the C2299 Box.

If it were me, i'd enjoy it now as is and collect the other items as time goes on. Some items like the 2060 Tray are expensive and the AMU Corner Mount can be very tricky to find.

Congrats on the find.

[Scott Bentley]

Heres some clearer snaps of the installations:

[Marc Montgomery]

well I dont want to hijack Chris' thread but although the"'legacy" radio considerations are similar the thread is getting off topci, so will transfer other questions to a new Iltis comms topic