2 x RT-524/VRC-49 Installation into M151A2 Questions...

[Scott Bentley]

Hi guys,

I'm putting on the finishing touches to my Comms installation.

First question:

Does the MX-6707 AMU require a Grounding Strap, or is the Utility Bracket being bolted to the Roll Cage a sufficient Ground?

Secondly:

Is a Rubber Gasket required between the MX-6707 and the Utility Bracket, or is it bolted straight in?

Lastly:

Did the M151A2 ever have a VRC Loudspeaker on the Dash? I've got 2 holes left in the Dash that are not "plugged" with something, just to the left of the Grab Handle in front of the Passenger. I suspect they might be for a Loudspeaker or possibly a Mike Holder.

Thanks

Scotty

[maple_leaf_eh]

Unless my memory is wrong, the AMU mount bolts directly to the chassis above the spare tire. If you need more ground, I wouldn't use the roll cage. As I recall it is only 'pinned' in place with push-button pins, not permanent fixtures.

Speakers were entirely optional. My unit never had any - or never cared to issue them. We just made do the old fashioned way with headphones and handsets. The holes on the dash could have been anything, including for a fire extinguisher. I don't remember any sort of mike holder. Most guys slipped the clip over the windshield tiedown strap, but the cord bouncing around made the mike itself into a lethal weapon!

[rob love]

The AMUs were supposed to be bolted directly onto the roll cage right over the tarp. I took apart 30 of these trucks, and don't recall any ground straps going from the rollcage to the body. It would make sense though, since the rollcage was not bolted but rather just pinned to the mounts.

Of the 30 trucks I bought, one or two had the antenna still mounted on the bracket above the spare tire carrier and a couple had the corner bracket (left rear).

I believe the rubber gasket is more for use on the roofs of the APCs and such, to prevent water from entering. I don't believe they were on the Jeeps, but I will check my installation instructions for the M38A1 when I go out. Since they originally used the same mounts the installation should be similar.

As to the speaker, in those days, if you wanted a speaker in your vehicle, you just asked and they installed a speaker. Militia units didn't count, since the only speakers they were likely to get would be ones they stole from regular force trucks. Of the 30 jeeps I bought, one or two had the speaker on the dash.

Normally things like the trays, AMUs etc would be pulled before disposal. I did have some items left in the jeeps, but for the most part they were stripped of their IKEES (Installation kit, electrical equipment).

[Scott Bentley]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Here are some pics of what i've got.

Feel free to point out any mistakes with the install, or if you notice something missing. I'm really striving to get everything as correct as possible. I'm really thinking I should get some Cabinets for the 524s.