[Milsurplus] AN/PRC-70

[Ralph Hogan]

John,

I've used my prc-70 with a whip and ground counterpoise wire to check into
the ARMY MARS network. Keep in mind that most military radios are USB only.
The prc-70 must be modified for LSB. Some Mars nets are LSB. So I guess to
answer your question, yes it is 'mars' compatible, if you modify the radio.
I can recommend someone on this list that does this modification. It
requires finding a hard but not impossible to find collins filter for the
conversion. The prc-70 is a great radio, however very pricey as it isn't
that common.

If you want a backpack HF radio that is in the same price range (that Alan
T. suggested) as the prc-70, that's 2-30 MHz with usb/lsb/cw and has lcd
readout, then do investigate a prc-2000. These have been on the market new
in the box this last year. You might also want to look at the prc-104.

I'd also suggest looking at the backpack HF PRC-74B. It covers 2-18 MHz
USB/CW. The radio can be modified for LSB capability. This is also a much
more affordable radio.

If you can live with 2-12 MHz USB/CW and a lot more weight (backpack by
military standards, but not my back) for even less $$, then the prc-47 might
work. For the weight penalty, you get 20W/100W selectable power, but not
fully solid state. Can can be modified for LSB with a kit that is available.

You may be talking about an issue of a new tighter spec for
government/military radios. The CAP organization has had to comply with this
new spec. However, as far as I've been able to find out from my local Mars
director, Mars currently does not have to meet this.

Finally, if you dont want to stick with a military radio, then the icom 706
or the new yaesu backpack HF radio might be what you are looking for. You
dont really need a military radio to check into a Mars net. A good portion
of the hams checking into the nets are using off the shelf ham rigs.

Welcome to ham radio.
73's
Ralph W4XE / AAT4UU

I am new to the amateur radio world and am looking for a practical radio
for medium to long range field day and emergency use that is MARS
compatible.  It has been suggested that I look for a PRC-70.
Regards,  John Hill   doctor@spamcop.net