[Milsurplus] WWII Japanese VHF? Now GRC-3 to 8

[Mike Morrow]

Robert wrote:

>AN/GRC-3 C/O RT-66/GRC, R-108/GRC, RT-70/GRC, AM-65/GRC,
>MT-297/GRC and associated components.  AN/GRC-4 is same but
>without the RT-70 & AM-65."

The GRC-4 had the RT-70 and AM-65, but not the aux receiver R-108.

If an installation consisted only of the R-108, RT-66, PP-109/112, and no RT-70 or AM-65, then it was mounted on the smaller MT-327/GR mount and called the VRC-8.

>AN/GRC-5 and -6 are same as -3 and -4 but with RT-67/GRC.
>AN/GRC-7 and -8 are same but with RT-68/GRC.

For the large MT-297 mounted systems, starting with a GRC-3, 5, or 6:

*  Removing the aux receiver R-108, 109, or 110 makes the GRC-4, 6, or 8.
*  Removing the RT-70 (keep the AM-65) makes the VRC-20, 21, or 22.
*  Removing the aux receiver R-108, 109, or 110 AND
    removing the RT-70 (keep the AM-65) makes the VRC-13, 14, or 15.

I am very fond of these sets, though they seem to have very little collector appeal.  I consider them quite advanced for the era.  The GRC-3 through 8 could be set up for full duplex or repeater mode operation if the C-435/GRC was installed.  A great example of cold war radio gear!  My GRC-7 just plain looks impressive, all 225 lb. of it.

> RT-66 is least common.  It was outlawed by the French after they got
> kicked out of Indo-China.  The US stupidly went along with it and US
> Armor had to shift their comms above 29 MC to comply with their rules.

It sounds like an interesting story is lurking there!  Why would French defeat in Indo-China result in this?

Hue wrote:

> BTW, i don't see this KW era FM as often on Epay as i think i 
> should. 

I don't think there's ever been much interest in them.  Most consider them dogs, especially the RT-66 and R-108.

> There was a lot of these made, wasn't there? How 
> about the 10m one, 20 - 28, is that more uncommon?

I've seen a fair number of RT-66 units, and I've got one.  Since it covers 20 to 27.9 kHz, the frequency range makes it a real white elephant for actual use.  Nowhere in its range is it legal to put on the air, even the ham bands, and it's not practical to shift frequency.  RT-67 and 68 units are easily found before fooling with an RT-66 is worth the effort.

73,
Mike / KK5F