[Milsurplus] KWM-2A or AN/FRC-93 or AN/FRC-153

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 10/30/07, Mike Morrow <kk5f at earthlink.net> wrote:

> It just bothered me that a high-dollar set like the KWM-2A used RCA phono plugs for RF connections, doubtless to mate automatically with the 351D-2 mobile mount.  But still, it seems cheap.

More importantly, to mate with the PM-2 portable power supply, which
together fit into the Samsonite CC-2 case. A shack in a suitcase,
basically.

> The bare-bones, no accessories, KWM-2A in 1961 cost $1250.  That's equivalent to $8700 today!

And what would $8700 buy you today in the field of defense gear with
the equivalent versatility and features? You end up buying one of the
Yaecomwood big rigs, somewhere around the same pricepoint.

> Just what is the differnce between the AN/FRC-93 and the AN/FRC-153?  They both used the RT-718/FRC-93 (KWM-2A), I think.  Does anyone on the list have units of this system with JAN nomenclature tags present?  I seem to recall that the tags weren't affixed very permanently, and thus often were missing.

I don't have my manuals handy, but I'm wondering if the latter
included the 30L-1 amp and other accessories. The tags were along the
lines of those metallic stick-on type. There was one on a 51S-1 I got
years back, but it was in pretty rough shape and coming loose, so I
helped it along.

> There's an interesting document describing the equipment used in a cold war era USAF communcations squadron at:
>
http://www.radomes.org/museum/documents/Roslyn_AFS_274_Communications_Squadron_final.pdf

Here's another one for a Navy/Marine Corps MARS station in Viet Nam:

http://marinecorpsmars.com/BarrysSite/USMC%20MARS%20Operations%20in%20Vietnam.htm

Good shots of the gear and suitcases in use in the field.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ