[Milsurplus] AN/PRC-8

[Matthew Paulonis]

Hello,

I can't say that I am a genuine military radio enthusiast that spends a lot
of time collecting or restoring radios, but I do find the subject quite
interesting none the less.  I read these postings almost daily to see what
is going on out there in this realm as it reminds me of when I originally
got into ham radio some 25 years ago and always looked to the surplus
markets to get on the air.

This being said, I have a couple of AN/PRC-8 backpack radios (as well as a
recently acquired PRC-10).  I think I bought the PRC-8's at a ham fest for
about $20 for the two of them with handsets and antennas when I originally
got my novice back in NY.  I then went on to get the complete canvas back
straps, antenna pouch, etc for one, and the vehicular power supply/amplifier
for the other with the thoughts of getting them working on 15 meters.  Well,
that was 25 years ago, and they still sit in my storage locker in the same
condition as I bought them.  The whole string of messages a few weeks ago
about heavily modifying old mil-surplus gear (Strong Stomach Needed) made me
think of these old radios and why I originally bought them.  I've read
almost every successive response to this original string and have seen
opinions covering both ends of the spectrum either for/against
modification: I have been pondering both sides of this argument nearly ever
since I bought them.

The question for the group is, that since these are 20 - 27.5 mc FM, and
therefore illegal for use as transmitters, what is the inherent value
(historically, nostalgically, practically) of these in this day and age in
unmodified condition internally?  They are not in any great shape
cosmetically, and I can't positively verify that they actually
transmit/receive, other than being able to hear garbled voices on them from
what I recall from the last time I powered them up.

Regards,

Matt
W2NS