[Milsurplus] (no subject)...AN/GRC-3 Family vs. JAN System

[Mike Morrow]

> Looks like I have everything necessary to put together a GRC-8
> including a couple of MT-652/GR antenna mounts.

The MT-652/GR is not part of the AN/GRC-8.

That is part of the MX-898/GR Modification Kit that applies to the RT-68/GRC (or -66 or -67) only, in order to use it separate and portable in a manner similar to the way the RT-70/GRC is used in the AN/PRC-16.  However, this usage requires not only the CY-590/GRC battery box, but also the G-8/GRC handcrank generator to supply part of the transmitter:

 http://www.nf6x.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/1999/01/mx898.gif

IMHO, the MT-652/GR mounting base is easily damaged, especially at the twist-on that engages at the top of the RT-68 front panel.

If you make up an AN/GRC-8, you might as well install a R-110/GRC to fill out the MT-297/GR mount and make it an AN/GRC-7.  Add the C-435/GRC to the MT-297 to add retransmission capability.  The resulting creme-puff will weigh only 250 lbm.

> I also have the Navy PP 1175/SR AC supply which I have been using
> with my RT-67 and RT-68 in base station setups.

That makes those systems officially the AN/SRC-11Y and AN/SRC-12Y.

FWIW, the US Army named systems containing only the RT-66, -67, or -68/GRC plus power supply as AN/VRC-8, -9, or -10.  The US Navy named their similar systems either the AN/SRC-10, -11, or -12...or the AN/URC-20, -21, or -22.

The US Army named systems containing only the R-108, -109, or -110/GRC plus RT-66, -67, or -68/GRC plus power supplies as AN/VRC-16, -17, or -18.  The US Navy named their similar systems the AN/SRC-13, -14, or -15.

All told, the RT-68 (or -66 or -67) appeared under 11 different JAN system designations, the RT-70 appeared under 8, the R-110 (or -108 or -109) under 4, and the AM-65/GRC under 14.

Within the full range of "old AN/GRC-3 family" of equipments, and including the USN's X and Y designations added to system numbers based on power supply voltage, there are 60 different JAN system designations.  You've got to love the versatility of the JAN system and the old family of tactical FM sets. :-)

Mike / KK5F