[Milsurplus] Speculations on ground radios of the fifties

[John Vendely]

Howdy,

The TRC-75 is essentially the AN/ARC-58 aircraft HF radio system 
repackaged for vechicular use.  This is an early generation (mid 1950s) 
synthesized autotune design, and therefore much more complex and 
sophisticated than the ART-13.  They can be a challenge to work on, and 
unfortunately the days when ARC-58 components were cheep and plentiful 
are long past.  But it would be a very worthwhile project if you're 
willing to give it a go. If your brother already had it up and running, 
it may not be too difficult to get it back on the air.  Of course, these 
older synthesized rigs do require periodic TLC; but then, that's part of 
the fun.

The AN/URC-32 (KWT-6) was another very similar ARC-58 family radio, but 
modified for manual tuning and repackaged for installation in a 
telephone-type open relay rack.  An autotune transmitter and receiver of 
the ARC-58 family (AN/GRT-12 and AN/GRR-13), capable of remote or local 
control and also installed in relay racks, were used in Air Force fixed 
ground stations. Power amplifiers from 2.5 kW to 45 kW were available 
for them.

We all hope to hear your TRC-75 on the air some day soon...

73,

John K9WT

On 4/29/2026 3:53 PM, Radio Room via Milsurplus wrote:
> Off topic (maybe) ....
>
> So where does a AN/TRC-75 fit in this auto-tune world ????
>
> I ask because I inherited a complete unit that I have never
> uncrated from my brothers estate. Always thought it would
> be a cool radio to try and get up and running but I have no
> experience with auto-tune other than back in the 60's with
> ART-13's. Guess getting the manuals and studying would be
> a start. Your discussion reminded me that I had the radio
> somewhere in the pile.
>
> Thanks
>
> Skip WB4GMQ
>
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