[MRCA] HF/SSB pack sets.

[Dennis]

> it appears to me that if one wishes to own and operate one for a number of months (dare I say years?), one would necessarily need depot support behind one's back?
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Lacking that, which most of us are, other means of support are required. That being self serviceable equipment, or those with spares in great supply. Radios like the early Racals, Southcoms, and others are very easily serviced. The PRC-1099 is a servicable radio that still enjoys factory support. The other option is those with an abundance of surplus parts. The PRC-25, -47, -77, GRC-106, are all good examples.

> I may yet spring for a GRC-106A as I've become a bit familiar with them.
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Here we go again:
GRC-106
Positive, 2-30mc coverage 1kc steps(100cps for 'A' models, or modifiable).
                Average 400 watts RF output USB, 100 watts AM.
                Very good TX audio tailoring.
                Very good AM TX performance.
                Readily available support materials.
Negative. Noisy(blower noise)
                 Heavy
                 Receiver is a bit wide.
Comments. I've owned a GRC-106 for years. Fun radio to use. Lots of spare modules & radios available. Manuals readily available. Complete system relatively cheap(I bought two complete sets with power supplies at Dayton for less than $1000). 

> Corallary to your previous comments, I have both the FT-897D and the FT-857 HF-VHF rigs. 
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I do too, as well as 2x FT-817, IC-703+, IC-706, FT-747, etc etc etc. When it comes down to serviceability, most hams are in a very similar boat when it come to this modern Ham equipment. In most cases in the event of failure you'll need to send it off for repair. At least some examples of military equipment will allow repair by even the least technical via module swapping(examples noted above).

> I doubt that there's anything on the green MIL market that can compete in all, I repeat all, aspects. 
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Some times there is. As already noted there is no viable commercial equivalent for a military type HF/SSB pack set. Additionally when I'll be away from home for more than 24 hours, I do not take my FT-897 with me to use as a portable station. I take my TW100F(Transworld FlyAway). I could quote other examples but that would be pointless.

For the most part, our intent is to have fun. Members of this group tend to have more fun when military equipment is involved. Be it this equipments historical significance, it's mystique, or the challenge, it all still amounts to, the fun!

Dennis Starks
Military-Radio-Guy
KBØSFP
HFpack/Milpack Monitor(all USB):
3996, 5357, 7296, 14342.5, 18157.5