[MRCA] [milpack] Can anyone ID this radio?

Fri Oct 9 21:26:21 EDT 2026

Dud, Steve and Ira get a cigar!
It does in fact, appear to be an AOR AR-2001 (I don’t think it is the 2002 based on pictures of the concentric volume/squelch differences on those two models).
If anyone is interested, here are some links (BTW this Loral/Bendix version is MUCH better looking!!)

https://www.rigpix.com/aor/aor_ar2001.htm

A video of someone doing a teardown of the civilian version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1l0oB6bT2Q

Great group. BTW I did try Google AI but it came up with nothing. Interesting that lens provided results when their AI system didn’t

73 Eugene W2HX/4
My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@w2hx/videos

From: milpack at groups.io <milpack at groups.io> On Behalf Of Dude via groups.io
Sent: Friday, October 9, 2026 3:06 PM
To: milpack at groups.io; 'List Milsurplus' <milsurplus at mailman.qth.net>; mrca at mailman.qth.net; 'MMRCG' <mmrcg at groups.io>; MRCG-West at groups.io
Subject: Re: [milpack] Can anyone ID this radio?

Eugene,
Using Google lens gives:
This device is a modified AOR AR-2001 or AR-2002 communication receiver scanner<https://www.google.com/undefined>, repackaged or customized into a ruggedized, military-style enclosure by Bendix (marked as the MRRS or Military/Mobile Radio Receiver System series)
The layout, button typography, and function settings are an exact match for the classic Japanese-designed AOR wideband desktop scanner from the late 1980s, built here with a heavy-duty waterproof housing and localized military connections.
The exact original reference documents can be read or downloaded via the AOR AR2002 Operating Manual Page on AOR Japan<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESgQEB6zswFRYi2PvV9u3jehaNT1voxAZldFKzdi_bvRMtZLxxrIWrdDm1RGgB0HDmPwV8aSdIyGNVJZlys30TAjR524xS4M0hVcM0EMUFaD3loKIzGEBRnhcEwksm3UlpJ6CV41xMaoJJ0Ni-7saWTiD6_8j_qujtsqTTNk6Re1rB6ss> or viewed on ManualsLib's AOR AR-2002 Document Archive<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAEScgHrOzAV15b-P2aIosKC7mp404YdneskdUzIbhS2RaGPOVScejlttX9Je63PnrkPr0tqUGj82aR4F-uKjXcJxMrjGUOX7vxmUqKafiOdTIinltJUB_-MgggwVqUsHZflzdUYYhWfaKhYmi43iN4feYch6A>. [1<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESgQEB6zswFRYi2PvV9u3jehaNT1voxAZldFKzdi_bvRMtZLxxrIWrdDm1RGgB0HDmPwV8aSdIyGNVJZlys30TAjR524xS4M0hVcM0EMUFaD3loKIzGEBRnhcEwksm3UlpJ6CV41xMaoJJ0Ni-7saWTiD6_8j_qujtsqTTNk6Re1rB6ss>]
A quick operational summary derived from the AOR AR2001/AR2002 Quick Reference Sheet<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESngEB6zswFWnSML6LwE_5lBCrPIxIVbJ1MWKE9nnZs5kYbJiBcmTXEn1KFU5II4hxSMSBxoxyHAjAKMtnkgALEz7U3ckttXTaKG7FWm3IPr-mPh1YBEPyTQSFekjfAcgdmt_BnfewEk-KKwJJtW7Q6nADxKaHHqdJW93jYrNBc_44Avb_LMW54J8cZfOU7n7KaxAVV3SXQ7hkxIP-sfce3Q> outlines how to use the interface: [1<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESngEB6zswFWnSML6LwE_5lBCrPIxIVbJ1MWKE9nnZs5kYbJiBcmTXEn1KFU5II4hxSMSBxoxyHAjAKMtnkgALEz7U3ckttXTaKG7FWm3IPr-mPh1YBEPyTQSFekjfAcgdmt_BnfewEk-KKwJJtW7Q6nADxKaHHqdJW93jYrNBc_44Avb_LMW54J8cZfOU7n7KaxAVV3SXQ7hkxIP-sfce3Q>]
📑 Basic Operation Quick Start
The receiver buttons use shared dual-functions (numbers vs. modes/steps).
·        Manual Tuning: Press the MAN button first. Key in your desired frequency (e.g., 1, 4, 5, ., 5, 5), and then press ENT to load it. [1<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESngEB6zswFWnSML6LwE_5lBCrPIxIVbJ1MWKE9nnZs5kYbJiBcmTXEn1KFU5II4hxSMSBxoxyHAjAKMtnkgALEz7U3ckttXTaKG7FWm3IPr-mPh1YBEPyTQSFekjfAcgdmt_BnfewEk-KKwJJtW7Q6nADxKaHHqdJW93jYrNBc_44Avb_LMW54J8cZfOU7n7KaxAVV3SXQ7hkxIP-sfce3Q>]
·        Selecting Operating Modes: Type in the corresponding number key for the mode you want (6 for NFM, 7 for WFM, or 8 for AM), and press ENT. [1<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESngEB6zswFWnSML6LwE_5lBCrPIxIVbJ1MWKE9nnZs5kYbJiBcmTXEn1KFU5II4hxSMSBxoxyHAjAKMtnkgALEz7U3ckttXTaKG7FWm3IPr-mPh1YBEPyTQSFekjfAcgdmt_BnfewEk-KKwJJtW7Q6nADxKaHHqdJW93jYrNBc_44Avb_LMW54J8cZfOU7n7KaxAVV3SXQ7hkxIP-sfce3Q>]
·        Selecting Frequency Steps: Type in the step increment value key (4 for 5K or 5 for 12.5K), and press ENT. [1<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESngEB6zswFWnSML6LwE_5lBCrPIxIVbJ1MWKE9nnZs5kYbJiBcmTXEn1KFU5II4hxSMSBxoxyHAjAKMtnkgALEz7U3ckttXTaKG7FWm3IPr-mPh1YBEPyTQSFekjfAcgdmt_BnfewEk-KKwJJtW7Q6nADxKaHHqdJW93jYrNBc_44Avb_LMW54J8cZfOU7n7KaxAVV3SXQ7hkxIP-sfce3Q>]
·        Saving to Memory: Type your preferred target channel frequency, press ENT, and type in a two-digit channel location memory placement (e.g., channel 5 must be typed as 0, 5) before pressing ENT once more to save it. [1<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESngEB6zswFWnSML6LwE_5lBCrPIxIVbJ1MWKE9nnZs5kYbJiBcmTXEn1KFU5II4hxSMSBxoxyHAjAKMtnkgALEz7U3ckttXTaKG7FWm3IPr-mPh1YBEPyTQSFekjfAcgdmt_BnfewEk-KKwJJtW7Q6nADxKaHHqdJW93jYrNBc_44Avb_LMW54J8cZfOU7n7KaxAVV3SXQ7hkxIP-sfce3Q>]
·        Setting the Internal Clock: Press MAN, then CLK to display the clock. To update the time, press MAN ➔ CLKSET ➔ ENT ➔ input the 24-hour time digits ➔ press ENT. [1<https://www.aorja.com/support/discontinued/b/AR2001-AR2002_operating_manual_quick_reference_sheet.html>]
⚠️ A Note on Powering This Bendix Unit
The stock consumer versions run on standard 12–14V DC. However, because this was modified into an industrial Bendix housing, the circular Bendix I/O multi-pin port on the upper right side likely handles the main power supply routing. Do not apply raw voltage to random pins on that connector without checking the interior wiring pinout first, as you risk frying the internal logic boards. [1<https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESYQHrOzAVtFiTQhmN-Cd5Ozhzowi2CVMEKqtj8rnb_vvIIr9jch3SuYA5Vcg9JIGdPFx2Bk9rdWTUEq8jWeS1A14D8EZZphuXoUblwsxo6o8Tssb6HHApDMsVNVQt1PWgGFo>]

However my experience is, trust nothing from AI.
Dud KK7IF

From: milpack at groups.io<mailto:milpack at groups.io> [mailto:milpack at groups.io] On Behalf Of W2HX
Sent: Friday, October 9, 2026 9:52 AM
To: List Milsurplus; milpack at groups.io<mailto:milpack at groups.io>; mrca at mailman.qth.net<mailto:mrca at mailman.qth.net>; MMRCG; MRCG-West at groups.io<mailto:MRCG-West at groups.io>
Subject: [milpack] Can anyone ID this radio?

Struck out on army-radios. Anyone have an idea here? make/model?

Looks a lot like Loral in terms of construction and size (reminds me of the M50B/PRC-132).

I'm hoping to find a make/model/an-designation and some specifications/pinouts/etc. Photo attached. Any leads welcome!
thanks

73 Eugene W2HX/4
My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@w2hx/videos

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