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

Fri Oct 9 22:24:32 EDT 2026

Deja vu all over again...

I think someone asked this question years ago. I have one of these scanners which I dug out when this was first asked.

Mike N2MS

> On 10/09/2026 9:26 PM EDT W2HX via MRCA <mrca at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> 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 OfDude 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 isa 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 theMANbutton first. Key in your desired frequency (e.g.,1,4,5,.,5,5), and then pressENTto 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 (6for NFM,7for WFM, or8for AM), and pressENT.[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 (4for 5K or5for 12.5K), and pressENT.[1 (https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESngEB6zswFWnSML6LwE_5lBCrPIxIVbJ1MWKE9nnZs5kYbJiBcmTXEn1KFU5II4hxSMSBxoxyHAjAKMtnkgALEz7U3ckttXTaKG7FWm3IPr-mPh1YBEPyTQSFekjfAcgdmt_BnfewEk-KKwJJtW7Q6nADxKaHHqdJW93jYrNBc_44Avb_LMW54J8cZfOU7n7KaxAVV3SXQ7hkxIP-sfce3Q)]
> ·Saving to Memory:Type your preferred target channel frequency, pressENT, and type in a two-digit channel location memory placement (e.g., channel 5 must be typed as0,5) before pressingENTonce more to save it.[1 (https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESngEB6zswFWnSML6LwE_5lBCrPIxIVbJ1MWKE9nnZs5kYbJiBcmTXEn1KFU5II4hxSMSBxoxyHAjAKMtnkgALEz7U3ckttXTaKG7FWm3IPr-mPh1YBEPyTQSFekjfAcgdmt_BnfewEk-KKwJJtW7Q6nADxKaHHqdJW93jYrNBc_44Avb_LMW54J8cZfOU7n7KaxAVV3SXQ7hkxIP-sfce3Q)]
> ·Setting the Internal Clock:PressMAN, thenCLKto display the clock. To update the time, pressMAN➔CLKSET➔ENT➔input the 24-hour time digits➔pressENT.[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 circularBendix I/O multi-pin porton 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] On Behalf OfW2HX
>  Sent: Friday, October 9, 2026 9:52 AM
>  To: List Milsurplus; milpack at groups.io; mrca at mailman.qth.net; MMRCG; 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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