Hi guys - a happy TRC-77 operator out this way. Of all my Mil radio gear the TRC-77 probably has the most operating hours on it.
There are at least 4 TRC-77 sets/operators on the west coast in fairly regular operation along with similar "spy" sets on the "West Coast Agent Guard Channels" of 7050/3550 kc days/nights. Not a formal, schedulet "net" but a rally point to keep a receiver on Guard. One can usually scare up at least one of us if we happen to be in the shack. A quick EMail will also activate the crew...CW Lives!
Also always good for random CQ contacts. Most of us also have 3560, 7030, 7040, 7055 and 7060 available.
These freqs were selected decades go since FT-243 rocks were commonly available and Expanded Spectrum Systems and QRPme also has HC-49's available for a few bucks each on those freqs (but receive rocks (+455 kc) are another matter.)
I used the Epson programmable chips in my nearly-identical TRC-88, they work great but now there are SMT devices available. However ProgRock seems like a better method these days - we look forward to Anthony's application notes on them.
If interested, here is everything I have learned about the TRC-77's development, deployment and my own Ops with it. A very capable Bush Radio, it goes with me on every boondocks recon trip...
N6CC TRC-77 notes Probably more than you ever wanted to know! HiHi
You might consider some of those freqs as well. I can hit the east coast with the TRC-77 and a dipole pretty routinely with the current good propagation conditions. 500+ miles is easy anytime.
Have fun with your sets!
Tim
N6CC