Radio

[Pointboy]

Ok well I've been looking around on YouTube and eBay and things and I'm looking for a hand help personnel radio that use frequency instead of it being just connected to one other set, I'm trying to find a military radio with a head set maybe but something that isn't going to cost the earth, anyone who even knows what I'm about since I found it hard to explain haha it would be appreciated if i got some help thanks

[12mp82]

Ok well I've been looking around on YouTube and eBay and things and I'm looking for a hand help personnel radio that use frequency instead of it being just connected to one other set, I'm trying to find a military radio with a head set maybe but something that isn't going to cost the earth, anyone who even knows what I'm about since I found it hard to explain haha it would be appreciated if i got some help thanks

I know exactly which ones you mean, but unless the sets have been re set they may not be legal to use by people outside the military.

The radios are Clansman sets.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksi ... &_from=R40

Also have a read of viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2564&hilit=clansma ... =30#p31290

This site has an amazing amount of useful information on it

There are a few CBs that are hand-held and have head-sets as well, look for Midland 42 sets, and accessories

[madmedic]

Hi, Clansman and military radios are not illegal to own but the battery life is not great.. depending on what you wanting CB is a great option and will come alive if SHTF. or also some of the Ham radios are very good but a bit more expensive.. a good place to have a look is local radio club. even if you dont join people will show you what is what. also get a copy of practical radio it has loads on lots of different radio types.. if you want feel free to PM me and i can tell you lots more.

[modplod]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clansman#UK.2FPRC_316

I am pretty familiar with the PRC-320 HF version, my mob (TA) used it in the 1980's.

They were a complete pain in the arse because they hardly ever worked properly!

Replaced (at great cost) by Bowman - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowman_%28 ... _system%29

For ultra-modern equivelant - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skynet_5

Why do you want this crap? Honestly it never worked as it should....

[madmedic]

As MP says. The bulk of the army switched to Bowman 2003 until 2012 even TA stopped teaching clansman although it was still held. The thing you have to remember is that it uses rechargable batteries that last upto 8hrs if you are lucky. The army used landrovers to charge the batteries and that uses a 24v system and seperate alternator along with 2-4 extra vehicle batteries.

Modern civilian radios mostly work 12v much smaller and simpler.

It is also becombing difficult to get clansman spares and lots of it uses funny specific ti military fittings

[madmedic]

Saying all of that though...

The PRC320 is one of my favorite radios/door stop/deadweight in bergan of all times

[Pointboy]

Thanks guys for the help, erm I will look up what types i can legaly get, but I'm not sure why they are illegal to have does anyone know?

[12mp82]

Thanks guys for the help, erm I will look up what types i can legaly get, but I'm not sure why they are illegal to have does anyone know?

It's all to do with the frequencies they work on, there are civilian frequencies that must be adhered to, if you use other frequencies you might interfere with others transmissions, can you imagine the consequences if you started broadcasting on a military frequency and a live firing military exercise was also using the same when trying to fire a salvo of artillery, or if you transmitted over a local ambulance or fire service call.

That is why it is illegal to use the wrong frequencies.

[madmedic]

as long as you stick to the frequencies allowed within the amateur radio license they are not illegal to own.. i have a few friends who use PRC320 and VRC321 as everyday radio.. the use of military or other dedicated frequencies is the illegal thing..

the 320/321 both have frequency range of 2-29.9999 MHz so there are plenty on there that you can use..

but for the price you can get something like a Yeasu FT-817 that will do all that and more and is the size of a car stereo. of if you are looking just to chat to people withing 10-20 miles get a CB for far less

edited as put wrong freq down.. :oS

[madmedic]

Thanks guys for the help, erm I will look up what types i can legaly get, but I'm not sure why they are illegal to have does anyone know?

if you are using it for the HF frequencies go do the foundation radio course. will cost £28 and give you all the info on what you can and cant do. will also give you a call sign to stay totally above board.. it is possible to find all the and use the kit as an unlicensed user but depending on location, people do get a bit funny and OFCOM can confiscate your kit if caught, im not sure what the legal penalties are either.

the clubs are also a great source of kit and information. can be worth a look