Option to buy AN/TRC-145 comm shelter

Hi All,

I'm looking at buying an old deuce, and on the back of it is this comm. shelter, all strapped down. Inside are two AN-GRC103 radios, two multiplexers, a switchboard, and maybe some other stuff I didn't recognize. The shelter tag on the outside says "Shelter Electrical Equipment S-390A / TRC-145(V). It's designed to fit in the back of a pickup, so why it's on this deuce, I don't know. The tags also mention the Sacramento Army Depot.

When you put in "AN/TRC-145" on Google, you learn that this was used in the air defense communications area.

Is this a find, or are these all over the place? I have a feeling either it's worth nothing or it's worth a ton. There's no generator included, no way of knowing what works and what doesn't.

I took some pics, but it's a little late to try to load them up this evening.

It's completely worthless. Why don't you just drop it off at my place in California, and I'll dispose of it for you.

But seriously, I hope that you'll be able to find a military radio collector near you who will give the shelter and its contents a good home. If the shelter is still outfitted with a large percentage of its original radio complement, then I really hope that it'll be kept intact (or better yet, restored) instead of being parted out. I don't think that commo shelters with their original contents are very common at all.

Yeah, looks like the Army pulled out whatever was easy to pull out like the chair, fire extinguisher, etc. and left everything that was bolted in. The deuce is from '67 and has a winch, canvas cab top, air shift diff., no heater, no bows, rear canopy or troop seats; I'd say it's in only average condition - a couple of small rust holes in one fender, most of the wheel seals leaking, etc. I'd probably need to sell the shelter to recoup some of the cost, and he wants five grand for the whole thing.

The radios are old tech, tube, and not very practical for most civilian applications - like Ham radio. However, depending on the completeness of the set, it could be of interest to someone who collects military communications equipment. Shelters are available from a number of sources and the prices are all over the place depending on condition, equipment, etc.

A TM for the parts, etc. is TM 11-5895-453-24P-1 which is available on LOGSA in .pdf. It includes drawings of the shelter layout, equipment, etc.

I just purchased an M1028 with S250 shelter. It was a Radio Teletype system (aka RATT Rig) with the GRC-106 HF radio. All of the comm gear was stripped out so I'll be converting it to my radio room for my ham radio gear.

Post some photos of the shelter and the equipment, perhaps you can drum up some interest. I might even find room in my driveway for another project.

Unless you like fiddling alot with a radio, it might be best to see what you have and ask Columbia what they would give for it. They stock spares, and you never know when a contract from South America will come along.. They are not too practical or so I better immortalize them here before they all go away.

TM 11-5820-540-12. Operator's and Unit Maintenance Manual for Radio Set, AN/GRC-103(V)1, AN/GRC-103(V)2, ANGRC-103(V)3, AN/GRC-103(V)4 and Extension Kit, Mast, MK-1009/GRC-103(V). 1 July 1988.

http://www.columbiaelectronics.com/an_grc_103_v__1__2__3___4_radio_sets.htm



The set, if complete, will have 5 plugin-type "RF heads" to cover its 5 bands.
220-405
395-705
610-960
695-1000
1350-1850

Here's the list of things needed for the 220-405MHz band.

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This specification covers the following units of a radio relay equipment in the frequency range 220 to 404.5 MHz and designated Radio Set AN/GRC-103(V)1.

Receiver, Radio R-1329( )(P)/GRC-103(V)
Amplifier-Converter AM-4316( )/GRC-103(V)
Transmitter, Radio T-983( )(P)/GRC-103(V)
Amplifier-Frequency Multiplier AM-4320( )/GRC-103(V)
Receiver-Transmitter, Order Wire RT-773( )/GRC-103(V)
Antenna AS-1852( )/GRC-103(V)
Mast AB-952( )/GRC-103(V)
Cable Assembly, RF CG-3444( )/U (1 ft 6 in)
Cable Assembly, RF CG-3444( )/U (3 ft 6 in)
Cable Assembly, RF CG-3443( )/U (80 ft)
Adaptor, Connector UG-1375( )/U
Cable Assembly, Special Purpose, Electrical, Branched CX-10763( )/GRC-103(V) (3 ft 6 in)

The radio set uses the following special accessories for extension of capabilities.
Extension Kit, Mast MK-1009( )/GRC-103(V)
Converter, Frequency, Electronic CV-2500( )/GRC
Cable Assembly, Special Purpose, Electrical CX-10879( )/GRC-103(V)
Dummy Load, Electrical DA-437( )/GRC-103(V)
Cable Assembly, Special Purpose, Electrical CX-10762( )/U (5 ft)
]]]]]]

and an alternate description:
Radio Set, AN/GRC-103(V)1
JAN Type: AN/GRC-103(V)1
Nomenclature: Radio Set
Reference: TM 11-5820-540-12
NSN: 5820-00-935-4931
Components:
T-983/GRC-103 Transmitter,
R-1329/GRC-103 Receiver,
AM-4320/GRC-103 Amplifier-Frequency Multiplier,
AM-4316/GRC-103 Amplifier Converter,
RT-773/GRC-103 Receiver-Transmitter Order Wire
Weight: 468
Mode: 500F9
Frequency Range: 220-404.5 MHz
Power Input: 115 VAC, 47-420 Hz
Power Output: 15-25 W
Number of Channels: 369
Channel Spacing: 1 MHz
Replaces: GRC-50
Security Devices: KG-27
Part of: GRC-103, MRC-115, MRC-126, MRC-127, TRC-113, TRC-145
Description: The AN/GRC-103(V) is a compact, transportable UHF-FM radio set which provides facilities for multichannel transmission and reception of PCM signals. It will accommodate up to 24 telephone channels when used with appropriate PCM multiplex equipment. The multichannel radio system can be secured by using electronic key generator TSEC/KG-27. In various configurations, the AN/GRC-103(V) can be employed as radio terminals or repeater stations. The difference between the models is the frequency range of bands I, II, III, and IV.
Source: FM 24-24, 20 May 77 & TC 24-24, 3 Oct 88 & FM 24-24, 94
Created: Wed Jul 12 21:24:04 2000
Last Modified: Wed Dec 6 09:23:54 2000

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The main issue is the spacing of the frequencies at 0.5 or 0.25 MHz apart, hams won't be too interested, mainly will be for collectors and dealers of obscure spares and sets. The bandwidth is also 300KHz wide. This is at least 10 times wider than a set any ham might consider using under normal curcumstances. Modern day alternate uses might include jamming or wideband data communications.

I've tried several times to post 640 x 480 pics and I still can't get it. Maybe my dial-up is just too slow. I might reduce the pictures lower yet and see if I can get you some.

Turns out that the GRC 103 radios are NOT in the shelter. Instead there's two different types of multiplexers, and two of each type. The numbers are TD-754/G and TD-660 B/G. Then there's a patch board (don't know what else to call it) and a LS-147F/FI intercom. Plus some file cabinets and stuff. I saw the first set of multiplexers and since the numbers for the radios are on a plate on the outside of the shelter, I assumed the other "radio-lookin' stuff" must be the radios. On later inspection I found them to be a second set of multiplexers instead. So bummer, no radios.

Still haven't decided whether I want to buy the deuce or not, so if I don't, I'll pass on the contact info to y'all if you want. Maybe you could work out a deal on the shelter if it's something that interests you. It's in Harrisonburg, VA.

A pair of identical muxes is alwaysa good thing.

Anyone out there knows where I can get my hands on some grc-103 radios in work order. Their out of the TRC-175 , 174, 145 trucks. please e-mail rayvega1500@att.net

thanx
raycaster

Grc-103

HELLO CAN YOU STILL GET THE TRC-145 i WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THE GRC-103 RADIO'S RAYVEGA1500@ATT.NET

Hello

I was a 31M3C when in the Army I ran several of the AN TRC 145 and 113 Vans

If you have any questions about equipment I can tell you.

The TD 660 is a telephone type Multiplexer it takes up to 12 channels of telephone and multiplex's them in to one communications train link IE a single transmission, and then reverses the same. The TD 754 is a cable multiplexer and with the right cable and repeaters it can transmit up to 2 TD 660 multiplexs 12 channels total of 24channels up to 40 miles.

Please Note the TD 754 is very dangerous as it can transmit over 1000 volts and it can kill you so be careful.

The van should have had 2 sets of AN GRC 103 radio's of one of 3 band types band I, II, or III Note band III was the most popular of all the bands the 103 is NOT a Tube Radio. Though there was a component depicted as a Tube it was not. It was actualy the component that created the Radio frequency it was nothing like a traditional glass tube like the AN GRC 50 radio sets were.

There should have also been below the TD 660's there should have been 2 CV-1548 ringer converters they were to convert 22 Hz to 1600 Hz for the Phone lines.

There would have also been 2 KG-27 com sec equipment in the shelter but I am quite sure they are gone.

God I know I could still set up the entire system and run it.

I set these up in Alaska I actually spent 6 weeks in -85 we the entire Battalion did.

As far as the Duce there were some units that were authorized to operate these shelters on Duces but they were primarily 1/2 ton truck mounted.

You Know I kind of Miss that work.

I joinede the Army in 78 as a 31M I learned both the FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexers) and TDM( Time Division Multiplexers TED-660's). When The 103 Radios were introduced they were initially alloted to Air Defense Missle units for the Aquisition Data Links and to the Airborne Units. The TRC 145;s and the Relay Versions were mounted on the old 5/4 ton vehicles. In the Airborne they were mounted on the Gamma Goats and jeeps without the s-250 shelters. Shortly after I arrived at my first duty station the 145's prime carriers were switched to the M-880 series trucks (Dodge). I have never seen a 145 mounted on a Duce, however the AN/TRC -117 (AN/GRC-50 then Later using the AN/GRC-103's were mounted on duces and were usually found at corps level signal units and signal battalions in Brigades. I worked in both and with the AN/GRC-50 Radios as well. an Item I noted missing was the RF Loopback Antenna used in maintenance and tesing of the system. A Complete AN/TRC-145 will also have 2 heaters a 1 and 1/4 trailer with 2 3kw generators and two 25 foot extension kits. I seen the Gamma goat versions while assigned to A Co 426th Sig Bn. 35th Signal Brigade Corps Airborne at Fort Bragg .
In Germqany I used the 145 and 113 while assigned to the 32nd Army Air Defense Command, While assigned to C Co 44oth Sig Bn, 22nd Signal Brigade I started on a AN/TRC 117 with AN/GRC - 50 and then we modernized to the AN/TRC-117 with Band III AN/GRC 103 radios. utilizing the Fiberglass Dish. I was in 1st Foward Assault Platoon providing the Communications link between 8th Infantry Signal to Corps. 8th Infantry was using the 145's and realys utilizing Band I and II AN/GRC radios.

Hope this helps.

I still dream about it sometimes myself. I can recall everything needed to be done to set up a sig site.

The radio set uses the following special accessories for extension of capabilities.
Extension Kit, Mast MK-1009( )/GRC-103(V)
Converter, Frequency, Electronic CV-2500( )/GRC
Cable Assembly, Special Purpose, Electrical CX-10879( )/GRC-103(V)
Dummy Load, Electrical DA-437( )/GRC-103(V)
Cable Assembly, Special Purpose, Electrical CX-10762( )/U (5 ft)
]]]]]]

and an alternate description:
Radio Set, AN/GRC-103(V)1
JAN Type: AN/GRC-103(V)1
Nomenclature: Radio Set
Reference: TM 11-5820-540-12
NSN: 5820-00-935-4931
Components:
T-983/GRC-103 Transmitter,
R-1329/GRC-103 Receiver,
AM-4320/GRC-103 Amplifier-Frequency Multiplier,
AM-4316/GRC-103 Amplifier Converter,
RT-773/GRC-103 Receiver-Transmitter Order Wire
Weight: 468
Mode: 500F9
Frequency Range: 220-404.5 MHz
Power Input: 115 VAC, 47-420 Hz
Power Output: 15-25 W
Number of Channels: 369
Channel Spacing: 1 MHz
Replaces: GRC-50
Security Devices: KG-27
Part of: GRC-103, MRC-115, MRC-126, MRC-127, TRC-113, TRC-145
Description: The AN/GRC-103(V) is a compact, transportable UHF-FM radio set which provides facilities for multichannel transmission and reception of PCM signals. It will accommodate up to 24 telephone channels when used with appropriate PCM multiplex equipment. The multichannel radio system can be secured by using electronic key generator TSEC/KG-27. In various configurations, the AN/GRC-103(V) can be employed as radio terminals or repeater stations. The difference between the models is the frequency range of bands I, II, III, and IV.

The TRC-145 could also function as a Cable terminal cable terminal and perform Radio to Cable Conversions.