Did M38s have Large Antennas?

[Buster1]

I’d like to maybe add the correct large ‘whip’ antenna to my M38, I think it’s a fun and unique look. But I’m wondering if many M38s used them? It seems to be rare in the old photos and reference guide ‘green book.’ I’ve also seen a couple different mounting options on the rear too.

Anyway, just wondering about the history of the large antennas (antennae) on the M38.

Thanks!

[Ron D]

Not clear what you mean by "large" Buster.

I have an AB-15 base on an MP-50 mount with three mast sections (MS-116, MS-117, and MS-118) that makes a VHF-FM whip antenna that's about 12 feet off the ground.

It's period correct for the M38 but I don't have a radio, I just use it to fly a pennant sometimes as an additional safety measure --- it might or might not help get some nut job to see me instead of his so-called smart phone.

[Buster1]

That’s what I mean... the long 9-10 foot antenna. Sorry for the confusion. Just trying to get some details on some period correct stuff, like you have.

Thanks!

[mdainsd]

It depends on the radio set you decide that you want. In the M38 era they are divided up by frequencies covered into three groups, Armor, Artillery and Infantry. Then how much radio(s) you want. Mine has a good sized set in it, stretches across the back. This set calls out two antennas. One has the three element (~12') antenna mounted on the drivers side rear corner. Another part of the system uses the shorter 2 element antenna mounted over the spare tire.

[Buster1]

Thank you, that description and photos are very helpful!

[dpcd67]

I have the RT68, (that is just the receiver/transmitter and is useless by itself) and power supply, with MP50 antenna mount with the usual 9 foot antenna. I didn't know there were any other options. That makes up the AN/VRC 10 set. As stated above, there are three versions, the RT66, 67, or 68, different freqs for Infantry, Armor and Artillery, not in order. So you can have a VRC 8, 9, or 10.
If you want a short antenna, get a PRC 25; tape antennas are two feet, and they can also use the tall one. PRC means Personal. VRC means Vehicle, Radio Communications.. AN means Army Navy.
I know nothing about radios; I just have them. I carry a PRC 25 in my jeep; I make the RTO carry it when we get out. RTO is anyone who is riding with me.

[Ron D]

All those letter and number combinations the U.S. military uses to identify electronic equipment is called the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS) ---- previously known as the Joint Army-Navy Nomenclature System.

You can google either of those names and get plenty of accurate information defining what each letter combination means. The numbers are just sequential assignments, and in most cases give an indication of relative age, for example, the AN/PRC-25 (Portable Radio Communication) came before the AN/PRC-77.

[mdainsd]

Three are at least 18 unique radio sets that would be appropriate for an M38. There are probably more...

[Ron D]

I counted 25 if I counted correctly.

Here's a link to the 1956 Army installation instructions and parts descriptions for the kits:
https://www.nf6x.net/wp/wp-content/uplo ... nstall.pdf

[dpcd67]

OP just asked about the antenna.....they are long/tall; that's all I know.

[Ron D]

Mission creep.

[muttguru]

All those letter and number combinations the U.S. military uses to identify electronic equipment is called the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS) ---- previously known as the Joint Army-Navy Nomenclature System.
You can google either of those names and get plenty of accurate information defining what each letter combination means. The numbers are just sequential assignments, and in most cases give an indication of relative age, for example, the AN/PRC-25 (Portable Radio Communication) came before the AN/PRC-77.

Here's an article from PS Magazine which explains many of those pesky AN/codes:-
Ken