M38A1 Antenna/Mount using ANVRC-12 Series Transceivers

CTGoebel · Post by **CTGoebel** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 3:23 pm

Hi - I'm a new guy with an M38A1. My grandson and I are restoring it and am curious about which antenna/mount to use with the AN/VRC-12 series transceivers when it is in the M38A1. Thanks for a great forum...Chuck Goebel

hillbilly21 · Post by **hillbilly21** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 5:40 pm

HERE IS A LINK TO WHAT I HAVE USED IN THE PAST !!

http://www.debellajeepparts.com/ANTENNA ... GE%202.jpg

AT LEAST YOU GOT AN IDEA WHAT TO LOOK FOR .......

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 7:24 pm

Welcome!
What a great project for you guys to do together.
What stage are you at? I'd guess you could be on the home stretch if your to mounting an antenna.
Pics?

Post by **wesk** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 8:33 pm

The VRC-12 was not a very common unit on the M38A1. More common to the M151. However it would use the standard MP50 antenna mount since the VRC-12 still uses the AB15 loaded antenna base. If your installation needs a second antenna mount the choice was either the AB-449G on the spare tire mount or the late side mount used on the M151's.

Here's the AB-449G mount.

The MP50 base attachment and see below for the other half

MP50 left rear corner of jeep.

Here's an example of the side mount base.

Here's a link to a PDF copy of the Organizational Maint. Manual for the VRC-12.
http://www.g838.org/g838_manuals/054656.pdf

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 11:05 am

I've since moved my VRC-10 to the right side fender well to better equalize the weight, my jeep tended to sag to the left (as many do) but now rides level. The weight of the radio tends to offset the weight of the gas tank, driver and offset engine installation. One advantage of the top of the tire mount antenna base is that you don't have to drill holes the jeep fender. The radio itself is on a MT-299 mount.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 11:31 am

VRC-12 series require the second antenna for the aux receiver.

CTGoebel · Post by **CTGoebel** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:20 am

Thanks Brett and Wes. I am still searching for and obtaining needed pieces to the puzzle as I take it apart. I probably have a ton of small parts including two sets of wheels that have already been to the blaster, primed and painted. I'm pretty close to body off and replacing flooring, etc. Engine has about 500 miles max on it as it was rebuilt before I stopped driving it. I have all its canvas, including doors, and two trailers to accomplish after it is done. I appreciate the radio help as I really want it to represent and function correctly. I've been lax on pictures but I have some I will dig up.
Chuck Goebel

CTGoebel · Post by **CTGoebel** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:22 am

I forgot to ask, Wes, what antenna base and does the auxiliary receiver use?
CG

Post by **wesk** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:41 am

The AT-912 antenna which is the primary antenna for the RT-246 transmitter/receiver has a built in base and it would be mounted on top of the spare tire carrier. The mast base AB-15 for the aux receiver R-442 would mount on the standard MP-50 mount commonly seen on the M38/M38A1 left rear corner. The AB-15 will also fit the middle side mount antenna seen on some M38A1 radio set-ups as well.