For you all wondering, the USMC is switching from the PRC-152 to the PRC-163. It does a lot more than the 152. It still does the VHF/UHF/SATCOM, but it has its own GPS/DAGR receiver, real time, simultaneous multi channel communications and data networks. It has 3 antennas (1GPS, 2 comms). JSOC and SOCOM have been using this radio for years and they love it. Anyways that’s the “scoop” on the radio switch going on in the Marine Corps.
You forgot to mention it overheats hella bad. Also, our unit got super excited when we got them because we were told it could do MUOS, only to find out that it technically can but Harris hasn't fielded the module for it since it overheats even worse.
@@TATTOSANDWHISKEY Does it overheat in general comm use or just when it’s doing MOUS communications, and does this overheating only take place when being used on only battery power or when vehicle mounted?
@Fng_1975 we don't have amps for it, so I can't speak on vehicle mounted use, However it really just overheats in general, it overheated on me doing IW (integrated waveform) which is just one of our radio based satcomm waveforms, it also overheated doing SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground Air Radio System) which is just frequency hoping. But with the MUOS module, it will get so hot that it can actually burn you.
To be completely honest, until those kinks get worked out it's completely fucking useless. Everything that I can use it for in is current state can be done more efficiently with a PRC-152, hell even an old antiquated PRC-148.
To speak to your confidence in the elastic holding up, an operator friend of mine put me on the Snake Eater Tactical Burros probably at least 8 years ago and I have never looked back. I've never even had a problem getting an empty mag back into the pouch let alone with losing mags. I was initially hesitant to trust my gear and life to elastic but now my cummerbunds and most placards are predominately elastic held by hook and loop. I'm sure someone will get bent over the multicam pack at some point but it really is the new M82. I'm still partial to MARPAT but multicam's muted tones really works well in most environments.
i agree with the multicam its used every where in the dod and the marine corps itslef, i had a conversation with our msgt, about it as he has a spiritus system multicam placard and what he said was if it makes sense and it does the job no one gives a fuck. awesome setup, i run something similar only thing im using the ferro adapt 3 cummberbunds , shaw concepts arc placard v2 and the gen 3 inner plate carrier,
Most FM two way radios work on vertical polarization. That means both antennas have to be straight up and down, or at least at the same angle of polarization to get any distance. Laying one antenna down kills off over 90% of transmit and receive distance. Just saying.
hell I got yelled at for using a whole different color carrier that was still with in regs. it was a ranger green may flower apc. thankfully my gunny at the time came in got the sgt major off my back about it.
Im a marine i use multi cam most dont care but also dep on your command is the issue ask b4 you buy it and waste your money or if your testing just say I plan on buying it in the proper color i need but yea I personally use multicam my self and im a marine as well im out now so it dosent really bother me and heck airsoft gear out now is so good for everything. Its almost a profession now with some of these guys doing milsim events so if ungot issues with it fight me for it
The radio in question is the PRC-163 and whatever MBITR pouch you have "should work just fine. (Air quotes because the 163 does have a tapered shape too or) but I've never seen an MBITR pouch that won't fit it. The antenna relocater should also work just fine because the VHF & UHF antennas that it uses are the exact same.
Multicam just disappears If your chain of command is cool with it, always go with it Don't 'make changes' for anyone else -- especially RU-vidrs, regardless their experience
In all honesty, not really, as a squad leader I don’t even shoot a single mag due to my part of the machine is to direct fires from my squad. HOWEVER that doesn’t mean I won’t bring more depending on the mission we get
@@GruntHacksgood point, I understand that you don't need a ton due to working with helos. thanks for answering my question, and I get the "mission dictates gear" part.
The level of modification to your kit is very dependant on command. I've always been lucky enough to be in units where gear customization was favored. But God forbid you have unbloused boots in the field.
Got news for you, when I was in Vietnam, every klick from Chu Lai, we carried a mag, so we wound up with ten or more. YOU can't have more than enough people. Pistol mags, is another story. We had 1911 pistols, so the more the better. Sorry, too much retro for most.