Plessey Clansman PRC320

[M6BSH]

As an intermediate student, I am in the process of saving for my first HF rig. My requirements are very modest (in fact, Im into the challenge of building a lot of my own gear). However, as someone who appreciates the quirkier things in life, I have recently become interested in the Clansman series of ex-military radios.

These are available from several surplus/disposal outlets, and although most are not of a suitable frequency and/or mode for amateur use, the PRC320 and its development the PRC320/2 might be ideal. 2-30MHz, Suitable modes (especially in the /2 as that has both LSB and USB), 100Hz frequency spacing and about 12w output (suitable 100w amplifier and ATU also available).

I was wondering if anyone has any experience in these rigs, or ex military in general, or indeed anything concerned with restoring and using vintage (these are mid 70's technology) gear?

[m0lsx]

I have a 1970's Summerkamp 40 channel 2 meter FM mobile thats proved to be a great buy.
I also have a couple of valve recivers that I have restored & a Yaesu FTDX 401 Tcvr aweaiting a pair of valves.
The FT101 is a great radio to concider as are the KW's...

[R1155A]

The PRC320 is a very well engineered radio. Most of the transistors are BC107s and BFY51s. The ICs are 74LS series but milspec versions with 64LS numbers.
There is an LSB version, but it only steps in 1KHz steps. Although they are excellent, they are a pain to tune. You could build a simple circuit to allow you to use an optical encoder, as used in most modern Japanese black boxes. You would need to build a small crystal oscillator for LSB use.
They are quite expensive for what they are and quite a challenge to work on. You could buy a used FT-817 for similar money.

Cheers,
Ian

[fonzie]

hi im new to this and my clansman 320 can some one tell me wat all the buttons do and should it have permanent tone ?