The PRC-350 British Military Portable Radio.

[@survivalcomms]

That is a cool radio for your collection. I have rebuilt several legacy packs using 18650 cells most recently a Motorola MX350 . I prefer using a battery holder over a BMS with the low current of < 5w radio and have had great luck for very little additional weight. The one pack lost 10 ounces just by eliminating the NICD cells. Thanks for sharing !

[@RadioPrepper]

Yep, it definitely is lighter!

[@charlieb.4273]

Great video! I’ve been using 10 disposable D cells in my PRC-77. That’s about $15 or more for batteries but they last for months. I do need to look into a rechargeable solution. 73 Charlie, KM4ZZ

[@RadioPrepper]

I might try rechargeable C cells for my 350, but then I need a charger...

[@CWB-RF]

Excellent video Gil, I enjoy these types of videos quite a bit. I enjoy 6 meters myself and often use nothing more than 6 meter roll up j-Pole antenna in a tree and my VX-7R.

[@RadioPrepper]

Excellent. We were four tonight on 6FM, first time!

[@Subgunman]

You just gave me an idea! Time to make a battery pack for my SGC2020 HF radio! LiFePo for me need larger cells for extra standby time.

[@RadioPrepper]

Great radio!

[@newfakerbr]

I did something similar with a PRC-501 and a PRC-77, it worked well, nice job.

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks!

[@AdamosDad]

This reminds me of the AN/PRC-8, -9and -10 series of portable radio sets that we used in the 1960's for amphibious operations. These are man-pack sets, and, except for their operating frequencies and the components that determine these frequencies, they are similar electrically and mechanically. They are f-m equipment's that are designed for use with their shipboard counterparts AN/SRC-10, -11, and -12I remember setting these up in Vietnam for ship to shore. Great video for an old sailor to bring back memories.

[@RadioPrepper]

Thank you.

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Interesting and I take your point regarding weight of radio not being good for prepping. The one big plus factor is that military radios are usually very frugal on power consumption. The PRC 320 is renowned for low consumption. A factor that could be very useful in some prepping situations.

[@RadioPrepper]

Definitely...

[@Toad1973.]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@Anonopsmo]

nice radio, gil. and thank you for your translation of your latest french video. ;)

[@Teslawaverunner]

Just subscribed to your patreon, love what your doing

[@RadioPrepper]

Thank you, much appreciated!!

[@jamesbeemer7855]

It helps if the handset contacts are clean . The same with the power source connections . Um , if you want to disable the radio , a soldier can shoot it .

[@keithballinger8558]

I agree with your comment re 6m being under-appreciated. I don’t hear much on 6m FM in north-east England. Another option could be 10 metres FM for tactical use.

[@RadioPrepper]

You guys are lucky to have 4m too.

[@keithballinger8558]

@@RadioPrepper Very true. That’s another useful band. Off-topic a bit, but in the U.K. we’re authorised to communicate with military stations on 60m

[@mikesey1]

Thank you, Gil.

[@billsbullets]

Portable Radio Communication PRC 350. I love your military radio collection. K9PAL.

[@RadioPrepper]

Still growing ;-)

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I am retired military, so I am used to military radios. That may not be an efficient radio, but it certainly looks cool!

[@RadioPrepper]

Extremely rugged too...

[@jamescoffey5225]

I would use a painter's hot gun (very carefully!) to shrink plastic wrap. A lady's hair dryer might also work. I'm too chicken to use a blow torch. LOL Also, IIRC your battery voltage should settle down to 3.7 volts per cell after the initial charge to 4.2 volts. Oh BTW, I really like your penchant for military radios. I don't focus particularly on their prepper utility. I like the military rigs because they are very cool! 😊

[@RadioPrepper]

Definitely safer. They settle down to 4.0.

[@USXPOP]

Always a good video. I'm not into military radio, but it's always interesting.

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks.

[@Ronl53]

Hi Gil. I think you will be okay to use the Lifepo4 BMS with the lion cells. In fact it should make the 18650 cells last longer. The real problem would be if you had done the opposite by using a Lion BMS with Lifepo4 batteries. They would be consistently over charged. I divided the voltage I saw on your meter and the cell voltage should be 3.6 volts. If they were lithium polymer I might be concerned because they aren't as stable. Just thought I would mention this. 73. KF4UPI ~Ron

[@RadioPrepper]

Absolutely. I would like a bit more voltage though...

[@98kondzio]

What does the radiation warning (sticker) mean? (on some devices)

[@PreparednessVeteran]

I believe the radio power and antennas were deliberately made with low power and ineficiency so as to limit any intereference with close-by units and to enhance the use of the same frequencies in an area of operations. Definately a limited range of use, but the clarity is pretty good... btw - All Clansman Radio ancilleries were designed to be fixed easily by a limited skills operator.

[@RadioPrepper]

A good guess given the low performance of most military antennas.

[@davidsonkofi858]

Best radio operator in the world season greetings

[@RadioPrepper]

I'm blushing 😆

[@1958johndeere620]

At least you didn't burn down the house with the wrong BMS. We all screw up.

[@RadioPrepper]

The other way around could have been a problem!

[@segrus]

it is a pity that in Russia it is impossible to use the frequency of 50 MHz. This frequency belongs to the military. Thanks for the video! 73!

[@RadioPrepper]

Too bad. Nothing between 30 and 76MHz ?

[@segrus]

@@RadioPrepper Yes. Only HF, 2 meters, 70 cm and high

[@Subgunman]

These are real nice radios but as you said they are old. What makes matters worse is that the IC's used in these were made by Plessy in the UK. They are no longer available since all stock was lost in a warehouse fire years ago, in my book someone's way of pre planned obsolescence so as to make a new sale to the MOD.

[@RadioPrepper]

Yep, impossible to repair!

[@stevejones8665]

You are as bad as me with a Blow Torch Gil😊..Hair dryers and Fan Heaters work well for shrink wrap.

[@RadioPrepper]

I like to live on the edge ;-)

[@MrBadvok]

Could you not use C battery carriers with AA cells?

[@RadioPrepper]

Not sure what you mean, AA cells in C size carrier? They wouldn't fit. C cells are much bigger than AAs.

[@MrBadvok]

Radio Prepper hi yeah, they are C battery sized plastic carriers, you insert AA batteries, into them, cheaper than trying to buy rechargeable C batteries. I have exactly the same 350 battery issues.

[@RadioPrepper]

Ah, yes, you could. I did read somewhere that thsevholders were a tad short and could cause bad contacts, but it might be worth a try...

[@MrBadvok]

Yes, I read that too. I have two spare 350 cassettes and think I may give it a try.

[@MrBadvok]

Radio Prepper a centime or penny between the inner contact is should work. The cassettes are too well made to discard.

[@cwguy8960]

(at 9:30) Hey - you swear in English - just like me!! (I'd have said the same thing....)

[@RadioPrepper]

22 years in Florida!

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

Add a 6 mtr antenna maybe a moxon hi hi kg6mn

[@RadioPrepper]

I have A Delta loop!

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

@@RadioPrepper Right use that baby mn

[@bazzadebear8012]

I use Ni-Mh batteries for all my military gear. You can build the pack easy, then charge using a smart charger. I built a battery pack for my PRC-77 set using 16 cells. You can do the same with the PRC351, PRC320 etc (20 cells). Li-Pol cells are too fussy about how they are charged. Use the "KISS" system ( Keep it simple stupid) hi hi.

[@RadioPrepper]

Absolutely! Thanks.

[@davidgarratt8879]

British technology nothing but the best! LOL

[@RadioPrepper]

Radios and Land Rovers!

[@dylanl3867]

You blink a lot