REVIEW: FMA PRC-152 Dummy Radio

Dummy, this is not a radio. This is just a dummy, a decoy. The AN/PRC-152 is often seen with the Americans next to the AN/PRC-148 (MBITR). No wonder many people want it, even without functionality.

This good piece comes in a box.

It shows that it is just a case, a shell. And there is a choice of colors: OD, Dark Earth, and Black. Olive is our choice, it is the most commonly seen military device.

This good piece in natural size. The dimensions are 70 x 223 x 35 mm
and the weight here is 330 g. The former like the real one, the latter not, because it's empty. But when you hold it in your hand, it feels impressively real.

The buttons and the labels also look deceptively real.

If you prefer the impression that the thing is on, you can stick it here. But on the dummy, this is what looks the most fake.

Simply paste it over the clear window. Doesn't look good. It doesn't work from the back inside because it's not transparent.

View from one side.

The keypad is also convincingly replicated.

View from the other side. The connection for the data cable is also nice. Actually, the radio is two-part and you can remove the battery. Not with us, that has something to do with the black lock and its spring.

View from behind on the AN/PRC-152.

On the left is the connection for the PTT, covered with a plastic cap, and below it a solid aluminum part without any connection function. On the right is the hollow antenna socket without function. Even the power button only looks good, but doesn't do anything.

There is a rubber antenna with markings, but - we know - it has no function. If you prefer a blade antenna or need a cable for carrying a dummy antenna on your back, you can get this set here.

But as we know from real life, it's what's on the inside that counts. So let's unscrew it. Four screws need to be loosened.

Inside the thing - empty. But it looks nice for a dummy. And of course, there is space for a small, functional radio device that can be placed here.

Here you can see that all the top parts can be unscrewed. On the left is the antenna socket with a channel through it, and on the right is the connection for the PTT cable. For example, if you get a 6-pin socket with a common Kenwood connection here, you are on your way to making the dummy somehow functional - so a nice appearance of AN/PRC-152 and a small radio inside.

The left is the lock for the battery, we will take a look at the spring soon.

CONCLUSION: Impressive dummy from FMA. You pick it up for the first time and think: Wow, is this real… Of course, it's not. But it's very nice.

You can get the FMA PRC-152 Dummy Radio at AIRSOFTZONE for €19.90.

AIRSOFTZONE online: www.airsoftzone.at

Here are the two common US military dummies radios side by side. On the left is FMA PRC-152. On the right is the Spartan Airsoft MBITR Kit, one of the first dummies that existed, but still holds up with dignity.