Harris - AN-PRC150 HF-VHF Combat Radio - Instruction Manual
Harris - AN-PRC150 HF-VHF Combat Radio - Instruction Manual
Harris - AN-PRC150 HF-VHF Combat Radio - Instruction Manual
PREPARED BY DAVID M
FIEDLER 732-532-3760
ELECTRONICS ENGINEER
OPM -TRCS
FORT MONMOUTH NJ 07703
TRANSFORMATION HIGH FREQUENCY (HF) RADIO SYSTEM (THFRS) -
AN/PRC-150 FAMILY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) AND
OPERATIONS CONCEPT (OC) FOR THE BRIGADE COMBAT TEAMS
PURPOSE: This SOP/OC is intended to describe the planning factors and operational procedures
required to successfully use THFRS radios in the Brigade Combat Team (BCT).
WHY HF RADIO FOR THE BCT: HF radio (radio signals in the 1.6-3OMhz frequency spectrum)
have the following characteristics that makes it an ideal communications system to support the fast
moving wide area operations that the Brigade Combat Team will participate in:
I - HF signals travel longer distances over the ground than the higher frequency VHF
(SINCGARS) or UHF (EPLRS/NTDR) signals do because they are less affected by factors such as
terrain or vegetation.
2 - HF signals can be reflected off the ionosphere (a layer of charged gases surrounding the earth
at high altitudes) in a way that will cover beyond line of sight (BLOS) areas at distances out to 400 miles
without gaps in communications coverage.
3 - HF signals can be reflected off the ionosphere to cover distances of many thousands of miles
for "reach back" communications.
4 - HF signals do NOT require the use of either SATCOM or retransmission (RETRANS) assets.
5 - HF equipment provided to the Brigade can be used either fixed station or on the move (OTM).
6 - HF systems can be engineered to operate independent of intervening terrain or mamnade
obstructions.
Wavelength and frequency - For best radio perfon-nance, there is a specific relationship between antenna length and
operational frequency. All radio signals travel at the speed of light. The wavelength at a particular frequency is the
distance traveled by light as it completes I cycle of its motion. In order to calculate this distance (in meters) the
speed of light (in meters) has to be divided by the operational frequency in cycles per second (cps). After
simplifying the math wavelength (in meters) is equal to 300 divided by the frequency in Mega-hertz (millions of cycles
per second) As an example, the wavelength of a 3 Mhz HF signal is 300 divided by 3 (300/3) or 100 meters. This
means that in the time it takes to complete I cycle at 3 Mhz the signal has traveled I 00 meters. Knowing how to
calculate wavelength is important because signal strength depends upon the length of the antenna and the amount
of current flowing through it. For maximum current (signal) at a given frequency, the antenna needs to be !/2
wavelength or, multiples of V2 wavelength long.
Resonance - The strength of a signal radiated from an electrical conductor that has a radio frequency (RF) current
flowing depends on the length of the conductor and the amount of the current. For a given frequency, maximum
current flows and maximum signal is produced when the conductor (antenna) is !/2 wavelength long or multiples of
that length. An antenna that radiates most of the energy flowing in it is said to be resonant. At the frequencies most
used by the Brigade for fixed communications the wire antennas (AT1912, RF-1941) provided are constructed using
lengths that are close to resonance and are therefore very efficient. Mobile antenna lengths can range from less than
10 feet to as much as 32 feet. These antennas are physically to short to be resonant. In order to make the short
antennas radiate as strong signal as possible, antenna couplers such as the RF-382 or RF5830 are
provided. Couplers allow RF current to flow to the short antenna and dissipate energy that is not radiated
as signal but is instead, reflected back from the antenna towards the radio. The ratio of radiated power to
reflected power is called the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). It is important to keep this ratio low
(less than 2: 1) for highest efficiency. High VSWR will not physically damage the THFRS equipment.
Antennas whose length is close to resonance do not require couplers to function since the antenna radiates
all energy. When a coupler is needed to match an antenna it should be located as close to the antenna as
possible for best efficiency. When configured for mobile operation the coupler may be located near the
transmitter reducing the power at the antenna. This is acceptable for mobile operations or when at the
brief halt. It is Brigade policy that whenever possible more efficient ground mounted (resonant) wire
antennas will be used. Antenna couplers may also be dismounted and located at the antenna feed point to
reduce signal loss when practical. When not practical, due to operational constraints antenna couplers will
remain on the vehicle and the coupler output connected to the antenna via the cables provided even though
efficiency is reduced slightly.
Polarization - polarization is the directional relationship of radio energy coming from an antenna to the
surface of the earth. As a rule antenna fields are vertical if the antenna is physically vertical and
horizontal if the antenna is physically horizontal. The intensity of a horizontal signal traveling in contact
with the ground (ground-wave/surface-wave) drops rapidly because in effect the electric field is short-
circuited by the earth. A vertically polarized signal does not lose strength nearly as quickly because it does
not contact the earth as much. In the Brigade, ground-wave communications will be the primary mode of
short distance (0-20miles) communications. Man-pack, ground mounted, and vehicular vertical antennas
are provided for this purpose. Horizontal antennas and adaptors that "tilt" vertical antennas into a
horizontal position are provided for long distance (0-400 miles) sky-wave communications. These
antennas provide the high take off angle s necessary for beyond line of sight HF communications. All
antennas in a brigade radio net must have the same polarization. Mixing polarization of antennas in a net
as a rule will result in significant loss of signal strength due to cross polarization. S-6's will therefore
assure that all stations in a net will have the same (horizontal or vertical) antenna polarization when
possible. Surface wave communications over seawater should always use vertical polarization because
the electrical properties of seawater will greatly reduce the signal strength of a horizontally polarized
surface wave signal. Figure 7 shows the concept of vertical and horizontal polarization.
Vertical (whip) antennas. - Ground wave HF communications are most effective when using vertical
polarization over a good conductive ground. BCT man pack radios are provided the I 0-foot long OE-5 05
antenna and vehicular radios are provided the 32-foot long AT- IO 1 1 antenna. Whip antennas are most
efficient when they are between ¼ and 5/8 wavelength long at the lowest operating frequency. At HF
frequencies normally used in the Brigade the whips are far to short for efficient operation. Tuning devices
(such as the RF382 antenna coupler) are provided to electrically match a physically short or long antenna
to the radio and the transmission line. The Brigade will use the physically longest antenna possible under
the operational conditions in order to achieve best performance. For
Example, the 10-foot OE-505 man-pack antenna can be replaced by a vertical wire tied to a support
such as a high tree branch under many conditions to improve antenna efficiency. Any good heavy wire
conductor can be used including field telephone wire or the wire from the RF- 1 941 wire dipole
antenna kit provided with the radios. The end of the vertical wire must be insulated from the support.
The feed end of the wire antenna is connected to the radio via the wire adaptor provided with the radio.
In order to further improve antenna efficiency and increase signal strength on the lower (surface wave)
radiation angles, radios in man-pack operation should be given a "tail" wire connected to the radio
ground post. The "tail" will provide a low resistance return path for antenna currents. "Tail" wires are
not provided but can be locally fabricated from computer ribbon cable, communications wire, or ground
strap braid. "Tails" should be as long as possible but not interfere with the carrying of the radio. The
man-pack "tail" concept is shown in fig 8. Along with height orientation is also very important when
operating in the man-pack configuration. The antenna must be kept as vertical as possible to produce
the best surface wave signal and also to avoid losses due to cross polarization (see Fig 8). It is also
important to operate from areas that do not have energy robbing obstructions such as trees and
buildings when possible (see fig 9). When ever possible man-packed radios should be removed from
the operators back and operated from the ground. This will reduce the capacitive coupling to ground
effects of the operators body that reduces signal strength. In addition, when the man-pack radio
(AN/PRC-150) is operated from the ground the ground stake kit should be connected to the radio
ground terminal and driven into the earth. This kit is provided with every radio and is designed to
provide a low resistance return path for ground currents. This dramatically improves signal strength and
communications efficiency. Signal strength can be improved even more by connecting "radial" wires to
the ground. Radials need to be constructed from insulated wire and connected on one end to the radio
ground terminal. Ideally, radials should be 1/4wavelength long and secured to the earth on the ends by
means of nails, stakes etc. Distribution of the radials should be symmetrical. In operational terms for
the brigade, 4 wires (more if possible) of a practical length should be crossed in the center (X) and the
center connected to radio ground. The wires should be spread by 90 degrees and secured (see fig 10).
Using ground radials improves vertical antenna performance (gain) by allowing more current to flow in
the antenna circuit and by lowering the takeoff angle of the antenna pattern. This produces an increase
in ground-wave signal strength on the low angles where it is the most useful for tactical communications
(see fig I 1). For vehicular operation both fixed and on the move the 32-foot AT-101 1 antenna is
provided. Under operational conditions it will not always be possible to use all 32 feet of this antenna
and keep it in the vertical position for best ground wave performance. The antenna should always be
kept as vertical as possible and as long as possible under the operational circumstances. The radiation
pattern for a vehicular mounted vertical whip is essentially onmi-directional however the mass of the
prime mover under the antenna will distort the antenna pattern in the direction of the vehicle mass and
provide signal gain in that direction. This can be exploited by pointing the mass of the vehicle in the
direction of the weakest station in a net or in the direction of the highest priority station in a net to
improve system operations (see fig 12).
Half-wave Doublet or Wire Dipole antenna - The THFRS provides two types of wire horizontal dipole
antennas for fixed location operations at beyond ground wave distances.
These antennas will overcome the problems encountered when using vertical antennas in unsuitable
situations (see fig 13). The antennas provided are the RF- 1 941 light weight wire dipole and the AT- 1
912 dipole with 30 foot mast kit. The AT- 1 912 is provided only with the 400watt base station
configuration. A horizontal dipole consists of two 1/4wavelengths of wire supported at the ends and
connected to the radio in the center (see fig 14). If the antenna is kept physically 1/4wavelength or less
off the ground at the operating frequency, or laid on the ground, or at even buried under the ground the
antenna pattern produced is that of an "inverted teardrop" (see fig. 14). The bulk of the energy radiated
is on angles between 30 and 90 degrees. Since much of the radio signal is directed upward, where it
can be reflected back to earth by the ionosphere this mode of propagation was named Near Vertical
Incidence Sky wave (NVIS) mode. The relationship between antenna height above real electrical
conducting ground and signal gain is shown in fig 15. As a rule Brigade stations will try to elevate dipole
antennas to 30 feet and leave them there since the best average high angle gain is attained in the N'VIS
frequency band at this height. The NVIS frequency band is as a rule 2-4Mhz at night, and 4-8Mhz in
the day. Exception, in desert and artic areas the ground is not very conductive. This means that the
antenna may perform better if it is physically lower or even on the ground since real conducting ground
could be many feet below the surface in these areas. Dipole heights will have to be adjusted to match
actual operating conditions. The basic NVIS inverted teardrop antenna pattern remains the same for all
dipole heights 1/4wavelength or less. Only the signal strength (gain) will change. Once a radio signal on
a frequency that will be reflected is selected and the dipole is at a correct height the signal will return to
earth in an omni-directional pattern with a radius of hundreds of miles. Note dipoles can be made
directional off their broad sides by putting them close to V2wave above ground. The Brigade will NOT
normally erect dipoles this high and omni-directional communications will be used for most operations.
The NVIS signal after reflection has no holes and no "dead spots" or "skip zones" since all the energy is
coming down from above. This makes NVIS an ideal mode for Brigade size operations over wide
areas and at extended distances. Fig 16 shows the distance that can be expected by radiating signals on
all angles. Figure 14 shows strong high angle NVIS signal generated by dipoles on all angles above 45
degrees. Figure 16 shows that energy on all angles above 45 degrees will when reflected give a strong
radio signal at distances from 0 to 300 miles. This is a good match for Brigade communications needs
such as TOC to TOC and "reach-back" communications. Communications in urban areas (MOUT)
will also be made easy by using NVIS since all energy comes from above and will not be as readily
absorbed by urban structures. NVIS using ground mounted wire dipole antennas will be the most
efficient means of HF communications when stations are located at beyond line of sight (beyond
ground-wave) distances from each other.
On the move (OTM) NVIS operations - As previously described each THFRS vehicular radio is
equipped with an AT- 1011 32 foot (whip) antenna. When in the vertical position this antenna does a
good job radiating vertically polarized surface wave HF signals when on the move. The length the AT-
1011 (32 feet) is often too long to be practical under operational conditions. In this case, the AT-1011
should be shortened by removing antenna sections until a practical length for the operational conditions
are found. Shortening the antenna will make it less efficient for both transmitting and receiving so
operators should not make the antenna less than IO feet long under most conditions. The RF-382
antenna
coupler will tune a short antenna without a problem and the omni-directional antenna pattern will remain
for short antennas however signal strength will be greatly reduced when using very short vertical
antennas. This same antenna when "tipped" horizontally either forward or backward will also produce
an NVIS (dipole) antenna pattern. In order to facilitate whip antenna "tipping" the antennas are located
in a rear comer of either the IAV or shelter that they are mounted on. The antenna base is also
provided with a 7 position 6 whip tilt adaptor" that will allow any length of AT-1011 antenna to be
4
"tipped" into either the forward facing or rear facing horizontal position. When at the brief halt, the
antenna can be tipped backwards to form a classic dipole, the AT-1011 whip being one half and the
vehicle/shelter/IAV forming the other half of the dipole antenna (see fig 17). When tipped backward, a
classic "inverted teardrop" low height dipole antenna pattern is produced. If possible at the longer halts
the antenna should extended past 32 feet to by replacing it with the wire from the RF-1941 antenna kit
to make an even more efficient antenna. Ideal wire length will be V4-wave-length at the operational
frequency. When communicating on the move, the AT-1011 must be "tipped forward" over the vehicle
for operational reasons. Again, the antenna should be as long as possible for best efficiency but
practically cannot be much longer than the length of the vehicle, (usually less than 20 feet). Shortening
the antenna again makes it less efficient but in this configuration, the antenna and the vehicle form what
engineers call a transmission line antenna (see fig 18). While this antenna does not have the ideal
inverted teardrop NVIS shape that the wire dipole or rear tipped whip has, it does produce enough
energy on the near vertical angles for NVIS communications. For missions such as motorized
reconnaissance, movement to contact, convoy control, etc the bent forward whip will be the antenna of
choice for Brigade operations.
Antenna location considerations - The Brigade is a tactical fighting organization and when engaged in
combat operations will never be able to always locate its fixed and mobile radio assets at technically
ideal positions for communications operations. Brigade HF communications planners should however
attempt to comply with as many of the following citing criteria as possible in order to gain the best
technical advantage for the tactical situation.
I - Use ground radials and ground stakes under vertical antennas to improve antenna efficiency and
lower take-off angles for better ground-wave communications.
3 - Place all antennas above reasonably smooth earth if possible to reduce antenna pattern
discontinuities and distortion due to ground reflections.
4 - Avoid placing vertical antennas behind metal fencing that will shield ground-wave signals.
5 - Avoid placing vertical antennas near vertical conducting structures such as masts, light poles, trees,
and metal buildings. Antennas need to be at distances of at least one
wavelength or more to eliminate major pattern distortions and antenna impedance changes caused by
induced currents and reflections.
6 - Separate antennas as far as practical to reduce interference effects between radio and antenna
systems.
Remember, that wire dipoles and tipped whips on vehicles can be placed in defilade since they radiate
signals on high angles while vertical whips will have their signals greatly reduced if they are in covered
positions.
Brigade HF radio equipment - The THFRS hardware is a family of HF radio equipment based upon the
AN/PRC- 1 5 O(C) man-pack radio. By adding various power amplifiers, couplers, antennas,
software, and ancillaries to the man-pack radio various vehicular and base-station configurations can be
built. The configurations used by the Brigade are:
The heart of THFRS is the 10 pound 10.5 x 3.5 x 13.2inch AN/PRC-150(C) man-pack radio (see fig
5). This radio and all ancillaries needed for man-pack operations are provided to all configurations
being built. This was done so that each THFRS user will have a "jerk and run" HF radio capability to
use in the event that they must separate from their wheeled, armored, or base-station platform. 2 BB-
5590, BB-590 or BB-390 standard batteries power the software controlled manpack radio. This
provides an output power level of 1, 5, or 20 watts of AM single sideband (SSB) power across the 1.6
- 30 MHz spectrum. The radio is also capable of providing 1, 5, or 10 watts of FM signal on
frequencies between 30 and 60 MHz. The waveform in this frequency range is either 16kbs wideband
FSK for data transmission or 16kbs digital voice that makes the radio interoperable with SINCGARS
in the non-hopping, encrypted or plain text digital voice mode. This mode is a very useful feature when
tactical necessity dictates the need for communications with units who have no HF communications.
Standard analog voice FM mode with VINSON COMSEC is also provided which will allow
interoperability with organizations still equipped with pre-SINCGARS tactical FM radios. This includes
many of our worldwide potential allies and our own reserve components that still have large quantities of
this type of equipment.
The AN/PRC-150(C) is a fully software defined radio, so new features or new revisions of existing
standards, can be added to the radio through software not hardware upgrades Integrated into the THFRS
receiver/transmitter (R/T) also known as the RT1964D(P)(C) are modes of operation and other features
that in the past required many separate hardware ancillaries and system interfaces to achieve. Embedded
THFRS operating features include:
d) Voice communications - Both analog and digital voice modes of communications are provided.
In digital mode voice signals are converted into digital representations and coded to correct errors
(VOCODER). The digital voice representations are then transmitted by the serial tone MODEM
at rates of 2400 bps for clear channel operation or at a slower rate of 600 bps for better
performance over degraded channels. 600 bps digital voice can provide effective voice
communications in environments where signal strength and noise are actually equal.
e) Cipher modes - THFRS has embedded NSA certified US Type -1 encryption capability.
Standard KY-99, KY- I 00, KG-84C, and KY-57 modes are provided for interoperability with
compatible systems. Also embedded in the AN/PRC- I 50(C) is the internationally used
CITADEL encryption system useful for coalition operations.
f) COMSEC key management and fill - THFRS will accept COMSEC keys from a variety of
COMSEC load devices such as the KYK- 1 3, KOI- 1 8, KYX- 1 5, and AN/CYZ- I 0 via the
standard fill connector located on the front panel. Unique to THFRS is the COMSEC ignition key
(CIK) which is contained in the radios removable Keypad/Display Unit (KDU). By removing the
KDU the COMSEC is rendered inert. The KDU can be easily removed, safely stored, and
reinstalled. This removes the need to remove and reload COMSEC every time the radio is left
unattended.
h) System management - THFRS includes not only the radio hardware but
also the means to manage/select the various features and modes of radio operation without
having to enter data via the radio KDU. Every S-6 section in organizations deploying
THFRS will also receive an army Common Hardware System (CHS) laptop computer with
radio programming application (RPA) software. The RPA software has a user friendly
Microsoft Windows "look and feel" and will allow the Operators to define and configure
radio nets, assign ALE addresses, select presets for MODEMS, store communications plans
etc. Information can then be transferred to individual radios via a data transfer cable to the
front panel radio data connector. This capability greatly reduces operator stress and errors
in data entry when compared to using the KDU as the means of setting up the radio. KDU
data entry remains available if needed.
Radio Programming Application - Two methods of entering system required data into the THFRS
radio are provided. They are data entry through the Keyboard Display Unit KDU on the radio front
panel or through the use of a laptop computer and Radio Programming Application (RPA) software.
The RPA software will run on any laptop computer platform that provides a speed of 200 Mhz, a
minimum 64Mb of memory (Ram), and the Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT operating
system. RPA will install itself on any hardware with this capability. Once installed operators need
only enter planning information such as authorized radio frequencies, radio configuration data, ALE
information, radio presets, frequency hopping information etc into the RPA and the RPA will configure
the radio hardware through the radio data port. RPA can be used to reprogram the radios with
modified parameters as required. Multiple sets of system information can be stored as separate plans
for contingency operations. The Brigade S-6 will select the number of plans to be stored in the RPA
at each echelon based upon the Brigades operational planning. Once created, plans can be
transported by floppy disk media, transmitted over the air, or printed. RPA generated information will
be used as the HF input data to the Brigade SOI.
The basic programming procedures for the THFRS hardware and radio programming application
(RPA) are shown below. Operators will note that since the THFRS is a software based/software
programmable radio there are many operator-selected options. Please refer to the proper equipment
manuals for a more detailed explanation of what these options are and when to use them. Items in
BOLD print indicate a default value. Default values have been selected that will achieve a high level
of system operation and reliability under the most common conditions that the Brigade will encounter.
Under unusual circumstances, the operator may be required to change a particular value from the
default value in order to improve system perfon-nance under a particular operational condition.
Changes from default values should only be made by direction of the unit S-6. Operators will also be
required to enter standard information such as frequency and address data into the radio in order to
operate. Operators need to pay careful attention when entering data and to double-check themselves
frequently to avoid errors. Since this equipment is digital and software controlled errors in data entry
may result in the failure of the system to operate properly.
Includes:
PURPOSE. This is a sequential guide and items should be programmed in the order presented as they apply to the
operational scenario. While navigating through the radio menu structure, the Left/Right arrow keys on the KDU
keypad are used to select the item to be programmed, and the Up/Down arrow keys are used to scroll through the
available parameters for each item. Default settings on a zeroized radio for each item are shown in bold where
applicable.
NOTE: Press ENT (Enter) after each step or change to save programmed features.
NOTE: U.S. ARMY UNITS WILL NOT NORMALLY USE CITADEL CRYPTO UNLESS
OPERATING WITH ALLIED FORCES ONLY EOUIPPED WITH THIS SYSTEM. CITADEL IS NOT APPROVED
BY THE NSA AS A COMSEC SYSTEM. CITADEL WILL NEVER BE USED WITHIN THE BRIGADE FOR
OPERATIONS.
COMSEC PROGRAMMING (TYPE I KEYS PROGRAMMIN@
! NOTE: Unlike CITADEL, Type I Encryption keys are loaded with a U.S. COMSEC loader (e.g. KYK-13, KOI-18,
CYZ-10A). The loaded keys are assigned to selected channels during the System Presets. Refer to the END of this
guide for brief instructions on COMSEC loading.
a. Press PGM
b. Select COMSEC
c. Select TYPE I
d. Select CONFIG
e. Select ENTER
f Select ALL.
g. Select ENTER
a. Press PGM
b. Select COMSEC
c. Select TYPE I
d. Select CONFIG
e. Select ENTER
f Select ANDVT-BD.
1. Press PGM
2. Select CONFIG
3. Select RADIO
a. Transmit Power (HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW) use lowest power possible to save battery and
improve EW characteristics
b. BFO (0Hz,-40OOHz to +40OOHz in 10Hz Steps)
c. Squelch (OFF, ON) use squelch when signals are strong to cut off audio noise when receiving
d. Squelch Level (HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW) adjust as appropriate. Higher levels require strong receive
signal/audio levels. CAUTION: weak signals may be lost if squelch level is to high.
e. FM Squelch Type (NOISE, TONE) use noise squelch when operating with equipment that has no tone
capability.
Radio Silence (OFF, ON) use radio silence when directed. Will not allow radio to transmit in any mode.
g. Internal Coupler (ENABLED, BYPASSED) use bypass when using RF-382 or RF-5830 external couplers.
rate on clear channels with strong receive signals. Slow data rate to improve operations under poor, high noise,
low signal strength conditions. Rates to change on order of the S-6.
h. Data Bits (8, 7)
SET RADIO TIME OF DAY (TOD) See SOI and OPORD for formats and procedures. Brigade will normally use 24-
hour clock and ZULU time.
1. Press PGM
2. Select CONFIG
3. Select TOD
a. LJTC Offset (Use Up/Down keys to select or "-" offset then use numeric keys to select correct offset
value)
b. Time Format (I 2-HR, 24-HR)
c. New TOD (Press numeric keys to enter TOD)
d. Date Format (MM-DD-YY, DD-MM-YY, YYYY-MM-DD, ZULU)
e. New Date (Press numeric keys to enter new date)
OPTIONS (PREPOST CONFIGURATION) External pre/post selectors are provided with the AN/VRC- I 04(V)3 150w
vehicular set and the AN/TRC-2 I O(V)2 400w base-station set to reduce interference. Always select this option.
I . Press PGM
2. Select CONFIG
3. Select -+
4. Select OPTIONS
a. EXT POST SELECTOR (ENABLED, DISABLED)
h. EXT Preselector (ENABLED, DISABLED)
c. EXT RX Filters (ENABLE DURING SCAN, DISABLE DURING SCAN)
d. EXT Scan Rate (FORCE SLOW SCAN, USE ALE SCAN RATE)
e. Prepost Antenna (SINGLE RX/TX, SEPARATE RX/TX)
CHANNEL PROGRAMMING
I . Press PGM
2. Select MODE
3. Select PRESET
4. Select CEIANNEL
a. Enter desired channel number (000- 1 99) see unit SOI
h. Enter desired RX FREQUENCY see unit SOI
c. Enter desired TX FREQUENCY, or press ENTER
d. Modulation (USB, AME, CW, FM, LSB) see unit SOI
e. AGC Speed (SLOW, MED, FAST, DATA, OFF) select for conditions. Use to obtain steady receive signal
level.
f IF Bandwidth NOTE: Options are dependent on modulation type selected.
- USB or LSB (2.0 kHz, 2.4 kHz, 2.7 kHz, 3.0 kHz) Use narrow bandwidth to reduce
noise and interference on order of the S-6.
- AME (3.0 kHz Only)
- CW (0.5 kHz, 0.35 kHz, 1.0 kHz, 1.5 kHz)
g. RX Only (YES, NO)
h. Enable Hail TX NOTE: Not available for channel 000 (YES, NO)
i. Max TX Power (00000 WATTS this is default, for maximum transmit power). Use to limit power and save
battery life.
c. Select ALE
d. Select ADDRESS
e. Select NET by pressing Up arrow
f Select ADD
g. Enter an NET ADDRESS (e.g. RTO)
h. Enter CHANNEL GROUP to associate with this address
i. Select appropriate ASSOCIATED SELF (e.g. RAD I)
j. ADD NET MEMBERS (Ensure all net members are programmed in the same order on all radios used)
h. Max System Tune Time Note: This is a critical parameter. It must be set to the worstcase tune time for
any radio in the network. If time is unknown start with 20 seconds as system tune time.
i. Link Timeout (OFF, ON)
j. Link To Any Calls (OFF, ON) when a station transmits the address ANY, any ALEcapable radio that
receives the transmission will stop scanning and automatically respond to the call.
k. Link To All Calls (OFF, ON) when a station transmits the address ALL, any ALE-capable radio will stop
scanning, but will not respond (transmit).
1. AMD Operation (ENABLED, DISABLED)
m. AMD Auto Display (ENABLED, DISABLED)
n. Scan Rate (ASYNC, 2, 5)
i. Modem Preset (OFF or use the Up/Down arrow keys to enter a preconfigured Modem preset)
j. Select Encryption TYPE (TYPE I, CITADEL, NONE)
k. Select Crypto MODE (e.g. KG-84R)
1. Select Encryption KEY (e.g. TEKO I)
m. Select PT VOICE MODE (CLR, CVSD, AVS, DV6, DV24)
n. Select CC/CT VOICE MODE (DV24, NONE, DV6)
o. Select ENABLE (YES, NO)
c. Select PRESET
d. Select SYSTEM
e. System Preset To Change (On a zeroized radio, system presets are given default names of SYSPRF,L to
SYSPRE75) Use the Up/Down arrow keys to select the preset to change
Preset Name (Press the alphanumeric keys to enter a name up to 9 characters in length)
g. Radio Mode (Select ALE)
h. Associated Self (Select Self Address to associate with this preset)
i. Modem Preset (OFF or use the Up/Down arrow keys to enter a preconfigured Modem preset)
j. Select Encryption TYPE (TYPE I, CITADEL, NONE)
k. Select Crypto MODE (e.g. KG-84R)
1. Select Encryption KEY (e.g. TEK01)
m. Select PT VOICE MODE (CLR, AVS, DV6, DV24)
n. Select CC/CT VOICE MODE (DV24, NONE, DV6)
1. FIX MODE Press MODE (#3) button on KDU until FIX is displayed and press ENT or wait and the
radio will automatically enter FIX mode.
2. ALE MODE Press MODE (#3) button on KDU until ALE is displayed and press ENT or wait and
the radio will automatically enter ALE mode.
3. HOP MODE Press MODE (#3) button on KDU until HOP is displayed and press ENT or wait and
the radio will automatically enter HOP mode.
SETTING RADIO OPTIONS The Option menu is selected by pressing the OPT button on the KDU
while in FIX, A-LE, or HOP mode. The Option menu is mode specific. The following options
are common to all modes of operation.
I . GPS-TOD N/A.
2. RETLTNE when selected will retune currently selected channel. Will not retune while scanning.
3. RADIO OPTIONS Options are global and affect the entire range of channels and presets in
use.
a. Press OPT
b. Select RADIO
c. TX Power (LOW, MED, HIGH)
d. BFO (+/- 4kHz in IO Hz steps)
e. Squelch Level (LOW, MED, HIGH)
f. FM Squelch Type (TONE, NOISE)
g. Radio Silence (ON, OFF)
h. Internal Coupler (ENABLED, BYPASSED)
i. RX Noise Blanking (OFF, ON)
j. Radio Self ID
4. SCAN OPTIONS
a. Press OPT
b. Select SCAN
c. Enable SSB scan (NO, YES)
5. TEST multiple tests can be performed without test equipment by using this feature. Refer to the
operator's manual for a detailed description of each test available.
NOTE: The following options are mode specific and are only available if the feature is
installed in the radio and it is the current operating mode.
6. ALE OPTIONS
a. Press OPT
h. Select AJE
c. Select LQA
d. EXCH or SOUND Use EXCHANGE to perform a two-way link analysis between your
radio and another radio or group of radios on all pre -programmed frequencies. Use
SOUND as a passive, one -way transmission, from your radio to another radio or
group of radios.
e. Scores select an individual or net name and scroll through the channels and available scores.
f. TX-MSG Used to transmit pre-entered AMD messages.
9- RX-MSG Used to review received AMD messages.
2. HOP OPTIONS, Same as ALE options
ALE OPERATIONS
3. Terminating an ALE Link. To terminate an ALE link press CLR button. The radio will display
HOP OPERATIONS
1. HOP Operation
a. Press MODE button to select HOP.
b. Press PRE button to select desired HOP preset.
2. Manual Sync.
C. Press CALL key
d. Manual SYNC type (REQUEST, BROADCAST)
NOTE: The easiest form of sync is broadcast. Only I station in the net should perform the broadcast,
which will sync the entire listening stations. If your station does not receive a sync, you must send a Sync
Request by selecting REQUEST and pressing ENT.
NOTE: YOU CAN LOAD 25 KEYS INTO EACH COMSEC TYPE FILL
POSITION.
Radio Programming Application (RPA). The RPA is a computer program that runs on any PC or laptop machine
using the Windows NT operating system version Win 98/NT or later. Hardware requirements are modest and only
require 64 MB of RAM and a speed of 200 Mhz. The program is used to create radio plan(s) to support operations
and load them into the AN/PRC-150 hardware. Multiple plans can be stored to handle future operations and
contingencies. The RPA will provide the following functions:
RPA operation is defined below. Refer to RPA manual for a detailed explanation of the ftmctions shown.
RADIO VALIDATION
A. SELECT VALIDATION BUTTON
RADIO PROGRAM
B. CONNECT 10535-0775-AOO6 CABLE TO THE J3 CONNECTOR OF THE RADIO AND TO COMM PORT 1
OF THE PC
C. SELECT RADIO PROGRAM
D. SELECT STATION NAME FROM THE DROP DOWN LIST OF RADIOS TO BE PROGRAMMED
E. CHECK THE BOX TO SET RADIO TOD OF ALL RADIOS FROM THE SAME PC
F. ENSURE RADIO IS ON AND IN PT MODE AND SELECT PROGRAM BUTTON
G. SELECT YES
H. REPEAT STEPS A-F FOR ALL RADIOS IN RADIO NET OR SAVE FILE TO DISK AND SUPPLY TO OTHER STATIONS
WITH RPA VERSION 3.2.2 TO PERFORM PROGRAMMING FUNCTIONS.
I. SELECT SAVE AND FILE CLOSE WHEN PROGRAMMING COMPLETE.