Table of Contents. Chapter 1 Introduction to the AN/PRC AN/PRC -150 Channel Programming. COMSEC Loading Procedures. Manual ALE Programming

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2 Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction to the AN/PRC Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Initial Operation AN/PRC -150 Channel Programming COMSEC Loading Procedures Manual ALE Programming Radio Programming Application (RPA) 3G Operations OTAR Operations Antenna Theory & Wave Propagation Antenna Examples

3 TAB Insert Tab # 1 Here

4 Introduction to the AN/PRC-150 FALCON II Manpack Radio

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6 Course Objectives At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to understand the terminology associated with and the operation of the AN/PRC-150 HF Radio 3

7 6 AN/PRC-150 Falcon II Man Pack Radio

8 AN/PRC-150 Safety Warnings RF shock hazard Transmitting Automatically RF shock hazard: Due to the low frequency and high power, output electrical shock is possible. Even if properly grounded, avoid contact with transmitting antennas and bare metal of the case. ALE (Automatic Link Establishment), 3G, VSWR test, IP, and ARQ (Automatic Repeat request) data operations will cause the radio to transmit automatically without operator intervention. 7

9 Battery Safety Warnings Do not charge, short circuit, incinerate, or mutilate the BA-5590/U Lithium Battery. If the battery becomes hot, a hissing sound is heard, or venting occurs. Move personnel and equipment to a well-ventilated area. Do not dispose of lithium batteries in uncontrolled trash. Local regulations will apply. Do not use mixed battery types. 8

10 Cautions Unauthorized frequencies. Antenna and connector damage Controlled Cryptographic Item (CCI). Do not operate the AN/PRC-150 on unauthorized frequencies. The AN/PRC-150 frequency band coverage does not constitute authorization for indiscriminate use of any frequency. Turning the Antenna Adapter Body or VHF Blade Antenna can damage the Radio Frequency Antenna connector on the radio and damage the antenna itself. The AN/PRC-150 radio is a Controlled Cryptographic Item (CCI). Use appropriate security measures to protect it as dictated by your security manager or service regulations. Double barrier locked storage devices for un-keyed storage Store radio with function switch set to OFF Filled radio takes on same classification as loaded keys 9

11 AN/PRC-150 Features (1) Single Channel Fixed Frequency Frequency Hopping ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) 3G Single Channel Fixed Frequency: Operates from 1.6 MHz to MHz using skywave (USB, LSB, CW, and AME) modulations with a maximum power of 20 watts. USB: Upper Sideband, LSB: Lower Sideband, CW: Continuous Wave (for Morse Code), & AME: Amplitude Modulation Equivalent. Also operates in FM from MHz to MHz with maximum power of 10.0 watts. Supports 3 types for Frequency Hopping (Narrowband, wideband & list) between MHz. This is not SINCGARS FH and is not commonly used. ALE allows stations to call and link on the best HF channel instead of the operator manually selecting a channel. The radio performs a LQA (Link Quality Analysis) on all the channels in the ALE list to determine the best channel. 3G is an improved version of ALE. 3G stands for third generation. 10

12 AN/PRC-150 Features (2) Embedded COMSEC Removable key pad (CIK) Supports KY-99A (ANDVT-HF), KY-100 (ANDVT-BD), and KY-57 & KY-58 (VINSON), and KG-84 embedded Type I COMSEC. The KDU (Keypad Display Unit) is removable and is also a CIK (Crypto Ignition Key). When removed the COMSEC cannot be accessed and the radio is nonoperational. 11

13 AN/PRC-150 Specifications (1) Frequency range Modes of Operation Channel Presets System Presets Modem Presets Frequency range is 1.6 MHz to MHz in 100 Hz steps. Modes of Operation: Fix Frequency, Hopping, ALE, 3G, & 3G+. 3G cannot be programmed from the keypad; it must be programmed using the RPA (Radio Programming Application). There are 200 Channel Presets ( ). They are used in FIX, ALE, & 3G modes. FIX uses all 200, ALE uses , & 3G uses Transmit & receive frequencies, modulation, and AGC speed, IF bandwidth, & maximum transmit power are programmed into each channel preset. There are 75 System Presets. A Mode of Operation is assigned to a system preset (FIX, ALE, etc). Then the Mode is further defined with encryption, voice settings, data settings, ALE self address, or a Hop net. There are 20 Modem presets for data operation. Data rate is up to bps depending on the modem type and the modulation. For example, WBFSK modem is for FM modulation fix frequency up to 16kbps, XLD modem is for 3G (USB/LSB) up to 12.8 kbps, & Serial modem is up to 4800 bps (USB/LSB). 12

14 AN/PRC-150 Specifications (2) Self-Test DC Power input RF Transmit Power Antenna Tuning The radio has a full Built in Test (BIT) that tests to the module level. The nominal DC input is 26 VDC. Normal operation is from 23 to 30 VDC. Between 21 & 23 VDC maximum TX power is reduced to ¼. Below 21 VDC, the radio shuts down. The radio uses 2 each batteries; Non-rechargeable BA-5590, BA-5390 or rechargeable: BB-390, BB-490, BB-590, & BB The radio also uses a 3.6 VDC HUB (Hold-up-battery) for memory retention. RF Transmit Power is 1, 5, & 20 watts Average for HF modulations; 1, 5, & 10 watts in FM. The radios transmitter can be tuned to the attached antenna for maximum efficiency and must be retuned when the antenna is changed. The internal coupler can be tuned for Manpack antennas (OE-505 whip, RF-1936P NIVS, RF BNC dipole, RF-1941 portable dipole, & field expedient dipole & random length wire. 13

15 TAB Insert Tab # 2 Here

16 AN/PRC-150 Initial Operation 14

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18 AN/PRC-150 Typical Items The typical AN/PRC-150 Manpack includes all the above items. At a bare minimum the RT-1694, batter box with batteries, H-250 handset, & the OE-505 antenna are required. 16

19 Controls & Connectors (1) J1 J18 J7 J3 LCD Function Switch J1: Audio Connector, standard 6-pin audio handset connector. J18: Fill Connector, used to connect Type I encryption fill devices. (e.g. SKL & AN/CYZ-10) J7: 50-OHM antenna connector for BNC or whip antenna. J3: Data Connector, provides a connection for a data device or auxiliary audio. The radio can be programmed via this port using the RPA. LCD: Liquid Crystals Display, operational and programming displays Function Switch: Described later. 17

20 Controls & Connectors (2) J2 KDU J6 Ground Post J2: GPS (Global Positioning System) connector (PLGR or DAGR) KDU: Removable Keypad Display Unit J6: Accessory Connector is used to connect and external power amplifier, external DC power, control signals, and remote control data. The radio can be programmed via this port using the RPA. For better transmission and reception the radio should be grounded 18

21 Controls & Connectors (3) Function Switch The function switch has 7 positions: OFF: Turns the radio off; disconnects the main power, all programming and COMSEC is retained by the HUB. PT: Plain Text mode, no encryption. CC: Citadel Cover is used for encrypted communications without Type I COMSEC. CC keys are loaded via the RPA or the front panel. CT: Cipher Text mode, US Type I DOD encryption. RV: Receive Variable, used to transmit or receive Type I COMSEC using OTAR (Over the Air Rekey). LD: Load, used to load Type I COMSEC. Z: Zeroizes all programming and COMSEC. 19

22 Keypad Display Unit (KDU) 1 Circular Arrow Button (0): Toggles the display between the System Preset screen & the Channel Preset screen. CALL (1): Initiates a specific action depending on the current net type or mode FIX: Initiates a hail to a HOP net HOP: transmit a response to a sync request ALE: initiates a ALE call 3G: initiates a 3G call LT (2): Accesses the backlight control MODE (3): Changes the operating mode (FIX, ALE, HOP, 3G or 3G+) Left & Right Arrows: Used to move through the menu, move the cursor when entering data, and to activate screen override. 20

23 Keypad Display Unit (KDU) 2 SQ (4): Turns the squelch on or off. ZERO (5): Not used Up Arrow (6): Used to scroll through choices CLR - Clear. Cancel on operation, back up in a menu, terminate an ALE or 3G call, or stop scanning. OPT (7): Accesses the Options menu PGM (8): Accesses program menu ENT: Selects a field choice or locks in entry data VOL - Volume increase or decrease PRE +/-: Scrolls through net presets list. 21

24 System Setup Procedures 1. Ensure the function switch is in the OFF position. 2. Insert batteries into battery box and attach to the RT If only one battery is available, install on the J11 BATTERY 2 connector. If power is applied only to the J10 BATTERY 1 connector, the radio thinks that it is connected to vehicular power, and does not attempt to conserve power. The HUB is located next to J11 is cover by the main battery. To change the HUB without loosing COMSEC or programming, leave the radio ON and remove the J11 battery only. Replace the HUB, then the J11 battery. 3. Connect the 6-foot KDU remote cable to the KDU left side connector and to the RT-1694 chassis connector. (Line up white dots.) 4. Connect H-250 handset to the J1 Audio connector. 5. Attach the antenna to the J7 antenna connector. 6. Ground the radio 7. Place the function switch to PT, CC, or CT. Wait for the radio software to initialize and run a power on test. 22

25 Zeroize the Radio R BAT FIX ZR ****ZEROIZE**** IN PROGRESS -WAIT- R BAT FIX ZR ****ZEROIZE**** COMPLETE CYCLE POWER Pull and turn the function switch to the Z position. The radio will begin to ZEROIZE all COMSEC information and radio settings. When the ZEROIZE is complete, the ZEROIZE COMPLETE message is displayed. Move the function switch to the OFF position to complete the Zeroize process. Place the function switch to PT. 23

26 Test Menu (BIT) 7 STU OPT R BAT FIX PT GPS-TOD RETUNE RADIO SCAN TEST R BAT FIX PT BIT PING BATTERY VSWR SPECIAL R BAT FIX PT BUILT-IN-TEST SYSTEM TO SCROLL - ENT TO EXECUTE R BAT FIX PT ****TEST**** IN PROGRESS TO SCROLL WAIT - ENT TO EXECUTE R BAT FIX PT ****TEST**** PASSED PRESS ENT/CLR TO EXIT It is a good idea to fully test out a radio before beginning operations. Press the OPT key. Arrow over to highlight TEST, press ENT. Highlight BIT, press ENT. There are 6 items under test; SYSTEM, INTERNAL COUPLER, KDU, EXTERNAL PA, PREPOST, & RF-5382 COUPLER. Using the up or down arrow keys, select the test you wish to run then press ENT. SYSTEM will test everything. 24

27 Test Menu (Battery & VSWR) R BAT FIX PT BIT PING BATTERY VSWR SPECIAL R BAT FIX PT BIT PING BATTERY VSWR SPECIAL R BAT FIX PT VOLTAGE: 27.5V STATUS: NOMINAL PRESS ENT TO CONT R BAT FIX PT VSWR FREQUENCY ENT TO TEST - CLR TO ABORT R BAT FIX PT HUB VOLTAGE: 3.61V HUB STATUS: NOMINAL PRESS ENT TO CONT R BAT FIX PT POWER: 22W VSWR: 1.0:1 CLR TO VIEW FREQ - ENT TO EXIT Two other preoperational tests that should be performed: 1. BATTERY 2. VSWR. Highlight BATTERY, press ENT. The first screen shows the main battery status. The batteries are not tested individually but averaged together. Press ENT again to view the second screen. This show the HUB status. Replace batteries if the voltage is to low. Press ENT again to exit the battery test. Select VSWR. VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) is the difference between the Standing voltage and the reflected voltage on the transmission line. At the next screen enter your operational frequency if know then press ENT. The results will show the transmit power used and the VSWR ratio. 1.0:1 is the best. When the ratio is 2.0:1 and above the transmit power is reduced to protect the radio. 3.0:1 the radio will display a warning indicating high VSWR. High VSWR is due to problems with the antenna, transmission line connecting to the antenna, or a disabled internal coupler. High VSWR can cause the radio to become hot to the touch. If this happens, power down the system and troubleshoot. 25

28 Options Menu (GPS-TOD & Retune) 7 STU OPT R BAT FIX CT GPS-TOD RETUNE RADIO SCAN TEST GPS-TOD R BAT FIX PT GPS STATUS NOT INSTALLED :20:25 TUNING IN PROGRESS TUNING COMPLETE R BAT FIX SQ CT VOICE1 OFF DV24 TEK COUPLER TUNING IN PROGRESS R BAT VOICE1 OFF RETUNE FIX SQ CT DV24 TEK COUPLER TUNING COMPLETE ANDVT-HF ANDVT-HF R BAT VOICE1 OFF FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF DV24 TEK DATA VOICE KEY CHAN Also in the options menu is GPS-TOD. This screen shows the current state of the GPS, the radio time, and the current position if a GPS is installed. Next is RETUNE. It is used to force a retune of the coupler due to an antenna change, frequency change, or loss of tune. When RETUNE is executed the display returns to the main operational screen. The coupler tuning status is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 26

29 Options Menu (Radio) R BAT FIX SQ CT GPS-TOD RETUNE SCAN RADIO TEST R BAT FIX SQ CT INTERNAL COUPLER ENABLED PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT FIX SQ CT TX POWER HIGH PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT FIX SQ CT RADIO SILENCE OFF PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT FIX SQ CT SQUELCH LEVEL MED PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT FIX SQ CT BFO 0 HZ PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT FIX SQ CT FM SQUELCH TYPE TONE PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT FIX SQ CT RX NOISE BLANKING OFF PRESS TO SCROLL From the Options menu the operator can view or change radio option while still online instead on entering the programming menu. Radio options affect all channels and are called global. Select RADIO. TX POWER: Choices are HIGH, MED, & LOW. (20, 5, & 1 watt for HF; 10, 5, & 1 watt for FM) SQUELCH LEVEL: This is noise squelch for HF operations; choices are HIGH, MED, & LOW. FM SQUELCH TYPE: Either TONE or NOISE. Tone is default. INTERNAL COUPLER: Either ENABLED or BYPASSED. Enabled for resonant or field expedient antenna. RADIO SILENCE: OFF or ON. Used in ALE and 3G modes. On will disable the radio from automatically responding to a call BFO: Beat Frequency Oscillator offset may be required to communicate with older radios with unstable frequency control. Adjustable +/ Hz in 10 Hz steps. RX NOISE BLANKING: OFF or ON. Is used to filter interfering signals. Use only with strong signals. 27

30 Backlight Adjustment 2 DEF LT R BAT FIX SQ CT BRIGHT 7 CONTRAST 65% R BAT FIX SQ CT BRIGHT 7 CONTRAST 65% R BAT FIX SQ CT LIGHT OPERATION MOMENTARY From the main operational screen, press the LT key. Adjust the Brightness using the up/down arrows. Arrow over to Contrast and use the up/down arrows to adjust it. Press ENT. LIGHT OPERATION: Use the up/down arrows to select either MOMENTARY or OFF. 28

31 QUESTIONS 29

32 AN/PRC-150 Initial Operation Practical Exercise 1. Setup the AN/PRC Zeroize the radio. 3. Run BIT, test battery voltages, & VSWR. 4. Program Global radio setting. 30

33 TAB Insert Tab # 3 Here

34 AN/PRC-150 Channel Programming 31

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36 Preset Screens (1) Transmit / Receive Indicator Battery Meter & Volume Level Squelch Cipher Switch Setting Mode Encryption Mode System Preset Modem Preset 0 R BAT MANUAL OFF FIX SQ CT DV24 TEK DATA VOICE KEY CHAN Voice Mode Encryption Key ANDVT-HF Receive Signal Strength or Transmit Power Meter Channel Number Channel Number Modulation R VOL CH000 USB FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF R T MED MOD FREQUENCY (MHZ) AGC AGC Rate Receive & Transmit Frequencies There are two Main Operational screens or Preset screens. The System preset screen & the channel preset screen. Press the Circle arrow key to toggle between the screens. On the System preset screen press the PRE +/- key to scroll through the System presets, but only the presets that have been programmed. On the Channel, preset screen the PRE +/- key can scroll through all 200 channels. Be careful though because you can temporarily change the channel assigned to a system preset. <> around the system, preset name indicates the preset has been changed. The Transmit / Receive indicator displays either T or R. The Battery Meter changes to a Volume Level indicator when the volume key is pressed. Changes back after about 6 seconds. Mode displays one of the following: FIX, 3G, ALE, or HOP. 33

37 Preset Screens (2) Transmit / Receive Indicator Battery Meter & Volume Level Squelch Cipher Switch Setting Mode Encryption Mode System Preset Modem Preset 0 R BAT MANUAL OFF FIX SQ CT DV24 TEK DATA VOICE KEY CHAN Voice Mode Encryption Key ANDVT-HF Receive Signal Strength or Transmit Power Meter Channel Number Channel Number Modulation R VOL CH000 USB FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF R T MED MOD FREQUENCY (MHZ) AGC AGC Rate Receive & Transmit Frequencies Squelch: Either SQ when on or blank when off. Cipher Switch Setting: PT, CC, or CT. Encryption Mode: Displays ANDVT-HF, ANDVT-BD, VINSON, KG-84R, KG-84NR, CITADEL, S369+, or depending on the function switch setting and encryption selected. System Preset: MANUAL or any programmed System preset name. Modem preset: OFF or any programmed Modem preset. Voice Mode: NONE, DV6, DV24, ME6, ME24, CLR, CVSD, and AVS are the choices. Receive Signal Strength meter fills in from the left to right. Transmit Power Meter fills in from bottom to top. Modulation: USB, LSB, AME, CW, or FM. AGC: OFF, SLOW, MED, FAST, DATA, or AUTO. 34

38 System Preset Screen R BAT MANUAL OFF FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF DV24 TEK DATA VOICE KEY CHAN R BAT MANUAL OFF FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF DV24 TEK DATA VOICE KEY CHAN ENT or CLR R BAT MANUAL OFF FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF DV24 TEK DATA VOICE KEY CHAN R BAT MANUAL OFF FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF DV24 TEK DATA VOICE KEY CHAN The Modem Preset, Voice Mode, Encryption Key & Mode, and Channel number can be changed from the System preset screen. However, Modem Preset can only be changed if a Modem Preset has been programmed and the Encryption Key & Mode can only be changed if COMSEC has been loaded and only loaded locations will be displayed. Crypto type choices are ANDVT-HF, ANDVT-BD, VINSON, KG-84R, & KG-84NR. Press the left or right arrow key until the item is highlighted. Then press the up or down arrow to change the value. Press ENT to lock in the selection or CLR to revert back to the original setting. 35

39 Channel Preset Screen R BAT CH000 R X2 USB T MED FIX ENT TO EDIT - PT TO SCROLL S ENT R BAT CH000 USB FIX PT S R T MED ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT Type 118 R BAT CH000 USB FIX PT S R T MED ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT ENT R BAT CH000 USB FIX PT S R T MED ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT ENT R BAT FIX PT S CH000 R USB T MED MOD FREQUENCY (MHZ) AGC On the Channel Preset screen, the channel and the modulation can be changed for channels 001 to 199. Channel 000, the manual channel, the receive & transmit frequencies, and AGC can be changed. Same as with the System Preset screen, press the left or right arrow key until the item is highlighted. Then press the up or down arrow to change the value. Press ENT to lock in the selection or CLR to revert back to the original setting. You can directly enter the frequency instead of scrolling. Ensure that you press ENT again to lock in the transmit frequency. If the PTT is keyed while still editing the frequency, it will revert back to the original setting. 36

40 Channel Preset Programming (1) 8 VWX PGM PGM COMSEC CONFIG MODE ACCESS SCHED PGM -MODE PRESET ALE 3G HOP ARQ XDL PGM-MODE-PRESET CHANNEL SYSTEM MODEM MANUAL Type 001 PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL CHANNEL NUMBER TO CHANGE: 001 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT Channel presets are used in FIX, ALE, & 3G modes and should be programmed first. FIX uses all 200 channels; ALE uses , & 3G uses HOP does not use the channel presets. However, channels 1-10 can be setup to hail a HOP net. Press the PGM key, Arrow right and select MODE, PRESET, and then CHANNEL. Enter the channel number to edit. 37

41 Channel Preset Programming (2) PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 RX FREQUENCY MHZ ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT Type 1245 PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 RX FREQUENCY MHZ ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 TX FREQUENCY MHZ ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 MODULATION PRESS USB TO SCROLL PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 AGC SPEED MED PRESS TO SCROLL When the radio has been Zeroized all 200 channel presets default to 2.0 MHz, USB Modulation, MED AGC Speed, & 3.0 KHZ IF Bandwidth. For normal programming change the receive & transmit frequencies and the rest of the setting can be left at default. Enter the Receive frequency, press ENT. The receive frequency is copied to the transmit, press ENT. If the remainder of the setting are to be left at default, just press CLR 3 times to select the next channel to edit or press PGM to exit programming. For normal HF communications leave the Modulation at USB. Other modulations are LSB, AME, CW, & FM. Ever though USB, LSB, AME, & CW are used from 1.6 to MHz, and FM is 20.0 to MHZ, the software will let the operator program the radio incorrectly. 38

42 Channel Preset Programming (3) PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 IF BANDWIDTH 3.0 KHZ PRESS TO SCROLL PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 RX ONLY NO PRESS TO SCROLL PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 LIMIT MAX TX POWER NO PRESS TO SCROLL YES PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 MAX TX POWER 0001 WATTS ENTER VALUE NO PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 ENABLE HAIL TX NO PRESS TO SCROLL YES PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 HAIL KEY 00 PRESS TO SCROLL NO PGM-MODE-PRESET-CHANNEL 001 ENABLE SSB SCAN NO PRESS TO SCROLL Next select the IF Bandwidth, choices are 3.0, 2.7, 2.4, & 2.0 KHz. RECEIVE ONLY: For normal operations leave at NO. YES will prevent the radio from transmitting on that channel. LIMIT MAX TX POWER: If left at NO the radio will automatically select the maximum transmit power based on its configuration. e.g. Manpack is 20 watts. If YES is selected, enter the max TX power. ENABLE HAIL TX: Leave at NO unless you plan on contacting a HOP net. A Hail Key will be needed if YES is selected. ENABLE SSB SCAN: If you wish to scan multiple channels then select YES, otherwise leave at NO. The screen returns to the CHANNEL NUMBER TO CHANGE: screen. Enter the next channel number to edit or press CLR, then PGM to exit programming. 39

43 Channel Preset Programming (4) R BAT MANUAL OFF FIX PT S CLR DATA VOICE KEY CHAN 0 R BAT FIX PT S CH000 USB R T MOD FREQUENCY (MHZ) AGC MED + PRE - R BAT FIX PT S CH001 USB R T MOD FREQUENCY (MHZ) AGC MED The radio will return to the System Preset screen. Press the circle arrow key to view the Channel Preset screen. Press the PRE +/- key to scroll through the channels. 40

44 QUESTIONS 41

45 AN/PRC-150 Channel Programming Practical Exercise 42

46 TAB Insert Tab # 4 Here

47 AN/PRC-150 COMSEC Loading Procedures 43

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49 KDU CIK Function The KDU has a CIK function that protects the COMSEC keys in the radio. If the radio has been Zeroized, the CIK function is initialized when the first COMSEC Traffic Encryption Key (TEK) is loaded. After CIK initialization, only the correct KDU can be used with the radio to operate in CT mode. When the KDU is removed, the radio cannot function in CT mode, only PT mode. If the original KDU is lost or misplaced and a different KDU is used, the radio will need to be zeroized, reprogrammed, and COMSEC reloaded. 45

50 Embedded Encryption Device Compatibility KY-99A ANDVT KY-57 VINSON KG-84 ANDVT is the primary voice encryption mode for HF communications. ANDVT- HF (KY-99A) supports digital voice at 2400 bps and data at 300 to 2400 bps. ANDVT-BD (KY-100) supports 75 to bps data depending on the modem used, and digital voice at 600 & 2400 bps. VINSON (KY-57) is the normal voice encryption mode for FM communications. The AN/PRC-150 is compatible with any VINSON capable radio from 20.0 to MHz such as the AN/PRC-119, AN/PRC-117, AN/PRC-148, and AN/PRC-152. VINSON supports 16 kbps data using Wideband Frequency Shift Keying (WBFSK) and digital voice using Continuously Variable Slope Delta (CVSD) on 25 khz channels. KG-84 supports 75 to 4800 bps data and digital voice at 600 & 2400 bps. The AN/PRC-150 holds 25 TEKs, 1 KEK, and 1 TrKEK for each of the 3 Crypto modes, VINSON, ANDVT, & KG

51 Fill Devices AN/PYQ-10 / SKL AN/CYZ-10 KYX-15 KOI-18 Tape Reader KYK-13 The AN/PRC-150 can accept COMSEC Fills using either DS-101 or DS-102 protocol. DS-101 is a newer interface used by FILL User Application Software. FILL UAS can be installed into and AN/CYZ-10 and is used for single COMSEC keys. DS-102 is the interface type of the Common Fill Device Family that includes the KYX-15, KOI-18, & KYK-13. The SKL can use either DS-101 or DS- 102 protocol. When loading individual COMSEC keys many different devices can be used. CYZ-10 RDS is used primarily for loading a SINCGARS FH LOADSET. If the required COMSEC is in RDS, individual keys can be loaded by selecting the COMSEC menu in RDS and KYK-13 for a fill device on the radio. 47

52 Loading COMSEC (1) R BAT FIX LD FILL DEVICE KYK-13 PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT FIX LD KYK-13 CRYPTO TYPE ANDVT TO SCROLL R BAT FIX LD KEY TYPE: TEK KEY NUMBER: 01 KYK-13 ANDVT TO SCROLL R BAT FIX LD KYK-13 PRESS ENT TO INITIATE FILL ANDVT TEK01 Selecting KYK-13 for a fill device on the radio allows the operator to load single COMSEC keys from many devices. A KYK-13, an SKL, or an AN/CYZ-10. This is the most common way to load COMSEC into the radio. 1. Place the function switch to LD. You may now connect the Fill Device. 2. Using the up or down arrow, select the KYK-13 for the FILL DEVICE and press ENT. (DS-101, KOI-18, & KYX-15 are the other choices). 3. Select the correct CRYPTO TYPE such as ANDVT, press ENT. (VINSON & KG-84 are the other choices). 4. Select the KEY TYPE: TEK, press ENT. (Also KEK or TrKEK). 5. Select the KEY NUM: (01-25), press ENT. 6. The display will read PRESS ENTER TO INITIATE, and in 3 corners of the screen are the items selected in steps 2-5. Do not press ENT until the fill device is ready. The SKL and AN/CYZ-10 will instruct you when to press ENT on the radio. 48

53 Loading COMSEC (2) Send Receive Database setup Comsec Time vg Ld Rv Ak MK vu Select: Tek Kek AN/CYZ-10 RDS settings Select key USKAT1234 quit XMT Press [Load] on RT If using RDS (Radio) software from a AN/CYZ-10 use the following steps: 7. Select COMSEC 8. Select LD 9. Select the key type (TEK or KEK) 10. If necessary press the P DN (page down) to locate the correct key 11. Press the ENTR button to tag the key. XMT will be in the lower right. Be sure to tag only one key. Pressing the ENTR button again will un-tag the key. 12. Select quit 13. Connect ANCD to RT is displayed on the AN/CYZ-10, press ENTR or the down arrow button. 14. Sending TEK USKAT1234 (for example) is displayed for a few seconds then. 15. Press [LOAD] on RT is displayed. NOW press the ENT button on the radio. 49

54 Loading COMSEC (3) SKL settings If using an AN/PYQ-10 SKL use the following steps: 16. After you have logged into the SKL select the Keys Tab. 17. Select the correct key then press the LOAD icon in the top right of the screen. 18. Select DS-102 for the Protocol and KYK-13 for the Activation Mode. Press OK. 19. Press OK at the Ready to Send Key screen. 20. When the Status screen displays Press INITIATE Button, press the ENT button on the radio. 50

55 Loading COMSEC (4) R BAT FIX LD IN PROGRESS ANDVT KYK-13 TEK01 R BAT FIX LD KYK-13 FILL DONE PRESS ENT ANDVT TEK01 R BAT FIX LD KYK-13 MORE FILL DATA? YES ANDVT TEK01 R BAT FIX LD MOVE SWITCH OUT OF LD POSITION ANDVT Continuing with the Radio steps. 21. When you press ENT, the radio will display IN PROGRESS. 22. If the transfer was successful, the radio will display FILL DONE PRESS ENT ; press ENT. 23. MORE FILL DATA? YES. If you have more keys to fill, leave it at YES and press ENT. If not, select NO. 24. MOVE SWITCH OUT OF LD POSITION is displayed, remove the Fill Device first, then move the function switch to CT. The radio will return to the main operational screen. 51

56 Deleting COMSEC (1) 8 VWX PGM PGM COMSEC CONFIG MODE ACCESS SCHED PGM -COMSEC CITADEL TYPE_I PGM -COMSEC-TYPE_I KEYS CONFIG PGM -COMSEC-TYPE_I-KEYS ERASE SPECIAL Individual COMSEC keys can be deleted from the radio without having to Zeroize the entire radio. 1. Press the PGM key. 2. Select COMSEC. 3. Select TYPE_I. 4. Select KEYS. 5. Select ERASE. 52

57 Deleting COMSEC (2) PGM -COMSEC-TYPE_I-KEYS-ERASE CRYPTO TYPE: CRYPTO KEY: PRESS TO SCROLL ANDVT TEK01 PGM -COMSEC-TYPE_I-KEYS-ERASE ERASE? ANDVT PRESS TO SCROLL YES PGM -COMSEC-TYPE_I-KEYS-ERASE ** ERASE KEY ** KEY ERASED PRESS CLR/ENT TO CLEAR PGM -COMSEC-TYPE_I-KEYS-ERASE CRYPTO TYPE: CRYPTO KEY: PRESS TO SCROLL ANDVT TEK00 6. Scroll to select the Crypto Type, press ENT. 7. Scroll to select the Crypto Key, press ENT. 8. ERASE? scroll to YES, press ENT. 9. A KEY ERASED message will be displayed, press ENT or CLR to continue. 10. The display returns to the Crypto Type & Crypto Key selection screen. 53

58 54 QUESTIONS

59 AN/PRC-150 COMSEC Loading Procedures Practical Exercise 1. Load at least 4 keys into more then 1 Crypto Type location. E.g. ANDVT, KG Assign 1 key to the Manual Preset as per instructor s direction. 55

60 TAB Insert Tab # 5 Here

61 AN/PRC-150 Manual ALE Programming 56

62 57

63 What is ALE? ST MHZ? MHZ? MHZ? MHZ? MHz ST2 What is ALE? Automatic Link Establishment ALE permits HF stations to call and link to other HF stations on the best frequency from a list called a Channel Group. When not transmitting, the radio is constantly scanning through its assigned frequencies listening for calls. Each radio in an ALE network is assigned a unique address, which is used for identification by other radios. Calls can be made to single stations, a group of stations, or the entire network using addresses. There are 3 basic types of addresses, Self, Individual, and Net. Self-Address is a radio's address. The radio can have up to 20 self addresses that are up to 15 characters long but 1 must be 1-3 characters long. Individual Addresses are self-addresses of other radios and are used for individual calls. These can be up to 15 characters long. Up to 200 Individual Addresses can be added. Net Address are addresses assigned to a group of radios in a network. These can also be up to 15 characters long. Up to 20 Net Addresses can be added. There are two other types of addresses but they are not programmed: 1. ALL 2. ANY 58

64 ALE Programming Order 1. COMSEC 2. Channels 3. Channel Group(s) 4. Addresses Self Individual Net 5. Configuration 6. AMD Messages 7. System Preset ALE programming is extensive and minor mistakes are easy to make. It is best to load the COMSEC first then program all the Channels. Next program the Channel group. When addresses are programmed, a channel group is assigned to each. Addresses must be programmed in order. The Self-address is associated to each Individual address. Then the Self & Individual addresses are added to the Net address. Configuration is next. AMD messages can be programmed in advanced or at any time, the operator wishes. In order to program a System Preset the COMSEC and Self-address must completed first. 59

65 ALE Channel Group Programming (1) 8 VWX PGM PGM COMSEC CONFIG MODE ACCESS SCHED PGM -MODE PRESET ALE 3G HOP ARQ XDL PGM -MODE-ALE CHAN_GROUP ADDRESS CONFIG LQA AMD PGM -MODE-ALE-CHAN_GROUP ADD CHANNEL GROUP -- ENT TO ADD ENTRY 1. Press PGM 2. Select MODE, ALE, then CHAN_GROUP 3. Select ADD at CHANNEL GROUP 60

66 ALE Channel Group Programming (2) PGM -MODE-ALE-CHAN_GROUP ADD CHANNEL GROUP 00 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM -MODE-ALE-CHAN_GROUP 0 ADD 0 ENT TO ADD ENTRY CHANNEL PGM -MODE-ALE-CHAN_GROUP 0 ADD 01 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT CHANNEL PGM -MODE-ALE-CHAN_GROUP 0 REVIEW CHANNEL 01 PRESS TO SCROLL CLR until PGM -MODE-ALE CHAN_GROUP ADDRESS CONFIG LQA AMD 4. Enter desired CHANNEL GROUP NUMBER. (00 to 49) 5. Select ADD at CHANNEL. 6. Enter desired CHANNELS for channel group. 00 to 99 can be added to an ALE channel group. It is recommended not to use channel 00 because it is the Manual Channel. 7. To modify or review a Channel Group select REVIEW or instead of ADD at CHANNEL GROUP. To delete a Channel Group select DELETE. 8. The same applies when modifying, reviewing or deleting channel in a Channel Group. 9. When finished, press CLR until the PGM-MODE-ALE menu is displayed. Now the Addresses can be programmed. 61

67 ALE Address Programming (1) PGM -MODE-ALE CHAN_GROUP ADDRESS CONFIG LQA AMD PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADDRESS TYPE SELF PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADD SELF ADDRESS ENT TO ADD ENTRY PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADD SELF ADDRESS ST1 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR CHANNEL GROUP 00 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT ST1 Programming Addresses is similar to programming Channel Groups. 1. Select ADDRESS. 2. Select SELF for Address type. 3. Select ADD. 4. Enter the 1 to 3 digit Self Address 5. Assign a Channel Group to the Self-Address. 6. The display will return to the Address Type screen. ENT to add another Self Address or scroll to INDIVIDUAL. 62

68 ALE Address Programming (2) PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADDRESS TYPE INDIVIDUAL PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADD INDIV ADDRESS ENT TO ADD ENTRY PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADD INDIV ADDRESS ST2 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR CHANNEL GROUP 00 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT ST2 PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ASSOC SELF ST1 PRESS TO SCROLL ST2 7. Select INDIVIDUAL for Address Type. 8. ADD an Individual Address 9. Assign the Channel Group 10. Then associate the Self Address to the Individual Address. 11. The display will return to the ADDRESS TYPE screen. 12. Repeat to add more Individual Addresses. 63

69 ALE Address Programming (3) PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADDRESS TYPE NET PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ASSOC SELF ST1 PRESS TO SCROLL NET1 PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADD NET ADDRESS ENT TO ADD ENTRY PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR NET1 ADD NET MEMBER PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADD NET ADDRESS NET1 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR ADD ST1 PRESS NET1 NET MEMBER TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR CHANNEL GROUP 00 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT NET1 PGM -MODE-ALE-ADDR MEMBER LIST FULL PRESS CLR / ENT TO CLEAR NET1 13. Change the ADDRESS TYPE to NET. 14. Select ADD for NET ADDRESS. 15. Enter the Net Address 16. Assign the Channel Group 17. Associate the Self-Address to the Individual Address. 18. Select ADD for NET MEMBER. 19. If adding all Individual Addresses to the Net, keep pressing ENT until MEMBER LIST FULL is displayed. 20. Press CLR 5 times to return to the ALE programming menu. Configuration is next. 64

70 ALE Configuration Programming (1) PGM -MODE-ALE CHAN_GROUP ADDRESS CONFIG LQA AMD PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG MAX TUNE TIME 15 SECONDS ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG MAX SCAN CHANNELS 100 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG LINK TIMEOUT OFF PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG LISTEN BEFORE TX OFF PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG LINK TIMEOUT 00 MINUTES ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG KEY TO CALL OFF PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG LINK TO ANY CALLS OFF PRESS TO SCROLL Select CONFIG. Set the MAX SCAN CHANNELS to the number of channels in the assigned Channel Group. (1-100). Tells the radio how long to Call for on each channel. This allows time for receiving radios to scan all channels and pickup the Call. LISTEN BEFORE TX (OFF, ON) Set to ON forces the radio to monitor the selected channel before making an ALE Call. KEY TO CALL (OFF, ON) Set to ON allows the operator to just key the handset to place a Call to the last station called. MAX TUNE TIME (1-60) Length of time the calling radio waits for receiving radios to respond. LINK TIMEOUT (OFF, ON) When set to OFF, the operator must disconnect a Linked Call. Set to ON a TIMEOUT (0-60) in minutes is also programmed. LINK TO ANY CALLS (ON, OFF) When set to ON the radio will link to Calls placed to an Address Type of ANY. Set to OFF the radio will only link to Calls placed to it s Self or Net Address. 65

71 ALE Configuration Programming (2) PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG LINK TO ALL CALLS OFF PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG LINK TO INLINK CALLS ON PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG AMD OPERATION DISABLED PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG AMD AUTO DISPLAY ENABLED PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG SCAN RATE ASYNC PRESS PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG LINK PROTECTION LEVEL OFF PRESS TO SCROLL LINK PROTECT KEY ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT LINK TO All CALLS (ON, OFF) When set to ON the radio will link to Calls placed to an Address Type of All. Set to OFF the radio will only link to Calls placed to it s Self or Net Address. LINK TO INLINK CALLS (ON, OFF) Allows a radio to broadcast an AMD message to all radios it is linked to. The radio must already be linked to initiate an Inlink Call. AMD OPERATION (DISABLED, ENABLED) When enabled the radio can send and receive messages. AMD AUTO DISPLAY (ENABLED, DISABLED) Allows incoming Text messages to be displayed automatically on your LCD. SCAN RATE: (ASYNC, 2, or 5) Sets the rate that frequencies are scanned per second. ASYNC is at least 7 per second. LINK PROTECTION LEVEL (OFF, LEVEL 1) When set to OFF the LINK PROTECT KEY is not needed. Setting it to LEVEL 1 prevents unwanted interruptions by scrambling the ALE handshake signaling using the 14 character hexadecimal LINK PROTECT KEY. 66

72 ALE AMD Programming PGM -MODE-ALE CHAN_GROUP ADDRESS CONFIG LQA AMD PGM -MODE-ALE-AMD TX_MSG RX_MSG PGM -MODE-ALE-AMD-TX_MSG TX MESSAGE EDIT PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-AMD-TX_MSG RX MESSAGE REVIEW PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE-ALE-CONFIG-TX : EDIT 0 TX MESSAGE: TO SCROLL - ENT TO CONT AMD messages can be programmed at any time. The radio has 10 slots for Transmit messages and 10 slots for Receive messages. Each message can be up to 90 characters long. 1. At the ALE programming menu, select AMD. 2. Select TX_MSG. You can EDIT REVIEW, or DELETE TX messages. In the upper right is the message number (0-9). 3. Select RX_MSG. You can REVIEW, DELETE, or COPY RX messages. The COPY function copies an RX message to the TX message area to be retransmitted. Messages are kept until they are deleted or the radio is Zeroed. Since only 10 RX messages can be saved, new messages will overwrite the oldest message. 67

73 ALE System Preset Programming (1) PGM COMSEC CONFIG MODE ACCESS SCHED.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 PRESET NAME ALENET1 ENT TO SAVE - CLR TO EXIT PGM -MODE PRESET ALE 3G HOP ARQ XDL.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 RADIO MODE ALE PRESS TO SCROLL PGM -MODE - PRESET CHANNEL SYSTEM MODEM MANUAL.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 ASSOC SELF ST0 PRESS TO SCROLL.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSTEM PRESET TO CHANGE: SYSPRE1 PRESS TO SCROLL.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 MODEM PRESET OFF PRESS TO SCROLL System presets tie an encryption mode, voice setting, and data settings to a channel preset, a ALE net, or a Hop net. 3G must be programmed using the Radio Programming Application. However, you can edit the 3G system preset. The following steps are for programming an ALE system preset. 1. Press PGM, select MODE, select PRESET, then select SYSTEM. 2. Scroll to the preset number you wish to edit, press ENT. 3. Enter a new preset name if desired. 4. Select the RADIO MODE. (FIX, ALE, HOP, or 3G) 5. Scroll to select your ALE self address for ASSOC SELF. 6. For voice only leave MODEM PRESET at OFF. 68

74 ALE System Preset Programming (2).. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 ENCRYPTION TYPE TYPE I PRESS TO SCROLL.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 PT VOICE MODE CLR PRESS TO SCROLL.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 CRYPTO MODE ANDVT-HF PRESS TO SCROLL.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 CC/CT VOICE NODE DV24 SETTING IS NOT PROGRAMMABLE.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 ENCRYPTION KEY TEK01 PRESS TO SCROLL.. PRESET- SYSTEM SYSPRE1 PRESS ENABLE YES TO SCROLL 7. Set ENCRYPTION TYPE to TYPE I 8. ANDVT-HF, ANDVT-BD, & KG-84 can all do digital voice. All radios in the net must be set the same. ANDVT-HF is the most common setting. 9. Select the ENCRYPTION KEY. 10. Leave PT VOICE MODE at the default of CLR. 11. If ANDVT-HF was selected for CRYPTO MODE, then CC/CT VOICE MODE is always DV24 and cannot be changed. If ANDVT-BD or KG-84 was selected, then DV24, DV6, ME24, & ME6 are available. 12. Set ENABLE to YES. More then one System Preset can be set to ALE; however, you cannot scroll through them from the System Preset screen. You must set ENABLE to NO on the ALE System Presets you do not want active. 13. The screen will return to the SYSTEM PRESET TO CHANGE screen. Press PGM to exit programming mode. 69

75 ALE Operational Screens R BAT MANUAL OFF FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF DV24 TEK DATA VOICE KEY CHAN R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CH## * SCANNING * 3 GHI MODE CLR R BAT FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF > > > FIX < < < MODE TO SELECT R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CH07 R USB T MED MOD FREQUENCY (MHZ) AGC 3 GHI MODE X2 0 R BAT FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF > > > ALE < < < MODE TO SELECT R BAT ALENET1 OFF ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF DV24 TEK01 07 DATA VOICE KEY CHAN Once the ALE System Preset is programmed, you must change the Mode to ALE. 1. Press the MODE key until the display reads >>> ALE <<< and wait. In about 4 seconds, the radio will enter ALE mode and begin scanning all the channels in the assigned channel group looking for any incoming calls. 2. Press the CLR key to stop scanning. The display will show the Channel Preset screen. Use the PRE +/- key to scroll through and view the channels or press the circle arrow key to view the System Preset screen. 3. Press the CLR key to begin scanning again. 70

76 Place an ALE Call (1) 1 ABC CALL R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CALL TYPE AUTOMATIC PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF ADDRESS TYPE INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL CALL R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF INDIV ADDRESS ST1 PRESS TO SCROLL PRESS TO SCROLL NET CALL R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF NET ADDRESS ALE1 PRESS TO SCROLL GROUP CALL R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF ADD GROUP MEMBERS ST1 PRESS TO SCROLL 1. Since KEY TO CALL was set to OFF in ALE Configuration, you must press the CALL key to place an ALE call. 2. Select the CALL TYPE; AUTOMATIC the radio will select the channel to use, MANUAL the operator selects the channel. 3. For ADDRESS TYPE there are 5 choices; Individual, Net, Group, Any, & All. If LINK TO ANY CALLS & LINK TO ALL CALLS were set to OFF, do not select them. INDIVIDUAL calls are to a single station, NET is to every station in the net, and for GROUP calls, and the operator creates a group of stations to call. 4. Select INDIVIDUAL, scroll to the desired station, & press ENT. The call will begin. 5. Select NET, select the Net, & press ENT. The call will begin. 6. Select GROUP, select ALL, add each member to the Group, change ADD to CALL & press ENT, The CALL will begin. 71

77 Place an ALE Call (2) R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CH07 CALLING ST1 KEY : ALE FREQ : MOD : USB R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CH07 LINKED TO ST1 PRESS CLR / ENT TO CLEAR CLR ENT or PTT R BAT ALENET1 OFF ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF DV24 TEK01 07 DATA VOICE KEY CHAN 0 R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CH07 R USB T MED MOD FREQUENCY (MHZ) AGC CLR R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF TERMINATE LINK? YES R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CH## * SCANNING * PRESS TO SCROLL The radio will start calling the selected station(s) and waits for the station(s) to respond. The radio will then link to all stations that responded to the call. When making a Net call, not all stations in the net have to respond for the radio to link. Once linked the radio will display LINKED TO STATION (or NET). 7. Press the CLR, ENT, or PTT key and the display changes to the System Preset screen. 8. Press the circle arrow to toggle between the System and Channel Preset screens. 9. To terminate a call, press the CLR key and select YES for TERMINAL CALL? The radio will return to scanning. 72

78 Sending an AMD Message R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CH## * SCANNING * R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CALL TYPE AUTOMATIC PRESS TO SCROLL 7 STU OPT R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF GPS-TOD RETUNE RADIO ALE TEST R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF CH07 SENDING MESSAGE ST1 KEY : ALE FREQ : MOD : USB R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF LQA SCORES TX_MSG RX_MSG R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF :35:45 FROM ST1: BLAA BLAA BLAA WAIT OR PRESS CLR / ENT TO CLEAR R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF TX MESSAGE TO SEND: BLAA BLAA BLAA TO SCROLL - ENT TO SELECT Receivin g Radio R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF LQA SCORES TX_MSG RX_MSG R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF SEND TX MESSAGE? YES PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT ALE SQ CT ANDVT-HF :35:45 FROM ST1: BLAA BLAA BLAA ALL AMDS - ENT CURRENT AMD To send an AMD message, press the OPT key, select ALE, select TX_MSG. Scroll through the list and select a message. SEND TX MESSAGE? Select YES. The next few screens are the same as placing a call. Automatic or manual; Individual, Net, or Group, etc. The sending station will link just long enough to send the message, automatically terminate the link, and return to scanning. The receiving station(s) display will show a message is being received, < START OF MESSAGE >, then change to scroll the message across the screen. The date and time will be displayed along with the sending station name, < END OF MESSAGE >. The station will then return to scanning with an (M) next to the channel numbers indicating a message has been received. To view received messages, press the OPT key, select ALE, select RX_MSG. Scroll through the messages, press ENT to select a message to view. Only 10 messages can be stored. First in will be the first overwritten when the message count exceeds 10. To delete messages, press PGM, select MODE, ALE, AMD, RX_MSG, and select DELETE. 73

79 74 QUESTIONS

80 AN/PRC-150 Manual ALE Programming Practical Exercise 75

81 TAB Insert Tab # 6 Here

82 AN/PRC-150 (RPA) Radio Programming Application

83 77

84 Radio Programming Application (RPA) The HF RPS (Radio Programming Application) is used to create a radioprogramming plan for an HF network and to program the radios with it. HF RPA may be used to program the following radios: AN/PRC-138 AN/PRC-150 RF-5800H series MPR-9600 series Connect the Harris cable # Axxx to the radio s J3 Data Port and the computer s 9-pin serial port. The last 3 digits of the cable number is the cable length in feet. 78

85 RPA Installation Install Driver HF RPA NRDI 1. Install the NRDI (Network Radio Driver Installer) first. 2. NRDI will automatically run after it is installed. Install the driver next. 3. The HF PRA is the third item installed. 79

86 RPA Overview Title Bar Menu Bar Toolbar Plan Programming Tabs Status Bar The Title Bar displays Unnamed for a new unsaved plan or the name of a saved plan. The Menu Bar is like any program menu bar. The Tool Bar contains shortcuts to Menu Bar items. The number of Plan Program Tabs will change depending on what is selected on the Plan Info tab. E.g. ALE mode adds the Channel Groups tab. Configure each tab in order from left to right 80

87 RPA Toolbar NEW OPEN SAVE IMPORT VALIDATE PLAN PROGRAM RADIOS ABOUT SET CONFIGURATION DATA NEW: Create a new HF RPA Plan. OPEN: Open an existing HF RPA plan. SAVE: Save an HF RPA plan to disk or Save as. IMPORT: Import an existing HF RPA plan. SET CONFIGURATION DATA: Opens the radio general configuration window. Items such as Power, Squelch, etc. VALIDATE PLAN: Checks your programming for errors. PROGRAM RADIOS: Once the plan is complete and validated, use this to upload the plan into a radio. ABOUT: Displays the program version and build number. 81

88 RPA Plan Info Plan Info Tab Modes & COMSEC The Plan Information tab identifies the communications plan being generated and is not part of standard front panel or remote programming. The Plan Info tab is activated automatically when HF RPA is started and can be accessed by clicking the Plan Info tab along the top of the main workspace area. Check the MODES you want in this plan. E.g. ALE, Hop. If you forget to check them, they will not be available to configure. Under Optional Encryption, check TYPE 1. The Military uses Type 1 encryption. 82

89 RPA Channels Channels Tab The Channels tab corresponds to Channel programming from the front panel. The channels defined on this page are used for the Fixed Frequency, ALE, and 3G modes. Select a channel number first; click Define; then set the Settings: Set the frequency, modulation, AGC, If Bandwidth. Channels are 000 to

90 RPA Channel Groups Channel Groups Tab Channel Groups are used for ALE and 3G modes only. Therefore, this tab will not be present if ALE or 3G were not selected on the Plan Info tab. After the individual channels are defined, they can then be assigned to Channel Groups. Select a Channel Group number; click Define; set the Channel Group Properties; then add the channels to the group. In the left window are available channels and in the right are channels added to the group. 84

91 RPA Stations Stations Tab The Stations tab lets you define the stations in the communications network. Enter a Station Name, select the Radio type from the drop down box, and then click Define. The Station name will appear in the Define Stations window on the right. Station names are not used over the air; call signs are not used as station names. After a radio is defined, click Configuration at the bottom of the screen. Or define all station first then click on the Set Configuration Data icon on the toolbar. 85

92 RPA Radio Configuration All FALCON II Set Configuration Data is used to program the global radio configuration data such as Radio Silence, Transmit power, Squelch, and ALE information. There are 5 tabs under configuration. Station, External Accessories, ALE, Message, and Type 1. By selecting All FALCON II at the top, all radios will be set identical instead of selecting one radio at a time and configuring them separately. 86

93 RPA Keys Keys Tab The Keys tab will be available only if it was selected during installation. The Keys tab is used to create CITADEL CODE crypto keys, AVS, and DATOTEK keys. If you are using only Type I crypto then the Keys tab can be skipped. To create CITADEL keys check the Enable Unrestricted Key Operations box, then click Generate. The Key Generation Helper window will open. Select your settings (e.g. type, number, key prefix, & expiration date), and click generate. Select Key Assignment to assign a Citadel key to a station radio. 87

94 RPA Modem Presets Modem Presets Tab The Modem Presets tab permits you to define up to 19 modem presets. Modem presets defined here can be used on FIX, ALE, & HOP tabs under the Nets tabs. There is a 20 th Pre-defined preset for use in 3G mode. Select a Preset Number; click Define, then set the modem settings. There are 13 modem types to choose from. 88

95 RPA Hop Sets Hop Sets Tab The Hop Sets tab allows you to define and configure up to 19 Hop Sets for the FALCON I & FALCON II radios. Available options depend on the Hop Set type that is selected (List, Narrowband, & Wideband). Select the Radio Family (FALCON II), the Hop set number, click define, and then configure the settings. 89

96 RPA Nets Nets Tab Net Type tabs The Nets tab is used to define radio networks. Each network must have a unique net address. The radio plan can have multiple nets, but each net must be defined separately. Add a Net name, assign stations to the net, select a net type tab, enable the mode, then define the net. 90

97 RPA Fix Nets Fix tab The Fix tab of the Nets tab is used to define presets for fixed frequency operation. This tab is available only if the Fixed Frequency mode has been selected on the Plan Info page. Select the Fix tab and check the Mode Enabled box. Add a name for each Fix Frequency Preset. Assign a channel number, the Encryption Type, Encryption Key, Modem Preset (if sending data), Voice settings, and Crypto Mode. 91

98 RPA Hop Nets Hop tab The Hop tab of the Nets tab is used to define presets for frequency Hopping operation. This tab is available only if the Hop mode has been selected on the Plan Info page. Select the Hop tab and check the Mode Enabled box. Add a name for the Hop Preset. Assign a Hop Set, the Encryption Type, Encryption Key, Modem Preset (if sending data), Voice settings, and Crypto Mode. 92

99 RPA ALE Nets ALE tab The ALE tab of the Nets tab is used to define presets for ALE operation. This tab is available only if the ALE mode has been selected on the Plan Information Tab Select the ALE tab and check the Mode Enabled box. The stations added in the upper right window will automatically be added to the lower left. Assign a Channel Group, the Encryption Type, Encryption Key, Modem Preset (if sending data), Voice settings, and Crypto Mode. 93

100 RPA 3G Nets 3G tab The 3G tab of the Nets tab is used to define presets for 3G operation. This tab is available only if the 3G mode has been selected on the Plan Info page. Select the 3G tab and check the Mode Enabled box. PLAN01 will automatically be created. It must be activated and a Channel Group assigned to it. Multiple 3G plans can be created with different start times and Channel Groups where ALE could have only one channel group. Assign the Encryption Type, Encryption Key, and Crypto Mode. ANDVT-HF is not available for 3G nets. Click the 3G Network Configuration button to further configure the net. 94

101 RPA 3G Configuration On the General tab a Modem Preset can be assigned, the voice settings configured Enable Key to Call, and the Link Protection Key. Accurate net time is required for 3G nets. On the TOD tab select which radio will be the TOD server (Time of Day). The LDV tab is for Last Ditch Voice settings. Last Ditch Voice is used for emergency situations. The operator can record a short voice message and the radio will keep transmitting the message until it is acknowledged by the receiving station. LDV is only for 3G and messages should be kept to 2 minutes or shorter. The Link tab is for setting the Link Timeout, Listen Before Transmit, and Automatic Tune/Sync. 95

102 RPA Plan Validation Validate Plan Icon Once the radio-programming plan is created and saved, it must be validated before radios can be programmed. Select Validate from the Radio Menu or click the Validate Plan icon on the Toolbar to initiate the validation process. When the validation process is complete, a Plan Validation report will be displayed. A green checkmark indicates no errors and the net is operational. A Yellow exclamation point indicates minor errors with the net but is still operational. A Red X indicates major errors and the net is not operational. The errors must be corrected before a radio can be programmed. 96

103 RPA Radio Programming Program Radios Icon Once validation is complete, radios can be programmed. 1. Select Program from the Radio Menu or click the Program Radios icon on the Toolbar to open the Radio Programming window. 2. Select a Station Name from the drop down list. Time can be programmed from the PC, select Set Radio TOD w/system TOD. All radio times must be synchronized to within 2 minutes in 3G nets. 3. For Connection Type select PPP then Harris Automatic IP Radio Connection from the drop down box if using the Harris cable # Axxx. 4. Program Radio Fill should already be checked. Leave it checked, or the radio plan will not be programmed into the radio. Program Keys does not need checked unless Citadel keys generated by the RPA are to be loaded. 5. Click the program button in the lower left, click Yes on the Warning window. A status bar at the bottom of the window will show if the RPA connects to the radio or fails to connect, and shows the programming progress. 97

104 98 QUESTIONS

105 AN/PRC-150 RPA Practical Exercise 99

106 TAB Insert Tab # 7 Here

107 AN/PRC-150 3G Operations 100

108 101

109 3G Advantages Faster Better SNR Pre-tuned Channels ST1 ST2 3G provides many advantages over ALE. Some of the major 3G radio mode improvements are: Faster link setup due to Pre-tuning of channels. Linking at lower Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNR) Higher throughput for short and long data messages Can use of different channel plans for frequency security 102

110 3G Differences ST1 Must use RPA No AMDs No ALL or ANY calls TOD Sync Different Channels ST2 ALE can be programmed from the front panel or the RPA; 3G can only be programmed from the RPA. 3G does not do AMD messages. TAC CHAT or similar program must be used to send messages. When placing a call, ALL & ANY address types are not available. 3G requires TOD synchronization, stations can request time sync. Synchronized channel scanning. With TOD sync, every radio in the 3G net is scanning each channel at the same time. ALE uses channels 00 to 99, 3G uses channels 100 to 162 3G uses named channels plans, ALE uses numbered channel plans. 3G is not limited to a 1-3 digit Self Address. 103

111 3G Operational Screens R BAT 3G SQ CT - + Sync Time meter Channel Plan Name CH1## SCANNING PLAN02 NONE CHANNEL PLAN SYNC Time Sync 0 3G Net Name Modem preset R BAT 3G SQ CT 3GNET 3GMDM DV24 TEK01 DATA VOICE KEY ANDVT-BD After the RPA has finished programming the radio, it resets the radio. After reset, the radio auto tunes to all channels in the active channel group and starts scanning in 3G mode. If more then one channel plan was programmed into the radio, use the left/right arrows to highlight the plan name, then the up/down arrows to change the plan. Press ENT to activate the new plan. The radio will retune to the new channel group and begin scanning. In the lower right of the screen is the time synchronization status. NONE indicates no TOD sync has occurred. AUTO indicates TOD sync has been completed with and external GPS device. MAN indicates TOD sync occurred with another radio over-the-air or with its own internal clock (TOD server radio only). Only one radio in a 3G net is designated the TOD server. The Sync Time meter, in the upper right, indicates the time since last TOD sync. If the bar is empty, it is assumed the radio is not in-sync. The radio can remain in-sync for up to 48 hours when powered on and only 20 minutes when off without a GPS attached. Press the circle arrow key to view the Net Name, Modem Preset, Voice mode, Crypto mode, & key position. After 5 seconds, the display goes back to the Scanning screen. 104

112 Placing a 3G Call R BAT 3G SQ CT ANDVT-BD ADDRESS TYPE STATION PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT 3G SQ CT ANDVT-BD ST1 STATION ADDRESS PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT 3G SQ CT ANDVT-BD CALL TYPE BROADCAST SYNC PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT 3G SQ CT ANDVT-BD ADDRESS TYPE NET PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT 3G SQ CT ANDVT-BD NET ADDRESS 3GNET PRESS TO SCROLL R BAT 3G SQ CT ANDVT-BD CH102 CALLING 3GNET R BAT 3G SQ CT ANDVT-BD CH102 CALLING ST1 R BAT 3G SQ CT ANDVT-BD CH102 RESPONSE FROM ST1 Link screen R BAT 3G SQ CT ANDVT-BD ST1 3GMDM DV24 TEK01 DATA 104 VOICE KEY CHAN This is now the Receive Signal Strength or Transmit Power Meter To place a call in 3G, press the CALL key. The TOD server radio has two choices for CALL TYPE: BROADCAST SYNC & BROADCAST SYNC ALL. It must perform a net TOD sync before any other call can be made. Out stations must be within 7 minutes to receive the Broadcast Sync. The TOD server can be setup to periodically transmit a Broadcast Sync. AUTOMATIC, MANUAL, & BEST are the other 3 types of calls available. A member radio defaults to SYNC REQUEST. AUTOMATIC, MANUAL, & BEST are the other 3 choices for CALL TYPE. Automatic and Manual are the same as with ALE. Best uses the channel with the best link quality and can be slower to connect then automatic. After selecting a Call Type, ADDRESS TYPE is next. STATION, NET, and NET BROADCAST are the 3 choices. Station & Net are the same as in an ALE net. The difference between Net and Net Broadcast is that when a member radio receives a Net call it transmits a response then links. With a Net Broadcast call, member station link without transmitting a response. Terminating a call is the same procedure as with ALE calls. 105

113 106 QUESTIONS

114 AN/PRC-150 3G Practical Exercise 107

115 TAB Insert Tab # 8 Here

116 AN/PRC-150 OTAR Operations 108

117 109

118 OTAR Operations Modem required For ANDVT R BAT MANUAL MDM1 FIX SQ CT ANDVT-HF DV24 TEK DATA VOICE KEY CHAN The AN/PRC-150 is capable of OTAR (Over-The-Air-Rekey) operations. It supports Transmit Automatic Rekey (AK), cooperative and non-cooperative Receive Automatic Rekey (AK), Transmit Manual Rekey (MK), cooperative and non-cooperative Receive Manual Rekey (MK), Variable Generate (VG), and Variable Update (VU). OTAR is used to transmit a TEK through the radio to one or more target radios. AK OTAR requires both the transmitting and receiving radio have the same KEK. MK OTAR does not require the KEK for VINSON & ANDVT encryption. KG-84 does not support MK OTAR. Variable Generate (VG): The AN/PRC-150 can generate COMSEC key variables using an AN/CYZ-10, SKL, or similar DTD. These keys are used for testing the radios only. Variable Update is used to update the KEK used to transmit the AK OTAR. The original KEK is changed during the AK process in both the transmitting and receiving radios and must be updated to continue operations. If using ANDVT-HF encryption an ANDVT-HF Modem must be used at the transmitting station. However, the receiving station do not need at modem. ANDVT-BD encryption requires a Serial Modem. When programming the modem preset leave the settings at default. Vinson encryption does not require a modem. 110

119 OTAR Operations R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF MODE TRANSMIT MK PRESS TO SCROLL TEK01 R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF TX MK WAIT - CONFIGURING FOR TX MK TEK01 R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF TX MK CONNECT NCD AND INITIATE MK TEK01 Both Non-cooperative Receive AK & MK OTAR overwrite the current TEK key in the receiving radio automatically without operator action. A more failsafe method is to use Cooperative Receive AK or Receive MK OTAR. These two methods allow the operator at the receiving station to select the TEK store position and not overwrite the active TEK. Perform the following procedure for Transmit MK using ANDVT encryption: Radio steps: 1. Load the new TEK to the radio to have available for communications checks with receiving stations of the OTAR. 2. Notify receiving stations to prepare for MK OTAR. Direct them to use cooperative Receive MK OTAR method. Additionally instruct them not to transmit again until they hear a communications check. 3. Rotate the function switch to RV. 4. Select TRANSMIT MK, press ENT. 5. WAIT - CONFIGURING FOR TX MK is displayed then changes to CONNECT NCD AND INITIATE MK. 6. Connect the DTD. 111

120 TX MK OTAR Operations (1) Send Receive Database setup Comsec Time vg Ld Rv Ak Mk vu Transfer in progress. Select key USKAT1234 quit Sending TEK USKAT1234 Connect to RT and press [SEND ] 1 key transferred. If using an AN/CYZ-10: Turn AN/CYZ-10 on and load RADIO application. 1. Select Comsec 2. Select MK 3. At Select key screen, use the P DN button to page down and find the correct TEK, press the ENTR button. 4. DTD reads: Connect to RT and press [SEND], press SEND. 5. SEND. Display will show: [Transfer in progress], [Sending TEK xxxxxx], then [1 key transferred] 112

121 TX MK OTAR Operations (2) Load outstation KEK to NCS? If using an AN/PYQ-10 SKL: 1. After logging into the SKL program, select File. 2. Select OTAD - Manual Rekey (MK) 3. At the Select and equipment screen, select Generic MK. 4. Perform MK-RV? Select Yes 5. Generate new replacement TEK? Select No 6. Load outstation KEK to NCS? Select No 113

122 TX MK OTAR Operations (3) Operation Successful Tell outstations to prepare for MK Press Finish to initiate MK operation Load original KEK back to NCS? If using an AN/PYQ-10 SKL: 7. At the Select a replacement TEK: screen, select the new TEK that needs to be transmitted to the receiving stations, press Next>> 8. Pre-steps MK-RV Operation, press Finish. 9. If no errors the SKL displays Operation Successful. 10. Press OK, then Finish. 11. The SKL give you the option to send the key again. Select No. 12. Load original KEK back to NCS? select No. 114

123 TX MK OTAR Operations (4) R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF TX MK TX MK IN PROGRESS TEK01 R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF TX MK TX MK DONE PRESS ENT TEK01 With either DTD, the radio will display: 13. TX MK IN PROGRESS, followed by TX MK DONE PRESS ENT. 14. Press ENT to return to the REKEY/NCD operations menu. 15. If done, disconnect the DTD. 16. Place the function switch to CT and perform a radio check using the new TEK. 115

124 RX MK OTAR Operations R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF WAIT - CONFIGURING FOR RX MK RX MK TEK01 R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF WAIT TO RECEIVE MK RX MK TEK01 R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF RX MK RX MK IN PROGRESS TEK01 R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF RX MK OK - STORE AS ANDVT TEK 01 ENTER KEY NUMBER TEK01 R BAT FIX SQ RV ANDVT-HF RX MK KEY STORE OK PRESS ENT TEK01 Upon receiving notification that the NCS will transmit an MK OTAR, acknowledge instructions and do not transmit again until procedure has completed and the NCS makes another communications check. 1. Rotate function switch to RV. 2. Select RECEIVE MK, press ENT. 3. WAIT - CONFIGURING FOR RX MK displays, followed by WAIT TO RECEIVE MK. 4. The radio displays RX MK IN PROGRESS, then RX MK OK - STORE AS ANDVT TEK 01. Enter the key number where you wish to store the key and press ENT. 5. The display then reads KEY STORE OK PRESS ENT. Press ENT to return to the REKEY/NCD operations menu. 6. Place the function switch to CT. 116

125 QUESTIONS 117

126 AN/PRC-150 OTAR Practical Exercise 118

127 TAB Insert Tab # 9 Here

128 Antenna Theory and Wave Propagation 119

129 120

130 Radio Waves 186,000 miles per second 300,000,000 meters per second Radio waves travel (propagate) at the speed of light in empty space or a vacuum which is 186,000 miles per second or 300,000,000 meters per second. On the earth; because of air, water, trees, etc; radio waves travel slightly slower then the speed of light. Knowing and understanding how radio waves propagate is very important in constructing and erecting antennas. When making an antenna, the length should be cut to match the wavelength of the transmitted frequency; this is called a resonant antenna. Resonant means that the electrical length matches or equals the physical length of the antenna. The purpose on an antenna is to radiate as much of the transmitter power as possible. A full-wave antenna is the best and a half-wave antenna is the shortest antenna that a transmitter will load efficiently. 121

131 Radio Wave Wavelength Full-wave Half-wave The formula for determining a radio waves wavelength is: Wavelength = speed / frequency For example: a 1 MHz radio wave Wavelength = 300,000,000 meters per second / 1,000,000 HZ Wavelength = 300 meters. 1 meter equals feet Wavelength = 300 m X Wavelength = 984 feet. Therefore, a half wavelength would be 492 feet. Using 984 feet as a constant, another formula to determine wavelength is: Wavelength = 984 / frequency in MHz. For example, 5 MHZ would have a wavelength of: WL = (984 / 5) = feet 122

132 Antenna Length Half-wave antenna length = 492 / Frequency in MHz 5 MHz 93.6 foot antenna In addition to the atmosphere and terrain features, the diameter of the antenna wire, the transmission line that connects the transmitter to the antenna, and antenna insulators also slow the speed of the radio wave. To compensate for these factors, antennas are normally cut to 95% of the wavelength. The formula to determine antenna length for a Half-wave antenna is: Length =.95(492 / frequency in MHz) or Length = 468/F Therefore a resonant antenna for a 5MHz frequency is: L = 468/5 L = 93.6 feet Antenna Calculation Constants 117 /F = 1/8 Wavelength 234 /F = 1/4 Wavelength 468 /F = 1/2 Wavelength 492' /F = Long wire using a terminated antenna 936 /F = 1 Wavelength 123

133 Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) Resonant Antenna cut for Mhz 62.2 ft Non-Resonant Antenna Mhz Radio wave energy travels on a resonant antenna in sine waves that begin at one end of the antenna and end at the other end. When the antenna is not the proper length, too short or too long, the sine wave does not match the antenna length, causing standing waves or reflected waves. The causes RF energy to feed back into the radio making the radio hot to the touch. If the SWR is, too high it could result in no radiated energy and could burn up the radio. SWR reading should be less than 1.5 to 1 (1.5:1). The AN/PRC-150 has a VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) test so antennas can be tested at the required frequency. If the VSWR test reports a reading of 2:1 of higher, the transmit power is reduced to protect the radio. The radio will display a warning if the VSWR reaches 3:1 or higher. 124

134 Other VSWR Factors Center connection 73 ohms Antenna Balum Transmission line 14% off center ohms End connection 2500 ohms Factors other then the antenna length can affect the VSWR reading. How the transmission line is ran, what type of transmission line is used, where the transmission line is connected to the antenna, if an antenna tuning unit, coupler, or Balum is used can all affect the VSWR reading. The J7 antenna port on the AN/PRC-150 has an impedance of 50 ohms. The impedance of a half-wave antenna varies from 73 to 2500 ohms depending on where the transmission line is connected. If the impedance miss-match is too large, the VSWR reading can increase if an antenna tuning unit, coupler, or Balum is not used. A single wire can be used as a transmission line. The impedance of a single wire is ohms, should be connected 14% off the center, and ran at a right angle to the antenna. The radio should be grounded to provide a return path to the transmitter. A twisted pair such as WD-1 can be used as an emergency transmission line. Twisted pair wire has an impedance of ohms and should be center connected to the antenna. This type of wire has a very high power loss and should only be used as a last resort. 125

135 Coaxial cable is a 2 conductor line that offers the least line loss and has an impedance of ohms. Coaxial has a center conductor with a ground shield that provides the return path to the transmitter. 126

136 Radiation Patterns (1) Vertical whip antenna Side view Whip Antennas: Radio waves propagate or radiate off an un-terminated antenna at right angles. For example, a vertical whip antenna radiates RF energy in a 360-degree circle around it. Very little RF energy radiates straight up and down off the ends. The radiation pattern looks similar to a donut. 127

137 Radiation Patterns (2) Horizontal whip antenna Side view Dipole antennas: Take the same whip antenna and place it horizontally and now the RF energy will radiate straight up and down, and to 2 sides, but still not off the ends. Radiation off the sides is called Broadside. This is the radiation pattern of a Half-wave Dipole. 128

138 Radiation Patterns (3) RF Radiation Long-Wire Antenna Transmission Line 1 Wave Length 2 Wave Lengths 6 Wave Lengths Long-wire antennas are antennas that are longer than a half-wave in length. There are two advantages that a long-wire antenna has over a half-wave antenna: directivity and gain. Due to the long wavelength of HF frequencies, antennas that are several wavelengths long are may not be practical for tactical HF communications. Compare the radiation pattern of a Half-wave dipole to that of a 2 wavelength & 6 wavelengths Long-wire. The Long-wire becomes directional the longer it is. The Transmitted power is also more concentrated toward the ends. In effect providing a transmission gain. 129

139 Radiation Patterns (4) RF Radiation Terminated Long-Wire Antenna Transmission Line Resister & Ground A Terminated Long-wire is directional. A Terminated Long-wire is fed at one end, terminated with a resister, and ground at the other end. The radiation pattern is more focused off the end where the resister is. Terminated Long-wire antennas are most effective when cut at least 2 wavelengths long. 130

140 Types of Waves IONOSPHERE SKY WAVE GROUN D WAVES Radio waves travel two ways from the transmitter to the receiver, by ground waves or by sky waves. Ground waves travel along the surface of the earth. Sky waves travel from the transmitter to one of the ionospheric layers and is reflected back to the earth. The advantage of sky wave communication is that very little power is needed to travel long distances, sometimes up to 8,000 miles. Ground waves require a lot more power to travel the same distance as sky waves. Both sky & ground waves can reflect off the earth. A single sky wave hop can be up to 2500 miles. In order to reach up to 8000 miles, sky waves would have to hop up to 4 times, reflecting off the ionosphere & the earth. Radio waves reflect off seawater the best, desert is a very poor reflector, and the jungle is unusable. When the radio wave is reflected, the phase is reversed. This could affect the reliability of communication. It could cancel out the radio waves that travel directly to the receiving antenna. To minimize the canceling effect, a horizontal antenna should be raised at either end. 131

141 Sky Waves and the Ionosphere (1) 5 MHz 100 MHz 20 MHz 5 MHz The angle that a radio wave enters the ionosphere, the frequency of the wave, and the time of day can all effect how a wave is reflected back. The ionosphere will not reflect all radio waves. 3 to 30 MHz reflects off the ionosphere the most effectively. Higher frequencies will pass through the ionosphere into space and lower frequencies will be absorbed by the ionosphere. If the angle is to steep for a given frequency, the wave will not be reflected. The lower the frequency the steeper the angle can be. The ionosphere is broken up into many layers. The distance a sky wave travels before it returns to earth depends upon the ionospheric layer used. The higher the frequency is the further the wave can travel. Higher frequencies are reflected in a higher ionospheric layer then lower frequencies. Therefore, 20 MHz can travel further then 5 MHz at the same transmission angle. 132

142 Sky Waves and the Ionosphere (2) F2 Layer MILES F1 Layer MILES E Layer MILES D Layer MILES The ionosphere is broken up into many layers. Sun light and solar flares affect the ionospheric layers and therefore effect what frequencies are good during the day and night. At night, the F1 & F2 layers combine into one layer. Therefore, a frequency that was good during the day may not be at night, and vice versa. 2 thru 5 MHz is useful during daylight hours for intermediate and shortrange sky wave communications and good for long range at night. 5 thru 10 MHz is similar to the 2 thru 5 MHz, except long-range communications are possible during daylight hours under good conditions. 10 thru 15 MHz is best for reliable intermediate and long-range communication during all propagation conditions. During very low levels of sunspot activity, this band is not useful at night. 15 thru 25 MHz is suitable for short-range surface wave communications using a whip antenna. Long-range communications are highly variable and quite dependent on sunspot activity. It will be useful during day and early night, but may not be usable at all at night. 25 thru 30 MHz is used for very short-range communication and is excellent for long-range communications during good propagation conditions. It is generally unusable for intermediate range communications. 133

143 Ground Effects (1) Direct Wave Side view of a horizontal antenna Reflected Wave The ground has the greatest effect on the medium and high frequency antennas. For example, a horizontal antenna radiates some of the energy directly to the distant station and part of the energy reflects off the ground directly in front of the antenna toward the distant station. If the reflected wave is out of phase, it may cancel out the direct wave. If they arrive in phase, the ground reflected wave ads to the direct wave, making it stronger. As the height of the antenna is increased, the ground reflected signal either adds to the direct wave or creates a null. The conductivity of the earth will determine how much of the signal is reflected. (Seawater, desert, or jungle). 134

144 Ground Effects (2) 1/4 wave above ground 1/2 wave above ground 3/4 wave above ground Ground reflection and the antenna height play a major role in the radiation of radio energy. These drawings of a horizontal antenna show the effect of ground reflection on the RF radiation pattern. With the antenna ¼ waves above ground the very little RF energy goes to the sides, most goes straight up. As the antenna is raised to ½ waves above ground, the RF energy is directed more to the sides. 135

145 Ground Effects (3) 1/4 wave antenna height 1/2 wave antenna height 3/4 wave Antenna height Ground reflection also affects vertical antennas. For example, for short distances the antenna height should be less than a quarter wave. For long distance communication, the antenna should be a half wave or more in height. 136

146 Counterpoise Antenna is ¼ wave or less above ground Optimum is 20 to 40 feet Counterpoise is about the same length as the antenna; 3-5 feet separation between wires We can improve the ground reflection through the use of a counterpoise or radial ground. This increases the conductivity of the earth and lessens the energy lost going into the earth. The signal strength of the radiated signal will be improved if a counterpoise is used. A counterpoise is an artificial reflecting surface that increases the conductivity of the earth and lessens the energy lost going into the earth. More RF energy is reflected adding to the direct wave making the transmitted signal stronger. A counterpoise can also make communication worse if connected to the equipment ground. Always try communicating first without the counterpoise attached to the equipment ground. Then try with it attached to the equipment ground. 137

147 Determining Take-off Angle (1) Antenna Direction of main energy from the antenna Take-Off Angle Long distance communications can be improved by angling the antenna instead of having it horizontal to the ground. By angling the antenna, the operator can take advantage of the radiation pattern to aim the RF wave at the correct angle to the ionosphere. Lowering the angle will increase the communication distance, raising the angle will decrease the distance. To high of an angle the RF wave will on reflect back to earth, in this case, use a vertical whip antenna. 138

148 Determining Take-off Angle (2) You must have a Scientific Calculator. TAKE-OFF ANGLE FORMULA 1. Distant in miles to distant station divided by = 2. Line 1 X 180 = 3. Cosine Line 2 X = Line 3 = 5. Line 4 + Ionospheric Height (175 Miles) = 6. Sine Line 2 X = 7. Line 5 divided by line 6 = 8. Invert Tangent of Line 7 Line 2 = Take of Angle and Arrival Angle. To calculate the optimum take-off angle and arrival angle of the start and finish. The following is needed. Height of the Ionospheric layer from which maximum refraction is expected (175 Miles). The circumference of the Earth: Miles The Radius of the Earth: TAKE-OFF ANGLE TO A SITE 500 MILES AWAY. (500 / = ) ( X 180 = 3.614) ( X = ) ( = 7.88) ( = ) ( X = ) ( / = 0.732) ( = 32.6 DEGREES) 32.6 Degrees is the take-off angle. 139

149 Determining Take-off Angle (3) POLE HEIGHT FORMULA degrees - Take-off angle = 2. Sine of line 1 x length of your antenna = Height of pole Pole Height? Now that you know the take-off angle, you need to calculate the height of the pole to attach the antenna to. For this example the transmit frequency is 5 MHz. The antenna is a 1/2 wavelength. The antenna length = 93.6 feet The Take-Off angle = 33 deg (32.6) = 57 SINE of 57 = X 93.6 = 78.5 feet On end of the antenna needs to be 78.5 feet above the other end. 140

150 TAB Insert Tab # 10 Here

151 Antenna Examples 141

152 142

153 Jungle Antenna 1/4 wave length wire 1/4 wave length sticks Short Range antenna. Due to the element length this in not practical for the lower HF range. Better suited for VHF communications. Uses four 1/4 wave lengths The antenna is omni-directional Erect as high as possible Formula for 1/4 wave antenna elements. 234/F = feet 143

154 Long-Wire Antenna balun COAX CABLE HEIGHT 15' 20' Resister Long range HF antenna. At least 2 wavelengths long. 15 to 20 feet off the ground. Directional with ohm resister and ground on one end. 144

155 Doublet Antenna insulators Balun Used to short to medium range HF communications. Center fed with two 1/4 wave elements. Bi-directional. 145

156 Half Wave Dipole Antenna Balun The Half Wave Dipole is similar to the Doublet accept it uses a single 1/2 wave antenna instead of two 1/4 wave elements. Used to short to medium range HF communications. Center fed with one 1/2 wave element. Bi-directional. 146

157 Slant Wire Antenna Counterpoise Transmission line Ground wire Short to medium range HF antenna 1/4 wave elements End fed with adjustable take-off angle. Uses counterpoise to maximize direction of radiation. 147

158 Inverted Vee Antenna The Inverted Vee is a variation of the Doublet antenna. 148

159 Inverted L Antenna 1/4 wave 1/2 wave Ground The Inverted L is a combination antenna made up of a vertical section and a horizontal section. It provides omni directional radiation for ground wave propagation from the vertical element and high-angle radiation from the horizontal element for short-range sky wave propagation. 1/4 wave vertical element 1/2 wave horizontal element 149

160 Fan Dipole Antenna 14 CENTERMETERS LOWEST FREQUENCY CENTER FREQUENCY HIGHEST FREQUENCY 1 METER The Fan Dipole performs well, and it provides more frequency flexibility (for example, day, night, and transition period frequencies). For tactical communications, these dipoles can be easily deployed in a field expedient manner because they can be located close to the ground. WIRE LENGTH (EACH HALF) (½ wave length) TOP DIPOLE = Length in feet= 0.96 times 468 divided by the operating frequency in MHz CENTER DIPOLE = Length in feet= 468 divided by the frequency in MHz BOTTOM DIPOLE = Length in feet= 1.01 times 468 divided by the frequency in MHz 150

161 NIVS Antenna 2 to 7.6 MHz 7.5 to 12 MHz Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NIVS) NVIS propagation is simply sky wave propagation that uses antennas with highangle radiation and low operating frequencies. NVIS propagation uses high takeoff angle (60 to 90 ) antennas to radiate the signal almost straight up. The signal is then reflected from the ionosphere and returns to Earth in a circular pattern all around the transmitter. Because of the near-vertical radiation angle, there is no skip zone. Communications are continuous out to several hundred kilometers from the transmitter. The nearly vertical angle of radiation also means that lower frequencies must be used. Generally, NVIS propagation uses frequencies from 5 to 12 MHz. 151

162 Vertical Half-Rhombic Antenna The vertical half-rhombic antenna is a version of the long wire antenna that uses a single center support. Easily constructed, this antenna has a narrow width (as wide as the center support guys), which allows several to be installed in a relatively narrow area. The vertical half-rhombic antenna radiates a medium to low-angle signal, making it a good choice for medium to long-range sky wave communications. 152

163 Sloping Wire Antenna Maximum RF radiation The Sloping Wire antenna is simple and easy to construct, it requires only one support. It is a version of the long wire antenna, and produces the best results when the antenna element is longer then the frequency wavelength. Can be terminated like the directional Long-Wire antenna. If the wire is un-terminated, feed the antenna at the low end. If a terminating resistor is used, feed the antenna at the high end and terminate the low end. 153

164 154 QUESTIONS

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