Radio System Overview

Summary

This document is the applications handbook for the Harris Falcon II AN/PRC-150(C) HF/VHF manpack radio, detailing its capabilities, system configurations, and compatible accessories. It provides comprehensive technical specifications, system diagrams, descriptions of vehicular, base, and transportable system adapters, and lists of cables, mounting, power, and antenna options. The guide supports field engineers, installers, and users with detailed part references and operational features for various deployment environments.

Action Items

• None identified in this document, as it is a technical applications guide and not a record of a meeting or a working session.

Overview of AN/PRC-150(C) Manpack Radio

• The AN/PRC-150(C) is a highly integrated software-defined HF/VHF manpack radio designed for tactical communications.
• Key features: ALE (Automatic Link Establishment), data rates up to 9600 bps, MELP digital voice, Citadel and Type-1 encryption, digital ECCM, and built-in IP interface.
• Supports 1.6–60 MHz operation in various modes (USB, LSB, CW, AME, FM), with 20 W PEP for HF and 10 W for VHF.
• Provides interoperability with U.S. government and coalition radios, supporting both secure and non-secure modes.
• Offers advanced modem waveforms for high-speed data, robust digital voice options, and a tactical IP network interface.
• Includes menu-driven interface, 75 user-defined net presets, removable keypad display, battery and external DC operation, and remote control port.

Technical Specifications (R/T Specifications)

• Frequency range: HF SSB/AME 1.6–29.99999 MHz, FM 20–59.99999 MHz.
• Power input: +26 VDC nominal, operation from +23 to +32VDC.
• Sensitivity: -113 dBm (SSB); -98 dBm (AME); -117 dBm (CW).
• Audio output: 15 mW into 1000Ω.
• Multiple selectable power output settings: 20 W (HF), 10 W (VHF), 5 W, and 1 W.
• Dimensions with battery: 10.43”W × 13.31”D × 3.2”H; weight with batteries: 17.2 lbs.

System Interconnect and Adapter Options

Vehicular Systems

• Multiple vehicular adapters (20 W, 125 W, 150 W, 400 W) allow flexible deployment in vehicles; feature ruggedized mounts, frequency separation, built-in test, overload protection, and support for standard military antennas.
• Collocation filtering options (e.g., pre/postselector, low-pass filters) provided for high-interference environments.
• Complete system packages available for ground vehicles including Humvee installations.

Base Station Systems

• Base adapters (125 W, 150 W, 400 W) include integrated power amplifiers, power supplies, speakers, and offer ruggedized, removable mounts for stationary operation.
• Options for collocation filtering and base station mounting systems.

Transportable Systems

• Mini-transit case adapters for rapid deployment and ease in field logistics, supporting 125 W, 150 W, and 400 W configurations.
• Cases include all cables, power, and speaker accessories, and can be stacked for portable rack setups.

Antenna Couplers and Cables

• Fast-tune automatic antenna couplers (RF-5382H, RF-382A) support various antenna types (whips, dipoles, longwires).
• Cables offered in a variety of types and lengths for HF and VHF installations, including standard, low-loss, and specialized outdoor cables.
• Accessories include sun shields, mounting plates, and extension kits.

Filtering and Collocation Solutions

• Digital pre/postselectors (e.g., RF-5245) and low-pass filter kits for unwanted signal attenuation in closely sited installations.
• Multiple filter kits for different power-level amplifiers and use cases (vehicular, base, and transportable).

Siting and Mounting Kits

• Siting kits for remote antenna placement (20 m, 50 m, whip/dipole options), tailored for field or vehicular use.
• Mounting systems include shock mounts, security locks, adapters for specific vehicle types, and quick-release options for rapid redeployment.

Power Supply Options

• AC/DC and DC/DC power supplies for fixed, vehicular, and portable applications, supporting international voltages and battery backup.
• Ruggedized, field-ready designs, with auto-fault recovery, submersibility, and compatibility with all Falcon series radios.

Remote Control and Accessories

• Short-distance and full-feature remote control kits for tactical or command-post operation.
• Options include amplifier speakers, extension cables, Ethernet/fiber support, and dedicated remote control units.

Batteries and Chargers

• Supports a range of rechargeable and disposable batteries (BB-390B/U, BB-590/U, BB-2590/U, BA-5390/U, BA-5590/U, 12041-2100).
• Multiple charger types: ruggedized, tactical, solar, vehicular, and hand crank; detailed battery compatibility table provided.

HF, VHF, and Transportable Antenna Options

• Comprehensive range of manpack, vehicular, transportable, and fixed installation antennas (whip, dipole, inverted vee, NVIS loop, long-wire, crossed dipole, roof-mount).
• Each antenna section specifies max wattage, frequency range, deployment configuration, transport size, and included accessories.

Decisions

• No explicit decisions documented in this technical guide.

Open Questions / Follow-Ups

• None noted; this is a static technical reference document.