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Chapter 5

Basic Signal Leader Information

This chapter contains six sections. Each section provides guidance on performing a different task or area of importance common to signal leaders.

Section I. Profiling Radio Links

Obtaining LOS between two stations is essential when forming a multichannel radio link. For most systems, the LOS planning range is about 40 kilometers, due to the earth's curvature. LOS analysis may be done by automated means, usually by the signal brigade's/battalion's S3. See Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1. Sample LOS study.

To perform a manual radio LOS analysis, obtain the following materials--

• Grid coordinates of both stations.
  
• Path profile paper, 4/3 earth radius (if possible).
  
• Map sheet containing both stations.
  
• GTA 5-2-12 protractor and coordinate scale.

  Perform the following steps--
  

• On the map sheet, place a dot at each proposed site location and circle it for ease of finding it later.
  
• Draw a line from point A to point B and determine the distance between the two.
  
• If the distance is greater than 48 kilometers (40 kilometers for MSE), the points exceed maximum planning range and the transmissions may be too weak to receive. A relay may be needed; however, its use is undesirable and should be used as a last resort so that unnecessary assets are not tied up in one radio link.
  
• Determine the elevation in meters of the originating and destination stations. Plot them the proper distance apart on the profile paper. Remember to add the antenna heights.
  
• Divide the distance between the stations into 1 kilometer increments.
  
• Determine the highest elevation in meters at 1 kilometer increments. Plot these on the profile chart.
  
• Connect the points to establish a graphic picture of the terrain along the path between the two stations.
  
• Draw a straight line between the antenna stations. This line represents the multichannel radio transmission path.
  
• If the transmission path does not clear the terrain, LOS is not possible. Another terminal site or a relay site should be chosen. Leaders at company, platoon and team level should manually profile radio shots as soon as possible.

TC 24-21 explains LOS manual profiling methods in detail.

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Table of Contents
Index