COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS - BATTLE CHECKLISTS
COMMUNICATIONS INPUT FOR FA SUPPORT PLAN:
_____ Obtain Brigade/Divarty communication requirements
_____ Provide SOI/FM variable information
_____ Provide Supplemental instructions, Authentication Tables, and OPCODES
_____ Times and codewords for frequency changeover
_____ MIJI reporting procedures IAW Supplemental Instructions in SOI
_____ LTACFIRE code books and CAV Matrices in effect
_____ Actions upon compromise of FM variables
_____ Medivac frequencies
_____ Actions upon losses or compromises of COMSEC materials
_____ Securing of SOIs and fill devices
TOC CONSIDERATIONS FOR POOR DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
____ Whenever possible select a TOC location that offers direct line of sight communications (especially when operating on frequencies above 30 mhz)
____ Dry ground has high resistance and limits range of radios, whenever possible locate TOC by moist ground
____ Trees and foliage absorb radio waves. Try to keep antennas away from dense foliage, brush, and trees (leafy type trees have a greater effect on radio waves then evergreen trees)
____ Avoid manmade obstructions such as tunnels, bridges, buildings, and metal towers (these absorb large amounts of RF energy)
____ Avoid all types of power lines (they absorb power from radiating antennas, they also produce a humm that may cause interference with digital traffic)
____ Do not locate generators close to radios or antennas (they cause noise interference)
____ Always select an alternate TOC location (If all else fails the TOC may have to move to establish digital communications)
____ Try to avoid positions adjacent to heavily traveled roads (Tank and truck ignitions cause large amounts of electrical interference)
____ Position MSE equipment as far away from antennas and digital equipment as possible
____ Clean all contacts on radios and inside cables with alcohol
____ Insure there are no broken pins or connectors on radios or TACFIRE equipment
____ Insure there are no frayed , broken, or dry rotted cables
____ Perform self-test on radios and TACFIRE systems
____ Insure TACFIRE vehicle is properly grounded ( radio mounts, TACFIRE equipment and vehicle)
____ When using SINCGARS radios with with ICOM and LT TACFIRE system insure the 16000 cable is connected to the W32 cable
____ If talking secure use W32 cable not W30
____ Turn radios in for TACFIRE alignment if required
____ Place OE 254 antennas as far away from each other as possible, place them in a star formation, and stagger heights
____ Do not lay OE 254 antenna cable beside generator cable (causes large amounts of noise interference)
____ Consider use of a retrans station to talk to distant stations
____ Never coil OE 254 cable always stretch it out
____ Whenever possible do not use extended OE254 cable
____ Avoid OE 254 antenna setup in depressions or low lying areas
____ Insure when using frequency hop when talking digital that more than 600 frequencies are assigned
____ If using the old Sincgars radio or a RCMU insure you are using the short FSK adapter cable when talking 600 or 1200 FSK
TOC PRIORITY OF WORK FOR COMMUNICATIONS SET UP:
_____ OE-254 set up
_____ Establish communications and perform NCS duties
_____ Install landline to Brigade FSE
_____ Install internal wirelines; ops, dismount points, and sections
_____ SB-22 set up inside TOC and wire diagrams drawn for site
_____ Install AN/UXC-7 fax and laptop
_____ MSE/Stand-alone set-up
_____ Bury or overhead all wires and bury all antenna cables
RADIO NET PRIORITIES:
_____ Bn CF-1
_____ Bn CF-2
_____ Bde O&I
_____ Bn A/L
_____ Divarty Cmd
_____ Range Control
PACKING LIST FOR TOC:
_____ Minimum of 3 radios
_____ Minimum of 3 OE-254s
_____ Minimum of 3 AN/GRA-39s
_____ All required electrical batteries for a 3 day deployment
_____ TA-312s
_____ AN/UXC-7 lightweight fax machine (with fax paper)
_____ SB-22 switchboard
_____ Current edition SOI
_____ DR-8s of WD-1 and WF-16 field wire
_____ Fill devices
_____ Extension cord
_____ Generator
PACKING LIST FOR BN RETRANS:
_____ Minimum of 2 OE-254s
_____ Current SOIs for all slices
_____ KYX-15
_____ Generator
_____ Fuel for vehicles and generator, water, food, ammunition, batteries, and extra cables, handmikes, and OE-254 parts
RADIO MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES:
_____ Operator troubleshoot equipment IAW application TM
_____ Notify commo personnel
_____ Submit equipment to Bn commo at ALOC for evacuation to DS
_____ Bn commo maintain green copy of 5504 at ALOC
_____ Order all repair parts through battalion maintenance
_____ Maintain electrical battery stockage at ALOC location
PERIMETER SECURITY COMMO REQUIREMENTS:
_____ Install wirelines from operations center to Ops and dismount pts
_____ Base station or wire head in vicinity of operations center
_____ Use of PRO-126s to support requirements (if available)
INTERFACE WITH BRIGADE AND DIVARTY SIGNAL OFFICERS:
_____ Coordinate for MSE support
_____ Frequency plan
_____ M and U keys
_____ RAU locations
_____ Discuss COMSEC keys and SOI effective dates and changeover times
_____ Obtain new variables and SIs (if applicable)
_____ Coordinate for maintenance support
_____ Ensure all compromises are reported throught Bde/Divarty SIGO
ACTIONS FOR CHANGEOVER:
_____ NCS contacts all stations 15 minutes prior
_____ NCS ensures distant stations have current fills/SOIs
_____ All operatiors ensure radios are on-line and ready for change over
_____ NCSs conduct AK/MK if necessary on A/L net
_____ NCS ensures call-sign board ins updated (2 days posted at all times)
_____ NCS re-establish comms after changeover
SINCGARS TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST
_____ Make sure you have all switches set properly.
_____ Check all cable connections to ensure that they are tight.
_____ Make sure your antenna is properly connected and positioned.
_____ Try to verify that you have LOS with other stations.
_____ Change positions to see if communications improve.
_____ If you have not heard traffic in some time, perform passive late net entry.
_____ Make sure your radio has adequate power (especially MANPACX)
_____ Look and see if another net station is co-located in your area.
_____ Determine if you are being jammed by the enemy. If so, take appropriate action.
_____ Clean all audio connectors.
OE-254 CHECKLIST
_____ Attach antenna TIP caps to all exposed elements for the OE-254.
_____ Secure TIPs with waterproof tape (electrical tape)
_____ Remove elements if the antenna is lowered and unattended.
_____ Wear helmet, safety glasses, and gloves while assembling and erecting antenna.
_____ When erecting antenna, allow only team personnel in the area.
_____ Clearly mark all guy wires and ropes .
_____ Never erect an OE-254 less than twice its length from power lines.
_____ Keep a sharp eye on your anchors and guys, check daily and immediately before and after bad weather.
_____ Never touch elements - Dangerous voltage levels are present whenever radio is transmitting.
BATTERY CARE/USAGE CHECKLIST
_____ Warning sign placed on the door to each room in which any lithium batteries are stored.
_____ Storage of batteries is in a well ventilated room and does not exceed temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit
_____ Never use a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher to extinguish lithium battery fires (use approved Class D extinguisher)
_____ Do not store batteries in equipment, unless specified by TM.
_____ Turn in collected/consolidated batteries after operations to battalion commo.
VEHICLE RADIO CHECKLIST
_____ Make sure antenna TIP cap is present and securely attached
_____ Pull antenna down until it forms a 45 degree angle with the gorund. The distance from tip to ground must be 7 feet or more.
_____ Never cross antenna elements when more than one antenna is being used.
_____ When vehicle is stationary let antennas stand straight up for best communications and better care of antenna elements.
_____ When traveling under power lines and low tree limbs, use the stay down clamp method. (Pg 2-28)TM 11-5820-890-10-1
_____ RF energy is present near the antenna during transmission, maintain at least 30 inches between vehicle and personnel.
_____ The J-1 connector for the amplifier on the adaptor puts out 200 volts DC. Extreme caution must be used near this connector. A rubber dust cover will be used when no AMP is installed and radio is being operated.
MANPACK CHECKLIST
_____ All components of AN/PRC-119 present.
_____ Ruck-Sack, Battery Box, Whip Antenna, Hand Mike
_____ All rechargeable batteries present and fully charged.
_____ 3 day supply of BA-5590s and BA-1372s for back-up.
_____ SOI or call sign board with all appropriate frequencies and call signs.
COMMO MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Antennas
_____ Make sure antennas are clean.
_____ Check antenna elements for damage.
_____ Vehicle radio antenna base ground strap is secure on both ends.
Cables and Connectors
_____ Insure connectors are clean
_____ Check cables (where visable) for cuts, cracks, and breaks.
_____ Make sure cable connectors are secure.
_____ Make sure cables are securely attached to connectors.
Controls and Switches
_____ Make sure each control moves smoothly while you operate radio.
_____ If a switch has detents, make sure each position is solid.
_____ Make sure pull-and-turn switches cannot move to a guarded position without first being pulled out.
_____ Make sure all knobs are secure on their shafts.
Mounting and Assembling Hardware
_____ Check for loose nuts, bolts, and screws.
_____ Check for corrosion, rust, and deterioration of all metal parts.
_____ Insure grounding straps are in place on radio/power amp mounts.
Table
of Contents
Occupations
Minefield
Checklists
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
