SINCGARS/ASIP FAMILIARIZATION AND OPERATION Commo Section 1st Battalion, 109th FA

TASK: Communicate via Tactical Radio in a Secure Net CONDITIONS: Give an operational radio net with an SOI, fill device with appropriate fills, fill cable, and an operational distant station STANDARDS: Establish voice communications with the distant tactical radio/network within three minutes References: TM 11-5820-890-10-8 TM 11-5820-890-10-2

PURPOSE Provide familiarization/refresher training on SINCGARS/ASIP radios through conference style instruction and hands-on practical exercises. Ensure personnel are capable of operating SINCGARS/ASIP radios in both single channel and frequency hopping modes. Ensure personnel are trained to perform both hot and cold start net openings.

AGENDA ASIP Familiarization Technical Characteristics ASIP Family of Radios Advantages of SINCGARS model E&F Radios Single Channel Operations Channel Scanning COMSEC FH (Hot Start)/exercise Cold start net opening/exercise ERF familiarization Antennas AN/VIC-1 INTERCOM SYSTEM

SINCGARS FAMILIARIZATION Why SINCGARS? Improved capabilities/reliability over VRC-12 series FM radios Integrated COMSEC (means that the COMSEC circuitry is built into the radio and requires no external devices) Compatibility (50 kHz channels) Electronic signature reduction More channels Fault identification Digital or analog inputs Frequency hopping INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that integrated COMSEC means that the COMSEC circuitry is built into the radio and requires no external devices

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Frequency Modulation (FM) Very High Frequency (VHF) range Frequency range: 30-87.975 MHz Channels: 2320, spaced 25 kHz Frequency offset ability: +/- 5 and 10 kHz Power out: up to 5W 50W with power amp Power in: Manpack: 12 VDC Vehicular: 28 VDC INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that the radio modulation is FM Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that the radio works of frequencies in the VHF Range Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that channel are spaced 25kHz apart

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Range: LO: 200 M-400 M MED: 400 M-5 KM HI: 5-10 KM PA: 40 KM Antennas: Whip manpack (AS-3683, AS-4266) Whip vehicular (AS-3900/A, AS-3916) Ground (OE-254) 8 Single channels 6 FH channels

B A MOUNTING BASE Turn off the CB1 Switch before starting the vehicle to avoid radio damage. A Locking Bar “A” is RT1 which is the power amped radio Note: The A radio spot must be filled with a radio if there is only one radio!

ADVANTAGES OF SINCGARS MODEL E&F Radio Know as ASIP (Advanced SINCGARS Improvement Program) Smaller and lighter Elimination of selector knobs (digital menus allow user to input radio settings) Longer operating time when used as a Manpack Spare circuit card slots provide for future hardware upgrades Improved Built-In-Test (BIT) When the ASIP radio has nothing attached to it such as an Antenna, Handset or it’s not mounted in a VAA, then it carries an “E” model designator. Once you place the radio into a VAA or dismount configuration then it becomes an “F” model designator.

RECEIVER / TRANSMITTER

SINCGARS/ASIP CONFIGURATIONS AN/VRC-87F Short Range AN/VRC-88F Short Range and Manpack No PA AN/VRC-90F Long Range Power Amp (PA) AN/PRC-119F AN/VRC-89F Short and Long Range AN/VRC-91F Short and Long Range plus Manpack AN/VRC-92F Long /Long Range (2 PAs) PA When the ASIP radio has nothing attached to it such as an Antenna, Handset or it’s not mounted in a VAA, then it carries an “E” model designator. Once you place the radio into a VAA or dismount configuration then it becomes an “F” model designator. All ASIP radio sets assume the F model designator when being used for digital transmission. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: The Instructor will now explain and display the different configurations that are available. Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that AN/VRC-92F has TWO radios and power amps in the configuration Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that Medium Power is 400M to 5KM Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know when using a Power Amp that range is 10KM – 40KM RF PWR RANGE LOW 200 M TO 400 M MED 400 M TO 5 KM HI 5 KM TO 10 KM PA 10 KM TO 40 KM

SINCGARS/ASIP FRONT Screen Antenna Connector Audio (Hand Mic) Fill Device Function Switch Audio (Hand Mic) Data Cable Retrans Cable Keypad User will be able to adjust PWR, MODE, CHAN, and COMSEC by using digital menu. Previous model had knobs for these functions

*Used frequently with ACIP radio SINCGARS/ACIP KEYPAD SYNC (LATE NET ENTRY) COMSEC KEY DISPLAY FREQUENCY ERF/OFFSET DATA TIME *CHANGE SET BATTERY LIFE IN MANPACK CONFIG. *CLEAR *Used frequently with ACIP radio LOAD STORE

SINCGARS/ASIP HUB (HOLD UP BATTERY) HUB insert The BA-5372/U (pictured) is a 500 milliampere-hour, 6-volt battery, which provides memory back up power for over 60 applications, including a wide variety of tactical and strategic communications-electronics equipment, the most significant being the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System. Hit this hard!!!

SINCGARS/ASIP HUB (HOLD UP BATTERY) WARNING!! ONLY USE 6 VOLT BATTERY HUB insert will be inserted in the same place as Manpack battery (BA-5590). A capacitor inside the radio allows only 15 minutes for an operator to replace HUB with a BA-5590, if radio will be used in a dismounted configuration

MODES OF OPERATION Three Modes-- Single Channel and Frequency Hopping Transmit or receive on one channel continuously 8 single channel frequencies Loading - RT keyboard Limitations: - Locating - Jamming Frequency Hopping: Transmit or receive one channel at a time Hops 100 freqs/sec. 6 Frequency Hopping channels Load FH Data with the ANCD Limitations: - Operator Training - Limited Digital Xmit Distance

MODES OF OPERATION Three Modes-- Frequency Hopping - Master The FH-M position, used by NCS operators only, causes the NCS radio to electronically helps maintain sync time in all net radios by keep all net radios within the plus or minus 4 second window required for frequency hopping communications. Explain why this is important

LOADING SINGLE CHANNEL FREQENCIES INTO SINCGARS/ACIP RADIO 1. Turn Function to Load 2. Press MENU till you see MODE 3. Press CHG till you see SC 4. Press Menu till you see CHANNEL 5. Change channel by pressing the corresponding number (0-7, 0 for MAN, 7 for CUE) 6. Press FREQ, then MENU/CLR 7. You will see _ _ _ _ _ 8. Enter frequency in 25Khz interval, then press STO TASK COMPLETE!!!! Have them touch the radio

SINGLE CHANNEL EXERCISE Load the following frequencies: 1..............…..38750 2................…46000 3................…38075 4................…38990 5................…50005 6................…29000 Frequency Offset: Input frequency that is the closest 25Khz interval Press OFST Press CHG (+/-5 or +/-10) until desired interval is displayed Press FREQ to verify correct frequency. TM 11-5820-890-10-6, p. 6 PE…..Actually have class do this. Do not tell the offset till they figure it out. Praise them for figuring this out….this is big for them

CUE AND MANUAL FREQUENCIES Load the following frequencies: CUE: Stations 1 & 2: 35000 Stations 3 & 4: 45000 Stations 5 & 6: 55000 MAN: Stations 1 & 2: 32000 Stations 3 & 4: 42000 Stations 5 & 6: 52000 Hands on…..(5min)

AUTOMATED NET CONTROL DEVICE AN/CYZ-10 (ANCD)

AUTOMATED NET CONTROL DEVICE AN/CYZ-10 (ANCD) Handles COMSEC keys, FH data, sync time, and signal operating instructions (SOI) Capable of receiving, storing, transferring data from ANCD to ANCD, from ANCD to SINCGARS radios, and from ANCD to other compatible equipment “Hot keys” Soi Radio sUpervisor Letter Lock: locks keys for letters and displays letter lock on the screen Point out letter lock

AUTOMATED NET CONTROL DEVICE AN/CYZ-10 (ANCD) WARNING!! ONLY USE 3 VOLT BATTERIES

Steps to load a SINCGARS from ANCD Power on ANCD Select “Radio” Select “Send” Select “Icom” Follow the directions on the ANCD screen DO NOT SELECT “Y” on time Hands on

Steps to load a SINCGARS from ANCD Connect ANCD to AUD/FILL on ASIP

ANCD/CYZ-10 KEYPAD INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: Explain the use of highlighted keys

TIME and the SINCGARS/ACIP RADIO Why do you need correct/accurate time in your radio? Answer: To frequency hop to at the same time as other radios on the net What is the preferred time to put in your radio? Answer: DAGR Time What is a “field expedient” method of attaining the proper time to put in your radio? Hit this hard Answer: Use another radio that is communicating on the net to get a manual time hack

JULIAN DATE What kind of date is used when loading time in your radio? Answer: Julian Date, which is a number that represents the day of the year, i.e. 1 February is Julian Date 32 You will only use the last two digits of the Julian Date when inputting it into a radio Example if since 1 January is Julian Date 001 and 11 April is 101, then you will input into a radio for 11 April a Julian date of 01 Fix me too, BOOOOOB Using the example above, and the date is 16 April, what would you input in to a radio?? Answer: 06, see next slide

JULIAN CALENDAR Print out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOADING TIME INTO SINCGARS/ACIP RADIO (1) Obtain running GPS time from DAGR. (2) Press [TIME] on RT; display shows "DD." (3) Press [CLR] on RT; display shows "_ _." (4) Enter correct Julian Date; display shows "XX." (5) Press [STO] on RT; Julian Date is stored. (6) Press [TIME] on RT; display shows "HH MM." (7) Press [CLR] on RT; display shows "_ _ _ _." (8) Enter GPS HH; display shows "HH." (9) Enter MM, the minute ahead of GPS time. (10) When RT and GPS minutes are the same (zero seconds), press [STO] on RT. (11) If time stored in RT is more than one second different from GPS time, reload sync time. TASK COMPLETE!!!! Hands on

Frequency Hop Definitions Loadset: defined as all of the COMSEC keys (TEK and KEK) and FH data (hopset, TSK, and net ID) required to load all six channels of the SINCGARS radio. TEK: Traffic Encryption Key, encrypts the traffic sent KEK: Key Encryption Key, encrypts other keys for transmission and storage Hopset: the frequency pool that will be used given a frequency hop ID number TSK : transmission security key, determines the pattern in which the radio selects frequencies to hop Net Identifier: is a three digit code that controls where in the random frequency sequence to begin hopping INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that Zulu Time is the world standard

FH DEFINITIONS cont Lockout: frequencies not to be hopped on will be locked out. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that the KEK encrypts other keys for transmission and storage Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that the NET ID is a three digit code that controls where in the random frequency sequence to begin hopping

CUE CHANNEL “911” If outside the net a radio operator must call this station first Designated channel used when caller can not frequency hop or lost contact with FH Net Only NCS loads CUE frequency - other operators load as required INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that if they are outside the net a radio operator must call this station first

CUE PROCESS Operator: Load CUE Freq., Set Chan to CUE; Mode to SC; COMSEC to PT; Presses Push to Talk (4-5 secs). Go back to CT if possible. Receiving NCS: sees “CUE” in RT Display and hears a tone on the speaker/handset. NCS Changes to CUE. Responds in CT. The NCS loads the CUE frequency always, but the Operator only loads the CUE frequency when necessary.

“Engineering channel” MANUAL CHANNEL “Engineering channel” Designated channel used for transmission and receipt of Electronic Remote Fills (ERFs) ERF contains FH data (Hopset, Net ID, and FH timing) and sync time necessary for frequency hopping operations ERF does not send COMSEC ERF will only be used when no DAGR or vehicle with the proper time can be used. LAST RESORT!!

LOADING NET ID INTO SINCGARS/ACIP RADIO 1. Turn Function to Load 2. Press MENU till you see MODE 3. Press CHG till you see FH 4. Press Menu till you see CHANNEL 5. Change channel by pressing the corresponding number (0-7, 0 for MAN, 7 for CUE) 6. Press FREQ, then MENU/CLR 7. You will see F _ _ _ (net ID, 3 digits) 8. Enter the net ID (000-999), then press STO TASK COMPLETE!!!!

WAYS TO OPEN RADIO NET HOT START METHOD Most preferred method Operators load all fill data from ANCD Operators place radio in Late Net Entry or input time manually to enter net. Operator training heavy COLD START METHOD Least preferred method Operators load COMSEC, MAN, and CUE Freqs NCS training heavy

Used in situations where the NCS desires to bring COLD START NET OPENING Used in situations where the NCS desires to bring all operators into the net at exact time. Requires greater planning and preparation by the NCS Pre-load RT with COMSEC only Electronic Remote Fill (ERF)-electronically updates FH data of net members and transmits sync time for cold start net openings. TM 11-5820-890-10-6, p. 21 / TM 11-5820-890-10-7, p. 13 Painful..!!!

COLD START NET OPENING

ERF Radio Procedure Unknown Station: Places “Cue Call” (On Cue Channel) NCS: Unknown station this is Arrowhead 3, over. Unknown Station: Arrowhead 3, this is Arrowhead 9, request permission to enter the net, over. NCS: Arrowhead 9, Meet me on MAN, over. Unknown Station: Arrowhead 3, Arrowhead 9, Roger, out. (Switch to MAN) NCS: Arrowhead 9, this is Arrowhead 3, stand by for ERF, store on channel 1, meet me on channel 1, over. (NCS sends ERF, then goes to channel 1) Unknown Station: Arrowhead 3, this is Arrowhead 9, Roger out. (Standby until NCS sends the ERF, Wait for Display to show "HF XXX“, then STO in designated slot) Unknown channel switches to designated channel and does radio check with NCS TM 11-5820-890-10-6, p. 23 / TM 11-5820-890-10-7, p. 15

Load all required COMSEC, FH Data, and sync time from ANCD HOT START NET OPENING Method of opening net Load all required COMSEC, FH Data, and sync time from ANCD Call NCS to check into net Pre-coordination requirements minimized Usually requires a passive late net entry TM 11-5820-890-10-6, p. 8 [RT Presets, p. 7] Establish sequence of priority for radio/net check

PASSIVE LATE ENTRY In FH Mode, must be within 4 seconds to sync, but can be pulled into the net within 1 minute difference Built-in capability bring radios back into proper time Do not transmit while in the Late Net Entry mode! INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: The Instructor will ensure the soldiers understand this process by asking the class reinforcement questions

PASSIVE LATE ENTRY Note lack of traffic on net. (2) Press [FREQ] on RT keypad; display reads "F XXX.“ (3) Press [SYNC] on RT keypad; display read "LF XXX.“ (4) Wait to hear traffic on net; DO NOT PTT, AKA: Key hand mic (Note that "L” disappears from RT display.) (5) Your radio has brought you back into sync time; you are back in the net!! Hands on

PASSIVE LATE ENTRY

ERASING DATA AND COMSEC To erase Data and COMSEC stored in your radio turn the function switch to and Z OFF INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: On test

OE-254 omni-directional (radiates in all directions) ANTENNAS OE-254 omni-directional (radiates in all directions) Uni-directional field expedient antennas can be used to minimize enemy information gathering, but may not be practical Uni-directional antenna only broadcast in one direction INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: Test Prep: Ensure soldiers know that Uni directional field expedient antennas can be used to minimize enemy information gathering, but may not be practical

AN/VIC-1 INTERCOM SYSTEM (VEHICULAR INTERCOM)

AM-1780 Master Control Station

AM-1780 Master Control Station CDR ONLY is used if the vehicle commander is to be the only one to talk on the radios

AM-1780 Master Control Station If “INT ACCENT” is in the on position the crew will hear the intercom traffic over the radio traffic

C-2298 Crew member Control Box If switch is set to “A” the crewmember at this station will be able to listen and talk on intercom and radio “A”

CONCLUSION The SINCGARS Radio System gives us the ability to securely and effectively communicate across today’s battlefield. However, with capability comes complexity, and all operators must work hard to stay proficient with their operator skills on this system.

QUESTIONS