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

2. 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 TM

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Frequency Modulation (FM)
Very High Frequency (VHF) range
Frequency range: 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

7. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Range: LO: 200 M-400 M
MED: 400 M-5 KM
HI: 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

8. 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!

9. 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.

10. RECEIVER / TRANSMITTER

11. 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 M TO 400 M
MED M TO 5 KM
HI KM TO 10 KM
PA KM TO 40 KM

12. 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

13. *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

14. 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!!!

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. SINGLE CHANNEL EXERCISE
Load the following frequencies: …
…46000
…38075
…38990
…50005
…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 , 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

20. 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)

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

22. 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

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

24. 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

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

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

27. 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

28. 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

29. JULIAN CALENDAR
Print out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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.

35. “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!!

36. 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 ( ), then press STO
TASK COMPLETE!!!!

37. 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

38. 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 , p. 21 / TM , p. 13
Painful..!!!

39. COLD START NET OPENING

40. 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 , p. 23 / TM , p. 15

41. 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 , p [RT Presets, p. 7]
Establish sequence of priority for radio/net check

42. 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

43. 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

44. PASSIVE LATE ENTRY

45. 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

46. 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

47. AN/VIC-1 INTERCOM SYSTEM (VEHICULAR INTERCOM)

48. AM-1780 Master Control Station

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

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

51. 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”

52. 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.

53. QUESTIONS