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TM 11-5820-890-20-2
1-51
1.22.
OPERATION IN THE NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC)
ENVIRONMENT. Continued
a.
Effects. The nuclear effects of neutron and gamma radiation, EMP, and thermal and air blasts will not
prevent the radio from working as it should. Chemical and biological agents cannot penetrate the paint.
However, the presence of these agents will create a surface hazard to unprotected personnel. How well
this NBC protection functions depends on you and how well you take care of the equipment.
b.
Nuclear Maintenance. Gamma and neutron radiation may upset some of the circuits in the radio. This
condition is known as latch up." Latch up may cause any function to fail, and the user may repair the
RT that doesn't work. Latch up is not a serious condition. In most cases, setting the RT 1523 series to
STBY and removing the battery power will clear latch up.
c.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), and Transient Protection. The
antenna and field wire inputs to the RT and VAA are protected from high voltage and current transients.
Special spark gaps are used. Do not by pass these protective devices. The following information will
help you keep your radio operating before, during, and after an NBC attack:
Do not replace any parts with other than authorized parts. Substituted parts may jeopardize the
nuclear hardness of the radio.
Do not assemble the radio in any configuration except as shown in the manual. For instance, if long
cables are used between the RT and antenna, high EMP may be picked up. High EMP may damage
the input or output circuits in the RT.
Do not use substitute antennas, such as field wire, or other unauthorized type antennas.
Check the keyboard and displays for damage when cleaning the radio.
Check the display glass for cracks. If it is cracked or broken, have it replaced by DS (Direct Support)
maintenance.
Use care in removing panels and covers. Do not damage gaskets.
d.
Chemical Maintenance. The radio components have been painted with a special coating. This paint is
a Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC). It will resist water, acid, polish, solvent, lime, slurry, and
DS2. Decontaminating agents will not harm the radio. In the event of a chemical attack, follow your unit
SOP. Decontaminate the radio as practical. Do not allow bare skin to come in contact with contaminated
equipment. If equipment requires painting, send to DS level maintenance.
e.
Biological Maintenance. Use only germicidal baths to decontaminate biological agents. Temperatures
higher than +160 F (+71 C) must not be used. Do not decontaminate with boiling water. See your
Unit SOP for proper biological decontamination procedures.
1.23.
TYPICAL SINGLE CHANNEL (SC) TEST SETUP.
Forward and reverse power measurements vary with the transmit frequency, where the antenna is mounted, the
length of coax cable, and many other factors. A standard test set up will help you to make correct power
measurements and get consistent results. This reduces the likelihood of turning in good antenna bases. Testing
RF systems with high RF power is dangerous. RF energy can cause burns if you touch the antenna when it is
transmitting with high RF power (50 watts).
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