RELATIONSHIP OF AN/PRC-104 EQUIPMENTS

TM 11-5820-919-12

antenna will be adequate for most short range

1-7. The control panel has been human-engineered for

requirements (less than 10 miles).

Two standard

ease of operation making it possible to adjust all controls

input/output devices come with the radio set: Handset H-

even while wearing heavy gloves. Unlike older similar

189/GR (handset) and Telegraph Key KY-872/ PRC-104.

radio sets, there are no front panel meters or indicator

These are attached to either of the two AUDIO

lights on the AN/PRC-104. All functions which formerly

connectors on the receiver/exciter. The radio transmitter

required these types of indicators antenna tuning, battery

(exciter) is enabled (keyed) by the handset push-to-talk

condition, etc.) are monitored by the radio itself and

(PTT) button or depressing the telegraph key to contact.

communicated to the operator as special tones in the

The receiver is operative only when the transmitter

handset. This feature is particularly, useful during

disabled, therefore, communication is on a one-wav

tactical black-out operations. The superior design and

reversible (half duplex) basis. The radio set with whip

innovative features of the AN/PRC-104 radio set now

and handset weighs 15.7 pounds.

make it possible to maintain a reliable long-range

communications link using lightweight, portable

equipment that can be operated by personnel with a

1-11. Battery Pack. The radio set operates from a

minimum of training.

nominal 28-volt dc battery pack, with acceptable voltage

input between 20 and 32 vdc. The battery pack consists

1-8. RELATIONSHIP OF AN/PRC-104 EQUIPMENTS

of 16 silver-zinc storage battery cells, inside the battery

case. It is normally latched to the other two units, but

(Figures 1-1 and 1-2).

may also be connected to the amplifier/coupler via the 3-

foot Electrical Power Cable Assembly CX-13031/PRC-

1-9. Radio Set. The Radio Set AN/PRC-104 (radio set)

f04 (battery extender cable). This connection permits the

consists of three units. low-power Receiver Transmitter

battery pack to be carried by the operator under the

RT-1209/URC

(receiver/exciter),

20watt

Radio

protection of cold weather clothing to extend battery

Frequency

Amplifier

AM-6874/PRC-104

operating life.

Normal life of the battery pack is

(amplifier/coupler), and Battery Case CY-7875/PRC104

approximately 16 hours of operation, assuming 10

(battery pack). Quick-disconnect latches secure the

percent transmit time. The silver-zinc battery pack is

receiver/exciter to the amplifier/coupler, and each Is

charged using Battery Charger PP-6241/t' via the battery

latched to one end of the battery pack. When latched

charger cable, Electrical Power Cable Assembly CX-

together,

the

receiver/exciter

electrically

13032/PRC-104. For maintenance or operation of the

interconnected with the amplifier/ coupler via a built-in

radio set without the battery pack, a dc power source can

connector; the battery pack power is connected to the

be connected to the amplifier/ coupler via the bench test

amplifier/coupler. All operator controls and connections

cable, Electrical Power Cable Assembly CX-13030/PRC-

are located on the receiver/exciter front panel, except for

104.

the antenna select switch and antenna connections

which are on the amplifier/coupler front panel. The

1-12. In the manpack configuration, the radio set and

receiver/exciter and amplifier/coupler

units

are

accessories are carried in the military standard ALICE

constructed on a die-cast aluminum housing, the battery

backpack (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying

pack housing is tough plastic. Watertight seals for the

Equipment). The backpack may be used to carry spare

covers and panels make the three units watertight,

battery packs and other accessories.

submersible, and capable of rough handling and abuse

of any field environment. The unit circuits are modular

for ease of repair. The total weight of the assembled

1-13. Fixed-Site Operation. When the tactical situation

AN/PRC-104 (three units with battery) is 14 pounds,

permits, the effective range of the AN/PRC104 may be

making a lightweight and easily carried package.

extended by utilizing Antenna AS-2259/ GR, the 15-foot

near-vertical incidence Skywave (N) antenna, or a simple

half-wave dipole. Twofoot long Radio Frequency Cable

1-10.

Manpack Operation.

The basic Manpack

Assembly CG-3815/ _antenna base cable) is used to

configuration consists of the radio set (three units), a "

connect the N'VIS Antenna Base AB-1241/PRC-104 to

hip antenna and an audio input/output device. Antenna

the BNC jack of the amplifier/coupler.

AT-217A/PRC is a 10-foot standard whip ,antenna that

screws into Spring Section Antenna AB129PR shock

mount which in turn screws into the .antenna mount on

the

amplifier/coupler.

The

whip

1-2