linking multi-agency meet the tactical communications ...€¦ · 3 volume 4/issue 1 thales...

With more than 10 years of proven experience in the APCO Project 25 (P25) public safety arena and a heritage of developing software-defined radios. Thales has been producing mission-critical multiband radios for decades. We are leveraging that expertise to meet the interoperability challenges of the first responder community.

Currently, U.S. public safety agencies communicate over four different frequency bands and various operating modes. This has caused interoperability issues during major events, such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and even the Super Bowl. In order to communicate, personnel have to carry multiple radios depending on what agency they need to work with.

To help meet these interoperability challenges, Thales Communications has developed the LibertyTM Multiband Land Mobile Radio (LMR). The Liberty radio is the first multiband LMR for government agencies and first responders and the first radio that provides coverage across all four primary U.S. public safety frequency bands (136-174MHz, 380-520MHz, 700MHz, and 800MHz). The Liberty radio operates in P25-conventional, P25-trunked, and legacy analog modes. It offers DES and AES encryption with OTAR, and its Mil-Spec metal housing is submersible to 2 meters. Like all Thales Communications’ radios, the Liberty radio is software-based, enabling the integration of future capabilities via simple download of software upgrades.

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded Thales Communications a contract to pilot test the Liberty radio with various first responders across multiple levels of government. In 2009, a Liberty mobile unit is being introduced, operational evaluation is starting, and the radio is going into production. The Liberty radio is available on the General Services Administration Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for LMR Equipment (BPA GS-TFMG-BPA-09-0012). The Liberty radio has been in service at several recent public and industry events including January’s Presidential Inauguration, the Academy Awards, and “live burns.”

Visit www.thalesliberty.com for more information.

New Releases 2 | ONliNe assistaNce 7 | tRadeshOws 8 | FaQ’s 9

Volume 4/Issue 1 Spring 2009 Clarksburg, Maryland

ustomerCustomerCommitmentCommitmentC

Responding to increased battlef ield requirements, Thales Communications recently expanded its tactical communications team.

Serving our domestic customers:

Andrew Bostock, Director, Tactica l Ground Forces Communications in the U.S., U.S. Air Force

Ben Bethke, Business Development Manager, Tactical Ground Communications for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps

Peter Klein, Business Development Manager, Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)/U.S. Air Force

Tony Urenda, Business Development Manager, U.S. Special Operations Forces

Serving our international customers:

Edward Calhoun, International Business Development Director

Ron Huther, International Business Development Manager for South West Asia, Middle East, Latin/Central and South America

Elliot Liebman, International Business Development Manager, Pacific Rim, Asia, India, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand

Dave Metz, International Business Development Manager, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada

With decades of military and industry experience, this team understands the challenges our warfighters face every day. Their knowledge is invaluable in responding to customer requirements and getting reliable, solutions into the hands of warfighters.

Linking Multi-Agency Communications

Meet the Tactical Communications Team

thales CommuniCations, inC. Customer newsletter

mailto:[email protected]



mailto:edward.calhoun%40thalescomminc.com?subject=



mailto:dave.metz%40thalescomminc.com?subject=

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Thales Communications, Inc. Customer Commitment Newsletter Volume 4/Issue 1 Spring 2009

Linking Multi-Agency Communications ..............................1

Meet the Tactical Communications Team ......................1

New Releases ..................................2

Man Portable System .......................2

Contact Information .........................3

AN/PRC-148 MBITR vs JEM .............3

Current Firmware Releases Tactical/Public Safety ......................4

Thales and the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) .................................4

Current Firmware Releases Naval/Maritime ...............................5

Gold Standard - US Coast Guard Selects Thales HF Radios for Cutters ......................5

Customer Feedback .........................6

Online Assistance .............................7

Trade Shows ....................................8

Customer Support Department .........8

Tribute To Our Fallen Heroes .............8

New USCG Commemorative

Poster ............................................8

Frequently Asked Questions ..............9

About Thales ...................................10

NewReleases

The MPS is a 20W RF power amplifier fitted in a black, rucksack style bag with two Battery Boxes with BA-2590 rechargeable batteries. All-up weight of an MPS, including an AN/PRC-148 radio, is 16 lbs. The bag has nylon straps that can be configured in various ways for attaching to gear. BA-5590 non-rechargeable batteries can be used as alternatives. Typical operational endurance is 14 hours with two BA-2590 rechargeable batteries and a duty cycle of 10% transmit at 20W, 10% receive and 80% standby. The RF power amplifier is tuned to the radio’s frequency via the connection to the radio’s side connector. It is supplied with a 20W capable broadband antenna and a 20W capable 30 to 90MHz blade antenna that connect directly to the power amplifier. A threaded locking ring provides mechanical support for the antenna. When used with a directional antenna, the MPS can be used for satellite communications. A radio is not included in the package.

Inside This Issue

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1. 20W RF Power Amplifier connected to radio via side connector providing operating frequency for optimal tuning of the Power Amplifier

2. Broadband Antenna

3. SINCGARS Blade Antenna

4. Battery Adapter connected to radio

5. Battery Boxes

6. Carrying Case

New high capacity chargers are available for AN/PRC-148 MBITR/JEM Li-Ion rechargeable batteries (Battery P/N 1600515-7).

• Faster charge rates with the increases in battery capacity, the new chargers are capable of charging existing and future higher capacity batteries within three hours.

• State-of-charge indicators provide a 5-bar state-of-charge for each bay. This feature indicates the percentage of charge while the battery is in the charger.

• Single programming port allows users to easily upgrade charger software through a single serial port.

Old Charger P/N New Charger P/N Description

1600581-1 1600654-1 Single-slot Charger

1600580-1 1600652-1 Six-slot AC/DC Charger

1600580-2 1600653-1 Six-slot AC Only Charger

Thales Communications recognizes that end-users of our equipment require the latest technical information to ensure mission readiness. With the appropriate credentials, users are able to log-in to our online Customer Support Center and quickly download the latest technical information and operational software at any time and from any location worldwide. If you have not already taken advantage of these useful resources, please log into our Customer Support Center at www.thalescomminc.com, (go to page 7 for more information).

Man Portable System [MPS] MA7035

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CuSTOMER SERVICE

Toll Free: 1-800-914-0303International: 1-240-864-7643

Customer [email protected]

Technical [email protected]

Product [email protected]

Aftermarket Sales and [email protected]

In-theater Product Support and Technical Services [email protected]

cONtactiNFORmatiON

BuSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Phone: 240-864-7000Toll Free: 800-258-4420

Tactical Systems, US(includes all US activities overseas)[email protected]

Tactical Systems, Coalition and [email protected]

Homeland Security/Public Safety, Thales [email protected]

[email protected]

Naval/Maritime Systems, HF [email protected]

Marketing, Public Relations, and Web [email protected]

MBITR JEM

The three characters, xxx, at the end of the part number define customer specific configurations, such as waveform features.

Some customer specified waveform features are standard, some are extra priced options.

All configurations, with a rechargeable battery connected, are the same size and weight, that is 8.5” high, 2.6” wide, 1.5” deep [ 21.4 x 6.7 x 3.9cm], 1.9lb [0.86kg].*Maritime Configuration with 6-pin audio/keyfill connector is P/N PRC6999-ABS-CIS

MBITR JEMFeatures: AN/PRC-148 MBITR vs JEM

aN/PRc-148 mBitR vs Jem

SINCGARS ASIP/ESIP YES YESAM & FM Line Of Sight [LOS] YES YES

Over The Air Cloning [OTAC] NO YESProject 25 waveform, digital Advanced Encryption System [AES] compliant NO YES

Data communication mode with no need for an encryption key YES YES

Data interface on the 22-pin side connector, USB and serial RS-232 NO YESData interface on the 18-pin side connector, serial RS-232 YES NOUSB interface for PC Configuration Toolkit [PCCT P/N MA6941N] NO YESSerial interface for PC Programmer [P/N MA6941L] YES NODS 101 Keyfill [Black Keys] NO YESHold-Up Battery [HUB] to maintain PJC for 60 days NO YESPrivate Josecki Component [PJC] encryption ‘master’ key NO YESProgrammable Crypto, Advanced INFOSEC Machine [AIM] NO YESJTRS Software Communications Architecture [SCA] NO YESSimplified Key Loader [SKL] AN/PYQ-10 compatibility YES YESTraffic Encryption Keys [TEKs] 6 20Programmable Groups 10 16Programmable Channels 100 256

SINCGARS Frequency Hopping [FH] retransmission YES YES

HAVEQUICK I & II YES YES

Low Probability of Intercept / Low Probability of Detection [LPI/LPD] YES YES

Integrated Waveform [IW] for multi-channel Satellite Communicationsin accordance with MIL-STD-188-181C, 188-182B and 188-183B NO 2009

High Throughput Waveform [HTW], 56kbps data rate, in accordance with MIL-STD-188-181B NO YES

SINCGARS FH2 enhanced operating mode, in accordance with MIL-STD-188-241 YES YES

Retransmission YES YES

Advanced Narrowband Digital Voice Terminal [ANDVT, 5kHz channel] YES YES

Mixed Excitation Linear Predictive [MELP] Federal Standard 2400bps vocoder, better audio quality than MBITR’s LPC-10 vocoder YES YES

GPS enabled Situational Awareness [SA] mode utilizing Remote Control Unit with GPS [RCU, P/N MA6795, or a PLGR or a DAGR] YES YES

Part number, Maritime PRC6991-ABS-xxx PRC6999-ABS-xxxNomenclature, 2m submersible [Urban configuration, standard 6-pin audio/keyfill connector on top of radio]

AN/PRC-148[V]2[C] AN/PRC-148[V]4[C]

Part number, Urban PRC6991-BBS-xxx PRC6999-BBS-xxx

AN/PRC-148[V]1[C] AN/PRC-148[V]3[C]*Nomenclature, 20m submersible [Mari-time configuration, special 10-pin audio/keyfill connector on top of radio]

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RadioReceiver/Transmitter ‘Brick’ Part Number

Firmware Revision and Version

PC Programmer P/N

RevisionVersion

Type 1 AN/PRC-148[V]1[C] and [V]2[C] MBITR

4101104-501 Maritime4101195-501 Urban

Revision AAVersion 2.361

MA6941F Revision HVersion 1.08

PRC-6809 MBITR 4101422-504 Maritime4101349-502 Urban

Revision EVersion 1.16

MA6941L Revision C Version 1.052

Type 1 AN/PRC-148[V]3[C] and [V]4[C] JTRS Enhanced MBITR [JEM]

4101658-505 Maritime4101660-507 Urban

Version 03.01.05.00323

MA6941N Revision A1Version 02.00.00.0001

4101524-501 Revision FVersion 1.09

MA6941F Revision HVersion 1.08

4101256-50xx can be 1, 3 or 5

8.3 for -503 and up5.13 for -501

MA6941C Version 5.0

Current Firmware Releases

Current firmware versions for the AN/PRC-148 family, the Thales 25 and the associated PC Programmers. The radio firmware version is displayed as part of the boot-up and built-in test cycle. The PC Programmer version is displayed from the Help menu.

AN/PRC-148 Family and Thales 25

1 Version 2.36 provides support for the Remote Control Unit with GPS [RCU] and improved SINCGARS timing in the frequency hopping [FH] mode, as well as FH retransmission capability.2 New version to resolve issues with missing Borland files on certain PCs3 Version 03.01.xxx provides support for the RCU, SINCGARS FH retransmission capability and the High Throughput Waveform [HTW] feature as an extra priced option.

Vehicle Adapter MA6943

Thales 25

Recognizing the opportunities that software-defined radio technology will bring, the U.S. Department of Defense created the Joint Tactical Radio System program to provide warfighters with a flexible standards-based approach to meet their diverse communications needs with “future-proof” capabilities. Thales Communications, a pioneer in software-defined radio technology, was an early participant in the JTRS initiative, leveraging our core expertise and helping to shape the development of the software communications architecture, or SCA, which is the backbone for the future’s network-centric force. We currently participate on the following major JTRS programs:

JEM: Thales Communications is the prime contractor for this JTRS initiative, evolving the battle-proven AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR) into the AN/PRC-148 JTRS Enhanced MBITR, or JEM. The AN/PRC-148 JEM is the first JTRS-approved product being used on the battlefield today. The AN/PRC-148 is the cornerstone of a complete system solution providing warfighters with advanced, reliable communications capabilities for mounted and dismounted operations.

Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fits (HMS): Our leadership in the handheld software-defined radio (SDR) domain led to our role as a key member of the General Dynamics C4 Systems (GDC4S) led team for JTRS HMS. We are currently collaborating with GDC4S on the Small Form

Factor-C(V)1, known as the Rifleman RadioTM. The Rifleman Radio is a low-cost networking radio with embedded encryption and GPS and basic commonality with Thales’ AN/PRC-148.

Airborne, Maritime, and Fixed Site (AMF): Under the System Development and Demonstration contract, the AMF JTRS team, led by Lockheed Martin, will provide seamless, networked voice, data, and video communications to warfighters. Thales has been working with the Lockheed Martin team in the areas of systems design support and high-frequency (HF) systems design. Thales’ HF solution offers an integrated system capability that provides dramatic reductions in space and weight over in-service HF systems.

Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS J): Thales is participating on the MIDS J team led by Data Link Solutions (DLS), a BAE Systems-Rockwell Collins joint venture. This program, managed by the U.S. Navy, will deliver a series of high-performance, best-value, second generation Link 16 terminals. These JTRS open-architecture terminals, based on commercial standards, bring an affordable, flexible, Link 16 solution to fighter aircraft, command and control centers, and ships.

Thales is the leader in developing JTRS technology where size, weight, and power are key challenges. We are striving to meet the diverse communications needs of our warfighters with reliable, proven, “future-proof” capabilities.

Thalesand the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)

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Current Firmware Versions for Naval/Maritime ProductsEquipment Equipment Part Number Software / Firmware Version

TMR 8092 HF Transceiver 794054-000-001 2.69

TMR 6490 Remote Control Unit 799070-000-001 6.04TMR 6491 Remote Control Unit with External Power Supply

799072-000-001 6.04

TMR 4090 1kW Antenna Coupler 798012-000-001 1.00TMR 4095 125W Whip Antenna Coupler 798011-000-003 2.01TMR 4096 125W NVIS Antenna Coupler 798013-000-001 3.05

TMR 1090 1kW Linear Power Amplifier 796010-000-001 3.14TMR 1096 125W Linear Power Amplifier 796012-000-001 2.30TMR 3302 Dual ALE Modem 799075-001-002 1.68

US Coast Guard Selects Thales HF Radios for CuttersThales Communications’ medium-powered, High-Frequency Automated Link Establishment (HF-ALE) radio communications system has been identified by the U.S. Coast Guard to be the “Gold Standard”. The Coast Guard has selected the Thales HF system for incorporation into their new cutter acquisition contracts for the next five to seven years. It will be integrated on the SENTINEL Class Fast Response Cutters (FRC) and Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC) as well as other cutter and shore communications acquisition programs with medium-powered (up to 1KW) HF and HF-ALE requirements.

Deemed to be a proven, “extremely capable, highly reliable and easy to maintain radio that exceeds Coast Guard requirements,” the Coast Guard has determined the standardization of Thales’ equipment throughout the fleet to be in the best interests of the U.S. Government. The Coast Guard will realize immediate savings in procurement costs, life-cycle maintenance, HF-ALE network management, and training.

Thales HF-ALE radio system is commercial off-the-shelf equipment that is certified by the Joint Interoperability Test Command (the Defense Information Systems Agency’s testing and evaluation organization). It is interoperable and fully compliant with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration standards on HF-ALE. The solution provides the Coast Guard with maximum flexibility and the latest integrated and networked shipborne HF technology that supports the newest generation waveforms. These modularly designed, dual-channel HF radios provide size and weight reductions over In-Service equipment and, with a variety of control applications, allow the Coast Guard the ability to remotely control the Thales HF system from multiple locations, maximizing operational flexibility and reducing workload.

This standardization is a follow-on to Thales’ participation in an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract competitively awarded in 2005 under which Thales’ HF radio systems are being used to upgrade the Coast Guard’s In-Service cutters with advanced HF-ALE capabilities. Under that IDIQ contract, Thales’ systems are being integrated on the Coast Guard’s fleet of 75 cutters of varying classes, including High and Medium Endurance Cutters (378-foot, 282-foot, 270-foot, and 210-foot) and the Polar Icebreaker fleet.

In further support of our U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy customers, we are shifting the production of core components of Thales’ shipborne HF communications systems from Thales UK to Thales Communications’ Maryland manufacturing facilities. This transfer of manufacturing means reduced manufacturing costs and significant savings to the U.S. Government.

GOlD sTaNDaRD

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Thales Communications is dedicated to providing the most capable, advanced, and reliable products so that our country’s defenders and first responders can execute their missions successfully and return home safely. We know that lives depend on our products, so feedback from those who use our equipment is crucial. There are several channels available for customer feedback, including formal customer phone surveys (conducted by a third-party organization), the online customer survey on our web site, and, of course, ongoing feedback to our Business Development and Customer Support teams via email and phone. This feedback is an integral part of our development and support processes.

We very much appreciate your testimonials as well. Here are some recently received comments about our products and our 24/7 customer support.

“Everybody at Thales when I contacted them made me feel as if I was the most important person to them. They stopped what they were doing and assisted me to get me in touch with the person that I needed to talk to.” Marine, USMC

“It is the only true tactical radio. It is not only lighter than others but I feel it saved lives. With its compatibility you find it throughout the armed forces. No matter where I go I see it.” Soldier, US Army

“It’s a very flexible radio. It does everything that we need.” Airman, USAF

“One of the biggest advantages of the MBITR radio is its ability to operate within a joint environment and communicate across as well as up and down the battlefield, to have a broad range of frequency and communications modes.” Soldier, US Army

“No matter what brand of radio everybody else is talking on, I have the confidence that with the MBITR I can talk to them, even if it’s some Army guy hiding in the woods. I won’t have any issues that he’s using this type of radio and I’m using that radio. It’s not an issue.” Sailor, US Navy

“It seems to hold up to whatever the Marines put it through.” Marine, USMC

Customer Feedback

Based on feedback from our customer surveys, we have performed a comprehensive review of our pricing and lead-times of our products to ensure they are competitive. We have made significant reductions in price and lead-time as noted in our latest GSA Schedule changes (Contract #GS-35F-0001L). Our web shopping cart has also been updated to reflect these changes. Additional accessories for our products have been approved and will be advertised as they become available. Please check our web site www.thalescomminc.com or contact us at [email protected] for changes in our current product catalog.We will continue to seek feedback from our customers and take immediate action. Your feedback is continually evaluated and actions implemented. Our 24/7 Call Center Support, web services and tools, on-site training, in-theater maintenance support, and this Newsletter have all been a direct result of your feedback. We will continue to provide the world’s best products and services available. Our product performance and reliability, combined with a World Class support team, are paramount in our Customer Commitment to you.

ChaNGes TO BeTTeR seRve yOu

FROm The FielD

custOmeR FeedBack

Continued on page 10

Grow and FurtherYour Skills

at thales cOmmuNicatiONs, iNc.!See what great OppOrtunitieS await YOu

COme GrOw YOur Career with uS! Visit our web site www.thalescomminc.comGo to careers, Click on careers Opportunitiesand Select view all Open Job Positions

ThALES COMMuNICATIONS WEB SITE

ONliNeassistaNce

CuSTOMER CENTER O N L I N E R E g I S T R A T I O N

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Ensure appropriate information is entered into all mandatory fields with the asterisk.

Note: US State Department regulation requires ‘official’ government e-mail address for technical resource and shopping cart access.

Select if you require access to the Technical Resources to download operator manuals, etc.

Select if you require access to the online Shopping Cart to purchase radio accessories or to request a quote, etc.

Press “Register” button

You will receive an email notification when you have been approved for access.

Military Examples:• US Army, 3 BDE, 1ID • USAF, SFS, 110 Fighter Wing • USMC, 5MARREG, 1MARDIV • US Navy, EODMU11

Identify The Appropriate Resource Area•TacticalCommunications,AN/PRC-148•PublicSafety/HomelandSecurity,Thales25•Naval/Maritime,TMRHFradios

Ensure all contact information is accurate and complete.

Technical Support Is Provided In Three Areas • Tactical Communications, AN/PRC-148 family • Public Safety/Homeland Security, Thales 25 • Naval/Maritime, TMR HF radios

Drop down list of common tasks.

Part number and serial number are written on the data plate of the equipment. By entering this information, the warranty status, either in or out, can be displayed.

Entering an order number, or an RMA number, with a ship-to zip code, provides shipment confirmation with tracking details.

Once access has been approved, documents and files can be downloaded, such as Operator’s Manuals, Radio Firmware, Technical Notices, etc.

Edits can be made to the customer’s name, email address, shipping address, phone number, etc.

Once Shopping Cart access has been given to approved government customers, credit card purchases can be made, or an e-quote can be created for subsequent credit card purchase.

Start a new RMA to return equipment for repair. Once the RMA has been approved, the RMA number is emailed. Once the equipment has been received, repair status can be checked and its return shipment confirmed with tracking details.

1. Create a user aCCount

2. Customer Care online

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To access Technical Resources and the Shopping Cart on the Thales Communications, Inc. web site www.thalescomminc.com, select ‘Customer Sign-in’ under the ‘Customer Support’ banner. Scroll to the right hand corner of the screen and select ‘Click here to register’ to create a new Customer Center user account. Please follow the guidance below. Please note, approval is not automatic. All access requests are reviewed.

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Thales Communications is proud to be a sponsor of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The NFFF was created by Congress to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Their mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives.

NFFF programs include an annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend; Fire Service Survivors Network, a support network that provides a quarterly newsletter and specialized grief publications; scholarships to fire service survivors for education and job training; initiatives to prevent line-of-duty deaths; and the building of a National Memorial Park.

Thales is proud to help honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, and we are working with the NFFF to identify other ways we might lend our support.

For more information about the NFFF, their programs, and the fallen heroes, visit http://www.firehero.org/.

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April 23-25 FDIC Indianapolis, IN

April 26-28 Campus Safety Tampa, FL

April 27-30 IDEF Turkey

May 4-6 Navy League Washington, DC

May 7-9 Caspian Sea Defense & Security Kazakhstan

May 19-21 FPED VII Stafford, VA

May 27-28 CANSEC Ottawa, Canada

June 2-4 SOFIC Tampa, FL

tRadeshOws cOmiNg iN 2009

24/7 Call Support Center

To contact Customer Service, please call us at:

1-800-914-0303(For International Customers: +1-240-864-7643)

Customers who call the Customer Service 1-800 number are now given three (3) options to properly route their requests: Technical Assistance, Repairs/Product Support and

Aftermarket Support/Sales. Incoming calls are routed to the appropriate Customer Service Specialist to ensure all inquiries are addressed as quickly as possible.

Option 1.TeChniCAl assistance and

general inquiries [email protected]

Option 2.RePAiRS Return Material

Authorizations (RMAs) and other product support assistance

[email protected]

SAleS for spares and ancillary items, to request quotes and make purchases,

web site/shopping cart [email protected]

Option 3.

The Customer Support Department

Last year, Thales Communications introduced its new poster “Cutters and Aircraft of the U.S. Coast Guard.” We have updated this commemorative poster, which is a full-size, wall-mountable reference poster, to reflect decommissioned platforms as well as newly-commissioned Cutters, including the SENTINEL-Class FRC. To request your copy, email a request to [email protected].

New uSCg Commemorative Poster Now Available!

TRIBuTETo Our Fallen heroes

(Special Operations Forces Industry Conference)

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FReQueNtly asked QuestiONs

tactical

What is the PJC for the AN/PRC-148[V]4[C] JTRS Enhanced MBITR [JEM]?

The Private Joseki Component [PJC] is the communication security master key that enables the JEM to be a Type 1 Controlled Cryptographic Item [CCI]. The PJC key is maintained in the JEM for 60 days using a rechargeable Hold-Up Battery [HUB]. The HUB charge is maintained using the main radio battery. If no battery is connected to the radio, the HUB will discharge and the PJC key will be lost. With a fully charged radio battery on the radio, it can take up to 48 hours to fully charge the HUB. After four hours of charging, the HUB will have sufficient charge to maintain the PJC and crypto keys to allow the battery to be swapped within 90 seconds. After five minutes, crypto keys are automatically zeroized in the radio if the battery is removed; however, the PJC key is maintained by the HUB.It is OK to leave a radio, with its battery, in a battery charger. A battery maintenance strategy is essential to ensure that a radio is ready for operational use.

A new PJC key, classified Secret, can be obtained by your COMSEC Custodian / EKMS Manager through the Joint COMSEC Management Office [JCMO] / EKMS Controlling Authority. The short title is USKADE B9500 880091, Edition 4.With no PJC key, the JEM can only be used for Plain Text [PT] communications.

Can I use non-Thales rechargeable batteries with my AN/PRC-148?

NO! Non-Thales rechargeable batteries for the AN/PRC-148 MBITR / JEM radios have been released to the field through the supply system but ARE NOT APPROVED for fielded use. Non-Thales rechargeable batteries cannot safely be charged in the field-issued Thales Battery Chargers and Vehicle Adapters. For replenishment batteries, users must only order NSN: 6140-01-487-1153 P/N 1600515-7Users that have received non-Thales rechargeable batteries should submit a Product Quality Deficiency Report in accordance with AR 702-7-1 to the Defense Logistics Agency for disposition instructions. This process requires the submission of an SF 368 form via the Electronic Deficiency Reporting System.

How can I determine the serial number of an AN/PRC-148[V]2[C] MBITR?

Either check the radio’s label, or connect the

PC Programmer Cable, P/N 3500393-501, between the radio and a PC’s serial port, run the PC Programmer application, and use the pull-down Tools menu to ‘Get radio serial number’

What is the diameter of the earphone jack that can be plugged into the bottom of the Speaker Mike, P/N 1600469-x?

A monaural, 2.5mm diameter jack will work well with the Speaker Mike. When it is inserted into the Speaker Mike, its speaker is muted.

When will we be able to use the Simplified Key Loader [SKL] to load crypto keys into an AN/PRC-148 without using the work around procedure?An upgrade to the MBITR and the JEM will be available in the second quarter of 2009.

Which antenna is recommended for Satellite Communications?

For stationary applications, the Trivec Avant directional antenna, part number AV2055-3, NSN 5985-01-463-6558 has the best gain at +11dBi.

For SatCom On The Move [SOTM], the X-wing antenna that has the best gain of +8dBi is the Trivec Avant part number AV 2090-4, NSN 5985-01-505-0548. A better alternative, albeit considerably larger and heavier, is the Trivec Avant ‘Bat-Wing’, part number AV 2075-9, NSN 5985-01-467-3219, with gain of +11dBi

Are the MBITR PC Programmer and the JEM PC Configuration Toolkit applications compatible with the Microsoft Vista operating system?

We are working on new releases of the applications.

The 50W Vehicle Adapter Amplifier configuration was showcased in the last Customer Commitment Newsletter. What applications are planned?

More than 700 have been delivered to Hanscom Air Force Base to the US Air Force‘s Tactical Air Control Party Modernization Office (TACP-M). They will be installed in the TACP’s new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles on the existing communications pallet for the legacy AN/GRC-206. These new 30 to 512MHz

multiband systems will provide a much more robust communications link, and TACPs will utilize them in coordination with the US Army to control the air war.

How can I tell if I have a MBITR or a JEM?

As you can see from the above pictures, the JEM has four extra pins located around the center screw of the side connector. These pins provide a USB interface for use with the PC tool kit and cloning cable.

NavalHow can I find the software / firmware version of the equipment?

Choose ‘Select’ / ‘Details’ on the Control Unit. From the main menu, select the radio or device of interest connected to that radio, MCU, CAU, or PMU and highlight ‘Details’. The software/firmware version is displayed. For the latest software / firmware versions, go to page 5 of this Newsletter.

How can I verify that the Radio / Power Amplifier is transmitting?

On the Control Unit, select the Exciter for the desired channel to be checked. The measured Power Amplifier output power is displayed in black on the ‘Fwd Power’ triangular graphic. The nominal output power level is displayed to the right of the ‘Fwd Power’ triangular graphic.

How can I verify that the transmitter is operational?

Select the Radio that needs to be checked.• Run Built In Test to see if there are any

errors. Continue if no error is detected• SelecttheExciter• Select a free channel, then select CW

mode and enter a transmit frequency• TunetheCouplerifoneisconnected• Actuate PTT, the output power is

displayed on the Control Unit if the system is functional.

MBITR JEM

3003:042709:V2

Thales Communications, Inc.22605 Gateway Center Drive | Clarksburg, MD 20871Web sites: www.thalescomminc.com | www.thalesliberty.com Customer Service 1-800-914-0303 | 1-240-864-7643

AbOut

thAleS COMMunICAtIOnS

“I’m pleased – and even excited about – the function of the [Liberty] radio, as well as its fit, finish, size, weight, ergonomics.” DC Fire Offical

“It’s a great product, awesome for what we use it for. It’s the best radio I’ve used in the 8 years I’ve been in the Army.” Soldier, US Army

“A very useful radio for what we use it for, for the practical purposes and especially the information it can store. Essentially, it’s a lifesaving device.” Soldier, US Army

“I have never had any problems with the radios or the people I’ve dealt with. I was one of the first units to use them. The people have always been nice, courteous, and they’ve bent over backwards to help us. I like the equipment.” Airman, USAF

“…I remember when it happened. I was assisting my patient (I’m a medic in the Army) and all of a sudden an IED exploded. My Kevlar helmet blew off, a blanket had wrapped around me and I was trapped in the mangled wreckage of my transport vehicle. I could hardly breathe, practically suffocating, and I was unable to move my legs. It was obvious that neither my patient nor the other soldiers in the vehicle had survived the blast. I needed help. I was able to grab my MBITR and call for help. Once the commander knew that there was someone still alive in the wreckage, the rescue force was doubled and I was on my way to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The MBITR saved my life. I probably wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for the MBITR.” Soldier, US Army

If you have comments about our products and services that you would like to share with us, please get in touch with us by phone (800-914-0303), email ([email protected]), or via the online customer survey (link from our web site www.thalescomminc.com). Your feedback is very important to us.


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Thales Communications is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and support of battle-proven, software-defined, radio equipment and solutions. We serve the ground, naval, airborne, and homeland security domains with tactical electronic equipment and information systems that address the technological and environmental challenges presented in real-world situations—especially those with size, weight, and power constraints. Serving the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. civilian agencies, and allied and coalition forces globally, Thales Communications plays a direct role in the Global War on Terror.

Thales Communications’ headquarters campus in Clarksburg, Maryland, and second location in Germantown, Maryland, house two state-of-the-art manufacturing plants as well as our 24/7 Customer Support Department. We also provide in-theater support to US and Coalition Forces in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

linking multi-agency meet the tactical communications ...€¦ · 3 volume 4/issue 1 thales...

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