AN/PRC-117G Technical Manual: A Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed look into the AN/PRC-117G Multiband Manpack Radio․ It explores its capabilities, features, technical specifications,
operation, and maintenance․ It will help users maximize their performance and understand its various functions․

Overview of the AN/PRC-117G

The AN/PRC-117G is a cutting-edge, software-defined tactical radio that offers unparalleled wideband data performance and seamless interoperability with existing waveforms․ Designed for modern military communication needs, this manpack radio is significantly smaller and lighter than previous generations, enhancing portability and usability in the field․ It supports a wide range of applications, including voice, data, and video transmission, making it an essential tool for soldiers in dynamic operational environments․
This radio is MUOS-ready, extending critical communications beyond line-of-sight limitations via satellite capabilities․ Its software-defined architecture enables in-field upgrades as new capabilities emerge, ensuring that the radio remains at the forefront of communication technology․ The AN/PRC-117G’s versatility and robust design make it a cornerstone of secure military communication networks, providing reliable connectivity in demanding situations․ The manual will help you understand it better․

Key Features and Capabilities

The AN/PRC-117G boasts a suite of impressive features and capabilities that make it a standout communication solution for military personnel․ Key among these is its wideband data performance, enabling high-speed transmission of critical information, including video and large data files․ Interoperability with legacy waveforms, such as SINCGARS, ensures seamless communication with existing military communication systems․

The radio’s software-defined architecture allows for in-field upgrades, ensuring adaptability to emerging technologies and mission requirements․ Its MUOS-ready hardware extends communication capabilities via satellite, enhancing connectivity in challenging environments․ The AN/PRC-117G also incorporates advanced security features, including COMSEC, to protect sensitive information․ Additionally, its user-friendly interface and comprehensive self-test capabilities simplify operation and maintenance․ These features combine to make the AN/PRC-117G a versatile and reliable communication tool for modern military operations․ The radio also boasts an extended battery life․

Technical Specifications

The AN/PRC-117G exhibits impressive technical specifications that underscore its capabilities․ Operating across a broad range of frequencies, it supports VHF/UHF line-of-sight communications․ The radio’s power output is optimized for both VHF and UHF bands, ensuring reliable transmission over varying distances; VHF typically has 10 watts, while UHF hits 20․

Its compact size and lightweight design, particularly when compared to older models, enhance portability for dismounted soldiers․ The radio’s power management system is engineered to maximize battery life, supporting extended mission durations․ The AN/PRC-117G is also designed to meet stringent environmental standards, ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions․ Moreover, the radio’s processing power supports advanced waveforms and encryption algorithms, enhancing data throughput and security․ These specifications collectively highlight the AN/PRC-117G as a technologically advanced and highly capable communication device, and that it can also run without a battery․

Frequency Ranges

The AN/PRC-117G operates across a versatile spectrum of frequency ranges, enabling seamless communication across diverse tactical scenarios․ Primarily, it supports VHF/UHF line-of-sight (VULOS) communications, facilitating clear and reliable voice and data exchange․ The radio’s frequency agility allows it to adapt to different operational requirements․

This wideband capability ensures interoperability with various communication networks, including legacy systems and advanced waveforms․ The AN/PRC-117G can be programmed to operate within specific frequency bands, optimizing performance for different mission profiles․ Its frequency ranges are compliant with military standards, ensuring secure and interference-free communications․ The radio’s ability to quickly switch between frequencies enhances its resilience against electronic warfare threats․ This comprehensive frequency coverage makes the AN/PRC-117G a versatile communication asset for modern military operations, with self-testing capabilities․

Power Output

The AN/PRC-117G provides adjustable power output levels to optimize communication range and battery life․ Typically, it can transmit with up to 10 watts in the VHF band and 20 watts in the UHF band․ These power levels ensure reliable communication․

The radio’s power output is adjustable, allowing operators to conserve battery when operating in close proximity or maximize range when needed․ The AN/PRC-117G maintains peak transmit power, balancing performance and efficiency․ Its power output capabilities are crucial for maintaining reliable communication links․

The power management system efficiently regulates power consumption, extending battery life․ The AN/PRC-117G’s power output is designed to meet stringent military requirements, ensuring consistent performance․ This optimized power output enhances the radio’s effectiveness in diverse operational environments, with varying conditions and requirements for operations․

Battery Life

The battery life of the AN/PRC-117G is a critical factor for mission endurance, dependent on usage patterns and power settings․ The radio operates off a single standard battery, reducing the weight for dismounted soldiers․ The AN/PRC-117G is designed for extended operational periods with efficient power management․

Factors influencing battery life include transmit power, receive activity, and waveform usage․ Advanced power-saving features help maximize operational time․ The Sierra II, designed to maximize battery life, supports all JTRS COMSEC and TRANSEC requirements․

Optimizing power consumption is essential for prolonged missions․ Users can adjust settings to balance performance and conserve battery․ External battery options and power sources can further extend operational capabilities․ Understanding battery management is crucial for effective use, ensuring continuous communication in the field․

Components and Accessories

The AN/PRC-117G system includes a variety of essential components and accessories designed to enhance its functionality and usability in diverse operational environments․ Key components include the radio transceiver itself, which houses the core communication capabilities; Standard accessories typically consist of a handset (H-250), antennas, and power cables․

Additional accessories may include various antenna systems optimized for different frequency bands and communication scenarios․ Battery options range from standard rechargeable batteries to external power solutions for extended operations․ Programming cables and software are essential for configuring the radio with specific settings and waveforms․

The system also supports various mounting solutions for vehicular or manpack configurations․ Lightweight antenna systems tuned for VHF/UHF line-of-sight communications are available․ Proper setup of these components, as detailed in the user guide, ensures optimal performance․

Basic Operation and Controls

Operating the AN/PRC-117G effectively requires understanding its basic controls and operational procedures․ The radio features a user-friendly interface with a display screen and various buttons for navigation and function selection․ Powering on the device is typically done via a dedicated power button, followed by a self-test to ensure proper functionality․

Volume control is straightforward, allowing for adjustment of audio output through the speaker or connected headset․ Frequency selection can be performed manually or through pre-programmed channels․ Mode selection enables switching between different communication modes, such as voice or data transmission․
The radio also includes controls for adjusting transmit power and selecting appropriate waveforms․ Familiarity with the menu system is essential for accessing advanced settings and configurations․ Indicators on the display provide real-time feedback on signal strength, battery level, and operational status․

Programming and Configuration

The AN/PRC-117G requires careful programming and configuration to optimize its performance and ensure compatibility with other communication systems․ This process typically involves loading specific frequency parameters, encryption keys, and waveform configurations․ Programming can be done directly through the radio’s interface or via a connected computer using specialized software․

Configuration settings include options for adjusting transmit power levels, selecting antenna types, and setting up network parameters․ Secure communication requires loading appropriate COMSEC fill data, following established security protocols․ The radio’s software-defined architecture allows for in-field upgrades and modifications, adapting to evolving mission requirements․

Proper configuration is crucial for interoperability with other radios and network devices․ Detailed programming manuals and software tools are available to guide users through the configuration process․ Regular updates and maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance and security․

Waveform Support and Interoperability

The AN/PRC-117G is designed for wideband data performance and interoperability, supporting various waveforms for diverse communication needs․ It ensures seamless integration with existing systems through US/NATO standardized waveforms․ This manpack radio facilitates communication across different platforms, enhancing tactical capabilities and enabling real-time data sharing․

Its software-defined architecture supports multiple waveforms, allowing in-field upgrades and adaptation to emerging standards․ The radio’s ability to handle diverse waveforms such as VULOS and SINCGARS ensures compatibility with legacy systems while providing advanced capabilities․ Interoperability is crucial in joint operations, enabling effective communication between different units and forces․

The AN/PRC-117G ensures secure and reliable communication through robust waveform support․ It maintains peak transmit power, ensuring effective performance․ This radio enhances communication capabilities and ensures interoperability across various operational environments․

VULOS

VULOS, or VHF/UHF Line-of-Sight, is a key communication mode supported by the AN/PRC-117G․ This mode enables direct, short-range communications between radios within visual range, providing essential connectivity for tactical operations․ VULOS offers a reliable and efficient means of communication where satellite or other long-range systems are unavailable or impractical․

The AN/PRC-117G maximizes the effectiveness of VULOS through optimized antenna systems and power management․ Its lightweight antenna systems ensure clear communication․ The radio maintains peak transmit power, supporting effective VULOS communications․
VULOS functionality in the AN/PRC-117G is designed for ease of use․ Clear instructions and controls simplify setup and operation․ This VHF/UHF Line-of-Sight communication enhances real-time coordination and situational awareness․ The direct communication provided by VULOS is essential for tactical operations, especially in environments where other communication infrastructure is limited or unreliable․

SINCGARS

SINCGARS, or Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System, is a vital waveform supported by the AN/PRC-117G․ This waveform ensures interoperability with legacy military communication systems, allowing seamless integration with existing infrastructure․ SINCGARS provides secure voice and data communication․

The AN/PRC-117G enhances SINCGARS through its advanced software-defined architecture․ This architecture allows for in-field upgrades, ensuring compatibility with evolving SINCGARS standards․ The radio’s processing power supports robust SINCGARS operation․

SINCGARS functionality in the AN/PRC-117G is designed for ease of use․ The radio includes clear setup instructions and user-friendly controls․ This compatibility with SINCGARS ensures that users can communicate with a wide range of military assets, maintaining crucial communication links; The secure communication provided by SINCGARS is essential for tactical operations․ The AN/PRC-117G enhances these communications with in-field upgrades․

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the AN/PRC-117G operates reliably․ Regular checks of components, such as antennas and connectors, can prevent many common issues․ This section provides guidance on routine maintenance tasks․ It includes cleaning procedures and inspection points․ Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent more significant problems․

Troubleshooting information is included to assist in diagnosing and resolving operational difficulties․ This section covers common problems, such as connectivity issues and power failures․ Detailed step-by-step instructions are provided to guide users through the troubleshooting process․ The manual also includes information on error codes and their meanings․
When troubleshooting, always refer to the component-specific manuals for detailed instructions․ If a problem persists, consult qualified technical personnel․ By following these maintenance and troubleshooting guidelines, users can ensure the AN/PRC-117G remains operational․

Security Features and COMSEC

The AN/PRC-117G incorporates several security features to protect sensitive communications․ It adheres to COMSEC requirements, ensuring secure data transmission․ The Sierra II module supports all JTRS COMSEC and TRANSEC requirements, including HAIPE in-line encryption․
Loading COMSEC fill data is a critical step in securing the radio․ The manual provides instructions for loading and managing encryption keys․ It is essential to follow these procedures carefully to maintain security․ The radio also supports various encryption algorithms, providing flexibility in secure communications․

Secure handling of cryptographic material is paramount․ The manual outlines procedures for storing and disposing of COMSEC keys․ Unauthorized access to cryptographic material can compromise the security of the radio․ It is essential to protect this material at all times․ Regular security audits and updates are also recommended to address potential vulnerabilities․

Antenna Systems and Installation

The AN/PRC-117G supports various antenna systems for different operational requirements․ Selecting the appropriate antenna is crucial for optimal performance․ Lightweight antenna systems are available for VHF/UHF line-of-sight communications․ The E-Kit components, when connected per instructions, enhance the radio’s capabilities․

Proper antenna installation is critical for maximizing signal strength and minimizing interference․ The manual provides detailed instructions for installing different types of antennas․ Ensure the antenna is securely mounted and properly grounded․ Consider the surrounding environment when positioning the antenna to avoid obstructions․

Antenna selection depends on the desired frequency range and communication distance․ High-gain antennas can extend the range, while directional antennas focus the signal․ It is important to regularly inspect the antenna and its connections for any damage․ A damaged antenna can significantly degrade the radio’s performance․

Power Management and Battery Usage

Effective power management is essential for extending battery life and ensuring continuous operation of the AN/PRC-117G․ The radio operates off a single standard battery, which reduces weight while maintaining peak transmit power․ Understanding battery types and their characteristics is crucial for optimal usage․

The Sierra II is designed to maximize battery life in battery-powered radios․ Avoid attempting to recharge disposable AA batteries as this can be dangerous․ Optimize power consumption by adjusting transmit power levels and minimizing unnecessary radio activity․ Monitor battery levels regularly to avoid unexpected power loss․

Proper battery storage is vital for maintaining battery health and longevity․ Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight․ Regularly inspect batteries for signs of damage or corrosion․ Replace batteries when their performance degrades significantly․ By following these guidelines, you can maximize the operational readiness of the AN/PRC-117G․