Signal

Communication
SCOPE
~ Definition of Terms
~ Principles of Signal Communication
~ Characteristics of Signal Communication
~ Means of Signal Communication
~ Fundamentals of Radio Communication
~ Expedient Antennas
~ Radio Sets
Definition of Terms
~ Signal Communication - Transfer of information
from one place to or person except by direct
conversation.
~ Means of Communication - Means by which
information or message is conveyed from one
place to another.
~ Facility or Agency of Signal Communication - Is
the place that comprises embraces personal
and equipment necessary to provide signal
communication.
 Principles of Communication
~ Superior to Subordinate - Provides that
the commander is the one responsible
for installation, operation and
maintenance of Signal Communication to
the lower units.

~ Supporting to Supported - Provides that

the commander is the one responsible
for installation, operation and
maintenance of Signal Communication to
the lower units.
 Principles of Communication
~ Reinforcing to Reinforced - these
principle holds true only for artillery
units for it is only an artillery unit can
reinforce the fire of another artillery
unit.

~ Lateral Communication - Normally, the

responsibility for the establishment of
communication between adjacent units
is fixed by the next higher commander or
may be established in the unit's SOP.
 Principles of Communication

~ Internal Communication – Signal Communication

is command responsibility. It therefore follows
that the commander of a unit, regardless of its
sizes responsible for installation, operation and
maintenance of all signal communication
facilities that will be needed by his command
control and command.

~ Maintenance of Communication - Effective

maintenance requires the close coordination and
joint participation of all units concerned.
 Means of Signal Communication

STRESS: Telecommunication means

derive from the Greek word "TELE"
meaning Far or Far Off, broadly
operating at a distance.
 Means of Signal Communication
~ Electronic
~ Radio - the fastest means of Signal
Communication but it is least secured as
principal means of communication in the
AFP.
~ Wire – commo includes use of wire, cable
~ Telephone.
~ Teletypewriter.
~ Television.
 Means of Signal Communication
~ Physical
~ Messenger - the oldest and relatively most
secured means of communication.
~ Trained Animals - the ability of some
animals to find their way back from
relatively extended distance and from
strange places.
~ Mail - used by civilians
~ Sound - it is supplementary means of
communication in the AFP.
~ Example: Bugles, horns, gongs, weapons &
other noise making devices.
 Advantages and Disadvantages of a
Radio
Advantages Disadvantages
~ Speed of Installation
~ Flexibility ~ Subject to
~ Maintained while atmosphere condition
troop are mobile ~ Subject to
~ Use for air to ground interference (natural
communication or manmade
~ Provide interference)
communication over ~ Least secured
impossible terrain
Fundamentals of Radio Communication:

~ Radio Net - a group of several stations

working together in the same frequency

~ Call Sign - combination of characters (letters

and numbers) or pronounceable words that
identifies the facility or station.

Individual Call Sign

Collective Call Sign
 Characteristics of Communication:

~ Reliability.
~ Multiple means.
~ Alternate.
~ Reserve equipment.
~ Speed.
~ Security.
~ Flexibility.
~ Appropriate means.
~ Simplicity in operation.
~ Dispersion.
Fundamentals of Radio Communication:

~ Net Call Sign - a call sign that identifies all radio

station operating in a particular net and using
the same frequency.
~ Call - a method of establishing communication
whereby the station calling transmits the
identity of the stations called as well as his own
identity.
~ Prowords - are pronounceable words that have
assigned meaning to facilitate transmission by
radio.
PHONETIC ALPHABET
 PHONETIC ALPHABET

LETTER WORD PRONOUNCIATION

N NOVEMBER NO VEM BER

O OSCAR OSS CAR
P PAPA PAH PAH
Q QUEBEC KEH BECK
R ROMEO ROH ME OH
S SIERRA SEE AIR AH
T TANGO TANG GO
U UNIFORM YOU NEE FORM
V VICTOR VIK TOH
W WHISKY WISS KEY
X XRAY ECKS RAY
Y YANKEE YANG KEY
Z ZULU ZOO LOO
NUMERICAL PRONUNCIATION
NUMERICAL PRONUNCIATION
NUMERICAL PRONUNCIATION
 Communication Security

Protection resulting from all

measures designed to deny
unauthorized person in their
interpretation of the result of
such study.
 PROWORDS
ALL AFTER – Portion of msg to w/c I have ref is all that w/c follows
ALL BEFORE – Portion of msg to w/c I have ref is all that w/c
preceeds
AUTHENTICATE – The Stn called is to reply to the challenge that
follows
AUTHENTICATION IS – The transmission authentication of this
msg is
BREAK – I hereby indicate the separation of the text from other
portions of the msg.
CORRECT – You are correct or what you have transmitted is
correct.
CORRECTION – An error has been made in this transmission (or
msg indicated). The correct version is.
DISREGARD TRANSMISSION – OUT – The transmission is in
error. Disregard it
DO NOT ANSWER – Stn called are not to answer this call, receipt
for the msg, When this proword is employed, the, transmission shall
EXEMPT – The address immediately following are exempted from
the collective call.
FIGURES – Numerals or numbers follow . (Optional).
FLASH - Precedence FLASH Reserved for initial enemy
contact reports on special emergency operational
combat traffic originated by specifically designated high
commanders for units directly affected.
FROM - The originator of this msg is indicated by the address
designated immediately following.
IMMEDIATE – Precedence Immediate. The precedence reserved
for msg relating to situations w/c gravely affect the
security of national/allied forces or populace, and w/c
require immediate delivery.
INFO - The addressees immediately following are addressed
for information.
I AUTHENTICATE – The group that follows it is the reply to your
challenge to authentications.
I READ BACK – The following is my response to your instructions
to read back
I SAY AGAIN - I am repeating transmission or portion indicated.
I SPELL - I shall spell the next word phonetically
I VERIFY - That which follows has been verified at your
request and is repeated (used as reply to verify)
MESSAGE - A message that requires recording is about to
follow. (Transmitting immediately after the call)
MORE TO FOLLOW - Transmitting station has additional traffic
for the receiving station.
OUT - This is the end of my transmission to you and no
answer is required or expected. (OVER & OUT
should never to be used together)
OVER - This is the end of my transmission to you and a
response is necessary, Go ahead; Transmit
PRIORITY - Precedence ‘PRIORITY”. Reserved for important msg
that must have precedence over routine trafic. This is the
highest precedence that normally may be assigned to a message
of administrative nature.
READ BACK - Repeat this entire transmission back to me exactly as
received.
RELAY (TO) - Transmit this msg to all addresses (or addresses
immediately following this proword). The addresses
component is mandatory when this proword is used.
ROGER - I have received your last transmission satisfactorily.
ROUTINE - Precedence “ROUTINE”. Reserved for all types of
messages w/c are not of sufficient urgency to justify a
higher precedence, but must have be delivered to the addressee
without delay.
SAY AGAIN – Repeat all of your last transmission. (Followed by
identification data means “Repeat __ (portion
indication)”)
SERVICE – The message that follows is a service message.
SILENCE - “Cease Transmission Immediately” Silence will be
maintained until lifted. (transmission imposing silence must be
authenticated).
SILENCE LIFTED – Silence is lifted. (When an authentication system
is to be authenticated.
SPEAK SLOWER - Your transmission is from the station whose
designator immediately follows.
THIS IS - This transmission is too fast a speed. Reduce speed of
transmission.
TIME - That which immediately follows is the time or date/time
group of the message.
TO - The addressee’(s) immediately following is (are)
addressed for action.
UNKNOWN STATION – The identity of the station with which I am
attempting to establish communication is
unknown.
VERIFY – Verify entire message (or portion indicated) with the
originator and send correct version (To be used only at the
discretion of the addressee to which the questioned message
was directed.
WAIT - I must pause for a few seconds.
WILCO - I have received your signal, understand it, and will comply.
(To be used only by the addressee. Since the meaning of
ROGER is included in that of WILCO, the two prowords are
never used together.
WORD AFTER – The word of the message to which I have reference
is that which follows. . . . .
WORD BEFORE – The word of the message to which I have
reference is that which precedes.
WORD TWICE – Communication is difficult. Transmit (ring) each
phrase (or each code group) twice. This proword may be used
as an order, request, or as information.
WRONG - Your last transmission is incorrect. The correct version is .
....
 Function of Net Control Station
(NCS)

~ Prevent unofficial conversation between

radio operator.
~ Monitor All transmission to ensure that
correct procedures are used.
~ Carry out commander’s order.
~ Order frequency change if needed.
COMMUNICATION SECURITY

IS THE PROTECTION RESULTING FROM

ALL MEASURES DESIGNED TO DENY
UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IN THEIR
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT OF
SUCH STUDY.
 FUNCTION OF NET CONTROL STATION
(NCS)

a. Prevent unofficial conversation between radio

operator
b. Monitor All transmission to ensure that correct
procedures are used
c. Carry out commander’s order
d. Order frequency change if needed
 Practices Specifically Forbidden

~ Violation of radio silence.

~ Unofficial conversation between radio
operator.
~ Transmitting in a directed not without
permission.
~ Excessive tuning and testing of
equipment.
~ Using profane or indirect language.
 Authentication

~ Two kinds of Authentication:

~ Station (Identification) authentication

~ Message authentication
Factors to consider that affect Radio
Transceiver:

~ Location.
~ Weather and Terrain.
~ Antenna Height.
~ Power Output.
~ Distance Range.
~ STRESS:

~ SSI - Signal Standard Instructions - What will

you do

~ SOI - Signal Operating Instruction - How will you

do
 Message Writing

A thought or idea expressed in brief, plain

or secret language and prepared in
form suitable for transmission by any
means of communication.
Parts of Message

Addressee
Body or Text
Originator
Drafter or Writer
Parts of Message
~ Addressee - activity of person to when a
message is sent.

~ Action Addressee - the individual that will take

action in the message.

~ Information Addressee - for informative

purposes but not to take action.

~ Exempted Addressee -
 Parts of Message
~ Body or Text

~ Originator - The authority in whose name a

message is sent. The originator of a message is
always the commander of the unit that originates
it.

~ Drafter or Writer - The person actually composes

a message. This may be the commander himself
or other personnel that has been delegated with
the responsibility of preparing the message.
 Types of Messages according to

Precedence Security

~ Flash - Z ~ Top Secret - High

~ Urgent - U Echelon
~ Priority - P ~ Secret - create
~ Restricted - R endorsement
~ Confidential
~ Restricted
How to establish initial contact in the
radio:

~ Set up the radio set

~ Put up the battery
~ Put up the antenna
~ Put up the handset
~ Adjust/set the frequency

~ Press to talk - PTT

How to establish initial contact in the
radio:
~ Call the station to be called as well as
your identity
~ Example: ALPHA - this is BRA-VO
BRAVO - this is AL-FA

~ Check your radio signal

~ Q - How do you read my signal
~ A - I hear you loud and clear –
Weak/Garble
EXPEDIENT
ANTENNAS
 Suspended Vertical Antenna

● Vertical field expedient antennas

improve radio set performance by virtue
of the height above the ground. The
most effective height above the ground
is equal to a minimum of ¼ wavelength
of the operating frequency in meters.
Elevation above this height requires
ground plane elements.
Suspended Vertical Antenna.
 Vertical Half Rhombic Antenna

~ Length - 5 wavelengths of operating

frequency, with a 5-foot lead-in.
~ Height - 10 meters.
~ Range - Up to 2 t0 3 times operating range of
set.
~ Resistor - 400 – 700 ohms, or a BA30 core may be
use as an expedient.
~ Radiation - Without resistor-equally off both ends.
- With resistor-off resistor end only.
Vertical Half Rhombic Antenna
 Long Wire Antenna
~ Length - 5 to 7 wavelengths of operating
frequency, 100 feet for FM* radio is a good mid
frequency range antenna.
~ Height - 3 meters.
~ Range - Up to 2 t0 3 times operating range of
set.
~ Resistor - 400 – 700 ohms, or a BA30 core may
be use as an expedient.
~ Radiation - Without resistor-equally off both
ends.
- With resistor-off resistor end only.
Long Wire Antenna
 Jungle Antenna or Expedient 292
~ Cut all four wires for a ¼ wavelength antenna.
Connect them as in the illustration.
~ Connect two insulators, one at each end of the
vertical element. Attach a rope with a rock tied
to it to throw the rope over a tree limb.
~ Connect the WD-1 as shown before pulling the
antenna up in the air.
~ At the radio, connect the vertical element wire of
WD-1 to the antenna connector and the ground
plane wire to the radio set chassis.
Jungle Antenna or Expedient 292

INSULATORS
VERTICAL ELEMENT
GROUND
PLANE
ELEMENT

(1/4 WAVE)

LEAD-IN TO ANTENNA
CONNECTOR
RADIO SETS
 Tactical Radio Set AN/PRC 77

~ Short range
~ Manpack portable
~ Frequency-modulated (FM) receiver
 Technical Characteristics
~ Frequency Range:
~ Low Band - 30.00 t0 52.95 Mhz
~ High Band - 53.00 t0 75.95 Mhz
~ Number of Channels - 920
~ Types of Transmission and Reception:
~ Transmission - Voice (300-3,500 khz and 150 khz
squelch tone.
~ Reception - Voice (no squelch) or voice and 150 khz
squelch tone.
~ Security or Digital Data Equipment - Wideband 10 to
20,000 Hz without 150 khz squelch tone.
 Technical Characteristics

~ Transmission and Reception Power Requirements:

~ Reception - 12.5 to 15 VDC, 0.06 Amperes Average

~ Transmission - 12.5 VDC, 780 Milli Amperes Average
~ Channel Spacing - 50 Khz
~ Type of Squelch - Tone operated by 150 Khz signal
~ Type Modulation - Frequency Modulated
~ Transmitter Output Power - 1.0 to 4.0 Watts
~ Distance range - 8 Km (varies with conditions)
~ Battery Life - 60 Hrs (with 9:1 receive-transmit ratio)
 Recognition and Identification of Jamming

● Under real or simulated tactical conditions, the

enemy may jam the receiver. Jamming is easily
done by transmission of a stronger signal on the
frequency being used, which makes it difficult or
impossible to hear the desired signal. Unusual
noises or strong interference heard on the
receiver may be enemy jamming, signals from
friendly station, noise from a local source, or a
defective receiver. To determine whether the
interference is originating in the receiver,
disconnect the antenna. If the interference
continues, the receiver is defective.
 Anti-Jamming Procedures

~ When jamming of a channel is first noticed,

notify your superior officer immediately and
continue to operate the equipment. To
provide maximum intelligibility of jammed
signals, try the following:
 Anti-Jamming Procedures

~ The effects of enemy jamming may be

reduced by placing the equipment so that
nearby obstructions acts as a screen in the
direction of probable sites of enemy jamming
transmitters. This screen action may also
reduce the transmitted signal strength toward
the enemy and thereby make it more difficult
for him to intercept your signals. If possible,
try several different locations within the
designated area and stay at the one where
jamming is minimum.
 Anti-Jamming Procedures

~ Vary the volume control. The level of the

desired signal may be raised enough to be
distinguish from the jamming signal.

~ If the procedures in (a) and (b) above do not

provide sufficient signal separation for
operation, request changes to an alternate
frequency and call sign.
Tactical Radio Set RT-157/PRC –126

~ Lightweight
~ Self-contained
~ Battery-powered
~ VHF/FM simplex/half duplex voice/data
transceiver.
Tactical Radio Set RT-157/PRC –126

Intended to fill-up the void on small-unit

communications within platoons and
among squads of operating AFP units in
the field.
Compatibility

~ AN/PRC-68
~ AN/PRC-77
~ RT-524, AN/VRC-12
~ URC-773M
~ URC-601
Batteries
~ BA-5588/U Lithium (non-rechargeable)
primary battery 3.0 amp hours a typical
provides over 70 hours operation on a
8:1:1 duty cycle of 8 minutes receive with
no signal (standby). 1 minute receive
with signal and audio output and 1
minute transmit.
~ BB-588/U Nickel-cadmium (rechargeable)
secondary battery 0.6 amp hours typical
provides 12 hours operation under the
conditions above.
Batteries

~ BA-1588/U Mercuric oxide primary battery

1.6 amp hours typical provides 42 hours
operations under the conditions above.

~ Magnavox 548103-804 Nickel Cadmium

secondary battery 0.8 amp hours typical
provides 16 hours operation under the
conditions above.
Caution: DO NOT store batteries in
unused equipment for more than 30
days. Store lithium batteries in a cool
(i.e., less than 130° F), dry, well
ventilated area.
~ Range:
~ Short antenna - 1648 ft (500m)
~ Long Antenna - 9890 ft (300m)
~ Battery Operating Time (Standard):
~ BA-5588/U Lithium - 70 hours
~ (Optional)
~ BA-1588/U Mercury - 42 hours
~ BB-558/Ni-CAD - 14 hours
~ Power Output - 1 watt
 Operation During Jamming
~ A common jamming procedure is the transmission
of a strong or annoying signal on your operating
channel, making it difficult or impossible for you
to maintain communications. Sometimes this
signal may be from a friendly station. It is
possible that the unusual noise or interference
may be due to bad Radio Set AN/PRC-126.
~ To check it out, do the following:
~ Disconnect the antenna.
~ Set ANT match switch to 50 position
 Operation During Jamming

Caution: Do not key transmitter with

antenna connector shorted out.
 Tactical Radio Set URC-187
~ The transceiver is a self-contained
communications system that only requires
connection to the antenna for immediate
operation. It is a medium power transceiver
having a range of accessories to cover typical
system requirements such as fixed, portable,
vehicular or manpack operation. The set can
receive and transmit single sideband USB and
LSB suppressed carrier telegraph and
compatible AM signals, all in the frequency
range of 2-12 MHz.
 Tactical Radio Set URC-187
~ The URC-187 is a synthesized patrolfone HF
Single Side Band Transceiver set. It is designed
to operate over the temperature range of –10 C
to + 55 C and can withstand shock and
vibration levels, allowing it to be operated under
any environmental condition. Its fully
waterproofed case permits operation out of
doors in all weather.

~ For power requirements, the transceiver readily

uses size “D” dry cells or an external 12 VDC
source.
Compatibility
~ The URC-187 is designed to operate
with any SSB suppressed carrier station
on the 2-12 MHz band. In addition, it
provides compatible AM an operation
using the carrier USB modulation, or
keyed CW at a frequency located 800
Hz above or below the suppressed
carrier.
Antenna

~ Portable Whip Antenna, AWP-187 –

best suited for mobile communication, specially
on manpack or portable configuration. This
antenna is a standard accessory of the
URC-187.
Antenna
~ Dipole Antenna, AD-187 – most
efficient antenna that can be used with the
URC-187 and should therefore be used when
maximum range is required. The antenna
should be erected broadside to the desired
direction of transmission – although for
communication beyond 50 kilometers, the
antenna orientation is not so critical.
Antenna
~ Long Wire Antenna, AL-187 – used
on fixed or semi-fixed installations where
satisfactory radiation cannot be achieved with
a whip antenna, and where it is not practical
to use the dipole antenna. The long wire
antenna will be more efficient than the whip
antenna even if it is only possible to erect the
long wire antenna a few feet above the
ground
 Selection of Antennas

~ The location of the antenna is one of the

most important factors in ensuring
effective radio communications.
~ The antenna should be located as high as
possible and clear of obstructions.
~ Forests, undergrowth’s, buildings, cliffs,
and operating in ground depressions will
severely restrict the range of the
transceiver.
 Selection of Antennas

~ Every effort should be made to erect the

antenna clear of vegetation for long range
communications. The best location is
usually on the top of the rise or on a flat,
unobstructed terrain.
~ Man-made power sources can cause
severe interference and the antenna
should always be located as far away from
power lines, factories and vehicular
traffics.
Antenna
Warning: A GOOD GROUND IS
ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY WHEN USING A
LONG WIRE ANTENNA.

Note: FOR ALL PERMANENT

INSTALLATION GROUND SYSTEMS MUST
BE INSTALLED FOR SAFETY REASONS
REGARDLESS OF ANTENNA TYPE.