20 Watt Multi-band Power Amplifier (MPA)

Background
Description
    Amplifier
    Battery
    30 - 90 MHz Ant
    Helmet Mount
    Carrying Case
Related
References
Links

Background

These parts all came in a single eBay lot with the title: "Military AN/PRC-148 Carrying Case,Thales 20 Watt MPA Amplifier, Antenna, Battery".
All the parts in the kit, were made by Thales. The amplifier does fit into the bag. All these items were part of a kit for the PRC-148 MBITR tatical radio (Wiki).
Since the MB in MBITR stands for Multi Band, I'm guessing the M in MPA stands for Multiband.

This has the look and feel of the MBA-21 (MBA-21R+).

Description

Amplifier
Thales p/n: 1600610-1
24 V, 5.25 A Max
Size: 3.3" x 2.5" x 8"
weight: 3 pounds.
Radio Connector: TNC Jack (See Fig 1)
Antenna Connector: SINCGARS (See Fig 1)
Chassis Power Connector: PT07A-12-10P (See Fig 8 below)
Cable Connector: PT06A12-10S + M85049/41-6A cable clamp

Pin
Function
Notes

A, G, K
Ground

B
unknown to PLD (logic level)

C, J
+24 in

D
RS232 from amp

E
PSEN/ (for updating firmware)

F
RS232 to amp

H
unknown to PLD (logic level)

Internally - power supply:
Black (thick)     Ground
Red (thick)     +24 in
Green     to PA, T/R relay circuit
Brown     +5 out to PA board
Orange (thick)     +25.5 to PA board (regulated)
White     +100 to filter board

Fig 1

Fig 2 Mfg label partailly removed
Fig 8 chassis: PT07A-12-10P

Battery

Thales
p/n: 1600515-7
Li-Ion
12.6 V, 4.4 AH

Fig 3
Fig 4

30 - 90 MHz Antenna
49" long
Thales Antenna, Blade
CAGE: 23386
p/n: 1600629-1
NSN: 5985-01-487-1135
Freq: 30 - 90 MHz (some eBay selleres show the wrong frequency range of 30 - 512. It takes two different antennas to cover the full PRC-148 frequency range.

Note folded 4 times to fit into carry case.

Fig 5

30 - 512 Mhz Antenna (not included)

TNC plug at base. Will not fit pictured amplifier since it has SINCGARS antenna connector.

Mfg: Thales
Harris
Thales

Name:
Antenna, Blade
30 MHz - 512 MHz, 8W
13"

p/n: 1600495-1 12011-2710-01
1600500- (1 or 2)

NSN:
5985-01-584-7883 5985-01-559-4696 5895-01-487-1134

Helmet Mount

Not sure if this is for a Night Vision Device or antenna. Let me know.

Fig 6

Carryying Case, AN/PRC-148(V)(C)

Thales
p/n: 1600495-1
Made inUSA

Fig 7

References

There are a number of military surplus "brick" multi-band (VHF/UHF) power amplifiers aka Tactical Booster Amplifiers on the market that maybe can be used in the ham bands. They are commonly about 3.3" x 2.5" x 8" in size and weigh about 3 pounds.

One is the KMW1031 rated at 20 Watts CW or PEP, 30 to 512 MHz, NSN: 5996015813519. While it's not the amplifier pictured on this web page it bears a strong similarity.

The Kalmus KMW1030 family is very similar. The ABP version is the ABP-10PA31.

Links

PRC68, Alphanumeric Index of Web pages, Contact, Products for Sale
Page Created 31 March 2017

Pin	Function	Notes
A, G, K	Ground
B	unknown to PLD (logic level)
C, J	+24 in
D	RS232 from amp
E	PSEN/ (for updating firmware)
F	RS232 to amp
H	unknown to PLD (logic level)

Mfg:	Thales	Harris	Thales
Name:	Antenna, Blade	30 MHz - 512 MHz, 8W	13"
p/n:	1600495-1	12011-2710-01	1600500- (1 or 2)
NSN:	5985-01-584-7883	5985-01-559-4696	5895-01-487-1134