RT-1319B/URC PRC-113 VHF & UHF AM Radio

© Brooke Clarke 2009


RT-1319B Front Panel
                    Overall photo
PRC-113 VHF & UHF
                    Antenna
RT-1319B/URC PRC-113 VHF & UHF AM Radio
Donkey Dick VHF UHF Antenna RT-1319
Can you ID any and/or all the equipment in this photo?
That's a variant of the Black Hawk helicopter (Wiki).
let me know.

Background
Operation
    Setting Frequency
    Setting Preset
    Keypad
    Display
Versions 
Configurations
DC Power
Antenna
Connectors
    Remote
    Audio
    Antenna
Manuals
Maintenance
Word Of the Day (WOD)
What Goes Wrong
    Pot
MX-211 Remote
Related
Links

Background

This is a radio designed to allow ground forces to communicate with aircraft on either the VHF AM aircraft band (116.000 to 149.975 MHz) or the UHF AM aircraft band (225.000 to 399.975 MHz) in 25 kHz steps.  It's first use may have been for the GRC-206 Program Pacer Speak used by Forward Air Controllers (FAC).  Also see my MT-6250B web page for the components of the GRC-206 system.

This particular radio came from the UK as "repairable".  The stick-on paper label shows the NSN to be 5820-01-393-5937 which may be a special version of the RT-1319B that's different from the U.S. version which has NSN 5820-01-286-8792.  The difference may be "Includes Telemetering Equipment".  Let me know if you have any details on this particular version.

Contains a "Guard Receiver" tuned to the military rescue/survival frequency of 243 MHz but not to the civilian counterpart frequency of 121.5 MHz.  As of Feb 1 2009 the SARSAT system no longer monitors 121.5 and 243 MHz, the analog distress frequencies and instead is monitoring frequencies in the 406 MHz area that contain digital data.  It's not clear what the need is now in terms of "Guard Receivers"?

This manpack RT has been replaced (2009) by the newer hand held radios that cover everything between 2 and 512 MHz.

This RT can be used with the AM-7176 for for a VRC-83.  A pair of VRC-83 radios for aircraft AM communications (one for VHF and one for UHF) are used in the GRC-206 (PRC-104, MT-6250)

Operation

Setting Frequency

Press the digit keys for the frequency, being sure to add any zeros to the end so that the frequency display blinks.  Then press ENT.
If you try to enter a frequency that's outside the range of the radio the digit will not change or the whole frequency will not blink.

Possible 2 meter AM ham frequencies are: 144.45 or 145.550 MHz.

Setting Preset

Turn VOLume control clockwise
Press ENTER
Enter desired frequency (display will be blinking)
Press 0/PST
Press appropriate channel number
Press ENTER

Keypad



1


2

3
4

LPR
5

ACT
6

GD
7

SQL
8

TOD
9

DF
CLR

HWT
0

PST
ENT

4/LPR

Low Power (2W) not 10 Watts normal power.  Press and hold button and LPR appears in display just before PT (Plain Text)

5/ACT

ACTive Mode, i.e. Have Quick Frequency hopping on the UHF band. (Wiki)

6/GD

Press and hold to enable the guard receiver (243 MHz).  Press again to disable.
When guard receiver is active "GD" appears on the right bottom row in front of SQL.

7/SQL 

Pressing and holding SQL turns off (or on) the Squelch so you don't need to change the squelch knob setting.

8/TOD 

When pressed and held the frequency display left two characters change to:
RT-1319B TOD Time
          Of Day Display

Note:  LPR PT  GD SQL are turned on in the display




Time Of Day is needed for frequency hopping and can be manually set or set using a Have Quick time fill from a GPS receiver or other source.

9/DF

Pressing and holding DF turns on the transmitter and Direction Finding tone (1000 Hz) on the current frequency.  "DF" appears just to the right of the rightmost frequency digit and centered top of bottom when it's on.

CLR/HWT

CLeaR or Hard Wire Transfer (remote)

0/PST 

Pressing and holding PST begins the process of working with PReseTs.  The display changes to P-n.  Where n is the current preset.  Pressing a number key from 1 to 8 sets the value.  Pressing ENT goes to that frequency.  The radio came with the following.  They must be stored in non volatile memory since the radio came without main batteries installed.

PR-n
Freq MHz
Global Freq Database
1
268.725 Lakenheath, UK EGUL
493FS AIR TO AIR AUX3
2
127.45 GFD
3
283.500 GFD
4
246.050 Coronet G 246.050
5
238.850
MADHOG 1 flight up from WG A/A
6
277.025

7
253.900
GFD
8
315.775

Word Of the Day (WOD)

The Word-Of-Day gets loaded starting with channel (preset) 20 and working down to chan 14.  It can be loaded manually by entering numbers that look like frequencies then pressing 0/PST instead of ENT.  It can be entered using the KOI-18 paper tape crypto fill device with a tape that has this apparance (Thanks to C.W.):

Tactical Have Quick Tape Format

Tactical Have
          Quick Tape Format

Training Have Quick Tape Format

Training Have
          Quick Tape Format

ENT

Press ENTer to complete other actions. 
Press ENT to turn off the display (there is a battery saver timer on the display that turns it off).

Display

The display is:

DDD.DDD
LPR PT
DF AM FM
GD SQL

DDD.DDD is the frequency in MHz
LPR when showing is 2 watts, 10 watts when not showing
PT when showing is Plain Text - when external KY-57 is being used it does not show.
DF when Direction Finding tone is on.
AM - not sure since it does not normally show
FM - not sure (maybe this radio also does FM?)
GD - Guard receiver (243 MHz)  is on when showing
SQL when the squelch knob setting is active, when off no squelch is being used.

Versions

RT-1319

The original version did not support Have Quick frequency hopping.
NSN: 5820-01-112-0050
This version is also known as (V)1.

RT-1319A

The second version supported the first version of Have Quick in the UHF band.

RT-1319B

The latest version supports Have Quick II in the UHF band that adds more to the message.
RT-6608   p/n: 914858-804   AN/GRC 206 (V) 3   NSN: 5820-01-286-8792
5820-01-393-5937 RT-1319B/URC RECEIVER-TRANSMITTER SET, RADIO,  Includes Telemetering Equipment.

Receiver-Transmitter RT-1319B/URC (RT) is the same as Receiver-Transmitter RT-1319/URC except for ECCM capabilities. Changes in the data converter assembly, main receiver assembly, and the guard receiver provide the ECCM features. In the RT-1319B/URC, Part Number 914858-804, additional changes in the data converter provide enhanced ECCM features not included in the RT-1319B/URC, Part Number 914858-803. The ECCM features of these RTs are covered in TO 31R2-2URC-62-1.

Configurations

PRC-113()

Manpack.  Powered by two BA-5590/U batteries.  Uses stubby dual band "donkey dick" antenna.
AN/PRC-113(V)1 is part number 706738-801
AN/PRC-113(V)2 is part number 706738-802
AN/PRC-113(V)3 is part number 706738-803 NSN: 5820-01-136-1519

VRC-83()

Vehicle system composed of RT-1319(), AM-7176 RF amp, MT-____ Mount
The VRC-83() is part of the GRC-206 Program Pacer Speak FAC system.
Components of the GRC-206 on the MT-6250 page.

TRC-176()

This is a low power system that has the same RF output as the RT-1319.  The AM-7217 is an audio amplifier (no RF function).

TRC-176
                  PRC-113 RT-1319 Notice that the antenna is connected to the RT-1319 not the AM-7217 audio amp.
The space to the right it for an optional KY-57.
Inside the travel case are:
RT-1319
AM-7217 Audio Amp - AC mains or vehicle DC Power Supply
Storage compartments.
On top of the case are headphones, an H-250 handset and something similar to the MX-211 remote called the Remote Set Control C-11165.
The top and bottom covers for the travel case have storage spaces for a number of cables, the donkey dick antenna and other accessories.

The audio amp/power supply does not appear to have any RF amplification capability and that's consistent with other similar military units.

Jane's says "The AN/TRC-176 is a member of the AN/GRC-206 family and forms part of the Pacer Speak programme of the three US military services. The TRC-176 consists of the RT-1319 transmitter/receiver, an equipment case, and a remote-control unit. It is tailored for either desktop or rack-mounted installations."
31R2-2TRC176-8-1 AN/TRC-176 OPER TEST PROCEDURES, AUTO TES
31R2-2TRC176-2 AN/TRC-176 MAINT INSTR WITH IPB (INTERMED
31R2-2TRC176-2 AN/TRC-176 MAINT INSTR WITH IPB (INTERMED
31R2-2TRC176-1 AN/TRC-176 OPERATORS MNL -- RADIO SET, TY
31R2-2TRC176-1 AN/TRC-176 OPERATORS MNL -- RADIO SET, TY
31R2-2TRC176-3 AN/TRC-176(V) MAINT INSTR WITH IPB (DEPOT) -
31R2-2TRC176-3 AN/TRC-176(V) MAINT INSTR WITH IPB (DEPOT) -
31R2-2TRC176-6WC-1 AN/TRC-176(V)1 SCHEDULED PERIODIC INSPECTION
31R2-2TRC176-6WC-1AN/TRC-176(V)1  SCHEDULED PERIODIC INSPECTION
31R2-2TRC176-6WC-1-1 AN/TRC-176(V)2 SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULED PERIODI
31R2-2TRC176-6WC-1-1 AN/TRC-176(V)2 SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULED PERIODI
31R2-2TRC176-3-1 AN/TRC-176(V)2 SUPPLEMENTAL MAINT INSTR W/IPB
31R2-2TRC176-3-1 AN/TRC-176(V)2 SUPPLEMENTAL MAINT INSTR W/IPB
31R2-2TRC176-2-1 AN/TRC-176(V)2 SUPPLEMENTAL MAINT W/IPB -- IN
31R2-2TRC176-1-1 AN/TRC-176(V)2 SUPL OPR MNL -- RADIO SET, TYP

The AN/TRC-176... - The PRC-113 is mounted on a Power Supply/Audio Amplifier that accepts "12 Volts".  The separate remote looks like the MX-211 (See below) but it has the U-183 connector on the lower left of the front panel instead of on the rear panel.

DC Power

The PRC-113 is powered by two BB-590 or BA-5590/U batteries connected in parallel and delivering "24 Volts".  The 5590BA Battery Adapter works.

It may be possible to power the radio using the REMOTE connector.

Panel connector has 3-lugs, 36 male pins, numbered in a spiral.  OD 0.972, ID 0.808 (5 standard key ways on ID).

Pins 2, 11, 12, 16, 22, 26, 27, 33 look like grounds and pin 17 has +30 Volts when the radio is powered from a pair of BB-2590 batteries.
Pin 16 appears to be an output rather than an input since it's a higher voltage than the battery?



RT-1319/PRC-138 & WKW-7 Power Supply as Battery Eliminator
RT-1319/PRC-138 & WKW-7 Power Supply as
                  Battery Eliminator
ABP-AC/DC/BT-TR1 Transceiver Power Unit
Provides a universal input Uninterruptible Power Supply when internal batteries are installed.

Metal Battery Box
NSN: 6160-01-251-6260
p/n 810599-801
Plastic Battery Box
NSN: 6160-01-468-0685
p/n: 10513-4800-02

Antenna

The PRC-113 uses a single antenna (donkey dick) that covers both the VHF and UHF aircraft bands.  It's a foot long and 1 1/4" is diameter.  There's a ball joint at the base with a threaded clamp ring to allow positioning the antenna vertically when the RT is either vertical or horizontal.  NSN 5985-01-184-0035 Markings:
V/UHF      37695ASSY  8121059-1     63747    10047-1

37695 is the CAGE for RAYTHEON CO, 8121059-1 looks like a Magnavox p/n (they were acquired by Raytheon)
63747 is the CAGE for RADIALL INCORPORATED, 10047-1 is the Radiall p/n.

The VRC-83/GRC-206 uses the vehicle mounted dual band dual connector AS-3588/GRC-206 VHF-AM & UHF-AM Antenna

Connectors

A nice feature is that when any of the dust caps are removed there is a place on the side of the radio to anchor them unlike other radios where the cap dangles on the end of it's tether.

Remote

   Cable Connector has sockets: MS 27467T15B35S  (the front panel connector has pins)

J2 Pin Out Table

Pin
Function
1
Plain/Cipher Ind-UHF/VHF
2
Shield Ground
3
Spare
4
Spare
5
Spare
6
PTT Indicate
7
Display Data
8
Display Clock 1
9
Receive Audio Fixed
10
Ext TOD In (from GPS)
11
Shield Ground
12
Power On/Off
On/Off Vol switch to (26,27,33,2,11)
13
Remote Select A
14
Remote Select B
15
Remote Select C
16
+24V Return (PS ground)
17
+24V Switched
18
Squelch Ind (RETRANS?)
19
DMA out
20
Data Available
21
Ext +5 V
22
Main AGC
23
Display Clock 2
24
Bite Fault
25
Ext TOD Out
26
Ground
27
Ground
28
Guard (243 MHz) AGC
29
+24V Vehicle Power
30
Push To Talk (PTT)
31
Ext Clock In
32
Ext Clock Enable
33
Shield Ground
34
Data 1
35
Data 2
36
Data 4
37
Data 8

Audio

Standard U-183 (U-229 type) and uses the H-250 handset.

Antenna

RT-1319 Antenna Connector

The electrical connector is a standard BNC-f panel jack.  It's surrounded by a 3/4-16 threaded sleeve that mechanically supports the stubby antenna.
A standard BNC cable or BNC based antenna can be used.

Manuals

31R2-2PRC-113-1
31R2-2PRC-173-1-1
31R2-2URC-62
31R2-2URC-62-1
31R2-2URC-63 Maint. Inst w/Ill Parts Breakdown

Maintenance

I did not see a JTAG (Wiki) connector inside.  The connection between the front panel and main chassis is via a black 2xn type header, but it's not JTAG.

Assy
Assy #
Test Fix
T.F p/n
T.F. Man
Data Conv
A1A1A1 ATE
ATE
??
Tx
A1A1A2 TS-4093/URC
812542-801
TO 33D7-33-191-1
Mod
A1A1A3 TS-4092/URC
812544-801
TO 33DA48-25-1
Main Rx
A1A1A4 TS-4091/URC
812539-801
TO 33D7-36-51-1
Guard Rx
A1A1A5 TS-4091/URC 812539-801 TO 33D7-36-51-1
Synth
A1A1A6 TS-4141/URC
815155-801
TO 33A1-5-497-1
Pwr Reg
A1A1A7 TS-4090/GRC-206
812540-801
TO 33DA7-17-1
Chassis
A1A1A8 na
na
na
Pwr Sw
A1A1A9 TS-4094/URC
812541-801
TO 33D7-33-190-1

What Goes Wrong

The eBay seller advertised that the Volume control was broken and needed replacement and even better found a source for the control in a gutted RT-1319.  When a single 5590BA battery adapter is connected (the battery box holds two BA-5590 type batteries each connected as a "24 Volt" battery) the radio turns on and after a few minutes the back light turns off.
RT-1319 Stripped Chassis
The radio is modular with each slice fitting left to right and nomenclature A1 at the front to A6 near the back and the The battery connector at the left is A9J4 and the one at the right is A9J5.

A9J4 appears on the 2x6 header socket just beside it on pins 9 & 10.
A9J5 appears on the 2x6 header socket on pins 3 & 4.

The OFF-VOLUME control is marked:
228115-1  25KP/M  10%  50516  8348
The On-Off switch is marked:
CLARO TYPE B-15
1/8" shaft x 0.213" above sleeve
1 A. 125VAC. DC.  UND. LAB. INC. LIST

Back of knob marked:
37695-145131-6
MFR99813
101909-3
0.050" Allen wrench


This pot has no detent when turned off but does have a click when turned on.  So it may also be ready to fail.

Pot

RT-1319
                OFF-Volume Pot and Knob
Removed from stripped chassis shown above.  5/16" nut driver is needed for recessed nut.

State Electrictronics  stocks the Honeywell 381NS25K pot which may be the replacement part.
RT-1319B Open Top Rear
                  View

RT-1319B Top Rear Inside View

A1 is a set of four boards just behind the front panel and includes the Data Converter.
(this may be what's special about this particular unit?)

A2 is the transmitter.

A3 is the Modulator.

A4 is the Main Receiver.

A5 is the Guard Receiver.

A6 is the Synthesizer

A7 is the Power Regulator on the back.

A8 might be the chassis.

A9 is the small PCB for the Power Switch.
RT-1319B Bottom Inside
RT-1319B Bottom Inside
RT-1319 Paper Sticker Label05-33-C32CA01A
PROD: 05-38-5820 01 393 5937
RT-1319 Paper Sticker Label
REPAIRABLE
12 JUN 2003
FSL LOGISTICS
HM NAVAL BASE PORTSMOUTH
Stickers from RT-1319B

MX-211 Remote


MX-211 UHF AM Aircraft band Remote
                PRC-113
MX-211 UHF AM Aircraft remote

Got this also as a possible source of spare parts.  It's OFF-Volume switch has nice clicks going off and coming on.  It also appears to be the same size and has the same markings as the one in the stripped chassis.

The labels on the keypad of this remote, the stripped chassis above and the RT-1319B are all the same.  I think that means that they are for version A or B, but not the no change UHF AM aircraft radios (without Have Quick).

The artistic pattern shown on the LCD is not a reflection, it's the LCD pealing internally.  This happened to early LCD panels for a year or two because they were not well sealed.

Note:

MX- means Magnavox Special


MX-211 UHF AM Aircraft band Remote
                PRC-113
The remote used with the TRC-176 has the Audio connector on the front panel (where the hole filler is in the lower left corner above).

The note "HV supply removed 12 Jun 99" is referring to the high voltage module used for back lighting the keypad.

The connector on the box is a MS 3112E14-19P w/ date code 8417

Related

GRC-206 & more 206 links at MT-6250
  PLGR to
      RT-1319 Have Quick Fill Cable 
PLGR to RT-1319 Have Quick Cable NSN 6150-01-375-8665

VHF air band radios

RT-53/TRC-7
MAW

UHF air band radios

MAY
PRC-14
PRC-41
URC-54
PRC-66
PRC-75
GRC-154

Links

Mike Murphy - has parts for the Am-7176 Audio-RF Amp
Target Corp - AN/PRC-113 (V) VHF/UHF Radio Set - specs look like OCR from hard copy (i.e. have errors)


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