RT-1439 SINCGARS

Background

Operation

Squelch

    Fill & Joining a FH  Net

No Fills are needed for Single Channel operation.  In order to Frequency Hop there are different amounts of fill required depending on the circumstances.

The simplest case is that you are a member of a net (and not the Net Control Station).  Then all that's required is to load the CUE and MAN single channel frequencies as well as the net's Transmission Security Key and request an Electronic Remote Fill (ERF) from the NCS.  The NCS can load the hop set (with lockout set if needed) and the correct net time remotely.  These can then be stored into one of the channels (typically chan 1 for your local net).  This is the same procedure that's used for a normal net opening.

If  your radio already has the TSK and hopset for the net and the clock for the net channel is reasonably accurate, then you can do a late net entry by setting the radio just like when it's part of the net and pressing "3-L.E." (Late Entry).  This causes your radio to search in time to exactly match the net time and when in sync the frequency display will change from LFnnn (Late Frequency hop set nnn) to just Fnnn (Frequency hop set nnn) and if there's net traffic you will hear it.  This will not work if your radio's clock is too far off or if the net ID number or any of the fills is not correct.

Fills

Prior to filling load the MAN and CUE single channel frequencies.

Fill TSK

FCTN = LD-V  Load the Transmission Security Key Variable
Mode = FH
Connect fill device, select T1 or T2, power on
Connect Fill cable, note display shows FILLE
Press "0 H*Ld", note display shows LOAD
If there's a problem the display shows bad, or if the fill was OK the display shows GOOd

Fill Hop Set or Lockout Set

FCTN = LD Load either a Hop Set or Lockout Set
Mode = FH
Connect fill device, select 1 through 13, power on
Connect Fill cable, note display shows FILLE
Press "0 H*Ld", note display shows LOAD
If there's a problem the display shows bad, or if the fill was OK the display shows GOOd

Time & Date

Manual Set Time & Date Set
FCTN = LD
Press "TIME" and enter the Julian day number (1 to 99) based on the table in the back of the manual (note there are two tables, one for normal years and another for leap years), press "Sto Ent", enter the 2 hours digits, press "Sto Ent",  (This last press sets the seconds to 00).
1 Jan is always 01, 28 Feb is always 59, Feb 29 is 60, 1 March is 60 in a regular year and is 61 in a leap year, and all the rest of the days follow.   27 Oct in a regular year is day 00, and in a leap day 00 is Oct 26.

PLGR AN/PSN-11 GPS Time & Date Set
TM 11-5820-890-10-7 which includes the PRC-119A (RT-1523) has a Task 3 "Load PLGR Data and Zulu Time into SINCGARS RT".  There's no mention that the RT-1439 does not support this fill, but when I try, it does not work.  (error in PLGR says radio not responding).
FM 11-1 says PLGR only works with RT-1523A and higher letter radios and the ARC-201A.  MX-10579 can only load FH data into the RT-1439 and the ARC-201 (not any of the RT-1523 series radios and not the ARC-201A).

TM 11-5820-890-10-3 which applies to the PRC-119(no letter), i.e. to the RT-1439, describes how the NCS is to either manually set the time and date or use Electronic Remote Fill from another network, no mention of using a PLGR.

This procedure worked on the RT-1523C to load date and time from PLGR:

Set the radio to SC and set to CT.  
Select SINCGARS under the MENU key of the PLGR, select ACTIVATE on the PLGR,
then LOAD on the RADIO.  
LOAD displays on the radio, and PLGR displays SUCCESSFUL TIME FILL.  
Sure enough had the correct julian day on the radio and UTC time.

Versions & Configurations

Wheeled

The plain version uses the RT-1439, A version uses RT-1523 and D version uses RT-1523D.

VRC-87 Short Range
VRC-88 Short Range optional man pack
VRC-89 Long Range - Short Range
VRC-90 Long Range
VRC-91 Long Range - Short Range optional man pack
VRC-92 Long Range - Long Range


The stack of equipment for SINCGARS is very similar to that for a VRC-64 (PRC-77 in a vehicle).
In comparison photo you can see that the VRC-87 is about as wide as a PRC-77.  The SINCGARS radios are narrower, shorter and heavier than the PRC-77(VRC-64).

VRC-64	SINCGARS	SINCGARS	SINCGARS	Function
PRC-77	RT-1439 or RT-1523()	RT-1439 or RT-1523()	-	Receiver Transmitter Low Power
AM-2060	MX-10862 PS/Adapt	AM-7239() PS/Audio Amp	AM-7238() RF Amp	DC power conditioning
MT-1029	MT-6576	MT-6352	MT-6353	DC power cabling & /or VIC/TSEC interface
Steel mounting shelf	Steel mounting shelf NSN 5340-01-215-1044 for HMMWV	Steel mounting shelf NSN 5975-01-413-1547 for M998	Steel mounting shelf	Mechanical attachment to vehicle sheet metal

Tracked

Tracked vehicles can cause the DC supply to drop when the hydraulic pump is pulling down the engine RPM.  To counteract this the MX-10862 routs either vehicle DC or BA-5590 DC to the radio.

SR = Short Range
LR = Long Range
-D = Dismount kit for man pack (the -D is different from the D suffix that indicates which radio is used)

Components

RT-1439 Receiver Transmitter (A1)

Modules

No.	Description	p/n	# pins	Ltr Num	# coax
1	Antenna Tuner BPF		17	L	1 Bot 1 side
2	Remote I/O		41	L	0
3	Main Power Supply		14	L	0
4	Control		61	N	0
5	ECCM		33	L	0
6	2-wire Interface		33	L	0
7	Switch		77	N	0
8	IF Demodulator		17	L	1
9	Rx Tuner Mixer		9	L	3
10	Synthesizer		17	L	2
11	Tx Excit & P.A. Rx LPF		25	L	3
12	Audio P.S.		77	N	0
13	Audio Control		77	N	0
14	Audio I/O		41	L	0
15	Data Rate Adapter		33	L	0

System Connector

Pin	DC  Func	Audio  Func	PA Ctrl  Func	SNAP - FHMUX Func
A				Test
B	?
C				Serial Data
D		Fixed Level
E		Tx voice
F	Batt +15
G				Tune Clock
H			Hi Power (amp on)
J			Pwr Level
K		PT/CT select
L			Filter B (43 - 61.5)
M			Filter A (30 - 43)
N				Tx/Rx
P				Disable
Q				FH
R				Fault 6 1
S		PTT
T				/Tune Gate
U	BA-x90/BB-x90 Batt used by Tray
V			Filter C (61.5 -88)
W	?
X			sidetone disable
Y		wire line rem
Z	Gnd (Batt)
a		wire line rem
b	?
c	?
d	Batt/Adapter sense

Note ¹ Fail 6 is an input for other equipment to report their self test failure during an RT self test.

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 57

Alignment plate NSN 5935-01-316-8720 helps the KY-57 cable connect to the RT-1439.  Ref  Sep 1995 PS mag 514 pg 47.

Antennas

SINCGARS Antenna Connector

The antenna connector is a BNC Jack (female) with a surrounding shroud that has external threads.  A BNC nut is about 0.570" diameter and the I.D. of the shroud is a little larger.  The shroud OD is about 0.8" and 20 TPI.  This may be the same antenna connector used on the PRC-117 and PRC-138?

Do not use a knife to clean twigs out of a vehicle antenna spring since doing so may cut the coax cable inside the spring.  Ref Mar 94 PS mag 496 pg 36.

On the early model RT-1439 that had the solid front panel protectors or the ones with a small hole it was almost impossible to connect a straight BNC cable.  The fix is to use a right angle BNC connector (UG-306B/U NSN 5935-01-032-5404) Ref: July 93 PS mag 488 pg 44.

AS-3683() Short MP Antenna

31" for the tape whip part that has a male 5/16-24 thread like most military antennas.

The 11 3/4" long flex base (A3140084-2) accepts the threaded tape whip antenna and has a combined 1&3/16"-20 female thread and a BNC-m connector.  But instead of using a BNC nut the flex base has two slots for the lugs on the radio BNC-f jack.  This BNC connector also has an extra long male pin (or you can say that the dielectric is recessed more than a normal BNC connector.  This is so that when the flex base is installed it will NOT press on the radio BNC dielectric (switch).

The SINCGARS radios have an antenna switch that's similar to the one on the PRC-25 and PRC-77 radios.  But instead of using panel space for both a whip antenna and for a BNC connector for a 50 Ohm antenna the SINCGARS radios combine these into one connector.
When the A3140084-2 is installed the switch is NOT activated and when a standard BNC-m connector is installed the switch activates and the radio switches into 50 Ohm mode.

A3140084-2 shown at left.
TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 2
The A3140084-1 that was made by Unicor had a breakage problem.  It has a visible spring at the base end.

AS-3916 Low Profile (SLPA) Ant Vehicular

AS-4266 Long MP Ant

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 104A
Connects to radio using the 50 Ohm mode and has it's own matching circuit.
Replace the stock attaching sleeve with NSN 5935-01-468-5485 which is smaller in diameter allowing easier attachment.  Use Loctite on the mounting screws.  (Ref: PS mag Mar. 2001 580 pg 47).  TM 11-5820-914-40P

AS-3900 Vehicular Ant

This antenna needs to present the radio a reasonable match while the radio is in frequency hopping mode.  The AS-1729 (part of VRC-12 Series vehicle radios) that used mechanical switches to adjust the match is way too slow for a frequency hopping radio and so this antenna uses a matching circuit that also has loss.  TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 107
Built in protection up to 20,000 Volts A.C.

Lock washers needed both above and below each attachment bolt and on the ground strap for good electrical grounding.  Ref Oct '96 PS mag pg 38.

Tip Cap NSN 5820-00-437-2352 will stay on without tape.  Ref 1999 PS mag 564 pg 61

Do NOT paint the AS-3900 plastic antenna base.  The paint will breakdown the plastic.  Ref Feb '96 PS mag pg 35.

AS-3916

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 108A
The collet (NSN 3460-01-435-8079) that holds the top antenna section is too long.  File 1/16" off the bottom to fix it. (Ref: PS mag Sep 2002 598 pg 42). 

Nut for connecting the antenna to the base NSN 1560-01-435-8079. Ref Jul '97 PS mag pg 61

OE-254 Dual Discone

This antenna  is inherently a broad band type without using lossy matching networks.  Note that the RC-292 will not work for SINCGARS FH mode, but is OK for SC mode if the RC-292 has the correct element lengths.

Audio

H-250 Handset

In vehicle installations connecting to the LS-671 is closer to the driver than the power supply/adapter so the cord will not be pulled as much.  Ref Aug '97 PS mag pg 36. & May '94 498 pg 48.

Stepping out of a HMMWV and pulling the H-250 handset cord can break connections.  A safety measure is to cut a 3 foot length of nylon cord and tie one end to the LS-671 and tie the other end around the handset just above the mike.  This will limit the cord extension to a safe amount.  Also a closeline made from the same cord and tied to the front canvas bow and hang the H-250 up and out of the way of damage.  Ref July 995 PS mag 512 pg 44.

Another way to keep the H-250 handset up and out of harms way is to use Velcro to attach it the Mount.  Ref Mar '95 PS mag 508 pg 42.
The problem is the clip designed for the H-250 puts it in the way of belt worn equipment (m-17, M-40)  when the driver sits down.

HRCRD (Handheld Remote Control Radio Device) Handset C-12493/U

The main purpose is to allow the radio in a man pack configuration to be controlled by the operator without removing the pack to get access to the front panel.  Can also be used with vehicle configurations for more convenient access to the most frequently used controls.

After setting front panel FCTN switch to REM allows control of:

Channel:  C, M, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
RF Power: L, M, H, PA
Mode: SC, FH, FHM
COMSEC: PT, CT
Volume: analog
Back light on/off

Note that unlike the C-11291 that can turn the RT off, the HRCRD can NOT turn the radio off.

Uses the 6-wire protocol with 2880 Hz FSK data and straight through audio.
This will work with the RT-1439 since it's related to the revision of the battery box and the only connection is the wire line remote control,  the HRCRD uses the same audio signaling system as the CTRL-MON. 
Manpack: connect cables to RT-AUDIO and CY-8523C
Vehicle: connect  one cable to RT-AUDIO and for RT-1523E use AUX or with AM-7239 use J9 CTRL-MON.
This also means that a PC could do this function with software/hardware that emulated the tone functions.

There is no separate label, but molded into the plastic near where the cable leaves the handset is:
handheld Remote Control
C-12493/U
DAAB07-96-C-C008
NSN 5895-01-432-8370
and overstanped in white paint: 9806-C
The 6 pin AUDIO connector is marked: PCI-2298, OCS66
The 6 pin Radio Remote connector is marked PCI-106PM

Since the HRCRD can be used on J9 (CTRL-MON) then the signals are the same as for the C-11291 small Control Monitor.  From TM 11-5820-890-30-4 Chapter 6:

"A 2880-Hz FSK carrier is used with ones and zeros at 2560 and 3200 Hz. Normal output level is 600 mV p-p."  This is most likely also the wire line control signaling method.

The HRCRD can be connected to either the MX-10862-J3 (Cont Mon) or to the AM-7239()-J9 (Cont Mon) or a CY-8523C.  This means the the HRCRD can run from either "12 Volts" from the battery box or from "24 Volts" from the Amplifier/Power Supply.

I received an email that also had the Assembly number A3249865-1 for the HRCRD.

Manuals

TM 11-5820-890-10-6 ANCD, PLGR & HRCRD
Section V PLGR
Section VI HRCRD

TM 11-5820-890-20-2 Unit Maint Man
Chapter 10 HRCRD

TM 11-5820-890-10-7 Pocket Guide to SINCGARS ICOM ground radios
Section 8 HRCRD


TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 3

LS-671 Loudspeaker (A15)

This is an amplified speaker that interfaces using the standard VIC-1 cable (CX-13292).

The LS-671 can be connected to a handset (or microphone) and used for receive and transmit operations.  It can turn the main DC power to the Mount & RT on and off.  It can be located up to 100 feet from the RT providing a limited remote control capability.  Note that if the LS-671 is left on and the Mount is turned off the LS-671 stays on and drains the vehicle battery.  Best to leave the Mount turned on and just switch the speaker. (Ref: PS Mag April '04 Vol 616 pg 43)

Also be sure to fully unscrew the CX-13292 cable wing-nut BEFORE trying to remove the connector.  Otherwise the struggle to get it off probably will break something inside the speaker.  (Ref: PS mag 2003 621-44)  Also do NOT twist the connector assembly for the same reason (PS mag Sep 2002 598 pg 43).

The Volume control on the LS-671 can be used to control the connected handset when in the normal position and when pulled out controls the speaker volume.  Don't forget to pull it out.  Ref Jan '97 PS mag pg 50.

J1 on the LS-671 is the standard VIC-1 18 terminal type connector and mates with the CX-13292 "VIC" cables.  You should be able to use the LS-671 in any system that has the VIC-1 connector, like the VRC-12 series radios that use the MT-1029 mount which has the connector.

When the LS-671 is connected using a VRC-12 series radio (VIC-1) CX-4723 cable to the MT-6576 it works as a speaker and audio feed to a handset connected to it, but does not allow keying the transmitter.
The reason is that the proper CX-13292 cable is not symmetrical and has the PTT line on different pin for the speaker end and the mount end, unlike the CX-4723 that is a symmetrical (1:1) cable.  See TM 11-5820-890-20-01 Chapter 4 Cables, p4.2 CX-13292 Speaker Cable schematic.

There may be a need for the CX-13314 cable (MX-10862-J1(TEST) and the RT AUDIO/DATA connector with only 1 wire for PTT.

The combined LS-671 + CX-13292 may work with VRC-12 series mounts.

The On-Off switch on the LS-671 turns the speaker on or off, but not the mount.  This is because the screwdriver switch that's between the radio and the mount was set to LOCAL, changing it to REM allows the LS-671 to control mount power, which is the recommended way to use the LS-671 so that both the speaker and mount are turned off (so as to not drain the vehicles battery when the radio is not in use).

On the front of the LS-671 is a clip for holding the H-250 handset. 
On the back is a mounting bracket that allows the LS-671 to be removed by loosening the two large knurled screws.  Why is this done? ans:  the LS-166, LS-454 have wing nuts that allow you to remove them so that they can be used away from a vehicle, like in a tent.

The LS-671 can be connected to the Mount J3 or J4.
Manuals:
TB 11-5820-890-10-14 LS-671
TM 11-5820-890-30-4 Ch 16, FO-30 schematic
TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure  119

LS671 block wiring diagram.pdf Submitted by rusty56@attglobal.net

Series 5200 padlock

In order to use the LS-671 you need the CX-13292 cable.  I finally got one from eBay and it came with an American Lock Series 5200 padlock attached and
a bracket marked:
80063-A3256667-2
MFR-31550


My local locksmith will rekey the padlock for about $8 (he says it will take 10 minutes and the lock is worth about $20.
This series of locks can have the 5 pin tumbler cylinder replaced for rekeying.

One locksmith in town could not rekey the padlock because I did not have a key.  Note that when the hasp is open you can see a philips head screw down in one of the holes, which when unscrewed frees up the tumbler.  The other locksmith in town had no problem grinding off the rivet and taking the lock apart, but when it came time to pick (using a shim) the tumbler in order to fit a key, he was delayed for some time since each pin has grooves that making using a shim very difficult.  But in the end I now have the same lock and a coupe of keys. 

The keys have a 5 digit number (one for each pin) that would allow duplicate keys to be ordered.  Note that these numbers can be punched out of the key.  If left in the key and someone gets them then the key is comprised.

In the Series 5200 padlock photo you can see that at the back of each key there's a "fish hook".  This holds onto the key when the lock is open.  The only way you can remove the key is after it's locked.






Lock installed between left bracket that's part of the MT-6576 and the left front panel grab handle on the RT-1439 trapping the MX-10862.

CX-13292 Speaker Cable

The military vehicle connector has a metal part added that puts a bend into the cable.  Note that the CX-13292 cable has two different ends, one for the speaker and one for the radio and will not work if installed reversed. 










There are labels on the cable, but on the very used cable I got the sun has bleached out the labels so that they are very hard to read.  But I notice that on the connector body of the SPEAKER metal connector there is a number 2 just above the nut and on the RADIO end there is a number 1.

LS-688/VRC, NSN 5965-01-382-3222 Manpack Speaker

This is the speaker that hooks up to the MCS in the VIS-3 intercom system.  6" Loudspeaker cable, NSN 5995-01-393-7694 (the connections on the cable are just like a handset, they connect right to the radio, no modifications needed)

LS-454

The LS-454 can be connected to Adapter AM-7329-J6.
see: TB 11-5820-890-10-14 Fig 1

LS-454 Audio Amplifier

It's an audio amplifier intended for use with SINCGARS radios, but there's some strange things about it.
The label says:
Amplifier, Audio - LS-454/U, MFR 31550 (that's ITT), 8143815-1
with the ports labeled:
To MX-10862/VRC
LS-454 Speaker
P1 To Receiver-Transmitter
but there's no nomenclature and no NSN.
The 5 sheet manual that came with it is marked TB 11-5820-890-20-82 and is titled:
Installation and Unit Maintenance Instructions for Amplifier, Audio - LS-454/U to Permit Operation of Loudspeaker LS-454/U with Receiver-Transmitter, Radio RT-1439/VRC and Power Supply Adapter, Vehicular MX-10862/VRC
but there is already a manual with that TB number and it's titled:
Installation Instructions for Installation Kit Electronic Equipment MK-2616 /VRC to Permit Installation of Radio Sets AN/VRC-87/88/90 Series in  a M915A2 Truck, Tractor (NSN 5895-01-361-7606) (EIC: N/A).

To use this amplifier a DC power cable CX-13290 is used between the amplifier and J3 on the back of the MX-10862.  J3 is the connector used for either the HRCRD handset and/or the C-11291 Control-Monitor.  But in this case the cable is only being used for 24 volt DC power and the 6-wire remote signals are not being used.  The Amplifier has an attached coiled audio cable that needs to be connected to one of the AUDIO connectors on the front of the radio.  The cable attached to the LS-454 is attached to a connector on the amplifier. 

This may be a simpler way to get a loudspeaker then using the normal LS-671 but you don't get neither the remote power on-off capability not the remote handset capability with this amplifier.  It probably was priced much below the LS-671.

"The LS-454 amp was designed to accommodate the LS-454 speaker for use with the single radio mount (MX-10862/VRC) until the LS-671 was fielded.  The mount was available before the speaker and needed this special amplifier to have a speaker capability."
M.C. design engineer. 8 May 2008 email

Battery Boxes & Trays

CY-8523() Battery Box

When the PRC-25 radio was designed the only thought was to keep water out.  Then there were problems with hydrogen gas buildup that resulted in the box being propelled at the operator when the latches were released and also maybe some explosions.  This resulted in a MWO to retrofit a vent on the battery box to let the hydrogen out.

The battery box on the KY-57 and HYX-57 are designed very similar to the PRC-25 battery box with the vent although they hold the BA-559/U.

But the CY-8523() battery box was designed to withstand the explosion of a single "D" size LiSO₂ cell in the BA-5590/U battery without allowing any stuff to be expelled.  Note that a PRC-25 type vent can not get enough gas out fast enough to be of use.  But it is not designed to contain an explosion of more than one cell like might happen if you tried to charge a BA-5590/U and the batteries internal protection diodes failed (like might happen after long term hot storage and when hot).  This may have been related to why the Battery Tray has had the charging function deactivated, but that does not make sense since the Battery Tray uses pin 3 for charging and that pin is only active on rechargeable batteries (There's not even any metal in the pin 3 position on a BA-5590).  If you know about this let me know.

CY-8523A 

The CY-8523A has two telephone type wire terminals to support the tone based remote control of the radio.  The CY-8523C replaces these with a circular connector that mates to the HRCRD for tone control.

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 12  Metal die cast body.

CY-8523B

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 208  Plastic with a pair of telephone push terminals.

CY-8523C  NSN 6160-01-424-8514

The CY-8523C replaces the two wire line terminals with a circular connector to support the HRCRD handset.  This makes operating the radio while it's on your back much easier.

The HRCRD connector on the battery box is the same as the connector on the CY-8664 Battery Tray and the PP-8249 Battery Charger.
The CX-13290 cable mates to all of these.  The cable plug is a MS3116F10-6P.  This is also the same cable used with the C-11291 Control-Monitor.

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 12A

CY-8664 Battery Tray (A12)

The original design supported charging the battery but this was later discontinued.  The design does take into account the function of pin 3 which is connected to pin 1 only in rechargeable BB-series batteries.  So it's a mystery why the charging function was removed.  One possible reason may be that it correctly charged the BB-590 Ni-Cad but it would over charge a BB-390 Ni-MH.  Note that a Ni-MH tends to get very hot at the end of charge whereas the Ni-Cad does not, that's why the BB-390 has the temperature sensors that are not part of the BB-590.   Note that the mechanical keying difference between primary and secondary can NOT be used since the radio needs to work with either kind.

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 13

PP-8249 Battery Charging Tray

This is identical to the CY-8664 with the exception that the internal wire allowing battery charging has been connected.  Given new name so they will not be mixed up.

Cabling Battery Box/Tray

The CX-13290 cable can be used to connect the Battery Box/Tray directly to either the MX-10862-J3 (Cont Mon) or to the AM-7239()-J9 (Cont Mon).  If there is one C-11291 Control Monitor already connected to the Amplifier/Power Supply (using C-M-J1) then the Battery Box/Tray can be connected to C-M-J3.  Note that pins "A" and "F" of the CX-13290 cable are not crossed end-to-end and they carry ground and +27 VDC.

Cables

    External

These are cables used to interconnect equipment outside a radio.

There are more cables that have part numbers rather than being nomenclatured.

Nomen	Description	NSN & Manual	Len	1	2	3
CG-3855*	RF double shielded	TB 11-5820-890-20-90		BNC-m	Rt Angle BNC-m	-
CG-3856	RF  double shielded	5995-01-219-7025		Rt Ang BNC-m	Rt Ang BNC-m	-
CX-4723*	VIC-1			-18P	-18P
CX-13072	HYX-57 to KY-57			-19	-26	-
CX-13089	MX7777 to 4-pin DC Power VIC-1 or sincgars? Fair Radio	5995-01-062-8176	60"	?	MW20F(M)A00
CX-13290* A3019154-1	Battery Tray or Charger C-11291 C-M	5995-01-306-8100   11-5820-890-20-2	48"	MS3116F10-6P	MS3116F10-6P	-
CX-13291*	38" PA Control Power Connector Kit	5995-01-222-4209   11-5820-890-20-1		-14P PCI U-317/U A3012759-1	-14P PCI U-317/U A3012759-1	-
CX-13292	Loudspeaker (Not VIC) PS mag Dec '98 pg 53 Different than CX-4723	schematic: TM 11-5820-890-1 Ch 4 Cables mentions: TB11-5820-890-10-14   11-5820-890-10-8	2' to 100'	MW10M(M)-D17 N55181/7-03 Speaker end	MW10M(M)-D17 N55181/7-03 Radio end	-
CX-13293	KY-57 to RT-1439	11-5820-890-30-5 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 3	4'	-55P	AUDIO	-19S
CX-13298	RXMT	11-5820-890-20-1P4.2		RtAng AUDIO	RtAng AUDIO	-
CX-13300*	VIC RXMT			MW10M(M)-011?	MW10M(M)-011?	-
CX-13301	M551 DC Power			MW20M(M)A00	MW20F(M)A00	-
CX-13302	DC Power A is shell and black ground, B is red Positive, C & D no connection			2 red & 2 blk wires	MW20F(M)A00	-
CX-13303*	DC Power Daisy Chain	5995-01-219-4697   11-5820-892-20-1		MW20M(M)A00	MW20F(M)A00	-
CX-13304	DC Power Daisy Chain			MW20M(M)A00	MW20F(M)A00	-
CX-13305	DC Power			4 Wires	MW20F(M)A00	-
CX-13306*	DC Power Intercom			-3P	MW20F(M)A00	-
CX-13307	Digital Message Device (DMD)	A3014054				-
CX-13308	M23 Motor Ballistic Computer  PSG-2A PSG-5 Speaker Extension	TB 11-5820-890-10-13 TB 11-5820-890-10-9 TB 11-5820-890-10-10		UG-77	AUDIO	-
CX-13310	HYX-57 to SINCGARS	TB 11-5820-890-10-3		-26P	AUDIO	-
CX-13311	MST-20			-14P	AUDIO	AUDIO
CX-13312	PSC-3 (RT-1402) VIC Interface			-14P	AUDIO	AUDIO
CX-13313*	VIC-1 PYTHON	11-5820-890-30-5		MW10M(M)-011?	MW10F(M)-011?	-
CX-13314	PTT Cable (PTT for LS-671)	6130-01-284-4195 11-5820-890-20-2 p5.4			AUDIO	-
CX-13402	TacFire			AUDIO	AUDIO	-
CX-13404	KY-90	TB 11-5820-890-10-7		AUDIO	-14P	KY-90-?
CX-13417	VIC Splitter Dual Speaker used on SR/LR or LR/LR	NSN 5995-01-348-2264		-18P	-18S	-18S
CX-13448/ 1 GYK-37	Light Weight Computer + Tactical Communications Interface Module to VRC-12 or SINCGARS radio	FM 6-60 MLRS		AUDIO (RADIO)	AUDIO (TCIM)	-
CX-13450	DC Power			4 Wires	MW20F(M)A00
CX-13465	Digital Adapter			AUDIO	AUDIO
CX-13467	AN/CYZ-10 to SINCGARS Fill	5995-01-379-9689		DB-	U-229 type
CX-13509	DC Power				MW20F(M)A00
CX-13528	SNAP
W-2	RF
W-4	Audio/Data/Fill	5995-01-310-0335		AUDIO	AUDIO
	AN-PSN-11 PLGR GPS Time Fill	6150-01-375-8666		AUDIO	AUDIO
CV-4228	PC/Fill SINCGARS	7050-01-355-9729	4'

Note* - Many of the above cables come in different lengths.  I haven't yet figured out which come in what lengths.
Note ¹ - The CX-13488 is wired 1:1 which is consistent with being able to connect to either a VRC-12 series radio or a SINCGARS radio.  That's to say the "data" carried by this cable probably  is in the form of audio tones, not digital bits.  I think the TCIM is being replaced with routers for the Tactical Internet.  This cable could be used as an extension cable for any AUDIO type application, except both ends are plugs, so it's probably only good for connecting two boxes with an AUDIO cable.

Cable Manuals

TM 11-5820-890-20-1
Chapter 4 has cable schematics

TM 11-5820-890-20-3
Section 4 has cable drawings

Internal Cabling

Since there are now at least 7 different versions of the SINCGARS radios and the currently manuals are sometimes not as helpful as you might want I started looking at the internal coax connections to get an idea of what the front end modules were doing.  Note that coax is used when the frequency gets high enough where it's not practical or economical to route the signals on the printed circuit board.  Also in the case of SINCGARS there's probably some EMP related considerations.

Based on the RT-1439 the coax cables are carrying the RF input frequency range and the Rx and Tx LO frequencies which are no more than 20 MHz higher than the basic RF range (30 to 88 MHz) and also a 12.5 MHz IF signal.

It's reasonable to expect that the other versions would use coax for signals in these frequency ranges (but maybe putting the IF on a trace), but for sure keeping the VHF signals on coax.  But, so far, it's not clear what the different version number modules are doing.  For example the first module that connects to the front panel antenna jack must contain the antenna matching circuit.  In the case of the 1439 this module then has a coax to the module that contains both the transmit exciter power amplifier and the receiver low pass filter.  The 1439 synthesizer has two outputs, one to drive the receiving mixer and the other to drive the exciter power amplifier.

Manuals:
RT-1523D = TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Fig 205 It may be that the

The 1439 is very similar to the 1523 in most respects, it just has the added ICOM module.  These have the modules both front to back and side to side.

The coax paths in the RT-1523A (GDLS) are completely different from the RT-1523 (ITT).  At first glance these appear similar since all the modules are lined up like books and are numbered left to right.  But in the RT-1523A there are 8 boxed modules but in the RT1523D only 6 boxed modules.

Carry Case, Manpack

NSN 5820-01-322-3477

This is the same camouflage ALICE medium pack as used with the PRC-104. It's not clear if this NSN is for just the special pack with a Velcro closure for the antenna or if it includes the pack frame, cargo shelf and/or cargo straps.

Mounts

Mounts have the female and male MW20 type 4 contact vehicle 22 to 32 Volt connectors for DC power and some have the VIC-1 type connectors.  They are secured to a strong metal support, not to the vehicle sheet metal.  The mounts pass the DC on to the Power Supply Adapters after filtering it for EMI and EMP.

If there's an LS-671 connected to a mount then use the switch on the LS-671 as the main radio power switch.  But if there's no LS-671 then the mount circuit breaker needs to be turned off, not just the RT FCTN switch.  If the FCTN switch is turned fully CCW but CB1 on the mount is left on the mount will drain the vehicle battery.  Ref Sep '96 PS mag pg 37.

MT-6352 Dual Radio PS/A Mount (A13)

Left rear has oblong connector that mates with rear of AM-7239 Dual Radio Power Supply/Adapter.  Note there are two sets of clamps on the front.  The outer set holds the AM-7239 and the inner set of clamps holds the RT on the lower shelf.	Do not understand why the bottom  of the Mount is so wide. Maybe it's on a mounting shelf?

Very similar to the MT-1029 used with the AM-2060 and PRC-25 or PRC-77.
Connectors:

Function	MT-1029	MT-6352
DC in	J21	J1
DC Out	J23	J2
VIC or TSEC	J22	J3
VIC or TSEC	n.a.	J4
to Amp-PS	J24	J5

Note the SINCGARS mount has two VIC type jacks and the radios have a built-in connector (J5) for the KY-57 and so don't need the J-3513/J-3514 interface boxes like the VRC-12 radios.
TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 109, 110, 111, 206

Note the four corner mounting holes accept a 5/6-32x1" mounting bolt.  These holes are in the same location for the MT-1029, MT-6234 and this MT-6352.
An approximate hole pattern is:
Front mounting holes are 13.375" apart left to right.
Left rear hole is 8.09375" behind left front hole.
Right Rear hole is 10.9375" behind right front hole.
If you know the design dimensions please let me know.

MT-6353 RF Amp Mount

This mount holds the AM-7238 RF Amplifier.  Fed using a CX-13291 Cable from either a single radio Power Supply/Adapter MX-10862-J5 or a Dual Radio Power Supply/Adapter AM-7239-J11.  On-Off Breaker/Switch on front and dimable pilot lamp.  On the bottom rear are three connectors: DC In, DC Out and 14 pin control.  The same 14 pin control connector is used to mate with the AM-7238 Amplifier.

There is an electronics box as part of the mount and it's job is to generate the 200 Volts needed by the amplifier PIN diodes for band switching.

MT-6353 Top w/o Amp	MT-6353 Bottom Connectors

Has it's own 4 pin vehicle DC input and 4 socket DC output connectors and so would be connected downstream from the RT.  Note that no RF goes to or from the mount.

Jack	# pins	Function
J1	4	Vehicle DC In
J2	4	Vehicle DC Out
J3	14*	CX-13291 to PS/A
J4	14*	Direct Connect to RF Amp

* This is the same 14 pin Jack as used on the PRC-25 and PRC-77 for the POWER connector.
I sell a Power Connector Kit that includes this connector, 2 would be required to make the CX-13291 PA control cable described in TM 11-5820-890-20-1.  It should be made from 9 conductor shielded cable.

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 112 to 118

MT-6576 Single Radio PS/A Mount (manual says A9 ? marked A4)

Used with the MX-10862 Single Radio Mount (SRM) Power supply Adapter PS/A.
Looks very similar to the MT-6352, why is it different?
Ans: It's narrower since there is no need for mounting an AM-7238 RF Amp.

This mount is an optional component of the VRC-87 (SR), VRC-88 (SR-D) or VRC-90 (LR) vehicular radio systems.

The metal plate on the left side allows a padlock to attach the radio directly to the mount and since the guide pins and rear connectors are engaged also traps the MX-10862 between the radio and mount.

What Goes Wrong

As delivered there were some problems.  The DC power input connector J1 had a pin B (+27V) broken off and someone had started to make a repair but quit after removing all the wires from the connector and not marking them.  It was easy to figure out that all the red wires went to B, Black to A, Brown to C and white to D.  Note there are only two ways the connector can be installed in the box and it's best done with the alignment ridge toward the front of the mount to allow easy cable connection.  But even then the CX-4720 connector needed to be turned one notch.

One the the thumbscrews on the front had been hit hard damaging it's threads and the threads in the mount.  The M8 threads are 8 mm x 1.25 mm and a tap for the mount and a die for the thumbscrew chased the threads clean.  The mount hole was at an angle and after installing the thumbscrew all the way in a small hammer blow got the threads aligned.

The (-) screws go all the way through the box and hold it to the mount.  The (+) screws hold the lid onto the box.

Adapters

Have an oblong connector on the back side that interfaces to the mount.  Take in raw vehicle 20 to 30 Volts DC and convert it into "12 Volts" for the SINCGARS radio.  The radio interface is the circular "System connector" on the front of the mount that mates with the connector on the back of the radio.

AM-7239() Dual Radio Power Supply/Adapter (A5)

Interpretability

The 7239, 7239A and 7239B all work fully with the RT-1439.
The 7239C, 7239D and 7239E support data packets which the RT-1439 & RT-1523 do not support.  A RT-1523 C/D/E is needed for this. The RT-1523A will not mechanically fit.  They are probably the ones that also have the GPS connector.

Locking bar NSN 5340-01-352-3053 and A-200 padlock NSN 5340-00-158-3807 with 5/16" hardened steel shank.  Ref 1995 PS mag 514 pg 46.

The Dial Light can be mechanically dimmed all the way to being blacked out.  Then it's easy to forget to turn off the Mount circuit breaker thus draining the vehicle battery.  (Ref : PS mag for Dec '98 pg 52)

Left rear has oblong connector that mates with Mount MT-6352.  Tray side has two system connectors that mates to back of radios A and B.

Jack	Function
J1	Direct to RF Amp
J2	Audio/Data
J3	Audio/Data
J4	Data
J5	Data
J6	Speaker
J7	RT-B (top)
J8	RT-A (bottom)
J9	CX-13290 to Ctrl-Mon
J10	CX-13179 to CP-1380 (SNAP)
J11	CX-13291 to RF Amp B
E1/2/A/B	Wireline remote control
P1	Interface to Mount

Tray Side	Mount Side

Version	NSN	Manual
AM-7239	5895-01-188-8819	TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 86
AM-7239A	5895-01-323-6265	TM 11-5820-890-20P-1
AM-7239B	5895-01-334-3164	TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 146, 151, 153
AM-7239C	5895-01-421-0093	TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 211, 212, 213
AM-7239D	5895-01-422-8781	TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 214, 214
AM-7239E	5895-01-444-1218	TM 11-5820-890-20P-1

There does not seem to be an AM-739X that is designed to hold the smaller RT-1523E and higher radios.  The newer radios fit the AM-7239E and that PS/A supports all the radio features, BUT it wasts a lot of space.

Note that the radio in the lower shelf is the Long Range radio that uses the AM-7238 RF power amp.

MX-10862 Single Radio Power Supply/Adapter Tray (A8)

Left rear has oblong connector that mates with Mount MT-6576.  Tray side has system connector that mates to back of radio.
10  7/8" wide x 12"+/- Deep x 5 1/4" high.
TM 11-5820-890-20-2 Chapter 5

The MT-6576 Single Radio Mount draws 0.32 amps with only the MX-10862 installed and no current draw when the MX-10862 is off.

Tray Side  J2 (RT) Power sw, Lamp, wire line terminals, J1 Test Con Add-on left thumb screw has big lock hole	Mount Side J3 (CTRL-MON), J5 (RF Amp), J4 (Batt), P1 (Mount)
RT-1439 + MX-10862 Front Qtr View Stock left & right thumb screws have 2 small safety wire holes	RT-1439 + MX-10862 Rear Qtr View

Jack	# pins	Function
J5	14	CX-13291 to RF Pwr Amp
J2	28	to RT
J1	14	Test or PTT*
J3	6	CX-13290 to Ctrl-Mon
J4	6	CX-13290 to Battery Tray
P1		Interface to Mount
E1 & E2	1+1	wire line remote

* J1 is used for testing or to accept an external PTT signal by means of a CX-13314 to an LS-671. 

Both 14 pin jacks are the same as the POWER connector on the PRC-25 and PRC-77 as the POWER connector.

Note that J5 is to support an external RF Amp, and is an optional configuration of the VRC-90.
This Power Supply/Adapter has a BATT connector for use with the CY-8664 Battery Tray or the PP-8249 Battery Charging Tray to provide DC prime power even when the vehicle DC power sags(but not when it's zero), like in an armored vehicle when the hydraulic pumps are working hard.  But the AM-7239 does not have the BATT connector, so is it not used in armored vehicles.

I wonder if having the external battery takes a load off the radio's internal HUB.

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 147

AM-7238() RF Amp (A6)

One can be mounted to the left side of the AM-7239() or on the MT-6353 Mount that's just for it.  The control and power are fed through the mount connector and the RF is fed through separate coax cables.

The amplifier has it's frequency coverage split into three bands as described in TM 11-5820-890-30-4 Paragraph 5-3 on pdf page 577.

Filter/Band	Frequency MHz
A	30 43
B	43 - 61.5
C	61.5 - 88

Note this is a different band plan than that used on the PRC-25 and PRC-77 where the band split is: 30 - 52 and 53 - 75 MHz.
So even if you could jury rig a band signal out of the PRC-25 or PRC-77 it would not match the band plan of the AM-7238 amplifier.
So the only way you could use the AM-7238 with the PRC-25 or PRC-77 would be to use a manual band switch to control the amp which would be set prior to keying the radio.  If the manual switch was set improperly it might let some smoke out of either the amplifier and/or radio.  So this is probably not a good idea.  Another option that would work would be to build a "smart interface" that would use a counter to determine the frequency coming out of the radio and select the appropriate amp band.  But even this would need some safety precautions to prevent a frequency change going unnoticed.

BNC RF Connectors end	P1 14-pin connector end

Remotes

There are a couple of hardware interface methods allowing remote operation.  6-Wire non secure and 2-Wire secure.

6-Wire

There is the non secure 6-wire protocol like used with the HRCRD, C-11291 Control-Monitor. 

HRCRD

Non Secure. 6-wire protocol.  See above.

C-11291 Control-Monitor (C-M) (A7)

6-wire protocol has the same functions as the HRCRD plus it can turn the RT off.
This is the small non secure remote that works using the same in band audio protocol as the HRCRD.  Typically used in vehicular installations.  Two are used inside the M60 tank.

The upper right display has two functions in one window.  COMSEC: PT or CT and CONTROL Main or Standby.

J3 is used to connect a second C-M and has a 650 Hz data stream that's different from the 2880 Hz data stream used for radio coms.  This means that only 2 C-M can be connected in tandem, they can not be daisy chained.  Although the name for J3-E is C-M out and for J3-F is C-M In. on the functional schematic, they probably should be called J3-E data and J3-F Clock, or some other names that don't imply a cross connect cable is needed since a standard CX-13290 cable can be used between the two J3 connectors of a pair of C-Ms. Ref: TB 11-5820-20-49 Fig 5-8(1) Cabling M60A1/A3 with VRC-89/91/92.

The CX-13290 cable is also used with the CY-8664 Battery Tray and the PP-8249 Battery Charger.  In TM 11-5820-30-5 FO-21 Battery Tray Schematic dia it shows the CX-13290 with pins A and F wired straight through and pins D & E crosses (i.e. D-E and E-D) and B & C are crossed (i.e. B-C, C-B)  But those are not the correct pins to cross to get E & F crossed which is  implied by the names of the C-11291 pins???  It may be that C-M Out and C-M in are on pins D&E which are crossed in the cable and the C-M presence is sensed on C or F?

Note the C-M is the same size as and has mounting provisions to attach to a VIC-1 control box also has rear ears so can be mounted on a wall.

Note the display is red to match the display color of the RT-1439. (thanks Kurt).

6 pin connectors:

Pin	J1 VAA J9 Radio 1 & 2	J2 radio 3	J3 2nd C-M-J3
A	Gnd	Gnd	Gnd
B	RT1a	RT3a	27.5 vdc in/out
C	RT1b	RT3b	Gnd
D	RT2a		C-M Pres
E	RT2b		C-M Out
F	27.5vdc in		C-M In

TM 11-5820-890-20P-1 Figure 4
TM 11-5820-890-10-1 Chapter 4 sec II operation

2-Wire

The 2-Wire protocol is secure when the radio is keyed.

CY-8523A or CY-8523B Battery Box

These have regular telephone type push down terminals (E1 & E2) for remote operation.

Note the E1 & E2 2-Wire terminals on the battery box.

CY-8523C Battery Box

This battery box has a 6-pin circular connector for the HRCRD remote control microphone, but that can be used by the above 6-wire remote controls or the below 2-Wire adapter that interfaces between the 6-wire and 2-wire protocols.

AM-7239() Dual Radio Power Supply - Adapter

These have the E1 & E2 remote terminals as well as J9 for a 6-Wire Control-Monitor.

MX-10862 Single Radio Power Supply/Adapter Tray

Has both the E1 & E2 2-wire terminals as well as J3 for a 6-Wire Control-Monitor.

2-Wire Adapter

This is an adapter that goes between the 6-wire remote protocol and the 2-wire remote protocol.
The main use probably is by connecting to J6 on the new 1/2 size SINCGARS radios (RT-1523E & RT-1523F) and WD-1 field wire.

But it also could be used

These showed up on eBay atticstocksurplus August 2016 new in the sealed bag.
The bag is marked:

NSN: 5935-01-463-8290
CAGE PRIME 92837
SINCGARS 2-Wire Adapters
One Each
MIPR9IFFPI9C811
A/C

It uses the same PCI-106 PM connector as the HRCRD and so can be connected in the same places.
Pin-A to E2 & to E1 is 4 nf compared to 0.5 nF for the other pins.
E1 to E2 = 11 Ohms.
The box seems very light in weight and there is no provision for a battery.  So it's not clear what function it serves.

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Documents

What Goes Wrong

The Function (FCTN) knob on the RT-1439 is a poor design.  When used it's necessary to pull the knob out to get to some positions.

PS Magazine

Related Equipment

Links

[an error occurred while processing this directive] page created 4 May 2005.