https://urgentcomm.com/wp-content/themes/ucm_child/assets/images/logo/footer-logo.png
  • Home
  • News
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Multimedia
    • Video
    • Podcasts
    • Galleries
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • Commentary
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • All Things IWCE
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Resources
    • Events
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Reprints & Reuse
  • IWCE
    • Back
    • IWCE
    • Conference
    • Special Events
    • Exhibitor Listings
    • Premier Partners
    • Floor Plan
    • Exhibiting Information
    • Register for IWCE
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
    • Cookies Policy
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • Mission Critical Technologies
    • Microwave/RF
    • T&D World
    • TU-Auto
  • In the field
    • Back
    • In the field
    • Broadband Push-to-X
    • Internet of Things
    • Project 25
    • Public-Safety Broadband/FirstNet
    • Virtual/Augmented Reality
    • Land Mobile Radio
    • Long Term Evolution (LTE)
    • Applications
    • Drones/Robots
    • IoT/Smart X
    • Software
    • Subscriber Devices
    • Video
  • Call Center/Command
    • Back
    • Call Center/Command
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • NG911
    • Alerting Systems
    • Analytics
    • Dispatch/Call-taking
    • Incident Command/Situational Awareness
    • Tracking, Monitoring & Control
  • Network Tech
    • Back
    • Network Tech
    • Interoperability
    • LMR 100
    • LMR 200
    • Backhaul
    • Deployables
    • Power
    • Tower & Site
    • Wireless Networks
    • Coverage/Interference
    • Security
    • System Design
    • System Installation
    • System Operation
    • Test & Measurement
  • Operations
    • Back
    • Operations
    • Critical Infrastructure
    • Enterprise
    • Federal Government/Military
    • Public Safety
    • State & Local Government
    • Training
  • Regulations
    • Back
    • Regulations
    • Narrowbanding
    • T-Band
    • Rebanding
    • TV White Spaces
    • None
    • Funding
    • Policy
    • Regional Coordination
    • Standards
  • Organizations
    • Back
    • Organizations
    • AASHTO
    • APCO
    • DHS
    • DMR Association
    • ETA
    • EWA
    • FCC
    • IWCE
    • NASEMSO
    • NATE
    • NXDN Forum
    • NENA
    • NIST/PSCR
    • NPSTC
    • NTIA/FirstNet
    • P25 TIG
    • TETRA + CCA
    • UTC
Urgent Communications
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • News
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Video
    • Podcasts
    • Galleries
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • All Things IWCE
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Events
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • UC eZines
  • IWCE
    • Back
    • Conference
    • Special Events
    • Exhibitor Listings
    • Floor Plan
    • Exhibiting Information
    • Register for IWCE
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
    • Cookies Policy
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • Mission Critical Technologies
    • Microwave/RF
    • T&D World
    • TU-Auto
  • newsletter
  • In the field
    • Back
    • Internet of Things
    • Broadband Push-to-X
    • Project 25
    • Public-Safety Broadband/FirstNet
    • Virtual/Augmented Reality
    • Land Mobile Radio
    • Long Term Evolution (LTE)
    • Applications
    • Drones/Robots
    • IoT/Smart X
    • Software
    • Subscriber Devices
    • Video
  • Call Center/Command
    • Back
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • NG911
    • Alerting Systems
    • Analytics
    • Dispatch/Call-taking
    • Incident Command/Situational Awareness
    • Tracking, Monitoring & Control
  • Network Tech
    • Back
    • Cybersecurity
    • Interoperability
    • LMR 100
    • LMR 200
    • Backhaul
    • Deployables
    • Power
    • Tower & Site
    • Wireless Networks
    • Coverage/Interference
    • Security
    • System Design
    • System Installation
    • System Operation
    • Test & Measurement
  • Operations
    • Back
    • Critical Infrastructure
    • Enterprise
    • Federal Government/Military
    • Public Safety
    • State & Local Government
    • Training
  • Regulations
    • Back
    • Narrowbanding
    • T-Band
    • Rebanding
    • TV White Spaces
    • None
    • Funding
    • Policy
    • Regional Coordination
    • Standards
  • Organizations
    • Back
    • AASHTO
    • APCO
    • DHS
    • DMR Association
    • ETA
    • EWA
    • FCC
    • IWCE
    • NASEMSO
    • NATE
    • NXDN Forum
    • NENA
    • NIST/PSCR
    • NPSTC
    • NTIA/FirstNet
    • P25 TIG
    • TETRA + CCA
    • UTC
acc.com

content


LMR systems in the military

LMR systems in the military

Military establishments worldwide use a large variety of specialized radio systems that operate on bands ranging from extremely low frequencies (ELF)
  • Written by Urgent Communications Administrator
  • 1st October 1999

Military establishments worldwide use a large variety of specialized radio systems that operate on bands ranging from extremely low frequencies (ELF) all the way to super high frequencies (SHF). These bands are used for tactical, data, SATCOM and other specialized types of communications. Given the tremendous number of radio types and the frequency range open for military communications, why does the U.S. military purchase and use land mobile radio systems? How does this use affect the local users near large installations? How can support businesses profit from this situation?

The U.S. Armed Forces, which I will refer to collectively as the “military” regardless of branch, is careful to distinguish among types of communications. This distinction is often called the “mission.” What is the focus of “tactical” and “logistics” communication missions? Tactical communications equipment can generally be classified as those combat systems that must be able to operate in the same unforgiving combat environment as the soldier, sailor or Marine. These MIL-SPEC tactical systems are expensive but well worth the value they offer. They typically carry Army/Navy (AN/) nomenclatures, such as “AN/PRC-104.” I have fired up tactical “backpack” HF radios that had been cold-soaked for more than 24 hours in temperatures well below 2408. Despite the cold, the radio could communicate with inbound aircraft hundreds of miles away (aircraft carrying my food, water, ammo and spares, which is why I still think the money is well-invested). However, these impressive radios are expensive, and not everyone in the military operates in a harsh combat environment.

In a less demanding environment, someone had to load and fuel that same aircraft, an activity that requires close coordination for safety and efficiency. These “logistic” communications are carried out in the same environment as that in which LMR business users perform their daily tasks. There is no need for super-rugged tactical combat systems.

Another factor to consider is cost. The tactical radios mentioned previously cost more than $8,000 apiece in large numbers (batteries extra), depending on climate. LMR systems, thanks to competition and economy of scale, have much lower purchase prices. The military routinely uses LMR systems for appropriate logistics activities.

Competing for frequencies Most military users operate on the government portion of the spectrum, both VHF and UHF. Rarely do they compete with local businesses for spectrum. Although the radio systems use the same bands, they do not share the same frequency set. The opportunity is present for co-channel interference. I have found military users cooperative in resolving interference issues. As a plus, they may bring sophisticated test or direction-finding (DF) equipment into play to quickly find, then solve the problem.

While at Nellis Air Force Base, near Las Vegas, I ran a large air-traffic control maintenance facility. One day, an AM radio station’s signal showed up in the middle of the passband of our primary air-to-ground receiver. A second receiver placed online showed the same problem. I quickly built and added a filter to the system feed while we sorted out the problem. (See “Use Coaxial Filters to Reduce Interference,” MRT Public Safety Supplement, August 1993, page 12.) The culprit was intermod distortion (IMD), caused by a new, off-frequency, paging transmitter in the middle of town mixing within the victim receiver. The offending transmitter was quickly located with sophisticated military DF equipment.

When a military installation uses LMR systems, it generally uses many units. In the previous example, that installation had more than 800 LMR portables and more than 200 LMR mobile sets supported by multiple repeaters and base stations. If you compare such an installation to a city, then you can see where the same functions would apply: police, fire, and civil engineering for power production and transmission. In fact, because military installations often have support agreements with local communities for firefighting, they try to ensure their communications systems are as compatible as possible with the local civilian jurisdiction.

The military uses other systems with traditional LMR frequencies. These may be remote control, area security, SCADA and other specialized systems found in industrial activity. These systems may represent both potential problems and business opportunities. (See “RF and remote control,” page 30.)

Potential service customer Almost all military installations that use LMR systems outsource the maintenance and installation of these systems. Military radio maintenance technicians move between bases and tend to focus on the systems they would maintain in a combat situation. Cross-training for the incredible variety of installed systems found around the world would beprohibitively expensive.

Civilian service centers can tap into this potential market. Installation and maintenance contracts are normally awarded under a competitive bid process. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Acquisition Regulations (DAR) are the guidelines used for this process. These contracts are advertised for bid in the Commerce Business Daily, a federal government publication. The Commerce Business Daily is also available online at www.gpo.ucop.edu/search/cbd.html, or cbdnet.gpo.gov/index.html for the government version. Use the supplied search engines to search for the key words “LMR” or “maintenance contract.” The military also supports a “Procurement Technical Assistance Center” (PTAC) in towns near the larger installations. Check with your local chamber of commerce to see if one is available. If not, see your local Small Business Administration office.

A word of warning: Before you bid on, or accept, any federal contracts, be sure you fully understand all of their vendor/contractor requirements. Talk to someone who has a current contract, or contact the small business office at your local installation procurement unit. Understanding contract requirements is important. For example, the requirements for vendor “certification” (a drug-free workplace, use of recycled paper, etc.) run some 23 pages in the FAR alone. If you are willing to meet these requirements, winning a contract can bring several years of steady work-if your performance is satisfactory.

The military makes use of “Contractor-Off-the-Shelf Systems,” or COTS. One good example is the REMOTEC “Andros” remote-controlled bomb removal robot that is used by the 716th Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Detachment team at Ft. Richardson, Alaska. The EOD team members can perform the same sets of tasks that are performed by a metropolitan police bomb disposal unit. The Andros is normally used to remove unexploded homemade bombs, a dangerous but necessary job.

The robot (see photos, pages 18-21) is remotely controlled by an RF link set that provides both command for motor control and video for steering the unit. Wire or fiber-optic cable, which would work in an urban setting, will snag on the obstructions typically found in an unimproved area. The robot RF link offers a potential for interference but the members of the 716th EOD team have had no reported problems to date.

All of Alaska is the responsibility of this EOD team (because most Alaskan jurisdictions are lucky to have a full-time police force, let alone a highly trained explosives squad). Short-range, interteam communication is via Motorola “Talkabout” FRS radio sets. This inexpensive and practical solution works well in Alaska. The team also uses regular LMR sets from GE as part of the trunked system found on the post. Operating on the 406MHz government band, these portable radios offer a cost-effective solution for the large area that makes up Ft. Richardson. For work in the Pacific Rim, the team has MIL-SPEC SINCGARS radio sets available for use as well.

Thanks to Capt. Green (USA) and the brave men and women of the 716th Ordinance Company (EOD) for their help and patience in answering questions. I would like to acknowledge the professional work of Staff Sgt. William Johnston in demonstrating the radios used by the team and thank Staff Sgt. John Phipps for the high-speed robot road test. NOTE: Mention of specific brand names or types of radio systems or sets is not an endorsement by the U.S. Army or the government.

Contributing Editor Koehler has more than 30 years of experience in radio, telephony and computer electronics. He has been teaching part time at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, for the past four years. His email address is afdek1@uaa.alaska.edu. Radios used in combat situations are often shelved during peacetime in favor of more traditional VHF systems, which can also be used for remote control operations.

Tags: content

Related


  • Photo gallery: 2014 Communications Marketing Conference (CMC) in Tucson
    This photo gallery features scenes from the 2014 Communications Marketing Conference (CMC) in Tucson, Ariz.
  • Top 5 Stories - Week of Sept. 22
    Top 5 Stories - Week of Sept. 22
    Here’s a look at the most popular stories on IWCE’s Urgent Communications from the last week.
  • RCA plans to expand this year's Technical Symposium
    RCA plans to expand this year's Technical Symposium
    Recent presentations, given by both startups and major corporations, have included fractal antennas, LTE, emergency communications, "invisibility cloaks" using RF, disabling IEDs with RF and tropospheric ducting.
  • Newscan: Securing the Internet of Things is quite a challenge
    Newscan: Securing the Internet of Things is quite a challenge
    Also: EWA requests dismissal of 900 MHz applications; TIA names tech and policy priorities for 2014; IJIS Institute names Shumate Award winner; App makes bus waits more tolerable; a Blackberry comeback may be in the offing.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

To leave a comment login with your Urgent Comms account:

Log in with your Urgent Comms account

Or alternatively provide your name, email address below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Newscan: Texting 911 becomes an option for some Pennylvania cell-phone users
  • Newscan: Senator wants inventory of government spectrum
  • CMA conducts 40th conference this week
  • Newscan: Missouri county may have to drop 911 if sales-tax hike fails

Commentary


Public safety needs a better way to triage emergency calls

13th January 2021

In challenging year, working with public safety to move FirstNet forward

30th December 2020

Communications solutions must evolve quickly to meet needs of a changing world

31st October 2020
view all

Events


UC Ezines


IWCE 2019 Wrap Up

13th May 2019
view all

Twitter


UrgentComm

Become a Thought Leader at IWCE 2021! We are looking for dynamic speakers to present case studies and technical tal… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th January 2021
UrgentComm

RT @IWCEexpo: 📆 Mark Your Calendars: IWCE will be returning to Las Vegas this September and registration is slated to open in April 📆 Wa…

15th January 2021
UrgentComm

RT @IWCEexpo: ⚡FLASH SALE: Don't miss this exclusive offer! Passes to #IBFVirtual are now 50% off with code TWITTER50. Take advantage of th…

6th November 2020
UrgentComm

Get ready for part 2 of "Ensuring Public Safety Emergency Communications" next week! @PCTEL_inc will explore… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

3rd November 2020
UrgentComm

Over the past few months, we’ve seen the world transform, and it's clear that cities will be affected in the long-t… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

27th October 2020
UrgentComm

Florida state & local agencies subscribing to the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) will be able to co… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
UrgentComm

Tune in to @slacorp CEO Josh Lober as he explains how the company has fully integrated its #PTT application to work… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
UrgentComm

.@SierraWireless announced the commercial availability of the AirLink MG90 platform, which they tout as the first m… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020

Newsletter

Sign up for UrgentComm’s newsletters to receive regular news and information updates about Communications and Technology.

Expert Commentary

Learn from experts about the latest technology in automation, machine-learning, big data and cybersecurity.

Business Media

Find the latest videos and media from the market leaders.

Media Kit and Advertising

Want to reach our digital and print audiences? Learn more here.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • American City & County
  • IWCE
  • Light Reading
  • IOT World Today
  • Mission Critical Technologies
  • Microwave/RF
  • T&D World
  • TU-Auto

WORKING WITH US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Events
  • Careers

FOLLOW Urgent Comms ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X