Lesson 1. Identify the Components and State the Characteristics and Capabilities of Radio Set AN/PRC-104

Lesson 1

IDENTIFY THE COMPONENTS AND STATE THE CHARACTERISTICS

AND CAPABILITIES OF THE RADIO SET AN/PRC-104

OBJECTIVE

Upon completing this lesson, you will be able to identify the components and state the characteristics and

capabilities of the radio set AN/PRC-104.

REFERENCES

This lesson is based on the contents of TM 11-5820-919-12 and other materials approved for US Army

instruction. However, development and progress render the text continually subject to change. Therefore, base

your examination answers on material presented in this lesson rather than on individual or unit experience.

INTRODUCTION. The radio set AN/PRC-104 is a tactical, manpack state-of-the- art, battery-powered,

lightweight radio transceiver that operates in the high frequency (HF) and the upper part of the low frequency

(LF) portions of the radio spectrum. The receiver/transmitter can be tuned to any frequency between 02,000.0 and

29,999.9 megahertz (MHz) in 100-hertz (Hz) increments. This makes it possible to tune up to 280,000 separate

frequencies. The radio set operates in the upper sideband (USB) or lower sideband (LSB) modes for voice

communications, continuous wave (CW) for morse code. In the manpack configuration, the radio set is designed

to be carried and operated by one man. It weighs approximately 15.7 pounds (lbs) with all accessories (Fig 1).

a. The control panel has been engineered for ease of operation (Fig 2). This makes it possible to adjust

all controls even while wearing heavy gloves. Unlike older similar radio sets, there are no front panel meters or

indicator lights on the AN/PRC-104. All functions that formerly required these types of indicators (antenna

tuning, battery condition, etc.) are monitored by the radio itself and communicated to the operator as special tones

in the handset. This feature is particularly useful during tactical blackout operations. The superior design and

innovative features of the AN/PRC-104 make it possible to maintain reliable long-range communication by using

lightweight, portable equipment that can be operated by personnel with a minimum of training. Also, this radio

set can be remoted by using radio set control groups AN/GRA-39 or AN/GRA-39A.

b. In this lesson, you will learn the basic components of the AN/PRC-104 and its characteristics,

auxiliary equipment, and technical capabilities.