You may use a multichannel radio system to provide a direct radio-
linked communications trunk, or as a link in a cable system. These
installations may be temporary or semi-permanent.
The number of
relays in the multichannel system depends on the radio you select,
the type of antenna used, and the overall design of the system.
2.
Multiplexing Equipment.
The individual channels of a system may be 2-wire or 4-wire circuits.
They connect to the voice terminal equipment, or to other equipment
with a VF output.
Patch-through, or "tandem" connections between multiplexing equipment
should be made on a 4-wire basis.
You must maintain the required
signal levels to ensure circuit quality.
Refer to the appropriate
technical manual for circuit specifications.
Depending on your mission requirements, you may find your multiplex
equipment located with your radio set, or centralized near the
switching central.
At division and lower levels, you normally find
the equipment housed in the same shelter to reduce setup and tear-
down time.
At higher echelons, you find the equipment more
frequently centralized near the telephone switching center.
3.
Siting Techniques.
Contour maps, topographic maps, aerial photographs, or surveys
usually provide satisfactory data for system planning.
You may
identify tentative and alternative sites from maps, and then verify
their desirability by air or ground reconnaissance. You also assess
the access and escape routes, defendability, and suitability for
support services.
You must also consider the erecting of the
necessary antennas.
The most desirable site location is a relatively flat hilltop with
good drainage. However, if the site location is close to the forward
line of own troops (FLOT), then you must consider other factors. You
do not want to position your site where the radiated energy from the
antenna crosses the FLOT. One way to achieve this is to position the
antenna on the side of the hill, away from the FLOT (figure 2-1A).
Another method is to profile the system, as nearly as possible,
parallel to the FLOT (figure 2-1B). This makes it difficult for the
enemy to detect your position with electronic direction finding
techniques.
You must consider many factors when you plan your multichannel radio
terminal and relay sites. The physical security of your system is a
major consideration for selection, particularly in
2-3
SS0016
Previous Page
