PRC-68

©Brooke Clarke, N6GCE

Much of the following operational and engineering information is from analyzing how the radio works and does not appear in any of the manuals.
The May 1977 copy of FM 24-24 lists the PRC-68 as a developmental item and has a crude sketch rather than the common photograph.  The antenna is listed as telescopic built into the radio (which was changed to the PRC-25 type antenna or a rubber duck).

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction and General Information
    1.1 Equipment Description
    1.2 Photos
    1.3 Table of Specifications
2.0 Preparation for Use and Installation
3.0 Operating Instructions
    3.1 Introduction
    3.2 Controls, Indicators and Connectors
    3-3 Frequencies with Reduced Sensitivity
    3.4 Description of Radio Set Controls, Indicators and Connectors
    3.5 Antenna Connection
    3.6 DC Power
    3.7 Handset
    3.8 Changing Operating Frequency (Channel)
    3.9 Manual Single Channel Reprogramming
Antenna coupler Tuning
    3.10 Manual Split Channel Reprogramming
    3.11 Reading (uploading) Channel Data
    3.12 Filling (downloading) Channel Data
    3.13 Repeater Operation
    3.14 Datron World Communications Inc. MT1060MM
    3.15 Carry Bag
    3.16 150 Hz Tone Disable
    3.17 SPKR/MIC Mute Circuit
    3.18 Frequency Planning
    3.19  Antenna Planning
    3.20 Speakers
    3.21 Sub Audible Tone
4.0 Theory of Operation
    4.1 Modes of Operation
5.0 Maintenance Instructions
6.0 Parts List
7.0 Reference Information
    7.1 Manuals
    7.2 Web Links
    7.3 NIIN Text File
    7.4 Related Radios
8.0 Experiments
    8.1AUDIO J5 Pins
    8.2 Working Cloning & Retransmission Cable Diagrams
    8.3 Drive Testing
9.0 Improvements

1.0 Introduction and General Information

1.1 Equipment Description

1.1.1 Purpose of Equipment

The PRC-68 was a development of the U.S. Marine Corps and they accepted it in 1975.  Radio Set AN/PRC-68 (radio set)  is a hand-held receiver-transmitter that provides ground-to-ground voice communications in the 30 megahertz (MHz) to 79.95 MHz band.  The unit is capable of secure speech operation when it is  used with the Secure Voice Module (SVM).  The radio set can be used with a short or long antenna, with a standard military handset such as H-138/U, H-189/U or H-250/U, or with its built-in speaker-microphone.

1.1.2 Characteristics, Capabilities and Features.

The physical and electrical characteristics of the radio set are given in 1.3 Table of Specifications.

First Military  radio to use  Battery Saver

This may be the first military radio to use a frequency synthesizer on a chip, the PRC-25 uses discrete components to implement its frequency synthesizer which requires about a dozen crystals, but the PRC-68 only needs 1 crystal for the local oscillator chain.

The receiver is turned on and off at a rapid rate thus saving battery power when no signal is being received.  Also the audio output amplifier is turned off when there is no received signal.

Special capabilities and features of the radio set are as follows:

a.  Preset Frequency Channel Capability - The radio set is able to be internally programmed with ten (10) preset f requency channels with 200 kHz spacing covering a 2 MHz bandwidth.  One setting of the frequency programming switches establishes all 10 channel assignments.
b.  Warning Tones - The PRC-68 does not generate warning tones. (This may be a good thing in a close combat situation.)
C.  Antenna Matching Switch - The PRC-68 does not have an ANT matching switch.  Internal adjustments need to be made using a Field Strength Meter (FSM) whenever the channels are reprogrammed. This is the only radio in the series with the ability to tune the antenna and so this radio can use many more antennas than the others that need to have the correct length antenna.  This is an advantage for the PRC-68.
d. Liquid Crystal Display - The PRC-68 does not have an LCD.
e.  COMSEC Operation - Provides 16 kb VINSON compatible secure voice operation by simple attachment of the KYV-2() NSA approved COMSEC device between the radio set and battery.

The prior sentence is taken from the radio manuals, but the comments (see Links below) indicate that the radio is NOT capable of secure operation.  This may be because of some problem with the KYV-2 or maybe just some other reason like the KYV-2 modules were not available in the needed quantity.  The PRC-126 does not frequency hop like the SINGARS and other modern military radios.

This was the first in this series of radios and is smaller than the others.  It also uses many modules whereas all the later variants have only two modules.

1.1.3 Construction

Like the PRC-25 the PRC-68 uses mostly discrete components in a modular construction where each module preforms a single type of function.  In all the later varients there are only two modules.   This is much more efficient in terms of getting more functionality into the same space.  A flexable circuit is used to make connection to the controls on the panel rather than use hand wiring, but all the other wiring uses wires and there are two printed circuit boards in a back to back arrangement to connect to the two modules.  One of these is fixed to the radio and the other is removable.
This was the first radio in the PRC-68 Family.

1.2 Photos



 Top - there are just 5 terminals on the audio connector, matching the H-250 handset (6 on later models) pin E on the AUDIO connector is for vehicle power.  The radio draws more than 300 mA but less than 500mA.
When using pin E for power the radio operates with the switch set to OFF!  This is the way they decided to save the batteries.
The antenna connector has a 5/16" x 24 threaded hole.

If someone hands you a PRC-68 radio there is no way, short of opening the module housing, of determining what frequencies is has been programmed for.  The PRC-68A is even worse, you need test equipment to determine how it has been programmed.  On all the later radios there is an LCD that displays the Rx and Tx frequency as the band switch is changed.


PRC-68 Top
Front with cover,
no LCD frequency indicator
and no antenna coupler rotary switch
PRC68 Front

 Back with cover,
PRC-68 Back

Bottom with cover - On the bottom of the case there is a small screwdriver used to set the switches inside and a cavity for the jumper plug when the voice encryptition unit is installed.

PRC-68 Bottom
Front3 - will all modules
PRC-68 Front, cover off, All modules installed


Front (SPKR/MIC side) uses the following modules:

  • 1A1 - Frame and Panel assembly                              NSN 5820-01-094-6523
  • 1A2 - IF/AF module                                                 NSN 5820-01-094-9650
  • 1A3 - Filter/IF module                                              NSN 5820-01-094-1310
  • 1A4 - Transmitter module          (S1 & C1)               NSN 5820-01-094-6545 (10/90)
  • 1A5 - Antenna Coupler module (L1 & S1 tune adj)  NSN 5820-01-094-1314 ->5985-01-094-1314 (11/85)
  • 1A6 - Converter module                                           NSN 5820-01-094-1309
In furture versions the above 5 modules will become a single module mounted to the front.

Front - with no modules installed
PRC-68 Front, cover off, all modules removed
Back with all modules
PRC-68 Back inside with all modules installed


PUSH TO TALK side uses the following modules

  • 1A7 - VCO module NSN 5820-01-094-1312
  • 1A8 - MOD/Mixer module NSN 5820-01-094-1313
  • 1A9 - Synthesizer module   (A, B & D switches) NSN 5820-01-094-1311
  • 1A10 - Cover assembly, module p/n 918267-803 (this cover is shorter than for the PRC-68B & -126)
  • 1A11 - Battery housing assembly p/n 914153-803

 Back - with no modules installed
PRC-68 Back all modules removed
On the edge of the printed circuit board about in the center is the "push to tune" switch used to set C1 on the 1A4 Tx module.

In furture versions the above 5 modules will become a single module mounted on the back.

To program the 10 channels the module cover needs to be removed. 		PRC-68 Push To Tune button

1.3 Table of Specifications

General Specifications

Frequency Range 30.000 MHz - 79.95 MHz
Available Channels 1000 in 50 kHz increments
Minimum Channel Spacing 50 kHz
Preset Channels 10 adjacent
Modulation Frequency Modulation (FM) 
Operating Temperature Range -40 deg F to +159 deg F (-40 C to +65 C)
Weight (battery, antenna included) 40 oz (1.3 kg)
Size 8.35" (212.0 mm) x 3.8" (96.0 mm) x 1.52" (38.6 mm)
Communications range - long antenna & goose neck 1.0 mile (1.6 km)
Communications range - short (rubber duck) antenna 330 Yards (300 meters)
Typical power consumption
  • 47 mA when in receive mode with the radio quiet (0.8 AH for NiCad batt / .047 = 17 hours of Rx only time) 
  • 84 mA when VOL is set at max and radio driving internal speaker (9.5 hrs of listen only time)
  • 450 mA when transmitting   (1.8 hrs of Tx only time)
    		•

    Transmitter Specifications

    Power Output 1 Watt
    Frequency Control Built-in Synthesizer
    Frequency Stability 0.005 percent
    Spurious and harmonics radiation 50 dB below RF carrier level 
    Modulation Limiting +/- 15 kHz Dev max
    148 to 152 Hz Squelch Tone 2.5 to 3.5 kHz deviation

    Receiver Specifications

    Adjacent Channel Rejection -60 dB
    Image Rejection -40 dB
    Sensitivity 0.5 microvolts for 10 dB SINAD
    Squelch sensitivity 0.5 microvolts
    Selectivity, 6 dB down bandwidth greater than +/- 15 kHz
                   , 60 dB down bandwidth less than +/- 50 kHz
    Response to Spurious Signals -60 dB
    Audio Output less than 10 % distortion at 20 milliwatts

    		SINAD = (Signal + Noise + Distortion) / (Noise + Distortion)
    Squelch although 150 Hz is sent during transmission
    the receive squelch operates based on signal not 150 Hz tone.

    2.0 Preparation for Use and Installation

    3.0 Operating Instructions

    3.1 Introduction

    Because of it's size the PRC-68 will not fit into a shirt or pants pocket (maybe a battle fatigue pants pocket).  Your choices are hold it in your hand all the time, OK for some uses, or use the carry bag connected to a military pistol belt and use the H-250 handset, or in quiet locations where you can hear the built in speaker, the M-80 Microphone.

    3.2 Controls, Indicators and Connectors

    Each operating control, indicator and connector on the radio set is identified in the photos above and described in paragraph 3.4.

    3-3 Frequencies with Reduced Sensitivity

    The following frequencies have receiver sensitivity reduction (the squelch may not quiet).
    If they are selected during testing in Section 5, erroneous readings may result.
    If they are used in the field the reception range will be greatly reduced.
    BOLD frequencies are unusable.
    30.00
    40.00
    50.00
    60.00
    70.00
    30.70
    40.25
    51.25
    60.05
    70.55
    31.20
    41.20
    53.20
    61.00
    70.70
    32.00
    41.80
    53.25
    61.35
    71.00
    32.15
    41.85
    54.00
    62.40
    71.45
    33.15
    41.95
    54.60
    62.50
    73.00
    33.40
    42.00
    54.85
    62.95
    73.40
    33.60
    42.25
    55.20
    63.20
    73.65
    34.40
    42.75
    55.25
    63.40
    74.00
    35.00
    43.15
    55.50
    64.00
     74.40
    35.95
    43.9
    55.65
    64.85
    75.00
    36.00
    44.40
    56.00
    65.10
    75.05
    36.05
    45.15
    57.20
    65.20
    76.90
    36.15
    45.60
    58.30
    66.00
    77.50
    37.00
    45.90
    59.30
    66.35
    78.00
    37.50
    46.00
    59.95
    68.05
    78.50
    37.95
    46.75
    		  
    68.20
    79.10
    39.20
    47.35
    		  
    69.75
    79.40
     
    47.50
    		    
    79.50
     
    47.65
    		      
     
    48.30
    		      
     
    49.05
    		    

    3.4 Description of Radio Set Controls, Indicators and Connectors

    Name
    Photo
    Description
    ANT connector 
    Top
    		 Connects antenna (or 50 Ohm cable using 914598-801 adapter or 68AA) .
    CHAN selector switch
    Top
    		 Selects one of 10 preset operating channels. 
    OFF/ON/SQUELCH DIS switch
    Top
    		 Turns radio set on (clockwise)  or off (full counterclockwise). 
    The spring loaded SQUELCH DIS position will turn off the squelch as long as it is held.
    VOL
    Top
    		 Controls the audio volume
    AUDIO connector
    Top
    		 Standard U-228/U style 5 pin connector for use with external handset.
    PUSH TO TALK switch
    Back
    		 Enables radio set to transmit when pressed in normal operational mode. 
    Battery Connectors
    Bottom
    		 Connects battery to radio set.
    SVM connector & Plug
    Bottom
    		 Provides interconnection between SVM and radio set. 
    Jumper Plug allows radio to operate when SVM is not installed.
    Speaker/Microphone
    Front
    		 Functions as a built-in speaker (receiver) and microphone (transmit) when external handset is not connected.
    When an external handset or headset is connected the internal speaker will go into mute mode.

    3.5 Antenna Connection

    The threaded hole that the antenna mates with has a 5/16" X 24 thread the same as the PRC-68A, PRC-126, PRC-128, and PRC-136 but different from the PRC-68B that has a 1/4" X 28 thread.

    3.5.1 Short Antenna

    The Short Big Base Rubber Ducky antenna is used for communications to 300 meters.

    3.5.2 Long Antenna

    Just the tape measure antenna is used for communications out to 1,600 meters.

    3.5.3 50 Ohm Antenna

    When an external 50 Ohm antenna is used with an Antenna adapter to convert from the special radio connection to a standard BNC(f) connector switch S1 on the Antenna Coupler Module (1A5) should be set to "0" to disable the antenna matching circuitry.  The PRC-68 does not have antenna DC sensing so it does not matter if the external antenna is a DC short or DC open.  Some of the antennas and/or amplifiers that might be used are:   OE-254 wide band biconical, RC-292 1/4 wave ground plane, OF-185 Power Supply/Amplifier, Diplexer, VHF, CU-2194/URC.

    3.6 DC Power

    3.7 Handset

    The H-250 Handset can be connected to the AUDIO connector.  This allows the Squad Radio to be carried in it's Carrying Bag attached to a standard pistol belt.

    There is a flat on the handset connector.  If this flat is positioned on and parallel with the PUSH TO TALK side of the radio it will mate with a small amount of rotation saving some time.  This can be easily done by feel. This orientation of the AUDIO connector is true for all the radios in this family.

    Other U-229 Audio accessories should also work with this radio such as the H-138/U, H-189/U handsets.  Family photos of Audio Accessories.

    3.9 Manual Channel Frequency Programming

    3.10 Manual Split Tx & Rx Frequency Channel Reprogramming

    The PRC-68 does not support split Tx and Rx operation.

    3.11 Reading (up loading) Channel Data

    The PRC-68 does not support data transfer.

    3.12 Filling (down loading) Channel Data

    The PRC-68 does not support data transfer.

    3.13 Repeater Operation

    The PRC-68 does not support repeater or retrnasmission operation in the conventional military sense, but the Radio Shack 19-345 time offset repeater does work.  When using the Radio Shack 19-345 and powering both the radio and repeater unit from a wall wart the current capacity needs to be 500 mA (the 300 mA power supply is not enough).

    The PRC-68 could be used as the transmitter with one of the 6 pin AUDIO connector radios acting as the receiver.

    3.15 Carry Bag

    Because of it's size the PRC-68 will not fit into a shirt or pants pocket (maybe a battle fatigue pants pocket).  Your choices are hold it in your hand all the time, OK for some uses, or use the carry bag connected to a military pistol belt and use the H-250 handset.  There are pockets for: radio, antenna, battery and a holder for a handset.

    Front Photo - showing a PRC-68 in the main pouch with H-250 attached and a spare battery in the front pouch.  There is a place on one side to hold both antennas and on the other side a velcro flap to hold the Handset.

    Back  Photo - has two standard military pistol belt clips and will not attach to a standard civilian belt.  The bottom of the main pouch has an insert so that when removed will allow for the extra length of the Secure Voice Module.

    The original Operator's manual will also fit into the main pouch with the radio.

    3.16 150 Hz Tone Disable

    The PRC-68 does not support disabling the 150 Hz tone with the operator controls.  When testing with the MK-2137/PRC-68 Maintenance Kit there is a 150 Hz notch filter.  The 150 Hz tone can be disabled by shorting pin 9 on the Secure Voice Mocule connector.

    3.17 SPKR/MIC Mute Circuit

    This is the circuit that puts a DC voltage on the handset speaker in order to determine if there is an external handset.  If it finds that the resistance of the handset is below some value, then it mutes the internal speaker.

    3.18 Frequency Planning

    When deciding on which frequencies to use in the range of a Squad Radio consideration should be given to a number of factors.
    You may want someone to hear your transmission that has only a commercial receiver.
    You may not want someone with a commercial receiver to eavesdrop on your transmissions. Another factor is the use of loop antennas for Direction Finding.  The popular US models AT-339/PRC (38 - 55.4 MHz) and AT-748/PRC  (30 to 76 MHz) range and do not completly cover 30 to 79.95 MHz.  This may be a reason to use or not use the 76 to 88 MHz range.

    Compatibility with the PRC-68 would be improved if for example the PRC-126 used CHAN 5 for 51.0 MHz.  That way both radios would have the same channel number for the same frequency.  Note that the PRC-68 MUST have 51.0 on CHAN 5.

    3.19  Antenna Planning

    When these radios are going to be used for an operation, some thought should be given to the antennas for each radio whether used as a base, mobil, or repeater/retransmission radio.  There is a tradeoff.  using the ducky results in short range which may be a good thing depending on the circumstances.

    If you are looking for the maximum range, without going to amplifiers, then the best antennas and siting will be needed.

    3.20 Speakers

    It may be possible to use the military speakers like the LS-454 with the PRC-xxx series radios, but it would be awkward to transmit by using the radio's built in microphone.  The amplified speakers AM-4979/GR and   AM-6747/V have vehicle DC power inputs and a pass through connector setup that allows connecting either a handset like the H-250 or more practical a microphone like the M-80. The AM-4979/GR is specified for +28 VDC operation, but inside there is a 1N2976 12 Volt Zener diode, so it looks like it would work just fine on a 13.6 VDC standard car supply.  A wire may need to be added from the 13.6 supply to pin E on the squad radio AUDIO connector to allow the radio to run off of car power.

    3.21 Sub Audible Tone

    The PRC-68 transmits a 150 Hz tone so that it can talk with older radios like the PRC-25, PRC-77 and AN/VRC-xx radios that need to hear the 150 Hz tone to open their squelch.  This tone is not used by ham radio operators for repeaters, so the PRC-68 can not operate on any repeater that needs a specified sub audible tone.

    The squelch in the PRC-68 works by carrier strength, not tone. This was done to avoid the squelch capture problem experienced by the PRC-25, PRC-77 and other radios that need the 150 Hz tone to open their squelch.

    4.0 Theory of Operation

    4.1 8 Modules

    There are 11 Major components (8 circuit modules):

    4.2 Block Diagram

    Right side Block Diagram -
    Left Side Block Diagram -

    TSEC/KYV-2A  Secure Voice Module (SVM is the Magnovox commercial designation)

    5.0 Maintenance Instructions

    For repair advice you can contact Jim Karlow, KA8TUR  He might do a repair, but it is the third priority for him after his job and family.

    TS-3354

    The TS-3354 was designed for testing the PRC-68 but can be used with other Squad Radios in this family.

    TS-3951/PRM-34

    This is a more modern version of the TS-3354 for use with newer 30 to 88 MHz squad radios.
    This test set contains a frequency counter, power meter for forward and reverse and a comb generator to test receiver squelch as well as a field strength meter so that the PRC-68 antenna circuits can be adjusted.

    PS magazine -

    462 - 43 - Antenna and Battery Bits -
    434-45 - Antenna, Battery, PTT switch (A Good summary of PRC-68 PM) _ Do Not install a fresh battery with the radio switched ON! Do NOT cover the SPKR/MIC with you thumb when pressing the built in PTT.
    427-23- Scribe Markes for Presets

    MK-2137/PRC-68 Maintenance Kit

    PRC-68 specific interface kit for bench testing the PRC-68

    Audio/Power Test Adapter

    This has the following parts: The above circuit diagram is from TO 31R2-4_810-3 for the PRC-128.
    The 914877-801 is an earlier version of the Audio/Power Test Adapter and is a part of the MK ()/PRC-68 Maintenance Kit.

    Tool Kit TK-101/G

    Manual SC 5180-91-CL-R13
    Contains the spanner wrench for the antenna connector.

    6.0 Parts List

     
    Description
    NSN
    Figure
    Item
    FSCM
    Part No.
    Receiver Transmitter
    RT-1113/PRC-68    		 5820-01-079-9260 Fig 1 4 80058 705561-803
    Carrying pouch 8465-01-152-1157     37695 349924-1
    Carrying Harness Sling 8465-01-157-1157     37695 348814-2
    Lanyard 5985-00-933-2454 Fig 1 2 80063 SM-B-522304
    Short Antenna 5985-01-096-9396 Fig 1 1 37695  914161-803
    Alignment Tool 5820-01-096-9410     37695 808234-1
    28" Long tape meas Antenna AT-892/PRC-25  (no gooseneck) 5820-00-889-3803 Fig 1 4 37695   
    Battery Spacer   Fig 1 3 37695 347344-1 
    ID Plate   Fig 1 5   155035 
    1A1 Frame & Panel assy 5820-01-094-6523 Fig 2 1 37695 917327-803
    1A6 Converter module 5820-01-094-1309 Fig 2 2 37695 917828-803
    1A3 - Filter/IF module 5820-01-094-9650 Fig 2 3 37695 917829-803
    1A2 - IF/AF module 5820-01-094-9650 Fig 2 4 37695 917830-803
    1A9 - Synthesizer module 5820-01-094-1311 Fig 2 10 37695 917831-803
    1A4 - Transmitter module 5820-01-094-6545 Fig 2 5 37695 917832-803
    1A7 - VCO module 5820-01-094-1312 Fig 2 8 37695 917833-803
    1A8 - Modulator/Mixer module 5820-01-094-1313 Fig 2 11 37695 917834-803
    1A5 - Ant Coupler module 5820-01-094-1314 Fig 2 6 37695 919800-803
    1A10 module cover   Fig 2 7 37695 918267-803
    1A11 Battery Housing
    		Fig 2 9 37695 914153-803
    Antenna Connector Adapter with BNC(f)       37695 914598-801
    Handset 5965-00-043-3463     80058 H-250/U 
    BA-5588/U Battery Dry Lithium/SO2
    replaced by BB-388    		 6135-01-088-2708 
    6135-01-094-6536    		 Fig 2
    		80058 BA-5588/U 
    BA-1588/U Battery, Mercury  6135-01-088-2708        
    BB-588/U Battery, NiCad including housing 6140-01-091-1536 
    6140-01-241-2295    		    
    67237    		  
    Simple battery Charger          
    Single Station Battery Charger       37695 565604-801
    Five Station Battery Charger       37695 706841-801
    Bren-Tronics model BB-388A/U 6140-01-419-8190        
    AP-388/U Battery to Charger adapter (holds 2 batt) 5940-01-427-8601        
    BA-715 for only the PRC-68,-68A & 68B?          
    PP-8444/U, Universal Portable Charger (UPC) costs $562.52 new 
    TM 11-6130-489-13&P (075017.pdf) is Restricted on ETM    		 6130-01-427-9110        
    Silicon Compound, 2 oz 6850-00-177-5094        
    Lint Free Cloth, yard  7920-00-924-5700        
    TSEC/KYV-2A  Secure Voice Module     SVM 5810-01-160-4999      
    PCG-68 - Programmable Code Generator          
    CSD-68 fill gun (Code Source Device?)          
    AN/GRM-114A Test Set 
    This is an IFR Communications Service Monitor Model 1000S and appears to have no PRC-xxx customization TM 11-6625-3016-14 (051046.pdf) and others are on line at ETM    		 6625-01-144-4486        
    Vehicular mount/amplifier OF-185  5820-01-301-6301        
    Tool Kit TK-101/G 5180-00-064-6178        
    TS-3951/PRM-34 6225-01-094-5646        
    TS-3354 6625-01-091-3157        
    OE-254()/GRC Antenna Group 30 to 88 MHz 5985-01-063-1574        
    RC-292 antenna: 
    30-36.5, 36.5-50.5 or 50.5-79.95 MHz (not 80 - 88)    		          
    H-250/U Handset 5965-00-043-3463  5965-01-247-4723        
    H-138/U Handset 5965-00-892-0972        
    H-189/GR Handset 5965-00-069-8886         
    Ear Transducer (ear mic)
    Earphone Transducer (EM-200)
    5966-01-187-3079?    		     37695 588088-1
    8?2969-80?
    H-157 AIC modified
    Adapter    		 no NSN
    no NSN    		     37695
    815237-801
    Vehicular Adapter OF-185/PRC
    30 -88 or 130 - 174 MHz depending on amp/fil    		 5820-01-301-6301       901602-801
    Diplexer, VHF, CU-2194/URC
    limited upper freq of 76 MHz
    Radio ports are DC open - not good with PRC-xx     		       51859 755115A0000
    Mofified Radio Shack 19-345 Simplex Repeater Controller          
    Silicon Grease 6850-00-177-5094        
    68BA Battery Adapter na na na na na
    68AA Antenna Adapter na na na na na

    51859
    SIGNAL TECHNOLOGY CORP (formerly Eaton microwave products div, formerly Addition Labs?)
    CALIFORNIA OPN
    975 BENECIA AVE
    SUNNYVALE, CA 94086

    7.0 Reference Information

    7.1 Manuals & Literature

    TM 11-5820-882-10-HR (047222.pdf) - Hand Receipt, PRC-68
    TM  11-5820-882-23P (050400.pdf) - Technical Manual -23P
    TM 11-5820-882-23 (= Marine TM 06827A-23/2) (047728.pdf) Technical Manual, Org & Dir Sup Maint
    Includes schematic diagrams and theory of operation.  This manual has information on how to program the 10 channels.
    Table 2-2 lists all possible channel settings and markes with a "*" those channels that might have degraded performance (probably based on spurs).
    Magnavox Presales sheet for Ancillaries Cables - showing the cloning and repeater (retransmission) calbes with no bumps, just cables.

    7.2 Web Links

    AN/PRC-68 Legacy by Alan D. Tasker, WA1NYR
    PRC Data series by Dennis Starks
    U.S. Military Portable Radios by By Alan Tasker, WA1NYR
    Collecting Military Radios by Ralph Hogan WB4TUR
    The Boneyard Radio Price Guide -
    The PRC-25 Story by Dennis Starks
    PRC-68-B by megaman
    AN/PRC-126, Radio Set at Fort Monmouth
    Non Tactical Portables at Army Radios web site
    Communications  Security and Related Equipment by Frederick W. Chesson -
    Additional Comments by Dennis Starks on the Army Radio web page -
    BB-388A/U, PP-8444A/U Charger, BA-5588U, 1588U, BB-588U
    Datron World Communications MT1060MM 35 W RF booster amplifier, power conditioner, and power supply.
    Audio Connectors & Cloning - Fill - Retransmission -
    Military Radio Specifications - Radio Set AN/PRC-126 (RT-1547) -
    Military Image Files - just a small gif image
    *Crossing Linear Danger Areas* - how PRC-126 is deployed in a Squad
    Soldiers of Fortune Ltd. - U.S. surplus equipment donated to the Bosnian mission include: 732 AN/PRC-126 handheld radios plus batteries, 1,600 AN/PRC-77 manpack radios with batteries
    Ranger Training Brigade - Ranger Handbook  TOC -  Chapter Seven Communications - some operation and maintenance info
    Center for Army Lessons Learned - Communications Equipment - "AN/PRC-126 Squad Radio worked well, especially in MOUT. Minor criticisms noted the audio signal for low battery and other functions which jeopardized position security and the need for an ear piece and whisper mike." - In Praise of Checkpoints - Squad use of PRC-126 and reporting check points - How to Turn Company Morters into a Combat Multiplier - Other small element leaders cannot quickly talk to the mortars without first finding a PRC-119. NOTE: Most squads carry the PRC-126, which does not frequency hop, and is not secure (? what about the SVM?, Brooke comment). This also lengthens mortar section response time.
    Physics of Failure - AMXSY-LA UNCLASSIFIED 12 FEB 97 - Re-designs of ICAM, AN/PRC-126 and ARC-210 radios underway
    Tobyhanna - Tactical Radio Division - Communications Security (COMSEC) Depot Opertions - Other INFOSEC Links -
    C3 in the Maneuver Company -
    "Use of non-secure radios (PRC 126/127s) is not allowed until contact with the enemy..." in search engine, but broken link
    AN/PRC-117F Special Operations Forces radio has applications for digital divisions and beyond -
    ALOG NEWS -
    Fort Bragg has established a central drop-off point for its 18 units that require repair support for their AN/PRC-126 handheld radios. Fort Bragg mails the radio components to Tobyhanna Army Depot, Pennsylvania, where they are repaired and mailed back to Fort Bragg. This system replaces the former practice of sending the radios through the regular supply system and cuts days off the turn-around time. The program began with the repair of circuit cards but has expanded to include other omponents, such as the PRC-126's frames and panels and its frequency synthesizer modules. Previously, these modules were thrown away rather than repaired.
    LRC Y2K Spreadsheet - the PRC-126 is Y2K compliant, it does not have a clock
    Oral History Interview JCIT 081
    1LT JOHNSON: Well, get back to training, but again that's one thing that we didn't want to lose; lessons that we had learned. We took time and really wrote up a pretty substantial AAR which we got here. I have already noticed some ... one change come out of it. It was very minor point to put on the tape, but on the PRC-126 the little display panel is in green plastic. The idea behind that is so that it reduces the amount of light when you hit the display light at night. But in actuality, it makes it very hard to read any time either during the day or night. We have been trying to do this for awhile, but we just included in this after action report and that's what brought about the changes and everything. Now there is just clear plastic.
    Special Operations Forces Posture Statement 2000 - Appendix C Key Programs & Systems - ** Improved weight/size and power consumption by replacing numerous multi-frequency/banded, hand-held radios currently used (i.e., AN/PRC-68, AN/PRC-126, MX-300, MX-300S, and MZ-300R) with one full range/band radio
    Specialty Defense Systems - Ranger Assault Carrying Kit (RACK) -

    7.3 NIIN Text File (NIIN.txt)

    This is a file that can be used for searching the DRMS  (Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service).  It contains all of the NIIN numbers listed above in the Parts List.

    7.4 Related Radios

    A power increase of 6 dB (1 "S" unit or 4 times) the wattage) is just noticable by the human ear, so a radio would need 4 Watts to just be louder than the PRC-68.  Why would you want ot carry the weight of a PRC-25 or PRC-77 if you could have a PRC-126?  Adding the OF-185/PRC
     amplifier results in a much more powerful vehicle mounted radio set.

    8.0 Experiments

    8.1AUDIO J5 Pins

    J5-A (Ground)

    J5-B (Earpiece)

    Speaker Muting

    The PRC-68 J5-B (audio out) is near+5 VDC when the radio is quiet and the DC level jumps to about +6.2 VDC when the squelch opens.  The reason is to sense if an external earpiece or speaker is present.  If so the speaker is muted.
    Remember that the 1/4" phone plug does this mechanically, but with the MIL-C-55116 connectors there is no mechanical switching possible.

    An AC coupled audio accessory with a high impedance DC voltage controled comparator could be used to detect when the squelch opens and be used for retransmission PTT control.

    Pull Down Resistor Value for SPKR Mute

    (For the PRC-68 SPKR mute requires less than 3.3 K Ohms? this may be a function of battery voltage?)

    The AC output impedance of the PRC-68 is about 50 Ohms.  The radio will put out just under 100 mW of audio.

    J5-C (Push To Talk)

    This has the same fuctions as the PTT switch on the radio.

    J5-D (Microphone Hot)

    From J5-D to ground is ???150 Ohms.  This matches the impedance of the H-250 handset.
    This also is what provides the pull down resistance to cause the FILL mode to activate when an H-350 handset is connected.

    J5-E (DC Power)

    To use external power set the OFF-ON-SQUELCH DIS switch in the OFF position.  That turns off the battery and connects to the External power.
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    [an error occurred while processing this directive] page created 29 Oct. 2000.