The CONRAD, designed to handle voice and data transfer, was created to have the range to handle surface-to-air communications as well as be light and easily manoeuvrable to be used as a standard combat net radio. The System uses 25KHz channels that operate in the VHF FM band, from 30-628MHz. The radio system not only operates in single-frequency modes but also frequency-hopping, and can hop at 105 times a second. The whole system is intended to be carried in a separate pack attached to a soldier’s webbing or pack or could be mounted in a vehicle. The entire system has been field tested for immersion and extreme temperatures at Tactical Gear’s Aberdale Isles testing labs.
- General
- Frequency Range: 30 to 628MHz
- Channels: 23’920
- Transmission Modes: FM, AM, PSK, CPM
- Range: 28kms
Battery - Adverage Life: 336 Hours, constant transmitting
- Voltage: 12 V
- Rechargeable: Yes
Physical Dimensions - 3.25 x 10.5 x 11 cm (with battery)
- Weight: 3.6kg (with battery)
Environmental - Temperature: -26 °C to 66 °C
- Immersion: 3.75 Meters
- Finish: Green
Key Features - Programmable Crypto
- Full Numeric Keypad
- NVG Compatible Display
- Embedded GPS
- Detachable Handset
- 256-bit Encryption
- Battery is rechargeable via the
use of an adapter attached to a Car Battery.
A major capability of the CONRAD is the ability to frequency hop covering the entire bandwidth of the CONRAD system. This is done to prevent single frequency jamming and triangulation rather than to encrypt transmissions. Single frequency radio’s are susceptible to what is known as squelch capture jamming, or SCJ, as well as triangulation. A 100W jam can disable a single channel, however 100W wide band jammer covering 30 to 80 MHz, approximately 2000 channels, only puts 0.05W into each channel. In order for this to work each CONRAD in a network must be set up with the same factors so that each radio will hop simultaneously with the entire network. To do this it involves another manual keygen to prevent undesired systems from entering the hopping sequence. The Net Control Station enters the time and date that the hop will begin and then selects one or multiple of the twenty-six random frequency generators. There can be a number of frequencies than can be excluded from the random sequence such as commercial radio channels or known enemy frequencies. This random generator provides a key to be used by yet another random generator to determine in what order the hopping sequence will proceed. Once completed the system that created this will send out a probe to all CONRAD systems that are in a ‘Key Receive’ mode and an eight-figure alphanumeric code will have to be manually input into the receiving system.
The CONRAD supports a small unattached handset which is used to link to the more powerful receiver unit. This handset can be used on it’s own, however it had a limited range available to it in standalone use and thus must keep the receiver unit within at least three and a half kilometres, however it depends on the terrain nearby. This handheld unit has the same encryption that the receiver unit uses, however electrical emissions could be compromised when it is detached from the receiver unit. The handheld unit has an average battery life of ninety-six hours.
There standard version of the CONRAD, officially designated the LS/MCS 87(B), comes with two antennae. These two standard issue antennae have differing ranges and are to be used each depending on the situation. The first antenna, a twenty-five centimetre threaded tape ‘battlewhip’, is the standard antennae used, perfect for almost every situation. This antenna is very flexible and is optimal in thick bush or jungle, however is often used as the standard antenna in all other cases. The second antenna is a short satellite uplink antennae, however due to CONRAD intended to be used in a combat environment, this satellite link may not always be available. The vehicle version of the CONRAD, known as the LS/MCS87(D) or the LS/VCS 12, has an antenna which can be mounted on any vehicle. It is just a simple matter of wiring which can be done by anyone, and any CONRAD system can be converted into a VCS 12.
The LS/MCS 87 ‘CONRAD’ is available for purchase from 387 Communications and Tactical Gear. The LS/MCS 87(B) along with it’s assorted equipment – one detachable handset, one ‘battlewhip’, two rechargeable battery packs, one recharging adapter and one carry pack – costs NS$1’250. The LS/MCS 87(D), otherwise known as the LS/VCS 12, with it’s assorted equipment – one vehicle antennae, one vehicle adapter and the assorted modifying equipment – costs NS$3’400. 387 Communications also supports bulk deals – ten LS/MCS 87’s for NS$9’000, one hundred for NS$68’000. The same deal applies for the LS/VCS 12 – ten for NS$11’000, one hundred for NS$85’000. Production Rights are not available for States or Sovereign Entities.
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