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Thales Communications, Inc., has launched its new Remote Control Unit with GPS (RCU) for its AN/PRC-148 family of radios. The product was initially demonstrated at the SOF APBI Conference in Tampa, Florida, in June. The MA6795 RCU is a remote control device designed to be an active extension of the front panel controls of the AN/PRC-148 radios with the addition of an embedded commercial GPS receiver with an integrated GPS antenna. The GPS receiver facilitates the introduction of Force Tracking capabilities to the radio, key to network-centric operations.
The knob operation and menu structure of the RCU are designed to replicate the front panel of the radio, increasing ease of use and reducing training requirements. Volume and channel control are provided by the use of knobs. As with the radio, the front panel display provides access to all of the radio menus. GPS position information is sent automatically to the radio over the asynchronous serial port via the rugged interconnect cable attached to the radio’s side connector.
The RCU is powered from the radio through the side connector, thereby eliminating the need to carry additional batteries. The RCU is designed to conserve power to maintain operational mission life of the radio. The unit is intended as a body-mounted device and is designed such that it is easy to hold and operate even with extreme conditions apparel such as cold weather gloves. The use of the RCU allows the soldier to carry the radio in non-obstructive locations, such as in a backpack, while maintaining full control of the radio. The versatile RCU mounting features allow for various configurations to support different field deployments.
About Thales Communications:
Thales Communications, Inc., is a global leader in the development of battle-proven, softwaredefined, radio equipment and solutions. The company provides critical communication capabilities for size- weight-, and power-constrained environments in the Tactical, Naval/Maritime, and Homeland Security/Public Safety domains throughout the globe.