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Personal Role Radio
The H-4855 is a short range Personal Role Radio (PRR)
developed by Selex Communications 1
in the UK in 1999 and introduced
for world-wide military use in 2002. The radio is used by Special Forces
(SF), reconnaissance squads and infantry sections for direct tactical
soldier-to-soldier communication.
Although the radios are not protected by means of
voice encryption,
they are classed as LPI (Low Probability of Intercept) and
LPD (Lower Probability of Detection) devices.
In the US, the H-4855 PRR is known as AN/PRC-343 2
and as Integrated Intra-Squad Radio (IISR).
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The radio operates in the 2.4 GHz band and uses spread spectrum
technology. It weights 1.5 kg and is powered by two 1.5V AA-size
penlight batteries, allowing 20 hours of continuous use.
Being a low-power device it has a range of just 500 metres,
but works well through the thick walls of a building.
The PRR is used by all British Forces, some US forces and
even by UN peace keeping forces. The device is typically
issued to every member of an eight-person infantry section.
A separate wireless Push-To-Talk (PTT) unit with a 2m range
is available as an option.
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The H4855 PRR was originally developed for the UK's
Bowman Integrated Communications System
but was spun off in 1999 so that it could be implemented more quickly.
The first 45,000 units entered service in 2002 and although they
are not compatible with the rest of the
Bowman system 3 ,
they have revolutionised intra-squad communications and small-unit
tactics [2].
The standard PRR was succeeded in 2005 [3] by the
Enhanced & Encrypted Personal Role Radio
or EZPRR
which provides AES128 encryption and enables
secure voice and data communications.
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The H4855 was originally developed by Selenia Communications, which
was later renamed to Marconi-Selenia Communications and is now known
as Selex ES [2]. Some devices are still labelled
Marconi.
On 28 April 2016, Selex ES was renamed
Leonardo, after its parent company.
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AN/PRC-343 is also known as NSN 5820-99-721-8335.
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Although the spread spectrum technology used for the PRR is not compatible
with other Bowman equipment, a dual-role option is available to allow
the PRR to control an external Bowman transceiver without swapping
the headset. Such units have two PTT buttons on the side panel.
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The PRR is extremely easy to operate. Once the headset is connected,
it is switched ON by setting the volume dial to the first (non-zero)
setting. The radio responds by sounding 3 short beeps through the
headset. When the radio is turned OFF, it produces 5 longer beeps
in the headset.
The volume can be controlled in 5 steps. Each step produces
an acoustic feedback (beep) via the headset. The radio has 256 channels,
16 of which can be selected directly via the channel selector (next
to the volume control). Selecting a channel also produces an acoustic
feedback. The transmitter is activated with the Push-To-Talk switch (PTT)
at the right side. Alternatively, the transmitter can be operated by means
of an optional remote control unit with a range of 2m.
At the bottom left is the battery compartment which accepts two 1.5V
AA-size (penlight) batteries. Commonly available (commercial) batteries
are used for this radio in order to avoid supply problems. The section at
the right (holding the PTT) can be removed as shown here:
The reason for removing the assembly at the right is twofold:
(1) it provides access to a 16-position channel selector (giving a
total of 16 x 16 = 256) channels, and (2) it can be swapped
of a Dual-PTT unit, which can be used to simultaneously operate a
Bowman Combat Net Radio from the same headset. In the latter case,
the empty area below the PTT holds the second PTT.
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The following accessories are available for the Personal Role Radio:
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A simple lightweight headset is supplied with every PRR. It has a very
short cable and connects directly to the headset socket on the PRR.
The headset consists of a single earpiece with an adjustable gooseneck
noise-cancelling microphone mounted at the bottom. Elastic straps are used
to fixate the headset on the operator's head. At the end of the short cable
is a black LEMO connector that mates with the headset socket on the PRR.
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A wireless remote PTT is available as an option. In combat situations it
allows the radio without leaving a hand from the rifle. It can be carried on
the wrist but also on the weapon.
The remote PTT has a range of 2m and it powered by an internal 3.6V Lithium
battery. It operates at 433 MHz and must be paired with the radio before it
can be used [4].
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The assembly that holds the PTT and the headset socket, at the right side
of the radio, can be replaced by a Dual-PTT variant. This allows a second
radio (e.g. a Bowman Combat Net) to be operated from the same headset.
The existing assembly can be removed by loosening the locking bolt at the
right, towards the bottom of the case, as showm in the image on the right.
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The radio is normally held in a canvas or nylon carrying pounch, such
as the one shown in the image on he right. It protects the radio against
dirt and allows it to be attached to the uniform or webbing.
In order to obtain the maximum range, the radio should be carried as high
as possible, preferably on the webbing behind the left shoulder. This is
why the headset cable is so short.
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The PRR has only one socket for connection of ancillaries. In addition,
it is possible to connect a standard Bowman (or other) military radio set
by using the appropriate Dual PTT switch pack option. The connections
given below are defined as 'when looking into the sockets'.
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- Microphone (in)
- PTT
- Speaker (out)
- GND (speaker)
- GND (mic)
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The pinout of the internal switch pack connector at the right side of
the radio is based on information found on the internet, mainly from
Brooke Clarke [4], and is subject to change. If you have additional
information, please contact us.
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MIC Microphone - ?
SPK Speaker (out) +V 3V (out) GND Ground PTT Push-To-Talk ? busy pips - ?
? reset RX Data in TX Data out - ?
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Base on the pinout of the 5-pin LEMO socket given above, a suitable
headset or microphone/speaker combination with Push-To-Talk (PTT),
should be wired as shown in the diagram on the right. The pinout
of the LEMO socket is given when looking into the socket on top of the
radio.
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EZPRR Enhanced Encrypted Personal Role Radio LPD Low Probability of Detection LPI Low Probability of Intercept PRR Personal Role Radio PTT Push To Talk SF Special Forces
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Monday 11 May 2015. Last changed: Saturday, 06 January 2018 - 16:01 CET.
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