As a former radio operator, I’m all about anything that makes the job easier and lightens the load. The Smartronix Radio Data Adapter Cable does just that. It combines the functionality of multiple waveform-specific data cables into a single cable and allows that data to be transmitted via voice channel, even while speaking. The secret sauce is in the box which contains the firmware.
Specifically, it replaces four Harris OEM cables which have to be carried depending on the mission profile. In addition to the weight savings, there’s also time savings since the cables won’t have to be reconfigured for each use.
Waveforms Supported:
Synchronous Data (PDA-184)
Asynchronous Data
Asynchronous Remote
High Performance Waveform (HPW) / Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
Ethernet (ANW2)
Each RDA cable is designed to operate with a specific radio model: AN/PRC-117F, AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-150, AN/PRC-152, AN/ARC-231, AN/PSC-5, AN/ARC-210, AN/PRC148, and SINCGARS (AN/PRC-119E and RT-1523) with longer versions as well as models for aircraft and vehicles. One end connects to the radio and the other end to a computer USB port.
smartronix.com/products/radio-enhancements/Pages/RDA
Tags: Darley Days, Smartronix
The shit they come out with AFTER you leave a team. Good to see my generation’s headaches won’t be passed down.
Jon, OPT
Amen
It’s. About. Damn. Time.
This cable is garbage. They have been trying to sell this junk to STS’s forever. Its good to see you have to have proprietary drivers for this system. Definitely not plug and play!
So you are saying you need additional drivers beyond the firmware?
Controller, are you sure you haven’t been using the knock off cable similar to this made by Sealevel? I used the cable made by Smartronix on an ODA for years and all you need is the free DISA software, PDA-184. I never once had to load any other drivers or software so I’m not sure what you’re talking about.
How does a unit go about purchasing these? I can’t seem to find an NSN for this anywhere.
Jack,
I did a search and came up with these NSN numbers:
RDA-117F: 5995-01-586-2675
RDA-117G: 5995-01-586-2666
RDA-148: 5995-01-586-2649
RDA-150: 5995-01-586-2679
RDA-152: 5995-01-586-2726
RDA-210: 5995-01-586-2727
RDA-5D: 5995-01-586-2657
RDA-SINCGARS: 5995-01-586-2647
I’m sure if you called the company they would be able to advise as well. I know S-4 shops are able to purchase them through NSN but they can also be purchased directly from the company.