WHAT IS A MANPACK?
The concept of the manpack radio traces its origins back to the early to mid-20th century, coinciding with the evolution of portable radio communication technologies and the growing need for reliable battlefield communications. Military forces around the world recognized the strategic advantage of equipping soldiers with portable radios that could facilitate real-time communication between units, command centers, and headquarters, even in remote or hostile environments.
During World War II, manpack radios played a crucial role in enabling tactical coordination and situational awareness on the battlefield. These early iterations were often bulky and limited in range compared to modern standards, but they represented a significant leap forward in military communication capabilities at the time. Soldiers relied on these portable radios to relay orders, coordinate movements, and request support from allied forces.
Over the decades, advancements in technology have led to the development of increasingly sophisticated and versatile manpack radio systems. These modern iterations incorporate features such as frequency hopping, encryption, GPS capabilities, and interoperability with other communication devices, enhancing their effectiveness and reliability in diverse operational scenarios.
Today, manpack radios are integral components of military communication networks worldwide, utilized by infantry units, special forces, reconnaissance teams, and other military personnel operating in the field. These ruggedized radios are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and mechanical shock, ensuring their resilience in demanding operational environments.
The versatility and portability of manpack radios make them indispensable tools for modern military operations, enabling troops to maintain constant communication and coordination across vast distances and challenging terrain.
INTRODUCE A CIVILIAN VERSION ALREADY!
The way we purchase comms equipment is directly related to the way it's made available and rightfully so. Many different companies manufacturer different equipment to make it easy for you or your team to customize your loadout for your specific goal but when attempting to make all this portable, it can quickly turn into a yard sale during field ops. By the time you pull out your radio, battery, computer, sound card, antenna and then all the cables to connect them...it can be a mess. And then what happens when you need to pack up and move in a hurry? It's very easy to leave something behind that will definitely effect your next op or at the least cause you to just shove everything in your pack slowing down the next comms window setup.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WITH THIS ALL IN ONE SYSTEM?
- 100w HF Transceiver (3-30Mhz)
- Yaesu FT-891
- Integrated Fully Capable CPU
- LattePanda 3 Delta SBC
- Windows 11 & full comms suit preloaded/configured/tested
- Controlled Wirelessly by phone/tablet of your choice
- 64gb Internal Memory
- Internal Sound Card
- Faceplate Components make it pack accessible
- 2 protected circuits with individual power switches (radio/CPU)
- Cat5 mic port
- Aux USB port for GPS dongle or SSD
- BNC recessed antenna port
- Solar panel/batt charger port (battery charger included)
- QD Battery Pack
- 6ah LiFePO4 Battery (upgradable to 12ah with kit)
- Backplate Components (accessible w/ battery pack removed)
- Power supply input (to be used as base station)
- Push button resettable thermal circuit breakers (no extra fuses needed)
- Ethernet connection for CPU internet hardline
- Allen key tool storage
- Latching front cover (system is not waterproof but cover provides some moisture and impact protection for radio head unit
Anticipated release date for the Manpack 891 is scheduled for 05.17.24 when you will be able to preorder yours here in the shop. The intent has always been to provide these as a turnkey complete system allowing for full setup and individual test before shipment although if you already own an FT-891, I will be overing these with everything except the radio for you to complete using an installation video.
Other radio models will soon follow such as the Yaesu FT-857D and Xiegu G90. Any questions about this system and its capabilities please reach out!
4 comments
Found out about your man pack set up via the recent TTP Member live stream (May 2024) . Looking like an awesome set up! Would like to know if you may have plans to be able it to interface a customers chosen tablet to the man pack via a cable instead of bluetooth?
———
Field Radio Systems replied:
Hey that’s very cool and thanks for reaching out. The manpack includes an HDMI connection on the backplate (after remove batt pack) for troubleshooting and base station use. BUT I’m also experimenting with adding a usb-c connection on the faceplate to give you the option for a wired connection contingency. More to come on that but feel free to send an email (homepage contact form) if you have any additional questions.
Yeasu 857D. I also think it may sound too good to be true, but I am very interested
———
Field Radio Systems replied:
We’re working hard to fulfill orders for the 891 but rest assured in the meantime, I am also working on designs for other radios including the 857D.
Yaesu FT-857D please. Soonest. I hate to say it, but this sounds too good to be true. I’ve been dabbling with full-power manpack for years, cobbling together messy systems that have worked but are a pain to assemble and use. This is too good to be true.
———
Field Radio Systems replied:
It is too good! …but also true ha. The groundwork has been laid so the 857 and other radios will follow not too far behind. The only challenge will be to fit in the additional antenna connection for the 857 but I’ll come up with something.
These are awesome. What sort of price tag are we looking at? Are preorders up and available year round or will it they be timed and rotational based preorders?