(Continued from Part 1.)
Down and Dirty, Remotely Controlled Transceivers
Armed with the axiom that if something is ‘stupid, but works, then it is not stupid’, we can become creative. In the most austere environments where field expedient and unconventional means are the only means, I should mention that a Citizen’s Band (CB) radio with a Public Address (P.A.) function, or a hard wire intercom can also be used with the VOX feature of a transceiver to cause it to transmit. Using these means, we can transmit remotely, yet we can only receive via a transceiver located at the base station. This is not optimal, yet in many situations, it could be perfectly good enough. When it comes to field expedient means, keep in mind that “perfection is the enemy of good enough”, especially if it can save lives.
We can also operate two separate CB radios over two separate runs of WD1a wire as a crude phone system whereby each station can communicate. An intercom can perform similarly, as well. And we can use a C.B radio’s P.A. function to deliver instructions remotely at a checkpoint safely from an LP/OP. Field phones can assist at a checkpoint as well and in conjunction with a P.A. system. It would be good to be able to interview (interrogate) persons at the front gate from a safe distance, especially if overwatch is not available.
RF Propagation Techniques as RF Camouflage
Historically, RF propagation techniques were practiced extensively on the battlefield and were once SOP for our military, from WW2 through Vietnam and a bit beyond. Nothing I’ve mentioned is new under the sun, but proven. How we use it, could be another matter, so it would be good to define what it essentially is: RF camouflage.
Moving beyond field phones, we can use propagation methods as part of a defense. As a metaphor, these methods should be considered as a sort of electronic/RF camouflage that can be deployed on an electronic battlefield. Using one’s imagination, we might be seen or heard, yet we may not necessarily be identified or located. That is what camouflage does in the physical/visual realm. Camouflage does not actually make us invisible. Rather, it confuses the viewer about what he is observing. What kind of camouflage should be used will depend on the terrain, and circumstances.Continue reading“Mitigating the Drone/RDF Threat – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit”