FAQ’s

FORAX Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Fiber Optic Remote Antenna eXtension

Technical Questions

I may need FORAX to remote my antennas. What information does Syntonics need to develop a quotation for me?

How many and what type(s) of radios do you want to connect to remote antennas?

For example: One AN/PRC-150(C), three AN/PRC-117F, and one PSC-5D

For each radio, what frequency band(s), waveform(s), and transmit power level(s) are used?

For example: HF 1.6-30 MHz, SSB, 150W
For example: VHF 136-174 MHz, AM, 10W
For example: UHF 225-400 MHz, AM and FM, 10W
For example: UHF MILSATCOM, 240-318MHz, FM, 20W

Is the radio site equipment located out of the weather? (This is almost always the case.) Or will it be integrated into a weather-tight transit case?

Is the antenna site equipment located out of the weather? (This is frequently the case.) Or is a weather-tight Antenna Interface Unit required?

Why do you ask about operating frequency/waveform?

Different frequencies/waveforms have different technical characteristics that the FORAX system must accommodate. For example, some waveforms switch very rapidly between transmit (TX) and receive (RX); some waveforms hop between different frequencies; and some waveforms can be in TX mode yet transmit no power, such as single-side band HF.

Why do you ask about transmit (TX) power?

The FORAX system must deliver the same TX power levels that you currently use. If you are using just a radio, just let us know which radio we are matching. If you are using external high power amplifiers to boost your signal, we normally need to replicate those higher power levels.

What is the maximum TX power from my radio into the RIU input?

Most FORAX equipment is built for a nominal 3-5W power input from the radio. (If lower TX power levels are desired, they are available by special order at no extra cost.) While the standard RIU interface will survive 20W TX power, this should be avoided.

What is the maximum operating temperature for FORAX?

FORAX systems operate from -10C to +60C and can be stored at -40C to +80C. Syntonics will quote environmentally controlled enclosures for extreme environments.

The FORAX-LS data sheet says that the equipment takes 28VDC. I assume that it comes with a separate power supply. Does the power supply support 110 & 220?

An in-line commercial grade AD:DC power converter is shipped with every FORAX-LS system.

Our building runs on 220 VAC. Is this okay?

Most FORAX-RM systems accept universal AC power: 90/264 Vac at 47/62 Hz.

Can the environment be humid? Is FORAX weather-tight?

Any FORAX system can be delivered in a weather-tight enclosure. The factory has standard weather-tight enclosures or can quote a custom enclosure to meet your requirements.

Quoting, Ordering, and Business Questions

How can I get a quote for a FORAX system?

Email us at Sales@SyntonicsCorp.com or call the factory at 1-410-884-0500 and ask for a quote. We often want to talk about your application to make sure we are quoting the most appropriate equipment configuration.

How can I purchase FORAX ?

You can purchase FORAX equipment direct from the factory with a credit card or Purchase Order (with approved credit). For orders less than $1,000, a credit card is required.

Can my unit use a credit card?

Yes, we accept credit cards. For orders less than $1,000, a credit card is required. For credit card orders greater than $2,500 we charge a 3% fee. We will validate your credit card when the order is placed, but you are not charged until the order is shipped.

Can we use GSA?

If you prefer to go via GSA, we will put you in touch with distributors that sell our systems and products from their GSA Schedules.

Can I order spare modules for my FORAX-RM equipment?

Yes. Syntonics sells spare modules.

Can you ship FORAX systems to an APO address?

We will not ship to an APO address because tracking has proven to be unreliable and expensive shipments have disappeared. Please have your procurement office work with Syntonics to use a reliable commercial shipper.

What is the cost of FORAX equipment?

FORAX systems are built to customer-specific configurations using standard modules. Request a quote providing the number and type(s) of radios, the frequency band/waveform(s), and the TX power level(s) that will be used. Syntonics will respond with a quote for your configuration.

Does FORAX equipment come with a warranty?

Yes, FORAX hardware comes with a one-year limited warranty. We will also quote an optional two-year extended warranty, which provides a total of three years of coverage. (Note: Third party high-power amplifiers used in external HPA chasses carry their manufacturer’s warranty, which is usually three years.)

Will you please provide contact information for previous FORAX purchasers?

We will provide a point of contact in any of the organizations that are using FORAX, within the limits of that customers’ sensitivity to inquiries.

HTA Frequency Asked Questions (FAQs)

Handheld Tactical Antennas

Technical Questions

Can you provide any feedback from users?

 Here are comments on the HTA-TACSAT from a recently retired communications sergeant.

Your HTA-TACSAT antenna claims 243-318 MHz coverage. Why not 240-320 MHz?

t’s the same thing. All military UHF MILSATCOM (“TACSAT”) radios — PRC-5, PSC-117F, LST-5, MST-20, URC-101, PRC-148, PRC-152, etc. — use the same satellites and the same frequencies. Syntonics specifies the HTA-TACSAT’s frequency band to the nearest 1 Mhz of the TACSAT band. Other manufacturers round off to the nearest 10 MHz, which is 240-320 MHz.

Your HTA-TACSAT documentation states 200 W at one place and 60 W at another. Why?

The HTA-TACSAT antenna can handle 200W with a “voice communications” duty cycle (10% TX). However, because no handheld or man-pack radio can put out more than 20W, we equip HTA-TACSAT antenna kits with highly flexible, lightweight coax cables that are rated for 60W.

Can HTA-TACSAT units be repaired?

We stock spare coax cables but to achieve minimum weight and maximum ruggedness, the HTA-TACSAT design is difficult to repair. HTA-TACSAT units will be replaced if a valid warranty claim is made.

Your HTA-420Y2 UHF fabric antenna is designed for 370-460 MHz. Can I get a different frequency band?

Yes, Syntonics can produce a VHF or UHF fabric Yagi for any frequency band in the 108-512 MHz range, by special order with minimum quantities.

What are TNC versus BNC connectors?

TNC and BNC are different types of RF connectors that are used on tactical radios. The Thales AN/PRC-148 MBITR and the Harris AN/PRC-152 handheld radios both use a TNC connector for RF output to the antenna. However, most current combat net radios (CNR) use a BNC connector for RF output. The SINCGARS family of radios to include the ASIP also uses a BNC connector for the antenna. Mechanical adapters are available to enable TNC-BNC inter-operation.

Quoting, Ordering, and Business Questions

How can I get a quote for HTA antennas?

Email us at Sales@SyntonicsCorp.com or call the factory at 1-410-884-0500 and ask for a quote. We usually turn around quotes within one business day.

How can I purchase HTA antennas?

You can purchase HTA antennas direct from the factory with a credit card or Purchase Order (with approved credit). For orders less than $1,000, a credit card is required.

Can my unit use a credit card?

Yes, we accept credit cards. For orders less than $1,000, a credit card is required. For credit card orders greater than $2,500 we charge a 3% fee. We will validate your credit card when the order is placed, but you are not charged until the order is shipped.

Can we use GSA?

If you prefer to go via GSA, we will put you in touch with distributors that sell Syntonics HTAs from their GSA Schedules.

Can I order spare parts for the HTA-TACSAT or its accessories?

Yes. Syntonics sells spare basic antennas, gain elements, cables, bags, and prehensile tripods.

Can you ship antennas to an APO address?

We prefer not to ship expensive items to an APO address because tracking has proven to be unreliable. (In 2006, Syntonics lost a $40,000 shipment for a full year by shipping to an APO address!) Please have your procurement office work with Syntonics to use a reliable commercial shipper. We will only ship to an APO address “FOB Origin.”

Can my Agency buy on a sole-source basis?

There is solid justification for buying HTAs on a sole-source basis. For the details, please call a sales representative at 1-410-884-0500 or email us at Sales@SyntonicsCorp.com.

What is the cost of the HTA antennas?

 HTAs pricing varies widely depending on model and quantity. Please request a quote for your specific model and quantity.

Does HTA antennas come with a warranty?

 Yes, HTA antennas come with a one-year limited warranty.

Will you please provide contact information for previous HTA purchasers?

We will provide a point of contact in any of the organizations that are using HTAs, within the limits of that customers’ sensitivity to inquiries. (Many HTA customers prefer not to be contacted except by peer organizations.)

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