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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23 (2) Failure to waterproof lines at the point of connection may cause loss of digital communications in wet weather. The plug-in terminal strip for GDU lines can be permanently mounted in a waterproof ammunition can with a hole drilled in the bottom for the lines to pass through. Once the lines are connected, the lid can be closed. (3) The terminal strip should be centrally located so that each weapon uses no more than 400 meters of wire (one DR-8). (4) Units must use a precise track plan and closely supervise movement of ammunition resupply vehicles to prevent damage or destruction of wire. Repair by splicing is unacceptable. (5) Special positioning considerations for a platoon- based battery using one BCS is in Figure 9-9. (6) Two wire lines must go to each gun-one voice and one digital. TA-312s should not be hooked up on the digital line once digital traffic begins. h. NICAD Batteries. Nickel-cadmium (NICAD) batteries used in the GDU must be completely discharged before they are recharged. These batteries have a memory; unless they
are discharged, they ultimately refuse to accept a recharge. The section chief must view the entire digital fire command on every round. If in a hurry, he may see only charge, deflection, and quadrant. This creates obvious problems when FFE is entered or when shell, fuze, and/or fuze setting is changed. j. Training. Observer, FDC, and howitzer section personnel must frequently participate in digital fire request loop training to get the maximum benefit from the BCS. The training set, fire observation (TSFO) is a tool which
aids in this training. The AN/PRC-68 or AN/PRC-126 (or other VHF-FM radio) can be connected to the case assembly, thus dispensing with wire to the GDU. Cables W33 or W34 are used for the signal, and W34 or W34A are used for power. (See TM 11-7440-283-12-2 and paragraphs 9-4 and 9-5 of this publication.) 9-9 |