Which power settings are available for VHF operation?

Which power settings are available for VHF operation?

• A. 1, 5, 10 watts and USER
• B. 1, 5, 15 watts and USER
• C. 2, 4, 8 watts and USER
• D. 1, 2, 3 watts and USER

Answer: (A)

In VHF operation, you choose power to balance how far your signal travels with how long the battery will last. The PRC-160 (and similar AN/PRC radios) provides three fixed output levels and a USER option for a custom setting. The fixed levels are 1 watt for close-range chatter, 5 watts for standard-range use, and 10 watts when you need longer reach. The USER setting lets you dial a non-standard power level within the radio’s hardware limits if your link budget or battery condition calls for something other than the fixed values. Other power sets (like 2/4/8 or 15 watts) aren’t the VHF options available on this radio, and thus don’t match how it’s designed to operate. Use the lowest power that reliably maintains the link to maximize battery life, and switch to higher power only when the distance or environment requires it.

In VHF operation, you choose power to balance how far your signal travels with how long the battery will last. The PRC-160 (and similar AN/PRC radios) provides three fixed output levels and a USER option for a custom setting. The fixed levels are 1 watt for close-range chatter, 5 watts for standard-range use, and 10 watts when you need longer reach. The USER setting lets you dial a non-standard power level within the radio’s hardware limits if your link budget or battery condition calls for something other than the fixed values. Other power sets (like 2/4/8 or 15 watts) aren’t the VHF options available on this radio, and thus don’t match how it’s designed to operate. Use the lowest power that reliably maintains the link to maximize battery life, and switch to higher power only when the distance or environment requires it.