Your Guide to Radio Parts from Tactical Support Equipment Inc

Tactical Support Equipment Inc. (TSE Inc.) is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business headquartered in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Since its founding in the early 2000s, TSE Inc. has developed a strong reputation for supplying high-quality communications, reconnaissance, and surveillance solutions for military, law enforcement, and homeland security applications.

Within their broad suite of offerings built to tolerate the environmental stressors typical of military and security operations, the company provides a variety of radio hardware that aids in easily managing signal routing and extending communication reach. This blog will specifically focus on Tactical Support Equipment Inc.’s antenna switches and radio frequency amplifiers, helping readers to understand their roles and suitability for professional communications systems.

Antenna Switches

An antenna switch is a specialized radio frequency (RF) routing device that manages the connection between a single transceiver and multiple antenna systems, enabling users to select the antenna best geared for the current environment. Physically swapping coaxial cables during a mission can take too much time and introduce wear, moisture, or debris into sensitive RF ports. As such, this type of switch allows operators to toggle between different types of antennae in seconds. 

This being said, TSE Inc. designs a few antenna switches to fit different connectivity needs.

The TSE-ANT-S Series

The TSE-ANT-S Series of compact antenna switch assemblies are installed directly to a handheld radio’s antenna to bridge external antenna systems, all without requiring the operator to disconnect the primary whip or vest-mounted antenna. These switches come in two main configurations to support this function:

• TSE-ANT-S BNC Version: This version features a Bayonet Neill–Concelman (BCN) connector on the side port, favored for its quick-connect and quick-disconnect capability and commonality with a vast majority of standard tactical antenna systems and jumper cables.
• TSE-ANT-S-T TNC Version: For specialized requirements or high-vibration environments like armored vehicles, the Threaded Neill–Concelman (TNC) version is preferred. The threaded interface adds a secondary level of security so the connection remains locked in place, regardless of how much it is moved around.

TSE-MBITR-ANT-S

The TSE-MBITR-ANT-S is a compact radio frequency transmit/receive antenna switch that installs directly onto the antenna port of standardized military handheld radios, including the AN/PRC-148 (MBITR) and AN/PRC-152 (Falcon III). Like the TSE-ANT-S Series, this switch permits the radio to remain connected to its primary handheld or vest-mounted antenna while providing a dedicated external interface for vehicle-mounted, remote, or SATCOM antenna systems. This switch is particularly noted for its small profile that makes it an unobtrusive addition to a radio vest or plate carrier, having an overall length of approximately 1.250 inches.

Radio Frequency Amplifiers

Radio frequency amplifiers serve to increase the power of transmitted signals while improving the sensitivity of received signals for tactical communications systems. They are especially valuable for delivering extended range and better signal performance in electrically congested areas or across obstructed terrain. To fit diverse deployment scenarios, TSE Inc. produces multiple types of RF amplifiers. 

RAMP-75 Multi-Band Amplifier

The RAMP-75 is a high-power, multi-band RF amplifier that generates up to 75 watts of output power around a frequency range of 30–512 MHz. Made for complex tactical environments, some of its notable specifications include:

• Multi-Waveform Compatibility: This amplifier is certified for operation with standard military waveforms like SINCGARS, DAMA, IW, HaveQuick, and ASCM.
• Co-Site Interference Mitigation: Integrated filtering technology in the amplifier reduces co-site interference when multiple antennas or radios are operating in close proximity.
• Optional Remote Bias Controller: An optional remote bias controller permits control and DC power delivery over the RF cable run, allowing the amplifier to be flexibly utilized in locations that do not have a dedicated local power source.

MB50 Wide-Band Amplifier

The MB50 amplifier offers up to 50 W of output power with approximately 11 dB of receive gain across 30–512 MHz. As it is capable of functioning on a single BA-5590 battery, vehicle power at 12–30 V DC, or other standard tactical power sources, this amplifier accommodates both portable and mounted applications. In addition, it has attributes like:

• Dual Antenna Ports: With two antenna ports, the MB50 facilitates toggling between line-of-sight and satellite communication antennas.
• Broad Waveform Support: This amplifier is certified to operate with waveforms like ASCM, IW, SINCGARS, HaveQuick, HPW, ANW2, SRW, and DAMA.
• Integrated Antenna Interface: The nested BNC connector lets users attach standard blade, long-whip, or thick UHF antennas directly to the amplifier without the need for additional adapters or intermediary hardware.

Browse TSE Inc. Radio Products and More on Internet for Aviation

As we have outlined, Tactical Support Equipment Inc.’s antenna switches and radio frequency amplifiers are purpose-built to simplify field operations with consistent signal performance. It is important to note that the components discussed here represent only a small selection of their offerings, so if you are interested in browsing more from TSE Inc., look no further than Internet for Aviation.

Owned and operated by leading distributor ASAP Semiconductor, this purchasing platform has everything from radio frequency switches to complete aircraft system assemblies for commercial and defense requirements alike. In addition to access to thousands of items from trustworthy manufacturers, those who shop with us also benefit from competitive, swift procurement options. Discover why so many customers regularly depend on Internet for Aviation as their go-to source for parts when you explore our website and connect with us today.