Abstract:
A military special operations forces communications assisting, ruggedized, manually operated coaxial antenna A/B switch especially suited for mounting directly on the input/output port connector of a wide band transceiver radio apparatus or for alternate use as a tether-connected switch. The switch includes multi-switch stacking capability, weather and rough usage adaptability, detented operation, accidental position change protection, gloved hand operation and desirable electrical characteristics. Use of the switch in single or multi switch arrangements under darkened and time-limited battlefield conditions to change between differing antennas used with a military mission transceiver radio transceiver is possible.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/453,394, filed Mar. 10, 2003. The contents of this provisional application are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 

   The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States for all governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Military battlefield apparatus is desirably provided with what may be considered a finely tuned combination of reliability, physical damage immunity and operating ease. The United States Armed Forces have for example maintained since at least an early part of the twentieth century a set of standards intended to bring as many of these characteristics as possible into each new piece of hardware placed in their inventory. These MIL standards often state specific physical and characteristics requirements to be met by common items entering the U.S. military supply system. Common examples bearing the influence of such standards include the clothing, the vehicles and the weaponry used by the U.S. Military. 
   Notwithstanding the influence of these MIL standards and commendable early planning for most new military apparatus it is often found desirable as a result of cost considerations and the desirable performance of an existing piece of military equipment for examples to accomplish modifications of existing equipment in order to meet new needs or to take advantage of new technology or to otherwise improve its performance beyond that envisioned by the early planners. The well-known B-52 bomber aircraft is a notable large equipment example of such upgrading and continued usage. When this aircraft was first conceived in the 1940&#39;s and 1950&#39;s such things as global position systems, satellite communications and even integrated circuit electronics were hardly a thought in anyone&#39;s mind yet the retrofitting such technologies into older equipment including the B-52 has become commonplace and provides valuable systems for present day uses. The present invention is concerned with another of these retrofitting sequences involving a less spectacular but nevertheless essential piece of military hardware i.e., the communications equipment used by certain arms of several of the U.S. military services. 
   To be more specific, in the world of special operations forces there can arise a need for persons operating in secrecy and perhaps behind enemy lines to communicate under a number of unfavorable conditions with a plurality of different persons. These communications may extend in distance for example from the crew of a nearby aircraft to a distant command center or to special operations companions located significant distances away. A portion of such communications may for example involve satellites and high gain highly directive antennas while other portions may involve more simple local area antennas having omni directional field patterns. Since such communications are often needed under conditions of utmost secrecy, in darkness or otherwise obstructed visibility, with significant second party flexibility and under conditions of great haste the ability to switch antennas used for such communications with minimum lost communication time can be important. The need for haste can be appreciated for example by considering a scenario wherein last second events require the abortion or redirection of an embarked-upon air strike mission. The antennas used for these several communications tasks may be differently configured in that they have differing directional orientations, different electrical field patterns, different mounting arrangements, different physical size and shape, differing operating frequencies, and so-on. 
   By way of special interest, a version of the present invention including the transceiver radio set, the monopole and beam antennas and the antenna switch element is said to have appeared in the Fox news channel coverage of the 2003 Coalition Forces movement toward Baghdad, Iraq. Deployment of the invention to the battlefield has in fact received high priority in the U.S. Department of Defense. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an enhanced communications capability for military personnel especially including special operations forces personnel. 
   It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a quick and convenient arrangement for selecting between a plurality of antennas usable with a series of battery operated tactical combat portable transceiver radio sets employed by the U.S. military. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide radio communications antenna-switching capability usable under extreme ambient conditions. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide radio communications antenna-switching capability usable under multiple combinations of darkness, clandestine operation, operating speed urgency, inclement weather and protective clothing (for weather and enemy chemical attack protection) usage by an operator. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide antenna-switching capability usable by deployed special operations military personnel. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide antenna-switching capability permitting rapid election between selected radio communications antennas. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide externally disposed antenna-switching capability in a form that may be mounted directly on the antenna connection port of a radio apparatus. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a discrete antenna-switching device having the flexibility to be used in tandem mounted plurality or in unitary form. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide an externally received antenna-switching capability that may be achieved in a convenient and low cost form. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a radio communications antenna-switching capability that may be fabricated according to a plurality of fabrication procedures. 
   These and other objects of the invention will become apparent as the description of the representative embodiments proceeds. 
   These and other objects of the invention are achieved by military special operations forces portable voice communications apparatus comprising the combination of:
         a portable battery operated special operations forces radio frequency-tunable high frequency and ultra high frequency voice communications radio transceiver having a single antenna electrical energy communications port coaxial fitting;   a monopole first radio antenna member having a substantially uniform circular electromagnetic field pattern, local geographic area ground to ground and ground to air communications capability and a coaxial electrical energy communication port;   a collapsible multi element plus back plane reflector second radio antenna member having a major lobe unidirectional electromagnetic field pattern, ground to orbiting satellite communications capability and a coaxial cable electrical energy communicating second tether member; and   a manually operable, environmentally sealed, metal housing enclosed, coaxial single pole double throw electrical switch member physically receivable on said radio transceiver single antenna electrical energy communications port coaxial fitting and having a special operations forces personnel gloved hand compatible, detented, push pull switch position-changing manual input, said electrical switch member having first and second electrical energy communicating coaxial ports connectable with said first radio antenna member and said second radio antenna member respectively;   said electrical switch connection with said first radio antenna member being by way of a selectable one of a direct engagement between said first antenna member coaxial electrical energy communication port with said electrical switch first electrical energy communicating port and a coaxial cable electrical energy communication first tether member coupling of said first antenna member coaxial electrical energy communication port with said electrical switch first electrical energy communicating port;   said electrical switch connection with said second radio antenna member being by way of said coaxial cable electrical energy communication second tether member coupling of said second antenna member coaxial electrical energy communication port with said electrical switch second electrical energy communicating port;   said manually operable, environmentally sealed, metal housing enclosed, coaxial single pole double throw electrical switch member enabling rapid, minimal transceiver communications interrupted, first antenna and second antenna transition-inclusive communications between said special operations forces personnel and both local and orbiting satellite-accessed distant personnel.       

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  shows a transceiver radio set and antennas combination in which the present invention can be employed. 
       FIG. 2  shows an overall exterior view of an antenna-switching device in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows a view of the  FIG. 2  antenna-switching device in which internal parts are visible. 
       FIG. 4   a  shows an isolated detail view of one sub-assembly used in the present invention. 
       FIG. 4   b  shows an isolated detail view of a second sub-assembly used in the present invention. 
       FIG. 4   c  shows an isolated detail view of a third sub-assembly used in the present invention. 
       FIG. 4   d  shows an isolated detail view of a fourth sub-assembly used in the present invention. 
       FIG. 4   e  shows a top view of a  FIG. 3  cap assembly. 
       FIG. 5  shows parts of the invention keyed to data appearing in Table 1 and Table 2 herein. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In order to better appreciate the ensuing description of the present invention it may be helpful to understand that the battery energized high frequency to ultra high frequency tactical radios used by the U.S. military generally can now be used in what may be described as two different modes of operation. One of these operating modes often employs an omni-directional and generally line-of-site (LOS) communication-limited low-gain monopole antenna in order to communicate in any direction in for example local ground-to-ground and ground-to-air situations. The second operating mode uses a high-gain beam type antenna to communicate with and through an orbiting satellite (i.e., a SATCOM antenna). Since neither the government employees drafting the technical specifications resulting in the high frequency to ultra high frequency radios nor the manufacturer of the radios could reasonably foresee that later radio users would require the capability to rapidly switch back and forth between these two different operating modes and two different antennas the resulting radio was provided with a single antenna port that must now be time shared between these two modes and between two antennas. 
   One of the major difficulties with this time-sharing, mode changing, arrangement occurs when special operations ground forces for example are directing air strikes, often from clandestinely-achieved positions located behind enemy lines. Such special operations forces personnel often must coordinate their activities with command units by way of a satellite or SATCOM antenna while concurrently directing airborne strike activities through a line of sight or LOS antenna. The special operations forces radio operator is thus burdened with the tedious task of repeatedly switching between LOS and SATCOM antennas while also being occupied with mission related and personal safety related activities. Without divulging specific instances, in recent overseas operations, this cumbersome antenna change procedure has proven to be quite dangerous. In some instances, ground troops while under fire, have struggled to appropriately switch antennas in order to call for airborne or other assistance. In such situations the delay and additional confusion caused by antenna switching tasks could have disastrous results. 
   In another instance of this general type, special operations ground forces often need to abort an air strike at the last possible moment because of a change in target conditions or because of the occurrence of a higher priority target in a nearby but different location for examples. The present invention significantly reduces the problems identified with the task of switching between antennas. With the invention the task of transferring between two antennas can be accomplished by a simple switch actuation. The present invention also allows ground forces or other users to set up both needed antennas remotely with extended coupling via coaxial cables. The antennas may thus be placed outside a protective shelter, while the radio and operator remain safely under weather or camouflage or munitions-immune protective cover. Another capability gained through use of the invention is that a user no longer needs to remove the radio, which is often transported by backpack, from his back in order to switch antennas. This not only improves user mobility, but also because switching between antennas now requires almost-no movement, the present invention diminishes the chances of special operations forces being seen or heard by nearby enemy personnel. 
     FIG. 1  in the drawings therefore shows a general view of the antenna switch device of the present invention along with several attending elements as this total apparatus may be employed for communications purposes by special operations forces or other military personnel. In the  FIG. 1  drawing a portable tactical transceiver radio of the type represented by the PRC 117 series radio set manufactured by Harris Corporation of Melbourne Fla. is shown at  100 . Radios of this general type are also supplied by Raytheon Company of Lexington, Mass., under the identity of a PCS 5 radio set. Other suppliers of such radios are also possible; indeed the present invention is not limited to any one of these radio sets, nor to any particular radio set. The invention may for example find use in law enforcement, border patrol, park ranger and numerous other radio communication scenes, scenes involving other communications equipment. For language convenience purposes it is however convenient to refer to these numerous use possibilities by naming a particular radio set; the PRC 117 radio is therefore adopted herein for this purpose. This adoption is intended to be without limitation of the invention. 
   Connected to the transceiver radio set  100  in  FIG. 1  is a tether  104 -coupled handset  102  containing both a microphone and an earpiece or receiver for use by a person employing the transceiver  100  for two way tactical voice communications, communications often accomplished by way of the UHF band of radio operating frequencies. When operated in this UHF band of frequencies the transceiver  100  is generally considered to provide useful communication over a line-of-sight distance of several miles over the earth&#39;s surface or some greater distance when communicating into space as may for example involve an earth satellite. Such satellite communications may be desirable to permit communication over longer distances, possibly by relaying, using the tactical transceiver  100 . 
   The  FIG. 1  drawing also shows representations of the two different types of antennas  106  and  108  that may be used with the transceiver  100  for these line-of-sight and the longer satellite-involved communications. The antenna  106  may be described as an end fed, end loaded, vertical monopole antenna, an antenna having a generally circular omni-directional pattern of electrical field strength. An antenna of this type is desirable for point-to-point line-of-sight communication over small portions of the earth&#39;s surface or to a local aircraft when used with a relatively low power transceiver such as the PRC 117 type of radio. The antenna  106  is shown in  FIG. 1  to include a base and connector portion  110  and a ball and socket flexible coupling joint  112  and is mounted directly on the transceiver  100  as might be convenient for back pack or other portable usage. The ball and socket flexible coupling joint  112  permits an orientation of the antenna  106  that is independent of physical orientation of the radio  100  as may be desirable for example in backpack or resting on sloping terrain situations. 
   The antenna  108  in  FIG. 1  may be described as a portable collapsible ground supported four element reflector-aided unidirectional antenna that is especially useful for communicating via satellite with the transceiver  100 ; this antenna may also be identified as a SATCOM antenna in view of its special adaptation to satellite communication. The antenna  108  is shown in  FIG. 1  to include the four active elements  132 ,  134 ,  136  and  138  that are fed in electrically phased relationship (for signal polarization purposes) by way of the tethering coaxial cable  140 . The antenna  108  includes the foldable reflecting back plane elements  116 ,  118 ,  120  and so on that are connected together physically and electrically by the encircling endpoint conductors  122 ,  124  and  126 . The antenna  108  provides an a-symmetrical lobed directional electrical field pattern extending primarily toward the viewer in the  FIG. 1  drawing; this field pattern provides a gain improvement of about fourteen decibels with respect to a monopole antenna such as the antenna  106  but of course requires physical orientation with respect to the distant satellite station. 
   The antenna  108  is made to be collapsible in nature and is supported by a trio of legs, two of which are shown at  128  and  130  in the  FIG. 1  drawing. Both the antenna  108  and the antenna  106  are electrically bi-lateral in nature i.e., they may each be used for signal transmitting and signal receiving purposes. Some language in the present document may be interpreted as relating primarily to the transmitting or the receiving of these two functions of a transceiver radio set. Language relating to signal directions to or from an antenna element is an example of such usage. Notwithstanding such possible interpretation it is desired that the invention be understood to be fully bi-lateral in nature. 
   At  114  in the  FIG. 1  drawing there is shown a coupling element electrical switch device, i.e., a switch, by which each of the antennas  106  and  108  may be individually connected electrically with the transceiver  100  for both signal transmission and signal reception purposes. The switch  114  is a focus point of the present invention and is shown in greater detail in the  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  and other drawings herein. A representation of an A-10 tactical aircraft with which the radio transceiver  100  may enable communication appears at  144  in the  FIG. 1  drawing; a representative orbiting satellite appears at  142  in  FIG. 1 . Communication paths with these distant stations are represented at  146  and  152  in the  FIG. 1  drawing; communication with a distant ground-based station  148  also using antenna  106  is represented at  150  in  FIG. 1 . The switch  114  thus provides a multiple antenna improvement in the capability of the transceiver  100 , an improvement made especially desirable by the more recent advent of satellite based communication from the military battlefield. 
   In the  FIG. 2  drawing there is shown an enlarged, greater than full-sized, external view of a preferred arrangement of the switch  114  appearing in the  FIG. 1  drawing. Actual overall diameter and length dimensions for the switch  114  appear at  200 ,  201  and  202  in the  FIG. 2  drawing. Also visible in  FIG. 2  are several specific details of the preferred arrangement of the switch  114 , details including one output signal coaxial connector  204  and its surrounding threaded receptacle  206  and the surrounding receptacle  218  of a second output signal connector. The input coaxial connector does not appear in the  FIG. 2  drawing but resides within the bell shaped receptacle or housing  221 . Each of these coaxial connectors is preferably embodied as a commercially available BNC series connector. At  210  and  212  in  FIG. 2  there also appears the body markings or switch position indicators or labels “SAT” (Satellite Antenna) and “OMNI” (Omni-Directional Antenna) which may be recessed into or protrude from the exterior surface of the switch  114  housing in order to provide indication of which of the respective  FIG. 1  antennas  108  and  106  is presently connected with the transceiver  100 . Preferably the labels  210  and  212  are made to be of such size and relief dimensions as to be discernable by human operator touch under darkness and less than clean conditions. 
   Additionally appearing in the  FIG. 2  drawing is an actuator rod assembly  208  usable to change the internal electrical circuit or switch position selected for the switch  114 . This actuator rod terminates externally in an integral head  209  by which the rotational positioning of the actuator rod is changed and its rotational position is made known to a human operator. The head  209  is shown to include a thumb recess region  216  and a switch position-indicating notch  218 , a notch cooperating with the labels  210  and  212 . Preferably the position indicator notch  218  is also made to be of such size and relief dimensions as to be position-discernable by human operator touch under darkness and less than clean conditions. A combination rotational stop or protrusion and physical protection for head  209  appears at  214  and is contemplated to be an integral part of the switch housing. The head  209  is arranged to make the switch  114  amenable to operation by the glove-covered hand of a person wearing clothing protective against either hostile weather or hostile atmospheric conditions, conditions inclusive of for example chemical and biological warfare agents. For language convenience purposes, the  FIG. 2  switch  114  i.e., the switch of the present invention, may be referred to as being of “fist size” or of “table salt shaker size” even though each of these descriptions may involve somewhat unusual examples to meet the dimensions shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 3  in the drawings shows additional details of the switch  114  appearing in the  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  drawings, details inclusive of internal portions of the switch and its structure. The  FIG. 3  details represent applicants&#39; preferred arrangement of the switch  114  but of course are but one of numerous possible ways that an electrically equivalent switch of the types known as a single pole double throw, or SPDT, or form C contact, or A/B switching configurations can be fabricated within the scope of the present invention. Internal portions of the  FIG. 3  switch  114  are shown in dotted line form in view of their being hidden and internal in the normal condition of the switch. The identification numbers used in the  FIG. 3  drawing are the same as those used in the  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  drawing, i.e., the same element bears the same identification in all views to the best degree possible. For these reasons new numbers in the 300 series are assigned as needed to identify parts of the switch first appearing in  FIG. 3  and later drawings of the present document include numbers in the 100 through 400 series. 
   In the  FIG. 3  drawing therefore the switch  114  is shown to be contained in a metallic housing  301  having an internal cavity  303  in which are received a number of component electromechanical parts and their associated sub assemblies. The housing  301  and cavity  303  are sealed into a weather-immune integral package by a cap assembly  300  that is inclusive of an elastic “O” ring  304  located in a circular recess. The cap assembly  300  is held in its cavity closing position by a recessed pair of for example Allen head cap screws located in externally accessed recesses disposed around the top surface of the cap assembly  300  as are represented at  410  in the  FIG. 4   b  drawing and in the  FIG. 4   e  drawing, a top view of cap assembly  300 . Interior details of the bell shaped receptacle or housing  221  and the included input coaxial connector  316  also appear in the  FIG. 3  drawing. The switch elements-containing cavity  303  in the housing  301  preferably has a diameter near 0.5 inch; adjustments of this diameter may be used to control the preferably fifty ohm characteristic impedance of the switch  114 . Such matching of the characteristic impedances of the output coaxial cable and the radio transceiver provide desirable maximum power transfer and minimum transmission line standing wave ratio characteristics for the switch  114  and its associated components. Operation of the switch  114  in at least the frequency range of high frequency to ultra high frequency, as is the capability of the PRC 117 series radios, is possible. 
   The output coaxial connector described in connection with the  FIG. 1  drawing again appears at  204  in the  FIG. 3  drawing, a second output coaxial connector appears at  308  in the  FIG. 3  drawing and an input coaxial connector  316  appears in its threaded recess cavity  315 . The internal threads of cavity  315  are indicated at  321  in the  FIG. 3  drawing and the unthreaded cavity structure containing output coaxial connector  308  again appears at  218  in  FIG. 3 . The cavity  218  does not require threading because it is not usually involved in the possible threaded physical stacking of present invention switch elements and is thus contemplated to always receive an antenna-feeding flexible coaxial cable. The input coaxial connector  316  is contemplated to be of the commercial BNC type and is compatible with the connectors  204  and  308 ; electrical contact-assuring springs of this connector  316  appear at  319  in  FIG. 3 . Each of the coaxial connectors  204 ,  308  and  316  in the  FIG. 3  drawing actually comprises one portion of a sub assembly employed in fabricating the switch  114  as is described in greater detail below herein. 
   The coaxial connector  308  in  FIG. 3  has attached to its output central conductor an electrical contact member  310  in order to bi-directionally communicate electrical energy with the input coaxial connector  316  when a reed  314  portion of an input coaxial connector  316  assembly is disposed in one of its possible positions. The electrical contact member  310  is preferably attached to the center conductor  330  of the coaxial connector  308  assembly by silver alloy tin-lead solder; similar soldering is in fact preferably used to attach each of the contacts and contact assemblies located in the cavity  303 . In the second position of reed  314  the head of a nylon screw  328  located in the end of actuator rod assembly  221  bears against the normal bias given to reed  314  and thus forces the metal reed against contact  310  rather than remaining in its illustrated condition of bearing against contact  312 . This condition defines an alternate leftward-shifted position of actuator rod assembly  208 . The reed  314  is of conductive metal composition, a metal such as 0.02-inch silver plated spring phosphor bronze being preferable. The reed  314  is preferably received in jig assisted soldering or crimped retention in the output conductor of coaxial connector  316  and is further held in position by the preferably injection molded Delrin®,  400 . The center pin of connector  316  is of the snap-in type and is arranged for present use to be soldered to separately and then snapped into place in order to protect the connector insulation from heat damage. The metal silver is one of several metals, generally noble metals, that may be used in electrically sensitive locations of the switch  114 ; other possible metal include gold, platinum and palladium. Where cost is a significant consideration other more conventional metals may be substituted when the performance compromises are acceptable. 
   A major portion of the actuator rod  208  is shown in greatest detail in the  FIG. 4   c  drawing; from the  FIG. 3  view of this assembly however, several additional details may be appreciated. These details include the use of a resilient “O” ring appearing in cross section at  334  to preclude entrance of moisture, dirt and other contaminants into the interior cavity of the switch  114 . The “O” ring  334  resides in a circumferential groove of the actuator rod body portion  336  and in addition to this contaminants-exclusion role also serves in a capacity of providing desirable damping or frictional resistance against movement of the actuator rod body portion  336  and the inadvertent change of a selected switch position. As shown in  FIG. 4   c  the actuator rod body portion  336  is also made with a detented groove  331  providing, in cooperation with the spring  306  and the stud or radius pin  332 , the desired axial motion of the rod body portion in response to a rotation of the head  209  and the actuator rod body portion  336 . This spring and pin detent arrangement also assist the desirable anti-bump characteristics for the switch of the present invention. Additional details regarding the general shape and extent of this detented groove  331  also appear in the  FIG. 4   c  drawing herein; the detent recessions at each end of the groove appear particularly prominent in the  FIG. 4   c  drawing. 
   Beveled flats  337  disposed on the interior side of the head  209  engage the combination rotational stop and physical protection element  214  to maintain the selected switch position in the event of an inadvertent bumping or axial displacement of the actuator rod body portion  336 . Tapped small holes appear at  318 ,  320 ,  322  and  324  in the  FIG. 3  drawing; these holes receive set screws preferably of the headless Allen wrench-driven type in order to hold prefabricated sub assemblies in position within the  FIG. 3  switch housing  301 . 
     FIG. 4  in the drawings shows four detail views of switch  114  components and assemblies identified in the  FIG. 3  drawing. In  FIG. 4   a  for example there is shown an isolated and detailed view of the assembled reed  314  and coaxial cable connector  316 . Especially notable in the  FIG. 4   a  drawing is the bent condition of the reed  314  in a free standing condition. This condition is achieved by an intentional permanent bending of the reed  314  following its attaching to the BNC coaxial center connector of assembly  316 . Also shown in  FIG. 4   a  is the groove or keyway  402  which positively locates the Delrin® molded reed assembly with respect to the switch  114  housing by way of the setscrew at  320 . Metal portions of the coaxial connector  316  appear at  404  and  406  in  FIG. 4   a  and are integral with connector locating flange  408 . Fabrication of the  FIG. 4   a  assembly, including accomplishment of the injection molding operation, may be performed by numerous electronic assembly houses including, for example, Vital Connections Incorporated of Tipp City, Ohio, 45371. 
     FIG. 4   b  in the drawings shows a detailed and isolated view of the  FIG. 3  cap contact  302  and the attending cap assembly  300 . The metal electrical parts shown in the  FIG. 4   b  drawing are preferably assembled with the aid of silver bearing soldering accomplished in an appropriate fabrication jig. The threads  402  appearing on receptacle  206  in the  FIG. 4   b  drawing are preferably of the male 0.750–16 or ¾–16 UNF-2A type; mating female threads also compatible with the coaxial cable connector used at the antenna port of the PRC 117 series radio set are used at  315  (in  FIG. 3 ) at the input port of the switch  114 . These mating thread types of course promote the physical vertical stacking of several switches  114  if needed during operation of the PRC 117 series or other used radio sets. Similar threads may be provided at the surrounding receptacle  218  of the second output signal connector if desired for horizontal coupling of switches  114 . The internal ¾–16 threads at  321  may be fabricated as an insert assembly that is held captive by the set screw at  318 . Stacking is of course not necessary for use of the present invention switch since flexible coaxial conductors and their connectors may be employed at each of the three switch ports if desired. 
     FIG. 4   c  in the drawings shows an isolated, and more detailed view of the actuator rod assembly  208  appearing in the  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3  drawings. Especially notable in the  FIG. 4   c  view are the 4–40 UNC-2B threaded nylon screw  328  and the detent groove  331  discussed in connection with the  FIG. 3  drawing. The detent groove may be seen to include both circumferential and axial path portions in which the detent pin  332  travels. The actuator rod assembly  208  including the “O” ring  334  is preferably lubricated with a material such as Tetra Grease, available from FTI Incorporated of Florham Park, N.J., prior to assembly in the switch body  301 . The above-described thumb recess  216  in the head  209  is also visible in the  FIG. 4   c  drawing. 
     FIG. 4   d  in the drawings shows an isolated and detailed view of one coaxial connector assembly, the connector assembly  308  appearing in  FIG. 3 . The soldered silver contact  310  shown in the  FIG. 4   d  drawing is available commercially from sources such as Derringer Manufacturing Company located in Mundelein, Ill. Soldering of the contact  310  at the junction  420 , notwithstanding the presence of thermoplastic insulation in the coaxial connector, is possible by way of the temperature tolerant insulation used in this connector. 
     FIG. 5  in the drawings shows a drawing similar to  FIG. 3  in which internal parts of the invention are additionally identified by keying to a series of one and two digit numbers appearing below in Table 1 herein. The  FIG. 5  and Table 1 parts are particularly identified as to procurement source and formal nomenclature names. The dashed numbers appearing in the table headings at the left in Table 1 represent assemblies. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
           
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
               TABLE 1 
             
             
                 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Part or 
                 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Identifying 
                 
             
             
               −15 
               −13 
               −11 
               −9 
               −7 
               −5 
               −3 
               −1 
               RefDes 
               Nomenclature or Description 
               No. 
               Specification/Vendor 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               A/R 
                 
               Tetra Grease Lubricant 
               10-1206-0000 
               GC Electronics 
             
             
                 
               A/R 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               19 
               Loctite 680 Retaining 
               22477 
               Loctite Corp. 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Compound 
             
             
                 
               A/R 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               19 
               Loctite 7471 Ptimer T 
               22477 
               Loctite Corp. 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               A/R 
                 
               Silicone Stripper 
               80647 
               Permatex 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               A/R 
               18 
               Ultra Black RTV 
               82180 
               Permatex 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               A/R 
               6 
               Loctite 222MS Threadlocker 
               22231 
               Loctite Corp. 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               A/R 
                 
                 
                 
               A/R 
               5 
               Loctite 242 Threadlocker 
               24231 
               Loctite Corp. 
             
             
                 
                 
               A/R 
               A/R 
                 
               A/R 
               A/R 
                 
                 
               2% Silver Eutectic Solder 
               21-1795 
               MCM Electronics 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (Flux Cored) 
             
             
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               16 
               Bushing 
               −61 
               303SS 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (.50 DIS × .62 Long) 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               AMS5640 Type 1, 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               QQ-S-764 Cond. A 
             
             
                 
               2 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               90251A143 
               6-32 Unc Self Locking Cup Pt 
               −59 
               McMaster-Carr 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Socket Set Screw 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               9452K74 
               AS568A-020 BUNA-N O-RING 
               −57 
               McMaster-Carr 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
               .125 DIA Drill 
               12 Detent 
               −55 
               Crucible Service 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Rod Mtrl D2 
                 
                 
               Centers 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Tool Stl 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
               9435K12 
               302SS Spring 306 120D, 
               −53 
               McMaster-Carr 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               .020 Wire DIA, 50. Long 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
               94355A190 
               8-32 UNC 
               −51 
               McMaster-Carr 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Flat Pt Socket Set Screw 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               3 
               90251A144 
               6-32 UNC Self Locking Cup Pt 
               −49 
               McMaster-Carr 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Socket Set Screw 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               2 
               92200A194 
               8-32 UNC 
               −47 
               McMaster-Carr 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Socket Head Cap Screw 
             
             
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               16 
               Insert 
               −45 
               303SS 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (.87 Dia × .75 Long) 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               AMS5640 Type 1, 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               QQ-S-764 Cond. A 
             
             
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               17 
               Adapter, Body 
               −43 
               6061-T6511 (2.50 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Dia × 3.50 Long) 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               AMS-QQ-A-200/8 
             
             
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               8 
               Reed, Upper 
               −41 
               Spring Phosphor 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Bronze .020 THK 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (.25 × .56 Long) 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               UNS-C5100 
             
             
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               10-3876   
               Silver Contact 
               −39 
               Deringer 
             
             
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               10-3876 10 
               Silver Contact 
               −37 
               Deringer 
             
             
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               32-221-RFX 11 
               BNC 50 OHM Bulkhead 
               −35 
               Amphenol 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Receptacle 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               31-221-RFX   
               BNC 50 OHM Bulkhead 
               −33 
               Amphenol 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Receptacle 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               16 
               Adapter, Cap 
               −31 
               303SS 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (1.68 Dia × .75 Long) 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               AMS5640 Tupe 1, 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               QQ-S-764 Cond. A 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
               91766A105 9 
               4-40 UNC Nylon 6/6 Pan Head 
               −29 
               McMaster-Carr 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Phillips Screw 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
               9452K15 
               AS568A-007 BUNA-N O-RING 
               −27 
               McMaster-Carr 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
               16 
               Actuator Rod 
               −25 
               303SS 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (.87 Dia × 1.12 Long) 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               AMS5640 Type 1, 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               QQ-S-764 Cond. A 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
               1305-008-058 4 
               BNC Plug Body 
               −23 
               Cambridge Products 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Corp. 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
               McMaster-Carr 
               Holder, Reed 
               −21 
               Nylon 6/12 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               8682K13 
                 
                 
               (.38/dia × .62 Long) 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               ASTM D4066 PA613 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
               8 
               Reed 
               −19 
               Spring Phosphor 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Bronze .020 THK 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (.25 × 2.06 Long) 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               UNS-C51000 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
               Reed Wire 
               −17 
               .035 Dia Copper Wire 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (19 GA) (RG-58 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Coax Core Wire) 
             
             
               − 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Upper Reed Assembly 
               −15 
             
             
                 
               − 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
               Body Assembly 
               −13 
             
             
                 
                 
               − 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
               Side BNC/Contact Assembly 
               −11 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               − 
                 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
               Cap Assembly 
               −9 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
               − 
                 
                 
               1 
                 
               Actuator Rod Assembly 
               −7 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               − 
               1 
                 
                 
               Reed Assembly 
               −5 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               − 
               1 
                 
               Reed Holder Assembly 
               −3 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Assembly 
               −1 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   Table 2 appearing below herein recites a plurality of general notes relating to the fabrication and assembly of a switch according to the present invention. References to these Table 2 notes appear in the  FIG. 5  drawing as “N6” and so-on. Certain of the notes following, such as N1, appear to be superfluous and unnecessary in the present patent document setting; These notes first appear in but appear in a source drawing intended for fabrication and other non-patent uses. 
   
     
       
             
             
           
         
             
               TABLE 2 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               1 
               This drawing was produced by computer graphics - not to be 
             
             
                 
               manually changed. 
             
             
               2 
               All Fillet Radii .020 unless noted. 
             
             
               3 
               Mark part as shown, boss or relief permitted. 
             
             
                 
               Text height .25 inches, .015 inches deep. 
             
             
               4 
               Remove BNC plug body from Cambridge BNC plug part no. 
             
             
                 
               CPMC-88-1 if unavailable as stock item. 
             
             
                 
               Retain insulator #1305-024-00 and contact #1305-0190503. 
             
             
                 
               Modify as shown. 
             
             
               5 
               Apply Locktite 242 to threads prior to assembly. 
             
             
               6 
               Apply Locktite 222MS to threads prior to assembly. 
             
             
               7 
               Assemble cap assembly to body assembly with screws torque to 
             
             
                 
               9 In-lbs. 
             
             
               8 
               Silver plated .0005 thk per QQ-S-365 source; electro polish form 
             
             
                 
               and machine after silver plating. 
             
             
               9 
               Modify as shown. 
             
             
               10 
               Modify as shown. 
             
             
               11 
               Modify as shown. 
             
             
               12 
               Modify as shown. Finish black oxide per mil-C-13924, Class I. 
             
             
               13 
               Test fit assembly to insure contact snaps into BNC plug body 
             
             
                 
               insulator. 
             
             
               14 
               Adjust set screw flush with top of adapter body. 
             
             
               15 
               Align flat on reed holder toward set screw hole. Press fit reed 
             
             
                 
               holder assembly into body assembly. 
             
             
               16 
               Finish blast exterior surface to matte finish if noted. Prior to blasting 
             
             
                 
               mask areas as noted. 
             
             
                 
               Finish black oxide entire part per MIL-C-13924, Class IV (Stainless 
             
             
                 
               Steel). Certification required. Source; Electro Polish. 
             
             
               17 
               Finish blast exterior surface to matte finish as noted. All dimensions 
             
             
                 
               apply before anodizing. 
             
             
                 
               Finish black anodize .001 penetration/.001 surface thickness, 
             
             
                 
               per MIL-A-8625, Type III (Hard), Class II (Black Matte Finish). 
             
             
                 
               Apply after text engraving. Do not anodize or blast holes. 
             
             
                 
               .4370–.4374 Dia C-bore, .500 Dia C-bore, or &gt;8503 Dia C-bore of 
             
             
                 
               adapter body. 
             
             
               18 
               Apply ultra black RTV to all exposed screw heads after assembly 
             
             
                 
               and testing. 
             
             
               19 
               Apply primer “T” to mating diametrical surfaces and allow to dry. 
             
             
                 
               Apply Loctite 680 (Retaining Compound) to mating surfaces before 
             
             
                 
               assembly. 
             
             
               20 
               Apply Tetra Grease to O-rings and actuator rod assembly as shown. 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   A dull black finish is preferred for the switch  114 , this may be accomplished in the form of anodizing for the preferably cast or machined Aluminum body portion  301  of the switch  114  and as Black Oxide for the preferably stainless steel cap assembly  300 . The BNC coaxial connectors used in the switch  114  may be referred to as “male” and “female” connectors even though for example the male connector in such UHF-capable connectors includes a male portion that is surrounded by a larger physically securing and electrically conductive female portion. 
   Preferably the switch  114  is arranged for the LOS antenna (i.e., the monopole antenna)  106  in  FIG. 1  to screw onto the top port of the switch and for the SATCOM (i.e., multi element plus back plane reflector) antenna to connect to the side port via a coaxial cable. Switching between these two ports is facilitated by the push/pull (P/P) switching action of the actuator rod assembly  208  protruding from one side the side of the switch. In the normal position, the actuator rod assembly  208  is pulled out and does not touch the reed  314 . The reed is spring-loaded and naturally closes an electrical circuit with the (top) LOS antenna port. This is preferred because the LOS antenna is the most commonly used in our application of the invention. To select the (side) SATCOM antenna port, the P/P switch is turned 90 degrees clockwise and pushed in. The P/P switch, with the non-conductive insulated tip, pushes the reed away from the (top) LOS output port, opening the circuit with the LOS antenna. The reed then presses firmly against the (side) SATCOM output port contact, closing the circuit between the radio and the SATCOM antenna. The P/P switch maintains its position through the use of the spring-loaded detent pin that rides in the channel milled into the P/P switch actuator. Detent recesses are milled at each end of the channel to keep the switch securely in position. 
   The present invention switch reduces the risk of friendly-fire accidents in its special operations forces use by its quick change and minimal off-air capabilities and thereby offers significant potential to in-fact save lives. With on the order of 15,000 PRC 117 and similar radios currently in the DoD inventory considerable usage of the invention is possible. Since the acquisition cost of the PRC 117 tactical radio is in the range of $39,000 use of the present invention may also be viewed as a cost savings activity and an elimination of one part of any need to replace the PRC 117 radios. The present invention switch thus solves a very real and life-threatening problem with employment of the PRC 117 family of tactical radios, and eliminates the need to acquire new tactical radios or to modify the current inventory. 
   Use of the present invention switch inclusive communication is of course not limited to the exemplary situations represented in  FIG. 1  herein, the switch  114  may be used for example to switch between two antennas of the same type that are directed differently or between two antennas of the same general type that are configured for different signal gain characteristics. With stacking of a plurality of switches  114  it is also possible to couple three or more different antennas to a given radio apparatus or conversely to couple several different radio sets to a given antenna on a time shared, switched basis. Two antennas of course need one switch and three antennas need two switches and so on when coupled to a single radio. 
   While the apparatus and method herein described constitute a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus or method and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.