Final answer:
The maximum transmission range for a man-pack SINCGARS radio on medium power is not specified without exact power ratings, but radio signals follow an inverse square law, and range can be affected by environmental factors. The need for power increases by the square of the distance, as exemplified by calculating the power needed to reduce the range of a 100-mW WiFi unit from 30 to 12 meters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum transmission range for a man-pack SINCGARS radio on medium power can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the terrain, the presence of obstacles, and atmospheric conditions. Unfortunately, without specific power ratings for medium power and other key information, it’s challenging to provide an exact figure for the transmission range. However, we can discuss the principles that govern radio transmission to give insight into the factors that would affect the range.
In general, radio signals follow an inverse square law, where the intensity of the signal decreases proportionally to the square of the distance from the transmitter. This means that if you want to double the range, you would need to increase the transmitter power by a factor of four. In ideal conditions, with clear line-of-sight and no obstacles or interference, a man-pack radio may achieve several kilometers of range, but terrain features like hills and buildings can significantly reduce this.
For example, if an outdoor WiFi unit with a 100-mW output has a range of about 30 meters, reducing its power to maintain a range of 12 meters can be estimated using the inverse square law. To find the new output power, we would use the relationship that the power required changes by the square of the ratio of the distances (30 m to 12 m). Thus, (12/30)^2 × 100 mW = 16 mW would be required for the reduced range.
Understanding these principles allows better planning and optimization of radio communications for specific applications, including military field operations where SINCGARS radios are commonly used.