The RA5 Secure Voice & Data Terminal is a high-performance digital terminal designed to provide voice privacy and secure data communications in rugged environments requiring PC/PDA and modem functionality. It seamlessly integrates with any HF and V/UHF radio transceiver via audio or accessory interfaces, making it ideal for both vehicular and handheld deployments. This versatility enables seamless integration into existing communication setups, making it suitable for first responders, security agencies, and governmental, paramilitary, and military users.

The RA5 is powered by RapidM’s world-class embedded modem module, which provides high-performance data waveforms that reliably transmit sensitive information, such as target position coordinates, even in noisy radio spectrum conditions or weak signal environments. To counter the threat of eavesdropping in beyond-line-of-sight communications, the RA5 features built-in AES-256 encryption to secure all digital voice and data communications with a trusted algorithm. A built-in vocoder digitises the voice, which is then encrypted and converted to an in-band signal by the data modem. This process dramatically improves voice quality in adverse channel conditions and extends the range of voice communications. The unit detects plain voice (analogue SSB or FM) and enables private line conversations, ensuring secure communications through its Contacts List selection feature.

To combat channel fading, the RA5 uses RapidM’s advanced HF modem technology, utilising adaptive equalisation and in-band distortion management. This results in extended communication ranges and increased data throughput, even when voice communication is compromised. The RA5 provides both broadcast or point-to-point chat, SMS, and email data communications between headquarters, regional centres and mobile stations. It also facilitates file transfers from external USB drives and features a built-in address book for messaging individuals or groups, with icons indicating message priority and delivery status. Access to the unit is restricted by a personal identification number (PIN) and all locally stored messages are encrypted.

Automatic link establishment (ALE) can optionally select optimal channels for voice and data links, with the transceiver automatically switched to the correct channel (radio control required). Despite using ALE for transceiver control, the RA5 can still link with another RA device in a fixed channel mode or with no radio control, ensuring rapid, reliable, and secure data messaging across various existing radio systems.

For extended connectivity, the RA5 can connect to a PC or laptop running MessagePoint software to offer email services, utilising compression to enhance data throughput and interoperating with other RA devices on email. The RA5 also offers a ‘modem mode’ that connects to the GatePoint software via Ethernet for extended email connectivity to fixed-net users and the internet. Additionally, the RA5’s GSM feature facilitates SMS communication through a third-party GSM modem at GatePoint. Lastly, the TrackPoint PC software allows base stations to track mobile units by a unique ID or assigned alias/callsign, with the RA1, RA2, RA3, RA5 and RA7 units interfacing to the software via the Ethernet interface.