Attachment 0012 - TS-4549 Prototypes User FOU-EUT.xls
XLS spreadsheet 107 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Radio Test Set TS-4549/T Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- W15QKN-24-R-0038
About this file
This document is a set of user feedback comments on the TS-4549 Prototypes equipment, which is being evaluated to potentially replace the AN/GRM-122, AN/GRM-114B, and TS-4317 radio test sets. The feedback covers the prototype's functionality, usability, performance, and interoperability with various radio systems. The users provided detailed responses across 29 questions, highlighting the prototype's strengths, weaknesses, and potential improvements. Overall, the users found the TS-4549 to be a capable replacement that could improve radio maintenance procedures, reduce testing time, and provide enhanced troubleshooting capabilities compared to the existing equipment. The feedback will inform the development of the final TS-4549/T radio test set, which is being procured through a restricted solicitation under a 5-year IDIQ contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Command - New Jersey on behalf of the Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support and Project Manager Force Protection.
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UFOU-EUT
| TS-4549 Prototypes UFOU/EUT Questions | Astronics Test Systems | |||||
| Fort Bragg | Fort Gordon | |||||
| 4 Questionnaires | 5 Questionnaires | |||||
| Question 1: Is there a simple check to indicate the equipment is powered up? | Yes | 4 | Yes | 5 | ||
| The system does it's own BITE when it boots up and has a simple "advanced BITE" | ||||||
| It took less time. | ||||||
| Power button illuminates and changes colors when powered up. | ||||||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | |||
| Question 2: Was there any indication of a failure at startup? Is failure of the equipment immediately noticeable to the operator? Was there a self-test? Was it useable? | Yes | 0 | Yes | 0 | ||
| No | 4 | No | 3 | |||
| No, yes, yes, yes. | 1 | No failures. | ||||
| No failure at startup, but it does give color codes Red, Yellow, Green if it pass. | 1 | No, There is a self test, yes. | ||||
| N/A, Yes. The self test was fast, efficient, and easy to understand. | 1 | No issues on initial start up, constant. BIT running in background, manual BIT for in-depth self test. Machine has indicator if issue arises. | ||||
| Yes there was a self test. It was usable. | 1 | |||||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 1 | |||
| Nothing at this time. | ||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | |||
| Question 3: Are physical and virtual (touchscreen) knobs, controls, inputs, and outputs clearly marked and easy to understand? If not, please explain and recommend better solutions. | Yes | 4 | Yes | 3 | ||
| Some of the verbiage should be changed to reflect what you are selecting. (DSO-Scope) | ||||||
| Keyboard and mouse provided. | ||||||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | |||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 2 | |||
| Knob were no issue. | ||||||
| If it had a virtual dial to tune the signal strength indicator would make it better. | ||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | |||
| Question 4: Are physical and virtual (touchscreen) knobs, controls, inputs, and outputs easy to find and access for use? If not, please explain and recommend better solutions. | Yes | 4 | Yes | 3 | ||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | |||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 2 | |||
| The touchscreen is good but it needs to be calibrated better. | ||||||
| Knobs were good. | ||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | |||
| Question 5: Are the physical & virtual (touchscreen) buttons, controls, or switches too large or too small (for all mission scenarios)? If not, please explain and recommend better solution. | Yes | 4 | Yes | 1 | ||
| They were a suitable size. | 1 | |||||
| No issues. | 1 | |||||
| They are perfect. | 1 | |||||
| Good size. | 1 | |||||
| No | 0 | No | 1 | |||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 3 | |||
| They are perfectly sized. | ||||||
| All buttons, controls, and switches are in reasonably good size. | ||||||
| Touch screen didn’t function as it suppose to where icons were hard to open. | ||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | |||
| Question 6: Are all controls and displays on the equipment readable in your normal operating environment? Is the display easily from a normal viewpoint? If not, please explain and recommend a better solutions that you think is better. | Yes | 4 | Yes | 3 | ||
| I could also read most verbiage while standing away from machine. | ||||||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | |||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 2 | |||
| Display was easy to read. | ||||||
| This system is good it has a filter to prevent dust from building up. | ||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | |||
| Question 7: Are all controls easy to adjust while viewing the display? If not, please explain and recommend solution that you think is better. | Yes | 4 | Yes | 4 | ||
| It is good for being prototype, I'm sure the other devices they have has a clearer screen. | ||||||
| Recommend a dial or virtual dial for test similar to RT1523-F signal indicator test. | ||||||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | |||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 1 | |||
| Display was no issue. | ||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | |||
| Question 8: Are you able to use the TS-4549T/ RADIO TEST SET to perform all required tasks? If not, please explain. Are there any additional capabilities or accessories needed? If yes, please elaborate. | Yes | 2 | Yes | 5 | ||
| It is able to perform / It does need a cover for touchscreen and it does need to be a one man carry. | 1 | There isn't an issue with completing the required tests. | ||||
| But for later APS the physical structure has to change for ARC-201 Family. | ||||||
| For current tasks yes - future considerationARC-201 power. | ||||||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | |||
| Comments | 1 | Comments | 0 | |||
| There were a few items required to connect cables to the TS required. | 1 | |||||
| N/A | 1 | N/A | 0 | |||
| Question 9: List the nomenclature of all systems that you would maintain using the TS-4549T/ RADIO TEST SET. (Example: RT-1523F, RT-1808A, AN/PRC-148C, and AN/PRC-163, etc.) | Comments | 3 | Comments | 5 | ||
| RT-1523F, RT-1808A, AN/PRC-163 | 1 | ARN-89, ARN-147, ARN-149 | ||||
| 1523E&F, 1478, 1300 | 1 | AN/PRC-147, AN/PRC-149, AN/PRC-89 | ||||
| 1523F, PRC-163, 1808 | 1 | RT-1523, RT-1808A, FAMILIES ARC-201, ARC-186, ARC-164, & ARC-231 | ||||
| All of the above. | ||||||
| All ground assets, most of aviation-with power supply considerations. | ||||||
| N/A | 1 | N/A | 0 | |||
| Question 10: Besides the AN/GRM-122, AN/GRM-114B, and TS-4317 Radio Test Sets, are there any other existing Army test equipment that this Prototype Model (Version 1.0) could replace with this prototype model? | Yes | 0 | Yes | 1 | ||
| With changes to the actual TS. | ||||||
| No | 1 | No | 1 | |||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 3 | |||
| Not that I am aware. | ||||||
| DMM, Oscilloscope, Freq generator. | ||||||
| If Networked could add GCSS-Army for ordering parts/status changes. | ||||||
| N/A | 3 | N/A | 0 | |||
| Question 11: Please list any system currently maintained/supported by the AN/GRM-122, AN/GRM-114B, or the TS-4317 Radio Test Set that is not maintainable by the TS-4549T/RADIO TEST SET. | Comments | 2 | Comments | 4 | ||
| 1523F, PRC163, 1808 | 1 | Nothing at this time, due to this being a prototype. | ||||
| 1300, 1478 | 1 | Families ARC-201, ARC-186, ARC-164, & ARC-231. | ||||
| Too many to list. | ||||||
| With current software everything outside of 1523F, 1808A, PRC-148, PRC-163. | ||||||
| N/A | 2 | N/A | 1 | |||
| Question 12: Do you think this TS-4549T/ RADIO TEST SET is an adequate replacement for the AN/GRM-122, AN/GRM-114B, and TS-4317? Please explain. | Yes | 4 | Yes | 5 | ||
| It is user friendly and it does have a troubleshoot assistant if needed. | This system is user friendly. | |||||
| Most definitely! Their system was easy to follow and operate. It brought the RT-1808 testing time from 3 hrs. to 1 1/2 hr. compared to the GRM. | But they have to work on icons to match or get close to GRM-122. | |||||
| It is a modern looking device, performs all functions and more than the GRM, and parts can be replaced and ordered. | Does require minor changes for radios demonstrated. (see notes) | |||||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | |||
| Question 13: Does the TS-4549T RADIO TEST SET take more or less time to perform tasks than using the AN/GRM-122? |
a. AN/PRC-148C
b. AN/PRC-163
c. RT-1532F
| d. RT-1808A | AN/PRC-148C | 4 | AN/PRC-148C | 5 | |||
| N/A | 4 | Same | 3 | ||||
| About same time | 2 | ||||||
| AN/PRC-163 | 4 | AN/PRC-163 | 5 | ||||
| Less | 1 | Same | 3 | ||||
| About the same | 1 | About same time | 2 | ||||
| N/A | 2 | ||||||
| RT-1523F | 4 | RT-1523F | 5 | ||||
| Less | 3 | Same | 3 | ||||
| 45 min different | 1 | About same time | 2 | ||||
| RT-1808A | 4 | RT-1808A | 5 | ||||
| Less | 3 | Same | 3 | ||||
| 1 1/2hr different | 1 | About same time | 2 | ||||
| Question 14: How effective is each of the radio APS? What are the strengths and weaknesses? What improvement can be made? |
a. AN/PRC-148C
b. AN/PRC-163
c. RT-1523F
| d. RT-1808A | AN/PRC-148C | 4 | AN/PRC-148C | 5 | |||
| N/A | 4 | Very effective | 1 | ||||
| No issues | 1 | ||||||
| Lit also needs to list symptoms & fault. | 1 | ||||||
| Add pictures for setup alterations. Timer is a great feature to show testing did not freeze. | 1 | ||||||
| The system for all of them just need minor tweaks for improvement, some of it would better to have color or percentage indicating how for along the current test is running. | 1 | ||||||
| AN/PRC-163 | 4 | AN/PRC-163 | 5 | ||||
| Very | 1 | Very effective | 1 | ||||
| N/A | 2 | No issues | 1 | ||||
| It's fast | 1 | Lit also needs to list symptoms & fault. | 1 | ||||
| The cradle design great idea to free hands during testing. Test instructions easy to follow. | 1 | ||||||
| The system for all of them just need minor tweaks for improvement, some of it would better to have color or percentage indicating how for along the current test is running. | 1 | ||||||
| RT-1523F | 4 | RT-1523F | 5 | ||||
| Very | 1 | Very effective | 1 | ||||
| Did not have any big issues while testing | 1 | System froze | 1 | ||||
| N/A | 1 | Lit also needs to list symptoms & fault. | 1 | ||||
| Faster, accurate | 1 | Troubleshooting steps integrated. Add LIT# to main test. Adding LIT#s to test without LIT confusing. | 1 | ||||
| The system for all of them just need minor tweaks for improvement, some of it would better to have color or percentage indicating how for along the current test is running. | 1 | ||||||
| RT-1808A | 4 | RT-1808A | 5 | ||||
| Very | 1 | Very effective | 1 | ||||
| It was a pretty smooth run while testing and the time was cut in half. | 1 | No issues | 1 | ||||
| N/A | 1 | Lit also needs to list symptoms & fault. | 1 | ||||
| Faster, accurate | 1 | Included BIT error codes, should have window that shows code meaning (see notes) filter tune not part of alignment. | 1 | ||||
| The system for all of them just need minor tweaks for improvement, some of it would better to have color or percentage indicating how for along the current test is running. | 1 | ||||||
| Question 15: Did the TS-4549 Radio Test Set interfere with the source it was measuring? | Yes | 1 | Yes | 0 | |||
| No | 3 | No | 4 | ||||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 1 | ||||
| Not at all. | |||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Question 16: Are the operator maintenance procedures easier or more difficult to perform using this equipment in comparison to similar test equipment you have used? | Easier | 4 | Easier | 2 | |||
| More Difficult | 0 | More Difficult | 0 | ||||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 3 | ||||
| Same | |||||||
| It could be easier by changing the icon. | |||||||
| Some of the procedures are different from the GRM and the new one. | |||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Question 17: Can this TS-4549 RADIO TEST SET be modified to make performing operator radio maintenance procedures easier? If so, please elaborate any recommendation for hardware and/or software modification. | Yes | 0 | Yes | 3 | |||
| With software upgrades. | |||||||
| Since this is more software based you can update or change the procedures if needed. | |||||||
| No | 0 | No | 1 | ||||
| Comments | 3 | Comments | 1 | ||||
| Certain pictures demonstrating actions may need to be adjusted or replaced. | 1 | Not what we have. | |||||
| It will be easier. The hardware is easier to access if repairs are needed. | 1 | ||||||
| It needs to be reset more back when a fault appears. Example: there are 5 steps to test. You fail step 5, but it doesn’t re-verify if you check the cables or how to get back there. A solution would be to reset the LIT it was on that failed. | 1 | ||||||
| N/A | 1 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Everything works well. | |||||||
| Question 18: Do you think you can perform maintenance of radio systems with the TS-4549T Radio Test Set using protective clothing (MOPP level II gear) and properly shut down and store the TS-4549T RADIO TEST SET using gloves, mask/hood, and protective clothing (MOPP level IV gear)? Identify any issues below. | Yes | 2 | Yes | 4 | |||
| You can boot it off or on with gloves on. | |||||||
| But not with the touchscreen. | |||||||
| Keyboard & mouse provided - keys on keyboard could be slightly larger | |||||||
| No | 0 | No | 1 | ||||
| But we can use keyboard. | |||||||
| Comments | 1 | Comments | 0 | ||||
| Considering that the screen is a touch, with gloves on MOP levels, we would not be able to press any buttons. Even with the mouse or keyboard. | |||||||
| N/A | 1 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Did not use MOPP during testing. | |||||||
| Question 19: What tests can be accomplished using the TS-4549T Radio Test Set that cannot be accomplished using existing equipment? | Comments | 2 | |||||
| Nothing that I know of. | |||||||
| Almost everything with changes to software and physical appear. | |||||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | 2 | ||||
| Blank | 1 | ||||||
| Question 20: What tests cannot be accomplished with the TS-4549T Radio Test Set using your present methods? Are new procedures going to have to be developed? | Yes | 0 | Yes | 1 | |||
| New procedures and adding more connector would be needed. | |||||||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | ||||
| Comments | 1 | Comments | 2 | ||||
| New procedures will need to be put in place, especially while transporting. | None. | ||||||
| As it sits with to prototype present you can't run a ARN-84, ARN-147, ARN-149. | |||||||
| N/A | 3 | N/A | 1 | ||||
| Blank | 1 | ||||||
| Question 21: Are the “HELP” screens (if applicable) and commercial publications provided with the prototypes adequate for your operation or should additional information be provided? Please elaborate. | Yes | 3 | Yes | 3 | |||
| It does come with a TM and it does have a help screen. | Provided a familiarization book that is easy to follow and understand - establish a POC# for assistance as needed. | 1 | |||||
| Screens helped with setting up radios. | It does have a media disc to be able to pull info about the test set onto GOV laptops. | ||||||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | ||||
| Comments | 1 | Comments | 1 | ||||
| The TS is fairly simple and clear. | 1 | Did not see one but there is TM folder for the operation instructions. | |||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Question 22: Would the TS-4549T RADIO TEST SET require any special packaging and/or storage containers when it is transported by your unit organic vehicles? Would you recommend a soft case to be included with the required hard transit case? | Yes | 1 | Yes | 1 | |||
| I highly recommend a case. The test set is a two man carry but with a case with wheels would help greatly. | The hard cases that were provided. | ||||||
| A screen cover. | |||||||
| Screen and port covers to help prevent cracks and dirt/dust buildup in ports. | |||||||
| No | 1 | No | 1 | ||||
| But cover for front to protect the screen. | |||||||
| Comments | 3 | ||||||
| Hard case recommended. | |||||||
| Hard case. | |||||||
| There is no soft case needed, the hard case is needed more than anything for transporting this test set. | |||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Question 23: Are there any additional accessories that you would recommend? | Yes | 3 | Yes | 0 | |||
| Some way to cover the screen when not in use to decrease the odds of it being damaged. | 1 | ||||||
| Just a cover for the screen and carrying case with wheels. | 1 | ||||||
| A sturdy keyboard and mouse. | 1 | ||||||
| No | 0 | No | 2 | ||||
| All possible connectors and adapters are provided. | |||||||
| The prototype came with everything. | |||||||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 0 | ||||
| N/A | 1 | N/A | 1 | ||||
| Blank | 1 | ||||||
| Question 24: Does the size and/or weight of the TS-4549 cause limitations in performing mission tasks to include its transportation during deployment? If yes, please explain in detail. | Yes | 1 | Yes | 0 | |||
| Due to the fact it is longer. It may hang off the edge of the table. Solution: Please make it shorter to accommodate for soldiers in shelters and smaller environments. | |||||||
| No | 1 | No | 3 | ||||
| Comments | 2 | Comments | 2 | ||||
| It is about the same size of the GRM. | The weight to me is fine it’s a little lighter than a three stack GRM. | ||||||
| It requires two to move. | None I can for see. | ||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Question 25: | |||||||
| Does the TS-4549T RADIO TEST SET have all the required instrumentation necessary to complete all testing performed today? (For example Signal Generator, Audio Frequency Signal Generator, Radio Frequency Counter, Power Meter, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer, Digital Multimeter, etc.) | Yes | 4 | Yes | 5 | |||
| This is everything listed. | |||||||
| No | 0 | No | 0 | ||||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 0 | ||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Question 26: While running the TS-4549T RADIO TEST SET was there ever a need to use any of the legacy existing radio interface cables already in the Army Inventory? (For example the ON-373B/GRC-the Ground Radio Cable Set, or the Aviation Cable Set–Interconnecting Group Aviation Intermediate Maintenance (ON-AVIM). List all cable numbers that apply with each radio under test. | Yes | 3 | Yes | 3 | |||
| But the TS-4549T does have an adapter. | Designed to use cables we have using adapter on test set. | ||||||
| We used some of our cables, can't remember the names. | We used cables from old system. | ||||||
| No | 1 | No | 1 | ||||
| Comments | 0 | Comments | 1 | ||||
| You have to use all legacy cables with this test set which is good, but I would suggest that they plan on making a replacement for when the legacy cables break. | |||||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Question 27: What type of new equipment training, if any, will the operator/user need prior to fielding of this equipment? Would a self-paced multimedia training in a downloadable website and/or CD ROM be sufficient? If not, please explain the reasons. | Yes | 2 | Yes | 0 | |||
| Comments | 1 | Comments | 5 | ||||
| Familiarization Training | Website with training - with FAQ or contact info for clarification. | ||||||
| New cables & connectors provided. | |||||||
| Both downloadable and CD ROM. | |||||||
| I believe a self-paced training will not be sufficient. A classroom led facilitation and teaching with hands-on training will help and will cater to all learning styles of the students/audience. | |||||||
| A CD-ROM disk would be beneficial, but I also believe that a "train-the-trainer" class would be good also for a hands on approach. | |||||||
| N/A | 1 | N/A | 0 | ||||
| Question 28: What is your overall opinion, as an operator/user, regarding the proposed TS-4549 Radio Test Set designed to replace AN/GRM-122, AN/GRM-114B, and TS-4317? Please elaborate and specify as needed in item # 29 below. | Comments | 4 | Comments | 5 | |||
| While it may require a few things such as a way to protect the screen, the TS overall seemed to perform very well. It has a similar feel to the GRM with convenient additions. | This system has a lot of potential for future use. | ||||||
| The TS-4549 Test Set is ready to replace the older models, it does just need some small adjustments. Overall I do approve of the test set. | The proposed TS-4549/T is great modern replacement for the GRM. With a little bit more of fine tuning, the TS-4549 will be extremely beneficial to todays Army. | ||||||
| Astronics is the best! It is as if they created a GRM 2.0. It allows operator to save data for man hours, what they tested, who tested it, and duration of test. I wish I had one in my shop. (After it adds more radios it can test) | Works good and nothing major issues. All questions were answered. | ||||||
| This test set is a good replacement/upgrade to the GRM. | I really like this prototype the most out of the ones that were demonstrated. | ||||||
| Yes, although test times are about the same the troubleshooting built into test w/preset meters would decrease turn around time. | |||||||
| Question 29: Comments on above questions or additional comments. (Please be specific and use the back side if needed) | Comments | 1 | Comments | 2 | |||
| The overall scope of the T/S would be that it is amazing! Having the TM within it is game changing. | Bad- LRU selection should have search function. Connectors on adapters look fragile (self test adaptor) Data manager should be placed in a supervisor role. Put LIT on main test. Added LIT#s to test without #s. Add meaning for codes. Power supply adapter cable - little to long for operation. |
Good- Self test and indicator of status. Continuously runs BIT has manual BIT. Built in calibration tracker w/pop up for Cal req. 512 HDD. Power supply integrated. Clean/Replace air filter. Displays multiple screens for meters. Saves presets for meter setup. Option to select/deselect individual tests. 3 modes of testing. Troubleshooting steps integrated into testing. Setups of meters during troubleshooting automatic. Test progress status bar labeled. Test and spreadsheet formats for reports. 1523 : Test align w/TM. Review subtests to ensure they lineup w/testing. Test time roughly the same. Ability to pause and walk away. Troubleshooting built into testing , great for field training maybe. 1808 - Incorporated timer onscreen to show test is running. BIT error codes are displayed. 1553 coupler integrated.
| No. | ||||
| N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | |
| Blank | 3 | Blank | 3 |
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