Communications

Radio

The Radio Room on the ground floor of the ARVN Command building and was located next to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC). It provided the communications links with a all Capital Military District units and facilities as well as surrounding Commands.  The Secure Radio Console (shown on the left) was one of the three radio consoles in the Radio Room supporting over 50 networks, 24hours a day. Most of the radios were operated remotely hence the ability to have them housed in a single fortified room and centrally maintained by specialists. The room that housed the command switchboard was located on the left of the Secure Console. Source: Finnegan

The antennas supporting the communications were located on the roof of the ARVN Command building. The antennas supported standard radio as well as microwave communications. The picture to the left shows the antennas over the latrines.  Not a great place to be on a hot day. Source: Finnegan

This is another view from the antenna field showing the Free World Forces communications tower, home of CMAC's main microwave site. Source: Finnegan

Microwave

The Microwave site, located at Free World Forces Headquarters, consisted of a number of vans positioned around a covered central area within blast walls and protective covering. This ingenious feat of engineering netted the operators all the comforts of home and dampened the noise from the co-located heliport. The Microwave Site was also tasked with deploying sites on a moments notice anywhere within the CMAC zone of operations. Source: Finnegan

The picture on the left shows the front gate of the site. Source: Finnegan

The main access to the site displayed a more upbeat greeting. Source: Finnegan

The main main hall provided access to most of the vans. Source: Perpetuo

The TRAC-24 radio van environment. Source: Perpetuo

Line checks were conducted on a regular basis to ensure the quality of the line was optimum. Source: Perpetuo

Reports, reports, reports. Source: Perpetuo

All the comforts of home. Source: Perpetuo

Microwave Van deployed to Gia Dinh to support operations. Source: Perpetuo

Hoisting the 'Flyswatter' antenna. Not an easy task. Source: Perpetuo

Van from rear. Source: Perpetuo

Returning to base. Source: Perpetuo

CMAC/Free World Military Forces Antenna Tower. Source: Finnegan

Long Lines

This is a picture of the long distance antennas at Phu Lam south of the city. For more information regarding Phu Lam click here.