Radio Data Adapter (RDA) Cables

​​​​​​​​The Parraid multi-function RDA cable is designed to simplify radio operations by allowing a computer to perform up to six different radio interface tasks using a single USB connection.

The RDA is powered from the personal computer’s USB port and presents itself as a multi-port serial adapter. This simultaneously enables three data ports and up to six operational modes: asynchronous data, synchronous data, asynchronous remote, Ethernet over USB, PDA-184 and High Performance Waveform / Point-to-Point Protocol (HPW/PPP). The RDA cable solves the problem of physically having to change cables to perform different data functions, decreases equipment weight, eliminates the need to purchase multiple OEM cables and has been combat proven to work in even the harshest operating environments.

• Replaces several single function cables
• Weighs less than 1lb with a streamlined design
• Supports a broad range of radios
• Connects to a PC via latching USB connector
• Provides significant cost benefit
• Reduces battery consumption

The RDA is a multi-function USB cable that provides the host computer operating system a method of connecting to a variety of military radios. The RDA has a built-in, read-only mass storage drive to hold its driver software, eliminating the need for users to carry separate CD-ROMs in the field. The RDA cable uses embedded software drivers that map radio interfaces to virtual ports in the host computer, assigning up to three serial data ports and enabling various operational modes: asynchronous data, synchronous data, asynchronous remote, and high performance waveform/point-to-point protocol (HPW/PPP).

The RDA also provides a downstream USB port for radios with internal USB mass storage devices. For newer radios supporting Ethernet data, the RDA provides a 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet to USB bridge. This feature provides the added benefit of having its own MAC address, freeing up the existing LAN connection in the PC. All computer data passes through a single USB port.

This system incorporates elements of the software developed by The MITRE Corporation on behalf of the U​​.S. Government.​​

• Each RDA cable is designed to operate with a specific radio model. An RDA cable is available for each of the following radios: AN/PRC-117F, AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-150, AN/PRC-152/152A, AN/ARC-231, AN/PSC-5, AN/ARC-210, AN/PRC148, SINCGARS (AN/PRC-119E and RT-1523, and Motorola/Kenwood. The RDA is available with a vehicle or aircraft mountable case and can be customized with longer cable lengths and alternative operating systems.
• The RDA is self-contained with a latching USB cable that attaches to the PC. The weather sealed printed circuit board hosts a read only mass storage device to hold the necessary drivers and the other cable end has a military connector specific to the radio type. The RDA is compatible with several operating systems including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Vista x64, Windows 7, and Windows 7 x64.
• The Parraid RDA is now compatible with PDA-184 software. The free PDA-184 software is government developed and government-owned by DISA. The software enables high-speed data transfer with an intuitive GUI. For details on how to obtain your copy of DISA’s PDA-184 application, please contact the PDA-184 Program Office at disa.meade.ns.mbx.pda-184@mail.mil​​