Valid Laser Codes

[Sierra99]

Just out of curiosity what are valid Laser Codes? Any code between 1111 and 9999 or is there a specific range?

[borba_eagle]

Any code btw 1111 and 1788, like said below:

 

"The entered value can range from 1111 to 1788, but the first digit of the series must be a 1 and the last three digits must be between 1 and 8."

 

So you never forget to not use "9" or "0" in the code...and always will be any number btw 1111 and 1788!

[AvroLanc]

Any code btw 1111 and 1788, like said below:

 

"The entered value can range from 1111 to 1788, but the first digit of the series must be a 1 and the last three digits must be between 1 and 8."

 

So you never forget to not use "9" or "0" in the code...and always will be any number btw 1111 and 1788!

 

First digit always 1

Second digit 5,6, or 7

Third and forth anything between 1 and 8

[Tholozor]

AvroLanc is correct, there's a figure of the GBU-12/16/10's physical unit that set the laser code First digit is always 1, second is 5, 6 or 7, third is 1 through 8.

 

Of course that only really applies to Paveway LGBs. Laser Mavericks shouldn't care as long as the code matches.

Edited October 9, 2019 by BIGNEWY
1.16

[Nealius]

D'aw, so 1337 isn't a valid code? :(

[Tholozor]

Technically no, but you can always try it and see what happens!

[launchedsquid]

does anyone know why 9's are so unwanted? infact why can't it be 1111 to 9999? (I'm assuming 0000 would mean the laser wouldn't fire). If you know and can share the reason I'd love to hear it, just for trivia's sake.

[Ramsay]

does anyone know why 9's are so unwanted? infact why can't it be 1111 to 9999? (I'm assuming 0000 would mean the laser wouldn't fire).

Like radio frequencies, certain laser codes (PRF's) are assigned to specific agencies/equipment.

 

These (1111-1788 ) are further subdivided into blocks for use by artillery, air and ground forces to prevent interference with each others operations.

 

Some equipment/weapons support a wide range of codes, others do not and are designed to make setting a 'wrong' code impossible.

 

A GBU-12 laser code is set on the bomb using selector switches

 

• 1st digit = 1

• 2nd digit = 5-7

• 3rd and 4th = 1-8

 

It is physically impossible (i.e. there is no switch position) to set a non-allowed code.

 

The same is true of some electronic designators i.e. it's in the specs, and the unit will only accept an allowed range of codes.

[rob10]

does anyone know why 9's are so unwanted? infact why can't it be 1111 to 9999? (I'm assuming 0000 would mean the laser wouldn't fire). If you know and can share the reason I'd love to hear it, just for trivia's sake.

 

 

Completely a WAG, but maybe to make sure there isn't a mixup with an upside down 6? I.e. if you got paperwork turned around or were looking at it sideways.

[arturojgt]

And the always 1688 code?

[Tholozor]

It's just the default. Only reason I can think of it being that way is for LTD from AC-130H, which is hard-set to 1688 and cannot be changed (according to JP 3-09.1).

[mytai01]

The number 9 is greatly hated in the Aviation World...

[Rennes]

I suspect the real reason for no nines or zeros is that it is octal. 8 is what you can get out of 3 bits of memory. Memory is stored in binary, there are only 8 combinations of 3 zeros and ones. in order to add an additional 2 numbers requires an extra bit of memory and its a waste of memory when 8 values is enough to do the job. It's the same with transponder codes, except they use 0-7 instead of 1-8.

[arturojgt]

I suspect the real reason for no nines or zeros is that it is octal. 8 is what you can get out of 3 bits of memory. Memory is stored in binary, there are only 8 combinations of 3 zeros and ones. in order to add an additional 2 numbers requires an extra bit of memory and its a waste of memory when 8 values is enough to do the job. It's the same with transponder codes, except they use 0-7 instead of 1-8.

 

 

 

The most clever and possible explanation.

 

 

Dream Commodore 64C, 1530 datasette, 1541 floppy disk drive, DCS cartridge, competition pro joystick, 14” Tv with VCR.

[Tholozor]

That makes sense considering the laser code is just a way of setting the pulse repetition frequency of the laser. I think 1688 is 10 pulses per second?

[Eldur]

D'aw, so 1337 isn't a valid code? :(

 

 

You'll have to be far beyond 1337

[Tom Kazansky]

Is the first digit always 1? And if so, why it is not set automatically?

[BIGNEWY]

hi all

 

please be aware of our 1.16 rule here on the forum when posting

 

thank you

[OzDeaDMeaT]

Valid codes seem to now be:

Starting from 1111 to 2688

First number is either 1 or 2
Second Number 1 - 8

Third Number 1 - 8

Fourth Number 1 - 8