The Codan 2110(V) Manpack Radio is a high-performance, lightweight, and rugged communication system designed for demanding environments. Built to meet the needs of military, humanitarian, and commercial users, the 2110(V) provides reliable and secure communication on the HF (High Frequency) band.
The Codan 2110 Manpack Radio is a high-frequency (HF) radio system designed to provide long-range communication in remote or challenging environments. Unlike more conventional communication systems such as mobile phones or VHF/UHF radios, HF radios like the 2110 can transmit over hundreds or even thousands of kilometers without relying on infrastructure like cell towers or satellites. This makes them especially valuable in areas with little or no connectivity – such as remote wilderness regions, deserts, or post-disaster zones.
Originally introduced as part of Codan’s long history of providing HF radio equipment for government, military, and humanitarian use, the 2110 blends ruggedness with relative simplicity. It’s designed to be used by people in the field, often under harsh conditions, so durability is key. The radio is compact and lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack, and it’s built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, and physical impact.
Functionally, the Codan 2110 supports both voice and data transmission. Users can speak over the air like with a traditional radio, but they can also send text messages, position data, and even encrypted communications if the appropriate firmware and accessories are installed. It uses automatic link establishment (ALE) technology to choose the best frequency for transmission – an important feature in HF communication, where signal quality can be affected by time of day, weather, and terrain.
What makes the 2110 especially effective in military or emergency response settings is not just its long range but its ability to maintain communication without relying on modern infrastructure. In many parts of the world where networks are unreliable or have been disrupted, HF radio is often the only means of staying in contact over long distances. The Codan 2110, with its balance of robustness, portability, and flexible features, is an example of the kind of technology that’s still essential in such operations, especially where mission success or even lives may depend on clear communication.
In addition to its use in professional and government applications, Codan also produced a version of the 2110 specifically for the amateur radio community, known as the Codan 2110V. This version retains much of the same rugged design and long-range communication capabilities of the standard 2110 manpack, but is tailored to operate on frequencies allocated to ham radio operators. The 2110V gives licensed amateurs access to a highly durable, field-proven HF transceiver - something particularly appealing to those interested in backpacking, emergency communications (EMCOMM), or operating from remote locations where other gear might be impractical or unreliable. Though originally designed with professional users in mind, the 2110V has become a niche but respected option in the amateur radio world, especially among operators who value portability, reliability, and the ability to communicate across vast distances without reliance on infrastructure.