BARRETT 4050 HF SDR Transceiver Instruction Manual

4050 HF SDR Transceiver
Instruction Manual

**System Information

**

Select System Info from the Settings menu to display the System Information screen.
Some items will not be displayed, unless installed.

Head Device ID
This displays the name of the control head. This name is used to differentiate between primary and secondary heads.
Serial Number
This displays the transceiver’s serial number.
Version Information
This menu provides software and firmware version numbers. Contact your Barrett provider for more information

Transceiver Options
This menu displays the installed options present in the transceiver.
The image opposite shows all possible options.
From this menu, option PINs (supplied by Barrett Communications) can be entered to activate inactive options.
To activate an inactive option, please contact Support at Barrett Communications at: [email protected].

Configuration Pack Information
This menu offers easy identification of the transceiver’s current pack and when it was last updated.

SDV/4026 Serial Number
This provides the serial number of the SDV/4026 hardware module fitted in the transceiver.

**General Settings

**

Select General from the Settings menu to display the General Configurations screen.

A list of items that may be configured is displayed. To reveal more items, either swipe down on the touch screen or press .
The current status of each of the items is displayed on the right.
Note: this menu will appear differently when using the 4000
Series Remote Control Software.

**Audio Settings

**

Tap Audio from the Settings screen to display the Audio screen.
A list of items that may be configured is displayed.
The current status of each of the items is displayed on the right.
To reveal more items, either swipe down on the touch screen or press .

Display Settings

Tap Display from the Settings screen to display the Display screen.
This menu can also be accessed via the swipe screen, provided that the GPS Push option is not enabled.
A list of items that may be configured is displayed.
The current status of each of the items is displayed on the right.

Channel Programming

The programming of channels is restricted in some countries. In this situation, transceivers will be pre-loaded with a channel pack and this function will be locked in the transceiver menu.
If the transceiver is unlocked, there are three ways to program channels into the transceiver.

1. Manually through the transceiver’s front panel,
2. By inserting a USB storage device containing the appropriate files into the transceiver’s USB socket (see page 66)
3. By using the Barrett Programming Software (P/N BCA40001). This option is not available in all countries. Please check with your Barrett dealer for your location. For more information on using the Barrett 4000 Series HF Programming Software, please refer to the 4000 Series HF Programming Software Manual (P/N BCM40503).

Programming Channels Through the Front Panel

Tap Channels from the Settings screen to display the Channels screen.
A list of currently used channels is shown displaying channel number, frequency, and channel label.
ALE channels appear greyed out and cannot be edited from this menu.

Adding a new channel
To add a channel, tap to display the Add Channel screen.

After configuring the above attributes, tap to add the channel. A confirmation message displays. Tap Yes.
Editing a Channel
To edit a channel, select the desired channel by using the and keys from the Channel screen and either tap the channel or press from the keypad.
Note: Attempting to edit an ALE channel will result in an error message. ALE channels can only be edited from the ALE menu. See Barrett ALE 2G and 3G User Guide (P/N BCM40524).
The Channel Information screen displays. Edit the fields as desired.
Deleting a Channel
To delete a channel, tap and hold for three seconds the channel you wish to delete. A confirmation message displays.
Tap Yes.
Label
Channel labels are used to name a channel and remind an operator what the channel is used for eg. UNHCR Geneva.
Channel Labels must be created under the labels menu before they can be applied to a channel.
Adding a New Label
Tap Labels from the Settings screen to display the Channels screen.

To create a new label, tap the icon from the Settings<Labels menu.
Type the new label using the on screen keyboard.
This label can now be added to a channel.
Editing an Existing Label
To edit a channel label from the Channel Labels’ screen, select the label by using the and keys and either tap the label or press from the keypad. Use the keyboard to edit the name  of the label, then tap to save.

Deleting an Existing Label
To delete a channel label from the Channel Labels’ screen, select the channel label you wish to delete, then tap and hold for three seconds.
A confirmation message displays. Tap Yes.

Mode
Network administrators designate usable channels and modes as one of the following:
USB – Upper Side Band.
LSB – Lower Side Band.
CF – Custom Filter.
CW – Continuous Wave (Morse code).
AM – Amplitude Modulation.

Free Scroll Rx/Tx (VFO)

Frequency Selection
Free Scroll Rx is a feature that allows a user to scroll through frequencies in a receive-only capacity. If the “Free Scroll Tx” option is enabled, pressing PTT will allow transmit on the selected frequency. Transmit exclusion zones (frequencies where an operator cannot transmit) can be set via the 4000 Series Programming Software (P/N BCA40001).
From the home screen tapping the channel frequency will open the Free Scroll function.
This can be navigated in two ways:

• The directional buttons
• The power button/volume control dial
• Tapping the digits

Directional buttons
The left and right arrow keys change which digit is highlighted.
The up and down keys change the value of the highlighted digit.
Power Button/Volume Control Dial Turning the volume dial either changes which digit is selected or the digit’s value.
Pressing the power button switches between the two dial functions.

Note: In this mode, the power button no longer operates as the on/off switch for the transceiver. To power off the transceiver, exit this mode by pressing the back key and then the power button.
Adjusting the Volume
As the volume dial serves another function, volume can only be adjusted by dragging the white indicator along the blue sliding bar.
Note: The Free Scroll menu can be locked in the 4000 Series HF Programming Soft-ware and, if locked, will not appear when the frequency is pressed.
Adding a Channel from the Free Scroll screen
A channel can be added directly form the Free Scroll screen. When a desirable frequency is found, pressing on the front panel will allow the frequency to be added at the next available channel number.
All of the fields can be set, as when programming a channel from the channel menu (see “Channel Programming” on page 60).

Press to save the channel.

Free Scroll Scanning
By holding the Scan icon, the scan settings for Free Scroll can be set.
Scan Rate indicates the time spent on each frequency.
Scan Step Indicates the interval between frequencies scanned.
Tapping the scan icon will initiate scanning.

Programming Via USB

The transceiver configuration can be imported or exported as a “pack”. This contains the channel configurations, ALE 2G/3G settings, scan tables, contacts and settings amongst other information.
Note: a valid USB storage device must be inserted to activate.

Exporting Settings to a USB
To export the device’s configuration settings, insert a USB storage device into the device’s USB socket.

1. Tap Settings, then Export.

2. From the Export screen, tap Export Configuration to display the Configuration File Name screen.
   The default name displays. Use the keyboard to type an alternative name of the configuration file to export to the USB storage device. Tap to save.

3.  Enter an optional password to encrypt the exported pack.

4. The Export Configuration screen displays showing a progress bar confirm-ing the progress of the export.
   When prompted, tap OK and remove the USB storage device.

Importing Settings from a USB

1. With a USB storage device inserted into the USB port, tap Settings, then Import.
   If the correct files are on the USB, the transceiver will recognize them and initiate the Import/Update screen.

2. To update the configuration settings (pack), tap Import Configuration from the Import/Update screen described above.
   Select the required file to import.
   If a password was set up for the pack, this will be required for the import to complete.
   Confirm that the call history will be replaced when the new pack is loaded.

3. The import process will then begin automatically showing a progress bar. Remove the USB storage device when prompted.

4. The importing of a pack via USB is complete.

ARINC Call

An ARINC call functions in much the same way as a Seawall. It is a hailing or alert system used exclusively to alert aircraft.
An ARINC ID is a sequence of two sets of 2 letters. Each pair must be entered alphabetically eg. AB-CD or CD-AB.
The interface does not allow invalid ARINC IDs to be entered and blanks out invalid characters.

Audio – Advanced

From the Settings menu, select Audio.
For information on Beep Level, Alarm Audio Level and Ring tones, see Basic Settings page 53.

Rx Configuration
This option sets whether the transceiver receives audio via the antenna or from the Line.
Selecting “Internal Audio” ensures the transceiver receives audio through the antenna.
For “External Audio”, the transceiver receives through the auxiliary socket’s 600 ohm balanced audio port. This can be used in many situations, e.g: for a remote receiver in split site operations where audio is received from the remote site.
Tx Configuration
This option sets whether the 4050 trans-mits to the antenna or down the line.
When set as “local” the transceiver transmits through the antenna.
When set as “remote”, the transmit audio is sent through the auxiliary socket’s 600 ohm balanced audio port.
Audio Bandwidth
This section allows the audio bandwidth to be tailored to an operator’s requirements.
Select either:
300 Hz – 2700 Hz: used for reduced bandwidth voice operation
300 Hz – 3000 Hz: standard voice and data operation
300 Hz – 3200 Hz
300 Hz – 3400 Hz
Line Audio
This option sets the muting condition of the 600 ohm balanced audio line out- put on the rear auxiliary connector.
The line output can be set to Unmuted or Follows Mute. When set to Follows Mute, the line output is muted in the same manner as the speaker output and follows the mute condition currently in use. The line output is usually set to Unmuted when using data modems. Follows Mute should be selected when the transceiver is being used with 2062 Crossgate.
Line Encoding
When this is selected, the Line audio will also be processed through the Digital Voice hardware.
Line Out Level
This setting adjusts the output level of the auxiliary 600 ohm balanced audio output port.
Line In Level
This setting adjusts the input level sensitivity of the auxiliary 600 ohm balanced audio input.
Audio Record
This option is used to monitor conversations. It utilizes the line audio to listen to the received and transmitted audio. Connect an appropriate device to record the conversation using a cable (up 1.2 m in length) with connection specification below.

Custom Filter Bandwidth
This section allows the audio filter bandwidth to be tailored to an operator’s specifically required frequency range. Note that the range must be a minimum of 300 Hz.
Dynamic Microphone Preamp.
This setting is to be enabled when using the BCA40011 Desktop Microphone. At all other times, set to disabled.

Collective Call

Collective calls comprise of all-calls, group calls and sub-group calls which involve calling a number of Seawall IDs simultaneously. This is not an individual button in the Seawall menu as a transceiver can group call as a number of call types. For information on other call types please refer to Chapter 3 – Seawall, page 23.
Note: All call, Group call and Sub-group call must be enabled in the Barrett 4000 Series HF SDR Programming Software (P/N BCA40001).
Sending a Group Call
It is recommended that transceivers should NOT be programmed with a Seawall ID ending in “0” as this is used for making group calls. When prompted to enter a Seawall ID for a chosen call type, the first digits represent the groups of IDs you wish to contact.
Four Digit format
All call
eg. Entering 2000 will contact every transceiver on the channel with an ID that begins with “2”.
Group call
eg. Entering 2300 will contact every ID on the channel that begins with “23”.
Sub-group Call
eg. Entering in 2310 will contact every ID that begins with “231”.
Six Digit format
Same as above. No more than the last 3 digits can hold the 0 value. eg. Entering 123000 will contact every transceiver beginning with “123”.

**Digital Voice (Encoding)

**

Encoding can improve the reliability of communications over noisy channels where reception of analogue voice can be very poor. Poor voice quality can be improved mark idly by the use of digital voice modules to the point where barely usable frequencies are made clear. Secure Dig ital. Voice allows users to encrypt their communications over HF therefore providing a secure HF network.

Both Digital Voice and Secure Digital Voice capability can be utilised in Barrett 4000 and 2000 series HF Transceivers using Barrett digital voice modules which are designated as:
DV Digital Voice module with no encryption
SDV-56 Secure Digital Voice module with DES 56 encryption (No export licence required)
SDV-256 Secure Digital Voice module with AES 256 encryption (Export licence required)
Signal-to-noise ratio conditions can change during communications between HF stations. The digital voice modules have auto baud capabilities which automatically adjust baud rates up or down whilst communicating between the transceivers allowing the users to transmit and receive signals with optimal voice clarity.
For more information on Digital Voice, please consult the Barrett HF Radio Digital Voice and Secure Digital Voice Operating Manual (P/N BCM40504).

Export

Aside from exporting the 4050 con-figuration settings (pack), the export function of the 4050 can also be used for diagnostic purposes. Diagnostic and log files can be exported and sent to Barrett Communications.
The Android version of the Barrett 4000 Series Remote Control App can be downloaded directly from the transceiver head. For further information please consult the Barrett 4000 Series IP Connectivity Guide (P/N BCM40507).

Frequency Hopping

This option requires an Export Permit.
Frequency hopping can be used to limit performance degradation due to interference and to reduce the likelihood of interception. Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) is a method of transmitting radio signals by rapidly switching a carrier among many frequency channels.
The transceiver employs a unique frequency hopping system that uses an external GPS.
Note: An external GPS must be connected and providing valid data for the frequency hopping system to operate.
Selecting the Hopping Band
Select the channel used for normal/clear transmissions based on the normal procedures used when using an HF system. This channel frequency and mode is used by the Transceiver to determine the hop band. For further information, see page 96.
Entering the Hopping PIN
This code is entered under Settings < Security (see page 95). All of the transceivers that will be communicating on the same hopping band will need to have the same Hopping code.
Frequency Hop Rate
The Frequency Hop Rate is the rate at which the frequency hops between trans- mission frequencies.
Select Standard (5 hops per second), Medium (15 hops per second) or High (25 hops per second) from the Security menu (see page 96).
Enabling and Disabling Hopping

1. Attach a GPS receiver to the rear of the transceiver.

2. Select a channel with a transmit frequency (i.e. not disabled).

3. Enter the Hopping Pin

4. Press the Hopping icon on the transceiver home screen to activate Hopping. Hopping voice communication can now be used.

Pressing the Hopping key for a second time (or pressing the back button) disables Hopping mode.

GPS Push

GPS Push is an additional option used in conjunction with the Barrett 4077 HF Map & Track Software and provides automated transmission of GPS location at set intervals. These intervals can be programmed in the transceiver or using the Barrett 4000 Series Programming Software (P/N BCA40001).
When enabled, this option can be toggled on or off from both the Swipe menu and the Settings menu.
For further information, please contact Barrett Communications.

GPS Push State
GPS Push state enables or disables the automatic transmission of the GPS location.
Privacy Key
This allows the input of the GPS privacy key. This privacy key allows the transmission to be DES56 encrypted, so long as the receiving station has the same privacy key in order to decrypt the transmission (DES56 encryption does not require export approval).

Preamble Time
The preamble time allows for differences in transmitting and receiving transceiver’s positions in the scan table. It is recommended that the length of preamble is at least half of the number of channels being scanned. (i.e. If 6 channels are being scanned then the Seawall preamble length should be set to a minimum of 3 seconds).
Seawall Format
This sets the format of the GPS broadcasts, whether 4 digit or 6 digit.
Interval Time
This is the interval between broadcasts. For instance, if the interval is set 30 minutes, every 30 minutes a GPS position will be broadcast after the UTC Offset Time.
UTC Offset Time
This delays the first sounding from midnight UTC and the first GPS broadcast will be made at this time. If there is no UTC Offset Time the first GPS broadcast will occur at 00:00 UTC.
GPS Push Channels
The GPS Push channels are those channels selected on which the GPS Push will be transmitted. These will be transmitted consecutively.

IO Settings

Tap IO from the Settings screen to display the IO screen.
A list of items that may be configured is displayed.
The current status of each of the items is displayed to the right.
To reveal more items, either swipe down on the touch screen or press .

RS232 Connection
This selects whether the RS232 connection is made via a direct connection to the rear of the 4050 or via a network (WiFi or Ethernet – please see 4000 Series IP Connectivity/Networking Guide [P/N BCM40507]).
RS232 Network Ports
This setting is used when the RS232 connection is set to Network. If using a 3rd party application that has the port 58001 hardcoded, select the 58001 (Legacy) option. In all other cases, leave as “58000, 58001”.
RS232 Network Encryption
Enabling RS232 Network Encryption secures information transfers over RS232 networked connections. Disabling this feature removes any encryption from the RS232 network.
RS232 Out (async. Indications)
This setting enables or disables RS232 status information output from the transceiver via the 25 pin auxiliary connector.
Note: This command does not enable/disable RS232 control of the transceiver when the RS232 option is fitted. It is used to control the output of status information via RS232 used by some external programs such as vehicle tracking.
RS232 Baud Rate
This menu option allows the selection of the RS232 Baud rate.
The Baud rate setting is dependent on the external device/application connected to the transceiver.
Tap RS232 Baud Rate from the IO screen to display the RS232 Baud Rate screen.
Select either: 9600 or 115200.
External Alarm Type
This sets the action of the external alarm output when a Seawall is received by the transceiver. It can be set to either a pulse output (for use with a horn) where the output is activated 15 seconds on, 15 seconds off; or a constant output (for use with a rotating beacon). Both are reset by pressing or the PTT button.
Select either: Latched or Pulsed.
Antenna Select Behavior
This master setting can override the pre-programmed channel antenna selection. This setting is designed to be used in conjunction with the Dual Port Antenna Switch Unit (see page 148).
Select: Per Channel (default): Antenna selection operates as per channel program-Ming.
Antenna 1: All channels, regardless of programming, will transmit/receive using Antenna 1.
Antenna 2: All channels, regardless of programming, will transmit/receive via Antenna 2.
Antenna 1
For Antenna 1 see page 17.
Antenna 2
Note: 4075 Linear and 4075 Linear with ATU are not available for Antenna 2 Type.
Select an antenna type from the following:

No tuning signals are emitted on channel change.
910 Mobile Ant| Using a Barrett 910 automatic tuning mobile antenna
911 Auto Tuner| Using a Barrett 911 automatic tuner
2019 Mobile Ant| Using a Barrett 2019 automatic tuning mobile HF antenna
2018 Loop Ant| Using the 2018 Mobile magnetic loop HF antenna
4011/4015 Auto Tuner| Using a Barrett 4011or 4015 automatic tuner
4017 Auto Tuner| Using a Barrett 4017 automatic tuner
OEM Tuner| 3040 tuner compatible (non-Barrett product)
411 Auto Tuner| Using a Barrett 411 Automatic Tuner
Disabled| Antenna 2 not used

Modes

The current mode of transmission is displayed in the lower left hand corner (green background). The example opposite shows the transceiver in USB mode.
Pressing and holding the mode will allow an operator to change the mode to USB, LSB, CF, CW or AM mode for the current channel
Note: The mode icon will only temporarily set the mode for a selected channel, reverting to that channel’s programmed default mode after the channel is changed, or the transceiver is turned off.
For further information on setting up modes for channels, see page 63.

Mute

The mute function suppresses the channel noise heard by the operator.
It is designed to open (allow noise) when the transceiver detects audio or a call (depending on the mute type selected).
There are three types of mute available from the Home Screen.
Press and hold the active mute icon to select from one of the following three mute types:

• Voice Mute| When using analogue voice, Voice Mute allows audio only when speech is detected on the selected channel. When
Digital Voice is active, Voice Mute additionally opens for digital signals.
Note: The voice mute sensitivity can be set to three levels.
---|---
• SSL Mute| Allows audio only if signal strength exceeds the nominated threshold (analogue or digital signals).
Note: The signal strength mute level can be set to three levels.
• Call Mute| Allows audio when a call is received by the transceiver.
When Digital Voice is also active, Call Mute allows audio only when digital voice traffic is detected.

The example opposite shows SSL Mute.
After two seconds, the Mute indicator is hidden and replaced by the channel label.

Each mute type has two mute states: Enabled or Disabled. However, the Enabled state can be either open or closed. Each of these states is further described below.
Enabled and Closed: No transmission audio is currently being detected by the radio. No sound is heard.
Enabled and Open: Transmission audio has been detected by the radio. This state is temporary and will automatically revert to mute Enabled and Closed state once audio is no longer detected.
Disabled: Audio is not censored and all noise can be heard.
Tapping the mute icon will toggle the mute state between Enabled and Disabled.

Tapping Mute from the Settings Menu displays the Mute settings screen.
Voice Mute Sensitivity refers to the “hardness” of the voice mute and its sensitivity to voice activity on a channel.
Signal Strength Level refers to the level at which the mute (squelch) opens. When set to low, the mute will open on a relatively low level of received signal. For high, the mute will open for a relatively high level of received signal.

Network

This menu can be accessed from the Settings menu.
From here, IP and network settings can be set.

The 4050 HF SDR Transceiver has the ability to interface with IP networks, allowing mobile cellular handsets, tablets and desktop PCs to connect directly to the transceiver via Ethernet or WiFi with the use of specialised adapters.
The current range of WiFi and Ethernet adapters replaces the Ethernet connectivity provided by the Barrett Break out Box (discontinued as of April 2019) (P/N BCA40050).
For more information, see the Barrett IP Connectivity and Networking Guide (P/N
BCM40507).
The following diagram represents possible connections between the Barrett 4050 HF SDR Transceiver and an IP network.

1. Barrett 4050 HF SDR Transceiver (front) (P/N BC405000)
2. USB to Ethernet Adapter with USB ports (P/N BCA40505)
3. WiFi Adapter (P/N BCO40508)

This diagram represents the additional connection between a Barrett 4050ip HF SDR Transceiver and an IP network.

1. Barrett 4050 HF SDR Transceiver (rear) (P/N BC405000ip)
2. Ethernet (RJ45) cable

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