Barrett Communications high-frequency (HF) radio systems are used in airports and aircraft worldwide.
Our HF radios comply with the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). They are ideal for console and remote-controlled installations and the transceivers can be used in manpack portable, land mobile, airborne and base station configurations.
Barrett’s systems are used for ground-to-ground and ground-to-air voice and data communications for strategic, emergency, security, and tactical applications. Systems range from 125W to 5kW peak envelope power (PEP) to suit a wide variety of HF applications.
HF radio communication systems for airports
When teamed with other Barrett accessories and options, Barrett HF transceivers can provide digital voice, email, chat, file transfer and telephone interconnect.
Encryption is available in the form of DES-56 and AES-256 standards along with digital voice options. This added security offers peace of mind when handling sensitive situations.
The unique design of the Barrett HF systems affords integrators and end users the ability to customise their installation to meet unique individual user requirements. Whether it is noise-resistant remote control over serial, IP, fibre-optic or other mediums, Barrett systems are designed to meet complex installation requirements.
HF transceiver for airport radio systems
The Barrett 4050 HF SDR Transceiver is the centrepiece of Barrett’s HF range. Incorporating ARINC 32, Selcall and ALE compatibilities, this HF transceiver is highly adaptable for any environment.
The Barrett 4050 can be mounted in vehicles for mobile HF communication or a base station setup for a permanent solution. This is ideal for a variety of applications, ranging from control towers to on-site emergency support vehicles.
The full-colour LCD touchscreen display enables unparalleled user friendliness with easy-to-read icons, variable colour themes and multiple languages incorporated into one system.
With the ability to interface via wireless or ethernet connection, the Barrett 4050 allows integration into existing PC networks. This connection supports the remote control of their transceiver interface. This means that calls can be made from a transceiver via a mobile phone or smart device while ensuring flexibility.
High-power airport communications transmitter system
The Barrett 4075 High Power Transmitter System uses a liquid cooler linear amplifier to amplify the signal sent by the exciter (a Barrett 4050 HF SDR Transceiver). This allows for greater signal strength and distance of transmission.
Available in 500W and 2kW configurations, the additional power provided by the linear amplifier strengthens broadcasts allowing for the signal to be received over a far greater distance than using a transceiver alone.
Pairing the Barrett 4075 High Power Transmitter System with directional antennas can further improve broadcast signal reception. For heightened mobility, the system can be mounted in a rugged 19in rackmount case.
HF tracking system for airport assets
The Barrett 4077 HF Map n Track system uses HF to regularly update and display the geographical location of airport assets.
The GPS Push functionality of the 4050 Transceiver allows mobile transceivers in the field to automatically send scheduled GPS positions to a base station. The base station receives these coordinates and displays them on a map. The automation of the GPS Push removes the need to constantly update the current location. If the transceiver is on, the coordinates will continue to be sent on schedule.
Software maps can be customised by the PC operator to create corridors and exclusion zones and layer them over the existing map display. The operator will be alerted if an asset leaves a safe zone or enters a dangerous one. These zones can be modified at any time to easily adapt to changes in situations and incoming information.
Send and receive email over HF radio link
The Barrett 4020 HF Radio Mailbox allows emails to be sent and received via a HF radio link. The gateway mailbox connects to the internet and distributes regular emails across its HF network.
This is useful for remote sites where there is limited or no existing infrastructure. Personnel can connect to the mailbox hotspot using Wi-Fi to send and receive emails as normal. The mailbox can be programmed to prioritise certain keywords or recipients to immediately distribute such emails outside of its regular schedule.
Barrett 4020 HF Radio Mailbox’s small profile can be easily mounted to the side of the Barrett 4050 HF SDR Transceiver, the inside of a vehicle or a standard 19in rack for seamless integration with the complete Barrett range.
Antennas and masts for airport radio installations
Barrett offers a comprehensive selection of masts and antennas to suit any HF installation. The 912 Broadband series of Base Station antennas provides directional radiation patters when set up in a horizontal configuration or more omni-directional when installed in an inverted ‘V’ configuration.
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, the 912 series offers up to 1kW in radio frequency handling capability. Appropriate masts and grounding options are available for all supplied antennas.
The Barrett 2019 Automatic Tuning HF Antenna is designed to complement mobile installations of Barrett HF transceivers. Rather to 125W, it can be mounted onto a vehicle and is paired with a two-section whip antenna as standard.
Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) capability can be achieved by combining the 2019 Automatic Tuning HF Antenna with the Barrett NVIS Whip antenna. The 2019 automatically adjusts its tuned length for each frequency before transmitting.
About Barrett Communications
Barrett Communications has more than 40 years of experience in HF radio manufacturing. The company’s first radio, the F24, was developed as a HF radio for the Australian aviation sector in 1976, released in line with new legislation requiring small aircraft to be fitted with a single side-band HF radio. By the time the F24 was retired in 1992, more than 6,000 units had been sold.
Based in Perth, Western Australia, with offices in the state of New York, US, and Hampshire, UK, the Barrett team has provided world-class solutions to customers on every continent, including Antarctica.
Please use the enquiry form on this page to get in touch with us.
