How Barrett has critical communications covered

HF radios provide an effective means for primary and emergency communications in areas that are remote, inaccessible or disconnected from communications infrastructure. Here, we talk about when and where you might need this technology and highlight the features and applications of the various HF radios in Barrett’s comprehensive critical communications portfolio.

Organisations that rely on telephone and internet-based communications may be at risk of disruptions caused by natural or man made disasters; indeed, in many remote areas, the supporting infrastructure may not exist at all. In these environments, HF radio can provide an invaluable primary or emergency system for communicating.

By setting up a HF radio, everything that is required to transmit critical communications to the outside world – whether by voice, email, fax or data – can be achieved. Barrett offers a wide range of critical communications equipment suitable for almost any industry, and our customers come from both the public and private sectors.

Why use HF radio for critical communications?

HF radio, a communication system that operates between 1.6 and 30 megahertz (MHz) on the radio band, uses single side band (SSB) transmissions to efficiently modulate and carry voice transmissions over both short and long distances.

The two primary forms of radio wave transmission in HF radio are ground and sky waves. Ground waves traverse the Earth’s surface and are suitable for communicating across short distances, while sky waves rebound off the Earth’s ionosphere and can be transmitted thousands of kilometres.

With HF radio, both of these types of transmission can be used to facilitate communications in isolated areas. There are typically three main parts to a HF radio set-up: (1) a transceiver with microphone, speaker and frequency controls; (2) an antenna for broadcasting and receiving transmissions, and (3) an independent power source.

What HF radio equipment do you need?

For critical communications, the ideal equipment you need will vary depending on the specific requirements of a given situation. Barrett offers the following HF solutions, which have been specifically designed for critical communications use in different applications:

• 4050 HF software-defined radio transceiver – a customisable and versatile 125 Watt transceiver featuring advanced digital selective calling systems.
• 4017 automatic tuning horizontal dipole – a robust, durable solution with a tune time of less than 1.5 seconds, and designed for use with the Barrett 2000 and 4000 transceiver series.
• 2019 automatic tuning mobile HF antenna – a robust, durable solution with a tuning time of less than 1.5 seconds, and designed to work with the Barrett 2000 transceiver series.
• 2060 automatic telephone interconnect – a solution that enables HF radio operators to interconnect directly into and receive calls from the international phone network.
• 2020 HF email system – an advanced broadcast solution that enables email, fax and data transmission over HF radio waves.
• 2062 HF-VHF/UHF crossgate – designed to improve interoperability between HF and VHF/UHF systems via automatic rebroadcasting of communications.
• 2075 HF high-power transmitter – a high-power transmitter available in 500-watt or 1-kilowatt configurations that is suitable for base station operations.

Barrett’s expertise in the HF communications industry

Barrett is the specialist designer and manufacturer of HF and VHF radio communications systems globally. Established in 1976, we specialise in humanitarian and critical communications and have developed a high level of expertise when it comes to delivering sophisticated products that our diverse clientele demand.

If your organisation is looking for a HF radio solution for critical communications purposes, view Barrett’s range online. Our cost-effective HF solutions have become well known for their reliability and effectiveness in the field.