ALE Configuration Menus ALE State This feature enables or disables the ALE system Use the Scroll keys to select the setting required (example “ALE Enabled”):- When the setting required is selected press the key 201 of 285
ALE Autofill This feature enables or disables the ALE Autofill option. The Autofill option allows the 2050 transceiver to automatically add unknown stations to the ALE network. This means that whenever a new station is added to the network the network administrator does not have to individually re-configure each station in the network with the new stations ID.
ALE Scan List Note:- you can also enter this scan list select section by holding down the key for more than two seconds To select the ALE scan list required press the key Use the Scroll keys or press the first letter of the scan list you want to use (example shown – “s”) to select the scan table required:- then press the key 203 of 285
Auto Transmit When Auto Transmit is set to “Disable” the ALE system will not respond to any calls made to this station.
Transmit Control When Transmit Control is set to “Disabled” the ALE system will not be able to transmit any ALE calls, including automatic soundings and responses to incoming ALE calls.
Sounding Control ALE operates normally both transmitting and receiving sounds when Sounding Control is set to "Enable”. In some circumstances however it is desirable not to transmit soundings under any circumstances, in this case Sounding Control is set to “Disable”. Sounding is limited to certain channels (pre-programmed by the ALE fill program). The ALE system will however, continue to make and respond to calls (depending on the Response Control settings).
Sounding Address Configures the self address used during an automatic sounding (Sounding Control must be set to Global On). If sounding control = individual preset basis, the address used is dependant on the active channel.
Link Quality Analysis (LQA) Exchange This option enables or disables the exchange of LQA information with other stations Use the Scroll keys to select the setting required (example “Enabled”):- When the setting required is selected press the 208 of 285 key
Link Quality Analysis (LQA) Exchange Mode This option sets the source of the LQA reading sent to the other station, it can be set to “Current LQA” which is a reading taken during the ALE burst just received or it can be set to “Averaged LQA” which uses the long term averaged value taken from memory.
Link Quality Analysis (LQA) Averaging This option sets the method used to update an existing link quality value stored in ALE processor memory when the new link quality value is worse than the stored value. The option can be set to either replace the old values with the new values or replace the old values with different weighted averages of the old values and new readings. Averaging reduces the effect that one bad reading might otherwise have on a perfect channel.
Link Quality Analysis (LQA) Decay Rate This option sets the artificial decay rate for the link quality information that is stored in the link quality table within the ALE processor. Switching the sounding off and setting a decay rate of two hours would result in the recording of a perfect channel (100% channel quality) decaying to an unusable channel (0% channel quality) over a period of two hours. The decay rate can be disabled, set to 1,2,4,8,24 and 48 hours.
Threshold Test Used to select which type of threshold test is used to determine what quality ALE channel is acceptable for communication. Either “Sinad”, “BER”, “Both” or “None” can be selected.
SINAD Threshold This option sets the SINAD threshold at which an ALE channel is considered usable. This can be set to between 0 and 30dB.
BER Threshold This option selects the BER threshold at which an ALE channel is considered usable. If the required BER is not reached in the reply from the remote station the link establishment process is rejected. Depending on the retry setting the link establishment would continue on another link.
ALE Fill Mode The ALE is configured with its entire network data using the Barrett PC based ALE fill program. Refer to the Barrett 2050 PC based programming software that contains the ALE fill program for details.
Programming Functions The Barrett PRC-2090 transceiver can be programmed in three ways:Using the software supplied with the programming kit (P/N 2090-01-30), loaded on a PC, and transferring information to the PRC-2090 by RS-232 through the auxiliary connector. By direct key entry through the front panel Note:- This facility may not be available if the network administrator has barred the function during programming using a PC.
Programming a Channel from the Front Panel Note:- To program a channel from the front panel it is necessary to have this function enabled.
Channel Use Labels Use the Scroll keys to select the required channel label Note:- channel labels can be entered in the “General” section of the protected menu.
Transmitter Power Setting Use the Scroll keys to select the required output power – high, medium or low power. then press the or key Selcall Format Each channel can be programmed for one Selcall format, for a description of the formats available, refer to the beginning of this manual.
The channel program sequence can be aborted at any stage in the programming sequence by pressing the which the following is displayed:- 220 of 285 key after
Cloning (Programming) from Another Transceiver Note:- Use the transceiver you want to send the configuration from for the following steps This feature is used to send a copy of the configuration of one PRC-2090 transceiver or PRC-2090 transceiver fitted in the manpack adaptor to another using a cable (BCA204020) connecting both transceivers together via their auxiliary connectors using the RS-232 connection.
Using the numeric keypad enter Six digit ID and press the key then press the 222 of 285 key to proceed with cloning.
Manpack Operation Power Systems The Barrett PRC-2090 transceiver uses a removable 10Ah Lithium Ion battery cartridge. This cartridge contains the battery and the battery management system. It has a connector that is used for charging and operating the PRC-2090 when connected to the PRC-2090 or charging the battery when not connected to the PRC-2090. A DC input between 20VDC and 30VDC is required, allowing operation and charging from 24V vehicle sources, 24V solar panels and 24V hand crank generators.
AC/DC input Universal Power Adaptor Unit P/N 2090-03-01 For operation from a mains voltage between 100-254VAC or from 12VDC sources such as available in a vehicle:- Tactical solar panel P/N 2090-03-02 or 03 Hand Crank Generator P/N 2090-03-04 224 of 285
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Charging a 10Ah Lithium Ion Battery Cartridge Outside the Manpack The PRC-2090 battery cartridge can be charged outside the manpack using the AC/DC input universal power adaptor unit or directly from a 24V tactical solar panel or a 24V hand crank generator configured as shown in the following diagrams:AC/DC input universal power adaptor unit P/N 2090-03-01 For operation from a mains voltage between 100-254VAC or from 12VDC sources such as available in a vehicle:- Tactical Solar Panel P/N 2090-03-02 or 03
Hand Crank Generator P/N 2090-03-04 227 of 285
Battery Charge Indicator when Charging the 2090 When the charging source is connected to the 2090 and the transceiver is switched on, the battery icon between the channel number and the time shows the progress of the charge process:The battery icon with a moving line running from left to right indicates that the battery is charging, once the charger is removed the battery icon represents battery capacity available:- The battery icon stationary and filled “black” indicates that the battery is charged and th
Operation in the Manpack Configuration Using the LCD Unit Extension Kit (P/N 2090-01-11) The PRC-2090 manpack LCD unit can be removed from the manpack itself and placed into the LCD unit pouch located on the manpack bag using the extension kit supplied. Please see below on how to use the extension kit. Step 1: Pull out the LCD unit from the manpack. Step 2: Get extender cable and plug one end into LCD blanking unit.
230 of 285 Step 3: Push LCD blanking (metal face side up) unit into the manpack. Step 4: Connect LCD unit to the unconnected end of the extender cable.
Manpack Operation Using the Automatic Antenna Tuner The PRC-2090 manpack can be used with the 10 metre throw over long-wire provided or the optional 3 metre collapsible whip. Note:- Either the whip or the long-wire can be used but not both together. Using the Whip (P/N 2090-02-07) The gooseneck should be fitted to the whip antenna stud and the whip unfolded to its maximum height.
Using the Throw Over Long-wire Antenna (P/N 2090-02-06) The long-wire antenna should be unfurled and the end away from the manpack transceiver should be attached to any structure available and as high as possible. Note:- When using an un-tuned antenna such as the whip or the long-wire the section “Antenna Select” in the standard menu should be used to enable the automatic tuner i.e. select “Whip/Long-wire” operation.
Using the Multi-wire Counterpoise (P/N 2090-02-08) When using either a whip or the long-wire antenna efficiency can be increased by the use of the counterpoise supplied. This is connected to the 2090 via the BNC connector connected to the counterpoise.
Operation of the Manpack in Frequency Hopping Mode To operate in frequency hopping mode one of the of ESU (Encryption Synchronisation Units) supplied with the frequency hopping option must be plugged into the ESU socket on the top of the 2090 manpack adaptor. The ESU acquires satellite timing information so must be in view of the sky i.e. cannot be operated inside buildings.
Operation of the PRC-2090 Tactical Manpack in Temporary Base Stations For temporary base station operation, the Barrett PRC-2090 can be operated using either a tactical broadband antenna Barrett P/N 2090-02-03 or a tactical tunable wire dipole, Barrett P/N 2090-02-01. Tactical Broadband Dipole Antenna (2090-02-03) The Tactical Broadband Dipole Antenna is a dipole antenna with loading to allow broadband operation. For operation, each side of the antenna is unwound to its full length.
Tactical Broadband Dipole Antenna Configurations Horizontal Dipole The horizontal dipole has maximum gain on the broadsides of the antenna and reduced gain along the axis. Height above ground affects radiation angle. Lower heights give higher angle radiation, better for NVIS (short distance). Higher heights give lower radiation angle, better for long distance communication. Inverted V The inverted-V has a more omni-directional pattern than the Horizontal Dipole, with lower maximum gain.
Sloping Dipole Radiation with the Sloping Dipole becomes more directional, with increased gain in the direction of the lower end of the antenna, and reduced gain towards the higher end. Inverted U The inverted U has a radiation pattern between that of horizontal dipole and inverted V. For optimum performance, the radiating elements should be fully unwound, and should not touch the ground. Suitable for NVIS to medium distance.
Tactical Tunable Wire Dipole Antenna (2090-02-01) The Tactical Tuned Dipole Antenna is a tuned antenna with frequency labels to indicate tuned lengths. For operation, each side of the antenna is unwound to the tuned length for the frequency required. For operation at a labelled frequency, the label should be level with the end of the winder as shown in the picture below. Lengths for intermediate frequencies should be estimated and tied off appropriately. The remaining wire remains on the winder.
Tactical Tunable Wire Dipole Antenna Configurations Horizontal Dipole The horizontal dipole has maximum gain on the broadsides of the antenna, and reduced gain along the axis. Height above ground affects radiation angle. Lower heights give higher angle radiation, better for NVIS (short distance). Higher heights give lower radiation angle, better for long distance communication. Inverted V The inverted-V has a more omni-directional pattern than the Horizontal Dipole, with lower maximum gain.
Sloping Dipole Radiation with the Sloping Dipole becomes somewhat asymmetrical, with increased gain in the direction of the lower end of the antenna, and reduced gain towards the higher end. Single Ended For rapid deployment, with reduced but still acceptable efficiency, the antenna can be operated single ended. In this configuration, one side of the antenna (labelled “antenna”) is unwound to the desired frequency and tied to an elevated structure.
Connectors Auxiliary Socket 15 pin waterproof panel mounted socket Pin Name Description of function Level A +13V8 Fused Fused 13.8VDC output +13.
ESU/CW Socket 6 pin waterproof panel mounted socket Pin Name Description of function Level 1PPS 1 PPS from External Syncronisation Unit (ESU) TTL B NMEA + NMEA data input +5VDC C +5 +5V for ESU power +5VDC D CW key CW key input Active low 0V E Gnd Ground Ground 0V F N/C Not connected A 242 of 285
Handset Socket 6 pin waterproof panel mounted socket Pin Name Description of function A MICL Balanced Microphone input low Level B MICH Balanced Microphone input high C PTT PTT input Active low 0V D Speaker Loudspeaker output 0-10V E Aud UnBal Unbalanced audio in F Gnd Ground Ground 0V 243 of 285
Power Socket (on Battery Pack) 4 pin waterproof panel mounted socket Pin Name Description of function Level A +VIn External supply input – positive +22 to 28 VDC B +-VIn External supply input – positive +22 to 28 VDC C Gnd External supply input – negative -22 to 28 VDC D Gnd External supply input – negative -22 to 28 VDC 244 of 285
Barrett PRC-2090 Vehicle and Base Docking Stations Vehicle Docking Station Introduction The Barrett PRC-2090 vehicle docking station turns the PRC-2090 tactical transceiver into a 100W PEP capable transceiver. With this configuration the transceiver can also interface to the full range of Barrett peripherals including the 2019 Automatic Tuning Mobile HF Antenna and Barrett Linear Amplifiers.
Strength It must be assumed that the vehicle will be used on rough roads and in many cases off road. Hence mounting of equipment must take into account the severe vibration and shock that can be expected. Transceivers may only be mounted to structural components of the vehicle body and not on dress panels or plastic interior panels. In some cases, the area around the transceiver mounting may need reinforcement. Precautions should be taken to ensure fixing screws etc. cannot vibrate loose.
Antenna In any radio system an effective antenna installation is essential. Because of the need to reduce the size of HF antennas so that they can be fitted to a vehicle, mobile antenna bandwidth becomes quite narrow and hence tuning is critical. In most cases the only tuning adjustment that can be effected is adjustment to position. Particular attention must be given to the antenna position if satisfactory performance is to be obtained. Refer to the instructions supplied with the antenna you have selected.
Noise Suppression Noise generated by motor or electrical accessories on the vehicle may cause objectionable interference to the received signal. This noise enters the receiver either by means of the battery leads or the antenna system. Providing that the recommendations concerning battery wiring given earlier in this book are followed, noise injected via the battery lead is unlikely to be significant. Most noise problems result from pick-up by the antenna.
Ignition Systems All high tension wiring from the ignition coil through to the spark plugs should be kept as short as practicable, clean, and as close to the engine block as possible. The cable should be an impregnated neoprene resistive type and the coil must be either mounted on, or immediately adjacent to, the engine block. The low tension wire from the coil to the distributor contact breaker points must be as short as possible, and not included with other wires in a harness or loom.
Engine Instrumentation Certain types of oil-pressure sensors and voltage regulators used in instrument systems contain a vibrating or thermal cycling contact. These devices can only be suppressed by isolating and screening or wiring in the same way as described for the alternator to regulator control wire.
