Barrett Communication PRC2090HF HF Tactical manpack User Manual PRC 2090 Operation and installation manual ver 6
Barrett Communication Pty. Ltd. HF Tactical manpack PRC 2090 Operation and installation manual ver 6
Contents
user manual part3

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Base Docking Station 
 Introduction 
The  PRC-2090  base  docking  station  incorporates  the  PRC-2090  vehicle  docking 
station plus an AC Power supply module P/N 2090-06-01. 
A MIL-STD high speed HF Modem  (P/N 2090-04-10) with software to  suit  is also 
available as an optional extra. 
This  section  provides  instructions  for  the  installation  of  land  based  HF 
communication equipment.  
Most of the installation  work can be  performed by non-technical personnel  if  they 
carefully follow the instructions given in this handbook.  It is however recommended 
that the completed installation be checked by a suitably qualified technician. In some 
equipment  configurations,  technical  adjustment  is  required  for  the  equipment  to 
operate correctly. 
Note:-Some equipment has  specific instructions supplied  with  it.  When this is  the 
case those instructions over-ride the general guidance of this handbook, and must 
be followed in detail. 
Unpacking and Inspection 
When  unpacking  the  transceiver,  check  the  contents  against  the  packing  note 
provided.    Before  discarding  the  carton,  check  that  all  accessories  have  been 
removed and are not mislaid in the packing material. Inspect the equipment for any 
transit damage.  If damage has occurred notify your supplier immediately and gain 
their advice on further action. Failure to do this could affect the warranty covering 
the equipment. 
Fixed Station Installations  
Transceiver Position  
The following should be considered when choosing a position for the transceiver. 
 Operating Convenience  
The  transceiver  should  be  placed  so  that  the  operator  is  comfortable  and  any 
facilities he may require are easily accessible.  
 Air Circulation  
Most transceivers rely on air flow around cooling fins to dissipate heat generated by 
the transmitter.  The mounting position must allow free air flow around these fins. 
 Proximity of Transceiver to Antenna  
When using RG-58 coaxial cable from the transceiver to the antenna a cable length 
of no more than 30 metres is recommended. Should a run of more than 30 metres 

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be required it  is  recommended that a low loss coax such as RG-213 or RG-8  be 
used. 
It is recommended that the transceiver chassis is connected to ground using the bolt 
on the rear panel to stop pick-up of unwanted noise from local power supplies and 
electrical equipment. 
Power Supply  
All Barrett transceivers require a  supply voltage of 13.8 VDC. In most vehicles or 
vessels this is available from the battery, in the case of vehicles with a 24V system a 
24V to 12V converter rated at 25 amps should be used (Barrett P/N 2090-06-02). In 
fixed  station  installations  where  mains  power  between  88VAC  and  256VAC  is 
available, a Barrett power supply (P/N 2090-06-01) should be used. 
In base station installations where no mains supply is available a Barrett solar power 
supply is available.  
Note:-  Some  installations  use  an  AC  battery  charger  to  float  charge  the  supply 
battery.  Battery chargers can produce electrical noise from the rectifier diodes.  This 
noise  causes  a  static  type  of  interference  in  the  receiver.    It  may  be  necessary, 
therefore, to  switch off the battery charger whilst the transceiver is  in use. If  float 
charging of batteries is required for installations with unreliable AC power supply, it 
is  recommended  that  a  Barrett  power  supply  (P/N  2090-06-01)  be  used  as  this 
provides  a  boost  and  float  charge  facility  to  maintain  a  battery  without  the  noise 
problem described above.  
 Voltage Drop  
The average current consumption of the transceiver is low but during transmission of 
voice peaks, high current is needed for short intervals.  This means that the power 
supply cable must be  heavy enough to supply these  short duration current peaks 
without excessive voltage drop. Preferably use only the power cable supplied with 
the transceiver. If extra cable is required use a cable with a conductor square area 
of  no  less  than  8mm.    Unwanted  voltage  drop  will  also  occur  if  incorrect  wiring 
techniques such as poor choice of connection points and incorrect use of terminal 
lugs are used. 
 Protection Fuse  
The transceiver is provided with adequate internal protection.  However, the fitting of 
an external fuse is considered necessary, not for protection of the transceiver itself, 
but to ensure that in the event of damage to the cable, a fire risk does not exist.  The 
fuse used must be installed in the active wire as close as possible to the battery, and 
must be of a type which has a low voltage drop at the peak currents expected. 
Note:- in-line 3AG glass fuses are not suitable. An ATC automotive blade type 
fuse rated at 25A with a suitable high current ATC fuse holder rated at 30A or more 
should  be  used.  These  type  of  fuses  and  holders  are  contained  in  our  standard 
installation  kit  (Barrett  P/N  BCA20004)  or  are  available  individually  (Barrett  P/N 
BCA20021)  

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Antenna  
The antenna is a most critical part of the complete radio installation.  It must accept 
the output power from the transmitter, radiate that power with minimum loss and in 
the receive mode, accept weak signals for input to the receiver. 
Incorrect antenna installations will yield poor system performance and are often the 
cause of complaints of poor transceiver performance. 
A  range  of  antennas  is  available  from  Barrett  to  suit  most  small  fixed  stations.  
Detailed instructions are included with each antenna. 

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PRC-2090 Tactical HF Transcevier and Docking Station (2090-05-00) 
 Front View - 2090 Not Fitted 
 Front View - 2090 Docked 

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Steps for Docking the PRC-2090 Transceiver into the Docking Station 
1)  Select where the handset clip is to be placed. The clip can be placed on the 
side of the docking station or on the top of the docking station. The clip can 
only be moved when the PRC-2090 transceiver is not fitted. 
Side mount handset clip 
 To put the handset clip on top of the docking station unscrew the 2 screws holding 
the handset clip.