Barrett Communications has recently previewed the PRC-4090 high-frequency (HF) SDR Transceiver at industry exhibitions DSEI, AUSA and MilCIS. The PRC-4090 is an innovative tactical device that combines advanced software-defined radio technology with a user-friendly touchscreen interface.
With an extended operating time of up to 21 hours, the PRC-4090 transceiver has been specifically designed with practicality in mind. It weighs just 2.95kg and utilises lightweight alloys to lessen the battlefield load.
The control handset of the PRC-4090 enables the operator to control the transceiver by wearing the display unit (attachable via molle), eliminating the need to dismount the manpack unit. The control handset features a high-definition 24-bit colour touchscreen providing enhanced viewing ability even in extreme weather conditions. From the display, users have access to the most advanced and intuitive HF radio interface currently available on the market, containing four distinct colour modes suitable for different ambient light conditions. Each handset is fitted with an advanced GPS system, improving emergency call and positioning features on all deployed identically equipped HF assets.
Internet protocol (IP) network connectivity comes as standard with the PRC-4090 system docking stations. The ethernet RJ-45 access point enables the HF network to connect directly to PCs, facilitating integration with Barrett’s tracking and data options.
When used alongside Barrett’s other HF products, the PRC-4090 provides secure and reliable data transfer, telephone and email connectivity. It is compatible with all major mobile and desktop platforms, including iOS, Android and Windows, and can be remotely operated using Barrett’s 4000 series HF remote-control app.
The PRC-4090 delivers multiple optional features to enhance battlefield communications performance. These include secure digital voice technology to boost the reliability of communications over weak channels, advanced frequency hopping, as well as second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) automatic link establishment (ALE).
Barrett’s PRC-4090 transceiver provides selective call (Selcall) protocols, including SMS text, GPS positioning, telephone interconnect, and status calling as standard along with a digital signal processor (DSP) that supplies clear intelligible voice communications on analogue channels by cancelling out background noise and interference.
Barrett Communications is now taking provisional orders for the PRC-4090, with deliveries commencing from Q2 2020. The company will be demonstrating the PRC-4090 at FIDAE in Chile and DSA in Malaysia in April and Eurosatory 2020 defence and security exhibition at the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte, France, in June.
