BC250, Built 1987-1993

250 channel, 100W PEP, 2-18MHz, USB only (2182 AM in Marine Mode)

4WD & Marine option, front panel programmable -Both options are configurable with a internal link .

Fixed channels are programmed via an eprom---There is no programming software available for this radio, it must all be done with a hex editor and eprom programmer

Selcall: Firstly,you must check that your radio has a selcall board fitted –Around 30% of BC250 radios do not have selcall fitted

Version 1.xx radios can only have selcall fitted.

Version 4.xx radios can have selcall/telcall fitted.

Note that there are plenty of V4 radios kicking around with selcall only or Codan selcall combined with WA2 telcall---If your V4 BC250 cannot make a direct dial telcall, it probably needs a selcall firmware upgrade.

The remote head 250 can be easily upgraded from Version 1 to V4 by replacing the two main processors and eprom. A local control V1.xx  BC250 cannot be easily upgraded to V4.

Autotune antenna interfacing can be a bit tricky with the BC250, so generally these are used with a multitap antenna (see autotune info below).

Overall it is a very good, reliable radio--Only ongoing maintenance is backup battery replacement every 5 yrs or so.

BC530, Built 1993-1997.

This radio is basically a 12 channel version of the BC550 -A programming adapter plug is fitted to the Mic socket and it is then programmed via the front panel.

This radio is selcall only, and came with the choice of 3 security chip option packs:

Opt 1-No selcall, Opt 2-Selcall, Opt 3-Selcall with external alarm.

BC550, Built 1993-1997.

500 Channel, 100W PEP, 1.6-30MHz USB/LSB/AM/FSK/CW.

4WD & Marine option, front panel programmable -Both options need to be enabled with the Barrett 550 PC software.

Fixed Channels are programmed via a PC or clone cable.

These units can all be enabled with Selcall/Telcall/Beacon call--Note that some early versions of the radio firmware didn't have Beacon Call fitted...Please note also that there are a few of these radios around that still have the old WA2 Selcall and Telcall format fitted. Your radio will probaby require a firmware upgrade if your radio cannot Selcall or Beacon Call another network member.

Option packs: There are 4 main option packs available--These options are all enabled by a "security Chip" fitted to the radio.

Opt 4-Selcall/Telcall...Opt 5-Selcall/Telcall with external alarm...Opt 7-Selcall/Telcall GPS... Opt 8-All options including RS232 Computer control.

Will happily drive a 510/910 autotune antenna.--Overall its a great radio, with pretty much all the features you will ever need.

BC930, Built 1997-2003.

12 channel version of the 950

BC950, Built 1997-2003.

450 Channel, 125W PEP, 1.6-30MHz USB/LSB/AM/FSK/CW.

The BC950 was essentially a hardware and firmware upgrade of the BC550, with some features added, such as dual selcall numbers, ALE, and optional cooling fans.

Option pack: Option 3 has has all features enabled- ie Selcall/Telcall/GPS/RS232.

Barrett 2050, Built 2003-Current.

500 Channel, 125W PEP, 1.6-30Mhz USB/LSB/AM/FSK/CW.

Easy to use radio with gaggles of features-If buying second hand, ensure that you get the late firmware version (V1.78 or better) "flashed" into the radio-There were some incompatability issues with pagecall/GPS formats when talking to a Codan 9323/NGT with the earlier versions of Firmware. Overall a great, well built radio--goto the Barrett website for more info.

Barrett Autotune Antennas:

Moonraker: These were a screwdriver antenna (ie a wormdrive arrangement vaguely similar to the Codan style of autotune antennas)-These antennas were not manufactured by Barrett, but were outsourced from "Moonraker Antenna Systems".--Generally, if this antenna fails on your BC250, you go out and buy a multitap.

510/910 Autotune Antenna: From about 1993 onwards, Barrett started manufacturing their own autotune antennas---Instead of a "screwdriver antenna", Barrett basically went for a switchable "smart-tuner" whereby different values of "coil windings" are switched in and out by internal relays to "tune" the antenna (Checkout a couple of internal pictures in my download section).

Overall the 510/910 is a very good reliable antenna---Normally quicker to tune, and a little less fussy about earthing in comparison to a screwdriver antenna.-----As mentioned in my FAQs, go for the mid grey 510 or the dark grey 910. The early "White" 510 model units do have a problem with stress fractures and UV damage to the outer casing.