Barrett HF SDR 4000 Series User manual

HF Radio Digital Voice and
Secure Digital Voice
User Guide
BCM40504/05
© Barrett Communications
BARRETT

Contents
Products Covered in This Manual ............................................................5
4050 HF SDR Transceiver Digital Voice Products...............................5
2050 HF Transceiver Digital Voice Products......................................5
PRC-2090 HF Transceiver Digital Voice Products...............................6
Introduction ............................................................................................7
Operating with Digital Voice ...................................................................8
Encryption.............................................................................................11
Barrett Communications Key Management Software Quick Start Guide
(2000 & 4000 Series Transceivers) .........................................................12
1. Connect the transceiver to a PC .................................................13
2. Install the Key Management Software (KMS) ............................. 16
3. Set transceiver to “SDV/DV Programming Mode” (4000 series) or
“Scrambler Program Mode” (2000 series)...............................17
4. Generate the keys ...................................................................... 19
5. Exporting the Keys .....................................................................22
6. Loading the Keys........................................................................23
Selecting Keys in 4000 Series Transceivers ............................................. 30
Secure Digital Voice/Data Key......................................................... 30
Enable Digital and Secure Voice in 4000 Series Transceivers..................31
Selecting Keys in the 2000 Series Transceivers.......................................32
Enabling Scrambler Mode for 2000 Series Transceivers .........................33
To Disable Scrambler Mode............................................................33
Making a Digital/Secure Digital Voice Call .............................................35
Warranty Statement ..............................................................................36
Contact Details............................................................................... 37

4

5
OVERVIEW 1
Products Covered in This Manual
4050 HF SDR Transceiver Digital Voice Products
For use with the Barrett 4050 HF SDR Transceiver
1. Digital voice module - DV
P/N BCO40505 Digital Voice auto vocoder module 700/1200/2400 bps,
no encryption
2. Secure digital voice module with DES 56 encryption - SDV-56
P/N BCO40506 - Secure digital voice auto vocoder module
700/1200/2400 bps with DES 56 encryption
3. Secure digital voice module with AES 256 encryption - SDV-256
P/N BCO40507 - Secure digital voice module auto vocoder
600/1200/2400 bps with AES 256 encryption.
Export Licence required.
4. Key management software DES 56
P/N BCA40521 For use with SDV-56 - P/N BCO40506
5. Key management software AES 256
P/N BCA40520 For use with SDV-256 - P/N BCO40507
2050 HF Transceiver Digital Voice Products
1. Digital voice module - DV
P/N BCO20515 - Digital voice auto vocoder module
700/1200/2400 bps, no encryption
2. Secure digital voice module with DES 56 encryption - SDV-56
P/N BCO20521 Secure digital voice module auto vocoder
700/1200/2400 with DES 56 encryption
3. Secure digital voice module with AES 256 encryption - SDV-256

6
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - OVERVIEW
P/N BCO20520 Secure digital voice module low rate auto vocoder
600/1200/2400 with AES 256 encryption.
Export licence required.
4. Key management software DES 56
P/N BCA20521 For use with SDV-56 - P/N BCO20521
5. Key management software AES 256
P/N BCA20520 For use with SDV-256 - P/N BCO20520
PRC-2090 HF Transceiver Digital Voice Products
1. Digital voice module - DV
P/N BCO20515 - Digital Voice auto vocoder module
700/1200/2400 bps, no encryption
2. Secure digital voice module with DES 56 encryption - SDV-56
P/N BCO20521 Secure digital voice module auto vocoder
700/1200/2400 with DES 56 encryption
3. Secure digital voice module with AES 256 encryption - SDV-256
P/N BCO20520 Secure digital voice module low rate auto vocoder
600/1200/2400 with AES 256 encryption.
Export licence required.
4. Key management software DES 56
P/N 2090-01-51 For use with SDV-56 - P/N BCO20521
5. Key management software AES 256
P/N 2090-01-50 For use with SDV-256 - P/N BCO20520

7
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - OVERVIEW
This manual describes utilising Digital Voice (DV) and encryption (Secure Digital
Voice (SDV)) for HF radio with the different Digital Voice (DV) and Secure Digital
Voice (SDV) products available from Barrett Communications. Details on how to
install, congure and use the DV and SDV products with Barrett 4000 and 2000
series HF Transceivers are covered in this manual.
Digital voice can improve the reliability of communications over noisy channels
where reception of analogue voice can be very poor. Poor voice quality can
be improved markedly by the use of digital voice modules to the point where
barely usable frequencies are made clear. SDV allows users to encrypt their com-
munications over HF therefore providing a secure HF network.
Both DV and SDV capability can be utilised in Barrett 4000 and 2000 series HF
Transceivers using Barrett digital voice modules which are designated as:
DV Digital Voice module with no encryption
SDV-56 Secure Digital Voice module with DES 56 encryption
(No export licence required)
SDV-256 Secure Digital Voice module with AES 256 encryption
(Export licence required)
Signal-to-noise ratio conditions can change during communications between
HF stations. The digital voice modules have auto baud capabilities which auto-
matically adjust baud rates up or down whilst communicating between the
transceivers allowing the users to transmit and receive signals with optimal
voice clarity.
PLEASE NOTE, the SDV-56 and SDV-256 are not compatible due to dif-
ferent baud rate capabilities.
Introduction

8
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - OVERVIEW
Operating with Digital Voice
To achieve the best results from the digital voice capabilities of Barrett transceiv-
ers tted with DV/SDV modules, it is important to understand how the system
works. This section describes the system and also details operational scenarios
which will assist operators in getting the most from their equipment.
As mentioned earlier, the DV/SDV modules achieve the best results in terms of
digital voice clarity by automatically changing baud rates. This is achieved by
the DV or SDV module assessing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the current
conditions and then changing the baud rate appropriately to allow best syn-
chronization between all transceivers. This is known as auto baud i.e. the DV
modules have “auto baud capabilities”.
The DV and SDV-56 modules have baud rates of 700/1200/2400 bps. The SDV-
256 has baud rates of 600/1200/2400 bps. As the baud rates are different for
the SDV-56 and SDV-256, the modules are not compatible in terms of being
able to be utilised for DV operation. However, analogue voice would still be
available for voice communications.
The module will adjust up or down between the above baud levels for effective
use of digital voice. All the modules require a minimum SNR of -3 dB to operate
at the low level. It is quite common that the baud rates being used between
stations can vary as the SNR can be different at each station. This can be due
to the antenna types being used, xed or mobile stations, and/or local area
interference.
The method the DV modules follow for achieving the optimal baud rate for
conditions is as follows:
• The DV modules will, by default, start at the low baud rate for the rst
transmission.
• During each transmission, as well as the digital audio being transmitted,
the SNR received on the previous transmission is also sent back to the
transmitting station.
• After four successful transmissions at the low rate, the DV module will
assess the received SNR values and if favourable, the baud will increase
to the medium rate. This assessment process will repeat and if SNR has
improved it will go to the high baud rate. It is possible that if the SNR is
optimal after the rst assessment it may go directly to the high baud rate
bypassing the medium baud rate.

9
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - OVERVIEW
The 4050 Transceiver will display the current baud rate and update the display
as the baud rate changes.
The 2000 series transceiver is unable to display the baud rates. However, it can
be determined by the sound of the two beeps heard at the beginning of each
received transmission.
Low pitched tones: Low baud rate
Medium pitched tones: Medium baud rate
(can sound like one long continuous tone)
High pitched tones: High baud rate
If the DV module senses no outgoing or incoming signals for two minutes, the
DV module will revert to the default low baud rate. If the operator initiates two
short transmissions (PTTs), for example by pressing the microphone PTT button
twice, the module in the transceiver in question will revert to the default low
baud rate.

10
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - OVERVIEW

11
To enable digitally encrypted communications between transceivers tted with
SDV-56 or SVD-256 modules they must have the same encryption key loaded
and selected.
Barrett Communications Key Management Software allows encryption keys
to be loaded into Barrett Communications 4000 and 2000 series transceivers,
which are tted with SDV modules. This is supplied on a USB device and once
inserted into a PC can be installed following the on-screen prompts.
This section of the manual covers the following:
• Using Barrett Key Management Software (KMS)
(used with 2000 and 4000 series transceivers) including generating keys
• Loading keys into 4000 series transceivers
• Selecting keys in 4000 series transceivers
• Enable digital and secure voice in 4000 series transceivers
• Loading keys into 2000 series transceivers
• Selecting keys in 2000 series transceivers
• Enabling Scrambler Mode in 2000 series transceivers
Encryption
SET-UP 2

12
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - SET-UP
Barrett Communications Key Management Soft-
ware Quick Start Guide (2000 & 4000 Series Trans-
ceivers)
Two variants of the software are available, a 56-bit version for use with DES
keys and a 256-bit version for use with AES keys. These variants are the same,
except for the length of the keys that are generated. The 56-bit version is shown
throughout this manual although the instructions contained are applicable to
both variants.
The typical steps to generate keys and load them onto a transceiver are as fol-
lows:
1. Connect the transceiver to a PC.
2. Install the Key Management Software (KMS)
3. Set transceiver to “SDV/DV Programming Mode” (4000 series) or “Scram-
bler Program Mode” (2000 series).
4. Generate the keys (255 secure keys fro 4000 series transceivers and 15
secure keys for 2000 series transceivers)
5. Export the keys to an appropriate location or folder
6. Load the keys onto the transceiver using either the Conguration Load
Software (4000 and 2000 series) or the USB socket on the transceiver front
panel (4000 series only).

13
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - SET-UP
1. Connect the transceiver to a PC
Rear of 4050 HF SDR Transceiver
Serial cable (P/N SA-29109)
USB to serial adaptor (P/N BCA92318)
Windows PC
4050 HF SDR Transceiver

14
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - SET-UP
2000 Series Connection Diagrams
2050 HF Transceiver
Rear of 2050 HF Transceiver
Serial cable (P/N BCA90023)
USB to serial adaptor (P/N BCA92318)
Windows PC

15
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - SET-UP
PRC 2090/2090 HF Transceiver
Front of PRC 2090/2090 HF Transceiver
Serial cable to suit 2090 with DB9 adaptors (P/N SA-29109)
USB to serial adaptor (P/N BCA92318)
Windows PC

16
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - SET-UP
2. Install the Key Management Software (KMS)
Installing the KMS requires that the logged-on user has administrator privileges.
The Installer may be run by inserting the USB device provided into an available
USB port on the PC, navigating to the drive and running the installer le.
KMS installers are typically named:
Barrett_Communications_56-bit_vx.x.xx_setup.exe
• Follow the prompts to install the software.

17
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - SET-UP
3. Set transceiver to “SDV/DV Programming Mode”
(4000 series) or “Scrambler Program Mode” (2000
series)
Scroll down by using the touch
screen or the arrow keys on the key-
pad until SDV/4026 Programming
Mode can be selected.
PLEASE NOTE: The menu
options shown on the right will
vary depending on the options
available to you, and installed
on your transceiver.
Select Enabled.
Settings Security
To access this mode, tap the Set-
tings menu from the Swipe menu
and then select Security.

18
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - SET-UP
Setting Transceiver to “Scrambler Program Mode” (2000 series)
Press and hold for more
than two seconds to enter the “Pro-
tected” menu section.
Use the scroll keys to
select General
Then press .
Use the scroll keys to
select Scrambler Program.
Then press .
Use the scroll keys to
select Yes.
Then press .
When the following screen displays,
load the keys into the Transceiver.
On completion of the Keyll pro-
cess, press to exit.
On the Barrett 2000 series transceivers, secure digital voice capabilities are
assigned to Scrambler Prg Mode.

19
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - SET-UP
4. Generate the keys
Upon start-up, three options are available:
• Create a new Key Conguration File: Choose this option if a new Key Con-
guration File has to be created.
• Edit an existing Key Conguration File: Choose this option if a Key Congu-
ration File has already been created, but needs to be modied.
• Export an existing Key Conguration File to USB Fill Device: Choose this
option if a Key Conguration File has already been created, and needs to
be programmed into a transceiver.
Key Management Software
Select the appropriate option and continue.

20
DIGITAL VOICE AND SECURE DIGITAL VOICE - SET-UP
Creating a New Key Conguration File
• Insert the random passphrase or generate one automatically.
1
2
3
4
5
1
Key Generation Phrase
2
The Strength bar shows the measured complexity of the phrase (how
difcult the passphrase would be to hack). Greater complexity will
ensure that the keys are not related and that they are cryptographically
secure.
3
The “Add unique hidden text... are unique” check box includes the cur-
rent time in the key generation process. This ensures that regenerating
the keys using the same passphrase at a different time will result in
different keys.
4
Clicking this button automatically generates a 100% strength pass
phrase.
5
Selecting the Show keys checkbox will display the keys in hexadecimal
format.