Microphone for Barrett 2050 HF

[highflyer83]

Hi All,

A bit of a reach here.  I'm looking to source replacement microphone for a Barrett 2050( Barrett BCA20023).  The radio is installed in a health outpost in a remote village of Papua New Guinea, and is the only link to the outside world for the folks there.  The current microphone has had its cable completely ruined (rodents probably?).  I'm not looking for a handout.  If you might have one or have an idea of how to source, please send me a message!

With Thanks,
Tim

[vk6zgo]

Hi All,

A bit of a reach here.  I'm looking to source replacement microphone for a Barrett 2050( Barrett BCA20023).  The radio is installed in a health outpost in a remote village of Papua New Guinea, and is the only link to the outside world for the folks there.  The current microphone has had its cable completely ruined (rodents probably?).  I'm not looking for a handout.  If you might have one or have an idea of how to source, please send me a message!

With Thanks,
Tim

I don't know a lot about Barrets, but older microphones in radio gear are pretty generic.
They are usually  dynamic mics & very similar between CB, Ham, taxi type radios, & HF radios in the same class as the Barret.

Unfortunately, a trend has emerged of using electret mics, as well as using RJ12 or Rj45 plugs & the associated sockets.
I consider the latter to be a backward step, as their durability is poor, compared to the traditional mic plug.

[vk6zgo]

It did turn out to be one using an RJ45, just as I feared.
As the mic also has up/down channel controls, you are probably better off buying a new one.

In  the USA there is ;-

https://www.satelliteworldstore.com/product/bca20010-barrett-2050-hf-radio-hand-microphone/

and in Oz:-
http://www.pacificrim.com.au/bca20010-barrett-2050-hf-radio-hand-microphone.html

but it may be best to go straight to Barrett.

https://www.barrettcommunications.com.au/2050-hf-transceiver/

Alternatively, if the actual mic assembly is all right, & the cost of a new one is horrifying, you may be able to repair it, either yourself, or by getting an Electronics repair business in PNG to to the job.

PS. Obviously, with you in Canada, the shipping would be nightmarish, as would be negotiating with an Electronics repairer in PNG, so, unless someone has one sitting around unused, it looks like you will be stuck with buying a new one.

[Marck]

It might be worth sending an email to Miles Electronics in Cairns QLD they list on their website that they sell Barrett gear.   Being the closest Australian city to PNG they probably will have some experience with PNG.  So assuming that they can source the Mic they might be better placed to deal with the logistical problems PNG can present.

If you want to send someone up to sort it out for you let me know. An adventure in PNG sounds like a blast.

M

 

[coppercone2]

you might also want to look into getting a guard metal or something around the cable, it sounds very important to keep that radio running. repair and prevent

[m3vuv]

why the hell cant you repair it,if its only the cable,its not rocket science with a soldering iron and some shrinkwrap!,even use a 12v iron and batterys!!

[Marck]

I think the issue is that the Mic is in PNG and it looks like the OP is in the states. Rodents have a particular fetish for insulation.  I have seen them chew through an aluminium enclosure to get at the insulation of fibre optic cable.  Or destroy meters of cat cable by only eating the outer insulation.  They are bastards that must all get together and think of ways to damage comms equipment in the most creative ways.  And that’s just with their teeth what they can do with biological waste is even more brilliant. 

M

[m3vuv]

maybe they can go back to using jungle drums or smoke signals!,certainly be rat proof!!

[Marck]

I don’t think doctors have communicated that way for a while.  Satphone would have been my choice .

[coppercone2]

maybe they can go back to using jungle drums or smoke signals!,certainly be rat proof!!

you know, someone might have a heart attack or something, maybe there is a doctor around..

[vk6zgo]

I don’t think doctors have communicated that way for a while.  Satphone would have been my choice .

Nobody uses a HF radio as sophisticated as the Barrett 2050 unless they have a very real need for it
It's not an old Traeger "pedal radio"!

[m3vuv]

talking of sat phones,are they any less expensve to use nowadays?,i often see them for peanuts at radio rallys.

[Marck]

When i travel i take out the cheeper plan and pay about $1 per minute for voice calls and i think 25cents for a message thats at about $60 a month for access. 

[CJay]

I think the issue is that the Mic is in PNG and it looks like the OP is in the states. Rodents have a particular fetish for insulation.  I have seen them chew through an aluminium enclosure to get at the insulation of fibre optic cable.  Or destroy meters of cat cable by only eating the outer insulation.  They are bastards that must all get together and think of ways to damage comms equipment in the most creative ways.  And that’s just with their teeth what they can do with biological waste is even more brilliant. 

M

I've read somewhere it's the smell of the plasticiser that attracts them, wonder if a different insulation material might be less attractive?