Build dates 1987-1993 approx.
2-18Mhz, USB only - I believe that there was a LSB firmware option, but I've never
actually ever seen it in operation.
These radios have a Land or Marine Mode - Land mode enables RFDS Call, and
Marine mode enables 2182 (AM) with international emergency tone.
255 Channels. Normally there are about 100 pre-programmed (eprom) channels
You can also program about 25 channels from the front panel.
100Watts PEP output
Barrett SB250RC
Standard SB250 Local
Selcall & Telcall
Selcall was an optional extra in the 250, so if you have the need for selcall
ensure that it actually has a board fitted under the bottom cover panel.
Only the later model SB250 radios with V4 firmware & telcall option can make
direct dial telephone calls. See below for selcall board picture.
Barrett 250 selcall board-
Note the four blue dials for setting your selcall self ID No.
The first digit (1000s) of your selcall No is set on the dial closest to the back
of the radio.
Ex WA police radios
The 250 lost some of its good reputation when in about 2006, a heap of Ex WA
police SB250s were sold en-Masse (approx 200) via a disposal house in Perth.
These radios had the Head processor, Selcall processor and channel eprom
removed before being released to the public.
The non standard keypad on these radios were also not suitable for use as a 4WD land mobile .
A lot of these "Totally useless" radios ended up on online auction sites etc,
and quite a few buyers were disappointed to discover that they had bought a lemon.
Once the word got out about these "Dud Radios", people became very wary
about buying a SB250.
Late in 2006 an upgrade Kit was developed which allow people to turn their
Ex police 250 into a standard Land Mobile SB250 with selcall/telcall.
If you still have one of these "Ex WA Cop" radios lying around, there are still
limited numbers of these kits available at www.hf-radio.com.au
The Dreaded Western Australian Police Department Remote Head.
Replacement Front Keypad