CalAmp Wireless Networks GPD7 G3 User Manual 301427
CALAMP WIRELESS NETWORKS INC. G3 301427
preliminary version
Dataradio G3
Mobile Radiomodem
Installation Guide
Version 0.01
PRELIMINARY, For Internal Use Only
The entire contents of this manual and the Radio Installation Software
described in this manual are copyright 2002 by DATARADIO Inc.
Copyright DATARADIO Inc.
January, 2003
Part no.: 156 90000-508
Table of Contents
1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................1
1.1 INTENDED AUDIENCE ........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................................................................1
1.2.1 Features...................................................................................................................................................1
1.2.2 Configuration...........................................................................................................................................1
1.3 FACTORY TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................................................1
1.4 PRODUCT WARRANTY.......................................................................................................................................2
1.5 REPLACEMENT PARTS .......................................................................................................................................2
1.5.1 Factory Repair.........................................................................................................................................2
1.6 UNPACKING.......................................................................................................................................................2
2. INSTALLATION................................................................................................................................................3
2.1 PLANNING THE INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................................................3
2.1.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................................3
2.1.2 Location...................................................................................................................................................3
2.1.3 Cable Path ...............................................................................................................................................3
2.2 WARNINGS ........................................................................................................................................................3
2.2.1 RF Radiation warning .............................................................................................................................3
2.2.2 Interference with vehicular electronics ...................................................................................................3
2.2.3 Secure mounting ......................................................................................................................................3
2.2.4 Explosive environments ...........................................................................................................................3
2.2.5 Installation in vehicles powered by liquefied gas....................................................................................4
2.3 PHYSICAL UNIT .................................................................................................................................................4
2.3.1 Recommended tools and supplies ............................................................................................................4
2.3.2 Physical mounting of G3.........................................................................................................................4
2.4 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................................................5
2.4.1 Electrical requirements ...........................................................................................................................5
2.4.2 Routing of power cable............................................................................................................................5
2.5 ANTENNA ..........................................................................................................................................................7
2.5.1 Recommended tools and supplies ............................................................................................................7
2.5.2 Planning ..................................................................................................................................................7
2.5.3 Antenna Installation ................................................................................................................................8
2.6. COMPLETING THE PHYSICAL INSTALLATION. ................................................................................................8
2.7. CHECKING OUT NORMAL OPERATION............................................................................................................8
3. OPERATING DESCRIPTION .........................................................................................................................9
3.1 FRONT & REAR PANELS ....................................................................................................................................9
3.2 DTE PORT INTERFACE ....................................................................................................................................10
4. TROUBLE-SHOOTING AND TESTING .....................................................................................................11
4.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED....................................................................................................................................11
4.2 BASIC TESTS ...................................................................................................................................................11
4.3 ADDITIONAL TEST DETAILS .............................................................................................................................13
4.3.1 GPS Test ................................................................................................................................................13
4.3.2 RF Data Link Test..................................................................................................................................13
5. SPECIFICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................14
TABLE 1 - G3 LEDS INDICATIONS .............................................................................................................................10
TABLE 2 - TESTS...........................................................................................................................................................12
156 90000-508 ii Dataradio G3 Installation Guide
FIGURE 1 - MOUNTING PLATE AND SLOT DIMENSIONS ....................................................................................................5
FIGURE 2 - BRACKET INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................................................5
FIGURE 3 - DC POWER CONNECTOR ...............................................................................................................................6
FIGURE 4 - ANTENNA SPACING .......................................................................................................................................7
FIGURE 5 - FRONT AND REAR PANELS .............................................................................................................................9
156 90000-508 iii Dataradio G3 Installation Guide
What's New in this version
History
Preliminary Version 0.01, November 2002
• First occurrence of Dataradio G3 700MHz - 50kHz channel mobile ra-
diomodem user manual
156 90000-508 iv Dataradio G3 Installation Guide
Definitions
The following terms are used throughout this document.
Item Definition
DCE Data Communications Equipment. This designation defines the direction (input
or output) of the various RS-232 interface signals. Modems are always wired as
DCE.
DTE Data Terminal Equipment. This designation defines the direction (input or out-
put) of the various RS-232 interface signals. Most user equipment, as well as
PCs, are wired as DTE.
GCU G3 modem Control Unit board
HDX Half Duplex. A unit that uses separate transmit and receive frequencies, but
which may not transmit and receive simultaneously.
RJ45 Industry–standard interface for data transfer.
RS-232 Industry–standard interface for data transfer.
USB Industry–standard interface for data transfer.
156 90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
1
1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This document provides the information re-
quired for the installation, operation and
verification of the DATARADIO G3.
1.1 Intended Audience
This document is designed for use by engi-
neering design, installation, and mainte-
nance personnel.
1.2 General Description
G3 is a mobile radiomodem aimed at the
public safety and public utility markets to
meet demand for high speed and high
throughput. It integrates all the necessary
hardware for data-only vehicular installations
up to but not including the laptop PC and its
application software.
Example of applications are:
1. Database inquiry systems.
Small number of brief messages, (usu-
ally from the mobile station) with fairly
long responses.
2. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD).
Large number of messages, (usually
from the base station) with very brief re-
sponses.
3. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL).
Using built-in GPS receiver, determines
position, speed and direction of fleet
members.
G3 is made-up of:
• A main transceiver
• An auxiliary receiver for Parallel Decode
(PD)
• A 30-Watt power amplifier A G3
Control Unit (GCU) with DSP driven
modem
• An integrated OEM GPS receiver.
1.2.1 Features
• One-piece integrated design in a rugged
die-cast aluminum chassis.
• Parallel Decode (PD) technology featur-
ing dual receivers for added decode sen-
sitivity in multi-path and fading envi-
ronments.
• Sophisticated DSP-based modem design
provides added system performance,
fewer retries and more effective
throughput.
• Automatic channel changing for im-
proved roaming capabilities.
• Built–in, up to 16-channel flash –
EEPROM programmable synthesized
radio transceiver with automatic channel
selection.
• Model with on-air 128kbps data speed
using RC16FSK modulation type.
• 4 available user ports using standard
USB, RS-232 or RJ45 (Ethernet)
interfaces via built-in multiplexer.
• Half-duplex operation.
• Out-of-band signaling enables transmis-
sion of GPS reports with no effect on
system performance.
1.2.2 Configuration
G3 is factory configured based on each cus-
tomer network system requirements, usually
by Dataradio System Engineering. Configu-
ration is not changeable in the field without
notifying Dataradio.
1.3 Factory Technical
Support
The Technical Support departments of
DATARADIO provide customer assistance on
technical problems and serve as an interface
with factory repair facilities. They can be
reached in the following ways:
DATARADIO Inc.
5500 Royalmount Ave, suite 200
Town of Mount Royal
Quebec, Canada H4P 1H7
Technical support hours: Monday to Friday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time
phone: +1 514 737-0020
fax: +1 514 737-7883
Email address: support@dataradio.com
or
156 90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
2
DATARADIO Corp.
6160 Peachtree Dunwoody RD., suite C-200
Atlanta, Georgia 30328
Technical support hours: Monday to Friday
8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Eastern Time
phone: 1 770 392-0002
fax: 1 770 392-9199
Email address: drctech@dataradio.com
1.4 Product Warranty
Warranty information may be obtained by
contacting your sales representative.
1.5 Replacement Parts
This product is not field serviceable, except
by the replacement of a complete unit. Spe-
cialized equipment and training is required
to repair the GCU board and radio modules.
Contact Technical Support for service in-
formation before returning equipment. A
Technical Support representative may sug-
gest a solution eliminating the need to return
equipment.
1.5.1 Factory Repair
When returning equipment for repair, you
must request an RMA (Returned Material
Authorization) number. The Tech Support
representative will ask you several questions
to clearly identify the problem. Please give
the representative the name of a contact per-
son who is familiar with the problem, should
questions arise during servicing of the unit.
Customers are responsible for shipping
charges for returned units. Units in warranty
will be repaired free of charge unless there is
evidence of abuse or damage beyond the
terms of the warranty. Units out of warranty
will be subject to service charges. Informa-
tion about these charges is available from
Technical Support.
1.6 Unpacking
When ready for installation, carefully un-
pack your G3 kit shipping carton and
identify each item as listed below:
• One G3
• Installation mounting bracket
• Power cable – 22 feet (6.7 meters)
• Small parts kit
If damage has occurred to the equipment
during shipment, file a claim with the carrier
immediately.
156 90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
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2. Installation
2.1 Planning the Installation
2.1.1 Overview
To ensure trouble-free, efficient installation,
start by inspecting the vehicle to determine
the optimum position for G3 and its an-
tennas as well as the routing of all associated
cabling and wiring.
2.1.2 Location
Often, installations in cars are done in the
trunk, underneath the back window ledge or
on the trunk floor. In vans and small trucks,
it is usually done in the back of the vehicle.
In large vehicles, it is often done in the front
cabin.
Be sure to place the G3 unit in such a way
that:
• The LEDs can be seen (as an aid in
troubleshooting)
• Access to the antenna DE-9 connectors
is possible without removing the unit
• Sufficient air may flow around the unit
to provide adequate cooling
G3 is not fully waterproof, therefore it
should be mounted sufficiently away from
an opened trunk lid or opened tailgate, win-
dows or doors to avoid exposure to rain
and/or snow. It also minimizes the chance
that material can be accidentally thrown on
the unit or of someone bumping against it.
2.1.3 Cable Path
Try to route the cables away from locations
where they would be exposed to heat (ex-
haust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, etc.), battery
acid, sharp edges, mechanical damage or
where they would be a nuisance to automo-
bile mechanics, the driver or the passengers.
Keep wiring away from automotive com-
puter modules, other electronic modules and
ignition circuits to help prevent interference
between these components and radio equip-
ment.
Try using existing holes in firewall and
trunk wall and the channels above and be-
low or beneath the doors, channels through
doors and window columns that are conven-
ient to run cables and wires.
Whenever possible, install conduit in which
to run the cables.
2.2 Warnings
Before starting installation, review all of the
following warnings.
2.2.1 RF Radiation warning
Qualified personnel must do all antenna in-
stallations. See paragraph 2.5.2 for recom-
mended antenna positioning.
Transmissions when persons or animals out-
side the vehicle are within two feet of the
antenna may result in radio energy radiation
burns or related injuries.
2.2.2 Interference with vehicular
electronics
Certain vehicle electronic devices may be
prone to malfunction due to lack of protec-
tion from radio frequency energy present
when transmitting.
It includes, and is not limited to:
- Electronic fuel injection systems
- Electronic anti-skid braking systems
- Electronic cruise control systems
If the installation vehicle contains such
equipment, consult the dealer for the make
of vehicle and enlist his aid in determining if
such electronic circuits will perform nor-
mally when the radio is transmitting.
2.2.3 Secure mounting
For vehicle occupant(s) safety, mount G3
securely so that the unit will not break loose
in case of an accident or violent maneuvers.
2.2.4 Explosive environments
Operation of vehicular radio transmitters in
explosive environments may be hazardous
and conventional safety precautions must
prevail. These include and are not limited to:
- Transmitting while fuelling the vehicle.
Do not carry fuel containers in the same
compartment as G3 .
156 90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
4
- Dynamite blasting caps may explode
when transmitting radio operation takes
place within 500 feet. Always obey the
“Turn Off Two-Way Radios” signs
posted at sites where dynamite is being
used.
If transporting blasting caps:
a) Carry the blasting caps in an appropriate
metal container having a soft cushioning
lining.
b) Suppress transmissions whenever the
blasting caps container is being loaded
or unloaded into or from the vehicle.
Check applicable local bylaws.
2.2.5 Installation in vehicles pow-
ered by liquefied gas.
G3 installations in vehicles powered by
liquefied petroleum gas with the LP-gas
container in the trunk or other sealed-off
space within the interior of the vehicle must
conform to the National Fire Protection As-
sociation Standard NFPA 58 which requires:
- Space containing radio equipment shall
be isolated by a seal from the space con-
taining the LP-gas container and its fit-
tings.
- Outside filling connections shall be used
for the LP-gas container.
The LP-gas container space shall be vented
to the outside of the vehicle.
2.3 Physical Unit
2.3.1 Recommended tools and
supplies
• Electric drill for mounting holes
• Hammer and center punch
• Tie-wraps
• Drills and circle cutters as needed ac-
cording the size of screws (or nuts and
bolts) used.
• In-line “Power meter” capable of meas-
uring forward and reflected power at the
operating frequency of the radio.
2.3.2 Physical mounting of G3
Start by running all the cables (DC power,
PC RS-232, USB or RJ45 as well as all an-
tennas cabling) prior to mounting G3 to
assure the feasibility of the planned cable
routing. Be sure to leave sufficient slack in
each cable so the G3 may be removed
from the mounting bracket for servicing
with the power applied and the antenna at-
tached.
G3 is ready for installation.
Cautions:
• When drilling mounting
holes, be careful to avoid dam-
aging some vital part of the ve-
hicle such as fuel tanks, trans-
mission housing etc. Always
check how far the mounting
screws extend below the mount-
ing surface prior to installation.
• Use of drill bit stops is
highly recommended.
• After drilling, remove all
metal shavings before installing
screws.
• Do not overtighten self-
tapping screws.
156 90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
5
1. Once you have found a suitable mount-
ing position for G3 , hold the unit and
the unattached mounting bracket in the
proposed mounting position and check
that there is clearance behind the unit for
the heatsink, cables, etc. Check that the
position provides a large enough flat
surface that the bracket will not be dis-
torted when installed.
Figure 1 - Mounting plate and slot dimensions
2. Using the installation bracket as a tem-
plate, mark the four locations for drilling
(see Figure 1). Again, ensure that drill-
ing at the selected points is safe and will
not cause damage.
3. Indent the drilling positions with a cen-
ter punch.
4. Drill holes sized for the self-tapping
screws or for the nuts, bolts and lock
washers used.
Caution: Slightly reduce the size of the
drilled holes when using self-tapping
screws in thin metal.
Figure 2 - Bracket installation
5. Install the bracket without distorting.
6. Securely mount G3 to the installed
bracket using the four supplied 8x40
black machine screws.
7. Drill any additional holes as required for
routing all cables and fit holes with
suitable grommets or bushings
whenever required.
2.4 Electrical installation
2.4.1 Electrical requirements
G3 is designed to operate from a 13.8Vdc
nominal car battery (negative ground) and
requires currents up to 15.0A. It will tolerate
a supply voltage range of 10.9 volts to 16.3
volts.
In vehicles with a 24 VDC electrical system
(mostly in trucks), it is essential to provide a
suitably rated 24/12 VDC converter to iso-
late the unit from the battery and protect it
against excessive voltage.
Warnings:
Always disconnect G3 ’s DC
power lead before connecting a
second battery, using power from
another vehicle or power boosting
(e.g. when “jump starting” the
vehicle).
2.4.2 Routing of power cable
1. Start by disconnecting the vehicle’s bat-
tery unless specifically prohibited from
doing so by the customer, vehicle manu-
facturer, agent or supplier.
Note:
In this event, exercise ex-
treme caution throughout
the installation and fit the
fuse only when the installa-
tion is complete.
2. The 22 feet (6.7 meters) long power ca-
ble consists of three wires attached to a
Packard Electric “Weather-Pack” con-
nector (DC power Connector).
2.5"
6.0"
1.0"
0.2"
156 90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
6
The DC Power connector has:
• At position “A”, the smaller red
switch-sense wire (commonly to igni-
tion)
• At position “B”, the blue ground wire
• At position “C”, a larger red B+ DC
power wire (MUST be unswitched)
Figure 3 - DC Power Connector
3. Place this connector at G3 ’s radio
power input location. Do not connect at
this time. See paragraph 2.6, “Complet-
ing the physical installation”.
4. Carefully route both the B and the C
wires to where the in-line fuse holder
will be installed, usually as close to the
vehicle’s battery as practicable. Ensure
that leads do not chafe on any metal
part(s). Secure the wires at several loca-
tions along their length.
Caution:
Use proper crimping tool.
Common pliers are NOT
acceptable.
Warning:
The DC Power lead must be
unswitched
5. Insert the negative (blue) lead into one
of the appropriate connector lug and
crimp solidly to force the metal contacts
onto the wires.
6. Repeat the step above for connecting the
red DC power lead.
7. Attach the positive lead at the battery
positive terminal. Attach the negative
wire at the vehicle end of the battery
ground cable.
If the negative cable is con-
nected directly to the battery
negative terminal, it should be
fused in case of failure of the ve-
hicle’s ground cable.
Ensure tight and secure connections.
8. Fasten the fuse holder and leads.
9. Carefully route the A wire to where the
connection will be made for switch
sensing.
• Connect to “Ignition” if you wish to
have G3 turning ON and OFF de-
pendent on the vehicle’s ignition
key.
• Connect to “Accessory” if you wish
G3 to be available when the en-
gine is not running, but still depend-
ent on the ignition key.
• Connect to a user-supplied control
switch.
• In installations equipped with a
“ChargeGuard”, connect to the con-
trolled-side of the ChargeGuard
(remembering that the DC Power
lead must NOT be switched).
10. Make appropriate connections.
Cautions:
Where scraping to bare metal was
required, and at the battery posts
where wire ends and lugs may be
exposed, apply anti-corrosion com-
pound.
Insert the fuse only when installa-
tion is complete and ready to test.
11. At the G3 position, neatly coil cable
slack and attach securely.
A
B
C
IGNITION
(
Small red wire
)
GROUND
(Blue wire)
13.8VDC B+
(Fused Red wire) SEAL
(DO NOT REMOVE)
156 90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
7
G
2.2.1
≥5/8λ
800MHz: 9"/23cm
R
T
50cm
19.7in.
≥24in.
2.5 Antenna
The main transmitter antenna must be vehi-
cle-mounted to provide a separation distance
of 50 cm or more from all persons to avoid
radio related effects (see 2.2.1).
2.5.1 Recommended tools and
supplies
• circle cutter, hole saw or socket punch
for antenna
• Mini-UHF Crimp tool
2.5.2 Planning
Referring to Figure 4, G3 commonly uses
three separate antennas:
• “T” - Main transceiver -
Constraints are the limit of 50 cm (see
section 2.5 above) and omni-directional
factors
• “R” - Auxiliary receiver –
Constraints are the receiver spacing of at
least 5/8 λ (wavelength) from trans-
ceiver antenna and omni-directional re-
quirements
• “G” - Global Positioning System
(GPS)*
Constraints are TX spacing of at least
24-in/60.96 cm from all transmitting an-
tennas and a clear view of the sky.
For the optimum antenna spacing at the fre-
quency you are using, consult System Engi-
neering.
For installation of ground-plane dependent
antennas, the center of the metal surface
used for mounting is preferable for best
omni-directional pattern.
For ground-plane independent antennas,
installation may be close to the edges of the
surface.
Figure 4 - Antenna spacing
Install the antennas in one of the following
positions:
- Most preferred for all antennas: center-
line of roof. For transmitter antenna, it is
the ONLY acceptable position.
- Less preferred for receiver antenna:
trunk lid, providing distance to transmit-
ting antenna is respected whether lid is
opened or closed.
- Much less preferred, but permissible for
receiver antenna: left or right rear fend-
ers, just in back of rear window
- Least preferred, but permissible for re-
ceiver antenna: left or right front fend-
ers, ahead of windshield
Note:
Proximity to other vehicle-mounted
antennas may cause mutual inter-
ference especially at higher fre-
quencies.
156 90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
8
2.5.3 Antenna Installation
1. Route good quality 50-ohm coaxial ca-
bles (e.g. RG-223) from each of the se-
lected antenna positions to the position
where the G3 unit is mounted.
2. Terminate the end at each of the antenna
positions with the appropriate connector
for the antenna used and make the con-
nection.
3. At the G3 position, cut the three ca-
bles to length and terminate with the ap-
propriate plug. For the transceiver and
the auxiliary cables, use a Mini-UHF
crimp plug using an appropriate crimp-
ing tool. For the GPS, use a SMA con-
nector.
4. Positively identify the transceiver mini-
UHF plug and connect to the left rear of
G3 .
5. Positively identify the auxiliary receiver
mini-UHF plug and connect to the front
left of G3 to the RX position.
6. Connect the SMA connector to the
GPS* position below the auxiliary con-
nector position.
7. Do not skip this last step, trust us; it is
an important one. To complete the in-
stallation, tie-wrap together the auxiliary
and the GPS antenna cables at a point
about two inches in front of the unit. It
will be much easier hereafter to cor-
rectly identify which mini-UHF plug
goes where. You DO NOT want to cross
the auxiliary plug with the transceiver
plug.
2.6. Completing the physical
Installation.
To complete the physical installation and
prior to testing G3 :
• Connect DC Power cable’s connector to
G3 ’s until you hear a click as the two
parts snap together.
• Re-check that all other connections are
secure (antennas, PC, etc.)
• Switch vehicle ignition ON.
You are now ready to check for normal op-
eration and to run Dataradio test commands
for testing or trouble-shooting.
2.7. Checking out Normal
operation
Check that the vehicle ignition is ON.
1. Check for proper operation of the G3
’s LEDs as per Table 1 in section 3.1
2. Using the Dataradio test commands pro-
gram and an in-line wattmeter, check
forward & reverse power to confirm
main antenna installation (as per section
4).
3. Using Dataradio test commands, check
the RF Data Link with a base station
that can be heard (as per section 4.3.2.
If user application and its base station
are available, test the installation by
going through a normal sequence of
transmitting and receiving messages.
156-90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
9
3. Operating Description
3.1 Front & Rear Panels
The front panel includes:
• One mini-UHF type female antenna connector for the auxiliary receiver
• One SMA type female connector for the GPS receiver
• Three LED indicators
• Two DE-9F RS232 ports
• One USB port
• Onr RJ45 Ethernet port
The rear panel includes:
• One mini-UHF type female antenna connector for the main transceiver
• One 3-pin pigtailed DC Power connector with ignition sense
Figure 5 - Front and rear panels
®
USB
RX
GPS
G3
PWR RX TXPGM
DEV-1DEV-2
6.000"
2.0
00"
ETH
LNK
ACT
156-90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
10
Table 1 - G3 LEDs indications
G3 LEDs indications
Power-on Sequence (LEDs are paired,
LNK always off) Normal Operation (LEDs are independent)
PWR RX / TX Indication PWR Indication RX /
TX Indication LNK/
ACT Indication
Red Red Normal boot-up start Green* Normal
ready state Off
No net-
work activ-
ity
Off No network
activity
Amber Off completing boot-up
Normal
Green Off Normal state
Amber*
1
Pulse/sec.
Sufficient
satellites
acquired by
GPS
Green
Receiving
packets
“DBA
sync”
allows
transmit
Green Ethernet net-
work set
Red Off Hardware failure Amber
Receiving
packets
“DBA out-
of-sync”
prevents
transmit
Errors
Slow
Red/Green Red Software failure
(firmware erased) Red
Transmit-
ting
Special
Fast
Red/Green Red Programming in
progress
PWR lit Green / Flashing Amber = normal indication (GPS 1pulse per
sec.)
3.2 DTE Port Interface
For DEV1,DEV2 ports:
DE-9 F
pin #
Function
1 DCD – from G3 , normally asserted
2 RXD – data from G3
3 TXD – data to G3
4 DTR – to G3 , handshaking
5 Ground
6 DSR – from G3 , tied to VCC through
current limiting resistor
7 RTS - to G3 , handshaking
8 CTS – from G3 , handshaking
9 AUX - auxiliary input to G3 .
We recommend the use of a shielded 9-wire cable with all pins connected and shielded USB and Ethernet
cables. These ports can be used for unit configuration, maintenance & adjustment as well to connect user
applications.
156-90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
11
4. Trouble-Shooting and Testing
The checks described below should be done at annual intervals or whenever deterioration in performance
is noted.
4.1 Equipment Required
• 13.8 VDC (nominal) car battery, or
13.8 VDC/20A regulated power supply (In the case the unit is not installed in a vehicle)
• In-line watt meter (50W range)
• Radio service monitor (IFR or equivalent).
• Cable with mini-UHF male connector to connect G3 to the service monitor.
• Dataradio test commands script version 0.01*
4.2 Basic Tests
Recommended checks:
1. Transmit and Reverse power output
2. Carrier frequency error
3. Frequency deviation
4. Receivers RSSI Check
5. RF Data Link test between a G3 and a base station.
6. GPS test
- Refer to Table 2 for checks 1 to 5.
- Refer to paragraph 4.3.1 for check 6.
Important note: Before proceeding make sure that the service monitor has been recently calibrated and
has warmed up for at least the time specified by its manufacturer.
Some reported frequency and deviation problems have actually been erroneous indications from service
monitors that have not adequately warmed up. This is particularly likely when field service is done during
winter months
* Dataradio test commands, please refer to Dataradio R&D department for support.
156-90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
12
Table 2 - Tests
CHECKLIST A
STEP ACTION EXPECTED RESULTS at
25°C
MEASURE WITH IF NOT?
G3 units are set and characterized at the factory to optimize performances. It is not recommended to try to readjust the units.
1 Power-up LED Sequence as per Table 1 - G3 LEDs indications
2 Connect and save config
Press Dataradio test com-
mands Get button
as per Dataradio test commands Help content
3 Main transceiver Output
Power
Command TXON (Unmod)
30W Service monitor
set to read power
or
50W in-line watt-
meter
Refer to factory technical
support.
4 Main transceiver Reflected
Power
Command TXON (Unmod)
< 5% of forward power or as
specified by System Eng.
10W in-line watt-
meter
Check for bad connections,
damaged coax cable, etc.
5 Carrier Frequency Error
Command TXON (Unmod ± 300 Hz
Service monitor
set to read fre-
quency error
Refer to factory technical
support.
4 TX Deviation (in kHz)
Command TX7 (Modulated)
Carrier will be modulated with a
1 kHz tone.
8.0kHz
Tolerance is +5%, -10% for all bit rates.
Service monitor set
to read deviation
(IF filter set to Mid
or 30 kHz position)
Refer to factory technical
support.
6 Set the service monitor to generate at the unit antenna jack the RF levels mentioned below. The carrier generated
should be modulated with a 1.0 kHz tone at deviation as per step 4 above.
7 Main Rec. RSSI checks
-70dBm
-110dBm
-120dBm
- 70 dBm +/-3
-110 dBm +/-3
-120 dBm +/- 3
Dataradio test
commands
8 Aux Receiver
repeat as per step 7 same as step 7 Dataradio test
commands
The RSSI checks give a gen-
eral indication of receivers'
health
Refer to factory technical
support only if RX data per-
formance degradation is no-
ticed combined to out of tol-
erance RSSI readings.
1 (unless you have set a lower value). Note that readings less than 30 may be due to losses in cables used for testing. Check also
your wattmeter frequency calibration curve. Do not be too ready to condemn the transmitter.
156-90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
13
4.3 Additional test details
4.3.1 GPS Test
About three minutes after ignition is turned-on,
the PWR LED on the G3 front panel should
flash in amber color at the rate of one pulse per
second. This indicates that the GPS has acquired
the sky position of a sufficient number of satel-
lites to arrive at a ground position solution.
If the GPS has a good view of the sky and still
has not generated any position solution within
three minutes (it may take up to 10 minutes or
more if the sky view is partially blocked.), the
following trouble-shooting procedures should be
undertaken to isolate the fault:
1) Disconnect the GPS antenna cable connector
from the G3 radio and check for + 5 VDC on
the center pin of the GPS antenna connector
on the radio using a Digital voltmeter
(DVM). If the voltage is present, do not re-
connect the cable and proceed to step 2.
2) With the DVM, measure resistance between
the shell and the center conductor of the GPS
cable, resistance should be between 100 and
300 Ohms, if it measures open or short circuit
the GPS antenna is either a passive antenna
which is the WRONG type, or a defective ac-
tive antenna, replace with a known good ac-
tive antenna.
3) Connect the new antenna to G3 and wait
about three minutes for the POSITION
ACQUIRED indicator to start flashing on
G3 , if not, the G3 radio or its GPS receiver
is defective
4.3.2 RF Data Link Test
A link test between a mobile and a known base
station can be done using the Dataradio test
commands "Address" and "Send" test com-
mands. The “Address” and “Device” fields, the
“Send” button and the “Chat” message screen
are used to send messages to specific mobile or
base or to carry out RF test. Start by entering the
address of the mobile (or base station) you wish
to send a test message to or test:
1- Specify the address:
Addresses may be entered by typing directly
in the “Address” field in two ways:
- Numerically, the valid address range is
1-126.
- As an “Alpha-Mapped-Nibble” (AMN) ad-
dress, consisting of upper case letters in the
range A-P. The valid address range is A to
GN.
- The base address is usually: 1.
- The program may display one of the follow-
ing messages on the status bar:
- For Paragon products:
“address is not in AMN or number format”
- For mobile products:
“address is not in the range A – GN”
In either case, check that the address entered is
within the acceptable range, is of a valid format
and correctly typed.
2- Enter the Device number for mobile (or base
station).
3- Press the Send button.
The Chat window reports “Sent to xx mobile”
(where xx is mobile name).
If test is successful:
Status line reports “Delivery confirmed.
If test unsuccessful:
Chat window reports “Waiting”,
Then the Status line reports “Delivery Failed”.
156-90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
14
5. Specifications
GENERAL
Frequency TX 792 – 794 & 797 - 803 MHz ( guard band and WB channels 121-140),
RX 762-764 & 767 - 773 MHz ( guard band paired at 30MHz and channels 1-120)
Channel spacing 50 kHz (wideband)
Frequency Control Digital Synthesizer / uController
Frequency Stability 1.25 ppm
Operating temperature -30°C to +60°C (25°C nominal) @ 95% non-cond. RH
Modes of Operation Half Duplex
Number of channels 16 internally stored, flash-EEPROM programmable
Supply voltage 13.8Vdc nominal (negative ground)
10.9 – 16.3 VDC
Circuit Protection 15 Amp fuse external,
Internal crowbar diode for reverse polarity protection
RX Current at 13.6 VDC < 650 mA Standby (with GPS receiver)
TX Current at 13.6 VDC < 15 A
TX/RX separation 30 MHz typical
Nominal Dimensions 7.1” D x 6.0” W x 2.0” H
Weight: < 4.5 lbs.
RF input/output Impedance 50 ohms nominal
RF connector Main TX/RX: mini-UHF female
Auxiliary RX: mini-UHF female
GPS RX: SMA female
Interface connector 2x DE-9F D-subminiature 1xUSB 1xRJ45 (Ethernet)
RECEIVER
Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD) -116 dBm (< 0.35 µV) *
Adjacent channel rejection
(Selectivity)
75 dB @50 kHz
Intermodulation rejection 75 dB
FM hum & noise ratio 40 dB @12.5 kHz, 45 dB @ 25 kHz *
Spurious Response
Rejection
80 dB
Conducted spurious -57 dBm
* psophometrically weighted filter
TRANSMITTER
Power output 30watts, adjustable down to 10 watts
Duty cycle 50% @ full power, 30 secs. max. TX time (subject to FCC MPE limit)
Conducted Spurious -80 dBc; -80dBm in 1600MHz GPS band
Frequency stability 1.25 ppm
FM hum and noise ratio 40dB @ 1.5 kHz deviation, 45 dB @ 3.0 kHz deviation
Attack time < 10 ms
Operation Half duplex
Data rates and
Modulation type
128kbps RC16FSK
Packet Error Rate
(for < 1% error, with PD)
TBD
Protocol Dataradio Proprietary DBA with OOB AAVL support
DISPLAY and CONTROLS
156-90000-508 G3 Installation Guide
15
3 status LEDs RX/TX, PWR/PGM, LNK/ACT
Environmental MIL. spec.
Environment Categories MIL Spec. 810E Other
Method Procedure
Low Pressure Operations 500.3 II
High Temperature Operations, Storage 501.3 I(A1), II
Low Temperature Operations, Storage 502.3 I(C3), II (C1)
Temperature Shock Transfer of equipment 503.3 I(AI,C2)
Solar Radiation Heat effects 505.3 I
Rain1 Drip rain 506.3 II IEC IP54 only II
Humidity1 Induced, Aggravated 507.3 II,III
Dust1 Blowing dust 510.3 I IEC IP54
Vibration Ground Mobile 514.4 I(8) EIA RS-204C Forestry
Shock Functional, Bench handling 516.4 I,VI EIA RS-204C
FCC
EMISSION DESIGNATORS
EOTGPD7 (pending) 128kbps RC16FSK 28K0F1D