CalAmp Wireless Networks GPD9 Gemini/PD+ User Manual Gemini PD Technical Manual
CALAMP WIRELESS NETWORKS INC. Gemini/PD+ Gemini PD Technical Manual
Contents
installation manual
GeminiPD+
Mobile Radiomodem
Installation Guide
Version 1.01
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.
August, 2002
Part no.: 120 20120-101Preliminary
Table of Contents
1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................5
1.1 INTENDED AUDIENCE ........................................................................................................................................5
1.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................................................................5
1.2.1 Features...................................................................................................................................................5
1.2.2 Configuration...........................................................................................................................................6
1.3 FACTORY TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................................................6
1.4 PRODUCT WARRANTY.......................................................................................................................................6
1.5 REPLACEMENT PARTS .......................................................................................................................................6
1.5.1 Factory Repair.........................................................................................................................................6
1.6 UNPACKING.......................................................................................................................................................6
2. INSTALLATION................................................................................................................................................7
2.1 PLANNING THE INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................................................7
2.1.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................................7
2.1.2 Location...................................................................................................................................................7
2.1.3 Cable Path ...............................................................................................................................................7
2.2 WARNINGS ........................................................................................................................................................7
2.2.1 RF Radiation warning .............................................................................................................................7
2.2.2 Interference with vehicular electronics ...................................................................................................7
2.2.3 Secure mounting ......................................................................................................................................7
2.2.4 Explosive environments ...........................................................................................................................8
2.2.5 Installation in vehicles powered by liquefied gas....................................................................................8
2.3 PHYSICAL UNIT .................................................................................................................................................8
2.3.1 Recommended tools and supplies ............................................................................................................8
2.3.2 Physical mounting of GeminiPD+ ..............................................................................................................8
2.4 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................................................9
2.4.1 Electrical requirements ...........................................................................................................................9
2.4.2 Routing of power cable............................................................................................................................9
2.5 ANTENNA ........................................................................................................................................................11
2.5.1 Recommended tools and supplies ..........................................................................................................11
2.5.2 Planning ................................................................................................................................................11
2.5.3 Antenna Installation ..............................................................................................................................12
2.6. COMPLETING THE PHYSICAL INSTALLATION. ..............................................................................................12
2.7. CHECKING OUT NORMAL OPERATION..........................................................................................................12
3. OPERATING DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................................13
3.1 FRONT & REAR PANELS ..................................................................................................................................13
3.2 DTE PORT INTERFACE ....................................................................................................................................14
3.2.1 RS-232 Interface Signal Levels..............................................................................................................14
4. TROUBLE-SHOOTING AND TESTING .....................................................................................................15
4.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED....................................................................................................................................15
4.2 BASIC TESTS ...................................................................................................................................................15
4.3 ADDITIONAL TEST DETAILS .............................................................................................................................18
4.3.1 GPS Test ................................................................................................................................................18
4.3.2 RF Data Link Test..................................................................................................................................18
5. SPECIFICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................19
FIGURE 1 - MOUNTING PLATE AND SLOT DIMENSIONS....................................................................................................9
FIGURE 2 - BRACKET INSTALLATION..............................................................................................................................9
120 20120-101Preliminary ii GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
FIGURE 3 - DC POWER CONNECTOR ............................................................................................................................10
FIGURE 4 - ANTENNA SPACING.....................................................................................................................................11
FIGURE 5 - FRONT AND REAR PANELS ..........................................................................................................................13
TABLE 1 - GEMINIPD+ LEDS INDICATIONS ...................................................................................................................14
TABLE 2 - RS-232 SIGNAL LEVELS..............................................................................................................................14
TABLE 3 - TESTS, FULL CHANNEL UNITS.....................................................................................................................16
TABLE 4 - TESTS, NPSPAC & HALF CHANNEL UNITS ....................................................................................................17
APPENDIX 1 - "OFFICER REQUIRES ASSISTANCE" ALARM FUNCTION ...........................................................................21
120 20120-101Preliminary iii GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
What's New in this version
History
Preliminary Version 1.01, August 2002
• Introduction of GeminiPD+ in 900 MHz frequency band. Updated the RF
exposure- related paragraphs 2.2.1, 2.5, 2.5.2
Version 1.00, May 2002
• Introduction of GeminiPD+ running data rate up to 32kb/s
120 20120-101Preliminary iv GeminiPD+ 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 GeminiPD Control Unit board
GeminiPD High specs mobile radiomodem. Limited to 25.6 kb/s.
PD = Parallel decode
GeminiPD+ On-air compatible with GeminiPD. Runs up to 32 kb/s
GeminiPD Lite GeminiPD without GPS feature
HDX Half Duplex. A unit that uses separate transmit and receive frequencies, but
which may not transmit and receive simultaneously.
RS-232 Industry–standard interface for data transfer.
WinRIS Windows © Radio Installation Software. This software allows basic tests and
unit configuration.
120 20120-100Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
5
1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This document provides the information re-
quired for the installation, operation and
verification of the DATARADIO GeminiPD+.
1.1 Intended Audience
This document is designed for use by engi-
neering design, installation, and mainte-
nance personnel.
1.2 General Description
GeminiPD+ 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.
GeminiPD+ is made-up of:
• A main transceiver
• An auxiliary receiver for Parallel Decode
(PD)
• A 40-Watt power amplifier (35-Watt for
800 MHz model, 25W for 900MHz
model),
• A Gemini Control Unit (GCU) with DSP
driven modem
• An optional integrated OEM GPS
receiver.1
1 The Gemini PD+ Lite model has no GPS.
1.2.1 Features
• One-piece integrated design in a rugged
die-cast aluminum chassis.
• Parallel Decode (PD) technology fea-
turing dual receivers for added decode
sensitivity in multi-path and fading en-
vironments.
• 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.
• Models with on-air data speeds and
modulation types as follows:
Channel spacing
Modulation
type 12.5 kHz
NPSPAC
&
900MHz
25 kHz
9.6 kb/s 9.6 kb/s 9.6 kb/s
DGMSK2
8.0 kb/s 8.0 kb/s 19.2 kb/s
16 kb/s 19.2 kb/s 32 kb/s
xRC4FSK2
14.4 kb/s 16 kb/s 25.6 kb/s
• 3 available user ports using standard
RS-232 interface via built-in
multiplexer.
• Half-duplex operation.
• Out-of-band signaling enables transmis-
sion of GPS1 reports with no effect on
system performance.
• On-air compatible with GeminiPD at all
speeds (except 32 kb/s) and with
MobilPac/R at 9600 b/s and 19200 b/s
(DGFSK)2
• 3 times faster CPU and 4 times more DSP
memory for future speed upgrade
2 Networks must use common modulation, bit
and baud rates
120 20120-100Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
6
1.2.2 Configuration
GeminiPD+ is factory configured based on
each customer network system requirements,
usually by Dataradio System Engineering.
Configuration 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
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 GeminiPD+ kit (p/n 023 6000-001)
shipping carton and identify each item as
listed below:
• One GeminiPD+
• 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.
120 20120-100Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
7
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 GeminiPD+ and its
antennas as well as the routing of all associ-
ated 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 GeminiPD+ 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
GeminiPD+ 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 con-
venient 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
Recommended safety guidelines for the hu-
man exposure to radio frequency electro-
magnetic energy are contained in the Cana-
dian Safety Code 6 and The Federal Com-
munications Commission (FCC) Bulletin 65.
Proper installation of the transceiver antenna
of GeminiPD+ as summarized in section 2.5
will result in user exposure substantially
below the recommended limits for the gen-
eral public.
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
GeminiPD+ securely so that the unit will not
120 20120-100Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
8
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 GeminiPD+.
- 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
powered by liquefied gas.
GeminiPD+ 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
containing the LP-gas container and its
fittings.
- 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
GeminiPD+
Start by running all the cables (DC power,
PC RS-232 as well as all antennas cabling)
prior to mounting GeminiPD+ to assure the
feasibility of the planned cable routing. Be
sure to leave sufficient slack in each cable so
the GeminiPD+ may be removed from the
mounting bracket for servicing with the
power applied and the antenna attached.
GeminiPD+ 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
mounting surface prior to in-
stallation.
• Use of drill bit stops is
highly recommended.
• After drilling, remove all
metal shavings before installing
screws.
• Do not overtighten self-
tapping screws.
120 20120-100Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
9
1. Once you have found a suitable mount-
ing position for GeminiPD+, 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
distorted 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 GeminiPD+ to the in-
stalled 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
GeminiPD+ 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 GeminiPD+’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
battery unless specifically prohibited
from doing so by the customer, vehicle
manufacturer, 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"
120 20120-100Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
10
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 GeminiPD+’s ra-
dio power input location. Do not con-
nect at this time. See paragraph 2.6,
“Completing 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 GeminiPD+ turning ON and
OFF dependent on the vehicle’s ig-
nition key.
• Connect to “Accessory” if you wish
GeminiPD+ to be available when the
engine is not running, but still de-
pendent 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 GeminiPD+ 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)
120 20120-100Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
11
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 and the
antenna gain must not exceed 5dB.
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, GeminiPD+ 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
antennas 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.
The GeminiPD+ Lite model has no GPS.
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 trans-
mitting 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.
G
Refer to
Paragraph 2.5
≥5/8λ
(UHF: 18"/46cm
800MHz: 9"/23cm
900MHz: 8”/21cm)
R
T
50cm
19.7in.
≥24in.
120 20120-100Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
12
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 GeminiPD+ 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 GeminiPD+ position, cut the three
cables to length and terminate with the
appropriate 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
GeminiPD+.
5. Positively identify the auxiliary receiver
mini-UHF plug and connect to the front
left of GeminiPD+ 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 GeminiPD+:
• Connect DC Power cable’s connector to
GeminiPD+’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 the Radio Installation
Software (WinRIS) program 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
GeminiPD+’s LEDs as per Table 1 in
section 3.1
2. Using the WinRIS program and an in-
line wattmeter, check forward & reverse
power to confirm main antenna installa-
tion (as per section 4).
3. Using WinRIS, 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.
* The GeminiPD+ Lite model has no GPS.
120 20120-101Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
13
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 (not installed on GeminiPD+ Lite model)
• Two LED indicators
• Three DE-9F RS232 ports
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
®
RX TXPWR PGM
PC/SETUP
DEV-1DEV-2DEV-3
RX
GPS
Gemini/PD
6.000"
2.000"
120 20120-101Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
14
Table 1 - GeminiPD+ LEDs indications
GeminiPD+ LEDs indications
Power-on Sequence (LEDs are paired) Normal Operation (LEDs are independent)
PWR RX / TX Indication PWR Indication RX / TX Indication
Red Red Normal boot-up start
(10 to 27 sec.) Green* Normal ready state Off No network activity
Amber Off Then 8 seconds to
completing boot-up
Normal
Green Off Normal state
Amber*
1 Pulse/sec.
Sufficient satellites
acquired by GPS
Green Receiving packets
“DBA sync” allows transmit
Red Off Hardware failure Amber
Receiving packets
“DBA out-of-sync” prevents
transmit
Errors
Slow
Red/Green Red Software failure
(firmware erased) Red Transmitting
Special
Fast
Red/Green Red Programming in
progress
* For 800MHz model (using 25% duty cycle limit)
PWR lit Green / Flashing Amber = normal indication (GPS 1pulse per
sec.)
PWR lit Amber / Flashing Green = exceeded duty cycle (GPS 1pps)
3.2 DTE Port Interface
For all three ports:
DE-9 F
pin #
Function
1DCD – from GeminiPD+, normally asserted
2RXD – data from GeminiPD+
3TXD – data to GeminiPD+
4DTR – to GeminiPD+, handshaking
5Ground
6DSR – from GeminiPD+, tied to VCC
through current limiting resistor
7RTS - to GeminiPD+, handshaking
8CTS – from GeminiPD+, handshaking
9AUX - auxiliary input to GeminiPD+,
(for port 2: “Officer requires assistance”
Alarm input)
It may be activated by (normally open) dry
contact pull-up to the port’s DSR output. It
may also tolerate user pull-up to external
+12 VDC (car battery), but an isolated dry
contact is preferred due to the risk of
noise-related false alarms caused by the
vehicle’s electrical system.
A +3 to +12 V signal at this pin will send a
DMP “x” (On) message to the base.
An open or ground signal will send a DMP
“y” (Off) message.
Messages are only sent when a signal
transition occurs.
See Appendix “A” on page 21 for further
details.
We recommend the use of a shielded 9-wire ca-
ble with all pins connected. These ports can be
used for unit configuration, maintenance & ad-
justment as well to connect user applications.
3.2.1 RS-232 Interface Signal Levels
In the descriptions of data signals, the following
conventions are used:
Table 2 - RS-232 Signal Levels
Term Alternates Signal level
1asserted, spacing +3 to +15 V
OFF dropped, marking -3 to -15 V
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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 GeminiPD+ to the service monitor.
• WinRIS version 3.11 or later*
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 Gemini and a base station.
6. GPS test (not required on GeminiPD+ Lite model).
- Refer to Table 3 and Table 4 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
* To find out how to launch the Windows-based software alignment and system-testing tool WinRIS,
please refer to the readme.txt file on the application’s installation diskette. For functional details of the
numerous buttons and menu-selectable items available, please refer to the program’s context sensitive
help. It is also possible to access the help information via the F1 key.
120 20120-101Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
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Table 3 - Tests, Full Channel Units
CHECKLIST A
STEP ACTION EXPECTED RESULTS at
25°C
MEASURE WITH IF NOT?
GeminiPD+ units are set and characterized at the factory to optimize performances. It is not recommended to try to readjust the units.
1Power-up LED Sequence as per Table 1 - GeminiPD+ LEDs indications
2Connect and save config
Press WinRIS Get button as per WinRIS Help content
3Main transceiver Output
Power
Press TX (Unmod)
UHF: 40 watts
800MHz: 35 watts
both +10%, -10%
Factory-settable down to 10
watts (5 watts for 800MHz
model) as per customer re-
quest
Service monitor
set to read power
or
50W in-line watt-
meter
Refer to factory technical
support.
4Main transceiver Reflected
Power
Press 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.
5Carrier Frequency Error
Press TX (Unmod) ± 300 Hz
Service monitor
set to read fre-
quency error
Refer to factory technical
support.
Full channel unit
xRC4FSK UHF 800 US 800 CA
32.0 kb/s ±4.3 ±3.6 ±3.6
25.6 kb/s ±4.0 ±3.7 ±3.7
DGFSK UHF 800 US 800 CA
19.2 kb/s ±4.0 ±4.0 ±4.0
9.6 kb/s ±3.0 ±3.0 ±3.0
4TX Deviation (in kHz)
Press
TXON (Modulated)
Carrier will be modulated with a
1 kHz tone.
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.
5RF Data Link test
Use the addressing function’s
“Send” button to dynamically
test transmissions
Look for
“Delivery confirmed” on the
WinRIS Status bar.
Refer to section
4.3.2 and to Win-
RIS Help content.
Check on the WinRIS RSSI bar
graph if the base station is within
range (i.e. better than -107dBm)
or
Refer to factory technical support.
6Set 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.
7Main Rec. RSSI checks
-70dBm
-110dBm
-120dBm
- 70 dBm +/-3
-110 dBm +/-3
-120 dBm +/- 3
WinRIS bar graph
8Aux Receiver
repeat as per step 7 same as step 7 WinRIS bar graph
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 40 watts (UHF model) or 35 watts (800MHz model) 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.
120 20120-101Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
17
Table 4 - Tests, NPSPAC & Half Channel Units
CHECKLIST B
STEP ACTION EXPECTED RESULTS at
25°C
MEASURE WITH IF NOT?
GeminiPD+ units are set and characterized at the factory to optimize performances. It is not recommended to try to readjust the units.
1Power-up LED Sequence as per Table 1 - GeminiPD+ LEDs indications
2Connect and save config
Press WinRIS Get button as per WinRIS Help content
3Main transceiver Output
Power
Press TX (Unmod)
UHF: 40 watts
800MHz: 35 watts
900MHz: 25 watts
all +10%, -10%; Factory-settable
down to 10 watts (5 watts for
800MHz model) as per customer
request
Service monitor set to
read power
or
50W in-line wattmeter
Refer to factory technical
support.
4Main transceiver Reflected
Power
Press TXON (Unmod)
< 5% of forward power or as
specified by System Eng. 10W in-line wattmeter Check for bad connections,
damaged coax cable, etc.
5Carrier Frequency Error
Press TX (Unmod) ± 300 Hz Service monitor set to
read frequency error
Refer to factory technical
support.
Special channel unit
xRC4FSK 800 US
(NPSPAC) 900 US
19.2 kb/s ±2.1 ±2.2
16.0 kb/s ±2.4 ±2.8
DGFSK 800 US 900 US
9.6 kb/s ±2.5 ±3.2
8.0 kb/s ±2.5 ±3.5
Half channel unit
xRC4FSK UHF 800 US 800 CA
16.0 kb/s ±1.9 ±1.9 ±1.9
14.4 kb/s ±2.3 ±2.3 ±2.3
DGFSK UHF 800 US 800 CA
9.6 kb/s ±2.5 ±2.5 ±2.5
8.0 kb/s ±1.5 ±1.5 ±1.5
4TX Deviation (in kHz)
Press
TXON (Modulated)
Carrier will be modulated with
a 1 kHz tone.
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.
5RF Data Link test
Use the base station address
function and “Send” button to
dynamically test the link
Look for
“Delivery confirmed” on the
WinRIS Status bar.
Refer to section
4.3.2 and to
WinRIS Help
content.
Check on the WinRIS RSSI bar
graph if the base station is within
range (i.e. better than -107dBm) or
Refer to factory technical support.
6Set 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.
7Main Receiver RSSI checks
-70dBm, -110dBm, -120dBm
- 70 dBm +/-3 dB
-110 dBm +/-3 dB
-120 dBm +/- 3 dB
WinRIS bar
graph
8Aux. Receiver RSSI checks
repeat as per step 7 same as in step 7 above WinRIS bar
graph
The RSSI checks give a general indi-
cation of receivers' health
Refer to factory technical support only
if RX data performance degradation is
noticed combined to out of tolerance
RSSI readings.
1 (unless you have set a lower value). Note that readings less than 40 watts (UHF model) or 35 watts (800MHz model) 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.
120 20120-101Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
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4.3 Additional test details
4.3.1 GPS Test
About three minutes after ignition is turned-on,
the PWR LED on the GeminiPD+ front panel
should flash in amber color at the rate of one
pulse per second.1 This indicates that the GPS
has acquired the sky position of a sufficient
number of satellites to arrive at a ground posi-
tion 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 Gemini radio and check for + 5
VDC on the center pin of the GPS antenna
connector on the radio using a Digital volt-
meter (DVM). If the voltage is present, do
not reconnect 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
active antenna, replace with a known good
active antenna.
3) Connect the new antenna to Gemini and wait
about three minutes for the POSITION
ACQUIRED indicator to start flashing on
GeminiPD+, if not, the Gemini radio or its
GPS receiver is defective
1 Lit green and flashing amber for the 800MHz model
under 25% duty cycle limit.
4.3.2 RF Data Link Test
A link test between a mobile and a known base
station can be done using the WinRIS "Address"
and "Send" functions. The “Address” and “De-
vice” 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 fol-
lowing messages on the status bar:
- For Paragon products:
“address is not in AMN or number for-
mat”
- 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”.
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5. Specifications
GENERAL
UHF 800 MHz 900 MHz
Frequency 403 - 460MHz1, 450 - 512
MHz
TX 806 - 824 MHz, RX 851 -
869 MHz
TX 896 - 901 MHz, RX
935 - 941 MHz
Channel spacing 12.5 or 25 kHz
Frequency Control Digital Synthesizer / uController
Frequency Stability 1.5 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 13.6Vdc 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 any, 5 MHz typical 45 MHz typical 39 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 (Not installed for GeminiPD+ Lite version)
Interface connector 3x DE-9F D-subminiature
RECEIVER
Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD) -116 dBm (< 0.35 µV) *
Adjacent channel rejection
(Selectivity)
75 dB @25 kHz, 65 @ 12.5 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 UHF = 10-40 watts 800 MHz = 10-35 watts 900 MHz = 10-25 watts
Duty cycle 25% @ full power, 30 secs. max. TX time (subject to FCC MPE limit)
Conducted Spurious -80 dBc
Frequency stability 1.5 ppm
FM hum and noise ratio 40dB @ 1.5 kHz deviation, 45 dB @ 3.0 kHz deviation
Attack time < 10 ms
Operation Half duplex
1 WARNING:The frequency band 406 to 406.1 MHz is reserved for use by distress beacons and should not
be programmed into the unit.
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Data rates and
Modulation type
DGFSK (8000 b/s, 9600 b/s, 19200 b/s)
SRRC4FSK (14400 b/s, 16000 b/s,19200b/s, 25600 b/s)
RC4FSK (32000 b/s: GeminiPD+ only)
UHF 800 MHz 900 MHz
–112 dBm at 19200 b/s full
channel
–112 dBm at 19200 b/s
full channel TBD
–110 dBm at 25600 b/s full
channel
–109 dBm at 25600 b/s
full channel TBD
–107 dBm at 32000 b/s full
channel
–107 dBm at 32000 b/s
full channel TBD
Packet Error Rate
(for < 1% error, with
Parallel Decode, at Fc)
–112 dBm at 16000 b/s
NPSPAC channel TBD
Protocol Dataradio Proprietary DBA with OOB AAVL support
DISPLAY and CONTROLS
2 status LEDs RX/TX, PWR
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
Rain1Drip rain 506.3 II IEC IP54 only II
Humidity1Induced, Aggravated 507.3 II,III
Dust1Blowing dust 510.3 IIEC IP54
Vibration Ground Mobile 514.4 I(8) EIA RS-204C Forestry
Shock Functional, Bench handling 516.4 I,VI EIA RS-204C
FCC / IC CERTIFICATIONS EMISSION DESIGNATORS
FCC IC (DOC) Bit
rate
Baud
rate
Modulation UHF 800MHz 900MHz
UHF EOTGPDA 773195525A 19200 19200 DGMSK 15K0F1D 15K0F1D -
16000 16000 DGMSK 15K3FID 15K3F1D -
800 MHz EOTGPDB 773195643A 9600 9600 DGMSK 8K60FID 8K60F1D 10K2F1D
8000 8000 DGMSK - - 8K75F1D
900 MHz EOTGPD9 -
32000 16000 RC4FSK 16K5F1D 15K6F1D -
25600 12800 SRRC4FSK 15K6F1D 15K6F1D -
19200 9600 SRRC4FSK 9K92F1D
16000 8000 SRRC4FSK 8K17F1D 10K0F1D 10K7F1D
14400 7200 SRRC4FSK 8K67F1D 11K0F1D 11K8F1D
1 MIL Specification not guaranteed with GeminiPD Lite version.
120 20120-101Preliminary GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
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Appendix 1 - "Officer Requires Assistance" alarm function
The contents of this appendix are also available as Technical Instruction Sheet 009 (TIS009),
document part number 122 20110-009 dated December 20, 2000.
Overview
The DTE Port Interface pin 9 (AUX) on DEV-2 is used for the “Officer Requires Assistance”
alarm function.
Intended Audience
This document is designed for use by System Integrators.
Physical Connection
This auxiliary input may be activated by (normally open) dry contact pull-up to the port’s DSR
output. It can also tolerate user pull-up to external +12 VDC (car battery), but an isolated dry
contact is preferred due to the risk of noise-related false alarms caused by the vehicle’s electrical
system.
A +3 to +12 V signal at this pin will send a DMP “x” (On) message to the base.
An open or ground signal will send a DMP “y” (Off) message.
Messages are only sent when a signal transition occurs (debounced for approximately 100 ms).
Operation
When using GeminiPD+ or GeminiPD+ Lite products, activating the “Officer Requires Assistance”
alarm input starts emergency communications:
• The modem creates DMP “x” or “y” messages.
• Any other pending message(s) will be failed to avoid delaying the alarm message on account
of lower priority traffic and to remove non-emergency messages from duty-cycle manage-
ment (if applicable). In the case of a “q” message, a D-NAK* will be immediately returned.
• Base and Channel hunt will take place for the usual number of retries per base (according to
configuration) but will cycle forever until D-ACKed1 or Reset1.
• Lack of base DBA synch will not prevent transmission to maximize the chance that a base
gets the alarm signal. DBA “Freewheel” mode will be forced until the alarm is acknowl-
edged.
1 For details on DMP terms, refer to DMP 1.5 manual, version 4.0