CalAmp Wireless Networks GPDB GeminiPD User Manual Gemini PD Technical Manual

CALAMP WIRELESS NETWORKS INC. GeminiPD Gemini PD Technical Manual

preliminary updated user manual

GeminiPD+
Mobile Radiomodem
Installation Guide
Version 1.06
PRELIMINARY
The entire contents of this manual and the Radio Installation Software
described in this manual are copyright 2002 by DATARADIO Inc.
Copyright DATARADIO Inc.
December, 2002
Part no.: 120 20120-106 Preliminary
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.......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 FACTORY TECHNICAL SUPPORT........................................................................................................................ 2
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........................................................................................................................... 4
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 GeminiPD+ ............................................................................................................. 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
3.2.1 RS-232 Interface Signal Levels............................................................................................................. 10
4. TROUBLE-SHOOTING AND TESTING ..................................................................................................... 11
4.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 BASIC TESTS................................................................................................................................................... 11
4.3 ADDITIONAL TEST DETAILS ............................................................................................................................. 15
4.3.1 GPS Test................................................................................................................................................ 15
4.3.2 RF Data Link Test................................................................................................................................. 15
5. SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 1 - MOUNTING PLATE AND SLOT DIMENSIONS.................................................................................................... 5
FIGURE 2 - BRACKET INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................. 5
120 20120-106 Preliminary ii GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
FIGURE 3 - DC POWER CONNECTOR.............................................................................................................................. 6
FIGURE 4 - ANTENNA SPACING....................................................................................................................................... 7
FIGURE 5 - FRONT AND REAR PANELS ............................................................................................................................ 9
TABLE 1 - GEMINIPD+ LEDS INDICATIONS ................................................................................................................... 10
TABLE 2 - RS-232 SIGNAL LEVELS.............................................................................................................................. 10
TABLE 3 - TESTS, FULL CHANNEL UNITS..................................................................................................................... 12
TABLE 4 - TESTS, SPECIAL & HALF CHANNEL UNITS .................................................................................................. 13
APPENDIX 1 - "OFFICER REQUIRES ASSISTANCE" ALARM FUNCTION ........................................................................... 18
120 20120-106 Preliminary iii GeminiPD+ Installation Guide
What's New in this version
History
Version 1.06, December 2002
• Introduction of xRC8FSK modulations.
Version 1.05, November 2002
• MM-reserved – R&D in progress.
Version 1.04, November 2002
• Introduction of GeminiPD+ in 900 MHz frequency band.
Version 1.03, October 2002
• Append 1.6 dB cable losses in Section 2.5 (FCC-MPE)
Version 1.02, October 2002
• Update Section 2.5 (FCC-MPE)
Version 1.01, October 2002
• Addition of 19.2kb/s bit rate for NPSPAC channels
• 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 20120-106 Preliminary 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 20120-105 Preliminary Gemini
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1
1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This document provides the information re-
quired for the installation, operation and veri-
fication of the DATARADIO GeminiPD+.
1.1 Intended Audience
This document is designed for use by engi-
neering design, installation, and maintenance
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, (usually
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 responses.
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 power amplifier (40-Watt for UHF,
35-Watt for 800 MHz,
25-Watt for 900MHz models)
• 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 featuring
dual receivers for added decode sensitivity
in multi-path and fading environments.
• Sophisticated DSP-based modem design
provides added system performance, fewer
retries and more effective throughput.
• Automatic channel changing for improved
roaming capabilities.
• Built–in, up to 16-channel flash –
EEPROM programmable synthesized radio
transceiver with automatic channel se-
lection.
• Models with on-air data speeds and
modulation types as follows:
Channel spacing
Modulation
type 12.5 kHz
NPSPAC
&
900 MHz
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
19.2 kb/s
16 kb/s 16 kb/s 32 kb/sxRC4FSK2
14.4 kb/s 14.4 kb/s 25.6 kb/s
24.0 kb/s 28.8 kb/s 48.0 kb/s
21.6 kb/s 24.0 kb/s 43.2 kb/sXRC8FSK2
21.6 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 xRC8FSK
modulations) 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 20120-105 Preliminary Gemini
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2
1.2.2 Configuration
GeminiPD+ is factory configured based on each
customer network system requirements, usu-
ally by Dataradio System Engineering. Con-
figuration is not changeable in the field with-
out 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. Special-
ized equipment and training is required to re-
pair the GCU board and radio modules.
Contact Technical Support for service infor-
mation before returning equipment. A Techni-
cal Support representative may suggest a solu-
tion 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 rep-
resentative will ask you several questions to
clearly identify the problem. Please give the
representative the name of a contact person
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. Information about
these charges is available from Technical Sup-
port.
1.6 Unpacking
When ready for installation, carefully unpack
your GeminiPD+ kit (p/n 023 6000-001) ship-
ping 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 dur-
ing shipment, file a claim with the carrier im-
mediately.
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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 GeminiPD+ and its anten-
nas as well as the routing of all associated ca-
bling 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 trou-
bleshooting)
• 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, windows
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 some-
one bumping against it.
2.1.3 Cable Path
Try to route the cables away from locations
where they would be exposed to heat (exhaust
pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, etc.), battery acid,
sharp edges, mechanical damage or where they
would be a nuisance to automobile mechanics,
the driver or the passengers.
Keep wiring away from automotive computer
modules, other electronic modules and ignition
circuits to help prevent interference between
these components and radio equipment.
Try using existing holes in firewall and trunk
wall and the channels above and below or be-
neath the doors, channels through doors and
window columns that are convenient 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 human
exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic
energy are contained in the Canadian Safety
Code 6 and the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Bulletin 65. Proper instal-
lation of the transceiver antenna of GeminiPD+
as summarized in section 2.5 will result in user
exposure substantially below the recom-
mended limits for the general 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 an-
tenna 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 protection
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 equip-
ment, consult the dealer for the make of vehi-
cle and enlist his aid in determining if such
electronic circuits will perform normally when
the radio is transmitting.
2.2.3 Secure mounting
For vehicle occupant(s) safety, mount Gem-
iniPD+ securely so that the unit will not break
120 20120-105 Preliminary Gemini
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+ Installation Guide
4
loose in case of an accident or violent maneu-
vers.
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 pow-
ered by liquefied gas.
GeminiPD+ installations in vehicles powered by
liquefied petroleum gas with the LP-gas con-
tainer in the trunk or other sealed-off space
within the interior of the vehicle must conform
to the National Fire Protection Association
Standard NFPA 58 which requires:
- Space containing radio equipment shall be
isolated by a seal from the space contain-
ing 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 accord-
ing the size of screws (or nuts and bolts)
used.
• In-line “Power meter” capable of measur-
ing forward and reflected power at the op-
erating 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 damaging
some vital part of the vehicle such
as fuel tanks, transmission hous-
ing etc. Always check how far the
mounting screws extend below the
mounting surface prior to instal-
lation.
• Use of drill bit stops is highly
recommended.
• After drilling, remove all
metal shavings before installing
screws.
• Do not overtighten self-
tapping screws.
120 20120-105 Preliminary Gemini
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5
1. Once you have found a suitable mounting
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 posi-
tion 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 drilling
at the selected points is safe and will not
cause damage.
3. Indent the drilling positions with a center
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 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
GeminiPD+ is designed to operate from a
13.8Vdc nominal car battery (negative ground)
and requires currents up to 15.0A. It will toler-
ate 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 isolate
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 bat-
tery unless specifically prohibited from
doing so by the customer, vehicle manu-
facturer, agent or supplier.
Note:
In this event, exercise extreme
caution throughout the in-
stallation and fit the fuse only
when the installation is com-
plete.
2. The 22 feet (6.7 meters) long power cable
consists of three wires attached to a Pack-
ard Electric “Weather-Pack” connector
(DC power Connector).
2.5"
6.0"
1.0"
0.2"
120 20120-105 Preliminary Gemini
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+ Installation Guide
6
The DC Power connector has:
• At position “A”, the smaller red
switch-sense wire (commonly to ignition)
• 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 radio
power input location. Do not connect 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 in-
stalled, 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 locations along their
length.
Caution:
Use proper crimping tool.
Common pliers are NOT ac-
ceptable.
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 connected
directly to the battery negative ter-
minal, it should be fused in case of
failure of the vehicle’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 sens-
ing.
• Connect to “Ignition” if you wish to
have GeminiPD+ turning ON and OFF
dependent on the vehicle’s ignition
key.
• Connect to “Accessory” if you wish
GeminiPD+ to be available when the
engine 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 (re-
membering that the DC Power lead
must NOT be switched).
10. Make appropriate connections.
Cautions:
Where scraping to bare metal was re-
quired, and at the battery posts where
wire ends and lugs may be exposed,
apply anti-corrosion compound.
Insert the fuse only when installation
is complete and ready to test.
11. At the GeminiPD+ position, neatly coil ca-
ble 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 20120-105 Preliminary Gemini
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+ Installation Guide
2.5 Antenna
The main transmitter antenna must be vehicle-
mounted to provide a separation distance of 50
cm or more from all persons and the antenna
gain must not exceed 5dBi with a 1.6dB cable
loss.
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 transceiver
antenna and omni-directional requirements
• “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, in-
stallation may be close to the edges of the sur-
face.
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: centerline
of roof. For transmitter antenna, it is the
ONLY acceptable position.
- Less preferred for receiver antenna: trunk
lid, providing distance to transmitting an-
tenna is respected whether lid is opened or
closed.
- Much less preferred, but permissible for
receiver antenna: left or right rear fenders,
just in back of rear window
- Least preferred, but permissible for re-
ceiver antenna: left or right front fenders,
ahead of windshield
Note: Proximity to other vehicle-mounted
antennas may cause mutual interfer-
ence especially at higher frequencies.
G
MPE
≥
≥≥
≥5/8λ
λλ
λ
(UHF: 18"/46cm
800MHz: 9"/23cm
900MHz: 8”/21cm)
R
T
50cm
19.7in.
≥
≥≥
≥24in.
120 20120-105 Preliminary Gemini
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+ Installation Guide
8
2.5.3 Antenna Installation
1. Route good quality 50-ohm coaxial cables
(e.g. RG-223) from each of the selected
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 connec-
tion.
3. At the GeminiPD+ position, cut the three
cables 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 crimping tool.
For the GPS, use a SMA connector.
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 connector po-
sition.
7. Do not skip this last step, trust us; it is an
important one. To complete the installa-
tion, 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 correctly 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 opera-
tion and to run the Radio Installation Software
(WinRIS) program for testing or trouble-
shooting.
2.7. Checking out Normal op-
eration
Check that the vehicle ignition is ON.
1. Check for proper operation of the Gem-
iniPD+’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 installation (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 20120-106 Preliminary Gemini
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+ Installation Guide
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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 20120-106 Preliminary Gemini
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+ Installation Guide
10
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 800 & 900 MHz models (using 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
2 RXD – data from GeminiPD+
3 TXD – data to GeminiPD+
4 DTR – to GeminiPD+, handshaking
5 Ground
6 DSR – from GeminiPD+, tied to VCC
through current limiting resistor
7 RTS - to GeminiPD+, handshaking
8 CTS – from GeminiPD+, handshaking
9 AUX - auxiliary input to GeminiPD+, (at 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 18 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
1 asserted, 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 dur-
ing 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.
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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.
Speed UHF 800 US 800 CA
48.0kb/s ±5.0 ±3.5 ±3.5
43.2kb/s ±5.1 ±4.1 ±4.1
32.0 kb/s ±4.3 ±3.6 ±3.6
25.6 kb/s ±4.0 ±3.7 ±3.7
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),35 watts (800MHz model) or 25W
(900MHz 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.
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Table 4 - Tests, Special & 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
Power1
Press TX (Unmod)
UHF: 40 watts
800MHz: 35 watts
900MHz: 25 watts
all +10%, -10%;
Factory-settable down to 10
watts 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
xRC8FSK 800 US
(NPSPAC) 900 US
28.8kb/s ±3.2 ±2.8
24.0kb/s ±3.4 ±3.4
21.6kbps -±3.7
xRC4FSK 800 US 900 US
19.2 kb/s ±2.1 ±2.1
16.0 kb/s ±2.4 ±2.4
DGFSK 800 US 900 US
9.6 kb/s ±2.5 ±2.5
8.0 kb/s ±2.5 ±2.5
Half channel unit
xRC8FSK UHF 800 US 800 CA
24.0kb/s ±2.5 ±2.5 ±2.5
21.6kb/s ±2.9 ±2.9 ±2.9
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.
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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 degra-
dation 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) , 35 watts (800MHz model) or 25W (900MHz
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.
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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 cir-
cuit the GPS antenna is either a passive an-
tenna which is the WRONG type, or a defec-
tive 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 & 900MHz
models under 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 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 Device number of mobile/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 - 902 MHz2,
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 limit 25% (800MHz) 33%(900MHz) @ 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.
2 WARNING: 901-902 MHz is reserved for use outside US/Canada.
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7
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)
xRC8FSK (48000 b/s, 43200 b/s,28800b/s, 24000 b/s,21600b/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 at 16000 b/s half
channel
–110 dBm at 25600 b/s full
channel –109 dBm at 25600 b/s
full channel –TBD at 14400 b/s half
channel
–107 dBm at 32000 b/s full
channel –107 dBm at 32000 b/s
full channel –TBD at 9600 b/s half
channel
Packet Error Rate
(for < 1% error, with
Parallel Decode, at Fc)
TBD8FSK
–TBD dBm at 24000 b/s half
channel –112 dBm at 16000 b/s
NPSPAC channel –TBD at 8000 b/s half
channel
–TBD dBm at 43200 b/s full
channel –TBD dBm at 28800 b/s
NPSPAC channel TBD dBm at 21600 b/s
half channel
–TBD dBm at 48000 b/s full
channel –TBD dBm at 48000 b/s
full channel –TBD dBm at 24000 b/s
half channel
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 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 / IC CERTIFICATIONS EMISSION DESIGNATORS
FCC IC (DOC) kb/s Bauds Modulation UHF 800MHz 900MHz
UHF EOTGPDA 773195525A 19.2 19200 DGMSK 15K0F1D 15K0F1D -
16.0 16000 DGMSK 15K3FID 15K3F1D -
800 MHz EOTGPDB 773195643A 9.6 9600 DGMSK 8K60FID 8K60F1D 10K2F1D
8.0 8000 DGMSK - - 8K75F1D
900 MHz EOTGPD9 PENDING 32.0 16000 RC4FSK 16K5F1D 15K6F1D -
25.6 12800 SRRC4FSK 15K6F1D 15K6 / 11K5F1D -
19.2 9600 SRRC4FSK - 16K0 / 10K2F1D 9K92F1D
16.0 8000 SRRC4FSK 8K17F1D 10K0F1D 10K7F1D
14.4 7200 SRRC4FSK 8K67F1D 11K0F1D 11K8F1D
48.0 16000 xRC8FSK 17K0F1D 14K7F1D -
43.2 14400 xRC8FSK 16K4F1D 14K7F1D -
28.8 9600 xRC8FSK - 11K2F1D 10K2F1D
24.0 8000 xRC8FSK 8K17F1D 11K0F1D 11K4F1D
21.6 7200 xRC8FSK 9K67F1D - 11K8F1D
1 MIL Specification not guaranteed with GeminiPD Lite version.
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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

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