DTC Communications DSS900TX User Manual DTC03 1 DTC03 1

DTC Communications Inc. DTC03 1 DTC03 1

Text Users Manual

Quickstart: DSS-900-KT Surveillance System DSS-900-KT Digital Spread Spectrum Surveillance System 1Quickstart: DSS-900-KT Surveillance SystemQuickstart guides the experienced surveillance professional in rapid setup and use of the DSS-900-KT. The following table guides you through set up of the TX, RX and recording functions of the DSS-900-KT.Step No. Step Reference Quickstart Action For Details See Page1. Select power source. Connect the RX to either an external AC or DC source. 62. Install RX antenna. Connect directional high-gain patch antenna, or omni-directional disguised cellular magnetic mount antenna to RX. 123. Choose agent’s microphone. Use the built-in top fire mike on the TX, or plug in one of the external mikes.134. Get a tape. Load tape into the Marantz.Make sure that:•The tape is fully rewound.•You are not about to overwrite an existing recording.•The tape is not write protected.85. Enable recorder. Turn the Marantz power ON. 146. Select headsets or the speaker.Decide to use the speaker, or plug one or two headsets into the matching jacks. This disables the speaker.97. Turn TX on. Slide TX power to ON.13, 148. Set sound intensity.Set the VOLUME to mid-range. 7
2DTC Communications, Inc.User’s Manual March 19999. Select a method for recorder control by using the POWER switch in the RX RECORDER section.MANUAL: Record Mode activate is controlled at the Marantz.AUTO: Record Mode activate is controlled by audio squelch level on the DSS-900-KT RX.810. Utilize extra outputs for additional original audio recordings.Connect extra recorders to VCR and SPARE RECRDR output jacks. 1411. Choose your alarm type with the MODE SELECT switch in the RANGE section of the RX.OFF: Latching ALARM LED only. No beep tone; no alarm tone.BEEP TONE: The higher the beep pitch, the closer the range.ALARM ONLY: Steady audible alarm if the RX loses lock on the TX signal. You can reset the tone only by rotating the MODE SELECT switch to OFF or by regaining adequate signal strength.1012. Check the vertical string of alarm LEDs.Keep as many LEDs lit - green, yellow and red - as possible. 1113. LEDs drop to the yellow zone. Immediately close range to the agent. 1514. If red LEDs only appear.Reposition agent or get RX closer. You are about to lose all audio!11Step No. Step Reference Quickstart Action For Details See Page
System Overview DSS-900-KT Digital Spread Spectrum Surveillance System 3System OverviewYour DTC-900-KT enables communication from a bodywire or internal microphone on the battery powered TX (transmitter) unit to a briefcase receiver/recorder. The DSS, digital spread spectrum, transmission technique is explained in detail in the DSS-900-KT Product Data Sheet. You can obtain a copy of this sheet from your DTC representative, but you do not need to know these details to use the equipment.However, there is one point of major importance that you must know when using digital spread spectrum transmission device:CAUTIONWith digital spread spectrum, the signal does not degrade slowly with range: Audio is present and perfect, or it’s gone! This go/no-go situation is diagrammed in Figure1.Figure 1Reception Distances for DSS and Analog TransmissionWith an Analog Signal, the quality of reception shown in the right side of Figure1 gradually drops off as you move further away from the transmitting point or when the transmitter and receiver antennas are not pointed at each other.As the left side of Figure1 shows, a Digital Signal provides perfect reception until a threshold is reached, and then audio is totally lost. The DTC-900-KT RX has signal strength LEDs on its front panel as well as an audible alarm that must be monitored to keep you within listening range and direction. Remember: Watch the green, yellow and red string of LEDs, and do not disable the audible tone except when security so requires. When the LEDs drop into the yellow zone, you may lose audio at any time. Close the range to the agent.Audio Signal LevelRange for DSS SignalAudio Signal LevelRange for Analog Signal
4DTC Communications, Inc.User’s Manual March 1999Kit ComponentsThe system is packaged in a rugged carrying case (Figure2) and in a fabric accessory pouch mounted on the outside of the case cover.Figure 2Principal Components in the Carrying CaseCOMPONENTS IN THE BASE COMPONENTS IN THE ACCESSORY POUCH1. RX panel2. TX and components:AAA alkaline batteries, qty. 5External microphone3. Frequency-Channel No. label4. Cover-mounted accessory pouch5. Marantz tape recorder•RX patch antenna with Mafer universal clamp•Cable for RX patch antenna•Magnetic mount RX antenna•Stereo headset•AC and DC power cables•Marantz recorder manual and this User’s Manual8,921436574(pouch ontop of cover)5312
Using the Receiver DSS-900-KT Digital Spread Spectrum Surveillance System 5Using the ReceiverReceiver Controls The main panel within the case of the DSS-900-KT is divided into eight segments as called out in the photograph of Figure3.Figure 3Main Panel of the DSS-900-KT1. Power segment 5. Range/Alarm segment2. Receiver segment 6. TX, microphone and batteries3. Recorder segment 7. RX Antenna connector4. Audio segment 8. Marantz tape recorder4 3 275618
6DTC Communications, Inc.User’s Manual March 1999•The SYSTEM VOLTAGE LCD shows you the DC voltage available to the electronics in the DSS-900-KT. The acceptable range for this display is 11 to 14 VDC. If the external source or battery voltages drop below 11 VDC, the equipment operation will be compromised.•Whenever the unit is plugged into an active AC or DC source, the internal batteries are being charged.•The three LEDs in the BATTERY section of the power segment tell you the charge status of the internal RX Battery.CHARGINGIlluminates only if either AC or DC power is beingsupplied to the system and the batteries are beingcharged. The batteries are always on charge whenthere is external power available. CHARGEDThe internal batteries are fully charged. LOWThe internal batteries need to be charged.CAUTION1. When the LOW light comes on, locate a new power source immediately. The batteries will only power the RX for 1/2-hour, even when fully charged, and you can lose contact with the agent without further warning.2. The DSS-900-KT is designed for AC or DC operation. The internal batteries are for temporary emergency use only. 1.Power•The main power OFF and ON switch controls power to all RX subsystems including the Marantz tape recorder. The recorder must be activated as shown in the accompanying Marantz operator manual. •The AC INPUT power receptacle is located in the lower center. An external DC voltage source (11 to 16VDC) can be introduced tothe system at the DC INPUT jack with the regulated cigarette power adaptor cord. This adaptor is fused for5A.
Using the Receiver DSS-900-KT Digital Spread Spectrum Surveillance System 7•VOLUME sets the volume of the front panel speaker or of the headset if plugged in. Remember, if a headset is plugged into either jack in the AUDIO section of the front panel, the speaker is automatically disabled. You may use both headset jacks.CAUTIONBe sure that the receiver is set to the channel numbermatching the frequency of the TX.2.ReceiverThe RECEIVER section on the front panel contains two LEDs and two controls.•RX ON LED tells you that power is applied to the RX and that the tape recorder power is enabled. It does not mean that the RX is necessarily receiving a signal from the TX,•TX LOCK LED tells you that the RX is receiving a signal from the TX and that the signal is of sufficient strength to be locked on.•CHANNEL SELECT enables you to switch the RX to the frequency printed on the TX in use. Use the label on the inside of the top cover of the case to convert TX frequency to CHANNEL SELECT number. If the RX is on and set to the correct channel, and if the TX is on and supplying a strong signal, the TX LOCK LED will be lighted. Unless otherwise requested at the time of purchase, the TXstandard factory setting is Channel 2.
8DTC Communications, Inc.User’s Manual March 1999Drawings and photos of the Marantz tape recorder as well as complete operating instructions are given in the Marantz operator manual that accompanies your DSS-900-KT system. The manual is stored in the accessory pouch of the DSS-900-KT.Whenever loading a tape into the Marantz recorder, make sure that:•The tape is fully rewound.•You are not about to overwrite an existing recording.•The tape is not write protected.3.RecorderThe RECORDER section contains a single LED and single switch, both of which relate to the Marantz tape recorder built into your DSS-900-KT.•POWER ON lights up when the POWER switch located below it is in MANUAL or when the audio level is above squelch and the AUTO mode has enabled the recorder power.•In the AUTO mode [carrier activation mode in surveillance terms], the Marantz will activate if the audio signal rises above the squelch level set on the recorder front panel. For this to happen, the TX and RX have to be locked together on the TX signal, and the Marantz tape recorder has to be set to RECORD.•In the MANUAL mode, the recorder is always powered up and will run if so commanded from its front panel.
Using the Receiver DSS-900-KT Digital Spread Spectrum Surveillance System 9•Two audio signal output connectors.On the left, VCR, a fixed signal level compatible with a standard VCR.On the right, SPARE RECRDR, an identical output for a second, spare recorder.With these extra connectors, you can make two original audio recordings in addition to the recording of the Marantz tape deck.4.AudioThe AUDIO section has five outputs:•A speaker set behind the grillwork.•Two HEADSET jacks.On the left, a jack for a 1/4 inch connector.On the right, a jack for the 3.5 mm mini-jack Sony headset that is supplied with your DSS-900-KT.
10 DTC Communications, Inc.User’s Manual March 1999Let’s start at the top of the RANGE section.ALARM turns on whenever the signal is very low or when you have lost TX lock on the signal. This forces you to recognize that signal is about to be or has been lost and you must take action to maintain or restore the audio link.The MODE SELECT switch has 3 positions.BEEP TONE during which a continuous beeping takes place; the higher the tone’s pitch the closer the range. The beep sound is not recorded on the tape recorder, nor is any indication of the signal level status recorded.NOTEThe beep tone can only be stopped by switching to OFF or to ALARM ONLY settings.ALARM ONLY produces a continuous tone to warn that an out-of-range situation is likely to or has occurred.5.RangeThe RANGE section is the one you have to watchmost closely.The RANGE LEDs warn you that the DSS signal is getting low and audio will be lost unless you reorient the agent or move the RX closer to the agent. Remember, with digital spread spectrum, there is no in-between zone. Audio is present and perfect, or it’s gone!
Using the Receiver DSS-900-KT Digital Spread Spectrum Surveillance System 11Ten LEDs on the right tell you the status of the signal received from the TX. •Green LEDs - Top 4 greens only come on when the signal is strong and the TX and RX are locked together. Whenever the Green LEDs are on, both the yellow and red LEDs below are also on.•Yellow LEDs - Middle 3 yellows are on with the red LEDs. When the green LEDs flicker off and the yellow are still on, the signal level is getting low and a TX lock is in jeopardy. CAUTIONClose range to the agent immediately! If using the directional patch antenna, reorient the front of the antenna so the maximum number of LEDs are on. •Red LEDs - Lowest 3; when only they are on, you have lost the TX signal or are very close to losing it. If yellow and green are off, the ALARM LED is triggered and stays on.6.Transmitter, microphone and batteriesRefer to Using the Transmitter on page13 for details.
12 DTC Communications, Inc.User’s Manual March 19997.RX Antenna ConnectorBoth the 3 dBi omni-directional magnetic mount antenna (Figure2 on page 4) and the 11 dBi high gain patch antenna are attached at the RX ANTENNA BNC connector. Use the patch antenna with the Mafer clamp whenever you can reasonably expect the wired agentto be within a known general location, such as a particular street corner.The patch antenna is quite directional with a beam width of about 60°. With thepatch antenna you will receive at a greater distance than with the omni-directional magnetic mount.When using the patch, orient it with the Plexiglas side facing toward the expected location of the transmitting bodywire.CAUTIONPatch antennas are directional. Always orient the RXpatch toward the TX. On a surveillance mission, the agent should take care, within bounds of security and safety, to be oriented with the TX patch antenna outwards from the agent’s body and facing the RX.TIPMount the RX patch antenna as high as possible to provide a better unobstructed path to the TX.8.Marantz Tape RecorderFor detailed information, refer to the Marantz operator manual that is contained in the accessory pouch mounted on the top of the DSS-900-KT case cover.
Using the Transmitter DSS-900-KT Digital Spread Spectrum Surveillance System 13Using the TransmitterKeep in mind that the TX patch antenna must be facing away from the agent’s body to work properly. The patch antenna is housed in the black plastic-like dome on the TX unit. There is no external antenna on this unit.•The internal top fire mike is located between the two slide switches (Figure4-b). It is active unless an external mike is plugged into the gold Lemo connector as shown in Figure4-a. Two microphones are supplied with the DSS-900-KT; they differ only in color and cable length. Figure 4a. TX with External Microphone b. TX Panel1. Start the surveillance session with fresh TX batteries. Slide the battery holder cover open to insert batteries (Figure3 on page 5).2. The TX unit is labelled with its frequency. Use the label on the inside of the DSS-900-KT case cover (see Figure2 on page 4) to determine the channel number corresponding to the TX frequency.3. Set CHANNEL SELECT on the RECEIVER to the same number.4. Turn the TX ON using the slide switch at the top of the unit.5. Set the AGC ON. This provides optimum audio at the RX. Set the AGC OFF if a loud, interfering noise, such as a jukebox, is near the agent.TIPRemind the agent wearing the wire to face toward the RX whenever possible during the mission to produce the strongest signal at the RX.al AntennaPower AGCOn Off On OffInternal ExternalbMicrophoneMicrophoneInternalMicrophoneExternalMicrophoneExternalMicrophoneaInternalMicrophoneAntenna
14 DTC Communications, Inc.User’s Manual March 1999Field Use of the DSS-900-KTEach control on the RX is explained in Receiver Controls starting on page 5 and is shown in Figure3, also on page 5. The TX and its setup are described in Using the Transmitter on page13. The Quickstart: DSS-900-KT Surveillance System on page1 contains an information overview on field use.1. Verify that the transmitter is switched on.2. Connect either the DC INPUT or AC INPUT to the appropriate power source. •The SYSTEM VOLTAGE will rise to about 14 VDC. It must not be outside the range of 11 to 16 VDC.•The RX ON LED will illuminate.•The CHARGING LED will turn on and stay on as long as there is power at either power input.•If LOW turns on, the internal battery is discharged and you must find an alternate power source. Do not begin a mission. The battery will fully charge in 4 hours.CAUTIONThe DSS-900-KT is designed for AC or DC operation. The internal batteries in the RX are for temporary emergency use only.3. Check that a receiving antenna, either the patch or the mag mount, isconnected at the RX ANTENNA BNC jack on the RX panel.4. If you intend to use a headset for monitoring, plug in one or two headsets now. The speaker will be disabled.•Use only stereo headsets at these jacks.5. If you want to make additional original recordings of the mission, plugthe extra recorders into the VCR and SPARE RECRDR jacks.
Field Use of the DSS-900-KT DSS-900-KT Digital Spread Spectrum Surveillance System 156. If the TX has not yet been deployed, check its channel number and switch CHANNEL SELECT on the RX to that number.•If the TX is already harnessed to the agent, move the CHANNEL SELECT switch until you see the TX LOCK light turn on. This indicates that the agent has activated the TX and you are receiving audio.7. Adjust the VOLUME control, which affects the speaker and the headsets only. It does not affect the recording.8. Set the recorder to AUTO unless you specifically do not want automatic on/off of the tape. •The POWER ON LED in the RECORDER SECTION will light up when the squelch level is exceeded by the audio, or whenever you switch to MANUAL.9. In the RANGE section, switch MODE SELECT to the alarm output you want. Refer back to Range on page10 to remind yourself what this switch does.10. Verify that TX LOCK is illuminated on the RECEIVER section of the RX.If this LED is not on, take the following steps.•Make sure you are using fresh batteries in the TX.•Make sure that TX and RX are on the same channel.•Close range to the agent.•Reorient the RX patch antenna so it is directed more accurately toward the agent. This antenna has a 60o beam width, so if the agent is outside that cone, you are losing a great deal of the available signal.•Double-check that the RX is turned on, system voltage is in the acceptable range, and that all connections are secure.

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