Futurecom Systems Group ULC CMD800 CMD 800 BASE STATION User Manual Operator s Manual and Tune Up Procedures

Futurecom Systems Group ULC. CMD 800 BASE STATION Operator s Manual and Tune Up Procedures

USERS MANUAL

 DIGITAL CHANNEL MODULE (CMD)  User’s Manual and Tune Up Procedures      8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary
   REVISION RECORD  REV  #  ECN #  DESCRIPTION  DATE 0    Preliminary Release  August 1, 2003                                 PROPRIETARY STATEMENT  © 2003, Futurecom Systems Group Inc. Printed in Canada. All Rights Reserved  No part of this document, or any software included with it, may be reproduced and distributed without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.  Futurecom Systems Group Inc. reserves the right to make changes or improvements to the equipment, software or specification described in this document at any time and without prior notice. These changes will be incorporated in the new releases of this document.  This document may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Futurecom Systems Group Inc. waves responsibility for any labour, materials or costs incurred by any party as a result of using this document.              8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 2 of 15 21/08/2003
     TABLE OF CONTENTS About this document................................................................................................................ 4 Notes, Cautions, Warnings, Dangers................................................................................... 4 Safety Information................................................................................................................... 5 FCC Class A Digital Device or Peripheral User Information ............................................. 5 General Safety Information ................................................................................................. 5 Damage Requiring Service.............................................................................................. 6 Possible Hazards.............................................................................................................. 6 General Radio Operating Procedures ...................................................................................... 7 CMD Technical Description.................................................................................................... 8 Main Features ...................................................................................................................... 8 Principle of Operation.......................................................................................................... 9 CMD Installation (19” rack mount only)............................................................................... 10 CMD Programming ............................................................................................................... 10 Introduction........................................................................................................................ 10 Connecting and Disconnecting the CMD to a PC ............................................................. 10 Installing the Programming Software................................................................................ 10 Using the Programming Software for Setting up the CMD .............................................. 10 CMD Connections ......................................................................................................... 10 Starting up the Programming Software ......................................................................... 11 Programming the CMD Frequencies of Operation........................................................ 11 Programming the CMD Channel Spacing..................................................................... 12 Setting up the CMD Maximum Gain................................................................................. 13 CMD Front Panel Indicators.................................................................................................. 14 CMD Specifications............................................................................................................... 15   8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 3 of 15 21/08/2003
  About this document This document describes the operation of the Futurecom Digital Channel Module (CMD). It provides setup guidelines and outlines the programming options which are accessible through the programming software (6A074X01). Notes, Cautions, Warnings, Dangers Throughout this manual, you will see Notes, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers. Their meaning is as follows:  Note: A clarifying statement that expands on the text that follows.    IMPORTANT: An important statement that  must be considered and / or implemented in order to achieve adequate equipment operation.    WARNING: Describes a potentially hazardous situation, which may lead to equipment damage, death or injury.   DANGER: Describes an imminently hazardous situation, which if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. 8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 4 of 15 21/08/2003
 Safety Information FCC Class A Digital Device or Peripheral User Information  NOTE:   This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.  This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, can cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.  WARNING Changes or Modifications not expressly approved by Futurecom Systems Group Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. USA Users: Do not use the Digital Channel Module in the frequency band 406.0 - 406.1MHz. This frequency band is reserved for use by distress beacons.  General Safety Information  The following information may or may not be applicable to your product. In any case, precautions should always be taken when handling any electrical product.  IMPORTANT This manual contains important safety and operating instructions, therefore keep this manual always on hand! Prior to using any product, follow all warning, safety and operating instructions written on the product and in the user’s manual. All instructions should be saved for reference in the future!  WARNING Always keep product dry, never expose to any kind of moisture. Do Not expose product to extreme temperatures- as found near a hot radiator or stove. Do Not expose product to open flames, cigarettes, etc.  Precautions should be taken to avoid objects falling or liquids spilling onto product. Do Not incorporate the use of other equipment that is not recommended or sold by the manufacturer. The result may be the risk of fire or electric shock injury. Connect DC power cord to DC power source as marked on the product. 8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 5 of 15 21/08/2003
 This product does not contain customer serviceable components, therefore never disassemble the product  IMPORTANT If an outdoor antenna is connected, make sure the system is always grounded to allow for protection against voltage surge and built-up static charges. Outdoor antennas should always be located away from power lines.   DANGER  Never alter the AC cord or plug! If plug does not fit outlet have a qualified electrician install a proper outlet. Failure to do so results in improper connection and increases the risk of electric shock.   Damage Requiring Service This product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:  The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or  Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the product; or  The product has been exposed to rain or moisture; or  The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change of   performance; or  The product has been dropped, or the cabinet damaged.  Possible Hazards The operator of any mobile radio should be aware of certain hazards common to the operation of vehicular radio transmissions. A list of possible hazards follows:   Explosive Atmospheres   To ensure safety, make sure that the radio is off while fuelling the vehicle. When the radio is mounted in the back of the trunk, never have containers of fuel in the trunk of the vehicle.  Interference to Vehicular Electronics Systems   Typical types of electronic devices that malfunction are -Electronic fuel injection systems, electronic anti-skid braking systems, etc., The reason for this is due to the lack of protection from radio frequency energy present when transmitting.  If the vehicle contains such equipment, consult the dealer of your vehicle and enlist his aid in determining if such electronic circuits perform normally when the radio is transmitting.  Dynamite Blasting Caps   Dynamite blasting caps may be caused to explode by operating a radio within 500 feet of the blasting caps.  Always obey the "Turn Off Two Way Radios" signs posted where dynamite is being used. When transporting blasting caps in your vehicle: A. Carry the blasting caps in a closed metal box with a soft lining. B. Leave the radio OFF whenever the blasting caps are being put into or removed from the vehicle. 8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 6 of 15 21/08/2003
   Radio Frequency Energy   Do not operate the transmitter when a person is outside of the vehicle within two feet of the antenna! Failure to heed this warning may result in burns or related physical injury to the person.  Liquefied (LP) Gas Powered Vehicles   Mobile radio 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  Association standard (NFPA) 58 requiring that: A. The space containing the radio equipment shall be isolated by a seal from the space containing the LP gas container and its fittings. B. Outside filling connections shall be used for the LP gas container. C. The LP gas container shall be vented to the outside of the vehicle. General Radio Operating Procedures Industry Canada (IC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations must be incorporated in the use of radio systems. Familiarity with these rules by the operator is essential for proper execution of the type of radio operation that is in question. Following these rules helps to eliminate confusion, assures the most efficient use of existing radio channels, and results in a smoothly functioning radio network.  When using this unit remember these rules:  A. Emergency calls always have priority over all messages! To interrupt any distress or emergency message is a violation of the IC and FCC rules. When operating the radio make sure that the line is clear before sending messages. KEEP OFF THE AIR when an emergency message is being sent through. B. Use of profane or obscene language is prohibited by Federal law. C. Sending false call letters, false distress or emergency messages is against the law. D. IC and FCC demand that conversations are kept brief and content limited only to business. Coded messages are encouraged in order to save time. E. Only messages that are essential for the business operations are allowed to be sent. Otherwise using the radio to send personal messages is a direct violation of the IC and FCC rules. F. Conversations between others sharing a channel is regarded as confidential. Repeating anything overheard on the radio is against Federal Law. G. The IC and FCC require the operator to transmit station identification at certain times by means of call letters. Refer to the IC and FCC rules for your station's particular type of operation for the proper procedure. H. No changes or adjustments shall be made to the equipment except by an authorized or certified electronics technician.  8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 7 of 15 21/08/2003
 CMD Technical Description Main Features The Digital Channel Module (CMD) is a synthesized, microprocessor-based, high performance, RF channel selective repeater with 30 Watt output power capability. It is available in the VHF, UHF and 800/900MHz bands. It is designed to receive a single RF channel, filter and amplify the channel signal and retransmit it. The CMD is used for extending the RF Coverage area of an existing radio site by receiving and re-broadcasting from host to user (downlink) and from user to host (uplink).  The CMD can be used in On-Channel Repeater (OCR) or Translator mode. In the Translator mode, the CMD transmits on a frequency which is different from the receive frequency. The On-Channel Repeater is programmed to receive and transmit on the same frequency.  The CMD operation is programmable locally from an RS-232 port on the front panel. The CMD operating parameters, such as power output, sensitivity threshold, CTCSS, mode of operation, frequencies of operation, adjacent channel spacing etc can be configured by the Customer via simple set-up software as described in this manual. The currently programmed operating parameters of the CMD determine its personality. The CMD personality is stored in the EEPROM of the unit.   Additional per channel alarm and monitoring functions are available to indicate any Power, VSWR, Temperature and Synthesizer lock conditions.  The CMD installation is performed by simply plugging it into a Eurocard format 19” EIA rackmount card cage. 8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 8 of 15 21/08/2003
 Principle of Operation The CMD consists of four main blocks – Front End, IF section, Power Amplifier and Controller.   The Front End consists of band-pass filtering and low-noise amplifier. The sensitivity of the Front End is -120dBm.   After the Front End, the RF frequency is downconverted to 109.65MHz by a mixer stage followed by BP filtering, amplification and another mixer downconverting to IF 450kHz.  The IF signal path continues with an Automatic Gain Control Loop (AGC), which maintains constant signal level, irrespective of the input signal level. The processed signal is fed to a modulator and Upconverter. The upconverted signal (110.520MHz) goes through selective  filters and amplifier stages, followed by a mixer, which further upconverts it to the programmed CMD transmit frequency (same as the receive in the OCR or different frequency in the Translator mode). The transmit frequency signal is fed to the power amplifier module where it is filtered and amplified. The driver and power amplifier produce the programmed transmit power output (max 30 Watts).   The Controller Board controls the operation of the CMD. It contains the microcontroller with Flash memory for the firmware, EEPROM personality storage.   The front panel RESET and TX DISABLE inputs are monitored and can be accesses via two front panel holes with a round tool 2.5mm (0.1”) diameter. The front panel indicators (TX DIS, DC ON, TX ON, RX ON, PWR and VSWR) are also controlled by the Controller Board. 8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 9 of 15 21/08/2003
 CMD Installation (19” rack mount only)  The CMD is easily installed by plugging it into the Eurocard format card cage.  The CMD is powered through its card cage back plane. The card cage back plane DC wiring must be connected to nominal 27.6VDC.   Slave Shelf Slave CMDs  CMD Programming Introduction The Controller board EEPROM of the CMD contains the programmed Personality Data (PD) of the specific CMD unit. The PD file determines the functionality of the CMD and it can be created and / or modified by using the CMD programming software. Connecting and Disconnecting the CMD to a PC 1. Plug the supplied programming cable into the “RS232” connector on the front of the CMD. 2. Plug the other end of the serial cable into the serial port of the PC. 3. Follow the Programming Instructions as described in the next paragraphs. 4. Exit the programming software and only then unplug the serial cable from the CMD. Installing the Programming Software The programming software can be run either from Windows or MS DOS. Copy the files from the Futurecom supplied disk into a separate directory / folder on your PC. Create a shortcut (Windows) or use the supplied batch file by typing in the path to the .exe file location on the specific PC. Run the programming software by clicking on the shortcut or typing the batch file name. Using the Programming Software for Setting up the CMD CMD Connections The CMD needs to be properly connected prior to commencing the programming / system setup: 1. The CMD must be plugged into the Futurecom subrack and supplied with proper DC power supply. 2. The RF IN and RF OUT ports need to be connected to the corresponding multicoupling ports or to adequate power rating 50 Ohm loads (or to the test equipment). 3. The DC power supply needs to be turned on. 8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 10 of 15 21/08/2003
  Starting up the Programming Software After connecting the programming cable to the CMD serial port, run the programming software. Go to the Options pull down menu and select Ports. The following screen will be Ensure thatdisplayed:  the correct communication port is selected and set the Baud rate to 9600 b/s. If amming the CMD Frequencies of Operation  nter.  D EEPROM data and the higher Baud rate is selected, ensure that the Baud rate scanning is set to Enable. Exit from the Ports menu and select “Yes” when prompted “Would you like to update config file?” ProgrGo to File, select Upload Data from the CMD and press EThe programming software uploads the currently stored in the CMCMD Channel Setup screen will be displayed: 8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 11 of 15 21/08/2003
  Important:  amming (or editing the personality of) the currently connected  rogramming the CMD Channel Spacing  rs, the global channel spacing needs to be When progrCMD, the user will be asked “Would you like to update the EEPROM” every time he / she tries to close the currently open programming screen. Select “Yes” if the changes need to be kept after the CMD is reset. For some of the changes to take effect the CMD must be reset. PPrior to setting up the rest of the CMD parameteselected. This is done from the Frequency Band Setup in the CMD Setup pull down menu.  Adjust the Adj. Ch. Offset / FM Dev field to the correct channel spacing i.e. 25kHz (NBPF)/3kHz or 12.5kHz / 1.5kHz. All other fields must not be changed by the user. 8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 12 of 15 21/08/2003
 Setting up the CMD Maximum Gain The CMD can be used either as an On Channel Repeater (OCR) or as a translator. In the OCR mode, the CMD receive and transmit frequency is the same as opposed to the Translator mode, in which the receive and transmit frequencies are different. The Gain range is 70 to 140dB in OCR mode and 70 to 165dB in Translator mode. However, the gain is limited by the isolation that can be achieved between the rest of the RF system i.e. cables, antennas, filtering etc. The maximum Gain setting must be at least 10 dB lower than the measured overall isolation in order to prevent CMD lock up.   Once the CMD is programmed, installed and connected to the rest of the filtering / antenna system, the Maintenance screen can be used for measuring the isolation and setting up the gain. No extra test equipment is required.  Open the Maintenance screen from the CMD Setup pull down menu. The Maintenance screen is not a programming screen. It is used for diagnostic and setup only. The fields seen on the Maintenance screen are described in the previous sections with the exception of the measured data fields shown on the right hand side and marked with “?”.  8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 13 of 15 21/08/2003
  CMD Front Panel Indicators The CMD front panel has several LEDs which provide the following indications:  LED Label  LED Color  DESCRIPTION TX DIS  RED  The TX DIS LED is steady on when transmit is disabled either by:  Triggering the TX DIS switch which is located above the LED (accessible with a round tool 2.5mm in diameter) Setting the Operating Mode field to Tx-Disable  The TX LED indicator is flashing when one of the synthesizers is being out of lock. DC ON  GREEN   When on it indicates that the CMD is powered up. TX ON  GREEN  When on it indicates that the CMD is transmitting. RX ON  GREEN  When on it indicates that the CMD input signal is above the programmed level PWR RED   The PWR LED is steadily on when the output RF power is outside of the programmed tolerance. VSWR  RED  The VSWR LED is on when an excessive reflected power is detected on the Tx port  8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 14 of 15 21/08/2003
 CMD Specifications ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS  CMD VHF  CMD UHF  CMD 800 Frequency of Operation  136 – 174 MHz  403 – 512 MHz  806 – 960 MHz Sensitivity  -120 dBm  -117 dBm Input Carrier Detection Threshold  -120 to -50 dBm  -117 to -50 dBm Carrier Detection Adjustment Step  1 dB Max. Gain Range (Programmable) Translator On-Channel Repeater 70 to 165 dB 70 to 140 dB AGC Range  100 dB Output Power  75 mili-Watts to 35 Watts Duty Cycle  100% Output Frequency Stability  Tracks Input Signal Frequency Modulation Types  Narrowband FM Voice and Data Channel Spacing  25 kHz / 12.5 kHz Selectivity 25kHz / 12.5kHz  >80 / > 70dB Receiver Spurious Response Rejection  > 70 dB Receiver Conducted Spurious Emissions   < -57 dBm Transmitter Conducted Spurious Emissions   < -20 dBm Transmitter FM Hum and Noise  > 45 dB Input / Output Impedance  50 Ohms Input / Output VSWR  < 1.5 : 1 Power Supply Voltage  22 to 28 VDC Power Supply Current Drain  Standby Transmit  < 0.3 A < 4 A MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS RF Connectors  SMA female Environmental  90% humidity @ 50 °C (122°F) Operating Temperature Range  -30 to +60°C (-22 to +140°F) Dimensions [H x D x W]  260 x 225 x 75 mm (10.25” x 8.86” x 2.95”) Weight  4.09 kg (9 lb)  8A074X06 Rev. Preliminary    Page 15 of 15 21/08/2003

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