Futurecom Systems Group ULC DVRSVHF MOBEXCOM DVRS User Manual USERS MANUAL
Futurecom Systems Group ULC. MOBEXCOM DVRS USERS MANUAL
Contents
USERS MANUAL
MOBEXCOM DVRS Vehicular Repeater
Users Manual
8A083X02 Rev. 2.3
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
Futurecom Systems Group Inc.DVRS Users Manual 8A083X02_VHF_Rev2_3.DOC Rev. Preliminary Page 2
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................... 2
Notes, Attentions, Important........................................................................................ 3
REPEATER MODES........................................................................................................................ 6
CONTROL HEAD............................................................................................................................. 7
REPEATER RADIO UNIT................................................................................................................ 8
MOBILE RADIO UNIT...................................................................................................................... 8
3. OPERATION........................................................................................................... 9
CONTROL HEAD............................................................................................................................. 9
APPENDIX 1................................................................................................................. 12
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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Notes, Attentions, Important
Throughout this manual, you will see Notes, and Attentions, Important
Their meaning is as follows:
NOTE
A clarifying statement that expands on the text that follows.
IMPORTANT
An important statement that should be considered and / or implemented in order to
achieve adequate equipment operation.
ATTENTION!
An instruction that must be followed in insure compliance with the appropriate
standards or proper equipment operations.
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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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, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation.
ATTENTION!
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Futurecom Systems Group Inc. could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
RF EXPOSURE
ATTENTION!
To satisfy FCC/IC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, refer to Futurecom
8F083X03 or 8F083X05 Product Safety and RF Energy Exposure Booklet for TX – RX duty cycle
and a separation distance between the antenna of this device and persons during operation. To ensure
compliance, operations at closer than this distance is not allowed.
RADIO OPERATOR
Futurecom requires the MOBEXCOM DVRS Repeater operator to ensure FCC Requirements for Radio
Frequency Exposure are met. The minimum distance between all possible personnel and an
omnidirectional antenna must be as specified in Futurecom 8F083X03 or 8F083X05 Product Safety and
RF Energy Exposure Booklet.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE MPE DISTANCE EXCLUSION AREA AROUND THE ANTENNA MAY
EXPOSE PERSONS WITHIN THIS AREA TO RF ENERGY ABOVE THE FCC EXPOSURE LIMIT FOR
BYSTANDERS (GENERAL POPULATION). IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE REPEATER OPERATOR
TO ENSURE THAT MPE LIMITS ARE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES DURING REPEATER
TRANSMISSIONS. THE REPEATER OPERATOR MUST ENSURE AT ALL TIMES THAT NO PERSON
COMES WITHIN MPE DISTANCE FROM THE ANTENNA.
ATTENTION!
The MOBEXCOM DVRS Repeater is intended for use in occupational / controlled conditions, where
users have full knowledge of their exposure and can exercise control over their exposure to meet FCC
limits. This radio is NOT authorized for general population, consumer, or any other use.
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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ANTENNA INSTALLATION
IMPORTANT
Refer to Futurecom 8F083X03 or 8F083X05 Product Safety and RF Energy Exposure Booklet for
antenna installation instructions.
FCC Label
including interference that may cause undesired
2) This device must accept any interference received,
1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
operation.
RF Exposure Label
RF EXPOSURE LABEL INSTALLATION LOCATION
IMPORTANT
The RF Exposure Label should be affixed in the vehicle beside the mobile radio control head. The label
should be in the direct view of the Repeater operator. The label is supplied with the MOBEXCOM DVRS
Repeater.
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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2. INTRODUCTION
The Futurecom MOBEXCOM DVRS® Vehicular Repeater is designed to interface to a range of mobile radios
and control heads. It permits expanded operation of portable radios. The Vehicular Repeater system consists of.
a mobile radio, MOBEXCOM DVRS® Vehicular Repeater unit, a mobile radio Control Head and a RF
multiplexer. The Control Head communicates with the Vehicular Repeater and the mobile using a serial data
protocol.
REPEATER MODES
The Vehicular Repeater operates in one of three modes. The mode of operation is selectable from the Mobile
Control Head by the mobile radio operator.
The three modes are known as the MOBILE, LOCAL and SYSTEM modes. The function and purpose of each
mode is described as follows.
Mobile Mode
In the MOBILE mode, the vehicular repeater is completely disabled. The mobile radio is operational and
will permit the mobile radio user to communicate conventionally, using the mobile radio. The mobile user may
select the desired mobile operating channel, adjust the receiver volume level and transmit using the
microphone Push-to-Talk (PTT).
This mode is used when Repeater operation is not desired. The Vehicular Repeater System operates
similarly to a standard mobile radio system, as if the Repeater were not present. The RF multiplexer is
disabled and the antenna is connected directly to the mobile radio.
The MOBILE mode should be selected if several Repeater equipped vehicles are in the same area and
another Vehicular Repeater already has LOCAL or SYSTEM mode enabled.
Local Repeat Mode
In the LOCAL repeat mode, the Vehicular Repeater is enabled to permit communications among nearby
portable radio users and the mobile radio user. Repeater signals are not retransmitted by the Mobile Radio,
so that communications on the mobile channel will not be disturbed. However, all functions of the mobile
radio operate normally, except for scan, microphone mobile Push-to-Talk, scan activation, mode selection,
zone selection, home channel operation and mobile channel selection. When the LOCAL repeat mode is
selected, the mobile radio scan is deactivated and the mobile radio reverts to the selected mobile channel.
Signals received by the Vehicular Repeater receiver are heard in the mobile speaker and will also be
retransmitted by the Vehicular Repeater transmitter. Signals received by the Mobile receiver are heard in the
Mobile speaker and will be transmitted by the Vehicular Repeater. When signals are present in both the
Vehicular Repeater and Mobile receivers simultaneously, the signal from the Vehicular Repeater will have
priority in the mobile speaker. (Note that the receiver/PTT and speaker priorities are programmable.)
The mobile user will key only the Vehicular Repeater transmitter when using the microphone Push-to-
Talk. The Vehicular Repeater receiver has full priority over the mobile radio operator microphone Push-to-
Talk. To respond to a mobile signal, the mobile operator must enter either the MOBILE or SYSTEM mode to
be able to transmit from the mobile radio.
The mobile user may adjust the receiver volume level and transmit over the Vehicular Repeater using the
microphone Push-to-Talk.
The LOCAL mode, as the name implies, permits communications among portable radio users and the
mobile radio operator, without interfering with the mobile radio dispatch channels.
System Repeat Mode
In the SYSTEM repeat mode, both the Mobile Radio and the Vehicular Repeater are enabled to permit
the full exchange of communications among nearby portable radio users, the mobile radio user and the
dispatcher and other users on the Mobile Radio channel. Signals received by the Vehicular Repeater receiver
are heard in the mobile speaker and will also be retransmitted by both the Vehicular Repeater and Mobile
transmitters. Signals received by the Mobile receiver are heard in the mobile radio speaker and are also
retransmitted out of the Vehicular Repeater transmitter. However, all functions of the mobile radio operate
normally, except for scan, scan activation, mode selection, zone selection, home channel operation and
mobile channel selection. When the SYSTEM repeat mode is selected, the mobile radio scan is deactivated
and the mobile radio reverts to the selected mobile channel. When signals are present in both the Vehicular
Repeater and Mobile receivers simultaneously, the signal from the Vehicular Repeater will have priority in the
mobile speaker. (Note that the receiver/PTT and speaker priorities are programmable.)
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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The mobile user simultaneously keys both the Mobile radio and Vehicular Repeater transmitters when
using the microphone Push-to-Talk. The Vehicular Repeater receiver has full priority over the mobile radio
operator microphone Push-to-Talk. The mobile radio operator microphone Push-to-Talk has priority over the
Mobile receiver.
When signals are present in both the Vehicular Repeater and Mobile receivers simultaneously, the signal
from the Vehicular Repeater has priority in the mobile speaker.
The mobile user may adjust the receiver volume level and transmit over the Vehicular Repeater and
Mobile Radio, using the microphone Push-to-Talk.
The SYSTEM repeat mode is used when full communications among all radio parties is desired.
CONTROL HEAD
The control unit is a standard mobile radio control head. The Vehicular Repeater is designed to operate with a
variety of control heads. It is a ruggedly constructed weatherized control unit, incorporating an array of
pushbuttons, a Liquid Crystal display, 2 knobs and 2 LED indicators. The display and pushbuttons are backlit for
night time visibility.
The control unit is housed in a two-piece plastic, weather-resistant housing. The external radio/repeater
connections are made to connector on the rear of the unit. A microphone is provided and is secured to the control
unit connector on the front of the control unit.
A serial-control data interface is used to provide a communications connection between the control unit, the
Vehicular Repeater and the mobile radio.
The following features are provided:
Knobs for:
‘Volume’ with integral Power On/Off pushbutton switch
‘Channel’ selection
Pushbuttons for:
‘Zone’
‘Page’
‘Monitor’ ON/OFF
‘Alarm’ (∆)
‘Private’ (∅)
‘Repeater mode’ selection (H/L)
‘Phon’
‘Scan’
‘Call’
‘Opt’
‘Home Menu’
‘Sel’
LED Indicators for:
‘Mobile Transmit’ (Red LED)
‘Mobile Receiver Busy’ (Orange LED)
Display:
Alphanumeric LCD (with backlighting)
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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Indicators are provided to display the receiver and transmitter status of the mobile. The ‘Mobile Transmit’
red indicator lights whenever the mobile transmitter is keyed. The ‘Mobile Receiver Busy’ orange indicator lights
whenever the receiver is busy, regardless of presence or absence of any CTCSS (Channel-Guard) tone coding.
REPEATER RADIO UNIT
The Repeater is designed to implement a Vehicular Repeater System, to provide portable radio users greater
communication range by repeating signals through the vehicle's mobile radio to the dispatch centre. Various
modes of repeater operation are available, to suit different operational requirements. The Vehicular Repeater
Radio is the central connection point for the vehicular system. It connects to an external Control Head and Mobile
Radio.
It includes all the necessary hardware for repeater operations. The Repeater is housed in a weather resistant
metal enclosure with 2 removable covers. The covers provide protection for the connectors. The Repeater is
mounted on a RF multiplexer.
The Repeater communicates with the control head and the mobile radio via serial communication bus.
MOBILE RADIO UNIT
The Mobile Radio used in the Vehicular Repeater System is a standard mobile radio. Refer to the mobile
radio’s user manual for details of operation of this radio. The Vehicular Repeater is designed to operate with a
variety of mobile radio units.
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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3. OPERATION
CONTROL HEAD
The Repeater Control Head selects mode of operation for both the Repeater and the Mobile Radio.
To Turn the Repeater ON or OFF
Press the button in the Volume knob located on the left side of the control unit. The display should
become active when the system turns ON. A test message appears briefly on the display. When the system
is turned ON, the Mobile Channel and Repeater Mode will automatically return to the same settings that were
in effect when the power was last turned OFF. Press the button in the Volume knob second time to turn the
Repeater OFF.
To Change the Speaker Volume
Turn the Volume knob until the desired volume level is reached.
To Change the Repeater Mode
Press the 'H/L' button once. The Repeater mode is changed in the following sequence: MOBILE-
SYSTEM-LOCAL-… In the Mobile mode the alphanumeric display shows ‘ZONE CHANNEL’. In the System
mode the display changes to ‘RSYS CHANNEL’ and in the Local mode it shows ‘RLOC CHANNEL’. (‘ZONE’
is the selected Mobile zone name while ‘CHANNEL’ is the selected Mobile channel name.) When the LOCAL
or SYSTEM repeat modes are selected, the mobile radio scan is deactivated and the mobile radio reverts to
the selected mobile channel.
NOTE
The Mobile zone and channel cannot be changed while in LOCAL and SYSTEM
repeat modes.
Refer to the earlier description of repeat modes.
MOBILE XMIT Status Indicator
The 'MOBILE XMIT' red LED indicator is one of two status indicators that is provided on the Control
Head, located in the upper left corner. This indicator will light whenever the Mobile Transmitter is keyed. This
will occur in 'MOBILE' or 'SYSTEM' mode when the microphone Push-to-Talk is being pressed or when a
signal from the Vehicular Repeater is being retransmitted by the Mobile Radio (In 'SYSTEM' mode).
MOBILE BUSY Status Indicator
The 'MOBILE BUSY' orange LED indicator is one of two status indicators that are provided on the Control
Head, located in the upper left corner. This indicator will light whenever the Mobile Radio is receiving any
signal on the selected Mobile Channel. If CTCSS (Channel Guard) tone coding is used, the signal may not be
audible if the coding does not match.
Note that if the microphone is “off-hook”, the Mobile/Repeater audio will be heard on the speaker even if
CTCSS is not present or is incorrect. This is the same as the Monitor function.
ALPHANUMERIC Status Indication
The ‘ZONE’ is not displayed in the LOCAL and SYSTEM repeat modes. Instead, this portion of the
alphanumeric display shows the status of the Repeater in these two modes together with 'MOBILE XMIT' and
'MOBILE BUSY' status indicators.
The following tables summarize indicators for different Repeater states:
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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CONTROL HEAD INDICATORS AND ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY – MOBILE MODE
REPEATER STATE
‘MOBILE BUSY’ ‘MOBILE XMIT’ DISPLAY
MOBILE RECEIVE WITH
CTCSS ON
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
MOBILE RECEIVE
WITHOUT CTCSS ON
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
MICROPHONE PTT ON
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
REPEATER RECEIVE
WITH CTCSS ‘ZONE CHANNEL’
REPEATER RECEIVE
WITHOUT CTCSS ‘ZONE CHANNEL’
CONTROL HEAD INDICATORS AND ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY – LOCAL MODE
REPEATER STATE
‘MOBILE BUSY’ ‘MOBILE XMIT’ DISPLAY
MOBILE RECEIVE WITH
CTCSS ON ‘RL TX CHANNEL’
MOBILE RECEIVE
WITHOUT CTCSS ON ‘RLOC CHANNEL’
MICROPHONE PTT ‘RL TX CHANNEL’
REPEATER RECEIVE
WITH CTCSS ‘RL RT CHANNEL’
REPEATER RECEIVE
WITHOUT CTCSS ‘RL RX CHANNEL’
CONTROL HEAD INDICATORS AND ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY – SYSTEM MODE
REPEATER STATE
‘MOBILE BUSY’ ‘MOBILE XMIT’ DISPLAY
MOBILE RECEIVE WITH
CTCSS ON ‘RS TX CHANNEL’
MOBILE RECEIVE
WITHOUT CTCSS ON ‘RSYS CHANNEL’
MICROPHONE PTT ON ‘RS TX CHANNEL’
REPEATER RECEIVE
WITH CTCSS ON ‘RS RT CHANNEL’
REPEATER RECEIVE
WITHOUT CTCSS ‘RS RX CHANNEL’
Note that ‘ZONE’ and ‘CHANNEL’ are the selected Mobile zone and channel names, respectively.
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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Functions Disabled in LOCAL and SYSTEM Repeat Modes
There are several control unit button and knob functions, which are disabled in the LOCAL and SYSTEM
repeat modes. These are Scan activation, Mode selection, Zone selection, Home channel operation and
Mobile channel selection.
NOTE
A standard audible error signal “bop” as well as an error message is displayed
‘RLOC VR ACTIVE’ or ‘RSYS VR ACTIVE’ if any of the above functions are
attempted in the LOCAL or SYSTEM repeat modes.
Other Button and Knob Functions
The available Repeater functions are:
• ‘Monitor’ - unmutes speaker audio when Mobile or Repeater RF carrier is present.
• ‘H/C’ - changes Repeat mode of operation.
• ‘Call’ - sends call signal via Mobile transmission (SYSTEM and MOBILE mode only).
• ‘Opt’ - dims alphanumeric display.
All other buttons and knobs function as programmed in the standard mobile radio. Please refer to the
mobile radio’s documentation for details of operation.
DVRS Vehicular Repeater System
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APPENDIX 1
General Specifications
Dimensions Height / Width / Depth 92mm (3.63”) / 186mm (7.32”) / 315mm ( 12.41”)
Weight 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs) approx.
Channel Spacing 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz
Analog Voice or P25 Modulation
Power Supply 13.8 VDC ± 20%, negative ground only
DC Current Drain Repeater OFF
RPTR Standby
Receive
Transmit
Max. 0.01 A
Max. 0.8 A
Max 1.7 A @ 7.5 W Audio @ 13.8 VDC
Max. 6.0 A @ 20 W RF output at TX Connector
Operating Temperature -30°C to +60°C
Protection Against Liquids IP6 (water jet proof)
RF Connector Impedance 50 Ohms
Duty Cycle 50% TX – 50% RX
External Connectors
RF Connectors
Computer Interface
Mobile Radio
DC Power
TNC female
USB, 9 pin male circular
20 pin male circular
6 pin male circular
Power Output at TX Connector 20 W Max. (programmable per channel from 1 W
Min.)
CCT Option 15 sec to 15 min. or disabled
Carrier Frequency Stability
12.5kHz Channel Spacing
25kHz Channel Spacing
± 1.5 ppm, from –30° to +60°C, ambient +25°C
reference
± 2.5 ppm, from –30° to +60°C, ambient +25°C
reference
Audio Distortion <2%
Frequency Band (TX and RX) 136 - 174 MHz
Applicable Standards Test
MIL-STD 810C,D,E,F For rain, dust and salt atmospheres
MIL-STD 810C,D,E,F For shock and vibration