HARRIS M803VTAC M-803 Vehicular Tactical Unit (VTAC) User Manual Operators Manual

Harris Corporation M-803 Vehicular Tactical Unit (VTAC) Operators Manual

Contents

Operators Manual

M-803 Gemini SeriesMobile RadioOTP 5.07OCF 3.13
Revision HistoryDate Updated by Description of change08/14/01 Dennis Giddings NewNotice of CopyrightThis manual and the hardware and software it describes are copyright ©2001 M/A-COM, Inc. All rights reserved under the copyright laws of theUnited States and Canada and other laws. Without limiting the rights undercopyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in orintroduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by anymeans (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), orfor any purpose, without the express written permission of M/A-COM, Inc.The contents of this manual are not intended to and do not constitute awarranty of any sort. M/A-COM, Inc and Tyco Electronics specificallydisclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for anyparticular purpose resulting from this manual.Information in this document is subject to change without notice. M/A-COM, Inc. reserves the right to revise and make changes to this manual (andto the Kensington product and software) from time to time withoutobligation to notify any person of, or to provide any person with, suchrevisions or changes.M/A-COM, Inc. and/or Tyco Electronics may have patents, patentapplications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rightscovering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided inany written license agreement from M/A-COM, the furnishing of thisdocument does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks,copyrights, or other intellectual property.©2001 M/A-COM, Incorporated. All rights reserved.Document # TBSL. Part No. 000-0000Printed in the United States of America
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual iiiiiiiiiiiiPrefaceNotices to the User and SafetyTraining InformationIMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SAFE ANDOPTIMAL OPERATION. READ THIS BEFOREUSING YOUR M-803 MOBILE RADIOWARNINGYour M-803 radio generates RF electromagneticenergy during transmit mode. This radio is designedfor and classified as “Occupational Use Only”meaning it must be used only during the course ofemployment by individuals aware of the hazards andthe ways to minimize such hazards. This radio isNOT intended for use by the “General Population”in an uncontrolled environment.This radio has been tested and complies with the FCCRF exposure limits for “Occupational Use Only.” Inaddition, your M-803 radio complies with thefollowing Standards and Guidelines with regard to RFenergy and electromagnetic energy levels andevaluation of such levels for exposure to humans:• FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 SupplementC, Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelinesfor Human Exposure to Radio FrequencyElectromagnetic Fields.• American National Standards Institute (C95.1 –1992), IEEE Standard for Safety Levels withRespect to Human Exposure to Radio FrequencyElectromagnetic Fields, 3kHz to 300 GHz.Use of this radio as described below will result in userexposure substantially below the FCC recommendedlimits for human exposure to Radio FrequencyElectromagnetic energy.
iviviviv M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Before operating this radio, be sure you:• Do not operate this radio if any of the RFconnectors are not secure or if open connectionsare not properly terminated.• Do not operate this radio near electrical blastingcaps or in an explosive atmosphere.This radio has been tested and complies with the FCCRF exposure limits for Uncontrolled Exposure andOccupational exposure. The difference is in theminimum safe distance that people must be away fromthe antenna when transmitting RF energy. To assureoptimal radio performance and that human exposure toRF electromagnetic energy is within the guidelines,transmit only when people are at least the minimumdistance away from a properly installed antenna. Thefollowing lists these minimal allowable distances:M-803 RadioRated Power AntennaGain MinimumDistance forUncontrolledExposureMinimumDistance forOccupationalExposure45 dBm max,43 dBm nominal 0 dB 68.5 cm (27inches) 30.6 cm (12inches)45 dBm max,43 dBm nominal 3 dB 97.6 cm (38.4inches) 43.2 cm (17inches)The radio must be serviced and installed only by aqualified technician. Be sure that the radio is properlygrounded according to the installation instructions.Note on jump-starting: If you need to jump start an M-803 equipped vehicle, the positive radio lead from theradio must be disconnected from the vehicle battery.Disconnecting the lead will prevent damage to the radio.This equipment generates or uses radio frequencyenergy. Changes or modifications to this equipmentmay cause harmful interference unless themodifications are expressly approved in the instructionmanual. The user could lose the authority to operatethis equipment if an unauthorized change ormodification is made.
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual vvvvThis equipment has been tested and found to complywith the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant toPart 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed toprovide reasonable protection against harmfulinterference in a residential installation.Government law prohibits the operation of unlicensedtransmitters within the territories under governmentcontrol. Illegal operation is punishable by fine orimprisonment or both. Refer service to qualifiedtechnicians only. Do not operate your transceiver inexplosive atmospheres (gases, dust, fumes, etc.).Occupational Safety Guidelines andSafety Training InformationCAUTIONTo ensure that your exposure to RF electromagneticenergy is within the FCC allowable limits foroccupational use, always adhere to the followingguidelines.Your M-803 Mobile Radio transmits using a remoteantenna. When it is ON, it receives and also sends outradio frequency (RF) signals.In 1996, the Federal Communications commission(FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelines with safetylimits for portable devices, based on the recommendedlimits of the National Council on Radiation Protectionand Measurements (NCRP) and the American NationalSafety Institute (ANSI).The design of the M-803 Mobile Radio complies withthe FCC guidelines for Occupational / Controlledexposure to RF electromagnetic fields, as measured bythe Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE). To assureoptimal performance and make sure human exposure toRF electromagnetic energy is within the FCCguidelines, always adhere to the following:1. The push-to-talk button should only be depressedwhen intending to send a voice message.2. The radio should only be used for necessary workrelated communications.
vivivivi M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.073. The radio should only be used by authorized andtrained personnel and should not be operated bychildren.4. Do not operate your radio in explosiveatmospheres (gases, dust, fumes, etc.) or nearexplosive blasting caps.5. Do not attempt any unauthorized modification tothe radio. Changes or modifications to the radiomay cause harmful interference. Any servicing ofthe radio should only be performed by qualifiedpersonnel.6. Always use M/A-COM authorized accessories(antennas, control heads, speakers/mics, etc.). Useof unauthorized accessories can cause the FCC RFexposure compliance requirements to be exceeded.The information listed above provides the user with theinformation needed to make him or her aware of a RFexposure, and what to do to assure that this radiooperates within the FCC exposure limits of this radio.
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual viiviiviiviiTable Of ContentsWelcome to the OpenSky Network 1OpenSky Overview 2Internet Protocol (IP) Network 2TCP / IP Backbone 2Addressable Headers 3System-Wide Voice Encryptability 3Integrated Voice and Data 3Digitized Voice, Text and Graphics 4Multi-Agency Coverage 5Promotes Interagency Cooperation 5Connectivity with Legacy Equipment 6Improved Coverage and Signal Strength 6Better Peak-Time Performance 7Software-Configured Device 8Multi-Mode Functionality 8Software Upgradeable 9Network Organization 11Your Voice Feature Personality 12User Groups 13Profiles 14Talk Groups 15Listen Groups 15Talkback Scanning 16Radio Personality 16Terminology 18Getting Started 19Before Your First Shift 20Radio Controls 20Front Panel Components 21Peripheral Interface 23RS-232 Port 23I/O Connector 23CAN 2.0 Bus 23
viiiviiiviiiviii M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Hardware Connections 23Display Screen Overview 25Dwell Displays 27Dwell Display User-Selectable 27Sample Dwell Displays 28Dwell Display–Profile 28Dwell Display-Caller 29Dwell Display–Received Talkgroup 29Dwell Display–Channel 30Dwell Display–No Access 30Display Screen Functions 33Menu and Selector Keypad 34User-Selectable Menu Operations 34Keypad Navigation 34Select Dwell Display 35Select Operational Mode 36Universal Connectivity 37Duration of Mode Change 38Select Profile 39Check or Change Active Profile Status 40Select Talkgroup 41Check or Change Active Talkgroup 41Prioritizing a Talkgroup 43Duration of Priority Assignments 44Lock Out Talkgroup 44Groups You Can Lock Out 45Caution Regarding Profile Changes 48Select Scan Mode 48Check or Change Active Scan Mode 49Duration of Scanning Mode Selections 50Select Channel 51Enable/Disable Side Tones 52Select Brightness Setting 53Basic Radio Operations 55Power Up 56Log-On 57Self-Test 58
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual ixixixixPower Down 59Set Volume 60Voice Calls 61Talkback Calls 63Emergency Communications 64Advanced Radio Operations 65Fine-Tuning Your Personality 66Dynamic Regrouping 66Talkaround Mode 67Troubleshooting 68CH-103 Control Head 71Features and Components 72Equipment Configurations 73Dash-Mount Mobile Configuration 73Dash-Mount Mobile with CH-103 74Trunk-Mount Mobile Configuration 76VTac Vehicular Tactical Network 77Full or Shared Radio Controls 78Single Control Head 79Multiple Control Heads 79Independent Functions 79Shared and Arbitrated Functions 80VTac Vehicular Tactical Network 81Vehicular Tactical Network 82Backward and Forward Compatibility 82Operational Modes 83“A Base Station in a Trunk” 83Hardware Components 84VTac Mobile Unit 84VTac Base Unit 85RF Combiner 85Extended Coverage 85User Interaction 85Scene of Incident 86User Interaction 86Public Safety Hardened 86GPS Option 87
xxxxM-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Connectivity Interface 87Indexes and Tables iIndex iTable of Figures iii
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 1CHAPTER 1Welcome to the OpenSky NetworkOpenSky Overview 2Internet Protocol (IP) Network 2TCP / IP Backbone 2Addressable Headers 3System-Wide Voice Encryptability 3Integrated Voice and Data 3Digitized Voice, Text and Graphics 4Multi-Agency Coverage 5Promotes Interagency Cooperation 5Connectivity with Legacy Equipment 6Improved Coverage and Signal Strength 6Better Peak-Time Performance 7Software-Configured Device 8Multi-Mode Functionality 8Software Upgradeable 9
CHAPTER 1—Welcome to the OpenSky Network2222 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07OpenSky OverviewM/A-COM’s OpenSky is a suite of radio communi-cations products implementing an integrated digitalvoice and data system based on the Internet Protocol.The OpenSky network is digital, but provides inter-operability with analog radios, making it possible tointegrate existing (legacy) equipment alongside themost sophisticated digital equipment available today.If you’ve been issued an M-803 to replace aconventional analog voice-only radio, you’llparticularly appreciate the integrated voice and datacapabilities of the all-digital OpenSky mobileequipment.Even experienced digital subscribers recognize andvalue the addressability precision and expandedcoverage strength of the end-to-end TCP/IP OpenSkyIntranet.Internet Protocol (IP) NetworkOpenSky’s Wireless Private Network is changing thenature of real-time communications for large fleetmobile businesses and public safety organizationsalike.TCP / IP BackboneUsing Internet Protocol (IP) as a network backbone forend-to-end user applications, OpenSky integratesdigital voice and packet data transmission over a singlenetwork that provides significant performanceadvantages over yesterday’s uneasy alliances ofindependently-built radio networks tryingunsuccessfully to interact.• Like tuning into a channel in a conventional FMradio system, logging onto the OpenSky networkwith your pre-configured user profile will placeyou in contact with the members of a software-
Welcome to the OpenSky Network—CHAPTER 1Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 3333defined talk group consisting of the set of usersyou need to talk with most.• Unlike your conventional FM radio, your M-803mobile radio is a node on an Internet-Protocol (IP)network with its own unique IP address.Addressable HeadersMessages intended for you (whether voice or data) arebroken into packets with identifying headers, just likeWorld Wide Web internet communications, andtargeted to your specific IP address.You can travel anywhere within your network, even ahundred miles or more from the sender, and messagesintended for your IP address will find their way acrossthe network, handed off from base station to basestation, until they are re-configured and delivered toyour personal receiving set.This doesn’t mean your communications are travelingacross the World Wide Web. Far from it. OpenSky is aprivate wireless Intranet that adopts the best features ofIP protocol for increased communications efficiencyand capacity.System-Wide Voice EncryptabilityFurthermore, your communications are packeted asthey travel the network, so they can only be decipheredby networked equipment. Your sensitive conversationsand data transfers can even be encrypted end-to-end forenhanced system-wide security.Integrated Voice and DataYour M-803 Gemini Series Mobile Radio is ahardware component of the OpenSky network, anintegrated voice and data communications system thatdelivers end-to-end digital voice and data transmissionsover a single wireless network to your dash-mounted ortrunk-mounted device.Like cell-phone calls,messages are delivereddirectly to yourequipment.But, like radio calls, usersselect which calls toreceive by “tuning in” or“locking out” other usergroups.
CHAPTER 1—Welcome to the OpenSky Network4444 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Digitized Voice, Text and GraphicsBy converting analog voice waves to digital codebefore transmitting them over the network, OpenSkytechnology makes it possible for mobile radio users tosend and receive voice transmissions at the same timethey receive and view data (via the radio’s serial port)on an optional equipment Mobile Data Terminal.For graphics, interface aMobile Data Terminal(MDT) through yourradio’s RS-232 peripheralport.With an M-803 in your vehicle, you’ll be able to scrollthrough complex instructions, driving directions, oremergency warnings on an optional mobile computeror terminal device while at the same time carrying onconversations with dispatchers or other mobileoperators in your coverage area.OpenSky and the M-803 eliminate the need to runseparate systems for voice communication and datatransmission. And, with OpenSky, you won’t evenhave to switch between radio modes to do bothsimultaneously.RS-232 InterfaceFor data transfers or graphics, your M-803 isconstructed with an industry-standard RS-232 interfaceserial port for connecting an optional equipmentMobile Data Terminal (MDT), laptop PC or third-partydisplay or key-entry device.OpenSky works seamlessly with equipment frompopular manufacturers and off-the-shelf applicationsthrough a standard UDP/IP protocol, providing youwith simple “plug and play” connectivity.Suddenly and simply, the same M-803 you’ve beenusing for voice conversation and tuning radiofrequencies becomes the device you use to viewphotographs, maps or driving directions, generatereports, access databases, in short to share any digitalfile your job requires.
Welcome to the OpenSky Network—CHAPTER 1Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 5555Multi-Agency CoverageOpenSky is scalable and designed to accommodate avirtually unlimited number of mobile and portabledevices from a single fleet, or even a complex networkmade up of several cooperating agencies.Examples of how OpenSky improves cooperation:• Every truck in the FedEx fleet can share one largenational network.• Every cruiser in a state-wide police agency cancommunicate with any other cruiser, from one endof the state to the other.• Patrolmen with older analog equipment canconnect seamlessly with newer digital devices overthe same network.• Emergency response agencies share the samenetwork for improved communications during amassive crisis.• With an M-803 at the heart of your trunk-mountedVTac Vehicular Tactical Network, your vehicleprovides off-network user-to-user communicationsat the scene of an emergency.Promotes Interagency CooperationSee full discussions ofTalk Group, User Groupand User Profile else-where in this manual.In fact, the system is best suited to multi-agency publicsafety networks over areas as large as an entire state:every cruiser, ambulance and fire truck and all theirdispatchers and support personnel sharing voice, data,even graphics over the same network.Talk to Anyone on the NetworkEach user needs only one radio to connect seamlesslyto many independent agencies or cooperating dispatchnetworks.• There’s no need to monitor multiple frequencies onseveral pieces of equipment to maintain contact.
CHAPTER 1—Welcome to the OpenSky Network6666 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07• User talk groups connect you at all times withprecisely the users you need to reach, no matterwho they work for, or where they’re located withinthe network.Connectivity with Legacy EquipmentThe all-digital, end-to-end TCP/IP OpenSky Intraneteven provides support for legacy equipment andprotocols both digital and analog.Along with supplying voice and data to your M-803mobile radio, the network will also support existing (or“legacy”) radio equipment you may still need to useduring a hardware rollover.This also means you’ll be able to make radio contactwith cooperating agencies on the same network,whether or not they have made the conversion toOpenSky equipment, as long as they use their radios tonetwork with OpenSky.Voice and Data to a Single DeviceFor graphics, you’ll needto remain connected toyour Mobile DataTerminal (MDT).With OpenSky, you won’t need independent systemarchitecture to receive voice and data communications.And, with a Mobile Data Terminal connected throughthe peripheral interface, you’ll have unprecedentedability to send and receive forms, NCIC profiles, maps,floorplans, all the complicated graphical data you needto make informed on-the-job decisions.Improved Coverage and Signal StrengthPart of OpenSky’s scalability is its ability to accommo-date as many base stations as your coverage arearequires for robust voice and data transmissions,wherever your route may extend within the network.Vehicular Tactical NetworkVTac devices (trunk-mounted M-803 radios arrayedwith a duplexer and a vehicular repeater) and OpenSkycell sites automatically extend coverage into otherwisehard-to-reach areas.
Welcome to the OpenSky Network—CHAPTER 1Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 7777With a VTac device in your vehicle, you’ll enjoyextended signal reach into buildings or behind barriers,as well as repeater capability for off-network unit-to-unit communications.Background Roaming and SwitchingAutomated switching takes place in the backgroundwith OpenSky, so you’ll no longer be required to scanfor an open channel, or wait for an available channel,when you move through your coverage area.Signal strength sensitivityis user-modifiable toreflect local conditions.Instead of depending on choices from a centralswitching station, your radio itself constantly monitorssignal strength and makes its own decision to roam toanother base site for a more robust connection.Chances are you’ll never know your unit has been“handed off” to a new base station and automaticallyassigned to the best available channel.Better Peak-Time PerformanceOpenSky’s digital trunking architecture providesenormous advantages over conventional FM operation.Conversation capacity is effectively doubled by thesystem’s ability to carry two voice-to-voice conver-sations over the same channel that was previouslydedicated to just one.TDMA TechnologyThe M-803 uses TDMA technology to allow multipleusers to share a single RF channel. In addition, a single25kHz RF channel can support simultaneous digitalvoice and data communications.By doubling the capacity of each channel, the OpenSkyTDMA network relieves the pressure of heavy usewithout additional channels.The M-803 supports multiple voice groups, multi-levelpriorities, priority scanning, dynamic voice groupassignment, pre-emptive emergency calls and optionalencryption.
CHAPTER 1—Welcome to the OpenSky Network8888 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Optional GPS TrackingGPS tracking devices embedded in optionally-equippedM-803 radios quickly and accurately locate users on avisual display screen for dispatchers, virtuallyeliminating the need for users to report their position.With an overview of the locations of all vehicles,dispatchers have the information they need to assignthe nearest vehicle to a developing emergency.By eliminating the background chatter of constantlocation reporting, OpenSky frees up system resourcesfor more critical communications, especially at peaktraffic times.Software-Configured DeviceYour M-803 is a “soft” radio. Its functions are deter-mined by OpenSky software applications, in much thesame way computer hardware is configured fordifferent applications.Unlike older analog radios you may have used, withtheir hardware-based proprietary functions, yourM-803 converts voice waves into digital informationbefore it transmits to the network, providing noise-freeaudio transmission and reception.Make any radio in thesystem “your radio” bylogging on with youridentity code.What’s more, because each user in the network has aunique identity code, you can activate your identityfrom any radio connected to the network. Any radiofrom your agency’s hardware stockpile can become“your” radio and log on with your profile.Multi-Mode FunctionalityFinally, if you need to be multi-mode, your M-803supports several (even several applications simulta-neously) providing capability with the needs ofdifferent user groups.You can operate under the OpenSky digital protocol oruse the same device to access Conventional FM withCTCSS analog FM or APCO Project 25 Phase 1operations, depending on the user configuration of yournetwork or agency.GPS tracking uses asmall fraction ofsystem resources,but eliminates verballocation reporting forhuge overallcapability gains.
Welcome to the OpenSky Network—CHAPTER 1Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 9999Analog-to-Digital RolloverThe M-803 can work with existing analog infra-structure to enable an essentially seamless transition tofully digital communicationsIf your user group or another user group with whomyou communicate is making the transition from analogto digital service over time, you’ll be able to use yourM-803 throughout the rollover by selecting the correctmode.What’s more, the M-803 is field re-programmable overthe radio channel to allow for future capabilitieswithout replacing the existing subscriber equipment.• The principle operating mode currently in use isthe OpenSky Trunked Protocol (OTP).• From the Mode Selection Menu, you can alsoaccess OpenSky Conventional FM (OCF) withContinuous Tone Coded Squelch System(CTCSS).• From the Mode Selection Menu, you can alsoaccess OpenSky Conventional (OCF) mode usingAPCO Project 25 Common Air Interface.Software UpgradeableAs with computer hardware, your mobile radioequipment is upgradeable each time the OpenSkysoftware enables a new feature or operationalenhancement.Communications protocols, radio features, andprotocols can be changed easily and transparently tothe user, during a shift or during “sign-on” at thebeginning of a new shift.Enhanced Digital FeaturesThe all-digital network and OpenSky’s digital trunkingfeatures also enable a rich array of network enhance-ments unthinkable over historical FM broadcastsystems.See full discussions ofTalk Group, UserGroup and profiles inChapter 2 of thismanual.
CHAPTER 1—Welcome to the OpenSky Network10101010 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Voice grouping (into talk groups, user groups, andprofiles) is probably the most obvious advantage toindividual users, but the interconnectivity of theOpenSky network also enables a variety of essentialenhancements including:• Priority scanning• Multiple priority levels• Pre-emptive emergency calls• Selective calls directly to User ID• Late-entry calls• Autonomous roaming for wide area applications.You’ll benefit from high-quality, noise-free voicecommunications with enhanced speech claritycompared to analog, especially in noisy environments.
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 11111111CHAPTER 2Network OrganizationYour Voice Feature Personality 12User Groups 13Profiles 14Talk Groups 15Listen Groups 15Talkback Scanning 16Radio Personality 16Terminology 18
CHAPTER 2—Network Organization12121212 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Your Voice Feature PersonalityWhen you activate your radio at the beginning of ashift and sign on with your unique identity code, yourradio is assigned its IP address and “provisioned” witha radio personality that identifies the other users on thenetwork with whom you are most likely to need tocommunicate.Some users you’ll only monitor, others you’ll want totalk with during the course of your shift, just as witholder analog equipment you talked over one frequencyand monitored others to keep informed about theactivities of users in your agency, workgroup, taskforce, fleet or geographic area.Profiles are assigned byyour network admini-strator to match yourcommunication needs.You’ll have access onlyto those users who fallwithin your profile.Your overall radio personality is organized into UserGroups (talk groups and listen groups), similar to achannel in a conventional FM radio system. These usergroups are then organized into Profiles (collections ofup to 16 user groups), similar to banks of channels.Finally, as many as 16 profiles make up your radioPersonality.Only one profile is active at any time. Within thatprofile, only one user group is your Talk Group; theothers are Listen Groups. So, while you havetremendous capability to establish contact with a verylarge number of users, you’ll need to select the profilethat puts you into voice contact with the talk group youneed at any time.
Network Organization—CHAPTER 2Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 13User GroupsA user group is a set of users who regularly need tocommunicate (all the officers in a state police barracks,for instance, or all the drivers who work a particularshift).• In conventional FM radio broadcast systems,these users work together by tuning to the samechannel.• In the IP-backbone OpenSky digital network,subscribers in a user group are connected by a bitof data in the header of every voice or data packetaddressed to the members of the group.With OpenSky, members of the same user group canstay in contact regardless of where they roam withinthe network, whether the network incorporates a singlecounty, a state, even the entire nation.Network capacity is theonly limitation on thenumber of users that canmake up a group.Dispatchers maintain contact with all members of thegroup, and each user can stay in “push-to-talk” contactwith the dispatcher and all the users in their talk group,even if those users are from different, inter-networkedagencies.The Figure below illustrates a small user group of fourM-803 mobile radios.Figure 1 User GroupSample ConfigurationNothing about this user group so far defines it as a TalkGroup or a Listen Group. That determination is madewhen user groups are gathered together by the networkadministrator into the larger groups called profiles.Each radio assignedto an individual user
CHAPTER 2—Network Organization14141414 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07ProfilesA profile is a set of up to 16 user groups. All sorts ofconfigurations are possible within this simplearchitecture. Police officers on the same shift mightmake up a profile, for instance. Within this profile,each police station on the network might be assigned auser group. So the profile would connect all thecruisers from 16 stations for an entire shift.Officers from each station would most likely be in“push-to-talk” contact with one another; all otherofficers on the same shift would most likely monitorthe other groups for “listen-only” access to all othercalls within the profile. But this is only one possibleconfiguration.Members of a talk groupare not necessarilyscanning the calls of thesame listen groups.A user group might just as easily include officers fromseveral stations: a SWAT team, for example, or aspecial emergency task force might require thecollaboration of special personnel or equipment fromdifferent police stations, or even other agencies.• In conventional FM radio broadcast systems,users with this sort of relationship would create an“ad hoc” profile by tuning to one channel for talk-group privileges and scanning an entire bank ofchannels to monitor the conversations of othergroups.• In the IP-backbone OpenSky digital network,members of the same talk group automaticallyreceive every voice message addressed to thegroup, and monitor the voice messages of everyother user group in the profile.Each user in the OpenSky network can be assigned asmany as 16 profiles by the network administrator. Atany time during a network session, users can select theprofile that suits their needs by using the front controlkeypad to access the Profile Menu. If selected forDwell Display, the Current Profile selection will bevisible in the radio’s front panel display area.Of the 16 availableprofiles, NetworkAdministrators will oftenreserve one for DynamicRegroup use.
Network Organization—CHAPTER 2Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 15Figure 2 User ProfileSample ConfigurationUser Group 1 User Group 2 User Group 3 User Group 16 . . .Talk GroupsWhile your active profile can contain up to 16 usergroups, only the primary group in any profile is yourTalk Group. All the other user groups in your profileare listen-only groups. You’ll hear the calls from thesegroups but they will not hear your voice unless youruser group is part of their profile.To initiate voice-to-voice contact with a particular user,you’ll have to select the profile that makes that userpart of your talk group. This is only possible if yournetwork administrator has configured a talk group thatcontains both you and the other user.If each of you has a profile that includes the other in atalk group, you can each select the profile that puts youinto “push-to-talk” contact with the other. (Or one ofyou can reply to the other in Talkback Mode.)Listen GroupsAll the other user groups in each of your up to 16profiles are “listen groups”. See the User ProfileFigure above for an illustration of how user groups arerelated in a profile.By adding different listen groups to your severalprofiles, your network administrator can change theconfiguration of the user groups you can monitor at anytime by making the appropriate choice from the Profilemenu.Talk Group Up to 15 Listen Groups
CHAPTER 2—Network Organization16161616 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07You may only have one talk group, but that doesn’tkeep you from tuning in different profiles to monitor adifferent “bank of channels.”Talkback ScanningWhile you cannot initiate contact with users in your“listen groups,” you can reply to their incoming callsusing Talkback Scan mode.With your radio in Talkback Mode, your display screenwill show the identity of your most recent incomingcaller. Press the Push-to-Talk button on your handsetand send your voice reply.Radio PersonalityYour radio personality is a collection of up to 16profiles. The entire personality is organized by yournetwork administrator and is unique to yourcommunication needs.When you activate your radio at the beginning of ashift and sign on with your unique identity code, yourradio is assigned its IP address and “provisioned” witha radio personality that identifies the other users on thenetwork with whom you are most likely to need tocommunicate by voice.Your overall radio personality is organized into UserGroups (talk groups and listen groups), similar to achannel in a conventional FM radio system. These usergroups are then organized into Profiles (collections ofup to 16 user groups), similar to banks of channels.Finally, as many as 16 profiles make up yourpersonality.If an emergency promptsyour NetworkAdministrator to enact aDynamic Regrouping ofuser groups, you’ll beprompted to conduct amid-shift log-on to re-provision your radio withan updated personality thatincludes a pre-programmed or ad hocemergency user profile.
Network Organization—CHAPTER 2Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 17Figure 3 Radio PersonalitySample ConfigurationProfile 1 (1 Talk Group and up to 15 Listen Groups) . . .Profile 2 (1 Talk Group and up to 15 Listen Groups) . . ....Profile 16 (1 Talk Group and up to 15 Listen Groups) . . .Radio personality architecture gives you tremendousflexibility to organize your communications needs,even as conditions change. Network administrators caneven create ad hoc work groups and profiles to respondto emergent conditions, then prompt the affected usersto re-provision their equipment while the emergencyunfolds.With 16 profiles you can participate in as many as 16talk groups. Or, if you only need one talk group, youcan still have up to 16 different profiles that can addmore than 200 other user groups to your listen grouppool, each with an almost unlimited number ofsubscribers.Of course, with potentially hundreds of voice calls inyour profile at any time, you’ll appreciate the ability toestablish Priority Scan groups, or even Lock Out othersto help focus your incoming calls.
CHAPTER 2—Network Organization18181818 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07TerminologyMost of the terms and concepts you’ll need tocommunicate with your dispatcher, networkadministrator and other users have parallels in legacyanalog networks.Digital Compare to AnalogUser Group ......... FM radio channelProfile.................. Bank of FM radio channelsTalk Group ......... “Push-to-talk” connection withusers tuned to the same channelListen Group....... “Listen-only” connection to a bankof radio channelsProfile.................. Talk privileges on one channelwhile monitoring an entire bank ofchannels
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 19191919CHAPTER 3Getting StartedBefore Your First Shift 20Radio Controls 20Front Panel Components 21Peripheral Interface 23RS-232 Port 23I/O Connector 23CAN 2.0 Bus 23Hardware Connections 23Display Screen Overview 25Dwell Displays 27Dwell Display User-Selectable 27Sample Dwell Displays 28Dwell Display–Profile 28Dwell Display-Caller 29Dwell Display–Received Talkgroup 29Dwell Display–Channel 30Dwell Display–No Access 30
CHAPTER 3—Controls and Indicators20 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Before Your First ShiftIf you’re already familiar with mobile radio functionsand the “profile and personality” architecture of an all-digital network, you’ll find the features and controls ofyour new M-803 to be logically arranged and easy tounderstand.But if you’re new to cellular radio service, andespecially if you’re migrating to OpenSky from ananalog radio environment, take some time to review theNetwork Organization chapter of this manual beforeoperating your radio.In either situation you’ll want to completely familiarizeyourself with the controls and indicators of your newradio before you start trying to use it on the job. Inparticular, you’ll want to be able to scroll your waythrough menu display choices and quickly select theappropriate radio profile for the changing conditions ofyour work day.Radio ControlsExamine your radio thoroughly and familiarizeyourself with the location and operation of its controlsand indicators before studying their functions. Exceptfor the rear-panel peripheral interface, all theoperational controls for the M-803 are located on thecontrol panel or handset.Whether your passenger compartment is equipped witha dash-mount Mobile Radio Unit (MRU) or asubsidiary Control Head Unit (CHU), the followingsection will introduce you to all the controls andindicators of your radio’s front panel.Don’t read this manualcover-to-cover.Most information in thismanual is repeated inseveral places.You’ll probably learn mostof what you need to knowby browsing sections thatinterest you most.
Controls and Indicators—CHAPTER 3Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 21Front Panel ComponentsThe front panel of your M-803 (or CH-103) includesthe Power Button/Speaker Volume Dial, the Micro-phone/Speaker I/O Port, a 5-key “soft-button” keypadfor making menu selections, a 19-character vacuumfluorescent Display Panel, 3 Mode Selector buttons, anEmergency Button and an Ambient Light sensor.Your Push-to-Talk button is located on your hand-helddetachable microphone or hands-free speaker box (notshown here).Because an M-803 mobile radio can support as manyas five Control Heads, your installation may or maynot include the hardware “box” behind the front panel.The figure below shows the complete dash-mountedconfiguration of an M-803 mobile radio complete withfront control panel.Peripheral equipment such as a mobile computer ordata terminal connect to the M-803 through the rear-panel peripheral interface.Figure 4 Front Panel ComponentsDash-Mount M-803 Standalone ConfigurationPower andVolume DialAmbient Light SensorMic/SpeakerConnectorMenu and Selector Keypad EmergencyButton Display PanelMode SelectorButtonsUp to five Control HeadUnits (CHU) can besupported by a singleMobile Radio Unit (MRU).The most typical multipleCHU configuration wouldbe a large fire truck orother vehicle with a dash-or trunk-mounted M-803and auxiliary control headspositioned elsewhere onthe vehicle.
CHAPTER 3—Controls and Indicators22 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Component FunctionPower Button/..........Volume Dial Push to Power Up.Push again to Power Down.Twist clockwise to increasespeaker volume.Twist counter-clockwise todecrease speaker volume.Mic/Speaker.............Connector Attach hand-held microphone,hands-free speaker, orkeypad/microphone here.Emergency ...............Button In most setups, pressing thisbutton will send an emergencyalert and open voice commu-nication with your defaultemergency talkgroup.Ambient Light..........Sensor Radio automatically selectsDisplay Panel brightness levelbased on ambient light. Do notblock this sensor.Menu and .................Selector Keypad Cycle through the menu loopwith Up and Down buttons.Scroll through selections withLeft and Right buttons.Press Select button to indicateyour final choice.Display Panel ........... Menu selections appear here,along with Signal Strength andVolume indicators. User mayselect which of several DwellScreens the radio will display.Mode Selector ..........Buttons Depending on setup choicesmade by your NetworkAdministrator, you’ll use thesebuttons to choose betweensoftware mode presets.
Controls and Indicators—CHAPTER 3Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 23Peripheral InterfaceThe M-803 supports a variety of interfaces with itsflexible interconnect. The rear panel provides powersupply connectors and interfaces for both analog anddigital peripherals.RS-232 PortThe serial RS-232 port operates in asynchronousASCII mode for configuration and control and switchesto Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) mode for datacommunication between the fixed network and amobile computer or terminal device.I/O ConnectorThe I/O connector provides interfaces for an external10 Watt speaker.CAN 2.0 BusThe rear panel also provides access to an industrystandard Control Area Network (CAN) 2.0 Bus forreconfigurability and peripheral support.Through the CAN port the M-803 in either dash- ortrunk-mounted installations can connect to as many as5 Control Head Units (CH-103) or other CANperipherals such as public address. A terminator is usedif no CAN devices are used. The maximum length ofthe CAN bus is 40 meters.Hardware ConnectionsWhile day-to-day operations are conducted from thefront panel controls, the rear panel connectors will beuseful during installation, troubleshooting andhardware upgrades.
CHAPTER 3—Controls and Indicators24 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Figure 5 Rear Panel ComponentsConnectors and InterfacesComponent FunctionSER Connector................ Plug in your optional Mobil DataTerminal (MDT) to this serial RS-232port.I/O Connector.................. Plug in your optional 10 Watt Speakerto this port.CAN Connector............... Connect up to five Control Heads (CH-103) or other CAN devices such aspublic address through this port.GPS Connector................ Plug in your optional GPS antenna tothis port.PWR Connector.............. Cables from the vehicle battery supplypower to the M-803 through this port.Antenna Connectors ....... Plug in your radio antenna to theseports. If the radio has the Full-Duplexoption, the radio will have both theTxRx and Tx connectors, otherwise itwill have just the TxRx connector.Full-duplex capability providesincreased data throughput performance.Full-duplex is recommended whenusing TCP/IP end user applications, orsending messages longer than 1000bytes using UPD/IP. Antenna ConnectorsGPS ConnectorCAN ConnectorSER ConnectorI/O ConnectorPWR Connector
Controls and Indicators—CHAPTER 3Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 25Display Screen OverviewThe display screen shows the current status of yourradio setup. Signal strength and volume indicatorsreside in the right-hand sector. The rest of the screen isdevoted to a 2-line Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)that changes in response to user interaction with theMenu Selection buttons• Signal Strength Icon (the 5-bar antenna icon) usesthree bars to indicate three levels of connectivitystrength and two bars to indicate the direction ofRF data. The directional bars “animate” upward toindicate radio transmit, downward to indicate radioreceive.• Speaker Volume Icon (looks like a speaker)indicates user-selected speaker volume setting.Twist the volume knob to change this setting.• Selection Display (the top line of VFD text)changes as you press the Left and Right menuselector buttons to scroll through the selections inthe active menu loop.• Menu Display (the bottom line of VFD text)changes as you press the Up and Down menuselector buttons to scroll through the menu loop.• Dwell Display (the user-defined display default)When not engaged in menu selection, the 2-lineVFD display defaults to the user-selected DwellDisplay. The top line shows the current TransmitTalkgroup. The bottom line shows the user’schoice of the current Profile, Channel, Caller orReceived Talkgroup.The Figure below reflects just one of many possibledisplays for a front panel display screen. There is nopre-selected default screen for the OpenSky protocols.Instead, each user will select the display condition ofhis/her choice by making a choice from the DwellDisplay menu.Users who fail to select adwell display will nottrack channels, calls, orprofiles. Instead, thescreen will display themost recent user menuselection until anothermenu choice is made.
CHAPTER 3—Controls and Indicators26 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07After any Menu/Select procedure, your display screenwill revert to whatever display you have chosen as yourdwell display. Once the dwell display is active, it willchange dynamically to reflect the current profile, caller,channel or received talkgroup.Figure 6 Display Panel ElementsSample DisplayComponent FunctionSignal Strength .......Icon Resident in every display screen.As signal improves, more“waves” appear. Waves animateoutward for Message Send,inward for Message Receive.Volume Icon............ Resident in every display screen.Shows current speaker volumesetting chosen by the user.Menu Selection .......Display During a menu session thebottom line responds to the Upand Down menu buttons to showthe active menu (TalkgroupMenu in this case). The top lineresponds to the Left and Rightmenu buttons to display theoptions within that menu(available Talkgroups within theactive profile in this example).SignalStrengthIndicatorVolumeIndicatorSample Display Screen showinga Talk Group Menu session
Controls and Indicators—CHAPTER 3Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 27Dwell DisplaysThe M-803 Display Screen is highly interactive andresponds with a changing display in the upper andlower text lines as the user presses the Menu Selectionbuttons to scroll through the menu loop and the entriesunder each menu.When the button-pressing stops, though, the screen willrevert to the Dwell Screen and show the current statusof whichever category of information the user hasselected from the Dwell Display menu.Dwell Display User-SelectableThe first line of any Dwell Display for Open Skytrunked mode operation is always the currently activeTransmit Talkgroup for your selected profile. Whatappears in the second line, though, depends on whatchoice you make for your default display preference.Whatever your preference, your radio will responddynamically to changes in status, always displaying thecurrent information about your network connection.You may elect to have the screen display your currentProfile, current Channel name, current Caller, orReceived Talkgroup.The figure below shows the choices available for dwelldisplay and some representative options availableunder each menu heading. Setups vary widely fromnetwork to network; don’t expect to find these actualoptions in your menu.Your Dwell Displayselection survives PowerDown for your User ID,so whatever choice wasactive during yourprevious session is yourad hoc default selectionthe next time you PowerUp.
CHAPTER 3—Controls and Indicators28 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Figure 7 Dwell Display HierarchySample SetupProfile Caller ReceivedTalkgroup ChannelTACTICALSOUTHHIGHWAYMETRO978240001...40002DISPATCHNo CallerPOLICE 01DISPATCHEMS 09No CallsOT450OT4600T550OT999Changing your Dwell Display choice is as simple asany other menu selection operation. Your choice, oncemade, persists until you change it again, even survivingPower Down and re-provisioning procedures for yourUser ID.See the chapter on Display Screen Functions for step-by-step instructions on how to select or change yourDwell Display.Sample Dwell DisplaysFigures in the section below are merely illustrative ofhow dwell displays might look in particular networksetups. You should not expect to see these exact textselections in your own menu, which is prepared byyour network administrator to suit the particular needsof your organization.Dwell Display–ProfileIf you select Profile as your Dwell Display, the upperline of text will show the Transmit Talkgroup for theactive profile. The lower line of text will show thename of the current profile.Once selected, these displays will update to reflect userinteraction. Selecting a new profile will update both theprofile and the talkgroup fields to the current selection.Profile is a largelystatic Dwell Display. Itshows your currentprofile and activetalkgroup, both ofwhich are static unlessoverridden by user.
Controls and Indicators—CHAPTER 3Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 29Figure 8 Dwell Display—ProfileSample ScreenDwell Display-CallerIf you select Caller as your Dwell Display, the upperline of text will show the Transmit Talkgroup for theactive profile. The lower line of text will show the UserID of the current caller.Once selected, these displays will update dynamically.Each new call you receive will change the bottom linecaller display. When no call is active, the bottom linewill display: No Caller.Figure 9 Dwell Display—CallerSample ScreenDwell Display–Received TalkgroupIf you select Received Talkgroup as your DwellDisplay, the upper line of text will show the TransmitTalkgroup for the active profile. The lower line of textwill show the Talkgroup of your incoming call.Once selected, these displays will update dynamically.Each new call you receive will change the bottom linecaller display. When no call is active, the bottom linewill display: No Calls.CurrentTransmitTalkgroupCurrent ProfileCurrentTransmitTalkgroupUser ID of Current CallerWith Caller as yourDwell Display, theidentity of your currentcaller updatesdynamically, but thetop line always showsyour current TransmitTalkgroup.With ReceivedTalkgroup as yourDwell Display, theBottom Line updatesdynamically to displayyour caller’sTalkgroup, but the TopLine is static.
CHAPTER 3—Controls and Indicators30 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Figure 10 Dwell Display—Received TalkgroupSample ScreenDwell Display–ChannelIf you select Channel as your Dwell Display, theupper line of text will show the Transmit Talkgroup forthe active profile. The lower line of text will show yourcurrently tuned channel.Once selected, these displays will update dynamically,but the only way to alter the display would be to tunein a new channel.Figure 11 Dwell Display—ChannelSample ScreenDwell Display–No AccessNo Access is not an option in the Dwell Display menu.It’s a default message your screen will displaywhenever your radio cannot make contact with theOpenSky network.CurrentTransmitTalkgroupTalkgroup of Incoming CallerCurrentTransmitTalkgroupCurrently Tuned Channel
Controls and Indicators—CHAPTER 3Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 31Figure 12 Display Screen—No AccessSample ScreenYou can wait for the condition to clear, or, if an off-network mode of operation will temporarily suit yourneeds, navigate to the Mode Menu and select aconventional radio mode.Radiounable tomakeNetworkconnectionFrom the No Accessscreen there’s noindication of whichchoice you’ve made forDwell Display.
CHAPTER 3—Controls and Indicators32 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 33CHAPTER 4Display Screen FunctionsMenu and Selector Keypad 34User-Selectable Menu Operations 34Keypad Navigation 34Select Dwell Display 35Select Operational Mode 36Universal Connectivity 37Duration of Mode Change 38Select Profile 39Check or Change Active Profile Status 40Select Talkgroup 41Check or Change Active Talkgroup 41Prioritizing a Talkgroup 43Duration of Priority Assignments 44Lock Out Talkgroup 44Groups You Can Lock Out 45Caution Regarding Profile Changes 48Select Scan Mode 48Check or Change Active Scan Mode 49Duration of Scanning Mode Selections 50Select Channel 51Enable/Disable Side Tones 52Select Brightness Setting 53
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions34 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Menu and Selector KeypadDisplay Screen functions are launched from the Menuand Selector Keypad. Most user-selectable radiooperations are conducted by using the keypad to makeselections from the operations menus.User-Selectable Menu OperationsYou’ll use the keypad for mundane chores likeadjusting your display screen brightness, and forcritical operations like establishing your operationalmode and setting your active profile. Below is a list ofmenu options.Keypad-Accessible Menu Operations• Set your Operations Mode:OpenSky Trunked, Conventional, Over-the-AirDownload, or Coverage• Set your Active Profile• Set your Priority Talkgroup• Lockout any Talkgroup• Set your Scanning ModeNormal, Talkback, or No Scan• Select a Channel from the preset Channel Menu• Set your Dwell Display• Enable or Disable Audible Side Tones• Change Brightness Setting of your Display ScreenKeypad NavigationWith a few exceptions that will be discussed in specificsections below, the same basic steps will suffice for allmenu selection procedures. In general, selecting a newmenu option setting is a 3-step process:
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 351.) Repeatedly Press the Up or Down key to cyclethrough the list of available Menu headings. Whenthe Menu you want appears in the Top line of theDisplay Screen . . .2.) Repeatedly Press the Left or Right key to cyclethrough the list of available options for the Menu.When the option you want appears in the Bottomline of the Display Screen . . .3.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.When the M-803 accepts your choice, the displayscreen will revert to the user-selectable Dwell Displayyou’ve chosen.Select Dwell DisplayThere is no specific “default screen” for the M-803.Rather, there are several user-selectable options for thecategories of feedback the radio will display duringoperation. See the Getting Started chapter for a fulldiscussion of your dwell display options.The first line of any Dwell Display for Open Skytrunked mode operation is always the currently activeTransmit Talkgroup for your selected profile.What appears in the second line, though, depends onwhat choice you make from the Dwell Display Menufor your default display preference.In short, you’ll use the menu buttons to establish yourown default screen, depending on whether you wantyour radio to display the current Profile, the Channel,your current Caller, or your current caller’s Talkgroup.If you’re happy with thedwell display when yourradio Powers Up, donothing. You only need tochange your Dwell Displayto get information the radiois not already providing.
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions36 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Ø How to set your Dwell DisplaySelection1.) If the top line of your display screen shows theTransmit Talkgroup for your selected profile,you’re ready to begin.2.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe Dwell Menu options in the lower line of thedisplay screen: Profile, Caller, Channel, ReceivedTalkgroup.3.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your choice.Figure 13 Dwell Display SelectionSample ScreenComponent ExplanationTransmit..............Talkgroup The first line of any Dwell Displayis the active talkgroup for yourcurrent profile.Menu Option....... Choose Caller, Profile, Channel orReceived Talkgroup. For every callyou receive, your radio willidentify your caller’s talkgroup.Select Operational ModeThe M-803 is a “soft” radio, designed to operate undera variety of software-enabled, user-selectableoperational modes. Under most work conditions, you’llCurrentlyActiveTransmitTalkgroup foryour ProfileAvailable Dwell Display: Received Talkgroup
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 37operate your radio as a fully-networked component ofthe OpenSky digital network and carry on rich-featuredcommunications with similarly networked agencies orsubscribers.At startup, your M-803 automatically selects theOpenSky Trunked Protocol (OTP) to provide the fullrange of features available on your digital voice anddata network.On the other hand, if your agency cooperates withseveral others in a multi-agency network supported byOpenSky’s IP backbone, all agencies benefit from theadvantages of the network architecture whether or notthey’ve migrated from older analog equipment todigital OpenSky radios.For those occasions when you need to communicatewith radios using older protocols (such as conventionalFM), you can manually change your radio’s operatingmode.Universal ConnectivityWhen conditions require it, you can re-configure yourM-803, with a simple menu selection, to accessconventional CTCSS analog FM or APCO Project 25CAI operations. This is especially helpful when youneed to communicate with users from other agencies orfleets not completely integrated with OpenSky.• The principle operating mode currently in use isthe OpenSky Trunked Protocol (OTP). ChooseOTP for full-featured communications with otherdigital equipment connected to the OpenSkynetwork.• From the Mode Selection Menu, you can alsoaccess OpenSky Conventional FM (OCF) withContinuous Tone Coded Squelch System(CTCSS).• When your Network Administrator initiates a mid-shift Personality Upgrade or Dynamic Regrouping,you’ll engage the Over-the-Air Download mode.Your only indicationthat you have loggedon to the network isthe name of yourTalkgroup in the DwellDisplay.
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions38 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07• If you stray outside the network’s strong coveragearea and require an off-network conventional radioconnection, select Coverage mode to temporarilyimprove your capabilities.To protect against inadvertent or too-hasty modechanges, the M-803 software will force a confirmationsequence before accepting your new selection.Ø How to set your Operational Mode1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe menu choices until Mode Menu appears.2.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe Mode Menu options: Trunked, Conventional,Over the Air Download, or Coverage.3.) Press the Select button to activate the fail-safeConfirmation process.4.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe confirmation options: Confirm?Y to make thechange; Confirm?N to abort the change.5.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.6.) The display panel will flash the confirmingmessage: BOOTING and your radio willreconfigure itself to operate in the Mode youselected.Duration of Mode ChangeMode change is a major operational commitment. Itrequires a Power Down and Reboot operation which
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 39the radio itself will undertake when you press theSelect button to confirm a mode change.At Power Up, your radio automatically adopts theoperating mode of its previous use. Any changes youmake to the mode during your shift will remain ineffect until you make another selection and Reboot.Figure 14 Operational Mode MenuSample DisplayComponent ExplanationMode Menu ......... Determines whether your radiowill operate as conventional analogequipment, or a fully-functioningdigital OpenSky radio.Menu Option ....... When you access the Menu, thecurrently selected option appears inthe option line. To change, scroll toa new option and press the Selectbutton.Select ProfileWhen you Power Up your radio at the beginning of ashift, your M-803 is provisioned by the network with aradio personality composed of as many as 16 profiles,one of which your network administrator hasdesignated as your Active Profile by default.Your default profile will contain your most commontalk group and as many as 16 other user groups theradio treats as “listen groups.”Menu Option:OpenSkyTrunkedProtocolActive Menu: Operational Mode
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions40 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Each of your other profiles, if any, is another group ofas many as 16 more user groups, one of which isalways the default Talkgroup. See the Getting Startedchapter for a full discussion of user groups, profiles,listen groups, talkgroups and radio personality.If you need access to groups not part of your activeprofile, you can use the Menu Selector Buttons toaccess the Profile menu and switch to any other pre-setmenu that is part of your radio personality.You’ll have to be familiar enough with your profiles toknow which user groups are organized under eachname. Or, if just want to access a new talkgroup, youcan tune in the profile for which the talkgroup youwant to access is the default.Check or Change Active Profile StatusIf your Dwell Display is set to Profile, your screen willdisplay your active profile at all times. Otherwise, tosee your current selection, use the Menu Selectorkeypad to access the Profile Menu.To switch to a new active Profile during your workshift, access the Profile Menu from the Menu Selectorkeypad and make a new selection from the options.Ø How to set your Active Profile1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until ProfileMenu appears.2.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe Profile Menu options established by yourNetwork Administrator.3.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your choice.It’s a good idea toknow the defaultTalkgroup for eachProfile in yourPersonality so you canaccess it easily fromthe Profile Menu.
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 41Figure 15 Profile Selection MenuSample DisplayComponent ExplanationProfile Menu........ Determines which group of up to16 user groups will be your activeProfile.Menu Option ....... When you access the Menu, thecurrently selected Active Profileappears in the option line. Tochange, scroll to a new Profile andpress the Select button.Select TalkgroupOnly one of the up to 16 user groups in your activeProfile is configured as a Talkgroup. The others, asdetermined by the Network Administrator, are listengroups. You will receive voice calls from the listengroups, but you can only instigate voice calls withthem by assigning them Talkgroup status.You can reply to incoming voice calls if your radio isoperating in Talkback Scan Mode, but you cannotinstigate these calls. See Scan Mode for more details.Check or Change Active TalkgroupIf your Dwell Display is set to Profile, your screen willdisplay your active profile and your Transmit Talk-group at all times. Otherwise, to see your currentMenu Option:Sample Profilefrom yourPersonalityDwell DisplayActive Menu: Profile Selection
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions42 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07selection, use the Menu Selector keypad to access theProfile Menu.To assign Talkgroup status to a new user group duringyour work shift, access the Talkgroup Menu from theMenu Selector keypad and make a new selection fromthe options.Ø How to set your Active Talkgroup1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until TalkGrpMenu appears.2.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe list of user groups in your Active Profile, asestablished by your Network Administrator.3.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your choice.Figure 16 Talkgroup Selection MenuSample DisplayComponent ExplanationTalkgroup Menu....... Determines which of up to 16 usergroups will be your Talkgroup.Menu Option............. When you access the Menu, thecurrently active Talkgroup appearsin the option line. To change, scrollto a new user group and press theSelect button.Menu Option:Sample UserGroup from yourActive ProfileActive Menu: Talkgroup Selection
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 43Prioritizing a TalkgroupAt different times during your shift you may want toimprove your radio’s sensitivity to incoming calls froma particular user group. If you make no such changesduring a radio use session, the Default Talkgroup foreach profile will maintain automatic scanning priorityover all other user groups in the profile.Increasing the scanning priority of a group other thanthe Default Talkgroup improves your receptiveness tothat group’s calls compared to all the other groups inyour active profile, including the Default Talkgroup.You may use the procedure below to establish one newpriority scanning group for every profile in your radiopersonality. There’s no ranking order in scanningpriority: one group per profile is the priority group; allother groups in the same profile are “non-priority.”Ø How to Assign Priority to aTalkgroup1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until PriTGMenu appears.2.) Your display screen shows PriTGMenu in thebottom line and the current Priority Scan group inthe top line.3.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe list of user groups in your selected Profile,until the group you want to assign PriorityTalkgroup status appears onscreen.4.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your choice.Priority Scan isdifferent fromTalkgroup status.Even if you give auser group PriorityScan status, yourTalkgroup is still yourTalkgroup.
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions44 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Figure 17 Priority Talkgroup MenuSample ScreenComponent ExplanationPriority......................Talkgroup Menu When this menu is active, the Leftand Right buttons will scroll youthrough the user groups in yourselected profile.Menu Option............. Scroll through groups and use theSelect button to confirm the groupyou wish to make your temporaryTalkgroup.Duration of Priority AssignmentsIf you make no priority assignments during your shift,each profile selects the Default Talkgroup as thepriority scan group. When you use the Priority Scanmenu to assign scanning priority to a new group, yourassignment stays in effect until you change it or turnyour radio off. Powering Off erases all scanningpriority assignments and resets your radio to thedefaults.Lock Out TalkgroupThere are at least two ways to focus your voicecommunications by suppressing calls from user groupsin your active profile.• No Scan. By changing your Scanning Mode toNOSCAN you can block all non-emergency voicecalls from the “listen groups” in your profile,Menu Option:Sample UserGroup from yourActive ProfileActive Menu: Priority Talkgroup Menu
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 45concentrating your attention entirely on yourDefault, Selected or Priority Talkgroup.• Lock Out. By locking out selected Talkgroups,you can eliminate just the background “noise” youselect, focusing your scanning resources on just thegroups whose calls you wish to track.Emergency calls will cut through your lock-outcommand, but you won’t be distracted by the othervoice call activity from user groups you’ve locked out,until you elect to run the menu again and remove thelock.Groups You Can Lock Out• Active Profile. It stands to reason that only groupsin your active profile can be locked out, sincethey’re the only groups whose voice calls you’llhear. The Lockout menu responds to incomingvoice call activity, loading the names of callinggroups into the menu as the calls are received.• Received Call Menu. If you don’t find a nameyou’re looking for in the Lockout menu, either it’snot in your active profile, or you haven’t receiveda call from that group yet in this radio session.Until you do take a call from that group, you can’tlock them out.To protect against inadvertent or too-hasty Lockoutprocedures, the M-803 software will force aconfirmation sequence before accepting your newselection.Ø How to Lock Out a Listen Group1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until LockOutMenu appears.2.) Your display screen shows LockOutMenu in thebottom line and, in the top line, the name of a usergroup from your active profile you’ve received avoice call from since Powering Up.
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions46 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.073.) If the word NONE appears in the top line, youhaven’t received any voice calls from user groupsin this profile, so Lock Out is not an option.4.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe list of candidates, if any, until the user groupyou want to Lock Out appears onscreen. 5.) Press the Select button to activate the fail-safeConfirmation process.6.) Use the Left or Right button to cycle through theconfirmation options: Confirm?Y to lock out thegroup; Confirm?N to remove a lock.7.) Press the Select button to confirm your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your Lockout choice.Ø How to Unlock a Listen Group1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until LockOutMenu appears.2.) Your display screen shows LockOutMenu in thebottom line and, in the top line, the name of a usergroup from your active profile you’ve received avoice call from since Powering Up.3.) If the word NONE appears in the top line, youhaven’t received any voice calls from user groupsin this profile, so Lock Out is not an option.
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 474.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe list of candidates, if any, until the user groupyou want to Unlock appears onscreen. 5.) Press the Select button to activate the fail-safeConfirmation process.6.) Use the Left or Right button to cycle through theconfirmation options: Confirm?Y to lock out thegroup; Confirm?N to remove a lock.7.) Press the Select button to confirm your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your Unlock choice.Figure 18 Lock Out MenuSample ScreenComponent ExplanationMenu Option ....... As you scroll through the user groupsin your active profile, notice theyonly appear in the Lock Menu if youActive Menu: Lockout TalkgroupMenu Option: User Groups from activeprofile that have called you this session.
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions48 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07have received a voice call from themsince Powering Up.Lock Out .............Talkgroup Both Locked-Out and Not-Lockedgroups appear in the Menu. Youcan’t confirm the status of any groupexcept by pressing the Select buttonto enter the Confirmation cycle.Caution Regarding Profile ChangesTalkgroup Lockout status does not survive a change ofProfile. If you need to select a new Profile after takingthe time to Lockout several talkgroups from yourcurrent profile, understand that making the change willUnlock all groups.Compare your options before changing your profile. Ifyou can achieve your goal by temporarily assigningPriority Talkgroup status to a user group, you may beable to avoid having to lock out the same groups twice.Select Scan ModeThree scanning modes are available for the M-803, butonly one can be active at any time. Changing yourscanning mode changes the way your radio scans voicecalls for all of the profiles in your radio personality, nomatter which profile is or becomes active.Your choice of scanning mode will broaden or narrowthe span of your communications with all the listengroups in your profiles, but does not affect yourinteraction with your talk groups.Your scanning mode choice will stay in effect until youchange it again; even if you turn off your radio, yourcurrent selection will be saved until your next use.Scan Mode ExplanationNo Scanning...... Eliminates distractions.Full communications (listen andtalk) with your talk group.
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 49No calls from listen groups.Normal ..............Scanning This is the default setting.Network administrator hasestablished this as the most effectiveconfiguration for everyday use.Full communications (listen andtalk) with your talk group.Receive calls from the listen groups.Talkback............Scanning Place talkback voice calls to themost recent listen group by pressingthe Push-to-talk button before theTalkback timer expires.Full communications (listen andtalk) with your talk group.Receive calls from the listen groups.Check or Change Active Scan ModeThe Dwell Display screens do not show active ScanMode status. To see your current selection, use theMenu Selector keypad to access the Scan Mode Menu.The scan mode status displayed in the top line of thescreen display is your active status.To change scan mode during your work shift, accessthe Scan Mode Menu from the Menu Selector keypadand make a new selection from the options available.• To narrow your scanning list to just the talk groupin your active profile, choose No Scan from theScan Menu.• To select the default scanning mode which scansall the listen groups in your active profile, chooseNormal from the Scan Menu.• To broaden your communications range byenabling talkback voice calls to your active listengroups, choose Talkback from the Scan Menu.
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions50 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Ø How to set your Scan Mode1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until ScnModeMenu appears.2.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe list modes until your choice appears: Normal,Talkback or No Scan.3.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your choice.Figure 19 Scan Mode MenuSample DisplayComponent ExplanationScan Mode Menu...... Determines whether you will scanor suppress your listen groups forincoming voice messages. Enablesor disables Talkback to your mostrecent caller.Menu Option............. When you access the Menu, thecurrently active Scan Modeappears in the option line. Tochange, scroll to a new mode andpress the Select button.Duration of Scanning Mode SelectionsScanning Mode selections survive Power Down. Atstartup, your radio will default to the scanning mode ofyour last use. Any selection you make during your shiftwill remain in effect until you make a new selectionfrom the Scan Mode menu.MenuOption:One of threeavailableScan ModesActive Menu: Scan Mode Menu
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 51Select ChannelIf your reception is poor or you are repeatedly deniedchannel access, you can manually change the radio to adifferent channel. When you use the menu buttons tochoose Channel, the M-803 adjusts to show you thefirst of the available channels from which you maychoose.Ø How to Change the Channel1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until ChannelMenu appears.2.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe pre-sets until the channel you want appearsonscreen.3.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your choice. If your active DwellDisplay is Channel, your newly selected channel namewill appear in the display panel (along with the activetalkgroup) as soon as it tunes in. Otherwise, you’ll haveto access the Channel Menu again to check yourchannel.Figure 20 Channel Change MenuSample ScreenComponent ExplanationChannel Menu.......... Used to tune in any available pre-set channel from the menu.MenuOption:AvailableActive Menu: Channel Selection
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions52 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Menu Option............. When you access the Menu, thefirst available channel appears inthe option line. To change, scrollthrough the pre-sets and confirmyour choice with the Select button.Enable/Disable Side TonesYour radio sounds confirming tones when you pressthe Menu or Selector buttons. Most users find thisaudible confirmation helpful in navigating the menus inthe Display Panel.Turning off your radiodoes not affect your SideTone setting, which willbe saved for your nextuse.You can disable the side tones, if you wish, bynavigating to the Side Tone menu, and selecting Off.To re-enable the tones, you’ll need to navigate back tothe same menu (without the benefit of side tones) andthis time select On.For covert operations, it is important to be able to turnoff the audible side tones that occur when you press aMenu or Selector button. For safety’s sake, though, youprobably won’t want to shut your radio down for thetime you’re planning to go covert.To temporarily disable the tones that could expose yourpresence and position, use the Menu Selector buttons toaccess the Side Tone Menu. There are only two choicesin the Side Tone Menu (On, Off).If your radio is operating properly but you don’t heartones when you press the Menu or Select buttons, yourside tones are probably disabled. Access the Side Tonemenu and reset your Tones to On.Ø How to Enable or Disable Side Tones1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until SideMenu appears.2.) Use the Left or Right button to change thedisplay from On to Off or vice versa.3.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.
Display Panel Functions—CHAPTER 4Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 53Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your choice.Figure 21 Side Tones MenuSample ScreenComponent ExplanationSide Tones Menu...... Used to tune in any available pre-set channel from the menu.Menu Option ............ When you access the Menu, thescreen will indicate whether yoursidetones are On or Off. To changethe setting, press the Left or Rightbutton and confirm your choicewith the Select button.Select Brightness SettingYour M-803 uses a front-panel light sensor to adjustthe display to ambient light conditions. However, theBrightness Selection gives users some control over thescreen display.There are only three choices in the Brightness Menu.You’ll use the menu in high- or low-light situations tomake the screen one step Brighter or Dimmer than thecurrent (Nominal) setting.Ø How to Change Screen Brightness1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until Bright Menu appears.MenuOption: SideTones On orOffActive Menu: SideTones On/Off
CHAPTER 4—Display Panel Functions54 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.072.) Use the Left button to change the display fromNominal to Dimmer, or the Right button tochange the display to Brighter.3.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your choice. Your display screen shouldbe immediately brighter or dimmer as you requested.Figure 22 Brightness Selection MenuBrightness Selection MenuComponent ExplanationBrightness Menu....... Used to change screen display oneincrement brighter or dimmer thanthe automatic (nominal) setting.Menu Option............. When you access the Menu, thescreen will indicate Nominal.Change to Brighter or Dimmer,and confirm your choice with theSelect button.MenuOption:DisplayScreenBrightnessActive Menu: Brightness Selection
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 55CHAPTER 5Basic Radio OperationsPower Up 56Log-On 57Self-Test 58Power Down 59Set Volume 60Voice Calls 61Talkback Calls 63Emergency Communications 64
CHAPTER 5—Basic Radio Operations56 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Power UpPower Up, Power Down, and Volume functions are allhandled from the Power Button/Volume Dial, a frontpanel component.Ø How to Turn Your Radio On1.) Push the Power Button/Volume Dial. Yourradio’s vacuum fluorescent display panel will glowto indicate Power Up.2.) If required by the radio network, use the MobileData Terminal (MDT) Keyboard to enter yourUser ID. If your system doesn’t require a Log-On,the radio proceeds through the Startup Sequence.3.) Wait through the Startup Sequence, which lastsapproximately 10 seconds.During this time your radio is provisioned withyour customized radio personality, emergencyconduct and user specifications, all designed foryour specific needs by the Network Administratorand prompted by your User ID.4.) When provisioning is complete, the M-803 willdisplay your last-saved Dwell Display in the frontpanel Display Screen.Power Button /Volume DialUser-SelectedDwell DisplayCurrentVolumeSetting
Basic Radio Operations—CHAPTER 5Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 57Log-OnIf the radio network requires a Log-On, pushing thePower Button/Volume Dial will supply power to yourradio, but will not connect it to the OpenSky network.Your radio will not boot and provision itself until youuse the MDT keyboard to log on with your User ID.Even if you want to use your radio for non-networktraditional RF communications, you’ll still need to logon to the network first, then select Talkaround Mode towork off-network.Ø How to Log On to the Network1.) Push the Power Button/Volume Dial. Yourradio’s vacuum fluorescent display panel will glowto indicate Power Up.2.) If required by the radio network, use the MobileData Terminal (MDT) Keyboard to enter yourUser ID. If your system doesn’t require a Log-On,the radio proceeds through the Startup Sequence.3.) Wait through the Startup Sequence, which lastsapproximately 10 seconds.During this time your radio is provisioned withyour customized radio personality, emergencyconduct and user specifications, all designed foryour specific needs by the Network Administratorand prompted by your User ID.Power Button /Volume Dial
CHAPTER 5—Basic Radio Operations58 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.074.) When provisioning is complete, the M-803 willdisplay your last-saved Dwell Display in the frontpanel Display Screen.Self-TestAfter Power Up and your M-803 radio undergoes amulti-function automatic Boot procedure.• Your radio is “provisioned” with your radiopersonality: as many as 16 radio profiles aredownloaded to your equipment from the networkin response to your User ID.• Emergency behavior is provisioned along witheach profile.• Your radio conducts a diagnostic Built-In Self-Test(BIST).The Self-Test is a battery of hardware diagnostic testson the internal components of the Mobile Radio Unit.All processor and memory elements, interfaces,connectivity elements and RF functionalities arediagnosed for operational integrity.Ø How to Read the Self-Test Results1.) The BIST (Built-In Self-Test) is automatic onPower Up.2.) . . . BIST PASS. If all components, elements,interfaces and functionalities test OK, the M-803will deliver a PASS message to the front panelDisplay Screen.User-SelectedDwell DisplayCurrentVolumeSetting
Basic Radio Operations—CHAPTER 5Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 593.) The PASS message remains onscreen briefly, thenyields to the last-saved Dwell Display for thelogged-on radio subscriber.4.) . . . BIST FAIL. If a radio component, element,interface or functionality fails the diagnostic test,the M-803 will deliver a FAIL message to thefront panel Display Screen.5.) . . .If the Self-Test detects a Fatal operationalerror, the FAIL message and Error Code willremain on screen. Log-on will not proceed.6.) . . .If the Self-Test reveals a Nonfatal failure, theFAIL message and Error Code remain onscreenlong enough for the user to record, then yields tothe last-saved Dwell Display for the logged-onUser ID.7.) To force a re-test, or to get another look at theError Code, first Power Down, then Power Up.Power DownPower Up, Power Down, and Volume functions are allhandled from the Power Button/Volume Dial, a frontpanel component.Built-InSelf Test:Passed alltestsSelf TestFailureMessageSelf-Test Error Code
CHAPTER 5—Basic Radio Operations60 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Ø How to Turn Your Radio Off1.) Push the Power Button/Volume Dial. Yourradio’s vacuum fluorescent display panel will fadeto darkness to indicate Power Down.2.) Several user-selected radio settings, including yourcurrent Dwell Display, will survive the PowerDown procedure.3.) At your next Power Up, these saved settings willautomatically default, along with your networkpersonality settings.Set VolumePower Up, Power Down, and Volume functions are allhandled from the Power Button/Volume Dial, a frontpanel component.Your radio’s front panel Display Screen alwaysdisplays the current volume, whether you are receivingan active call or not.Ø How to Change the Volume1.) Rotate the Power Button/Volume Dial clockwiseto increase the Speaker Volume, counter-clockwise to decrease the Speaker Volume.Power Button /Volume Dial
Basic Radio Operations—CHAPTER 5Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 612.) Whether you are receiving a voice call or not, yourvolume setting change will immediately reflect inthe front panel display screen Speaker Volumeindicator.Voice CallsAs soon as your radio completes the Startup/LogOn/Provision/Self-Test sequence and goes live on theOpenSky network, you’ll begin to hear voice calls fromthe talk and listen groups in your active profile.No action is required on your part, but the followinglist details how your radio responds to incoming voicemessages.Ø How to Take a Voice Call1.) . . . If your Dwell Display is set to Caller, yourfront panel display screen shows the User ID ofthe incoming caller.2.) . . . If your Dwell Display is set to ReceivedTalkgroup, your front panel display screen showsthe talkgroup to which your incoming callerbelongs.3.) . . . If your Dwell Display is set to Profile orChannel, your front panel display screen showsthe data appropriate to those displays, but providesno clue to the identity of your incoming caller.Power Button /Volume DialSpeaker Volume Indicator
CHAPTER 5—Basic Radio Operations62 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.074.) Regardless of your active Dwell Display, thedisplay screen’s Signal Strength Indicator glowsbrightly for a strong signal from the incomingcaller, dimly for a weak signal.The steps for making a voice call are similar to thosefor a conventional portable radio.Ø How to Make a Voice Call1.) First, if you haven’t already, Power Up your radioby pressing the Power Button/Volume Dial toPower Up, and Log On with your User ID. (SeeHow to Turn Your Radio On.)2.) Check the Signal Strength indicator light forclearance. If the light is burning brightly, you arereceiving a call.3.) Wait for clearance if necessary. A single End ofMessage tone will indicate the end of yourincoming call.4.) Depress and hold the Push-to-Talk button on yourremote hand-held microphone and speak normally.For maximum clarity, hold the transceiverapproximately 1½ inches from your mouth.5.) Release the Push-to-Talk button to terminate youroutgoing voice call.Ø What the Beeping MeansIf the network is clear, you won’t hear anything whenyou depress the Push-to-Talk button. Just hold thebutton down and talk, then release the button.1.) If you hear 3 rapid beeps, the network is too busyto transmit or even queue your call. You cannotplace a call in this situation. Wait a few secondsand try your call again.Signal StrengthIndicator
Basic Radio Operations—CHAPTER 5Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 632.) If you hear a 3-beep sequence (Medium tone /Medium tone / High tone), the network hasacknowledged your request for clearance andplaced your call in the queue.When the network becomes available, the radiowill automatically transmit for 10 seconds and theradio will alert you that the network is clear foryour call.Depress and hold the Push-to-Talk button to placeyour call.Talkback CallsWith your radio in Talkback Scanning mode, you canrespond to voice calls from listen groups in your activeprofile.You can’t initiate outgoing voice calls to just any listengroup, but you can immediately respond to anyincoming call by pressing your Press-to-Talk buttonbefore the Talkback timer expires. Your call will goout only to the most recent listen group you heard.Ø How to Place a Talkback Call Set your radio to Talkback Scanning mode.1.) When you hear an incoming listen group call youwant to respond to, press the Push-to-Talk button.2.) . . . If you respond before the expiration of thetalkback timer, your call will transmit as a voicecall to the most recent listen group you heard.3.) . . . If you fail to beat the timer, your call willtransmit to the talk group for your active profile.4.) . . . If you repeatedly exceed the talkback timelimit, consider asking the network administrator toextend the time allowed.
CHAPTER 5—Basic Radio Operations64 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Emergency CommunicationsYour radio can send out an Alert or place Voice Callsover the entire network in an emergency. OpenSkyhandles Emergency Calls and Alerts with the veryhighest priority, giving you and the people you serveaccess to the help you need no matter how much trafficthe network is handling.Ø How to Place an Emergency Call1.) Press the orange Emergency Button on your radioto send an emergency alert. You’ll find the buttonjust to the right of the 5-button Menu and Selectorkeypad (see the Figure: Front Panel Components).2.) You’ll hear nothing, but other users will hear theEmergency Alert signal, a distinctive 3-tone burstof sound.3.) At the same time, the network enables anEmergency Talk Group.4.) Press the Push-to-Talk button to send your voiceout over the emergency talk group.5.) All the radios in the Emergency Talk Group willhear your call and see the emergency talk groupdisplayed on their radio, overriding any otherdisplays that may have been active there.6.) When your emergency ends, press and hold theorange Emergency Button a second time to clearthe emergency alert and call. Only you, the userwho initiated the alert, can clear it.
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 65CHAPTER 6Advanced Radio OperationsFine-Tuning Your Personality 66Dynamic Regrouping 66Talkaround Mode 67Troubleshooting 68
CHAPTER 6—Advanced Radio Operations66 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Fine-Tuning Your PersonalityAccess to as many as 16 profiles within your pre-determined radio personality gives you tremendousresponsiveness to the changing needs of your workday.What’s more, within each profile, the flexibility of theIP-protocol OpenSky network makes it possible tofine-tune your radio’s sensitivity to incoming voicecalls by changing the Scanning Priority of specific usergroups, changing radio scanning modes and channels,even locking out the incoming voice calls of entire usergroups.In some ways, these sensitivity tunings are analogousto operations familiar to users of analog equipment.Dynamic RegroupingIn the event of an emergency, the network admini-strator will determine what radio users should beformed into an ad hoc talk group to respond to theemergent conditions.The administrator will edit the personalities of theaffected users to include an emergency profile, thendirect the affected users to re-register with the networkto receive their edited personalities.• In response, affected users Log-On with their UserID numbers to receive their edited personalities.• During Log-on, subscriber equipment will defaultto the dynamically regrouped profile.• In all likelihood, one profile per personality will bereserved for Dynamic Regrouping use.
Advanced Radio Operations—CHAPTER 6Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 67Ø How to Re-Provision for anEmergency1.) “Punch In” your User ID when directed by theNetwork Administrator.2.) Re-registration will default to Dynamically-Regrouped Emergency Profile.Talkaround ModeIn the absence of a nearby Base Station, in deep woodsor valleys, or in other weak coverage areas, it ispossible to work “off-network” by selectingTalkaround Mode and placing radio-to-radio calls inconventional FM or Project 25 Digital Common AirInterface modes.VTac Vehicular Tactical NetworkAlso useful for supporting a local tactical operation,Talkaround is a digital air link protocol that allowsunit-to-unit communication without talk paths to thebase site and switching center.Ø How to Place Talkaround Calls1.) Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle throughthe Menu choices until Talk Menu appears.2.) Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle throughthe Talkaround Menu options established by yourNetwork Administrator.3.) Press the Select button to lock in your choice.Your selected Dwell Display will appear as soon as theM-803 accepts your choice.
CHAPTER 6—Advanced Radio Operations68 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07TroubleshootingIf your radio does not operate properly, check the chartbelow for likely causes. For additional assistance,contact a qualified service technician.Symptom Likely Cause SolutionRadio will notturn on Dislodged powerconnector. Press in the powerconnector on the rear ofthe radio.In-line fuse is blown. Replace the in-line fuse.Your radio may be too hot. Allow the radio to cool oroperate the radio in acooler environment.Report this failure toauthorized technician.No audio Speaker volume is muted. Increase the volume level.Speaker cable is notconnected. Press in the speaker cableon the rear of the radio.Poor audio You are in a poor coveragearea or not on the network. Move to a better coveragearea using the signalquality indicator on thedisplay as a guide, or useMode Menu to enableconventional FM radiooperation.Speaker cable is loose. Press in the speaker cableon the rear of the redio.Antenna connection isloose. Ensure that the antenna isproperly connected to theradio.
Advanced Radio Operations—CHAPTER 6Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 69Symptom Likely Cause SolutionPoor displayvisibility Ambient light sensor isobstructed. Clear obstruction and givesensor a clear path toambient light.Screendisplays:No AccessYour radio is out-of-rangeor cannot connect with theOpenSky network.Move to a better coveragearea using the signalquality indicator on thedisplay as a guide, or useMode Menu to enableconventional FM radiooperation.Radio will nottransmit Your radio may be too hot.The M-803 will ceasetransmitting if it exceedsan operational temperaturethreshold.Let the radio cool beforeattempting to transmit.Report this failure toauthorized technician.Your radio may beexperiencing low voltage.The M-803 will cease totransmit when voltagedrops below 9 volts.Reduce the load on yourvehicle’s battery and tryagain. Report this failureto authorized technician.RadiounexpectedlyPowers DownYour radio may beexperiencing very lowvoltage. The M-803automatically powers downwhen voltage drops below4.5 volts.Reduce the load on yourvehicle’s power supplyand try again. Report thisfailure to authorizedtechnician.
Control Head Unit—CHAPTER 7Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 71CHAPTER 7CH-103 Control HeadFeatures and Components 72Equipment Configurations 73Dash-Mount Mobile Configuration 73Dash-Mount Mobile with CH-103 74Trunk-Mount Mobile Configuration 76Vtac Vehicular Tactical Network 77Full or Shared Radio Controls 78Single Control Head 79Multiple Control Heads 79Independent Functions 79Shared and Arbitrated Functions 80
CHAPTER 7—Control Head Unit72 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Features and ComponentsThe OpenSky CH-103 provides remote access forvoice and data, as well as remote user interfaces tocontrol M-803 mobile radios and VTac VehicularTactical Networks.OpenSky’s digital interface allows easy connection tomobile radios, vehicular repeaters, control stations,mobile data terminals and CAN peripherals to supportthe public safety mission.Local or Broadcast IntercomThe control head can also function as an intercom bybroadcasting received voice calls to all consoles, tospecific installed consoles, or by allowing users tobypass the network to communicate with each other.Full Feature SetBecause the OpenSky M-803 is the core component ofany dash- or trunk-mounted configuration, eachControl Head can access the full range of featuressupported by the radio it controls.Front Panel InterfaceThe front panel of the CH-103 is the front panel of anM-803 mobile radio, with the same display screen,menu buttons and controls as described elsewhere inthis manual. See Front Panel Components for moredetails.Rear Panel Peripheral InterfaceThe CH-103 provides interfaces for analog and digitalperipherals, similar but not identical to those supportedby the M-803 mobile radio. See Peripheral Interfacefor more details.On a large vehicle withseveral Control Heads,each will share access to asingle M-803 mobile radio.See Multiple Control Head for more details.
Control Head Unit—CHAPTER 7Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 73Equipment ConfigurationsThe M-803 mobile radio supports multiple controlheads for vehicles that require more than one displayscreen and user interface.Dash Mount MobileIn the most basic configuration, the M-803 radio anduser interface are combined in one dash-mountedhardware case without additional control heads.Dash Mount with Control HeadsThe dash-mount radio can support up to five controlheads at different locations on the vehicle, each with itsown display screen and interfaces for handsets, mobiledata terminals and other peripherals.Trunk Mount MobileThe M-803 can also be remotely trunk-mountedwithout a front-panel user interface. This configurationsupports up to five control heads placed throughout thevehicle.Vehicular Tactical NetworkWith the addition of a trunk-mounted duplexer andsignal repeater, the M-803 functions as a local cell onthe OpenSky network and also provides off-networkscene-of-incident coverage for voice-to-voicecommunication.Dash-Mount Mobile ConfigurationThe first several chapters of this manual describe thebasic dash-mount mobile configuration for the M-803.In this common standalone installation radio functions,front-panel user controls and back-panel peripheralinterfaces are combined in a single hardware case.Figure 23 Dash-Mount MobileSample InstallationThe CH-103 Control Headunit brings theconvenience of the userinterface and optionalperipherals to severallocations in a vehiclewithout the expense ofmounting several radios.
CHAPTER 7—Control Head Unit74 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Component ExplanationDuplexer.................... M-803 supports optional duplexerfor Full Duplex operation.MDT .......................... M-803 supports optional MobileData Terminal for full-featuregraphics.Dash-Mount Mobile with CH-103The dash-mounted M-803 described above can beexpanded for larger or special needs vehicles with theaddition of up to five optional Control Heads(CH-103).As in the standalone installation, the dash-mountedmobile supports an optional duplexer for full duplexoperation and a mobile data terminal for full-featuregraphics. Voice operations to and from the multiplecontrol heads share a single mobile radio RF channel.In addition, each Control Head provides the followingcomponents and capabilities:• Remote Shared Voice access to the M-803,• Remote Control for the M-803,The control heads provideshared voice access to theM-803, not additional radiopersonalities or channels.
Control Head Unit—CHAPTER 7Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 75• Complete common User Interface includingdisplay screen, preset buttons, and menu/selectorkeypad,• Individual Audio controls,• I/O port for wired Microphone/Speaker,• Alternate interface site for Mobile Data Terminal(limit one MDT per installation).Figure 24 Dash-Mount with Control HeadsSample InstallationComponent ExplanationDuplexer ................... M-803 supports optional duplexerfor Full Duplex operation.MDT.......................... M-803 supports optional MobileData Terminal for full-featuregraphics.CH-103...................... Each Control Head supportsmic/speaker and an alternate sitefor MDT installation.
CHAPTER 7—Control Head Unit76 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Trunk-Mount Mobile ConfigurationFor trunk-mount installation, the M-803 is installedwithout a front panel user interface. Instead, one or asmany as five Control Head units throughout the vehicleprovide remote control for radio functions.The M-803 supports an optional duplexer for fullduplex operation.Voice operations to and from multiplecontrol heads share a single mobile radio RF channel.Figure 25 Trunk-Mount MobileSample InstallationComponent ExplanationDuplexer.................... M-803 supports optional duplexerfor Full Duplex operation.MDT .......................... Each CH-103 provides interfacefor optional Mobile DataTerminal (MDT).CH-103 ...................... Each Control Head supports amicrophone and speaker.The control heads provideshared voice access to theM-803, not additional radiopersonalities orfrequencies.
Control Head Unit—CHAPTER 7Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 77In addition, each Control Head provides the followingcomponents and capabilities:• Remote Shared Voice access to the M-803,• Remote Control for the M-803,• Complete common User Interface includingdisplay screen, preset buttons, and menu/selectorkeypad,• Individual Audio controls,• I/O port for wired Microphone/Speaker,• Alternate interface site for Mobile Data Terminal(limit one MDT per installation).VTac Vehicular Tactical NetworkThe Vehicular Tactical Network is described in detailin the following chapter.For a trunk-mounted VTac installation, the M-803 isinstalled without a user interface. Instead, as many asfive Control Head units at locations throughout thevehicle provide remote control for all radio functions.VTac includes a duplexer for Full Duplex operationand a voice repeater to provide off-network scene-of-incident coverage.In short, the VTac supports a rich array of radiocommunications features, including:• All M-803 voice and data radio functions,• Network Extension support for portables in weakcoverage areas or in-building use,• Scene of Incident support for voice-to-voice off-network communications,• Full Duplex operation,• Up to five control heads and one mobile dataterminals.The OpenSky M-803 is thecore component of theVehicular Tactical Network.Your VTac radio willperform all the bestfunctions of the M-803plus additional coverageenhancements.
CHAPTER 7—Control Head Unit78 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Figure 26 VTac Vehicular Tactical NetworkSample InstallationComponent ExplanationVTac .......................... Three hardware componentsmounted together make up theVTac array.MDT .......................... Each CH-103 provides interfacefor optional Mobile DataTerminal (MDT).CH-103 ...................... Each Control Head supports amicrophone and speaker.Full or Shared Radio ControlsThe Control Head unit provides remote voice, data, andcontrol paths to the M-803 for one or as many as fivecontrol heads per installation.In an installation with a Single Control Head, the soleCH-103 has full control of the mobile radio as well asthe front panel interface and local speaker.
Control Head Unit—CHAPTER 7Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 79In an installation with Multiple Control Heads,communications functions are generally shared amongall control heads, while local interface functions likevolume and brightness are independently controlled foreach CH-103.Single Control HeadIn Single Control Head mode, the CH-103 is the soleuser interface for the trunk-mounted mobile and thefull features of the front panel and local speaker.Features operated by the Control Head unit in SingleControl mode include:• Speaker volume• Screen brightness• Mode selection• Voice group selection• Emergency modeSince the radio is controlled by a single control head,there is no need for the mobile radio unit to arbitratecontrol of radio functions.Multiple Control HeadsThe Multiple Control Head configuration organizesoperational functions into an Independent group and aShared group.Independent FunctionsEach Control Head in a multi-head installation can beadjusted for local conditions without affecting thesettings on the other control heads.Independent control head functions include:• Speaker volume• Screen brightness• Side tones on or off
CHAPTER 7—Control Head Unit80 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Shared and Arbitrated FunctionsExamples of shared functions which will affect theoperational status of all connected control heads:• Power Up and Log-On• Mode selection• Voice group selection• Emergency modeFor shared functions, the action of one user affects theoperation of shared mobile radio unit functions. If oneuser changes from Trunked mode to Scene of Incidentmode, for example, all control heads will update to thesame mode.The general rule forshared functions is:any control head canchange sharedfunctions for all controlheads.
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 81818181CHAPTER 8VTac Vehicular Tactical NetworkVehicular Tactical Network 82Backward and Forward Compatibility 82Operational Modes 83“A Base Station in a Trunk” 83Hardware Components 84VTac Mobile Unit 84VTac Base Unit 85RF Combiner 85Extended Coverage 85User Interaction 85Scene of Incident 86User Interaction 86Public Safety Hardened 86GPS Option 87Connectivity Interface 87
CHAPTER 8—VTac Vehicular Tactical Network82 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Vehicular Tactical NetworkThe Vehicular Tactical Network (VTac-803) is an 800MHz software-based digital mobile network repeaterfor extending network coverage to portable radios,providing scene-of-incident capability and the fullfeature set of an M-803 mobile radio.VTac supports the OpenSky communication protocolin the 800 MHz SMR and NPSPAC frequency bandswith a high performance data modem that gatewaysboth voice and data to the OpenSky wide area wirelessdata network.More capable than a stand-alone M-803, the VTac-803is a hybrid product that combines several hardwarecomponents into a multi-use communications device toextend the capabilities of a movable Base Stationwherever you position your vehicle.Backward and Forward CompatibilityThe software-based architecture allows the VTac-803to be programmed for a variety of modulationtechniques, providing legacy support and guardingagainst obsolescence.VTac can host several applications simultaneously tosupport users running the OpenSky digital protocol,Conventional FM with CTCSS, or Project 25 Phase 1.Over-the-Air ProgrammabilityFor agencies engaged in an analog-to-digital transition,The VTac-803 can function with existing analoginfrastructure today and, when the time is right, receiveover-the-air field reprogramming for a virtuallyseamless transition to fully digital communicationswithout replacing equipment.
VTac Vehicular Tactical Network —CHAPTER 8Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 83Operational ModesBy combining the functions of several components, theVTac-803 operates in a variety of modes:• Mobile Radio. This is the default mode ofoperation activated at Power-Up. Under ordinaryconditions, the VTac-803 is a fully-functioningsubscriber device performing all the functions ofan M-803 radio on the OpenSky network;• Extended Coverage. In weak coverage areas, theVTac Base Station can be activated to act as amobile base station, extending OpenSky networkconnectivity to portable radios in the vicinity. TheVTac continues to provide normal mobile radiofunctions in Extended Coverage mode;• Scene-of-Incident. For radios on the OpenSkynetwork, VTac acts as a voice repeater in OpenSkyTrunked mode, supporting two concurrent voicecalls between subscribers at the scene;• Mutual Aid. For radios not on the OpenSkynetwork, VTac can still provide a limited set ofcommunication capabilities, acting in Scene-of-Incident mode as a public safety “micro-cell” toconnect users in a conventional FM Mutual Aidnetwork.“A Base Station in a Trunk”Most commonly, VTac is a trunk-mounted installationof components that adds the most important functionsof a single-channel OpenSky Base Station to the radiofunctions of an M-803 Mobile.The VTac-803 is designed specifically with the PublicSafety user in mind. Its digital interface easily connectsto peripheral devices including the Control Head andCAN Peripherals that are often used to support thePublic Safety mission.
CHAPTER 8—VTac Vehicular Tactical Network84 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Hardware ComponentsThe VTac-803 is a 4-piece array of hardwarecomponents consisting of:• An M-803 Full Duplex Trunk Mounted MobileRadio Unit (MRU), also known in thisconfiguration as the VTac Mobile;• A VTac Base Unit. This component brings thecommunications interface and transceiverfunctionalities of an OpenSky Base Station DCXto the trunk of a patrol car;• An RF combiner;• A CH-103 Control Head located in the passengercompartment of the vehicle controls the threetrunk-mounted components.Additional Control Head units may be locatedelsewhere in larger vehicles for user convenience.VTac Mobile UnitThe VTac Mobile provides the connection between theOpenSky network, operator, mobile data terminal, andthe VTac Base Unit.As a mobile radio, it operates like a standard-installation M-803, providing network communicationsfor a single vehicle through one or more CH-103Control Head Units.In a VTac installation, the VTac Mobile is connected tothe VTac Base Unit by a serial cable that conductsvoice and data between the two components.One-Button ActivationPowering Up the VTac Mobile automatically enablesall the connected hardware components of the VTacarray. Unless they’re needed, though, the RF Combinerand VTac Base Unit stand by in a quiescent state untilcalled on for use.
VTac Vehicular Tactical Network —CHAPTER 8Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 85VTac Base UnitThe VTac Base Unit has the same transceiver anddigital controller components as the OpenSky BaseStation DCX, but in a VTac installation thesecomponents only operate as needed, when enabled bythe subscriber.When Extended Coverage is required, the VTac BaseUnit provides the extended connection between thenetwork and portable radios in the vicinity.When Scene-of-Incident coverage is required, theVTac Base Unit provides communication betweensubscriber devices at the scene.RF CombinerThe RF Combiner provides the VTac Network with theability to create an ad hoc talk group for Scene-of-Incident emergency communications.Extended CoverageThe VTac-803 can be used as a mobile base station toensure that portable radios are connected to thenetwork at all times, in-building, or out.Subscribers with VTac equipment can enable ExtendedCoverage mode before leaving their vehicles to enterbuildings or spotty coverage areas, thereby assuringsignal strength to networked portables.User InteractionExtended Coverage requires subscriber activation.Without interaction the subscriber’s mobile andportable radios are served by the nearest network cell.By selecting Extended Coverage mode, the subscriberactivates the VTac Base Unit as a local cell on theOpenSky network.
CHAPTER 8—VTac Vehicular Tactical Network86 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Scene of IncidentThe VTac-803 can also be a vital link at the scene of anincident, providing a repeater among OpenSky sub-scriber radios, or alternatively, among radios in aMutual Aid network that connects different radio types,whether they subscribe to OpenSky or not.In Scene-of-Incident (SOI) Mode, OpenSky Networkcommunications are sacrificed to enable full emer-gency connectivity between cooperating agencies at thescene. The tradeoff of network isolation providesincreased channel capacity while relieving traffic forother subscribers on the network.In Scene of Incident mode with OpenSky Trunking,VTac supports multiple talk groups. Like a tower sitebase station, it continues to support agency-specifictalk groups while at the same time creating an ad hoctalkgroup for units at the scene.User InteractionScene-of-Incident coverage is not automatic. TheVTac-equipped subscriber will make an on-scenecommand decision to manually activate SOI mode andbecome the local cell for all calls on an ad hocnetwork.In addition, all portable radio users must select SOImode and tune to the VTac frequency to join theemergency network.Public Safety HardenedThe VTac-803 is designed specifically with the PublicSafety user in mind.The case is manufactured with enhanced environmentalhardening making the VTac compliant withMIL-STD-810 for temperature, altitude, solarradiation, rain, humidity, salt, fog, sand, dust, vibration,and shock, ensuring that it will perform under the widerange of public safety environmental conditions.
VTac Vehicular Tactical Network —CHAPTER 8Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 87GPS OptionThe OpenSky VTac-803 can be supplied with anoptional embedded GPS receiver. GPS data can bereported either over-the-air to remote dispatchpositions or to a local terminal connected directly to themobile radio.Additionally the I/O connector provides a serial GPSport which outputs GPS NEMA messages. Reportingcharacteristics can be configured remotely and can beevent driven.GPS functions are transparent to the subscriber andrequire no user interaction.Connectivity InterfaceThe VR-803 supports a variety of interfaces with itsflexible interconnect. The M-803 and VRB connect tothe RF Combiner via the antenna ports located on therear panel.Peripheral SupportThe rear panel also provides interfaces for both analogand digital peripherals.The serial RS-232 port operates in asynchronousASCII mode for configuration and control and switchesto Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) mode for datacommunication between the fixed network and amobile computer or terminal device.
CHAPTER 8—VTac Vehicular Tactical Network88 M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07Figure 27 VTac ConnectorsRear Panel SchematicI/O ConnectorThe I/O connector provides interfaces for an external10 Watt speaker and duplexer support. Additionally,the I/O connector provides access to a GPS serial portwhich outputs NEMA messages.Power SupplyThe power supply interface is designed to power theVR-803 from the vehicle car battery.CAN Peripheral BusThe rear panel also provides access to an industrystandard 1 Mbit Controller Area Network (CAN) 2.0Bbus for reconfigurability and peripheral support.This allows the VR-803 to be controlled by up to fiveControl Head (CH-103) units and connect with publicaddress and other CAN peripherals.
VTac Vehicular Tactical Network —CHAPTER 8Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual 89The CAN bus enables modularity and upgradeable fornew applications. The maximum length of the CANbus is 40 meters.
Software Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual I-iiIndexes and TablesIndex(OTP) OpenSky TrunkedProtocol, 9, 22, 3725kHz RF channel, 7active profile, 34, 39, 40, 41, 42,45Active Profile, 34, 39, 41, 42, 45active scan modecheck or change, 49ad hoc work group, 17addressability, 2ambient light sensor, 21, 22analog equipment, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9,10, 12, 18, 20, 23, 37, 39, 66analog radios, 2, 8analog voice waves, 4analog, compare to digital, 18APCO Project 25 Common AirInterface, 8, 9, 22, 37APCO Project 25 Phase 1, 8, 9,22, 37ASCII, 23asynchronous ASCII, 23audible side tones, 34, 52base station, 3, 6, 7BISTError Code, 59block out non-emergency voicecalls, 44Booting messagemode change, 38brightnessselect setting, 53Brightness Menu, 53, 54brightness selection, 53, 54brightness setting, 34, 53Built-in Self-Test, 58, 59busy signal, 62
Index and Tablesiv M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07call in queue, 62Caller, current, 27, 35CAN peripheral, 23CAN port, 23CH-103 Control Head Unit, 23,24channelchange, 51select, 51Channel Menu, 34, 51, 75, 76, 77,79communication protocols, 6, 9,25, 37connectivity, universal, 37Control Area Network, 23, 24Control Area Network (CAN) 2.0Bus, 23, 24Control Head Unit (CHU), 20conventional FM, 2, 3, 7, 12, 13,14, 16, 37, 67, 68conventional radio mode, 31coverage area, 4, 6, 7, 38, 67, 68coverage mode, 38Coverage Mode, 5, 6, 34, 38CTCSS analog FM, 8, 37Current Profile, 14dash-mounted, 3, 21diagnostic self-test (BIST), 58, 59digital trunking, 7, 9digital voice and data, 2, 3, 7, 37digital, compare to analog, 18display screen, 8, 16, 25, 26, 34,35, 36, 43, 45, 46, 54, 61Display Screen functions, 28, 33,34duplexer, 6Dwell Display, 14, 25, 27, 28, 29,30, 34, 35, 36, 40, 41, 42, 43,46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 56,58, 59, 60, 61, 67Dwell Display hierarchy, 28Dwell Display Menu, 25, 27, 30,35Dwell Display, Caller, 29Dwell Display, Channel, 30Dwell Display, Profile, 28Dwell Display, ReceivedTalkgroup, 29dynamic regrouping, 22, 37, 66dynamic voice group assignment,7emergencycalls and alerts, 63send alert in an, 63emergency alert, 22, 64emergency button, 21, 64emergency calls, 7, 10pre-emptive, 10emergency communications, 63emergency profile, 67emergency talkgroup, 64enable/disable side tones, 52encrypted, 3encryption, 7optional, 7end of message tone, 62end-to-end digital voice and data,3Error Code, 59field programmable, 9FMconventional, 8, 9, 18, 22FM, conventional, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 22, 37, 67,68Full Duplex, 24GPS NEMA, 24GPS tracking device, 8hands-free speaker, 21, 22hardware connections, 23I/O connector, 23identity code, 8, 12, 16incoming voice calls, respondingto, 41, 66integrated voice and data, 2, 3IP address, 3, 12, 16
Index and TablesSoftware Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual vIP backbone, 37IP protocol, 3, 4IP-backbone digital network, 13,14key-entry device, 4keypad navigation, 34laptop PC, 4legacy equipment, 2, 6, 18light sensor, 21, 22Listen Group, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17,39, 40, 41, 44, 48, 49, 50, 61,63listen-only, 14, 15lock outduration of lockouts, 48limitations, 45locked-out groups, 48unlock, 46lock out talkgroup, 44Lock Out Talkgroup, 17, 44, 45,46, 47, 48Lockout Menureceived calls, 45Log-on, 9Log-On, 57, 58, 66Menu and Selector Keypad, 34Menu Display, 25menu headings, 35menu operationskeypad-accessible, 34user-selectable, 34menu option, 36, 39, 41, 42, 44,47, 50, 52, 53, 54menu selection, 25, 26, 27Menu/Select procedure, 26message receive, 26message send, 26Mic/Speaker, 22mobile computer, 4, 21, 23Mobile Data Terminal, 4, 6Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), 4Mobile Radio Unit, 20, 58modeoperational, 34, 36mode change, duration of, 38Mode Menu, 31, 38, 39, 49, 50,68Mode Selection Menu, 9, 37Mode Selector, 21, 22mode, operational, 34, 36multi-agency, 5, 37multi-mode functionality, 8network administrator, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 18, 28, 39, 49, 63, 66network organization, 11, 20No Access, 30, 31, 68No Scan, 34, 44, 48, 49, 50select mode, 48No Scan Mode, 34, 44, 48, 49, 50non-emergency voice, 44nonfatal failureBIST, 59nonfatal failure (BIST), 59Normal Mode, 34, 50Normal Scanselect mode, 34, 49, 50off-network modes, 5, 7, 31, 38,57, 67OpenSky Conventional FM, 9, 37OpenSky network, 2, 3, 10, 14,30, 37, 57, 61, 66, 68OpenSky protocols, 25OpenSky Trunked Mode, 9, 34,37OpenSky Trunked Protocol, 9, 37operational mode, 34, 36OTPOpenSky Trunked Protocol, 9,37over-the-air download, 37Over-the-Air Download Mode,34, 37peripheral interface, 6, 20, 21personality, 12, 16, 17, 20, 39,40, 43, 48, 56, 57, 58, 60, 66.See Radio Personality
Index and Tablesvi M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07dynamically regrouped, 67fine-tuning your radio, 66personality upgrade, 37Power Button/Speaker VolumeDial, 21Power Button/Volume Dial, 56,57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62Power Down, 22, 28, 38, 50, 56,59, 60, 69Power Off, 44Power Up, 22, 39, 56, 57, 58, 59,60, 62Pre-emptive emergency calls, 10preset channel menu, 34prioritiesmulti-level, 7prioritizing a talkgroup, 43priority assignmentsduration of, 44priority scan group, 17, 43Priority Scan group, 17priority scanning, 10Priority Talkgroup, 34, 43, 44,45, 48profileactive, 34, 39, 40, 41, 42, 45change active, 40change or check active, 40check active, 40dynamically-regrouped, 67select a, 39set active, 40Profilecurrent, 25, 27, 35Profile Menu, 14, 40, 41, 42Profile, current, 25, 27, 35protocol, 6, 9, 25, 37protocols, 6, 9, 25, 37provisioning, 12, 16, 39, 56, 57,58radio personality, 56, 57, 58regrouping in emergency, 67Push-to-Talk button, 16, 21, 62,63, 64push-to-talk contact, 13, 14, 15radio controls, 20radio personality, 12, 16, 39, 40,43, 48, 56, 57, 58, 66provisioning, 12, 16, 39, 56,57, 58Radio Personality, 16, 17Received Talkgroup, 25, 27, 28,29, 30, 36, 61regrouping, dynamic, 37, 66RF channel, 7RF data, 25roaming and switching,background, 7rolloveranalog-to-digital, 9RS-232 interface, 4scan modechange active, 49change or check active, 49check active, 49duration of selections, 50selecting a, 48Scan Mode Menu, 49, 50scanningpriority, 10Scanning Mode, 34, 44, 50screen displaydefault preference, 27, 35select brightness setting, 53Select button, 22, 35, 36, 38, 39,40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48,50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 67select channel, 51select profile, 39select scan mode, 48select talkgroup, 41Selection Display, 25Selector buttons, 22, 40Self-Test (BIST), 58, 59Serial Line Internet Protocol, 23
Index and TablesSoftware Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual viiset volume, 60Side Tone Menu, 52side tones, 34, 52, 53enable/disable, 52signal reach, 7signal repeater, 6, 7signal strength, 7Signal Strength icon, 25signal strength indicator, 62sign-on, 9SLIP, 23software applications, 8software upgradeable, 9software-configured, 8speakerhands-free, 21, 22speaker box, 21speaker volume, 21, 25, 57, 58,60, 61Speaker Volume Dial/PowerButton, 21Speaker Volume icon, 25startup sequence, 56, 57SWAT team, 14switching station, 7Talk Group, 3, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 39, 48, 49, 63, 64,66talkaround mode, 57, 67, 68talkback calls, 63Talkback Mode, 15, 16, 34, 41,49, 50, 63Talkback Scan, 16, 41, 63select mode, 15, 16, 34, 41,49, 50, 63Talkback Scan Mode, 41Talkback Scanning, 16, 63talkback scanning mode, 63talkback timer, 49, 63talkgroupchange active, 41change or check, 41check active, 41select a, 41set active, 41Talkgrouplockout, 44prioritizing, 43Talkgroup Lockout, 34Talkgroup Menu, 26, 42, 44talkgroup, ad hoc in emergencies,66TCP / IP, 2TCP / IP Backbone, 2TDMA technology, 7transmit talkgroup, 25, 27, 28, 29,30, 35, 36, 41Transmit Talkgroup, 25, 27, 28,29, 30, 35, 36, 41troubleshooting, 68trunked mode, 27, 35Trunked ProtocolOTP, 9, 37trunking, 7, 9trunk-mounted, 3, 5, 6, 23UDP/IP protocol, 4unit-to-unit communications, 7,67unlock listen group, 46User Group, 12, 13, 16User ID, 10, 28, 29, 56, 57, 58,59, 61, 62, 66, 67User Profile, 2, 5, 8, 12, 14, 15,17, 20, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44,45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 58, 61, 63,66user protocol, 6, 9, 25, 37vacuum fluorescent, 21, 25, 56,57, 60VFD text, 25voice calls, 61, 63voice group assignmentdynamic, 7voice groupsmultiple, 7
Index and Tablesviii M-803 Operator Manual Software Version OTP 5.07voice-to-voice communications,7, 15volume, 21, 25, 57, 58, 60, 61set volume, 60Volume Dial/Power Button, 56,57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62volume icon, 25, 26volume indicator, 25VTac Vehicular TacticalNetwork, 5, 6, 67, 83World Wide Web, 3
Index and TablesSoftware Version OTP 5.07 M-803 Operator Manual iiiTable of FiguresFigure 1 User Group ................................................................................... 13Figure 2 User Profile................................................................................... 15Figure 3 Radio Personality.......................................................................... 17Figure 4 Front Panel Components...............................................................21Figure 5 Rear Panel Components................................................................ 24Figure 6 Display Panel Elements................................................................ 26Figure 7 Dwell Display Hierarchy.............................................................. 28Figure 8 Dwell Display—Profile ................................................................ 29Figure 9 Dwell Display—Caller .................................................................29Figure 10 Dwell Display—Received Talkgroup......................................... 30Figure 11 Dwell Display—Channel............................................................ 30Figure 12 Display Screen—No Access....................................................... 31Figure 13 Dwell Display Selection .............................................................36Figure 14 Operational Mode Menu............................................................. 39Figure 15 Profile Selection Menu ............................................................... 41Figure 16 Talkgroup Selection Menu..........................................................42Figure 17 Priority Talkgroup Menu............................................................ 44Figure 18 Lock Out Menu........................................................................... 47Figure 19 Scan Mode Menu........................................................................ 50Figure 20 Channel Change Menu ............................................................... 51Figure 21 Side Tones Menu........................................................................ 53Figure 22 Brightness Selection Menu......................................................... 54Figure 23 Dash-Mount Mobile.................................................................... 73Figure 24 Dash-Mount with Control Heads................................................ 75Figure 25 Trunk-Mount Mobile.................................................................. 76Figure 26 VTac Vehicular Tactical Network.............................................. 78Figure 27 VTac Connectors........................................................................ 88

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