Futurecom Systems Group ULC CMDVHF CMDVHF User Manual CMDVHF MANUAL

Futurecom Systems Group ULC. CMDVHF CMDVHF MANUAL

Users Manual

8M074X02-01 Rev.0 User’s Manual8M074X02-01REV. 0CMDVHF
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 x TABLE OF CONTENTS Page FCC / IC Compliance Statements.............................................................................xi1.0 Safety Information ........................................................................................................12.0 General Radio Procedures Operating.....................................................................33.0 Specification ..................................................................................................................44.0 Introduction....................................................................................................................55.0 Main Features ................................................................................................................66.0 Block Diagram and Description................................................................................7 6.1 Transceiver.............................................................................................................7 6.2 Power Amplifier .....................................................................................................8 6.3 Controller Board.....................................................................................................87.0 Set Up ..............................................................................................................................9 7.1 Programming Software Installation......................................................................9 7.2 Channel Module Connections ..............................................................................9 7.3 Mode of Operation Setting ...................................................................................10 7.4 Basics of Gain Setting ..........................................................................................11 7.5 Downlink Gain Setting...........................................................................................11 7.6 Uplink Gain Setting................................................................................................128.0 Operation ........................................................................................................................14 8.1 General...................................................................................................................14 8.2 Transmit Disable....................................................................................................14 8.3 Reset.......................................................................................................................159.0 Cleaning..........................................................................................................................16
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 xi FCC Class A Digital Device or Peripheral - Information to UserÜÜNOTEThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protectionagainst harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Thisequipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used inaccordance with the instruction manual, can cause harmful interference to radio communications.Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case theuser will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.ÜÜ WARNINGChanges or Modifications not expressly approved by Futurecom Systems Group Inc. could void theuser’s authority to operate the equipment.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 1 1.0 SAFETY INFORMATION The following information may or may not be applicable to your product. In any case, precautions should always be taken when handling any electrical product.• This manual contains important safety and operating instructions, therefore keep this manual alwayson hand! • Prior to using any product, follow all warning, safety and operating instructions written on theproduct and in the user’s manual. All instructions should be saved for reference in the future! • Always keep product dry, never expose to any kind of moisture. • Do Not expose product to extreme temperatures- as found near a hot radiator or stove. • Do Not expose product to open flames, cigarettes, etc. • Precautions should be taken to avoid objects falling or liquids spilling onto product. • Do Not incorporate the use of other equipment that is not recommended or sold by themanufacturer. The result may be the risk of fire or electric shock injury. • Connect DC power cord to DC power source as marked on the product.. • DANGER - Never alter the AC cord or plug! If plug does not fit outlet have a qualified electricianinstall a proper outlet. Failure to do so results in improper connection and increases the risk ofelectric shock. • This product does not contain customer serviceable components, therefore never disassemble theproduct. • Damage Requiring Service - This product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the product; or C. The product has been exposed to rain or moisture; or D. The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change of performance; or E. The product has been dropped, or the cabinet damaged. • If an outdoor antenna is connected, make sure the system is always grounded to allow forprotection against voltage surge and built-up static charges. Outdoor antennas should always belocated away from power lines.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 2 The operator of any mobile radio should be aware of certain hazards common to the operationof vehicular radio transmissions.A list of possible hazards follows:1. Explosive AtmospheresTo ensure safety, make sure that the radio is off while fueling the vehicle. When the radio ismounted in the back of the trunk, never have containers of fuel in the trunk of the vehicle..2. Interference to Vehicular Electronics SystemsTypical types of electronic devices that malfunction are -Electronic fuel injection systems, electronicanti-skid braking systems, etc., The reason for this is due to the lack of protection from radio fre-quency energy present when transmitting. If the vehicle contains such equipment, consult the dealerof your vehicle and enlist his aid in determining if such electronic circuits perform normally when theradio is transmitting.3. Dynamite Blasting CapsDynamite blasting caps may be caused to explode by operating a radio within 500 feet of theblasting caps. Always obey the "Turn Off Two Way Radios" signs posted where dynamite isbeing used. When transporting blasting caps in your vehicle:a.Carry the blasting caps in a closed metal box with a soft lining.b.Leave the radio OFF whenever the blasting caps are being put into or removed from thevehicle.4. Radio Frequency EnergyDo not operate the transmitter when a person is outside of the vehicle within two feet of theantenna! Failure to heed this warning may result in burns or related physical injury to the person.5. Liquefied (LP) Gas Powered VehiclesMobile radio installations in vehicles powered by liquefied petroleum gas with the LP gas containerin the trunk or other sealed-off space within the interior of the vehicle must conform to the NationalFire Protection Association standard (NFPA) 58 requiring that:a. The space containing the radio equipment shall be isolated by a seal from the space containingthe LP gas container and its fittings.b. Outside filling connections shall be used for the LP gas container.c. The LP gas container shall be vented to the outside of the vehicle.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 3 2.0 GENERAL RADIO OPERATING PROCEDURESIndustry Canada (IC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). rules and regulationsmust be incorporated in the use of radio systems. Familiarity with these rules by the operator is essentialfor proper execution of the type of radio operation that is in question. Following these rules helps toeliminate confusion, assures the most efficient use of existing radio channels, and results in a smoothlyfunctioning radio network. When using this unit remember these rules:1. Emergency calls always have priority over all messages! To interrupt any distress or emergencymessage is a violation of the IC and FCC rules. When operating the radio make sure that the line isclear before sending messages. KEEP OFF THE AIR when an emergency message is being sentthrough.2. Use of profane or obscene language is prohibited by Federal law.3. Sending false call letters, false distress or emergency messages is against the law.4. IC and FCC demand that conversations are kept brief and content limited only to business. Codedmessages are encouraged in order to save time.5. Only messages that are essential for the business operations are allowed to be sent. Otherwiseusing the radio to send personal messages is a direct violation of the IC and FCC rules.6. Conversations between others sharing a channel is regarded as confidential. Repeating anythingoverheard on the radio is against Federal Law.7. The IC and FCC requires the operator to transmit station identification at certain times by means ofcall letters. Refer to the IC and FCC rules for your station's particular type of operation for theproper procedure.8. No changes or adjustments shall be made to the equipment except by an authorized or certifiedelectronics technician.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 4 3.0 SPECIFICATIONSElectrical Specifications CMDVHFFrequency of Operation 136 - 174 MHzSensitivity -120 dBmInput Carrier Detection Threshold -120 to -50 dBmCarrier Detection Threshold AdjustmentStep.3 dBmCarrier Detection Attack Time < 2 msMaximum Gain Range ( On Channel )70 to 165 dB70 to 150 dBAGC Range 70 dBAGC Attack Time < 1 msAGC Decay Time < 1 msOutput Power 1 W to 35 WOutput Power Tolerance -0 dB, +1 dBDuty Cycle 100%Output Frequency Stability Tracks Input Signal Frequency or 1.5 ppmPassband Frequency Stability (InternalTCXO)+/- 1.0 ppmModulation Types Narrowband FM Voice and DataBandwidth Application SpecificSelectivity > 75 dBReceiver Spurious Response Rejection > 75 dBReceiver Intermodulation > 70 dBReceiver Conducted Spurious Emissions < -57 dBmTransmitter Conducted Spurious Emissions < -20 dBm and < -65 dBcTransmitter FM Hum and Noise > 43 dBInput Impedance 50 OhmsOutput Impedance 50 OhmsInput VSWR < 1.5:1Output VSWR < 1.5:1Power Supply Voltage 27.6 VDC +10% / -15%Power Supply Current Drain Standby Transmit<0.5 A DC<3.7 A DCMechanical Programming Alarms/MonitoringRF Connectors SMA Receptacles Frequency of Operation üPower üEnvironmental 90% humidity @50 °C ( 122°F )Output Power üVSWR üOperatingTemperatureRange-30 to +60°C(-22 to +140°F)Carrier Detection Threshold üTemperature üDimensions( W/Oconnectors262 x 76 x 225 mm( 10.3” x 3” x 8.9” )Carrier Detection Time-out üSynt. Lock ü
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 5 and handles )Weight 3.95 kg (8.7 lb) Gain üDCS/CTCSS ü4.0 INTRODUCTIONThis manual describes the Futurecom Channel Module (CMDVHF). The Channel Module is asynthesized, microprocessor-based, high performance radio unit. It is designed to increase thecoverage area of an existing radio site by receiving and re-broadcasting from host to user (downlink),and from user to host (uplink).The operation of the Channel Module is fully transparent to the user of the host radio system. TheChannel Module can be monitored and controlled remotely via digital communication with the remotesystem controller or Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD). This provides high level of radio systemreliability.The exact operation of the Channel Module depends on the operating mode. Most featuresdescribed in this manual may be enabled or disabled through programming. The features of the ChannelModule are always selected to suit the particular radio system that it is extending.The Channel Module can be programmed and controlled via the connector in the front panel froma laptop computer with installed Futurecom CMDVHF proprietary software .The unit has six indicators on the front panel, showing the current operating mode. Theprogramming software can be also used to display the current status of the device, and measured valuescharacterizing the received and transmitted signals.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 6 5.0 MAIN FEATURESThe Channel Module is a fully software configurable, synthesized, narrow band device, with 35 Wattoutput power capability. Its purpose is to receive a single RF channel, amplify and filter the channelsignal and re-transmit it.The Transceiver (TS) stage receives a single channel off air using double heterodyne principle anddownconverts the signal to an Intermediate Frequency . The Intermediate Frequency processingperforms most of the signal filtering required for a given frequency band and channel spacing. Therigorous filtering allows only the desired signal (channel) to pass and to be amplified assuring that allundesired signals on other frequencies are not transmitted. The filtered signal is upconverted to theoutput frequency and amplified by the Power Amplifier (PA). The PA has driver and final power stagesfully redundand, with automatic switch-over in the case of detected malfunction.The personality of the unit can be programmed directly from a personal computer via front panel serialport. The Channel Module software resides in Flash memory and can be upgraded serially withoutopening and retesting the unit. Software upgrade/change can be performed remotely in the same way aspersonality change.The chassis of the Channel Module is made of machined aluminum. The rugged construction of the unitminimizes microphonics effects and internal feedback. The unit housing is in standard double Eurocardformat. The installation of the Channel Module is performed by simply plugging it into a 19” rack-mounted Futurecom 7V055X01 or 7V055X02 card cage, and connecting RF input and output cablesto front panel SMA connectors.The Channel Module is capable of operating in two different modes. In the typical Repeater mode, theChannel Module transmits on a frequency which is different from the receive frequency. The maximumachievable gain in this mode is 165 dB. The On Channel Repeater transmits on the receive frequencymaking the Channel Module transparent to the user. The maximum achievable gain in the OCR mode is150 dB.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 7 The programming software allows to display on the computer screen the measured values of receivedsignal power level, actual transmitted power level, VSWR on the Tx output port, and the internaltemperature of the unit.6.0 BLOCK DIAGRAM AND DESCRIPTIONThe block diagram of the Channel Module is shown in 8D074A17 drawing. The Channel Moduleconsists of the following blocks: Transceiver, Power Amplifier and Controller module.6. 1 TRANSCEIVERTransceiver starts with a band-pass filter that filters out of band unwanted frequencies. It is followed bya low noise amplifier, which can be switched in/out of the signal path under software control. Asoftware-controlled 30 dB attenuator is next. It is used to control input sensitivity and to lowerintermodulation products for stronger input signals. (Procedure to set up this attenuator can be found inthe following section).The next two stages consist of a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO), mixer, band-pass filter and anamplifier. These two stages implement double heterodyne down conversion to Intermediate Frequencyof 450 kHz. Voltage Controlled Oscillator frequencies are based on a single TemperatureCompensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO).Proper selectivity of the Channel Module is achieved by the Intermediate Frequency stage. Theselectivity is assured by the input filter together with other filters in this stage. The IF signal is also usedto produce baseband audio signal and provides Received Signal Strength (RSSI) indication.The rest of the Transceiver section is mainly an up-conversion circuitry with associated filters. Anadditional Voltage Controlled Oscillator can be switched into the last mixer. This VCO can bemodulated with audio modulation. It can add a programmable subaudible controlling tone.The output from the Transceiver section is the signal on final output frequency.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 8 6.2 POWER AMPLIFIERThe Power Amplifier is capable of delivering up to 35 W output. A band-pass filter filters out of bandunwanted signals. The driver and the power amplifier provide the required output power. The outputpower level is set under software control. The real output power is measured and compared with thedesired output power level. An Automatic Level Control Loop adjusts the real output power to beprecisely equal to the preset level.An output low-pass filter assures that no unwanted higher harmonics are present on the output of theChannel Module.The reflected power is monitored and the output power is reduced when the reflected power increases.The driver stage and final power amplifier stages are fully redundant. Internal monitoring system canswitch between the main and redundant paths if the detected conditions might indicate abnormalconditions in the PA stages.6.4 CONTROLLER BOARDThe Controller Board controls the operation of the Channel Module. It contains the microcontrollerwith Flash program and EEPROM personality storage. Communication with the outside world isfacilitated with two RS-232, RS-485 and I2C serial links. One RS-232 port is accessible via 8-pin miniDIN connector on the front panel. Eight digital Input/Output lines are provided for output and outsideevent monitoring (e.g. room or cabinet door opening). Six analog inputs and four analog outputs areprovided as well.The Controller Board contains DTMF encoder and low-speed data encoder and decoder.The front panel reset (RESET) and Transmit Disable (TX DIS) inputs are monitored. These two inputsare accessed via two front panel holes with a round tool 2.5mm (0.1”) in diameter. Finally, the frontpanel indicators are controlled by the Controller Board. These are: Tx disable (TX DIS), DC Supply Power (DC ON), Transmitter On (TX ON), Receive Signal Detected (RX ON), Output power fault (PWR), Output VSWR fault (VSWR).
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 9 7.0 SET UP7.1 PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE INSTALLATIONFuturecom 6A074X01 Programming Software must be installed on a personal computer which will beused for the Channel Module field system installation. The personal computer must run under MS-DOSoperating system. Software must be installed only once before the first Channel Module installation.The following steps must be performed for the Futurecom Channel Module Programming Softwareinstallation:1. Select the hard disk drive where software will reside, e.g. drive C: Determine 3.5 inch floppydiskette on your personal computer, e.g. A:. 2. Switch to root directory by typing CD\<Enter>. 3. Create FUTURCOM subdirectory by typing MD FUTURCOM<Enter>. 4. Switch to FUTURCOM directory by typing CD FUTURCOM<Enter>. 5. Insert the Futurecom Channel Module Programming Software disk into proper floppy drive,e.g. drive A. Type COPY A:*.*<Enter>. This step copies software into this directory.7.2 CHANNEL MODULE CONNECTIONSThe Channel Module must be set up in the following way before field system installation:1. The Channel Module must be plugged into the Futurecom subrack and supplied with properDC power supply for all set up procedures. 2. Connect the Uplink and Downlink antennas to the Uplink and Downlink Antenna Ports. 3. Turn on the DC power supply.7.3 MODE OF OPERATION SETTINGThe procedure to set up the mode of operation for the Channel Module is as follows:
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 10 1. Make sure that the Futurecom Channel Module Programming Software is installed asdescribed earlier. 2. Connect the Channel Module as described in Channel Module Connections section andpower it up. It is recommended that the donor site transmitter is disabled during ChannelModule settings! 3. Connect the personal computer to the Channel Module front panel RS-232 connector withFuturecom CM Serial Programming Cable, part number 7W038X61-01. 4. Select the hard disk drive where the programming software is located. To select e.g. drive Ctype C: <Enter>. Switch to FUTURCOM directory by typing CD \FUTURCOM <Enter>. 5. Start the Channel Module Programming Software by typing CMD <Enter>. 6. Select “Options” field and then select “RS-232” using cursor keys. Press <Enter>. Usingcursor keys and <Page Up>, >Page Down> and numeric keypad <->, <+> select thefollowing settings:Access to unit DirectBaud Rate 9600 b/sData Bits 8Stop Bits 1Parity NoneComm. Port Com-1 or Com-2 depending on the personal computerBaud rate scanning disablePress <Esc>. With cursor keys select Yes as an answer to Would you like to updateconfig. file. Press <Enter>.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 11 7.4 BASICS OF GAIN SETTINGThe following Steps set the output power and gains in the Channel Module. (Note that setup must beperformed for both the Downlink and the Uplink.)The basic rule for setting the gain can be summarized as follows:For OCR Mode (Receiver Frequency equals Transmit Frequency):The total gain of the Channel Module must always be less than isolation between receive andtransmit antennas and cables. A 10dB minimum margin is recommended.For non-OCR Mode (Receiver Frequency is different from Transmit frequency):The total gain of the Channel Module must always be less thanANTENNA ISOLATION + SPURIOUS LEVEL - 10dBwhereANTENNA ISOLATION = isolation between receive and transmit antennas andcables.SPURIOUS LEVEL = the difference between transmit output power andspurious of Tx signal on Rx frequency. This difference is typically 75dB. Frequency Tx Power Tx Rx SPUR LEVEL (75 dB Typ.) The normal setting is such that the gain is lower than the isolation by a 10 dB margin. A larger marginaccounts for environmental, ageing and other changes in the system.If this basic rule is not followed, the Channel Module may become permanently locked in keyed-upmode after first activation of the CMDVHF transmitter.7.5 DOWNLINK GAIN SETTINGDownlink is the direction from the Channel module to a radio unit. The downlink settings are optimizedfor a maximum transmit power from the Channel Module. Note that the antennas must be connectedfor this procedure.1. Select “Module Setup” field and then select “Setup” using cursor keys. Press <Enter>.Wait for all the fields to be updated. Movement around the screen is done using cursor keys.Modification of values in different fields is done with <Page Up>, >Page Down> or numerickeypad <->, <+> keys. All fields starting with ”?” show measured values.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 12 2. Set the frequency of operation in “Receiver Frequency” field and “TransmitterFrequency” fields to be equal to the Channel Module downlink transmit frequency.Frequencies can be entered by typing the value in MHz in the given field and pressing<Enter>. 3. Set desired output power in “Tx Pwr Pot”. 4. Make sure that the donor site is not transmitting! 5. Key up the Channel Module by setting “PTT” ON. 6. Read “own” “?RSSI”. The difference between “Tx PWR Pot” and “own” “?RSSI” is theAntenna Isolation. 7. Unkey the Channel Module by setting “PTT” OFF. 8. Key up the donor site. 9. Read “donor” “?RSSI”.If the “donor” “?RSSI” is smaller (i.e. lower RF level) than the “own” “?RSSI”, the desiredgain cannot be realized and the output power must be lowered. All the above steps must berepeated for the new output power setting until the “own” “?RSSI” is ~12 dB smaller thanthe “donor” “?RSSI”.If the “donor” “?RSSI” is larger than the “own” “?RSSI”, the Channel Module can be setup. Set “RSSI CAS Th” at least 6dB below “donor” “?RSSI” level and at least 6dB higherthan “own” “?RSSI” level.7.6 UPLINK GAIN SETTINGUplink is the direction from the Channel Module to the donor base. The uplink settings are optimizedfor a maximum sensitivity - i.e. Front End attenuator should be set to a minimum setting.12. Set the frequencies of operation in “Receiver Frequency” and “Transmitter Frequency”fields to be equal to donor receive frequency. Frequencies can be entered by typing the valuein MHz in the given field and pressing <Enter>. 13. Set desired output power in “Tx Pwr Pot”. 14. Key up the Channel Module by setting “PTT” ON.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 13 15. Read “own” “?RSSI”. The difference between “Tx Pwr Pot” and “own” “?RSSI” is theAntenna Isolation. 16. Unkey the Channel Module by setting “PTT” OFF. 17. Set “RSSI CAS Threshold” at least 6dB higher than “own” “?RSSI” level. The “RSSI CASThreshold” level should be as low as possible for maximum sensitivity. 18. Set correct frequencies of operation in the “Receiver Frequency” and “TransmitterFrequency” fields. 19. Exit “Block Diagram Menu” by pressing <Esc>. With cursor keys select Yes as an answerto Exit from CM setup?. Press <Enter>. With cursor keys select Yes as an answer toWould you like to update the E2PROM?. Press <Enter>. 20. Select “File” field and then select “Exit” using cursor keys. Press <Enter>. With cursorkeys select Yes as an answer to Exit from program. Press <Enter>.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 14 8.0 OPERATION8.1 GENERALThe Channel Module does not require any supervision once it is installed and set up. The status of theunit is indicated by Front Panel Indicators:• TX DIS Indicator is a dual function indicator.• TX DIS Indicator is on when transmit is disabled as described later.• TX DIS Indicator is flashing when one of the synthesizers is out of lock (likely due to theChannel Module not being properly programmed). • DC ON Indicator is a dual function indicator too.• DC ON Indicator is on when the Channel Module is supplied by DC powersupply.• DC ON Indicator flashes shortly when a valid polling serial message is receivedfrom a controller. • TX ON Indicator is on when the Channel Module is transmitting. • RX ON Indicator is on when the RF input signal is above the programmed “Rx Levelthreshold comparator” level. • PWR Indicator is a dual function indicator.• PWR Indicator is permanently on when the output RF power is outside of the allowedoutput power tolerance.• PWR Indicator is flashing alternatively with VSWR Indicator when an error is found in thepersonality of the Channel Module.• VSWR Indicator is on when an excessive reflected power is detected on the TxAntenna connector at the instant when the transmitter is turned on.8.2 TRANSMIT DISABLEThe Channel Module transmitter can be disabled by TX DIS switch. TX DIS switch is accessed via thefront panel hole with a round tool 2.5mm (0.1”) in diameter. The first push disables the transmitter, thesecond push enables the transmitter. This function is useful during Channel Module set up and servicing.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 15 8.3 RESETRESET switch is accessed via the front panel hole with a round tool 2.5mm (0.1”) in diameter. RESETswitch is used to reset the Channel Module in an unlikely event of malfunction.ÜÜ WARNINGDo not apply excessive force on the TX DIS and RESET switches as to not cause damage!
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 16 9.0 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONSNever use an abrasive or a petroleum based solvent cleaner on equipment. The unit can be cleanedusing a mild liquid detergent and water or a soft cloth with furniture polish.
8M074X02-01 Rev.0 17

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