HARRIS M7200 M7200 700/800 MHz Mobile Radio User Manual manual 1

Harris Corporation M7200 700/800 MHz Mobile Radio manual 1

manual 1

Operator’s Manual MM23016 Sep-05 M7200 Series Digital Mobile Radio
MANUAL REVISION HISTORY REVISION DATE REASON FOR CHANGE - Sep. 2005 Initial Release. M/A-COM Technical Publications would particularly appreciate feedback on any errors found in this document and suggestions on how the document could be improved. Submit your comments and suggestions to: Wireless Systems Business Unit or fax your comments to: (434) 455-6851 M/A-COM, Inc. Technical Publications or e-mail us at: techpubs@tycoelectronics.com 221 Jefferson Ridge Parkway Lynchburg, VA 24501 CREDITS This device is made under license under one or more of the following US patents: 4,590,473; 4,636,791; 5,148,482; 5,185,796; 5,271,017; 5,377,229; 4,716,407; 4,972,460; 5,502,767; 5,146,497; 5,164,986; 5,185,795. The voice coding technology embodied in this product is protected by intellectual property rights including patent rights, copyrights, and trade secrets of Digital Voice Systems, Inc. The user of this technology is explicitly prohibited from attempting to decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble the Object Code, or in any other way convert the Object Code into human-readable form. OpenSky is a registered trademark of M/A-COM, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective holders. NOTICE! This manual covers M/A-COM products manufactured and sold by M/A-COM, Inc. Repairs to this equipment should be made only by an authorized service technician or facility designated by the supplier. Any repairs, alterations or substitutions of recommended parts made by the user to this equipment not approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment in addition to the manufacturer's warranty. This manual is published by M/A-COM, Inc., without any warranty. Improvements and changes to this manual necessitated by typographical errors, inaccuracies of current information, or improvements to programs and/or equipment, may be made by M/A-COM, Inc., at any time and without notice. Such changes will be incorporated into new editions of this manual. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose, without the express written permission of M/A-COM, Inc. Copyright© 2005, M/A-COM, Inc. All rights reserved. 2
3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page1 SAFETY SYMBOL CONVENTION.......................................................6 2 RF ENERGY EXPOSURE INFORMATION ........................................7 2.1 RF ENERGY EXPOSURE AWARENESS, CONTROL INFORMATION, AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR FCC OCCUPATIONAL USE REQUIREMENTS .............................7 2.1.1 Federal Communications Commission Regulations...........8 2.2 COMPLIANCE WITH RF EXPOSURE STANDARDS....................8 2.2.1 Mobile Antennas................................................................9 2.2.2 Approved Accessories .....................................................10 2.2.3 Contact Information.........................................................10 3 OPERATION SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS...............................11 3.1 TRANSMITTER HAZARDS ...........................................................11 3.2 SAFE DRIVING RECOMMENDATIONS......................................11 4 OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS.....................................13 4.1 OPERATING TIPS...........................................................................14 5 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................15 5.1 VOICE OPERATION.......................................................................16 5.2 DATA OPERATION ........................................................................16 5.3 REMOTE CONTROL HEAD OPERATION ...................................16 5.4 INTERCOM OPERATION...............................................................17 5.5 PERSONALITY................................................................................17 5.5.1 Profiles.............................................................................17 5.5.2 Talk Groups .....................................................................18 5.6 GPS OPTION....................................................................................18 5.7 FRONT PANEL................................................................................19 5.8 TRANSCEIVER REAR PANEL......................................................20 5.9 CONTROL HEAD REAR PANEL...................................................21 6 OPERATION ..........................................................................................22 6.1 CH-103 FRONT PANEL COMPONENTS ......................................22 6.2 DISPLAY OVERVIEW....................................................................24 6.2.1 Network Connectivity Icon..............................................24 6.2.2 Volume Level Icon ..........................................................24 6.2.3 Display’s Top Line ..........................................................25 6.2.4 Display’s Bottom Line.....................................................25 6.2.5 Dwell Display ..................................................................25 6.2.6 Menu Display and Control Area ......................................28 6.2.7 Dwell Display User-Selectable ........................................28 6.3 BASIC RADIO OPERATION..........................................................29 6.3.1 Turning the Radio On ......................................................29 6.3.2 Self-Test...........................................................................32 6.3.3 “Logging In” to the Network ...........................................32 6.3.4 Logging off the Network..................................................33 6.3.5 Turning the Radio Off......................................................33 6.3.6 Receiving and Transmitting Voice Calls..........................33 6.3.7 Radio Tones.....................................................................34 6.3.8 Adjusting Side Tone Audio Level....................................36 6.3.9 Adjusting Display & Button Backlight Brightness ..........37 6.3.10 Adjusting Speaker/Headset Audio Treble Level..............37 6.3.11 Stealth Mode....................................................................38
4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page6.3.12 Checking or Changing the Active Profile........................38 6.3.13 Checking or Changing the Selected Talk Group..............39 6.4 INTERCOM MODE ......................................................................... 40 6.5 TALK GROUP LOCK OUT.............................................................41 6.5.1 Locking Out a Talk Group............................................... 41 6.5.2 Unlocking a Talk Group .................................................. 42 6.5.3 Caution Regarding Profile Changes................................. 42 6.6 SCAN MODE ...................................................................................43 6.6.1 Checking or Changing Active Scan Mode....................... 43 6.6.2 Changing Priority Talk Group.........................................44 6.7 SELECTIVE CALL..........................................................................44 6.7.1 Making a Selective Call...................................................44 6.7.2 Receiving a Selective Call ............................................... 45 6.7.3 Selective Alert .................................................................45 6.8 TELEPHONE INTERCONNECT CALLS.......................................48 6.9 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS............................................48 6.9.1 Declaring an Emergency Call or Alert.............................49 6.9.2 Clearing an Emergency Call or Alert...............................50 6.9.3 Receiving an Emergency Call..........................................50 6.9.4 Dismissing an Emergency Call........................................51 6.10 DUAL-TONE MULTI-FREQUENCY KEYPAD............................51 6.10.1 Password Entry................................................................53 6.11 ENCRYPTION .................................................................................54 6.11.1 Automatic Encryption......................................................54 6.11.2 Manual Encryption ..........................................................54 6.12 PRESET BUTTONS......................................................................... 56 6.13 DYNAMIC REGROUPING.............................................................56 6.14 GPS COORDINATES ......................................................................56 6.15 ENGINEERING DISPLAY..............................................................57 6.15.1 Voice and Data Registration Codes .................................57 6.15.2 Transceiver Status............................................................57 6.15.3 Receive Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)...................... 59 6.15.4 Control Block Symbol Error Rate (CBSER)....................59 7 BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................ 60 8 WARRANTY .......................................................................................... 62
5 TABLE OF CONTENTS PageFIGURES Figure 5-1: Personality Structure Example........................................................18 Figure 5-2: CH-103/103PA Front Panel............................................................19 Figure 5-3: Transceiver Rear Panel ...................................................................20 Figure 5-4: CH-103 Control Head Rear Panel...................................................21 Figure 6-1: CH-103 Front Panel Components ...................................................22 Figure 6-2: Sample Display (Talk group Menu Session)...................................24 Figure 6-3: Basic Menu Structure......................................................................27 Figure 6-4: Top and Bottom Display Lines.......................................................28 Figure 6-5: Power Button/Volume Dial.............................................................29 Figure 6-6: Dwell Display and Speaker Volume Icon.......................................30 Figure 6-7: Side Tones Menu ............................................................................37 Figure 6-8: Profile Menu ...................................................................................39 Figure 6-9: Talk Group Menu............................................................................40 Figure 6-10: Lock Out Menu.............................................................................42 Figure 6-11: DTMF Microphone Keypad..........................................................52 Figure 6-12: Example Engineering Display.......................................................57 TABLES Table 2-1: Rated Power and Recommended Minimum Safe Lateral Distance....9 Table 5-1: M7200 Series Configurations...........................................................15 Table 6-1: Front Panel Controls and Functions .................................................23 Table 6-2: Display Parts and Functions.............................................................25 Table 6-3: Scan Modes......................................................................................43 Table 6-4: Selective Alert Status Messages.......................................................47 Table 6-5: Voice Registration Codes.................................................................58 Table 6-6: Data Registration Codes...................................................................58 Table 7-1: Basic Troubleshooting......................................................................60
1 SAFETY SYMBOL CONVENTION The following conventions are used throughout this manual to alert the user to general safety precautions that must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this product. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the product. M/A-COM, Inc. assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these standards. WARNING The WARNING symbol calls attention to a procedure, practice, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING symbol until the conditions identified are fully understood or met. CAUTION The CAUTION symbol calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like, which, if not performed correctly or adhered to, could result in damage to the equipment or severely degrade the equipment performance. NOTE The NOTE symbol calls attention to supplemental information, which may improve system performance or clarify a process or procedure. 6
2 RF ENERGY EXPOSURE INFORMATION 2.1 RF ENERGY EXPOSURE AWARENESS, CONTROL INFORMATION, AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR FCC OCCUPATIONAL USE REQUIREMENTS Before using your mobile two-way radio, read this important RF energy awareness and control information and operational instructions to ensure compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guidelines. NOTE This radio is intended for use in occupational/controlled conditions, where users have full knowledge of their exposure and can exercise control over their exposure to meet FCC limits. This radio device is NOT authorized for general population, consumer, or any other use. CAUTION Changes or modifications not expressly approved by M/A-COM, Inc. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This two-way radio uses electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to provide communications between two or more users over a distance. It uses RF energy or radio waves to send and receive calls. RF energy is one form of electromagnetic energy. Other forms include, but are not limited to, electric power, sunlight, and x-rays. RF energy, however, should not be confused with these other forms of electromagnetic energy, which, when used improperly, can cause biological damage. Very high levels of x-rays, for example, can damage tissues and genetic material. Experts in science, engineering, medicine, health, and industry work with organizations to develop standards for exposure to RF energy. These standards provide recommended levels of RF exposure for both workers and the general public. These recommended RF exposure levels include substantial margins of protection. All two-way radios marketed in North America are designed, manufactured, and tested to ensure they meet government established RF exposure levels. In addition, manufacturers also recommend specific operating instructions to users of two-way radios. These instructions are important because they inform users about RF energy exposure and provide simple procedures on how to control it. Please refer to the following websites for more information on what RF energy exposure is and how to control your 7
8 exposure to assure compliance with established RF exposure limits. http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.htmlhttp://www.osha.gov./SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/index.html2.1.1 Federal Communications Commission Regulations Your M/A COM, Inc. M7200 series mobile two-way radio is designed and tested to comply with the FCC RF energy exposure limits for mobile two-way radios before it can be marketed in the United States. When two-way radios are used as a consequence of employment, the FCC requires users to be fully aware of and able to control their exposure to meet occupational requirements. Exposure awareness can be facilitated by the use of a label directing users to specific user awareness information. Your M/A COM, Inc. M7200 series two-way radio has an RF exposure product label. Also, your M7200 series Installation and Operator’s Manuals include information and operating instructions required to control your RF exposure and to satisfy compliance requirements. 2.2 COMPLIANCE WITH RF EXPOSURE STANDARDS Your MA/COM, Inc. M7200 series mobile two-way radio is designed and tested to comply with a number of national and international standards and guidelines (listed below) regarding human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy. This radio complies with the IEEE and ICNIRP exposure limits for occupational/controlled RF exposure environment at duty factors of up to 50% talk-50% listen and is authorized by the FCC for occupational use. In terms of measuring RF energy for compliance with the FCC exposure guidelines, your radio antenna radiates measurable RF energy only while it is transmitting (talking), not when it is receiving (listening) or in standby mode. Your M/A COM, Inc. M7200 series mobile two-way radio complies with the following RF energy exposure standards and guidelines: • United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Code of Federal Regulations; 47 CFR §§ 2 sub-part J. • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95.1-1992. • Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95.1-1999.
CAUTION Table 2-1 lists the recommended minimum lateral distance for a controlled environment and for unaware bystanders in an uncontrolled environment, from transmitting types of antennas (i.e., monopoles over a ground plane, or dipoles) at rated radio power for mobile radios installed in a vehicle. Transmit only when unaware bystanders are at least the uncontrolled recommended minimum lateral distance away from the transmitting antenna. Table 2-1: Rated Power and Recommended Minimum Safe Lateral Distance RECOMMENDED SAFE MINIMUM LATERAL DISTANCE FROM TRANSMITTING ANTENNA MOBILE RADIO FREQUENCY SPLIT ANTENNA P/N RATED POWER OF VEHICLE-INSTALLED MOBILE TWO-WAY RADIO CONTROLLED UNCONTROLLED MAMV-AN3J MAMV-AN3K 760 -870 MHz MAMV-AN3V 15W 32 cm 70cm 2.2.1 Mobile Antennas Install the radio’s antenna (refer to Table 2-1 for applicable antenna part numbers) in the center of the vehicle’s roof. These mobile antenna installation guidelines are limited to metal body motor vehicles or vehicles with appropriate ground planes. The antenna installation should additionally be in accordance with the following. 1. The requirements of the antenna manufacturer/supplier included with the antenna. 2. Instructions in the M7200 Radio Installation Manual, including minimum antenna cable lengths. 3. The installation manual providing specific information of how to install the antennas to facilitate recommended operating distances to all potentially exposed persons. Use only the M/A-COM approved/supplied antenna(s) or approved replacement antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the radio and may violate FCC regulations. 9
10 2.2.2 Approved Accessories This radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF guidelines when used with the M/A-COM accessories supplied or designated for use with this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guidelines, and may violate FCC regulations. For a list of M/A-COM approved accessories refer to the product manuals, M/A-COM’s Products and Services Catalog, or contact M/A-COM at 1-800-368-3277. 2.2.3 Contact Information For additional information on exposure requirements or other information, contact M/A-COM, Inc. at 1-800-528-7711 or at http://www.macom-wireless.com.
3 OPERATION SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 TRANSMITTER HAZARDS WARNING The operator of any mobile radio should be aware of certain hazards common to the operation of vehicular radio transmitters. A list of several possible hazards is given: • Explosive Atmospheres – Just as it is dangerous to fuel a vehicle with the motor running, similar hazards exist when operating a mobile radio. Be sure to turn the radio off while fueling a vehicle. Do not carry containers of fuel in the trunk of a vehicle if the radio is mounted in the trunk. Areas with potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always, clearly marked. Turn OFF your radio when in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere. It is rare, but not impossible that the radio or its accessories could generate sparks. • Interference to Vehicular Electronics Systems – Electronic fuel injection systems, electronic anti-skid braking systems, electronic cruise control systems, etc., are typical electronic systems that can malfunction due to the lack of protection from radio frequency energy present when transmitting. If the vehicle contains such equipment, consult the dealer and enlist their aid in determining the expected performance of electronic circuits when the radio is transmitting. • Electric Blasting Caps – To prevent accidental detonation of electric blasting caps, DO NOT use two-way radios within 1000 feet of blasting operations. Always obey the “Turn off Two-Way Radios” signs posted where electric blasting caps are being used. (OSHA Standard: 1926-900) • Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas Powered Vehicles – Mobile radio installations in vehicles powered by liquefied petroleum gas with the LP gas container in the trunk or other sealed-off space within the interior of the vehicle must conform to the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 58 requiring: ¾ The LP gas container and its fittings. ¾ Outside filling connections shall be used for the LP gas container. ¾ The LP gas container shall be vented to the outside of the vehicle. 3.2 SAFE DRIVING RECOMMENDATIONS (Recommended by AAA) • Read the literature on the safe operation of the radio. 11
12 • Keep both hands on the steering wheel and the microphone in its hanger whenever the vehicle is in motion. • Place calls only when the vehicle is stopped. • When talking from a moving vehicle is unavoidable, drive in the slower lane. Keep conversations brief. • If a conversation requires taking notes or complex thought, stop the vehicle in a safe place and continue the call. • Whenever using a mobile radio, exercise caution.
4 OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS Two-way FM radio systems must be operated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the local, regional, or national government. In the United States, the M7200 Series mobile radio must be operated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As an operator of two-way radio equipment, you must be thoroughly familiar with the rules that apply to your particular type of radio operation. Following these rules helps eliminate confusion, assures the most efficient use of the existing radio channels, and results in a smoothly functioning radio network. When using your two-way radio, remember these rules: • It is a violation of FCC rules to interrupt any distress or emergency message. As your radio operates in much the same way as a telephone “party line,” always listen to make sure that the channel is clear before transmitting. Emergency calls have priority over all other messages. If someone is sending an emergency message – such as reporting a fire or asking for help in an accident – KEEP OFF THE AIR! • The use of profane or obscene language is prohibited by Federal law. • It is against the law to send false call letters or false distress or emergency messages. The FCC requires that you keep conversations brief and confine them to business. To save time, use coded messages whenever possible. • Using your radio to send personal messages (except in an emergency) is a violation of FCC rules. You may send only those messages that are essential for the operation of your business. • It is against Federal law to repeat or otherwise make known anything you overhear on your radio. Conversations between others sharing your channel must be regarded as confidential. • The FCC requires that you identify yourself at certain specific times by means of your call letters. Refer to the rules that apply to your particular type of operation for the proper procedure. • No changes or adjustments shall be made to the equipment except by an authorized or certified electronics technician. NOTE Under U.S. law, operation of an unlicensed radio transmitter within the jurisdiction of the United States may be punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to two (2) years, or both. 13
14 4.1 OPERATING TIPS The following conditions tend to reduce the effective range of two-way radios and should be avoided whenever possible: • Operating the radio in areas of low terrain, or while under power lines or bridges. • Obstructions such as mountains and buildings. • In areas where transmission or reception is poor, some improvement can be obtained by moving a few yards in another direction or moving to a higher elevation.
15 5 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The M7200 series digital mobile radio is a hardware component of the OpenSky® network, an integrated voice and data communications system that delivers end-to-end digital transmissions over a single wireless network to the dash-mounted or trunk-mounted radio receiver. Table 5-1 lists the available configurations of the M7200 mobile radio. This manual covers the M7250 operation. Table 5-1: M7200 Series Configurations MODEL DESCRIPTION M7250 Full Duplex Transceiver with CH-103 Control Head M7270 Full Duplex Transceiver with CH-721 Control Head (Future) The M7250 is intended to operate in a mobile environment, typically a motor vehicle. The radio operates in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) and National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) frequency bands. The M7250 operates full-duplex with 10 W (typical) transmit output power, and half-duplex with 15 W transmit output power. The M7250 is available in four hardware configurations, three of which are further defined for data operation as half- or full-duplex: • Dash mount with built-in control head. Additional remote control heads can be added (half- or full-duplex). • Trunk mount with a single or multiple remote control heads (half- or full-duplex). • Data only – No control head (half- or full-duplex, PC required). The M7250 uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology to allow multiple users to share a single RF channel. In addition, a single RF channel can support simultaneous digital voice and data communications. The M7250 provides integrated voice and data services. Voice operation is provided using a microphone and speaker included in the radio installation kit. For data transfers, the M7250 is constructed with an industry-standard RS-232 interface serial port for connecting an optional laptop PC. A PC, not included with the M7250, provides network connectivity through the standard serial (DTE-type) interface. The M7250 is a “soft” radio. Its functions are determined by the software applications installed.
16 The optional GPS tracking devices embedded in M7250 radios can provide quick and accurate positional information to a connected laptop locally in the vehicle. GPS can also provide positional information over the radio link, if configured to do so. Unlike most dispatch radio systems, however, an active transmission can be pre-empted by a dispatcher or supervisor. This results in the transmitting radio instantly switching to receive the “priority” in-bound call. Normal operation can be resumed once the in-bound call is concluded. 5.1 VOICE OPERATION The voice path operates like a traditional dispatch radio, with a microphone to transmit (push-to-talk) and a speaker to receive. In OpenSky Trunked Protocol (OTP), there is no separate voice and data path – all transmitted information is digital. 5.2 DATA OPERATION Data operation requires the connection of a laptop PC. OpenSky works through standard IP protocols such as UDP/IP. The data path operates similarly to the voice path, with a few differences. All external data information in and out of the radio uses the RS-232 serial port connection. 5.3 REMOTE CONTROL HEAD OPERATION For remote mount installations configured with a CH-103 control head, all normal radio operations and interfaces can be made remotely from the radio unit via the remote control head connected to the radio unit by a single twisted-pair connection that is easy to route through a vehicle. Up to six control units may be attached to a trunk mount radio. Each control head provides a serial access point for data and any one (only one at a time) of these can be connected to a data device such as a personal computer. Where multiple control heads are connected, or where a dash-mount radio is installed with additional remote control heads, several other features are available from each position: • Outgoing voice calls can be initiated. (Any control head can initiate a call but only one can talk at a time. All other connected control heads will hear both sides of the conversation.) • Incoming and outgoing audio can be heard. (Outgoing audio is not broadcast at the source position.) • Independent audio control is available. • Radio settings such as talk group, scan mode etc., can be controlled. (Any connected control head can override the radio settings of other connected control heads.)
17 • Comfort settings, such as volume and display brightness that are applicable to the individual control head can be adjusted and cannot be overridden by other control heads. • An optional intercom function is available between control units. (Audio will be broadcast to ALL connected control heads.) 5.4 INTERCOM OPERATION The intercom option, a licensed option, allows the M7250 radio to pass audio locally between control heads and not over the network. It gives users at multiple control heads connected to the same radio the ability communicate with each other without transmitting over-the-air. When activated, incoming network radio calls are still scanned and broadcast at each control head. 5.5 PERSONALITY As illustrated in Figure 5-1, a personality defines the profiles and talk groups available to the user. It is the structuring of a collection of profiles and privileges established by the OpenSky network administrator to provide the user with a comprehensive set of profiles to communicate effectively with the necessary talk groups or individuals. Personalities are stored on the network and downloaded over-the-air to the radio. This process is called “provisioning.” Provisioning occurs at radio power-up and at user log-in. Each personality can contain up to sixteen (16) profiles and each profile can contain up to sixteen talk groups. 5.5.1 Profiles As stated above, each profile can contain up to sixteen (16) talk groups. A profile also defines the radio’s emergency behavior. All transmissions are made on the selected talk group (displayed on the top line of the dwell display). The user can change the selected talk group to any of the other talk groups within the profile.
TG aTG bTG cTG xTG yTG zTG dTG eTG fTG aTG dTG gTG hTG iTG = Talk Group Profile 1 Profile 2 Profile 3 Figure 5-1: Personality Structure Example 5.5.2 Talk Groups A talk group represents a set of users that regularly need to communicate with one another. There can be any number of authorized users assigned to a talk group. Talk groups are established and organized by the OpenSky network administrator. An OpenSky talk group is similar to a channel within a conventional FM radio system. 5.6 GPS OPTION The radio can be equipped with an optional Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Utilized with a micro-patch antenna, this option allows the user to track his/her coordinates and report these to central dispatch when within range of an OpenSky network. See page 56 for additional information. 18
5.7 CH-103 FRONT PANEL The CH-103 front panel provides the interface for the operator. It includes a 19-character (8 over 11) vacuum fluorescent display, navigation and select buttons for menu navigation, three pre-set buttons, a power button/rotary volume control knob, a microphone connector, and an emergency button. In addition, the front panel contains a light-level sensor that samples ambient light levels for automatic display and button backlight brightness adjustments. In other words, it automatically brightens the display and backlights when higher external light levels exist and it automatically dims the display and backlights during lower external light levels. Figure 5-2: CH-103/103PA Front Panel 19
5.8 TRANSCEIVER REAR PANEL The rear panel of the transceiver is shown in Figure 5-3. It contains most of the radio’s cable connections. The DC power connector accepts vehicle battery power to power the radio and an ignition/accessory control sense input. The I/O connector contains the speaker output connections and optional connections, including NMEA-formatted GPS output data if the optional GPS receiver is installed in the radio. A serial port is provided for connection to a standard serial (DTE-type) device such as a mobile data terminal. An antenna port connection is also available for connecting a GPS antenna if the optional GPS receiver is installed in the radio. If not, a nylon plug is inserted into this hole. Connection to a CAN1 device such as the CH-103 control head is made through the 3-pin CAN connector. NOTE The radio uses a nominal amount of battery power when it is turned off. If the vehicle in which the radio is installed is likely to be left unused for extended periods of time, M/A-COM recommends installing Time-Delay Relay (p/n MAMROS0088) to prevent excessive vehicle battery drain. Finally, the TX/RX mini-UHF connector (half-duplex) provides connection for an RF antenna and the RX port is capped with a nylon plug. For full-duplex radios, the RX port has a TNC connector output and both RF ports and antenna are connected through an RF combiner. Figure 5-3: Transceiver Rear Panel 1 Controller Area Network—a type of digital interface used to transfer control data and digitized voice data between the mobile radio and control head(s) connected to it. 20
5.9 CONTROL HEAD REAR PANEL The rear panel of the CH-103 control head contains the interface connections necessary between the radio and control unit. As shown in Figure 5-4, five connection points are: • POWER - The DC power connector accepts vehicle battery power to power the unit and an ignition/accessory control sense input for on/off control via the vehicles ignition switch/key. • AUDIO – Provides connection to an external speaker. • SERIAL – A serial port is provided to transfer data to and from a mobile data terminal or PC. It is configured as a DTE device. • CAN – The two 3-pin CAN connectors are used to connect the CH-103 (a CAN device) to the M7250 and to other control heads. These two connectors are connected in parallel to allow daisy chaining of additional control heads. A terminator (supplied) must be connected to the unused CAN port of the last control head. Figure 5-4: CH-103 Control Head Rear Panel 21
6 OPERATION 6.1 CH-103 FRONT PANEL COMPONENTS The front panel of the CH-103 control head includes a 19-character 2-line display, menu and select buttons for menu navigation, an emergency button, three pre-set buttons, a power button/rotary volume dial, a microphone connector. See Figure 6-1. Table 6-1 lists all front panel controls and their functions. Figure 6-1: CH-103 Front Panel Components The buttons on the front panel are backlit for operation in a low ambient light level such as nighttime operation. Some buttons also flash to provide feedback of various operating conditions. In addition, the front panel contains a light-level sensor that samples ambient light levels for automatic display and button backlight brightness adjustments. In other words, it automatically brightens the display and backlights when higher external light levels exist and it automatically dims the display and backlights during lower external light levels. 22
23 Table 6-1: Front Panel Controls and Functions PART FUNCTION POWER Button/Volume Dial • Push to turn the radio on2. • Push and hold for approximately one-half (0.5) of a second3 to turn the radio off. • Twist clockwise to increase volume. • Twist counter-clockwise to decrease volume. Mic Connection • Connect hand-held, hands-free, DTMF microphone, speaker-mic, or headset here. EMERGENCY button • Pressing the EMERGENCY button, if enabled through programming, will send an emergency alert and open voice communication on the currently se-lected talk group or the default emergency talk group (depending upon how the system is defined). • To end an emergency call, press and hold the emergency button for approximately four seconds. AMBIENT LIGHT sensor • Radio automatically adjusts the display and button backlight brightness level based on ambient light. Do not block this sensor. MENU and SELECT buttons • Cycle through the menu loop with UP  and DOWN  buttons. • Scroll through selections with LEFT  and RIGHT  buttons. • Press SELECT button to activate the current selection. In some cases, this is not necessary as the last selection will automatically activate after a short period. • The SELECT button flashes green when the radio is receiving and red when the radio is transmitting. DISPLAY area • Menu selections and messages. • Network Connectivity icon (Figure 6-2) • Current Volume Level icon (Figure 6-2) ♦ Volume numeric representation within the display (0 = Muted, 40 = Loudest). • User may select which one of several dwell displays the radio uses. PRE-SET buttons • These buttons are used to store and recall user-selectable parameters such as scan mode, selected profile, selected talk group, and priority talk group. Different parameters can be stored at each of the three different pre-set buttons. 2 The Power Button may be configured to function in different ways or be disabled altogether. Refer to Section 6.3.1 for more detail. 3 The length of time necessary to hold the Power Button is configurable. The default time length is one-half of a second.
6.2 DISPLAY OVERVIEW The display shows the radio status (Table 6-2). Network connectivity and volume icons appear on the right. The volume level is also represented numerically within the display with zero (0 or muted) being the lowest volume level and forty (40) being the highest/loudest level. “Mute” displays when the speaker is muted. The rest of the display consists of two text lines that change in response to user interaction with the menu buttons. A sample display is shown in Figure 6-2. Figure 6-2: Sample Display (Talk group Menu Session) 24 6.2.1 Network Connectivity Icon The illuminated network connectivity icon (refer to Table 6-2) indicates network connectivity has been achieved. This icon will always be illuminated when the powered radio is connected to the “network.” NOTE Transmitting voice communications may be possible even if the Network Connectivity icon is not illuminated. However, reception of voice calls from others and transmitted audio to users on other radio sites is not guaranteed while in this state. 6.2.2 Volume Level Icon As shown in Figure 6-2, the volume level icon indicates the current speaker/headset volume setting. Turn the volume dial to change the setting. NOTE In addition to the volume level icon at the right of the display, volume level is also presented numerically within the display. This numeric representation only appears during, and briefly after, the volume adjustment is made. Two Text Lines Icons Network Connectivity Volume Level
6.2.3 Display’s Top Line The display’s top line of text changes as the and  menu buttons are pressed to scroll through the selections in the active menu. When the dwell display is present, press the and  buttons to scroll through available talk groups. The top line of the display also indicates other information such as the selected talk group, when the dwell display is active, and alert messages. 6.2.4 Display’s Bottom Line The display’s bottom line of text changes as the c and d menu buttons are pressed to scroll through the menus. The menu structure is shown in Figure 6-3 on page 27. The bottom line of the display also indicates other information such as a login prompt, emergency status, and dwell display messages as described in the following section. 6.2.5 Dwell Display When not engaged in menu selection, the 2-line display defaults to the user-defined default display, known as the “dwell display.” The top line indicates the currently selected talk group. The bottom line indicates the currently selected profile, received talk group/caller ID/alias4, or radio channel. To set one of these bottom line options, press the Select button from the dwell display. Table 6-2: Display Parts and Functions COMPONENT FUNCTION Network Connectivity Icon When the network connectivity icon is illuminated, there is a network connection and not illuminated when there is no network connection. VOLUME Icon Shows current speaker volume setting chosen by the user. Note that a momentary numerical representation will also be shown within the display while the volume is being adjusted. TWO TEXT LINES During a menu session, the display’s bottom line responds to  (up arrow) and  (down arrow) buttons. It indicates the current menu. For example, the Talk group Menu is selected in Figure 6-4. The display’s top line responds to the  (left arrow) and (right arrow) buttons. It indicates the options within the current menu. For example, “Police1” is the currently selected talk group in Figure 6-4. 25 4 Alias is a logical ID name such as “J_Smith.” The name corresponds to a user ID such as 003-542-0001. Alias is limited to eight (8) characters.
26 Menu Name Radio Displays (top and bottom lines) Usage Notes To/From Dwell Display (Bottom menu on page 27) ▲ ▼ registration, RF sync and transceiver status codes Engineering Display (Menu may not be avail-able per programming.) bit-error rates and RSSI data Displays radio system connection data. For engineering use. See page 57. ▲ ▼ current latitude and longitude (degrees:-minutes:seconds) GPS Fix “GPS Fix” Radio’s current GPS latitude and longitude position scrolls across top line of the display. Applies to GPS-equipped radios only. See page 56. ▲ ▼ User ID # of user currently logged in User ID “User ID” User’s identification/name scrolls across top line of the display (if programmed). ▲ ▼ Radio’s IP address IP Address “IP Address” Radio’s Internet Protocol (IP) address scrolls across top line of the display. ▲ ▼ station’s call sign Station Identification “Station ID” Station’s identification/name scrolls across top line of the display (if programmed). ▲ ▼ available modes Operating Mode (e.g., OTP, OCF) “Mode Menu” Use ◄ or ► to turn choose an available mode. Press Select and confirm (Y/N) with ◄ or ► and Select again. ▲ ▼ “OFF” Stealth Mode (blanks display when on) “StealthMenu” Use ◄ or ► to turn on. Press any button to turn it off. See page 38. ▲ ▼ “LOW”, “MEDIUM”, “MEDHIGH”, “HIGH” Treble Level “Treble Menu” Use ◄ or ► to choose speaker/headset treble level. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 37. ▲ ▼ “<< >>” Display Brightness “Bright Menu” Use ◄ to dim and ► to brighten backlighting. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 37. ▲ ▼ “OFF”, “LOW”, “MED”, HIGH” Side Tone Level “Side Menu” Use ◄ or ► to choose side tone level. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 36. ▲ ▼ “ON” or “OFF” Intercom “INTERCOM” Use ◄ or ► to turn intercom on and off. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 40. ▲ ▼ selected channel Selected Channel (Menu may not be available per radio programming) “ChannelMenu” Displays the current channel. Press Select to return to dwell display. ▲ ▼ current scan mode Scan Mode “ScnModeMenu” Use ◄ or ► to turn scan on and off. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 43. ▲ ▼
27 Menu Name Radio Displays (top and bottom lines) Usage Notes ▲ ▼ talk group “<” Talk group Lock Out “LockOutMenu” Use ◄ or ► to choose a talk group for locking/unlocking. Press Select to toggle “<” on (locked out) and off. See page 41. ▲ ▼ current priority talk group Priority Talk group “PriTG Menu” Use ◄ or ► to choose new priority talk group. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 44. ▲ ▼ alert received Emergency Dismiss “EmgDismiss” Use ◄ or ► to choose emergency talk group. Press Select to dismiss. See page 51. ▲ ▼ time/sender’s name/ alias/message text Alerts Received “AlertsRecvd” or oldest message “No alerts” or alert message text scrolls in display. Use ◄ to view older messages and ► to view newer messages. See page 47. ▲ ▼ alert received Alert Message “AlertMsg” Use ◄ or ► to choose message for sending/transmitting. See page 45. ▲ ▼ current speed dial # Alert Destination “AlertDest” Use ◄ or ► to choose a speed-dial number. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 45. ▲ ▼ current speed dial # Speed Dial “SpeedDial” Use ◄ or ► to choose a speed-dial number. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 44. ▲ ▼ currently active profile Profile Selection “ProfileMenu” Use ◄ or ► to choose an available profile. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 38. ▲ ▼ selected talk group Talk group Selection “TalkGrpMenu” Use ◄ or ► to choose a talk group in current profile. Press Select to return to dwell display. See page 39. ▲ ▼ Selected talk group Dwell Display (bottom line option) Use ◄ or ► to scroll top line through talk groups. Press Select to change bottom line option. See pages 25 & 28. Use ▲ (up arrow) and ▼ (down arrow) to scroll through menus. Figure 6-3: Basic Menu Structure NOTE Menus will vary depending upon system programming, radio hardware, and optional configurations. See the NOTE on the next page for details.
Figure 6-4: Top and Bottom Display Lines 6.2.6 Menu Display and Control Area Following power-up, the radio display shows the default talk group. Pressing the c and d buttons change the display to the next available menu. Refer to Figure 6-3: Basic Menu Structure. In many cases, the dwell display automatically re-appears after no menu buttons are pressed for a short period of time (between 10 and 30 seconds). For some menus such as the GPS Fix and User ID menus, this does not occur until the user presses a front panel button. When the dwell display is active, it will change dynamically to reflect the current profile, received talk group/caller ID (when available), or channel (when enabled). The radio’s display is highly interactive. It responds in the top and bottom text lines as the user presses the menu buttons (c, d, ◄, ► and Select) to scroll through the menu loop and the entries for each menu. NOTE Although the radio display supports eight (8) characters on the top line, systems currently limit talk group names to seven (7). 6.2.7 Dwell Display User-Selectable The top line of the dwell display for OpenSky trunked mode operation is always the selected talk group for the profile of the particular radio. What appears in the bottom line depends on the choice made as a dwell display option. From dwell display, press Select to change the bottom line display option by cycling through available options. Whatever the preference, the radio will respond dynamically to changes in status, always displaying the current information about the current network connection. The bottom line indicates the currently selected profile, received talk group/caller ID/alias, or radio channel. To set one of these bottom line 28
options, press the Select button from the dwell display. If a menu is not enabled it is not available for display in the bottom line of the dwell display. Figure 6-3 shows the Basic Menu Structure and some options available. Available profiles, talk groups, and channels vary widely from network to network depending on system hardware, and option configuration. NOTE Visible menu items will vary depending on the system, hardware, and option configuration. 6.3 BASIC RADIO OPERATION 6.3.1 Turning the Radio On 1. If set-up to turn the radio on and off, press the Power Button/Volume Dial as indicated in Figure 6-5. The display will illuminate when the radio powers up. However, the Power Button portion of this control can be configured in another way as described in the following NOTE. Figure 6-5: Power Button/Volume Dial 2. Wait for the power-up sequence to complete, which takes approximately ten (10) seconds. During this time, if enabled for auto registration, the radio is provisioned with a customized user personality designed for the user’s specific needs by the OpenSky network administrator. If this personality contains encrypted talk groups or if the user is authorized for, and intends to use, manual encryption, User Login must be performed. This requires a microphone with a DTMF keypad so that the User ID and password can be entered. 29
3. When provisioning is complete, the radio will display the Dwell Display. See Figure 6-6. If User Login is required, the bottom line of the Dwell Display will flash the message “Pls Login.” Figure 6-6: Dwell Display and Speaker Volume Icon 30
31 NOTE Shipped from the factory, the Power Button will need to be pressed a first time. It can then be configured to function in other ways. In most cases, the particular way is established during radio installation. The possibilities are: A. Turn the radio on and off by pressing the button. B. The button is disabled and the radio is turned on and off power with the vehicle’s ignition key/switch. C. The button is disabled and the radio is turned on and off with a panel or dash-mounted switch (e.g., a toggle switch). Radio on/off power control is completely independent of the vehicle’s ignition key/switch. This configuration is not recommended. If the radio is installed in this manner, it should be used with caution, as excessive battery drain can occur if the radio is left on for an extended period when the vehicle’s engine is not running. D. A combination of power button control and ignition key/switch on/off power control (i.e., much like a standard car radio). For example, when the radio is turned off using the power button prior to turning the vehicle off using the ignition switch/key, it will not automatically turn back on when the vehicle is re-started. However, if the radio is left on when the vehicle is turned off, it will turn on and off with the vehicle’s ignition key/switch. Unlike a standard car radio, and for public safety purposes, it is possible to turn the radio on while the vehicle is turned off. E. A setting can be changed to adjust the amount of time it takes for the radio to turn off to help prevent accidental press of the power button from turning the radio off. For example, a setting of two (2) seconds will require the power button be pressed and held for two seconds to turn the radio off. This feature is only available for the on-to-off transition. F. In multiple control head installations, the radio powers up when the first control head is turned on, and it powers down when the last control head is turned off. The radio has a power-off timer that, if enabled, automatically turns the radio (and control heads, if any) off after a period of no use (i.e., lack of button presses, voice or data transmissions, etc.) The timer’s period is pre-programmed by the system or network administration personnel. Incoming voice traffic is not considered; in other words, these calls do not reset the automatic power-off timer.
6.3.2 Self-Test After power-up, the M7250 radio undergoes a multi-function automatic registration procedure. As many as sixteen (16) possible radio profiles are downloaded to the radio from the network in response to the User’s ID. The M7250 mobile radio conducts a diagnostic Built-In Self-Test (BIST). This test is a battery of hardware diagnostic tests on the internal components of the Mobile Radio Unit (MRU). All processor and memory elements, interfaces, connectivity elements, and RF functionality are analyzed for operational integrity. 6.3.3 “Logging In” to the Network Pushing the Power Button/Volume Dial will supply power to the radio (unless configured otherwise as noted in section 6.3.1). Login occurs either automatically (auto registration) if the radio has a valid registration or, if enabled and authorized for encryption (section 6.11), requires the user to enter a User ID and password. If encryption is enabled and authorized on the radio, the user will be prompted to “Pls Login” with the *1 login command, a User ID, and password (DTMF microphone required, see section 6.10). 1. Press *1 (Login command). 2. Enter the full 10-digit User ID. 3. Press the # key. 4. Enter the password. See the following NOTE. • If the radio is configured for alpha-numeric passwords and the password has consecutive duplicate numbers (“MES33” for example), enter # between the consecutive duplicate numbers so the radio will not interpret the entry as a letter (“D” in this example). • If the radio is configured for numeric-only passwords, do not enter # between duplicated numbers. 5. Press the # key twice. The User ID may be remembered from the previous log-in. (Refer to Section 6.3.4 for further details regarding log-off commands.) The password will be established before the radio is put into operation. Contact the local OpenSky network administrator for more information. NOTE If necessary, contact radio system administration personnel for log-in assistance and/or radio-specific log-in instructions. 32
6.3.4 Logging off the Network The *0## command de-registers the radio. Typically, it is automatically performed when correctly powering down the radio (i.e., not just disconnecting the radio from vehicle power). Using this method, the User ID is remembered by the radio so only the password is needed at next log-in. To manually log-off, press *0## on the DTMF microphone’s keypad. If a user is logged in using encryption features, it is necessary to log-off when encryption is no longer required. 6.3.5 Turning the Radio Off To turn the radio off, push and hold the Power Button/Volume Dial for approximately one-half of a second (exact time is configurable). The radio’s display fades to darkness. In a multiple control head installation, turning off the last powered-up control head will also automatically turn off the radio. Several user-selected radio settings (i.e., scan mode, volume, pre-set buttons, and side tone levels) are maintained for the next operational session. At the next radio power-up, maintained settings will automatically restore, along with the network personality settings. In multiple control head installations, settings are maintained for each control head position. NOTE If power is abruptly disconnected from the radio prior to executing the correct turn-off procedure, user-selected radio settings and last-tuned channel information will be lost. This can extend the time required for the radio to register with the network upon the subsequent power-up. 6.3.6 Receiving and Transmitting Voice Calls As soon as the radio completes the startup/log-on/provision/self-test sequence and registers on the OpenSky network, voice calls from talk groups in the active profile will be audible. 6.3.6.1 Receiving a Voice Call No action is required to receive a voice call. The display responds to incoming voice calls as follows: • If the dwell display is set to received talk group/caller ID/alias, the display indicates either the User ID of the incoming caller, if available, or the talk group’s name. If the selected talk group matches the receive talk group, caller ID/alias is displayed. Otherwise, the talk group (name) is displayed. • If the dwell display is not set to received talk group, the display indicates the data appropriate to those displays, but provides no indication as to the identity of the incoming caller. 33
34 Refer to section 6.6 for detailed information on talk group scanning. Refer to section 6.11 for detailed information regarding sending and receiving encrypted calls. 6.3.6.2 Transmitting a Voice Call Transmit a voice call as follows: 1. If not already, turn the radio on. See section 6.3.1 beginning on page 29 if necessary. 2. If required, log-in to the network using a user ID and password. See section 6.3.3 beginning on page 32 as necessary. 3. Select the desired talk group for transmitting on. 4. Depress and hold the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button on the hand-held microphone, pause for a moment, and then speak normally. For maximum clarity, hold the microphone approximately 1 ½ inches from the mouth and do not shout or whisper into it. If the call is queued by the network, wait for the grant tone to sound before speaking. 5. Release the PTT button when finished speaking. Refer to section 6.11 for detailed information regarding sending and receiving encrypted calls. 6.3.7 Radio Tones In addition to the volume level tones (sounded momentarily only when volume level is adjusted) and confirming tones (sounded momentarily when a menu or option is selected), the radio provides nine (9) other tones. These tones provide feedback to the user about whether the radio is able to transmit on the channel when the PTT button is pressed and are described below. 1. Deny Tone If the radio is not able to access the channel when PTT is pressed, the radio will issue three short beeps, all of the same pitch, as the deny indication. The radio will issue the deny tone when the PTT is pressed if it is out of coverage, if the requested talk group is already active, or if the channel is busy. The user must release the Push-to-Talk button and re-key the PTT to make another call request. 2. Queued Tone If the radio site is currently fully occupied with calls, a new call request may be queued by the system. The radio issues three tones, a low-pitched tone followed by two mid-pitched tones, to indicate the call has been placed in a queue. The user may release PTT at this point. When resources are available, the radio begins transmitting, the grant tone sounds, and the user must press PTT within five (5) seconds to hold the call up.
35 3. Grant Tone or Go-Ahead Tone This feature must be enabled as part of the radio configuration to be active. When resources become available for a call request placed in the queue the grant tone sounds (if enabled) upon channel access. It is a short single tone beep. The user should press and hold the PTT button and begin speaking. 4. Removed Tone After access to the radio channel has been granted and the user is transmitting, the radio may be pre-empted by a high priority call or by loss of coverage. The removed tone is a single long low-pitched tone, which notifies the user that access to the channel has been lost. When the removed tone is heard, access to the channel has been lost and the radio is no longer transmitting, even if the PTT button is being pressed. The PTT button must be re-keyed to regain channel access. 5. Start Emergency/Emergency Call Received When an emergency call is initiated, all users configured to receive emergency call notification and the initiator of the call will hear three (3) short high-pitched tones. 6. Emergency Cleared Tone When an emergency call has been initiated, the initiator of the call can clear the call by pressing and holding the emergency button until the emergency cleared tone (one long low-pitched) sounds. This tone sounds identical to the removed tone. 7. Emergency Alert Tone This tone sounds when an emergency alert is declared. It is three (3) short beeps. 8. Selective Call Ring Tone When a selective call is placed, a ringing tone is heard at the called radio similar to that of a telephone. The ringing is repeated every four (4) seconds until the call is accepted or rejected by the radio being called or until the network drops the call if unanswered after one (1) minute. 9. Selective Alert Received Tone When a selective alert is received, the radio will emit a series of four short tones: low, high, low, low. The four tones are only played once to indicate a selective alert has been received. 10. Roam Tone The roam tone is a quick high-low beep sequence that sounds when the radio transitions from one radio base station site to another. If this tone sounds just after pressing the PTT button, keep the PTT button depressed and begin speaking into the microphone after the grant tone sounds. 11. PSTN Ring Tones There are two ring tones. One is generated by the radio when there is an incoming telephone call or an outgoing telephone call attempt is waiting
for the telephone interconnect gateway equipment to dial the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This is a single medium-pitch reiterative tone. The second ring tone sounds when the gateway equipment has dialed the number. It is a digital recreation of the actual ring from the PSTN telephone line. 6.3.8 Adjusting Side Tone Audio Level The radio sounds confirming tones called “side tones” when its buttons are pressed. Most users find this audible confirmation helpful when navigating the menus. Side tone audio level can be adjusted or turned completely off using the “Side Menu.” For covert operations, it may be necessary to turn off side tones. For safety’s sake, turning off the radio during covert operations is not recommended. WARNING Neither activating Stealth Mode nor turning side tones off will eliminate the tones sounded when adjusting the volume of the radio. Use volume control with caution when operating covertly. To temporarily disable the side tones that could expose the user’s presence and position, use the menu buttons to access the “Side Menu” and select “Off” from the menu choices (Figure 6-7). If the radio is operating properly but side tones are not heard when the menu buttons are pressed, the side tones are probably turned off. To turn them back on, access the “Side Tone” menu and select a setting other than “off.” Use the following procedure set side tone level: 1. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to cycle through the menu until the “Side Menu” appears in the bottom line of the display. 2. Use the ◄ or ► buttons to change to the desired level (Off, Low, Medium, High). To turn side tones completely off, use the “Off” setting. 3. Press the Select button to confirm and begin using the side tone level setting. The dwell display will appear when the radio begins using the new setting. 36
Figure 6-7: Side Tones Menu 6.3.9 Adjusting Display & Button Backlight Brightness The radio uses a light sensor on the front panel to automatically adjust display brightness and button backlight brightness to ambient light conditions. The display and backlights automatically brighten at higher external light levels exist and automatically dim at lower external light levels. However, the “Bright Menu” gives the user some manual brightness control as follows: 1. Use the ▲ or ▼ button to scroll through the menu until “Bright Menu” appears. A “<< >>” symbol appears in the top line of the display. 2. Use the ◄ button to reduce the brightness or the ► button to increase the brightness. Display and button backlight brightness will immediately dim or brighten. 6.3.10 Adjusting Speaker/Headset Audio Treble Level The tone of received signals heard in the speaker and headset can be adjusted using the radio’s “Treble Menu” as follows: 1. Use the ▲ or ▼ button to scroll through the menu until “Treble Menu” appears. The radio’s current treble level setting indicates in the top line of the display. There are four (4) levels available: low, medium, medium-high and high. 2. Use the ◄ button to reduce the treble level setting or the ► button to increase it. 3. Press the Select button to return to the Dwell Display. 37
6.3.11 Stealth Mode The radio’s display illumination and button backlighting can be completely turned off using stealth mode. Turn stealth mode on and off as follows: 1. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to cycle through the menu until “StealthMenu” appears. 2. To immediately turn stealth mode on, press either the ◄ button or the ► button once. 3. To turn stealth mode off, press any button on the radio’s front panel. When stealth mode is on, the radio continues to scan the programmed list of talk groups and the user can key-up on the selected talk group. NOTE With stealth mode on, pressing any radio button other than the mic’s PTT button or the emergency button on front panel will immediately turn stealth mode off. For example, pressing the ▼ button on the front panel will turn stealth mode off. 6.3.12 Checking or Changing the Active Profile The radio can store up to sixteen (16) standard profiles within its personality, one of which is always set as the currently active profile. Each profile can contain up to sixteen (16) talk groups. Each profile is typically configured to contain those talk groups specific to certain communication activities, such as police patrol. If the dwell display is set to “profile,” the currently active profile’s name appears in the bottom line of the display. Otherwise, to determine which profile is currently active, use the menu buttons to access the Profile Menu. The active profile’s name will appear in the top line of the display. To switch to/activate a different profile: 1. Press the c or d button until “ProfileMenu” appears in the bottom line of the display. The name of the currently active profile appears in the top line. For example, “TacNet” as shown in Figure 6-8. 2. Press the ◄ or ► buttons to choose the desired profile stored in the radio as established by the OpenSky network administrator. 3. Press the Select button to activate the newly chosen profile. After a short time (a few seconds), the newly chosen profile activates and the dwell display re-appears. 38
Figure 6-8: Profile Menu 6.3.13 Checking or Changing the Selected Talk Group Each profile stored in the radio can have up to sixteen (16) talk groups. One talk group within the currently active profile is set as the “selected talk group.” For the radio user, the selected talk group is typically the focus of most voice transmissions and receptions. There are two ways to change the selected talk group: First Method: 1. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to scroll through the menu until “TalkGrpMenu” appears on the bottom line of the display. The currently selected talk group appears in the top line of the display. For example, “Police1” as shown in Figure 6-9. 2. Use the ◄ or ► buttons to scroll through the available list of talk groups in the active profile. This list is determined by the OpenSky network administrator. OR Second Method: 1. From the dwell display, press the  or  buttons to scroll through the available list of talk groups in the active profile. 39
Figure 6-9: Talk Group Menu 6.4 INTERCOM MODE The optional intercom mode gives users at multiple control heads connected to the same radio the ability communicate with each other without transmitting over-the-air. Turn intercom mode on and off using the “INTERCOM” menu as follows: 1. Use the c and d buttons to cycle through the available menu items until “INTERCOM” appears in the display. 2. Use the ◄ or ► buttons to toggle between “On” and “Off.” When intercom mode is turned on: • Incoming voice calls will override intercom communications for the duration of the voice call. The radio and associated control heads will remain in intercom mode and intercom communications will resume when the voice call ends. • “TG: INTERCOM” appears in the control head’s display when talking on the intercom. This indicates microphone audio is not sent out on the selected talk group; rather, it remains localized between the radio control positions (i.e., the control heads connected to the mobile radio). • If a call exists on the currently selected talk group when a PTT button is pressed at one of the control heads, “TG: in use” appears in the display to indicate intercom mic audio cannot preempt the call on the talk group. CAUTION A user at a radio with only one control head/front panel can turn intercom mode on. In this case, pressing the microphone’s PTT button will not send microphone audio anywhere. 40
6.5 TALK GROUP LOCK OUT There are two ways of focusing voice communications by suppressing calls from talk groups in the currently active profile: 1. No Scan. By turning scan off (selecting “No Scan” via the “ScnModeMenu”), only the selected talk group is audible. 2. Lock Out. By locking out selected talk groups, the “chatter” of the locked-out talk groups cannot be heard. This focuses the user’s scanning resources to calls only on desired talk groups. Talk group lock out is a scan-related feature. With lock out, one or more talk groups in the active profile can be temporarily disabled from being scanned. Calls are not received on locked-out talk groups. Lock out settings are not retained between profile changes or when the radio is power cycled. NOTE Lock out is a listening (receive) function and only blocks received calls on locked out talk groups. Lock out does not affect transmit capability. The above methods do not apply to recent emergency lock outs. Only talk groups in the active profile can be locked out, since they are the only talk groups whose voice calls can be heard on the radio. NOTE The currently selected talk group, the default emergency talk group, or emergency-capable talk groups CANNOT be locked out. In addition, if a talk group is locked out and is subsequently changed to the currently selected talk group, it will automatically be unlocked by the radio so the user can hear calls on the talk group. The radio may be configured so all except the default emergency and other emergency-capable talk groups are automatically locked out by default. In this case, they must be manually unlocked, if desired. 6.5.1 Locking Out a Talk Group 1. Use the ▲ or ▼ button to scroll through the menu until “LockOutMenu” appears in the bottom line of the display. The name of a talk group in the currently active profile will appear in the top line. See Figure 6-10. 2. Use the ◄ or ► buttons to scroll through the list of talk groups, if any, until the desired talk group for lock out appears in the top line of the display. 41
3. Press the Select button to lockout the displayed talk group. A less than symbol (<) appears next to the talk group’s name. 4. Repeat steps 3 and 4, as needed, to lockout additional talk groups. The dwell display will re-appear a few seconds after button presses end. While scrolling through talk groups in the active profile, the only talk groups that appear in the “LockOutMenu” are those in the active profile. 6.5.2 Unlocking a Talk Group 1. Use the ▲ or ▼ button to scroll through the menu until “LockOutMenu” appears in the bottom line of the display. The name of a talk group in the currently active profile will appear in the top line. See Figure 6-10. 2. Use the ◄ or ► buttons to scroll through the list of talk groups, if any, until the talk group desired for unlocking appears in the top line of the display. A less-than symbol (“<”) appears next to the name of a talk group that is currently locked out. Figure 6-10: Lock Out Menu 3. Press the Select button to unlock the talk group. The less-than symbol (“<”) next to the name of the talk group disappears. The dwell display appears as soon as the radio acknowledges the selection. 6.5.3 Caution Regarding Profile Changes A talk group’s lock out status does not survive a change of profile. If after locking out talk groups in the current profile and then selecting a new profile, all talk groups that were previously locked are automatically unlocked. Compare options before changing to another profile. If the user’s goal can be achieved by temporarily assigning priority talk group status to a talk group, it could be possible to avoid having to lock out the same talk groups again in a new profile. See the section entitled Changing Priority Talk Group on page 44 for additional information. 42
43 6.6 SCAN MODE Two scanning modes are available for the radio, but only one can be active at any time. Changing the scanning mode changes the way the radio scans voice calls for all of profiles in the radio personality, no matter which profile is or becomes active. As described in Table 6-3, the choice of scanning mode broads or narrows the span of communications with all the talk groups in the radio’s profiles, but does not affect interaction with the talk groups. Table 6-3: Scan Modes SCAN MODE EXPLANATION No Scan Eliminates distractions. Full communications (transmit and receive) on selected talk group. No calls received from other talk groups. Normal (Default) Full communications (transmit and receive) on the selected talk group. Scans all talk groups in the active profile that are not locked out. Receive calls from more than one talk group, if available from the current site. Allows dragging of the selected and default emergency talk groups to the site on which the radio is registered. (If other calls are available at the site, they also can be heard but they will not be actively dragged.) An emergency-enabled talk group is only dragged if it is in emergency mode. 6.6.1 Checking or Changing Active Scan Mode The currently active scan mode does not appear in the dwell display. To check it, access “ScnModeMenu” and observe it in the top line of the display. To change the active scan mode, access “ScnModeMenu” and select the other mode as described in the following section. 6.6.1.1 Changing Scan Mode 1. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to scroll through the menus until “ScnModeMenu” appears in the display. 2. Use the ◄ or ► buttons to scroll through the scan options until the desired mode appears. See Table 6-3.
6.6.2 Changing Priority Talk Group When scanning, the default emergency talk group has the highest scan priority (1st), followed by the currently selected talk group (2nd), a talk group set as the priority talk group (3rd), followed by other talk groups in the currently active profile that are not locked out. Follow this procedure to set a talk group in the current profile as the priority talk group: 1. Use the ▲ or ▼ button to scroll through the menu until “PriTG Menu” (Priority Talk group) appears in the bottom line of the display. The talk group currently set as the priority talk group appears in the top line of the display. 2. Use the ◄ or ► button to select a new priority talk group. 3. Press the Select button to set the newly selected talk group as the priority talk group. 6.7 SELECTIVE CALL Selective calling is a feature that allows two radio units to obtain and utilize an independent voice path for a private call. Radios can be configured to both initiate and receive selective calls or to only receive selective calls. In the OpenSky system, a source radio can be configured to initiate selective calls through a pre-programmed list in memory. This method uses the “speed dial list” set up by the OpenSky network administrator and provisioned as part of the registration process. In addition, a properly equipped source radio can initiate a selective call to any radio in the system by entering the ten-digit voice user ID (which looks like a telephone number) of the target device. Entering a selective call number without using the speed dial feature requires an optional DTMF microphone. See section 6.10 for more detail. NOTE Selective calls are terminated if an emergency is declared. 6.7.1 Making a Selective Call Use the keypad on the microphone to input digits to place the call. If the radio is not equipped with a keypad microphone, use the ▲ or ▼ buttons to scroll through the menu until “SpeedDial” appears in the bottom line of the display. 44
NOTE Speed dial numbers are defined and provisioned by the OpenSky network administrator and cannot be manually entered into the radio by the user. Contact the administrator if changes to the speed dial list are required. 1. If using the microphone’s DTMF keypad: A. Press *8 on the keypad. B. Enter the number of the radio to be called (e.g., 027-001-0006). Like dialing a telephone number, ignore/do not enter dashes. If the region number (first 3 digits; 027 in this example) is the same as this radio’s region number, these digits do not need to be entered. Likewise, if the region and agency numbers (first 6 digits; 027-001 in this example) are the same as this radio’s numbers, these digits do not need to be entered. Leading zeros can also be ignored. C. Press and release the # key. D. Wait approximately two (2) seconds. E. Press and release the PTT button to initiate the selective call request. When the called party accepts the call, press the PTT again and begin speaking. If using the buttons on the front of the radio: A. Scroll through the Menu options using the ▲ and ▼ buttons until “SpeedDial” appears in the bottom line of the display. B. Using the ◄ and ► buttons, scroll through the pre-programmed speed-dial numbers until the desired number appears in the display. 2. Continue by pressing the PTT button when speaking (transmitting) to the caller. 3. To end the call, press the Select button. 6.7.2 Receiving a Selective Call When someone calls in from another radio using the selective call function a ring will sound in the speaker and/or headset. Press the ► button to answer the call and press the microphone’s PTT button when speaking (transmitting) to the caller. Press the Select button to end the call. A selective call will be interrupted if an emergency is declared on a monitored talk group. 6.7.3 Selective Alert Selective alert messaging is an OTP feature allowing one of up to eight (8) pre-programmed text messages (refer to section 6.7.3.6) to be sent from one 45
46 radio to another. The user specifies a destination radio’s User ID, selects one of the pre-programmed text messages, and then transmits it to the destination radio. The message delivery system adds time-of-day information and forwards the message to the destination (receiving) radio. The sending radio receives a brief message noting the status of the transmission. Refer to Table 6-4 for a list of possible status messages. The first few characters of a message are part of the message text entered when the message is programmed. This programming is performed by the system or network administration personnel. Messages successfully received by the destination radio are stored in it until read or until it is power cycled. 6.7.3.1 Specifying the Destination The destination radio’s User ID can be selected via the menu buttons on the radio’s front panel or via the keypad on the DTMF microphone if the radio is so equipped: Menu Button Method 1. Using the ▲ or ▼ button, scroll through the menu until “AlertDest” (Alert Destination) appears in the bottom line of the display. The current speed dial number scrolls on the top line. 2. Press the ◄ or ► button to change to a different speed-dial number. Pause between each arrow button depress to observe the entire number as it scrolls across the top line of the display. 3. When the desired speed-dial number appears, press the Select button to activate the selection. 4. Continue with section 6.7.3.2. Keypad Method (DTMF Microphone Required) To select the destination radio’s User ID using the keypad, perform the following: 1. Press *7 on the keypad. “AlertDest” appears in the display. 2. Enter the number of the destination radio (e.g., 027-001-0006) using the DTMF keypad. Like dialing a telephone number, ignore/do not enter dashes. If the region number (first 3 digits; 027 in this example) is the same as this radio’s region number, these digits do not need to be entered. Likewise, if the region and agency numbers (first 6 digits; 027-001 in this example) are the same as this radio’s numbers, these digits do not need to be entered. Leading zeros can also be ignored. Refer to Section 6.10. 3. Press the # key to enter the number.
47 6.7.3.2 Choosing and Sending the Message After specifying the destination radio’s User ID (section 6.7.3.1), the radio automatically allows you to choose a message. The current message scrolls across the top line of the display. To choose a message: 1. Scroll through the message list using the ◄ or ► button. The next available message in the list is displayed. Pause between each arrow button depress to observe the entire message as it scrolls across the top line of the display. If the destination radio’s User ID was chosen via the keypad on the DTMF microphone, the keypad’s 4 and 6 buttons can also be used to scroll through the available messages. 2. To select and send the displayed message, press the Select button, or press the # button on the keypad. 3. The status of the sent message will be momentarily displayed. Possible status messages and their meanings are listed in Table 6-4. Table 6-4: Selective Alert Status Messages STATUS MESSAGE DEFINITION Delivering Select Alert message transmit attempt Congested Too busy – Try again Dest Down Receiving radio not logged on – Not registered Not Reg Transmitting radio not logged on – Not registered Delivered Transmission complete Unreach No response Partial Transmission interrupted 6.7.3.3 Receiving Messages When a selective alert message is received by a radio, a four-beep tone is heard and “NewAlert” flashes until the new message is read. Up to eight (8) received messages are stored. If another message is received, the first (oldest) message automatically deletes to make room for the new incoming. 6.7.3.4 Displaying Received Messages 1. Using the ▲ or ▼ button, scroll through the menu until “AlertsRecvd” (Alerts Received) appears in the bottom line of the display. “No alerts” or the last received (newest) message appears in the display. It is preceded by the time the message was received, and the sender’s name/alias. 2. View other received messages using the ◄ and ► buttons. Use ◄ to view older messages and ► to view newer messages.
48 3. To delete the message currently being viewed, press the Select button. 6.7.3.5 Deleting Received Messages To delete a received message: 1. Display the message (refer to Section 6.7.3.4). 2. Delete the message by pressing the Select button. 3. Confirm the deletion by pressing the Select button again. 6.7.3.6 Defining Pre-Programmed Messages All selective alert messages are pre-defined by the radio system’s maintenance personnel. These messages are sometimes referred to as “canned” messages. Custom selective alert messages cannot be created by the radio user. The entire selective alert message, including the abbreviation, can include up to two hundred (200) text characters. 6.8 TELEPHONE INTERCONNECT CALLS If the radio system is equipped with Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) interconnect equipment, telephone calls can be made from the M7250’s DTMF microphone using this procedure: 1. Press the *9 keys. 2. Enter the telephone number. (Ignore dashes/spaces, and precede the number with any required access digits such as a 1 for long distance.) 3. Press the # key. 4. Wait a few seconds and then press and release the mic’s PTT button to initiate the call. An initial ring tone plays indicating call initiation. Once the gateway picks up the call, the ring tone changes. 5. When the caller answers, depress the PTT button when speaking and release it to listen to the caller. 6. To hang-up, press the Select button on the front panel. 6.9 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS The M7250 mobile radio can transmit both emergency voice calls and emergency alerts over the entire network. OpenSky handles emergency calls and alerts with the highest priority. For critical voice communications, an emergency call can be raised on the default talk group or the currently selected talk group by “declaring” an emergency on the talk group. The exact talk group is determined by the currently active profile. After successfully declaring an emergency on a talk group, the declaring radio’s microphone remains “hot” for a predetermined amount of time. In other words, the radio transmits audio for a period of time
49 even when the microphone’s PTT button is not depressed. An emergency talk group is provided greater priority and infinite hang-time by the radio system’s infrastructure. Hang-time is the maximum duration of quiet time between transmissions on the talk group before the infrastructure assets are automatically taken away. Because an emergency call is handled on a talk group, it is received by all radios and consoles monitoring the talk group. An emergency alert is a data message sent by the radio to the MIS console (or any console capable of receiving it). It identifies the radio declaring the emergency, and the radio’s location (if the radio is equipped with a GPS receiver). Voice audio is not automatically transmitted during the emergency if the administrator configures the radio for alert notification only. 6.9.1 Declaring an Emergency Call or Alert To declare an emergency call or emergency alert, press and release the orange Emergency button. This button is located just to the right of the 5-button Menu and Select keypad; see Figure 6-1 on page 22. Note the following: • The OpenSky network administrator determines if the Emergency button is used to declare an emergency call or if it is used to declare an emergency alert. This is based upon the radio’s currently active profile. • The OpenSky network administrator also determines if the emergency is declared on the currently selected talk group or a “default” emergency talk group. Again, this is based upon the radio’s currently active profile. A talk group upon which an emergency is declared on is considered an “emergency talk group.” • Upon successful emergency declaration: • An emergency tone will sound in the radio’s speaker/headset if the radio is not in stealth mode. • At the declaring radio, the Emergency button flashes red if the radio is not in stealth mode. The administrator can configure the radio to automatically transmit upon successful emergency declaration, at which point the Select button will flash red. However, the Select button flashing red is not a requirement for successful emergency declaration. • For an emergency call declaration, “EMERGENCY” indicates in the bottom line of the display. In addition, the emergency talk group’s name appears in the top line of the display, followed by an asterisk (*). The emergency talk group can be forwarded across the OpenSky network for emergency communications. • For an emergency alert declaration, “EMERG ALERT” indicates in the bottom line of the display.
50 • For an emergency call declaration, other radio users and/or dispatchers at consoles will hear the emergency signal, a distinctive 3-tone burst. They will also hear audio from the declaring radio’s “hot” microphone, if any. • For an emergency alert declaration, only dispatchers at consoles will hear the emergency signal and, if any, audio from the declaring radio’s “hot” microphone. • For an emergency call the declaring radio’s microphone remains “hot” for a predetermined amount of time. In other words, the radio transmits audio for a period of time even when the microphone’s PTT button is not depressed. Audio is transmitted over the emergency talk group. When the microphone is “hot” for this initial period (typically ten seconds), simply speak into it for voice transmission. If an emergency declaration is not successful, the radio will periodically re-attempt until it is successful. During this retry period, the radio will flash “EMERG PEND” on the bottom line of the display. It will display “EMERG RETRY” for each attempt. 6.9.2 Clearing an Emergency Call or Alert To clear an emergency, press and hold the Emergency button for at least three (3) seconds. However, this can only be accomplished at the radio where the emergency was originally declared (the initiating radio), by a dispatcher at a console, at a supervisory radio, or by the network administrator. When the emergency is successfully cleared, the remove tone will sound at the initiating radio. Also, for an emergency call, the asterisk (*) will clear from the display. 6.9.3 Receiving an Emergency Call Upon receiving an emergency call declared by another radio: • An emergency tone sounds in the radio’s speaker/headset (three short high-pitched beeps). • “EMERGENCY” flashes in the display if the radio is not in stealth mode. • When the emergency talk group is selected, an asterisk (*) follows its name in the top line of the display. The asterisk identifies the selected talk group is in an emergency state. Some radios may be programmed by the system or network administration personnel to flash the Emergency button (red) when an emergency call is received. This occurs only if the radio is not in stealth mode. • If scan mode is set to “No Scan” and the emergency was declared on the selected talk group, audio on the emergency talk group is heard in the speaker/headset. See page 43 for additional information on “No Scan” operation. Also see the following NOTE.
• If scan mode is set to “No Scan” and the emergency was declared on a talk group other than the selected talk group, the emergency talk group (identified by an “*”) must be selected before audio on it is heard in the speaker/headset. • If scan mode is set to “Normal” and the emergency was declared on the selected talk group, the selected/emergency talk group’s name remains in the top line of the display. Audio on the emergency talk group is heard in the speaker/headset. • If scan mode is set to “Normal” and the emergency was declared on a talk group other than the selected talk group, the emergency talk group’s name appears in the bottom line of the display. Audio on the emergency talk group is heard in the speaker/headset. • The declaring radio's alias appears in the bottom line of the display when the emergency talk group is selected. • An emergency call can be dismissed as described in the following section. NOTE A radio declaring an emergency on a talk group has a “hot” mic time period of typically ten (10) seconds just after it declares the emergency. This time period may be adjusted by system or network administration personnel on a per radio basis. 6.9.4 Dismissing an Emergency Call To ignore an emergency call declared by another radio user, dismiss it as follows: 1. Press the▲ or ▼ button until “EmgDismiss” appears in the display. 2. Press the ◄ or ► buttons until the talk group in the emergency state appears, as indicated by an asterisk (*) following the talk group’s name. 3. Press the Select button. 6.10 DUAL-TONE MULTI-FREQUENCY KEYPAD Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) is the system used by touch-tone telephones. DTMF assigns a specific tone frequency to each key so a microprocessor can easily identify its activation. The radio supports DTMF using a microphone with an alphanumeric keypad (see Figure 6-11). This allows for specific tasks such as entering a user ID and password, or selective calling. When a key on the DTMF keypad is pressed, a single low-pitched tone will be heard from the microphone. The key tones are not adjustable. 51
Although the “Q” is not shown on the 7 key, and the “Z” is not shown on the 9 key of the DTMF keypad, both letters are supported by the system. To enter a “Q” from the keypad, press the 7 key 3 times (7, P, Q). To enter a “Z” from the keypad, press the 9 key 5 times. Because the Q and Z are recognized by the system, then the number of presses to enter other characters from those keys may be different. For instance, 5 key presses are required to enter an “S” using the 7 key (7, P, Q, R, and S). If the key is pressed too many times, continue pressing the key to scroll through the remaining characters and returning to the first character. Remember to consider the characters not shown on the keys. 52 NOTE Figure 6-11: DTMF Microphone Keypad
To perform a command from the keypad, press the * key followed by one of the pre-set function keys as follows: *0 Log-off command: *0## (logs the user off the system). See page 33 for additional information. *1 Log-in command: *1<User ID> # <Password> ## (required for encryption). See page 32 for additional information. *5 Single Site Channel command: *5<SMR/NPSPAC channel># *6 Load Default Personality command: *6#. This command applies only if the radio is not voice-registered on the network. *7 Initiate Selective Alert command: *7<Target ID>#[Choose Message]#. See page 46 for additional information. *8 Radio-to-Radio Call command: Selective call number # (PTT to dial). See page 44 for additional information. *9 Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Call command: See page 48 for additional information. *32 Begin Manual Encryption command: *32<Pre-Determined Encryption Key of Up To 16 Digits># See page 54 for additional information. *33 End Manual Encryption command: *33#. NOTE When entering letters or numbers from the keypad that has if two or more adjacent characters represented by the same key on the keypad, the pound (#) key must be pressed after all but the last of the adjacent characters. For example, to enter MACOM6, press the following keys: 6 key twice (M), 2 key twice (A), # key, 2 key 4 times (C), 6 key 4 times (O), # key, the 6 key twice (M), # key, and then the 6 key once (6). Press the # key twice to complete the entry. 6.10.1 Password Entry Password entry requires a DTMF microphone. Password characters are encrypted on the display using symbols to indicate the entry. The encryption symbols for each entry will appear in the display as they are scrolled through, for example: '-' and '+'. Press the # key twice to complete the entry process. Refer to the above NOTE for more details. If the radio is configured for alpha-numeric passwords and the password has consecutive duplicate numbers (“MES33” for example), enter # between the consecutive duplicate numbers so the radio will not interpret the entry as a letter (“D” in this example). If the radio is configured for numeric-only passwords, do not enter # between duplicated numbers. 53
NOTE If the password is wrong, the radio will not successfully register with the network for wide area voice reception. The radio can still be used in single-site mode. 6.11 ENCRYPTION In the OpenSky network, both data and voice use a 128-bit key encryption standard published by the Federal Information Processing Service (FIPS), called Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). AES is approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce for encryption of classified materials. When encryption is enabled on the network, data is encrypted from the MDIS to the Mobile End System (MES) (e.g., M7250 mobile radio). This form of encryption provides air-link security. Voice encryption is handled either automatically or manually. Automatic encryption is initiated through the Network Administration Server (NAS) for a specific talk group and requires nothing from the user. Manual encryption is initiated by two or more radio users and requires DTMF microphones. Both methods of encryption are discussed in the following sections. 6.11.1 Automatic Encryption For automatic encryption, a network administrator will select the talk group to be encrypted at the interface to the NAS. Once the talk groups have been selected and identified as secure, credentials for key generation are generated automatically by the system and provisioned to authorized users. This process requires that authorized users login to the network and be authenticated. Encryption keys require no manual handling and are never sent “in the clear” over any network interface or air-link. 1. “Pls Login” appears displayed in the bottom line of the dwell display. 2. Login normally using the DTMF microphone to enter User ID and Password. If a user is engaged in a call on a talk group encrypted at the network administrator level, “Secure Call” will appear in the bottom line of the dwell display if the user is logged in to that talk group. If a secure call is in progress elsewhere and the user has not logged in, the bottom of the dwell display will alternate between “No Access” and the alias of the radio that is currently engaged in the secure call. 6.11.2 Manual Encryption Two or more users can manually encrypt a call, if enabled, without an established encrypted talk group. A pre-determined key and a DTMF microphone are required at each radio. 54
NOTE The key must be pre-determined by the users prior to making a manually encrypted call on a talk group. It can be between one and sixteen (1 - 16) digits and it is entered into the radio using the keypad on the DTMF microphone. If two communicating radios have different (manually-defined) keys, receive audio at each radio will sound garbled. With manual encryption enabled, unencrypted radio users on the talk group can still make standard voice (unencrypted) calls on the talk group. However, if an unencrypted user attempts to transmit on the talk group when one of the encrypted users is already transmitting on the talk group, the unencrypted radio will sound a deny tone and “No Access” will appear in the display. Also, the encrypted user can hear standard unencrypted calls, but cannot respond while still manually encrypted. CAUTION Do not set a talk group for manual encryption if it has been set for encryption by the network administration personnel. Perform the following to transmit or receive manually encrypted calls: 1. Press *32 on the DTMF microphone keypad. 2. Enter the key (up to 16 digits). 3. Press the # key. NOTE Due to inherent qualities of the DTMF microphone, there is a two (2) second delay between entering the encryption key and manual encryption feature taking affect. 4. To end manual encryption, press *33#. If a user is engaged in a call on a talk group that has been manually encrypted at the radio level, the user will see “Secure Call” on the bottom of the dwell display. If a secure (encrypted) call is in progress, and the user has not entered the key, the bottom of the dwell display will alternate between “No Access” and the alias of the radio that is currently engaged in the secure call. Once the user has terminated manual encryption, “UnSecure” appears temporarily in the bottom line of the dwell display. 55
56 6.12 PRESET BUTTONS The front panel contains three buttons labeled A, B, and C. By holding one of these buttons down for approximately three (3) seconds, the following current information is saved to the function of that button: • Selected talk group • Selected profile • Selected priority talk group • Lockouts • Scan mode • Intercom mode When information has been saved to a preset, the button will be illuminated green. If the button is not designated as a preset, it will be illuminated red. Presets are saved and restored to/from non-volatile memory. Changing the User ID (login in as a different user) will clear the presets, as they are stored on a per-user basis. Changing control heads will not recall presets for the previous control head. 6.13 DYNAMIC REGROUPING Dynamic regrouping requires that the network administrator determine which radio users should be formed into an impromptu talk group to respond to particular emergency conditions. The administrator will edit the personalities of the affected radios to include an emergency profile and then page the affected radios to re-register with the network to receive their edited personalities. In response, affected radios automatically re-register to receive their edited personalities. During re-registration, subscriber equipment will default to the emergency profile selected by the administrator. 6.14 GPS COORDINATES If the radio is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, the radio’s current latitude and longitude coordinates (“fix”) may be displayed using the “GPS Fix” menu. The following procedure assumes a GPS antenna is connected to the radio and it is receiving adequate signals from GPS satellites: 1. Press the▲ or ▼ button until the “GPS Fix” menu appears in the bottom line of the display. Current GPS coordinate latitude and longitude data continuously scrolls in the top line of the display in a degrees:minutes:seconds format. 2. Press the▲ or ▼ button to change to another menu.
6.15 ENGINEERING DISPLAY Some radios may have access to an engineering display that presents various data related to the radio system. An example display is shown in the following figure. Typically, this display is accessed by pressing the ▼ button once from the dwell display. 57 RF Synchron-ization (“S”=Synchro-nized) Transceiver Status (See below.) Network Connec-tivity Icon Voice Registra-tion Code (See Table 6-5) Data Registra-tion Code (See Table 6-6)Volume Level Icon Receive Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) (See page 62) Control Block Symbol Error Rate (CBSER)(See page 60) Figure 6-12: Example Engineering Display 6.15.1 Voice and Data Registration Codes The engineering display’s voice and data registration codes identify the current registered operational status of the radio on the OpenSky network. Voice registration is granted by the VNIC (Voice Network Interface Controller) computer and data registration is granted by the MDIS (Mobile Data Intermediate System) computer. See Table 6-5 and Table 6-6 respectively. 6.15.2 Transceiver Status The engineering display’s transceiver status is a plus (“+”) symbol during normal operations. If the radio is a full-duplex M7250, a status of “C” indicates there is a problem with the radio’s RF combiner.
58 Table 6-5: Voice Registration Codes DISPLAYED CODE LOWER DISPLAY RETRY MEANING (none) (none) No Off network. a VDENIED No Voice denied: Unknown reason. b BAD VID No Voice denied: Unknown MES ID. (Check User ID.) c (none) No Voice denied: Duplicate MES ID. d (none) No Voice denied: IP address denied. e (none) No Voice denied: Duplicate IP address. f BAD PWD No Voice denied: Missing password. g BAD PWD No Voice denied: Invalid password. h HOM DWN Yes Voice denied: Home VNIC down. i SRV BSY Yes Voice denied: Serving VNIC congested. j (none) Yes Voice denied: Aged reg. seq. number. k MAX USR Yes Voice denied: Too many login instances. l NAS BSY Yes Voice denied: NAS changing talk group. V (none) No Voice registered. v (none) No Voice registration pending. R (none) No Data registered only. Table 6-6: Data Registration Codes DISPLAYED CODE LOWER DISPLAY RETRY MEANING R (none) No Data registered. 1 (none) No Network access denied. Unknown reason. 2 (none) No Network ID unsupported. 3 UNAUTH3 No Network ID not authorized. (Check IP.) 4 UNAUTH4 No Bad authentication. 5 UNAUTH5 No Unsupported authentication. 6 MDS BSY Yes MDIS fully loaded. 7 DUP IP No Service denied: Duplicated IP address. p (none) No Data registration pending. d (none) No Data deregistration pending.
59 6.15.3 Receive Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) The engineering display’s RSSI number represents, in absolute value, the dBm level of the signal received from the OpenSky’s base station transmitter. It represents a negative unit of measure, but a negative/minus sign does not precede the number in the display. Because the displayed number represents a negative value, higher/increasing numbers represent lower/decreasing received signal strengths. Values lower than -110 (125 for example) indicate a possible antenna problem, or radio operation in a fringe or no-coverage area. Higher RSSI values, -85 for example (displayed 85), with CBSER values greater than zero (0) generally indicate RF interference is being induced into the receiver or radio’s antenna system along with the received signal. It is not uncommon for an OpenSky signal with low RSSI and degraded CBSER to be decoded by the radio and heard at the speaker without any problem. 6.15.4 Control Block Symbol Error Rate (CBSER) The engineering display’s CBSER value indicates data distortion or interference. Zero (0) represents no errors. When operating in RF fringe areas, this number may increase as interference in the received data signals increases.
60 7 BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING If the radio is not operating properly, check Table 7-1 for likely causes. For additional assistance, contact a qualified service technician. Table 7-1: Basic Troubleshooting SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION Radio will not turn on. No power. Test the connection to the vehicle power supply. Radio will not turn off. If in multiple control head configuration, one of the attached control heads is still powered up. Power off all control heads. Radio will not register or does not receive provisioning data. Bad logon credentials. Check logon and password. No audio. Speaker volume is muted. Increase the volume level. Poor audio. Transmitting or receiving in a poor coverage area or subject to interference. Check network connectivity and move to a better coverage area if possible. Report the area without coverage to an authorized network technician. Poor display visibility. Ambient Light Sensor is obstructed. Clear the obstruction and give the sensor a clear path to ambient light. No network connectivity icon in display. Radio is out-of-range or cannot connect with the OpenSky network. Base station network connection has failed. Return to coverage area if possible and wait for condition to clear. Use single-site trunking or switch to an alternate channel. Radio will not transmit. Radio may be out of coverage area or may be overheated. Return to coverage area if possible. If overheated, let radio cool before retrying transmission. Report this failure to an authorized technician.
61 SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION Radio will not transmit (transmit indicator does not flash). Radio may be experiencing low voltage. The M7250 will cease to transmit if the voltage drops below 8.5 volts. Have the battery checked by an authorized technician. Radio powers off for no apparent reason. Radio may be experiencing very low voltage. The M7250 automatically powers down when voltage drops below +5.0 volts. Have the battery checked by an authorized technician. “Warning: No MRU” Message. Radio control head is unable to communicate with mobile radio unit (radio transceiver). Have the radio connections checked by an authorized technician. Control head randomly changes display. In multiple control head configurations, another user is operating the radio from another control head. None Encrypted calls cannot be made. Not authorized to use. Contact system administrator to request encryption privileges. Encrypted calls cannot be made. User not logged in. Log in (refer to Section 6.10.1).
62 8 WARRANTY A. M/A-COM, Inc. (hereinafter "Seller") warrants to the original purchaser for use (hereinafter "Buyer") that Equipment manufactured by or for the Seller shall be free from defects in material and workmanship, and shall conform to its published specifications. With respect to all non-M/A-COM Equipment, Seller gives no warranty, and only the warranty, if any, given by the manufacturer shall apply. Rechargeable batteries are excluded from this warranty but are warranted under a separate Rechargeable Battery Warranty (ECR-7048). B. Seller’s obligations set forth in Paragraph C below shall apply only to failures to meet the above warranties occurring within the following periods of time from date of sale to the Buyer and are conditioned on Buyer’s giving written notice to Seller within thirty (30) days of such occurrence: 1. for fuses and non-rechargeable batteries, operable on arrival only. 2. for parts and accessories (except as noted in B.1) sold by Seller’s Service Parts Operation, ninety (90) days. 3. for PANTHER™ Series handportable and mobile radios, two (2) years. 4. for all other equipment of Seller’s manufacture, one (1) year. C. If any Equipment fails to meet the foregoing warranties, Seller shall correct the failure at its option (i) by repairing any defective or damaged part or parts thereof, (ii) by making available at Seller’s factory any necessary repaired or replacement parts, or (iii) by replacing the failed Equipment with equivalent new or refurbished Equipment. Any repaired or replacement part furnished hereunder shall be warranted for the remainder of the warranty period of the Equipment in which it is installed. Where such failure cannot be corrected by Seller’s reasonable efforts, the parties will negotiate an equitable adjustment in price. Labor to perform warranty service will be provided at no charge during the warranty period only for the Equipment covered under Paragraph B.3 and B.4. To be eligible for no-charge labor, service must be performed at a M/A-COM factory, by an Authorized Service Center (ASC) or other Servicer approved for these purposes either at its place of business during normal business hours, for mobile or personal equipment, or at the Buyer’s location, for fixed location equipment. Service on fixed location equipment more than thirty (30) miles from the Service Center or other approved Servicer’s place of business will include a charge for transportation. D. Seller’s obligations under Paragraph C shall not apply to any Equipment, or part thereof, which (i) has been modified or otherwise altered other than pursuant to Seller’s written instructions or written approval or, (ii) is normally consumed in operation or, (iii) has a normal life inherently shorter than the warranty periods specified in Paragraph B, or (iv) is not properly stored, installed, used, maintained or repaired, or, (v) has been subjected to any other kind of misuse or detrimental exposure, or has been involved in an accident. E. The preceding paragraphs set forth the exclusive remedies for claims based upon defects in or nonconformity of the Equipment, whether the claim is in contract, warranty, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, and however instituted. Upon the expiration of the warranty period, all such liability shall terminate. The foregoing warranties are exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, whether oral, written, expressed, implied or statutory. NO IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL APPLY. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. This warranty applies only within the United States. M/A-COM, Inc. M/A-COM, Inc 1011 Pawtucket Blvd. 221 Jefferson Ridge Parkway Lowell, MA 01853 Lynchburg, VA 24501 1-877-OPENSKY 1-800-528-7711 ECR-7047C
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M/A-COM Wireless Systems 221 Jefferson Ridge Parkway Lynchburg, Virginia 24501 (Outside USA, 434-385-2400) Toll Free 800-528-7711 www.macom-wireless.com Printed in U.S.A.

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