Advanced RF Technologies ADRFTECH003 Users Manual

EPOCH-M1P

SER MANUAL

U

Version 1.0

2607 Colorado Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90041

USA

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.adrftech.com

Epoch-M1P RF Repeater

User Manual V1.0

Version 1.0 (Released May 4, 2006)

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. 1996-2006. All rights reserved.

Please send comments to:

E-Mail:

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Address: Advanced RF Technologies, Inc.
Attention: Technical Publications Department

[e-mail]

2607 Colorado Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90041
USA

www.adrftech.com

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User Manual V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction of Epoch-M1P.................................................................................5

1.1 Overview ......................................................................................................5

1.1.1 Highlights ......................................................................................5

1.1.2 Special Features..............................................................................5

1.1.3 Available Models ............................................................................7

1.2 Warnings and Hazards ..................................................................................8

1.3

Epoch-M1P Parts List....................................................................................9

1.4 Software Installation and Requirements .....................................9 Epoch-M1P

1.4.1 Minimum Requirements ....................................................................9

1.4.2 Software Installation ....................................................10Epoch-M1P

1.4.3 Initial Startup of Software ............................................10 Epoch-M1P

1.5 Pre-Installation using

1.6 Step by Step Instructions for Installation .....................................................11

1.6.1 Repeater Setup .............................................................................11

2 User Manual V1.0 using

2.1 Menu Structure ...........................................................................................15

2.1.1 Window Menu...............................................................................15

2.1.2 Status Menu .................................................................................16

2.1.3 Control Menu ...............................................................................17

2.1.3.1 General Setting Window..................................................17

2.1.3.2 Alarm Setting Window ....................................................19

2.1.4 Install Menu..................................................................................20

2.1.5 System Menu................................................................................23

2.1.5.1 Info. Window ..................................................................23

2.1.5.2 Upgrade Window ............................................................24

2.2 Using the

Epoch-M1P Software ..................................................................25

2.2.1 Changing Parameters ...................................................................25

2.3 Alarms........................................................................................................25

2.3.1 General (Fixed Parameter) Alarms .................................................26

2.3.2 Downlink/Uplink Alarms...............................................................27

2.4 Default Control Settings..............................................................................27

2.4.1 Default General Setting.................................................................27

2.4.2 Default Alarm Setting ...................................................................28

3 Maintenance Guide for

3.1 Periodic Inspection Checklist ......................................................................28

3.2 Preventive Measures for Optimal Operation.................................................28

3.2.1 Recommendations........................................................................28

3.2.2 Precautions ..................................................................................28

4 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................29

4.1 Tx & Rx LEDs..............................................................................................29

Epoch-M1P Software ................................................10

Epoch-M1P Software ....................................................15

Epoch-M1P ....................................................................28

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4.2 Common Installation Problems ...................................................................30

5 Warranty and Repair Policy.................................................................................31

5.1 General Warranty ........................................................................................31

5.2 Limitations of Warranty...............................................................................31

5.3 Limitation of Damages ...............................................................................31

5.4 No Consequential Damages........................................................................31

5.5 Additional Limitation on Warranty...............................................................31

5.6 Return Material Authorization (RMA)...........................................................32

Appendix A: Specifications ..........................................................................................33

Appendix B: Button Operation......................................................................................35

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1. Introduction of Epoch-M1P

1.1 Overview

Epoch-M1P series repeaters enhances in-building wireless coverage in the most
effective and cost efficient way. For its intelligent design and versatility, Epoch­M1P series repeaters is the ideal choice for wireless coverage problems indoors.
Epoch-M1P series repeaters can be used as a stand-alone repeater with passive
antennas connected to it or it can also be used as a feeder repeater to a DAS
(Distributed Antenna System).

1.1.1

Highlights

• 20 dBm Composite Output Power

• 80 dB gain

• 25 dB AGC Range @ 0.5 dB Step

• Can Set AGC Output Power Level

• Band/Channel Selectable via Software

• Can Support Non-Contiguous Bands

• Supports Embedded Wireless Modem

• Supports Network Management Monitoring System via SNMP

• Supports Auxiliary Alarming for a DAS or a Third-Party Repeater

1.1.2

Special Features

Figure 1 – Front & Right Side Views of the Repeater

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1. Server Antenna Port
One end of the coax cable will connect to the “Server Antenna Port” of
Epoch-M1P while the other end of the cable will connect to the server
antenna which is pointing towards the intended coverage area.

2. Power LED / Button
The Power LED will be lit Green if the power is turned on and will be not
lit if the power is turned off.

3. Wireless Modem Access
You can manually place or take off the wireless modem by taking of the
four screws.

4. Donor Antenna Port
One end of the coax cable will connect to the “Donor Antenna Port” of
Epoch-M1P while the other end of the cable will connect to the donor
antenna which is pointing towards the BTS.

The coax cable coming in from the donor antenna (pointing towards the
BTS)

5. VFD Display
In this display, you are able to view the repeater vitals in each link (e.g.
RSS, Gain, Output Power & Alarms).

6. Alarm LED / Button
If there’s an alarm, the Alarm LED will be lit Red and will not be lit if there
isn’t any alarm.

At the same time, by pressing the “Alarm LED” button, you can choose the
desired operating band(s). By clicking on the “ALARM LED” button each
time, you will be sliding the filter (5, 10 or 15 MHz - depending on the
Epoch-M1P model) to the right side of the spectrum by an increment of
25 channel steps (1.25 MHz bandwidth).

**t Please refer to Appendix B for more detailed information on how the
Alarm LED but ons operates.

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7. VFD
VFD stands for “Vacuum Fluorescent Display.”

** Please refer to Appendix B for more detailed information on how the
VFD button operates.

8. USB Interface
For management and troubleshooting purposes, you can connect your PC
to Epoch-M1P via USB cable.

9. Dry Contact Interface (AAI)
AAI stands for Auxiliary Alarm Input. It acts as the interface between the
two devices (Epoch-M1P & DAS or third-party repeater) so that it can pass
alarming information from the third-party device to the Epoch-M1P. The
following table illustrates the PIN assignment which can be customized
according to the third-party device so that proper alarming parameters
are passed to Epoch-M1P.

No. NAME Description

1 Cable Connection Active Low

2 External Alarm 1 Active Low

3 External Alarm 2 Active Low

4 External Alarm 3 Active Low

5 External Alarm 4 Active Low

6 GND GND

7 GND GND

8 Open Open

9 Open Open

Table 1 – Pin Assignment for AAI

1.1.3 Available Models

Epoch-M1P is available in all 1900 MHz PCS band combinations. The
following table illustrates the four standard models:

Product ID Description

Epoch-M1P-05

Epoch-M1P-10

RF repeater with 5 MHz sliding filter @ 0.5

dB step across the 60 MHz PCS spectrum

RF repeater with 10 MHz sliding filter @ 0.5

dB step across the 60 MHz PCS spectrum

Epoch-M1P-15 RF repeater with 15 MHz sliding filter @ 0.5

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dB step across the 60 MHz PCS spectrum

* Epoch-M1P-XX RF repeater with factory built fixed filters

Table 2 – Epoch-MIP Models

* In certain markets, service providers may be operating in non­contiguous bands, e.g. D+E, A+C5, A3+D+C5, etc. In these special
markets, we are able to offer custom fixed filters to the service providers.

1.2 Warnings and Hazards

WARNING! ELECTRIC SHOCK

Opening the Epoch-M1P could result in electric shock and may
cause severe injury.

WARNING! EXPOSURE TO RF

Working with the repeater while in operation, may expose the
technician to RF electromagnetic fields that exceed FCC rules for
human exposure. Visit the FCC website at
to learn more about the effects of exposure to RF electromagnetic
fields.

www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety

WARNING! DAMAGE TO REPEATER

Operating the Epoch-M1P with antennas in very close proximity
facing each other could lead to severe damage to the repeater.

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RF EXPOSURE & ANTENNA PLACEMENT Guidelines

Actual separation distance is determined upon gain of antenna used.
Please maintain a minimum safe distance of at least 20 cm while operating near the
donor and the server antennas. Also, the donor antenna needs to be mounted

outdoors on a permanent structure.

WARRANTY

Opening or tampering the Epoch-M1P will void all warranties.

1.3 Epoch-M1P Parts List

The Epoch-M1P repeater system includes:

PART ID
a. Epoch-M1P Repeater EPOCHMIPXX 1
b. Screws SC01 4
c. **CD M100OMS V1.XX01 1
d. USB Cable USB01 1
e. Power Cable PWRC01 1

** CD includes: (1) Software; (2) User Manual; (3) M1P Setup Quick Start Guide;
(4) USB Cable Setup Quick Start Guide; & (5) Software Setup Quick Start Guide.

1.4 Epoch-M1P Software Installation and Requirements

1.4.1 Minimum PCS Requirements

CPU: 200 MHz
Memory: 32 MB
Hard Disk: 10 MB (Free Space)
USB Port: 1 USB Port
CD-ROM Drive

QUANTITY

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Compatible Operating System:

Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP

1.4.2 Epoch-M1P Software Installation

** Refer to the Software Setup Guide

1.4.3 Initial Startup of Epoch-M1P Software

a. Using the USB cable (USB01) that is provided, connect one end of the

cable to the USB port to the PC and the other end to the repeater’s
USB port located on the right side of the repeater.

b. Open the Epoch-M1P Software.

** Refer to the USB Setup Guide

1.5 Pre-Installation using Epoch-M1P Software

Prior to the Epoch-M1P installation, ensure that:

a. The USB cable has been connected and proper communication has

been established.

b. The donor and server antennas are in place.

c. The TX and RX communication status LEDs are lit green and blinking

periodically on the Status Menu.

** The TX and RX LEDs should blink every 1 second only in the Status

Menu. In the Status Menu, a blinking green RX LED indicates that the PC

is retrieving data from the repea er (Epoch-M1P). Similarly, a blinking

green TX LED indicates that the PC is transmitting data to the Epo h-M1P.

t

c

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1.6 Step by Step Instructions for Installation

1.6.1

Repeater Setup

Figure 2 – Front & Right Side Views of the Repeater

1. Connect the Power Source

Make sure that the power switch on the right side of the repeater is

turned off before connecting the power cable. Connect the power cable

to the AC/DC Power Port as shown in Figure 3. Make sure not to turn the

power on

** Before connecting the power cable to the power source, make sure that

the voltage source is 110 V.

2. Connect the Donor Antenna

Connect one end of the RF coaxial cable to the donor antenna and the

other end to the repeater Donor Antenna Port located on the top of the

Epoch-M1P as shown in Figure 2.

6. Connect the Server Antenna

Connect one end of the RF coaxial cable to the server antenna and

connect the other end to the repeater Server Antenna Port located on the

top of the Epoch-M1P as shown in Figure 2.

7. Connect the USB Cable

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Using the USB cable (included in the box), connect one end of the cable to

the Epoch-M1P’s USB port located on the right side of the repeater and

the other end to the PC’s USB port as shown in Figure 2.

** Install the USB driver and the Epoch-M1P Manager Software prior to

installation.

8. Turn On the Power for Epoch-M1P

Make sure that the donor and server antennas and the power cable are

securely connected to the correct ports. Turn the power switch on,

located on the right side of the repeater.

9. Launch the Epoch-M1P Software

Open the Epoch-M1P Software. You will see the Status Menu.

** For more detailed information on the Epoch-M1P Sof ware, please

refer to Section 2 on page 15.

t

** If only one o bo h of the LEDs are not blinking: (1) check the physical

r t

USB cable connection or (2) check if the repeater power is turned on.

10. Go to the Install Window

Now with the blinking TX and RX status LEDs on the Status Window, go to

the Install Window. You will see the following:

Figure 3 - Installation Window of the Epoch-M1P Software

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Figure 4 – Band Selection Window of the Epoch-M1P Software

11. Select the Desired Band(s)

From the Install Window (Figure 3), click on “XX MHz Band Selection”

button and a new pop-up window will appear (Figure 4). Select the

desired band(s) or center channel number(s) by clicking the appropriate

buttons. You can deselect the undesired band(s) or channel number(s) by

clicking the button again.

There are two ways of selecting the operating band(s): (1) you can click

on the partial/full band itself (e.g. A1, B, E, etc.) or (2) you can click on

the specific channel #’s (e.g. 100, 125, 325, etc.).

** Depending on whi h model of Epoch-M1P is being used, the band

c

selection window will vary.

** If a wireless modem is not connected, skip steps 12 through 13 and
proceed to step 14.

12. Provide SNMP Information

Type in the Site ID and the Manager IP address as given to you by the

Wireless Provider. Once both the parameters are typed in, you must click

“Set” for it to be executed.

13. Check the Modem Connection

Verify that the

Auto Connection

box is checked.

14. Click on Install

After the first three steps, click on “Install.” This installation process will

normally take less than a minute.

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** Please refer to the “M1P Setup Guide” for any questions or problems

that you may encounter during this installation process.

If a modem is not connected to the repeater and you click the “Install”

button, the following pop-up window will appear:

If you choose to continue with the RF portion only, simply click “Yes” and

the installation process will resume again.

16. Check the Front LED Panel

Check that the Power LED is on (Green) and the Alarm LED (Red) is off.

** If the Alarm LED is on, refer to Sec ion 2.3 on page 25. t

** You can go to the Status Menu of the Epoch-M1P Software to view the

basic parameters of the repeater once the repeater has installed

successfully.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

The Epoch-M1P Installation Process is Complete.

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2 User Manual V1.0 using Epoch-M1P Software

2.1 Menu Structure

2.1.1 Window Overview

Status

The Status Window allows
you to monitor the current
settings and status of the

Epoch-M1P.

Control

The Control Window enables
you to change or adjust the
Epoch-M1P’s parameters
and settings.

Install

The Install Window guides you
through an automated
installation of the Epoch-M1P
repeater.

Figure 5 - Status Window of the Epoch-M1P Software

System Information

For more detailed system information, click on the
Info. Menu. Information such as model number,
serial number, firmware version and manufacturing

date of the repeater are included here

.

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Repeater Input

Indicates input
signal strength of
the repeater after
the donor antenna
[in dBm].

Repeater Gain

Indicates the gain
of the repeater

[in dB].

2.1.2 Status Window

The Status Window is the monitoring window of the Epoch-M1P Software.

This window enables the user to monitor the status and settings of the

Epoch-M1P. In other words, no parameters can be changed in the Status

Window. To change parameters, you will need to go to the Control

Window.

Center Channel Number

Indicates the center
channel number of the
selected band.

Band Selection

Currently selected
band(s) are highlighted.

User Manual V1.0

Message Board

The user will be able to see heartbeat messages
which are sent out recently. In addition, the user
will also be able to see any alarms that are
generated along with messages once the alarms are

cleared as well.

Modem Connection

If the modem has properly
established a PPP session.

Clear

Will clear the
Message Board.

Repeater Output

The output of the
repeater [in dBm]
before being radiated

by the server antenna.

Alarm Button

The alarm button changes color
to the corresponding status of
the repeater: Green for normal
operation; Yellow for soft fail
alarm; and Red for hard fail
alarm. Click on the alarm
button for detailed alarm
information.

Figure 6 - Status Window of the Epoch-M1P Software

Status Bar

Displays the status of the repeater (e.g. Status
Window Loaded Properly, etc.), transmit (TX)

and receive (RX) communication LEDs.

Log File

History for the
heartbeats and alarms
generated from the
repeater and can be

saved as a text file.

Installation

Will let you know if the
repeater is properly

installed.

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2.1.3 Control Menu

2.1.3.1 General Setting Window

Figure 7 - General Setting Window of the Epoch-M1P Software

AGC Mode
AGC (Auto Gain Control) adjusts the variable gain of the repeater to ensure a
constant specified output power of 20 dBm. The functionality of the AGC feature
is assured under the condition that the input BTS signal is within the specified
AGC range (-60 to -35 dBm => assuming AGC Level is set to 20 dBm) and that
sufficient isolation exists between antennas (≥ 93 dB). By default, the
box is checked. To manually change the gains in both the links,

AGC ON

AGC ON

must

be unchecked.

If

AGC ON

is checked and

Uplink Tracking ON

is unchecked, the user can specify
the AGC level in the downlink and in the uplink respectively @ 0.5 dB step (0 to
20 dBm). By default, the AGC Level is set to 20 dBm in each link.

Downlink/Uplink HPA Mode
The HPA mode enables the user to turn the HPA on or off. If the HPA is turned
off on either link, the Epoch-M1P will not operate properly. Both HPAs needs to
be turned on for the RF portion of the repeater to work in both directions
(downlink and uplink). By default, the

Downlink/Uplink HPA ON

box are checked.

Either or both HPAs can be turned off for troubleshooting purposes during an
installation process.
Uplink Tracking/Offset Modes

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Uplink tracking mode enables or disables the

Uplink Tracking ON

feature that
sets the gain in the uplink equaling to the gain in the downlink. The tracking
gain offset is the difference in the uplink and downlink gains. For example, if
the downlink gain is 80 dB, the

Tracking Gain Offset

is set to 3 dB, the uplink gain would be 77 dB.

Uplink Tracking ON

is checked, and the

By default, the
the default

Uplink T acking Offset

Uplink Tracking ON

r

box is not checked. If it was checked, then

is set to 3 dB. This means that the uplink gain

will track the down link gain and will be 3 dB less.

Control Item Action Setting Value

Uplink Tracking ON Set Uplink Tracking Mode ON or OFF

Uplink Tracking Offset Set Tracking Gain Offset 0 ~ 10 dB @ 0.5 dB step

Table 3 - Uplink Tracking Mode and Tracking Gain Offset Range

Downlink/Uplink Gain
The gain of the Epoch-M1P is the ratio of the input signal to the output signal.
The gain may be set in both links.

** The manual gain option is disabled when the AGC ON box is checked.

Reboot

By clicking the “Reboot” button, similar to how the operation works in a PC, the
control board of the repeater will restart itself.

Factory Setting

Clicking on the “Factory Setting”

button resets the settings of the repeater to the
original default factory settings as noted in the “Default Control Settings” in
Section 2.4 on page 28.

Uplink

** You will lose your current saved settings once you click on Factory Setting.

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2.1.3.2 Alarm Setting Window

Figure 8 - Alarm Setting Window of the Epoch-M1P Software

Heartbeat
Heartbeat is a periodic message sent out to Wireless Provider’s NOC

repeater comes with a wireless modem

.

only if the

Control Item Action Setting Value

Heartbeat ON/OFF Set Heartbeat Mode ON/OFF

Periodic Time Set Heartbeat Time 1 ~ 60 min @ 1 min step

Table 4 - Heartbeat Mode and Time Ran

e

Heartbeat Mode

The Heartbeat ON box is checked by default.

The heartbeat feature is only

available if the repeater has a wireless modem.

Periodic Time
The

Periodi Time

c

has a wireless modem connected to it

is the time interval between Heartbeats

. The default periodic time is 20 minutes.

The periodic time can be adjusted manually between 1 to 60 minutes.

Date & Time
If the repeater doesn’t come have a wireless modem, you need to set the date
and time manually in order for the Log File to reflect accurate information in
terms of when the data was generated.

only if the repeater

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If there’s a modem inside the repeater, you don’t need to set the date and time
manually.

Alarm Setting

RSSI
The RSSI alarm is the minimum RSSI value that the Epoch-M1P requires to ensure
optimal coverage. The RSSI alarm will go off when the RSSI is lower than the
threshold value (refer to the RSSI value in the Alarm Setting Window). The
threshold RSSI value can also be adjusted manually @ 0.5 dB step (range is
shown in Table 5 on page 20).

Input Overload
A Downlink/Uplink Input Overload alarm occurs when the input signal strength
to the Epoch-M1P exceeds the threshold value (refer to the Uplink/Downlink
Input

Overload values in the Alarm Setting window).

Control Item Action Downlink Uplink

Downlink/Uplink RSSI Sets Low RSSI Alarm Level -110 ~ -80 dBm -110 ~ -80 dBm

Downlink/Uplink

Input Overload

Sets Input Overload Level -45 ~ -20 dBm -45 ~ -20 dBm

Table 5 - Alarm Threshold Values

2.1.4 Install Window

At the time of installation, the installer needs to go to the Install Window of the
Epoch-M1P Software. The Install Window will guide the installer through a step
by step process to properly install the Epoch-M1P repeater.

For setup or installation of Epoch-M1P, go to the Install

Window.

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Figure 9 - Install Window of the Epoch-M1P Software

Band

As shown on Figure 9, click on “Band Selection” button and a new pop-up
window will appear as shown in Figure 5. Select the desired band(s) or
channel number(s) by clicking the appropriate buttons. You can deselect
the undesired band(s) or channel number(s) by clicking the button again.

There are two ways of selecting the operating band(s): (1) you can click
on the partial/full band itself (e.g. A1, B, E, etc.) or (2) you can click on
the specific channel number (e.g. 100, 125, 325, etc.).

The following Table 5 illustrates the channel numbers associated with
each partial/full band. For example, if the Epoch-M1P-05 model which
uses the 5 MHz sliding filter is being used, then in order to choose the B2
band, you would have to click on the center channel number from the
chart below, which is channel number 550.

Similarly, if the Epoch-M1P-15 model which uses the 15 MHz sliding
filter is being used, then in order to select C band, you would have to
click on the channel number 1050 which is the center channel number of
the C band. The following table illustrates the channel numbers assigned
to the partial PCS bands.

Band Partial Band (5 MHz each) Channel Numbers

A1 25, 50 & 75

A

A2 125, 150 & 175

A3 225, 250 & 275

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D - 325, 350 & 375

B1 425, 450 & 475

B

B2 525, 550 & 575

B3 625, 650 & 675

E - 725, 750 & 775

F - 825, 850 & 875

C3 925, 950 & 975

C

C4 1025, 1050 & 1075

C5 1125, 1150 & 1175

Table 6 – Channel Number Assignment

SNMP

(only applicable if a wireless modem is connected to the repeate ) r

a. Site ID

The

Site ID

is a unique ID for each site and will be provided by the

Wireless Provider.

b. Manager IP

The

Manager IP

address will be provided by the Wireless Provider. The
repeater will send alarms to the Wireless Provider’s NOC to the assigned
Manager IP address.

Modem

(only applicable if a wireless modem is connected to the repeate )

The

Auto Connection

box needs to be checked when the wireless modem

r

is installed inside the repeater. A wireless modem is used in order to
send the alarms and the heartbeat over the air to the Wireless Provider’s
NOC.

Repeater
Click the “Install” button and the repeater will setup automatically.

For information regarding the use of the Epoch-M1P Software during installation,
refer to Section 1.7.1 on page 11, “Repeater Installation” (starting at number 9).

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2.1.5 System Menu

2.1.5.1 Info. Window

The Info. Window displays the Model Number, Serial Number and Firmware
Version of the Epoch-M1P repeater. Contact information is included along
with a link to Advanced RF Technologies, Inc.’s URL.

Figure 10 - Info. Window of the Epoch-M1P Software

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2.1.5.2 Upgrade Window

In order to download the latest repeater firmware, click on the Upgrade
Window. The firmware file will be provided by the technical support group
from Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. Once the firmware file has been saved
on the PC, you would connect the Epoch-M1P repeater to the PC via the USB
cable provided. Click on “Open” and locate the firmware file and click on
‘Download.”

Figure11 - Upgrade Window of the Epoch-M1P Software

Once the firmware has been downloaded successfully, the following pop-up
window will appear.

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2.2 Using the Epoch-M1P Software

2.2.1 Changing Parameters

In changing the parameters of the repeater using the Epoch-M1P
Software, note that the values entered into the Epoch-M1P Software are
limited to the ranges and modes specified in the Menu Structure section
as explained in Section 2.1 on page 15.

The chart below shows the parameters that can be changed and the
location of each parameter in the Control Menu Structure. The asterisk
“*” denotes parameters that apply to both uplink and downlink.

Control Menu

General Alarm

Setting Setting

Reboot Periodic Time

Factory Setting Date & Time

Manual Gain Control* RSSI*

AGC Level Control*

*

Uplink Tracking Offset

Figure 12 - Variable Parameters in the Epoch-M1P Software

2.3 Alarms

All the various alarms that are supported by Epoch-M1P can be viewed by clicking
the “Alarm” button on the Status Window. If a soft or hard fail alarm should occur,
the corresponding alarm box would be highlighted in yellow or in red respectively.
In order to find out what is causing the alarm(s), simply place the mouse cursor over
the highlighted yellow or red alarm box

(Note: only applicable to some of the alarms)

and a message will appear, displaying the threshold value and the current measured
value. To update the window, click the “Refresh” button.

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Figure 13 - All Alarm Parameters Supported by Epoch-M1P

In the event of a hard fail alarm, the control board will shutdown the HPA (both
uplink & downlink) for 30 seconds and then turns on the HPA to check for a
repeated hard fail occurrence. If the hard fail alarm is persisting up to four
consecutive occurrences, the control board will shutdown the HPA for 20 minutes
(total of five consecutive hard fails). After 20 minutes, the HPA will automatically
come back alive and the control board will check if the Hard Fail alarm has cleared.
If it has not, the same process will continue as mentioned above.

** The alarms can also be viewed on the front panel of the repeater by clicking
the VFD button. Please refer to Appendix B for more detailed information.

** Epoch-M1P also suppo s AAI (Auxilia y Ala m Inpu . Please re e to Sec ion

rt r r t) f r t

1.1.2 on Page 6.

2.3.1

General (Fixed Parameter) Alarms

Alarm List Soft Fail Hard Fail Comments

Over/Under Current O O

Over Temperature O O

Soft Fail: Less than 0.5 A @ under current
Hard Fail: More than 4.7 A @ over current

Soft Fail: 158 ~ 185 °F

Hard Fail: > 185 °F

Synthesizer Lock - O Band selection will not work properly

VSWR - O > 1.5:1

RF Power - O

Will occur in the event of any

Hard Fail alarm

Table 7 - General (Fixed Parameter) Alarms of the Epoch-M1P Software

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2.3.2 Downlink/Uplink Alarms

Alarm List Soft Fail Hard Fail Remark

Downlink
(Forward)

Input Power Overload O -

Over Power* O O

Uplink

Input Power Overload O -

(Reverse)

Over Power* O O

The example below distinguishes the difference between an over power soft
failure and an over power hard failure:

The threshold value for the downlink over power parameter is set to 22.0 dBm
(factory set value), a Hard Fail alarm would occur if the downlink over power
value was greater than 22.0 dBm (20 dBm is the maximum composite power
allowable). Similarly, a Soft Fail alarm would occur if the downlink over power
value was greater than 21.0 dBm but less than 22.0 dBm. Vice versa, the same
example is also applicable in the uplink side.

2.4 Default Control Settings

2.4.1 Default General Settings

RSSI O -

Alarms will turn on if the
value is not within operable
limits specified in the
Control Alarm Setting
Window.

RSSI O -

Note: The Over Power
parameter is fixed and
cannot be modified by
the user.

Table 8 – List of Alarm Settings of the Epoch-M1P Software

Control Item Setting Value

AGC Mode ON

Downlink/Uplink HPA Mode

Uplink Tracking Mode ON

Downlink/Uplink Gain 70 dB

Downlink/Uplink AGC Level 20 dBm

Tracking Gain Offset 3 dB

Table 9 - Adjustable Alarm Settings of the Epoch-M1P Epoch-M1P

ON

a. When

Uplink Tracking ON

mode is enabled, the

Tracking Gain Off et

s

is

set to 3 dB.

b. When

Level

Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. Proprietary Document Page 27 of 38

AGC ON

mode is enabled, by default, the

is set to 20 dBm.

Downlink/Uplink AGC

Epoch-M1P RF Repeater

User Manual V1.0

2.4.2 Default Alarm Setting

Control Item

RSSI -95 dBm -110 dBm

Input Overload -35 dBm -35 dBm

Heartbeat On/Off ON

Heartbeat Time 20 minutes

3 Maintenance Guide for Epoch-M1P

3.1 Periodic Inspection Checklist

3.2 Preventive Measures for Optimal Operation

Table 10 - Default Alarm Parameter Values of the Epoch-M1P Software

a. Check for loose connections to the repeater and antennas. If connections

are loose, make sure that all connections are tightly fastened properly.

b. Cables and connectors are in good condition.
c. Ensure that the repeater brackets are in good condition and that the

repeater is securely fastened.

3.2.1

Recommendations

Setting Value

Downlink Uplink

• Perform the

Periodic In pection Checklist

s

quarterly or semiannually.

3.2.2

Precautions

• Do not operate the repeater with the antennas in extremely close

proximity as this may cause damage to the repeater.

• Do not change parameters unless instructed to do so by an authorized

supervisor.

• Do not move the repeater unless instructed to do so by an authorized

supervisor.

• Do not detach any cables to the repeater unless repair of respective

components are necessary.

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4 Troubleshooting

4.1 Tx & Rx LEDs

Tx Rx Explanation

Blinking

GREEN

Blinking

GREEN

Blinking

GREEN

RED RED

Blinking

GREEN

Solid

GREEN

RED

Successful Connection. The Epoch-M1P Software and the
repeater are communicating successfully.

The repeater is not receiving any commands from the
software. In this state, the repeater is either processing or
executing a command. Wait for a few seconds for the Rx LED
to blink periodically.

The repeater is not receiving any commands from the
software. Ensure that the repeater is tuned on and check for
proper USB port connection.

The USB port can not send or receive data. Check if the USB
driver has been installed and also verify if the physical
connection on both ends of the USB cable is secure. Ensure
that the repeater is turned on.

Table 11 - Tx and Rx LEDs

** The Tx/Rx LEDs will blink periodically only on the Status Window.

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4.2 Common Installation Problems

Problem Possible Solution

You would need to install the driver for the USB cable which can be

USB port is

not being

recognized

The power

green LED on

the front panel

is not lit.

GUI Software &

Laptop - No

Communication

Status Window –

Weak Signal or

Donor RSS

found with the CD that comes with the repeater.

Regardless if you have already installed the USB driver once, if are
connecting the USB cable to a new USB port on the PC for the very first
time, you will need to install the USB driver again.

Check if the power switch is turned on. Also verify if the power cord is
securely connected to the repeater. Make sure there’s no power
outage.

The very first time during installation, once you connect the USB cable
to the repeater and the laptop, the PC will automatically detect a new
hardware has been added in the system and will prompt you to install
the driver which can be found in the CD. The driver needs to be
installed only once.

Check that the donor and server antennas are connected to the proper
antenna ports on the repeater.

Reposition or rotate the donor antenna around until a stronger signal
is received.

Low Isolation or

Oscillation

Downlink/Uplink

VSWR Alarm

Downlink/Uplink

Input Power

Overload Alarm

Downlink/Uplink

Over Power

Alarm

Increase the separation between the donor and server antennas by
moving the antennas around or by rotating them.

Check the cabling because RF signals maybe leaking and also verify
that the connectors are tightly secured.

Add an attenuator after the donor/server antenna to reduce the strong
donor/server signal coming into the repeater.

If the repeater is connected to a DAS, there’s a good chance the DAS
system could cause a strong signal to come in on the uplink side of
the repeater, causing an
happens, add an attenuator on the uplink side of the repeater or
control the signal coming in from the DAS.

Try to reduce the AGC Power Level using the GUI software.

An oscillation in the system could cause this alarm. Check if there is
sufficient separation between the donor and the server antennas.

Add an attenuator after the donor/server antenna to reduce the strong
donor/server signal coming into the repeater.

An oscillation in the system could cause this alarm. Check if there is
sufficient separation between the donor and the server antennas.

Table 12 – Troubleshooting Tips

Uplink Input Power Overload

alarm. If this

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5 Warranty and Repair Policy

5.1 General Warranty

The Epoch-M1P carries a Standard Warranty period of two (2) years unless indicated
otherwise on the package or in the acknowledgment of the purchase order.

5.2 Limitations of Warranty

Your exclusive remedy for any defective product is limited to the repair or
replacement of the defective product. Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. may elect
which remedy or combination of remedies to provide in its sole discretion.
Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. shall have a reasonable time after determining that a
defective product exists to repair or replace the problem unit. Advanced RF
Technologies, Inc. warranty applies to repaired or replaced products for the balance
of the applicable period of the original warranty or ninety days from the date of
shipment of a repaired or replaced product, whichever is longer.

5.3 Limitation of Damages

The liability for any defective product shall in no event exceed the purchase price for
the defective product.

5.4 No Consequential Damages

Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. has no liability for general, consequential, incidental
or special damages.

5.5 Additional Limitation on Warranty

Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. standard warranty does not cover products which
have been received improperly packaged, altered, or physically damaged. For
example, broken warranty seal, labels exhibiting tampering, physically abused
enclosure, broken pins on connectors, any modifications made without Advanced RF
Technologies, Inc. authorization, will void all warranty.

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5.6 Return Material Authorization (RMA)

No product may be returned directly to Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. without first
getting an approval from Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. If it is determined that
the product may be defective, you will be given an RMA number and instructions in
how to return the product. An unauthorized return, i.e., one for which an RMA
number has not been issued, will be returned to you at your expense. Authorized
returns are to be shipped to the address on the RMA in an approved shipping
container. You will be given our courier information. It is suggested that the
original box and packaging materials should be kept if an occasion arises where a
defective product needs to be shipped back to Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. To
request an RMA, please call [phone] or send an email to
[e-mail].

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Appendix A: Specifications

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PARAMETERS SPECIFICATIONS COMMENTS

DL 1930 to 1990 MHz Frequency

Range

UL 1850 to 1910 MHz

Sub Band Filtering One 5 MHz Sliding Block Model 1

Sub Band Filtering One 10 MHz Sliding Block Model 2

Sub Band Filtering One 15 MHz Sliding Block Model 3

Sub Band Filtering Special Custom Band(s) Model 4

Operating Frequency Programmable Freq. Step: 10 KHz

Frequency Error ≤ +/- 0.1 ppm

Delay ≤ 5 usec Each Direction

Input Dynamic Range -35 to -60 dBm

Repeater Gain 55 to 80 dB

Maximum DL&UL Output Power +20 dBm Composite

DL AGC Range 25 dB /0.5 dB Step

UL AGC Range 25 dB /0.5 dB Step

Gain Flatness +/- 2.5 dB

In Band Noise

≤ -45 dBc @ Fc +/- 885 KHz

≤ -50 dBc @ Fc +/- 1.98 MHz

Spurious Emission < -13 dBm @ Fc +/- 2.25 MHz

Rho Factor ≥ 0.912

Noise Figure ≤ 8 dB

VSWR ≤ 1.5:1

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MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PARAMETERS SPECIFICATIONS COMMENTS

Housing (W x H x D) 8.27 x 11.03 x 3.57 inches

Housing Material Aluminum & Plastic

Weight ≤ 13.22 lbs

Connector

Type

Antenna N-Type (Female)

Dry Contact RS-232 (Female)

NMS Control USB / RS-232 (Female)

Cooling External Convection

POWER SPECIFICATIONS

PARAMETERS SPECIFICATIONS COMMENTS

Main AC Power 100 to 240 VAC

AC Frequency 45 to 65 Hz

Power Adapter shall

comply with UL & CE

Adaptor Voltage & Current 6 VDC / 4.5 A

Power Consumption ≤ 30 Watts

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

PARAMETERS SPECIFICATIONS COMMENTS

Operating Temperature +41 ˚F to +113 ˚F

Storage Temperature +23 ˚F to +176 ˚F

Humidity 10 to 85%, RH

MTBF 75,000 hours

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Appendix B: Button Operation

Normal Operation

Normal Operation

Power Off

Power On

16 sec

Booting Time

POWER VFD ALARM

(off) (off)

Initializing....

6 sec

The VFD display will

be disappeared 30
minutes later since

the VFD button is

touched.

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (Red)

Display Cycle*

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

If the VFD button

is clicked, the
display will be

come up again.

Display Cycle

Downlink

4 sec

Uplink

4 sec

DL: IN GAIN OUT

-102 80.0 -10

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

UL: IN GAIN OUT

-102 77.0 -10

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

4 sec

Band & Channel

4 sec

Install Status

BW CH. MODEM
15M 150 CON

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

STATUS

INSTALLED

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

If there is no modem
hardware, the display
will be blank. If modem
is there, but not
connected, the display
will be ‘ DIS’ .

If repeater is not
installed, message
will be
STATUS
NOT INSTALLED

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Soft Fail Alarm Operation

Soft Alarm Operation

Power Off

Power On

16 sec

Booting Time

POWER VFD ALARM

(off) (off)

Initializing....

6 sec

4 sec

The VFD display will

be disappeared 30
minutes later since

the VFD button is

touched.

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (Red)

Display Cycle*

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (Red)

SOFT FAIL ALARM

DOWNLINK RSSI

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (Red)

4 sec

Until the

condition

cleared

If the VFD button

is clicked, the
display will be

come up again.

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (Red)

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Hard Fail Alarm Operation

Hard Alarm Operation

20 min

No

Alarm

Cleared?

Yes

SYSTEM

ALARM CHECKING

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (Red)

SYSTEM

HALT

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (Red)

HARD FAIL ALARM

VSWR

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (Red)

HARD FAIL ALARM

CLEARED

4 sec

Power On

16 sec

Booting Time

Right away

4 sec

The VFD display

will be disappeared

30 minutes later

since the VFD

button is touched.

Power Off

6 sec

POWER VFD ALARM

(off) (off)

Initializing....

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (Red)

Display Cycle*

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

If the VFD button

is clicked, the
display will be

come up again.

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

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Frequency Change

Frequency Change

Hold the

VFD

Button

for 5 sec

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green) (off)

Push the

ALARM

Button

Push the

ALARM

Button

CHANNEL

SELECTION MODE

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green)

(off)

CHANNEL UP

150 to 175

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green)

(off)

CHANNEL UP

175 to 200

POWER VFD ALARM

(Green)

(off)

10 sec

10 sec

10 sec or

Hold the

VFD Button

for 5 Sec

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