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No part of this document may be copied, distr ibuted, transmitted , transcr ibed , store d in a r etr ieval syste m, or
translated into any human or computer language witho ut the pr ior wr itte n permission of Axell Wireless Ltd.
The manufacturer has made every effort to ensure that the instructions contained in this document are
adequate and free of error s and omissions . The manufacturer will, if necessary , explain iss ues which may no t
be covered by this document. The manufacturer's liab ility for any errors in the document is limited to the
correction of errors and the aforementioned advisory services.
This document has been prepared to be used by professional and properly trained personnel, and the
customer assumes full r esponsibility when using them. The manufac turer welcomes customer comments as
part of the process of continual dev elopment and improvement of the doc umentation in the b est way possible
from the user's viewpoint. Please submit your comme nts to the neares t Axell Wir e l e ss sales repr e sentative.
Contact Information
Aerial House
Asheridge Road
Chesham
Buckinghamshire HP5 2QD
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1494 777000
Fax: +44 1494 777002
info@axellwireless.com
Contact information for Axell Wireless offices in other countries can be found on our web site,
This Product Manual provides the following information:
• Description of the DIGImini Repeater
• Procedures for setup, configuration and checking the proper operation of the Mini-Repeater
• Maintenance and troubleshooting procedures
For whom it is Intended
This Product Manual is intended for experienced technicians and engineers. It is assumed that the
customers installing, operating, and maintaining Axell Wireless Mini-Repeaters are fam iliar with the
basic functionality of Repeaters.
Notice
Confidential - Authorized Customer Use
This document may be used in its complete form only and is solely for the use of Axell Wireless
employees and authorized Axell Wireless channels or customers. The material herein is proprietary to
Axell Wireless. Any unauthorized reproduction, use or disclosure of any part thereof is strictly
prohibited.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Disclaimer of Liability
Contents herein are current as of the date of publication. Axell Wireless reserves the right to change
the contents without prior notice. The information furnished by Axell Wireless in this document is
believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Axell Wireless assumes no responsibility for its use.
In no event shall Axell Wireless be liable for any damage resulting from loss of data, loss of use, or
loss of profits and Axell Wireless further disclaims any and all liability for indirect, incidental,
special, consequential or other similes damages. This disclaimer of liability applies to all products,
publications and services during and after the warranty period.
Guarantees
•All antennas must be installed with lightning protection. Damage to power modules, as a
result of lightning are not covered by the warranty.
•Antennas must be connected before switching on AC or DC power. Switching power on
prior to the connection of antenna cables is regarded as faulty installation procedure and therefore
not covered by the Axell Wireless warranty.
Exclusive Remedies
• The remedies provided herein are the Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Axell Wireless shall
not be viable for any direct, incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on contract,
tort, or any legal theory.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, this equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to RF reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the Donor antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Unauthorized Changes to Equipment
Changes or Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment
FCC RF Exposure Limits
This unit complies with FCC RF exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment
must be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and any
person’s body.
Antenna Installation
Installation of an antenna must comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements. The antenna used
for this transmitter must be mounted on outdoor or indoor permanent structures.
The maximum antenna gain for indoor operation is 2.2 dBi and for the external antenna is 9dBi.
Cable loss of at least 2dB is taken into account for all cases.
Antennas having a gain greater than these are strictly prohibited for use with this device. In indoor
applications the antenna must be installed at a minimum separation distance of 20cm from all nearby
persons.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type
and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential
radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent
isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peutfonctionner
avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour
Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à l'intention des
autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope
rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une
communication satisfaisante.
l'émetteur par
The Manufacturer's rated output power of this equipment is for single carrier operation. For
situations when multiple carrier signals are present, the rating would have to be reduced by
3.5 dB, especially where the output signal is re-radiated and can cause interference to
adjacent band users. This power reduction is to be by means of input power or gain reduction
and not by an attenuator at the output of the device.
La puissance de sortie nominale indiquée par le fabricant pour cet appareil concerne son
fonctionnement avec porteuse unique. Pour des appareils avec porteuses multiples, on doit réduire la
valeur nominale de 3,5 dB, surtout si le signal de sortie est retransmis et qu'il peut causer du
brouillage aux utilisateurs de bandes adjacentes. Une telle réduction doit porter sur la puissance
d'entrée ou sur le gain, et ne doit pas se faire au moyen d'un atténuateur raccordé à la sortie du
dispositif.
General Safety Warnings Concerning Use of This System
Always observe standard safety precautions during installation, operation and maintenance of this
product.
Throughout this manual, there are "Caution" warnings. "Caution" calls
attention to a procedure or practice, which, if ignored, may result in injury
Caution labels!
Danger: Electrical
Shock
Caution: Safety to
personnel
or damage to the system, system component or even the user. Do not
perform any procedure preceded by a "Caution" until the described
conditions are fully understood and met.
To prevent electrical shock when installing or modifying the system
power wiring, disconnect the wiring at the power source before working
with un insulated wires or terminals.
Before installing or replacing any of the equipment, the entire manual
should be read and understood.
The user needs to supply the appropriate AC or DC power to the repeater.
Incorrect power settings can damage the repeater and may cause injury to
the user.
Please be aware that the equipment may, during certain conditions
become very warm and can cause minor injuries if handled without any
protection, such as gloves.
Caution: Safety to
equipment
Warning: Restricted
Attention:
Electrostatic
Sensitivity
When installing, replacing or using this product, observe all safety
precautions during handling and operation. Failure to comply with the
following general safety precautions and with specific precautions
described elsewhere in this m anual violates the safety standards of the
design, manufacture, and intended use of this product.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment
Axell Wireless assumes no liabili ty for the customer's failure to comply
with these precautions. This entire manual should be read and understood
before operating or maintaining the repeater.
Access to the Axel l un it installation loc a tion is restricted to SERVICE
PERSONNEL and to USERS who have been instructed on the restrictions
and the required precautions to be taken.
ESD = Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Device.
Static electricity can be conducted to the semiconductor chip from the
centre pin of the RF input connector, and through the AC connector pins.
When unpacking and otherwise handling the repeater, follow ESD
precautionary procedures including use of grounded wrist straps,
grounded workbench surfaces, and grounded floor mats.
Axell Wireless DIGImini (digital mini) is a scalable in-building mini-repeater with advanced digital
filtering capabilities. E ach r epea ter suppo rt s two band s w here two repea te rs can be easily cascaded
into a compact assembly to provide tri-band and quad-band solutions.
For each band, the user can configure up to six non-contiguous sub-bands, where the gain and power
of each of the sub-bands can be individually defined. The Repeater provides highly accurate out-ofband-rejection and simple, GUI based procedures for adjusting the pass band according to the
relevant frequency spectrums.
DIGImini includes the SmartALC power control algorithm that automatically optimizes the gain
setting by learning the actual range of RSSI levels over a user-specified period of time. The
SmartALC algorithm prevents oscillations, reduces the amount of isolation required by the system
and optimizes the system to minimize noise rise at the donor cell site.
A state-of-the-art Interference Mitigation and Oscillation Prevention (IMOP) is used to measure the
isolation between the antennas and gain is reduced immediately to prevent oscillation. Local Web
based management is available via an RJ45 connection.
Optional, complete, remote Web-based management via a GPRS/CDMA modem provided by the
DIGImini Control Unit (DMCU). The DMCU is ordered separately, where a single DMCU can
support a single DIGImini or two cascaded units.
ORDERING INFORMATION for Axell DIGImini Americas Repeaters
Identification Description Part Number
DIGI Mini 850/1900 DIGI MINI 850/1900 21/20dBm 6 Filters D-MINI-2108-2019
DIGI Mini 700U/1700 DIGI MINI 700U/1700 21/20dBm 6 Filters D-MINI-2107U-2017
DIGI Mini 700L/1700 DIGI MINI 700L/1700 21/20dBm 6 Filters D-MINI-2107L-2017
DIGI Mini GPRS
Modem
DIGI Mini CDMA
Modem
DIGI Mini Accessory
Kit
External GPRS modem DMCU
External CDMA modem DMCU-CDMA
DIGI MINI 4 bands Accessory upgrade kit D-MINI 4B-AK
1.3 Dual-band and Quad-band Installations
DIGImini can be installed in two configurations: procedures:
• Single DIGImini unit – details in Chapter 3.
• Quad-band assembly consisting of two DIGImini units – details in Chapter 4
1.4 Smart-ALC Function
The Smart Automatic Level Control (Smart-ALC) is an innovative algorithm for automatic repeater
gain adjustment per sub-band.
Combined with advanced control algorithms, SALC is capable of learning the traffic load
characteristics and adjusting the Repeater RF Gain to the desired value.
Smart ALC eliminates the need to perform initial settings for maximal traffic load conditions and onsite gain adjustments.
Smart-ALC maintains the Uplink/Downlink gain balance for system transparency. In addition, SmartALC prevents oscillations that may occur due to insufficient isolation while maintaining the gain in a
linear range operation by adjusting the repeater paths’ gain accordingly.
The repeater’s power amplifier includes power-monitoring circuits with Automatic Level Control
(ALC) that prevents excessive output power while maintaining the power amplifier linearity.
The DIGImini Control Unit (DMCU) is an optional control unit that is ordered separately. The
DMCU is installed externally, where one unit can support a single DIGImini unit as well as an
upgrade to a DIGImini Quad-band assembly. The DMCU provides complete remote control and
monitoring capabilities over GPRS or CDMA (model dependent), including:
• Remote control via SMS
• Remote alarming through SNMP alarm traps
Refer to Chapter
and the configuration and management capabilities provided by the unit.
6 - DMCU Installation and Man ag ement for the complete description of the DMCU
1.6 DIGImini Interfaces
The DIGImini is supplied in two physical configurations: Single unit supporting either one or two
bands; two cascaded units supporting up to four bands. Power supplies dedicated to each unit are
connected externally.
An optional DMCU supporting an external modem is also connected externally, where a single
DMCU can serve two cascaded units.
The interfaces are located on the front and on the side panels.
The image below shows the unit (the wallmount bracket is not shown).
Power
Mobile
Figure
N/A*
N/A*
1-2: DIGImini Single/Dual-Band Front Panel
Base
The following table provides a description of the front panel connectors.
Port Description
MOBILE Service antenna connection s.
BASE Donor antenna connections.
DC Power (12V) Circular, 4-PIN.
RJ 45 Local management and setup port – to be used only if DMCU is not
installed.
ATTENTION! This port is only for local access. Do not connect this
port to your network. It may affect your network!
*Connectors not in use and no termination is required.
The following table provides a description of the front panel LED indicators (See 5.3.2 for more
info.).
The DIGImini side panel supports the DMCU interfaces and the side bolts used for hanging the unit
on the wall bracket.
connection
Figure 1-3. DIGImini Side Panel
Side Connector Description
Modem Modem Antenna connection - relevant if a DMCU is available.
RS485 RS485 connection to DMCU option.
1.7 DIGImini Power Supply
The power supply requires assembly only during an upgrade procedure from a single-band or dualband to a triple-band or quad-band solutions in which two DIGImini units are cascaded. Otherwise, it
is preassembled.
This chapter provides information on the specifications of the donor and service antennas suitable for
operation with this repeater, on the installation requirements of the antennas and on the Repeater
installatio n site and cable requirements.
ATTENTION!!
The DIGImini models described in this manual have been approved by Industry Canada to operate
with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna
impedance for each antennatype indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain
greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Le présent émetteur radio (identifier le dispositif par son numéro de certification ou son numéro de
modèle s'il fait partie du matériel de catégorie I) a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour
fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal et
l'impédance requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, ou
dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de
l'émetteur.
2.1 Base (Donor) Antenna Requirements
The Base (Donor) antenna is usually installed outdoors and is either a directional antenna such as a
Yagi or a Panel antenna.
2.1.1 Required Antenna Inform a t ion
You will require the following antenna information
• Antenna type and characteristics
• Height
• Length and type of coaxial cable required for connecting the Donor antenna to the Repeater and
This section describes two types of instal lation pro cedures:
• Single DIGImini unit – section 3.1
• Quad-band assembly consisting of two DIGImini units – section 1 4.
3.1 Single Unit Installation
3.1.1 Overview
NOTE: The Donor and Mobile antennas can be positioned and installed (without being connected
to the Repeater) at any time either before or after mounting and grounding the Repeater.
1. Unpack the Repeater kit.
2. Mount the Bracket on the wall, hang the Repeater and Power Supply on the bracket (do not connect power).
3. Perform the required isolation and link tests.
4. Connect the antennas.
5. Power-on the Repeater.
6. If a DMCU is available, mount the unit (adjacent to the Repeater, on the wall, and connect to the
Repeater according to the instructions in Chapter
6 - DMCU Installation and Management.
3.1.2 Required Tools and Materia ls
The following is required in order to install the Repeater:
• Four slots (two bottom and two top) on which to hang the Repeater.
• A step and loops on each side of the bracket for securing the power supply (on any of the
sides).
Top slots for
hanging
securing P.S.
(on either side)
Bottom slots
for hanging
Figure 3-2. Bracket description
3. Hang the Repeater on the Bracket, ridges facing outwards as illustrated below. Use repeater
(four) SIDE screws to hang the Repeater securely on the bracket side slots
facing Outward
bolts on bracket slots and
lift UP to slide two TOP
screws into top slots
Before connecting the antennas or power perform the following procedures described in this section:
• Verify isolation between the donor and mobile antennas
• Verify link between the BTS and the Repeater
3.1.5.1 Verifying Antenna Isolation between Donor and Mobile Antennas
The isolation between the Base/Donor and Mobile/Service antennas is critical. Lower isolation
can lead to high in-band ripple, oscillations and low signal quality.
The isolation between the Base/Donor and Mobile/Service antennas is critical especially for high
gain, outdoor applications.
• For proper operation of the Repeater, it is recommended that the isolation between the Donor and
Service antennas be at least 10dB higher than the Repeaters set gain.
• Insure proper vertical or horizontal distance separation between Donor and Service antennas
NOTE: Lower isolation can lead to high in-band ripple, oscillations and low signal quality.
To measure the isolation, proceed as follows:
1. Inject a known signal from a signal generator into one antenna (preferably the Donor antenna).
2. Measure the coupled output from the Service antenna, using the Spectrum analyzer and LNA if
applicable.
3. Perform this procedure across the frequency range of both the Uplink and Downlink bands.
4. Register the lower result for system operation.
3.1.5.2 Verifying Link between the BTS and the Repeater
WARNING!
PERFORM THIS PROCEDURE BEFORE CONNECTING THE ANTENNAS TO THE
REPEATER OR POWERING ON THE REPEATER.THE REPEATER SHOULD NOT
BE OPERATED PRIOR TO THE VERI FICATION OF THE OPERATING PARAMETER IN
ITS INSTALLAT ION ENVIRONMENT.
Before connecting the antennas or powering up the Repeater, verifying the Link
between the BTS and the Repeater
This test checks the signal strength from the BTS antenna to the Repeater.
1. Using a Spectrum analyzer, measure the received signal from BTS at the Donor antenna port near
the Repeater.
2. Adjust the Donor antenna direction to receive the maximum signal strength.
3. Compare the received signal strength with the calculated signal strength from the design phase.
In case of discrepancy, check for one of the following:
• Antenna out of direction
• Antenna tuned to side lobe instead of main lobe
• Antenna connector or antenna cable faulty
• Line-of-sight problem (obstruction), etc.
4. Register the signal strength of the downlink channel for the system operation phase.
3.1.6 Antenna Connections
CAUTION!DO NOT CONNECT THE ANTENNA CABLES TO THE REPEATER
BEFORE VERIFYIN G T H E INSTALLATION PARAMETERS.
CAUTION!DO NOT POWER-UP THE REPEATER WITHOUT EITHER THE
ANTENNAS BEING CONNECTED OR T HE A NTE NNA CONNECTIONS TERMINATED
WITH DUMMY LOADS.
To connect the antennas to the Repeater
NOTE: If the coaxial cables are NOT weather-resistant type, wrap the exterior coaxial cables with
insulation and holding tape (Type 3M Rubber splicing tape) for environmental protection and to
ensure longer lifetime.
1. Install the antenna cables along their path to the Repeater, and connect them to the Antennas.
NOTE: Be sure to use low loss cables.
2. Connect the Donor antenna to the Repeater BASE port. (Donor antenna specifications and
installation cri ter ia are desc ribe d in sect ion
2.1).
3. Connect the Service antenna to the Repeater MOBILE port. (Mobile antenna specifications and
installatio n cr i ter ia ar e de s c ribed in section
2.2).
4. Verify all RF connectors are tightened and the cables and antennas are secured.
This procedure describes how to assemble and install the DIGImini Quad-band assembly consisting
of two repeaters. If your installation includes a DMCU, only one DMCU is required for the complete quad-band assembly (two repeaters).
4.1 Overview
NOTE: The Donor and Mobile antennas can be positioned and installed (without being connected
to a Repeater) at any time either before or after mounting and grou nd ing the Rep eater .
1. Unpack the Repeater Tri/Quad-band kit.
2. Mount the wallmount bracket on the wall
3. Assemble the RF Combiners and Combiner Spacers onto the Quad-band brackets.
4. Using the supplied brackets, position the repeaters back to back on a flat surface and interconnect
the required interfaces as described in section
5. Pick-up the two-Repeater assembly and hang on the mounted wall bracket.
6. Mount the Power Supplies on the wall bracket (do not connect power).
7. Perform the required isolation and link tests.
8. Connect the antennas.
9. Power-on the Repeater.
10. For installations with a DMCU is available, mount the unit (adjacent to the Repeater, on the wall,
and connect to the Repeater according to the instructions in Chapter