Carlson Wireless Technologies TB49 Users Manual

Installation & User’s Manual

Trailblazer Digital Radio 2005

TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series

Part Number 490-2000

Rev 1.02

Copyright 2006

Trademark Information

Trailblazer, the Trailblazer logo, RuralConnect, and the RuralConnect logo are registered
trademarks of Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation.

Copyright

Copyright © 2002-2005 Carlson Wireless, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual may
be reproduced without permission from Carlson Wireless Technologies. The information
contained in this publication is the latest available; however, Carlson Wireless Technologies
reserves the right to make changes without notice.

US Headquarters:

1180-B Evergreen Road
Redway, CA 95560 USA

Presales Inquires and Applications Support

Please contact your local distributor or the Carlson Wireless sales department. Purchasers of
Carlson Wireless Technologies products should make their own evaluations to determine the
suitability of each such product for their specific application. Carlson Wireless Technologies
obligations regarding the use or application of its products shall be limited to those commitments
to the purchaser set forth in its Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale for a delivered product.
The use of this manual is also limited to the terms and conditions stated in the contract between
CWT and the purchaser.

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
URL: http://www.carlsonwireless.com

Repair and Return

Carlson Wireless will replace or repair this product within one year from the date of shipment if it
does not meet its published specification, or if it fails while in service. A return material
authorization (RMA) is required prior to returning equipment to CWT.

Customer Service

Technical support is available Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, PDT.
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
URL: http://www.carlsonwireless.com/support.html

Training

The Customer Service department offers training classes including overviews on: applications,
engineering, in-house testing, configuration, field testing and maintenance. Please contact our
Customer Service department for more specific details.

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 ii

SAFETY WARNING

Potentially hazardous voltages exist on TELCO lines and associated equipment. Always observe
standard safety precautions during installation, operation, and maintenance of these products.
To avoid the possibility of electric shock, be sure to disconnect the power from the remote power
source before you perform any line connections or repairs. Always disconnect all the cables
connected to the system before disconnecting the grounding connection. After disconnecting the
power allow a few seconds for the internal capacitances to discharge before accessing the
boards.

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL WARNING

The installation procedures described in this manual must be performed by qualified personnel
aware of the hazards involved. The personnel involved in equipment installation must be trained
in the installation of telephone equipment and associated power systems; these personnel must
strictly observe all the safety precautions related to the installation of communication equipment.
Never install, remove, or adjust equipment and associated cables. Do not work on roofs, masts,
or towers during a lightning storm.

ATTENTION! STATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES

PROPER HANDLING AND GROUNDING WARNING

Components within the Trailblazer system are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). To
avoid and prevent ESD damage and device failure maintain proper grounding during
configuration, repair or maintenance. This is achieved through the use of an antistatic wrist strap
securely connected to chassis ground. Do not use conductive tools for adjusting channel select
switch.

FCC, RF SAFETY HAZARD WARNING

Due to the energy radiated from the antenna, this product must never be mounted such that the
cabinet containing the antenna can be closer than 2 meters (6.7 feet) to any person. Refer to
Section 4.2 for further restrictions.

UL INSTALLATION SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.

• Never install telephone jacks in a wet location unless the jack is specifically designed for

wet locations.

• Never touch telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line has been
disconnected at the network interface.

• Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

Connection to the Telephone Network

The equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. You will find the label located on the
device. This label contains the FCC Registration Number and the Ringer Equivalence Number
(REN) for this equipment. You must, upon request, provide this information to your telephone
company. The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices that may be connected to the
telephone line and still have all of those devices ring with an incoming call signal. In most areas
the sum of the RENs of all devices connected to one line should not exceed five (5.0). Confirm
the number of devices possible on the telephone line (in REN) by contacting the local telephone
company who provides the service.

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 iii

Incidence of Harm

If your telephone equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may
disconnect your service temporarily. When possible, the telephone company will notify you in
advance. If advanced notice is not practical, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will also
be informed of your right to file a compliant with the FCC.

Rights of the Telephone Company

Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures
that could affect the proper functioning of your equipment. In this case, you will be notified in
advance to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service.

Coin Service or Party Use Line

This equipment may not be used on the coin service provided by the telephone company.
Connection to party lines is subject to state tariffs.

Compliance and US Regulatory Information
Model TB 4.9

FCC Reg No., Part 68 BMD8 USA – 27773-PT-E
FCC Reg No., Part 90 subpart Y FCCID: OPA-TB49
Industry Canada CS-03 3448A-10241A

Model TB 2.4-5.8

FCC Reg No., Part 68 BMD8 USA – 27773-PT-E
FCC Reg No., Part 15 FCCID: OPA-TB24-58
Industry Canada CS-03 3448A-10241A
Industry Canada RSS-210 3448A-TB24-58

Compliance Classification

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.

Radio Interference: Carlson Wireless USA Model TB 2.4-5.8

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. Changes of modification not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 iv

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer’s Name: Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 1180–B Evergreen Rd.

Redway, CA 95560
USA

Declares that the product:
Product Name: Trailblazer TB 2.4-5.8

Conforms to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC:

FCC Part 15.247

And also declares that the product:
Product Name: Trailblazer TB 4.9

Conforms to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC:

FCC Part 90 subpart Y

Supplementary Information:

Published Specifications

William Mc Bride
Director of Quality Management

Redway, CA
Jan 2006

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 v

Table of Contents

_____________________________________________________________________________

1 Introduction..................................................................................................1

1.1 Scope of Manual.....................................................................................1

1.2 Functional Overview and Applications....................................................1

1.2.1 Main Features and Advantages.......................................................1

1.2.2 General Specifications.....................................................................3

2 Pretest and System Planning .....................................................................4

2.1 Site Requirements and System Planning ...............................................4

2.1.1 Grounding........................................................................................4

2.1.2 Lightning Protection.........................................................................4

2.1.3 Line of Sight: Is it enough? ..............................................................5

2.1.4 Fresnel Zone: What it is in plain English!.........................................5

2.1.5 Path Loss ........................................................................................6

2.1.6 Interference .....................................................................................7

2.1.7 RF Cable Sizing and Recommendations.........................................7

2.1.8 Data Cable Recommendations........................................................8

2.1.9 General Tools..................................................................................8

2.2 Unpacking...............................................................................................9

2.3 Bench Testing Instructions ...................................................................10

2.3.1 Setting up Your Trailblazer on the Bench......................................10

2.3.2 Powering the Trailblazer................................................................10

2.3.3 Connecting the POTS Lines ..........................................................12

2.3.4 Connecting the Leased Lines ........................................................13

3 Operation....................................................................................................16

3.1 Configuring and Accessing the Trailblazer Unit ....................................16

3.1.1 Connecting the Serial Cable..........................................................16

3.1.2 Installing the CWT GUI on Your PC ..............................................16

3.1.3 Using the GUI................................................................................16

3.1.4 Software Downloads Using the GUI ..............................................17

3.2 Accessing the Trailblazer using HyperTerminal™ ................................19

3.2.1 Windows™ HyperTerminal™ Software ......................................... 19

3.3 Setting the Radio Frequency and Scrambling Code.............................19

3.3.1 Selecting the CPE Time Slot .........................................................21

3.4 Allocating Bandwidth to Voice and/or Data...........................................21

4 Field Installation Options..........................................................................24

4.1 Mounting the Enclosure........................................................................24

4.2 External Antennas ................................................................................25

4.2.1

Marketing and Sales Channels......................................................26

4.2.2 Calculating the EIRP of an External Antenna ................................27

4.2.3 RF Safety Hazard Warning............................................................27

4.3 18dBi 2.4 GHz Directional Flat Panel Antenna .....................................28

4.3.1 Product Overview ..........................................................................28

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 vi

4.3.2 Unpacking .....................................................................................28

4.3.3 Mounting........................................................................................28

4.4 23dBi 5.8 GHz Directional Flat Panel Antenna .....................................31

4.5 22dBi 4.9 GHz Directional Flat Panel Antenna .....................................31

4.6 Weatherproofing RF Connections ........................................................31

4.7 Antenna Alignment ...............................................................................31

4.8 Interference Solutions...........................................................................32

4.9 Lightning Protection..............................................................................33

4.9.1 Antenna Port Protection ................................................................33

4.9.2 Telephone Line Port/ Subscriber Premises Protection ..................35

5 Test & Maintenance...................................................................................37

5.1 Diagnostics ...........................................................................................37

5.1.1 LED Function.................................................................................37

5.2 Maintenance .........................................................................................38

5.2.1 Installation of Software/Firmware Upgrades..................................38

6 Appendix ....................................................................................................39

6.1 About Carlson Wireless ........................................................................39

6.1.1 Mission ..........................................................................................39

6.1.2 History ...........................................................................................39

6.1.3 Summary .......................................................................................39

6.2 System Specifications...........................................................................40

6.2.1 Block Diagram ...............................................................................41

6.3 Cable Pin outs ......................................................................................42

6.3.1 Configuration Port Pinout ..............................................................42

6.4 Advanced Programming and Diagnostics.............................................44

6.4.1 Configuring the Serial Port Parameters.........................................44

6.4.2 Setting the V35 enable and port location.......................................45

6.4.3 Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)....................................45

6.4.4 Air Link Quality ..............................................................................46

6.4.5 Installation of Software/Firmware Upgrades..................................46

6.5 Antenna Patterns and Specifications....................................................48

6.5.1 18dBi Directional Panel Plots and Specs ......................................48

6.6 Warranty...............................................................................................49

6.7 Acronyms/Abbreviations.......................................................................50

6.8 Glossary ...............................................................................................51

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 vii

List of Figures

_____________________________________________________________________________

Figure 1: Line of Sight is clear, the first Fresnel Zone is NOT clear......................5

Figure 2: Base Unit Power Connections .............................................................11

Figure 3: Connecting the Serial Cable ................................................................16

Figure 4: Rotary Switch and Reset Button ..........................................................19

Figure 5: CPE Time Slot Selection Switch ..........................................................21

Figure 6: Wall mounting the Trailblazer enclosure..............................................24

Figure 7: Pole mounting the Trailblazer enclosure.............................................. 25

Figure 8: Surge Protection, RF ...........................................................................34

Figure 9: Antenna Port Lightning Protector, VSWR and Insertion Loss..............34

Figure 10: Primary Telephone Line Transient Protection....................................35

Figure 11: Trailblazer Radio Card LEDs .............................................................37

Figure 12: Block Diagram of Radio Card ............................................................41

Figure 13: Serial Data Cable Pinout (PCB View) ................................................42

Figure 14: Serial Data Cable Schematic .............................................................43

List of Tables

_____________________________________________________________________________

Table 1: Fresnel Zone Chart .................................................................................6

Table 2: Fade Margin Chart ..................................................................................6

Table 3: Coax Cable Loss Table...........................................................................8

Table 4: Feed Cable Sizing and Distance for the Traiblazer...............................12

Table 5: 2.4G International Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix ..................20

Table 6: 2.4G Domestic Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix .......................20

Table 7: 4.9G Public Safety Lic. Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix...........20

Table 8: 5.8G Low Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix................................20

Table 9: 5.8G High Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix...............................20

Table 10: Commands and switches for bandwidth..............................................22

Table 11: Example configuration scripts .............................................................23

Table 12: RF Lightning Protection.......................................................................33

Table 13: Subscriber side protection...................................................................36

Table 14: System Status LED Information Table ................................................37

Table 15: Configuration Port Cable Construction Table......................................42

Table 16: Serial Data Cable Pinout.....................................................................43

Table 17: 18dBi Directional Panel Specifications................................................48

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 viii

1 Introduction

1.1 Scope of Manual

The purpose of this manual is to provide planning and installation personnel with
the appropriate procedures to plan and install the 2005 Trailblazer Digital
Microwave Radio and accessory equipments. In order to avoid harm to persons
or damage to the product, please ensure that you have read and understand the
safety, unpacking, and installation sections before proceeding.

1.2 Functional Overview and Applications

Using state-of-the-art digital electronics, the Trailblazer provides 512kbps of high­quality, reliable, wireless voice and/or high-speed data connection over distances
of up to 32mi/ 50 km or more in repeated applications. This radio integrates
seamlessly with POTS voice cards and Leased Line cards, V.35 protocol or
standard 10baseT Ethernet devices. CWT provides competitive price and
performance solutions for many of the world’s telecommunication needs in both
point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications. Applications include:

• Security Monitoring Cameras

• Public Safety Data Links

• Internet Cafés and Telephone Calling Centers

• Point-to-Point Commercial Data Links

• Cellular Backhaul Data Needs

• Permanent or Temporary Telephone Service

• Temporary or Emergency Restoration of Service

• Public Calling Phones

• Retrofit for Exhausted Wire line Systems

• Islands and other Isolated Areas

• Inaccessible, Environmentally Sensitive and Historic Areas

• Harsh Climates and Geologically Adverse Environments

1.2.1 Main Features and Advantages

Advantages Over Wire Line

The Trailblazer’s wireless link eliminates the expense of right-of-way and wire
line costs, provides solutions for areas where adverse geology, climate or
inaccessibility exclude the installation of wire lines, and preserves the beauty and
integrity of sensitive environments and historic structures.

Wire Line Quality Voice and Data

You can configure your Trailblazer for data speeds up to 512 kbps or designate
part of your bandwidth to POTS lines, as the Trailblazer seamlessly integrates

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 1

our 64kbps full bandwidth PCM POTS or Leased Line cards for high quality,
uncompressed audio with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio.

Easy Installation

The units mount on a 1"- 2.25" pipe or pole or to any vertical surface, use an
external antenna, and have their own power supply (optional) or operate on 12­24 VDC, easily powered by solar.

Low Power Draw: Ideal for Solar Applications

The low power consumption of 2 Watts makes the units very energy efficient.
They accept any DC voltage from 12V to 24V and are thus easily powered by
solar. CWT solar powering kits are available with up to 7 days of back-up power.

Flexible & Programmable

All Trailblazer models are bench or field programmable. Using the GUI
(Graphical User Interface) application with a Windows PC and serial COM port,
you can configure the amount of bandwidth, allocate voice and data channels,
select different frequencies and CDMA codes, use antenna alignment aids and
other diagnostic tools, as well as upgrade software and firmware. The Trailblazer
models support all CLASS features, fax, and V.90 dial-up modems.

Rugged & Weatherproof

All components, including the digital radio cards, multiplexer, power supplies &
CPU, are fully integrated into the 8lb/ 3kg waterproof enclosure. The units are
housed in a NEMA 4X waterproof enclosure, built to last in tough climates. The
lockable polycarbonate enclosure with a neoprene gasket will protect against
wind, rain, and ice ensuring years of service.

No License Required for the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz, Simple license for 4.9 MHz
Private and Secure

The Trailblazer TB 2.4-5.8 uses the, in most countries, the license-exempt 2.4
GHz or 5.8 GHz frequency bands, while fully encrypted spread-spectrum CDMA
modulations, proprietary framing structure and packet size assure complete
privacy and security.

Standard ISO 2593 V.35 DTE port

Because the Trailblazer models feature a standard ISO 2593 V.35 DTE port,
most other V.35 devices plug right into the Trailblazer Phone Extender.

Repeater Mode

This product can be used as a digital repeater by simply connecting two units via
the V.35 data port and optional repeater cable.

Expandable

Starting with only one link, you can add CPE units, gaining the features of a
point-to-multipoint topology for your current and future growing needs without
loosing any of your original investment.

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 2

10BaseT On-Board Ethernet Port

On-board Ethernet satisfies simultaneous LAN / IP data and PCM voice needs
with an Industry Standard RJ45 10BaseT connection. Some of its advanced
features include 802.3 Ethernet supported by Transparent LAN bridging and
Automatic LAN MAC address filtering at the MAC level,

making it transparent to

higher level protocols such as TCP/IP, DECnet, NETBIOS, and IPX network
protocols. Broadcast, multicast, or frames set up for peered LAN are forwarded
while reserving maximum RF bandwidth.

1.2.2 General Specifications

Note: More technical details are found in the Appendix of this manual

Product Description Digital Microwave Radio with POTS, Leased

Lines and 10BaseT / V.35 port

Data Interfaces

Primary Serial Data Port (1) RJ45 port providing 10BaseT
Data Rate and Type 256/512 kbps, synchronous
Serial Command Port RS 232, 57.6 kbps, N, 8, 1, No flow, Echo on
Latency < 4.4ms depending on speed selected

Power Requirements

Input Voltage 12 to 24 VDC or 100-260 VAC with AC power

supply (optional)
Power Consumption 2 Watts (not including add-on cards)
Battery Backup (optional) Up to 8 hours with a 2.2mAh SLA battery.

RF Specifications

RF Frequency Range 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz
Modulation Type BPSK (256) or QPSK (512kbs) DSSS
Transmitter Output Power +20dBm max, auto set for CDMA operation
Receiver Sensitivity (10

Operating Temp -30 to +60 Degrees C with solar shielding,

Physical Characteristics

Enclosure Dimensions 13 x 11 x 6 in / 33 x 28 x 15 cm
Unit Weight 8 lbs / 3.7kg
Enclosure Specifications NEMA 4X, rain, wind and ice protected GE

Mounting 1”-2.25” or 2.5cm-5.7cm pipe/pole

-6

BER) -93dBm @ 256 kbps, -90dBm @ 512 kbps

0-90% Non-Condensing

Valox99® polycarbonate w/ neoprene gasket

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 3

2 Pretest and System Planning

2.1 Site Requirements and System Planning

2.1.1 Grounding

A ground is a low impedance electrical connection to earth that is used to
dissipate energy. Grounding your Trailblazer is very important for safety reasons
as well as to protect your system from damage due to lightning and static charge
build up. Since lightning strikes and surges follow the path of least resistance, all
ground wires must be as short and straight as possible and not be coiled or
looped. Choose the largest diameter ground wire your ground connectors will
accept for good electrical conductivity.

Recommended grounds are: the utility company ground, a ground rod, well

casings, and cold water pipes that are of continuous metal. A note of caution:
sometimes the metal-cold water pipes are repaired and/or extended with PVC
piping hidden behind drywall. The introduction of PVC material disrupts the
material’s conductivity and thus renders it unacceptable as a ground.

Unacceptable grounds are: sprinkler pipes, PVC pipes, conduit, buried wire,

and any ground that cannot be verified.

2.1.2 Lightning Protection

Lightning protection with a poor ground is the same as having no

protection at all!

Lightning is one of the most dangerous and unfortunately most frequently
encountered natural hazards to your Trailblazer. Ensure that your system is
adequately protected. A good connection to ground is indispensable for your
lightning protection to work correctly and thus preventing lighting and surge
damage to your Trailblazer. The Trailblazer system is equipped with on-board

secondary active lightning protection only. The lightning protection is only

effective when the system is powered up. If you power down your Trailblazer,
disconnect the antennas and phone lines to prevent damage from lightning

strikes. Install primary lightning protection with a good ground on all RF,

data/voice line connections that have even a moderate outdoor line build out. A
good rule of thumb is that all lines entering or exiting a building need protection.
Both ends of the cables between buildings must be protected! See section 5.2 for
detailed specifications and usage information on primary lightning protection
available from Carlson Wireless.

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 4

2.1.3 Line of Sight: Is it enough?

Visual line of sight (LOS) is the straight, unobstructed line between the Base
unit’s antenna and the CPE’s antenna. In other words, when you stand next to
one antenna, you can see the other one. Because RF waves spread out three
dimensionally rather than in a straight line, LOS is important in microwave

transmission but not adequate. As the waves travel out from the transmitting

antenna, the signal density decreases and more three dimensional space around
the visual LOS is necessary to be able to receive a reasonable signal at the
receiving antenna. This three dimensional space is called the RF LOS or
Fresnel zone for the French physicist who first discovered its importance.

2.1.4 Fresnel Zone: What it is in plain English!

The Fresnel zone is the tree dimensional cone around the line-of-sight that radio
waves spread out into after they leave the antenna. The cross section of the first
Fresnel zone is circular; subsequent zones’ cross sections are annular. The
signal strength is strongest in zone 1 and decreases in each successive zone.

Not only trees, buildings and mountains can occupy a Fresnel Zone, the
curvature of the earth, even for some short paths, also has to be taken into
consideration. Because 2.4 GHz is one of the resonant frequencies at which
water absorbs energy, path obstructions such as trees, rivers, lakes or any other
water containing objects are especially detrimental to the microwave signal. A

rule of thumb is that 60% of the first Fresnel zone must be free of any

obstructions for tolerable attenuation of the signal.

In addition to absorbing the RF signal, objects in the RF path can also reflect it,
making the signal out of phase with the original signal, and effectively causing
signal cancellation. In zone 1 the signal will be 0 to 90o out of phase in zone 2, 90
to 270o in zone 3, 270 to 450o and so on. Even numbered zones have the
maximum phase canceling effect and in odd numbered zones the reflected
waves will add to the signal.

Figure 1: Line of Sight is clear, the first Fresnel Zone is NOT clear.

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 5

Distance to

Zone Frequency

(MHz)

1 2400 0.41 2.0 3.2 2.0 3.2 46.53 14.18 27.92 8.51

2 2400 0.41 2.0 3.2 2.0 3.2 65.80 20.06 39.48 12.03

1 2400 0.41 1.5 2.4 4.5 7.2 49.35 15.04 29.61 9.03

1 2400 0.41 3.0 4.8 3.0 4.8 56.98 17.37 34.19 10.42

1 2400 0.41 4.0 6.4 10.0 16.0 78.65 23.97 47.19 14.38

1 2400 0.41 6.0 9.6 6.0 9.6 80.59 24.56 48.35 14.74

1 2400 0.41 12.0 19.2 12.0 19.2 113.97 34.74 68.38 20.84

Wavelength

(feet)

start

(miles) (km)

Distance to

end

(miles) (km)

Fresnel Radius

(feet) (m)

60% of Zone

(feet) (m)

Table 1: Fresnel Zone Chart

Some examples are given in the table above. On the software CD that comes
with each system there is a folder called “Calculators”. In that folder you will find

an excel spreadsheet called fresnel zone calculator.xls you can use to

calculate your own path.
Set the Fresnel zone to even numbered values when plotting a profile to see
potential areas of phase canceling present in the path. You can improve your
path by optimizing the height of antennas so that the first Fresnel zone is clear.

2.1.5 Path Loss

After confirming line of sight and adequate Fresnel zone clearance, add the Free
Space Loss of the radio signal, RF cable losses, and antenna gains to determine
your system’s remaining signal, i.e. fade margin. The chart below shows various
antenna and distance combinations.

Distance

in miles

1.5 2.4 14.0 0.0 108 17 31 28.0

2.0 3.2 14.0 0.0 110 17 31 25.5

5.0 8.0 14.0 0.0 118 17 31 17.6

8.0 12.9 14.0 0.0 122 17 31 13.5

10.0 16.1 14.0 0.0 124 17 31 11.5

12.0 19.3 14.0 0.0 126 17 31 10.0

14.0 22.5 14.0 0.0 127 17 31 8.6

20.0 32.2 24.0 1.4 130 17 41 24.1

35.0 56.3 24.0 1.4 135 17 41 19.3

50.0 80.5 24.0 1.4 138 17 41 16.2

Distance

in km

Ant Gain

in dBi

Ext RF

Cable(s)

Path Loss

in dB

RF power

in dBm

ERP

in dBm

Link Margin

in dB

Table 2: Fade Margin Chart

You can also calculate your own path loss using the integrated radio link margin
calculator included on the CWT product CD in a folder called “Calculators”.

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual version 1.02 6

What’s an acceptable fade margin? A rule of thumb theory is that 10 dB of fade
margin will deliver about 90% reliability, and 20 dB will deliver about 99%
reliability. Because there is only a small ground wave component involved in the
radio propagation at 2.4 GHz, the above numbers presume both clear LOS (line
of sight) and clearing at least 60% of the first Fresnel zone. A fade margin of 16
to 20dB is suggested to overcome multi-path degradation and polarization.

2.1.6 Interference

The ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band at 2.400-2.483 GHz is an
unlicensed, shared band. All users in the band must accept all other signals
within the band, interfering or not. There are only a few devices operating in this
band, but they could become a source of interference for the Trailblazer
products. If the interfering signal is stationary and has a bandwidth less than 3
MHz, it will not create any significant problem even if it is 100 times (20dB)
stronger than the receive threshold. If the interfering signal has a bandwidth
wider than 4 MHz and is 10 times (10dB) stronger than the receive threshold, it
can render channel(s) unusable. If the interfering signal is frequency hopping
throughout the band, such as the LAN bridge device, and is only 1/10 (–10dB) as
strong as the receive threshold, it can cause significant dropouts.
Some examples are:

Video Transmitters

These devices use analog radios which are usually fixed in frequency, utilize 6 to
10 MHz of bandwidth and are low power with an ERP of less then +10dBm.

Cordless phones

These devices are narrow band and fixed in frequency (during each use), utilize
1 to 2 MHz of bandwidth, are low power with an ERP of less then +10dBm. It is
strongly recommended to avoid the use of 2.4GHz cordless phones in the vicinity
of Trailblazer products.

Local Area Network (LAN) Bridges

These devices are true spread spectrum devices. They either frequency hop a 1
MHz bandwidth over the complete band or utilize CDMA of 16 MHz bandwidth
and are stationary. ERPs can range up to +30dBm.

Microwave Ovens

Microwave oven outputs have been measured at levels up to +20dBm ERP. The
circulators built into the ovens cause transmission of narrow pulses that sweep
the 2.4GHz band. The higher power spikes are mostly concentrated in the upper
half of the band between 2.450 and 2.485 GHz.

2.1.7 RF Cable Sizing and Recommendations

Before making any decisions as to which cable to use, first consider several
factors; the final length of the cable, the amount of power you want the cable to
tolerate, the loss factor of the cable at your chosen frequency and the outdoor
climate conditions the cable will be exposed to. For most general installations,

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LMR400 will work fine. Heliax™ is recommended for any cable runs over 100
feet. The chart below provides the loss factor for several popular cable sizes.

Coax Cable Attenuation (dB per 100 feet)

Cable Type at 2.5 GHz at 5.8 GHz

LMR 400 6.8 dB 10.8 dB

LMR 500 5.5 dB 8.9 dB

LMR 600 4.4 dB 7.3 dB

1/2 inch LDF Heliax™ 3.9 dB 7.0 dB

LMR 900 3.0 dB 4.9 dB

7/8 inch LDF Heliax™ 2.3 dB 3.7 dB

Table 3: Coax Cable Loss Table

2.1.8 Data Cable Recommendations

The new design of the Trailblazer replaces proprietary cables with standard
CAT5 Ethernet cables terminated with RJ45 connectors for the sync and
repeater functions.

NOTE: Feed the cable through the weatherproof cord grip before terminating it.

The cord grip is too small to accept an RJ45 connector especially while occupied
by other cables!

2.1.9 General Tools

• ESD Gear

• Desktop PC or Laptop Computer with Windows™

• Wrench Set

• Socket Set

• Screwdriver Set

• Multi Meter

• Butt-set or Test Telephone with bare wire connection

• Wire Cutters

• Wire Strippers

• Vapor Wrap

• Electrical Tape

• Small Non-Conductive adjustment tool

• Safety Gear

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2.2 Unpacking

NOTE: Always observe ESD precautions when handling circuit boards!

Before opening inspect the shipping box(es) and report any damage to the
shipping carrier. Unpack and compare the contents against the packing slip and
inspect for damage. Report any damage to the units or missing components to
your CWT sales representative.

Included in your purchase is:

• The Quick Start Guide to help you become familiar with your system

• The CWT Product CD (contains the user manuals, back up

configuration software, and other needed items!)

• (2) Test Antennas for bench testing

• One Serial Interface Cable to connect to the GUI

• Mounting Hardware (optional)

• Power Supplies (optional) will be pre-installed in the enclosures

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2.3 Bench Testing Instructions

Before going into the field set up the units on your bench to become familiar with
their set up, operation, configuration, and verify their functionality. Each system is
shipped with a handy, full-color “Quick Start Guide” for simplified step-by-step
instructions for bench testing. The following section will provide you with the
same information in greater detail.

2.3.1 Setting up Your Trailblazer on the Bench

Set your units next to each other and attach the included test antennas to the N
female connectors on the enclosures as shown. The units may not achieve an
RF connection without these little antennas.

Test Antennas

2.3.2 Powering the Trailblazer

The Trailblazer units accept 12 -24VDC negative ground. There are special

provisions for using a positive ground, please contact your CWT sales
representative for more information. If your system is equipped with a battery
backup, verify that the battery output is 12VDC or more. If the battery output is
less than 12VDC, disconnect the power supply’s black and red power cables,
connected to the terminal block, from your unit, and simply connect the power

supply’s terminated red (+) and black (-) power cables to their respective

terminals on the battery. Plug the AC power supply cable into an AC source to
charge the battery, and verify that the battery is charging. Ensure that the battery
is fully charged before proceeding into the field. When the battery is fully
charged, verify that the unit powers up by noting that the LEDs are lit.

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Terminal Block

Negative

(Normally earth ground)

Positive

12 to 24 VDC

Figure 2: Base Unit Power Connections

If you are not using the CWT power supply, size your power supply adequately
using Ohm’s law. For example, if you provide 12VDC you consume 2/12 A or
about 167mA. If you provide 24VDC you use about half of that or 85mA. CWT
recommends providing at least 4 times the power consumption. The Trailblazer
consumes 2 Watts. CWT’s power supply with battery backup supplies 13.8VDC
@ 1 A or 14 Watts.

You can also power your Trailblazer by using several of the unused voice/data
pairs in a standard 6 pair telephone cable. Don’t forget to allow for additional
current if add-on card options are selected.

The standard 6 pair telephone cable is made of 22 AWG size copper. This
means that both legs will have 3.2 ohms of resistance per 100 feet. The table
below shows the distance at which you have a 5% maximum recommended
voltage drop using 2 pairs of wires paralleled together.

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