Clear-Com FreeSpeak II Integra User Manual
FreeSpeak II® Integra
Eclipse HX 8.5.2 and above
Part Number: 399G177 Rev B
Date: October 11, 2017
User
Guide
User Guide| FreeSpeak II® Integra (Matrix version)
Page 2
Document Reference
Clear-Com FreeSpeak II User Guide
Part Number: 399G177 Revision: B
Legal Disclaimers
Copyright © 2017 HME Clear-Com Ltd.
All rights reserved.
Clear-Com and the Clear-Com logo are registered trademarks of HM Electronics,
Inc.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement
and may be used only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
The product described in this document is distributed under licenses restricting its
use, copying, distribution, and decompilation/reverse engineering. No part of this
document may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written
authorization of Clear-Com, an HME Company.
Clear-Com Offices are located in California, USA; Cambridge, UK; Dubai, UAE;
Montreal, Canada; and Beijing, China. Specific addresses and contact information
can be found on Clear-Com’s corporate website:
www.clearcom.com
Clear-Com Contacts
Americas and Asia-Pacific Headquarters
California, United States
Tel: +1.510.337.6600
Email: CustomerServicesUS@clearcom.com
Europe, Middle East, and Africa Headquarters
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1223 815000
Email: SalesSupportEMEA@clearcom.com
China Office
Beijing Representative Office
Beijing, P.R.China
Tel: +8610 65811360 / 65815577
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Contents
FreeSpeak II® Integra ............................................................... 1
Eclipse HX 8.5.2 Version ................................................................ 1
Document Reference ..................................................................... 2
1 Important Safety instructions ..................................... 7
1.1 Safety symbols .............................................................. 8
2 Introduction to FreeSpeak II® ..................................... 9
2.1 An FS II communication system ........................................ 9
2.1.1 FreeSpeak II system capacity ........................................... 11
2.1.2 National Radio Carrier Frequencies .................................... 12
2.1.3 FSII 1.9 GHz/FSII 2.4 GHz ............................................... 12
3 Installing a system .................................................... 13
3.1 Adding the E-Que card for an FS II antenna or splitter to the
matrix ......................................................................... 13
3.1.1 Installing and removing an E-Que card. .............................. 13
3.1.2 Adding an E-Que card to the software ................................ 14
3.2 Placing the antennas and splitters ................................... 15
3.2.1 Wiring the antennas and splitters ...................................... 16
3.3 Connecting to transceiver/antennas ................................ 17
3.3.1 Connecting one transceiver/antenna directly to a transceiver
port .............................................................................. 17
3.3.2 Connecting transceiver/antennas with a splitter (PD2203) ..... 17
3.3.3 Powering an antenna or antenna splitter ............................. 20
3.4 Determining coverage areas ........................................... 21
3.5 Doing a site survey to determine coverage areas .............. 22
3.5.1 Doing a site survey with a beltpack .................................... 22
3.5.2 Testing antenna handoff .................................................. 24
3.5.3 Assigning beltpacks to coverage areas ............................... 25
3.5.4 Conditions affecting coverage areas ................................... 25
3.5.5 Surveying a site in standalone (rigging) mode ..................... 25
3.6 Registering beltpacks .................................................... 27
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4 Operating the wireless beltpack ................................ 28
4.1 Overview of the wireless beltpack ................................... 28
4.2 Beltpack user controls ................................................... 31
4.2.1 Top controls ................................................................... 31
4.2.2 Beltpack display .............................................................. 32
4.2.3 Beltpack headset tones/alerts ........................................... 32
4.2.4 Front controls ................................................................. 34
4.2.5 Beltpack bottom connectors .............................................. 35
4.2.6 Beltpack rear panel ......................................................... 37
4.3 Using the beltpack ........................................................ 37
4.3.1 Registering the beltpack ................................................... 37
4.3.2 Charging the beltpack ...................................................... 38
4.3.3 How to set AA battery type: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMHi) or
Alkaline for wireless beltpacks ........................................... 39
4.3.4 Powering on the beltpack ................................................. 40
4.3.5 Using the beltpack to communicate ................................... 40
4.3.6 Entering and exiting Menu mode ....................................... 41
4.3.7 Setting and Adjusting Listen Levels .................................... 41
4.3.8 Upgrading beltpack firmware ............................................ 42
5 Programming on the beltpack ................................... 44
5.1 Introduction to programming on the beltpack ................... 44
5.2 Configuring the beltpack volume settings ......................... 45
5.2.1 Configuring the beltpack channel volumes and master volume
.................................................................................... 46
5.2.2 Configuring the volume level of the line input ...................... 46
5.2.3 Configuring the rotary controls .......................................... 46
5.3 Configuring the beltpack headset .................................... 47
5.3.1 Setting headset autodetect ............................................... 47
5.3.2 Setting the sidetone level ................................................. 48
5.3.3 Setting the headset limiter ............................................... 48
5.4 Configuring the beltpack microphone ............................... 48
5.4.1 Setting the microphone type ............................................. 49
5.4.2 Setting the microphone echo cancellation ........................... 49
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5.5 Configuring the beltpack display and LEDs ....................... 50
5.5.1 Setting the display and LED brightness ............................... 50
5.5.2 Setting the display dim timeout ......................................... 50
5.5.3 Setting the display off timeout .......................................... 51
5.6 Configuring the beltpack alarm options ............................ 51
5.6.1 Setting the low battery alarm ........................................... 51
5.6.2 Setting the low battery alarm threshold .............................. 52
5.6.3 Setting the out of range alarm .......................................... 52
5.6.4 Setting the call alert ........................................................ 53
5.7 Selecting the beltpack role default set ............................. 53
5.8 Selecting the beltpack administration .............................. 54
5.8.1 Enabling OTA registration mode ........................................ 54
5.8.2 Setting full menu access .................................................. 54
5.8.3 Setting system sync mode (not currently available) ............. 55
5.9 Setting the listen again option ........................................ 55
5.10 Control audio on keys C & D (beltpack)(advanced menu
option only) ................................................................. 56
5.11 Accessing beltpack information ....................................... 56
5.12 Setting display mode .................................................... 57
5.13 Setting system connect ................................................. 57
5.14 Enabling over the air (OTA) registration mode from a beltpack
................................................................................. 58
5.15 Performing a site survey ................................................ 59
6 Operating the transceiver/antenna ........................... 60
6.1 Transceiver/antenna ..................................................... 60
6.1.1 IP rating (International Protection Marking) ........................ 60
6.1.2 FS II transceiver/antenna connector panel .......................... 61
6.1.3 Cabling the antennas ....................................................... 62
6.1.4 Beltpack support capacities for transceiver/antennas ............ 66
6.1.5 Coverage areas under various conditions ............................ 66
6.1.6 Transceiver/antenna setup rules and tips ............................ 67
6.1.7 Upgrading antenna firmware ............................................. 67
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6.2 Transceiver/antenna splitter (PD2203) ............................ 69
6.2.1 PD2203 Front connector panel .......................................... 69
6.2.2 PD2203 rear panel .......................................................... 70
6.2.3 Connecting an antenna splitter to the E-Que-HX card and to
transceiver/antennas ....................................................... 71
7 Beltpack menus ......................................................... 72
7.1 Beltpack menu maps ..................................................... 72
8 Specifications ............................................................ 77
8.1 FreeSpeak II Beltpack ................................................... 77
8.2 FreeSpeak II Transceiver/Antenna .................................. 78
8.3 FreeSpeak II Transceiver/Antenna Splitter ....................... 78
8.4 Transmission Method .................................................... 79
9 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) compliance
.................................................................................. 80
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1 Important Safety instructions
• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-cord
supply or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• Use only chargers provided by HME/Clear-Com to charge the battery
packs or beltpacks. These include:
▪ BAT60 Battery pack and beltpack charger manufactured by
HME/Clear-Com
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▪ USB Charger model PA1015-050SIB200/PA1015-1SI/ PA1015-
1SI050200 provided by HME/Clear-Com with your beltpack.
• This product uses Lithium Ion Batteries which can be a fire hazard, if used
improperly. Use only HME/Clear-Com supplied BAT60 or equivalent
battery packs to ensure safe operation of the beltpack.
• When using AA Batteries follow all safety instructions from manufacturer.
Do not mix different battery chemistries. When depleted, replace all
batteries.
• The in-beltpack USB charging feature has only been tested utilizing
USB2.0 port.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product
to rain or moisture.
1.1 Safety symbols
Familiarize yourself with the safety symbols in Figure 1: Safety symbols. These
symbols are displayed on the apparatus and warn you of the potential danger of
electric shock if the system is used improperly.
Figure 1-1: Safety symbols
Note: For compliance notices, see Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference so
urce not found..
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2 Introduction to FreeSpeak II
®
This chapter provides an overview of the FreeSpeak II digital wireless beltpack
system.
With a FreeSpeak II (FS II) wireless beltpack you can roam freely around a site or
facility while talking and listening to all, or selected, members of the production
team. With its four communication routes, the beltpack gives you the flexibility to
communicate quickly and seamlessly with individuals or groups, and to change
communication routes as often as needed.
The system operates in the unlicensed 1.90 and 2.4 GHz bands. With its unique
and innovative digital technology, which continually searches for unused radio
frequency (RF) channels, FS II avoids the noise and interference issues associated
with traditional wireless systems using congested UHF and VHF bands.
With FS II you can set up a wireless system specifically tailored to local needs by
locating transceiver antennas and beltpacks in areas where they are needed most.
And because the beltpacks operate in the unlicensed 1.90 and 2.4 GHz frequency
spectrum, there is no interference with existing wireless systems, even those
located in the same area.
You can use FS II stand-alone or connected with partyline, digital matrix intercom
systems or both. This manual covers the use of FS II with a matrix connection.
With FreeSpeak II Integra, wireless beltpack users can communicate with any
Eclipse HX panel users on a one-to-one or group basis.
Note: This manual covers the use of FS II with a matrix only (FS II Integra). For more
information on running an FS II system with a Base station, please see FreeSpeak
II User Guide, Base Station Version.
To use FreeSpeak with a matrix, the matrix must be equipped with E-Que cards in
antenna or splitter mode. The system must be configured via the Eclipse HX
Configuration software. See 3.1 Adding an E-Que card to the matrix below.
For more detail, please refer to the Eclipse HX Configuration Software User
Guide, section 5.34 E-Que antenna/E-Que FS II antenna.
Note: You cannot configure FreeSpeak and FreeSpeak II on the same Eclipse matrix. If
you attempt to do so, the Eclipse HX Configuration Software displays a warning.
2.1 An FS II communication system
An FS II system consists of three main elements:
• The wireless beltpacks.
• An Eclipse HX matrix (Omega, Median or Delta) with an E-Que card.
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• The transceiver network that provide custom coverage zones in which
beltpacks can operate. Beltpacks can roam freely between coverage
zones.
FS II also includes a drop-in battery charger for the beltpack Li-Ion batteries. You
can conveniently charge the battery by placing the whole beltpack into the
charger, or by placing individual batteries into the charger.
FS II operates using a cellular network of antennas located around a working
environment. The antennas connect to the matrix using CAT5/5e/6 cable via an EQue card installed on the matrix. Each antenna provides an area or cell in which
three to five full-duplex beltpacks can operate. Figure 2-1 shows an example
configuration.
Beltpacks can roam among and between cells without disconnecting because each
beltpack continually signals an antenna as to the strongest available signal. When
the signal from an antenna starts to diminish due to the distance from a beltpack,
the beltpack automatically “hands off” its signal to the nearest antenna, ensuring
smooth transfer.
Figure 2-1 Configurations for a studio and large-scale broadcast facility
XXX
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
XX
X
XX
X
X
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Single studio (e.g. quiz
show)
Large scale permanent broadcast (e.g. soap opera), one studio
complex
X
Typical FreeSpeak Configurations
FreeSpeak
beltpack user
Active
antenna
KEY
Antenna
splitter
HX Matrix
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2.1.1 FreeSpeak II system capacity
Using an antenna splitter allows up to five antennas to be connected to each
antenna port. Each E-Que card can connect to two splitters and so support up to
10 antennas. Each antenna supports up to five beltpacks. This means that up to
50 beltpacks can be present, giving a great deal of flexibility in placing beltpacks
where they are needed most, and providing wireless reliability. 2-1 illustrates how
an FS II system can be set up to operate in a single studio or in a large-scale
permanent broadcast facility.
If an antenna card is selected in the configuration software, this supports 8
antennas.
Each matrix can support up to four E-Que cards, allowing for further expansion
and coverage.
Note: Each antenna is designed to handle five beltpacks in the 1.9 GHz range and four
in the 2.4 GHz range, simultaneously and in good conditions. However, if
interference or propagation problems occur in an area, to ensure proper operation
and reliability, it may be more practical to install one less beltpack for each
antenna.
For zones which are likely to need coverage for up to five or more beltpacks
simultaneously you must install a second antenna. Similarly, for good coverage
for nine or more beltpacks simultaneously, a third antenna may be required.
Radio Frequency
(RF) Band
Minimum number. of
Antennas in one RF cell
Maximum number of
beltpacks supported in
one RF cell
1.9 GHz 1 4 - 5 2
8 - 10
3
12 - 15
4
16 - 20
2.4 GHz 1 3 - 4 2
4 - 6 3
7 - 9 4
10 - 12
Figure 2-2 Antenna/beltpack capacity
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2.1.2 National Radio Carrier Frequencies
The carrier frequencies allocated for a radio space vary according to location. This
affects the amount of belt packs that can be supported in one RF area.
Location
Number of carrier
frequencies
Maximum belt packs
in one RF cell
United States
5
25 belt packs
European Union and
elsewhere
10
50 beltpacks
Figure 2-3 National Radio Carrier Frequencies
Note: If necessary, using two RF bands (1.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz) will increase the amount
of beltpacks that can be used in one area or cell.
2.1.3 FSII 1.9 GHz/FSII 2.4 GHz
FreeSpeak II 2.4 GHz frequency range devices
(ISM, Industrial, Scientific and Medical frequency)
Power status LED = Blue
Data synch status LED = Amber
FSII-TCVR-24
FSII-BP-24
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3 Installing a system
This chapter explains how to install a FreeSpeak II system, including cable
connections, registering beltpacks and performing a site survey to optimize
system performance. It contains the following sections:
• Adding the E-Que card for an FS II antenna or splitter to the matrix
• Placing the antennas and splitters
• Connecting to transceiver/antennas
• Determining coverage areas
• Doing a site survey to determine coverage areas
• Registering beltpacks
A FreeSpeak II system can be used with an Omega, Median or Delta matrix.
3.1 Adding the E-Que card for an FS II antenna or
splitter to the matrix
The E-Que card is designed to allow Eclipse HX matrices to connect to FreeSpeak
and FreeSpeak II wireless antennas/beltpacks or connect together using E1 or T1
protocol. You will need an E-Que card and a rear port. You will need to make sure
the E-Que card is physically connected to the matrix and configured for
communication in the Eclipse software. See 3.1.1 and 3.1.2. below.
3.1.1 Installing and removing an E-Que card.
To install an E-Que card:
1) Carefully place the card in the appropriate slot. Make sure the card is
aligned with the top and bottom precision guides.
2) Push the card toward the backplane connectors.
3) When the card has almost reached the backplane connectors, open the
two ejector tabs, allowing them to clear the edges of the matrix. Gently
insert the card further until it touches the backplane connector guides.
4) Gently close both ejector tabs at the same time, to propel the card into
the backplane connectors.
To remove an E-Que card from the matrix:
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1) Hold the card in place in the matrix.
2) The two card ejector tabs are located at the top and bottom of the card.
To remove a card, open the two ejector tabs at the same time until the
card unseats from its backplane connectors.
3) Pull the card out of the matrix.
3.1.2 Adding an E-Que card to the software
To add and E-Que card to the software:
1) In the EHX configuration software go to:
2) Hardware > Cards and Ports, navigate to an available slot number
(marked Empty). Do either of the following:
3) Double click the slot.
4) Right click the slot and select Set Card Type.
5) A drop-down menu is displayed, listing the available card types. Select an
FS II antenna or splitter from the drop-down menu.
You cannot have both E-Que Antenna/Splitter and E-Que FS II
Antenna/Splitters configured on the same matrix.
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Figure 3-1 E-Que Card Selection
3.1.2.1 Selecting an FS II-TA antenna card type
Selecting an FS II-TA antenna card type automatically configures an E-Que card
with eight antenna ports (1 to 8 on the rear card). Each of those antenna ports
provides five user ports and one control port.
3.1.2.2 Selecting an FS II-TA splitter card type
Selecting an FS II-TA splitter card type automatically adds an E-Que card with two
splitter ports (1 and 5 on the rear card) configured. Each splitter can support up
to five antennas and each antenna provides five beltpack ports.
Note: At this stage you might choose to register all of the beltpacks with the matrix, or
at least register one or two for system setup and testing. See Eclipse HX Software
Configuration User Guide, 5.59 FreeSpeak II Beltpacks.
3.2 Placing the antennas and splitters
The next step is to begin placing antennas and splitters to provide the necessary
coverage areas for all of the beltpacks. The first placements of antennas and
splitters will be experimental and temporary. After placing the antennas, walk
through the coverage areas to check for gaps and then re-locate the antennas
accordingly.
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More information on checking coverage areas is given later in this chapter, in
sections:
• 3.4 Determining coverage areas
• 3.5 Doing a site survey to determine coverage areas
Consider the following:
• What areas will have more than five active beltpack users in them at any
time? Co-locate a second antenna there.
• Is there a central place to locate an antenna so that it will provide
omnidirectional (all directions / circular) coverage?
• Are there balcony areas, corridors, or other rooms or areas that will
require coverage with antennas?
For systems with up to eight transceiver/antennas, the cable runs will go directly
from the transceiver ports on the rear of the E-Que card. If you need more
transceiver/antennas you will need to decide where the splitters that feed these
will be located.
The E-Que card supports two splitters. Each splitter supports up to 5
antenna/transceivers which in turn support up to 5 beltpacks.
For antenna coverage options see 3.4 Determining coverage areas in this
chapter.
3.2.1 Wiring the antennas and splitters
To wire antennas and splitters:
1) Make sure that the local power supplies are plugged into the antennas and
splitters.
2) Run 4-pair shielded Ethernet cable from the matrix (the E-Que card) to
the antenna or splitter, and determine that the antenna or splitter is
showing both power (green) and signal (amber) LEDs. If the amber data
LED flashes, a data link is established, and if the LED is solid, DECT
synchronization is established and the system is ready to use.
The E-Que card will not provide power to the antennas or splitters.
During the initial system setup, before walking through the system with a
beltpack to check for gaps in coverage, it is wise to avoid “permanently” installing
the transceiver/antennas. Hold them in place in some temporary way until their
optimal position is determined.
Note: 4-pair shielded Ethernet cable (CAT-5/5e/6) with RJ-45 connectors on each end is
specified for connection between the matrix and the transceiver/antennas. Use of
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other cable can result in markedly shorter distances of cable runs and other
possibly other performance problems.
3.3 Connecting to transceiver/antennas
3.3.1 Connecting one transceiver/antenna directly to a
transceiver port
A transceiver/antenna connects to the transceiver port on the E-Que card using a
standard 4-pair CAT-5 data cable with RJ-45 connectors. It may be located up to
1,000 metres from the matrix if 24AWG cable is used or for 500 metres if 26AWG
cable is used creating a coverage area for five FS-BP wireless beltpacks in that
location.
Note: It is recommended that shielded CAT-5 cable or better is used.
To know that a transceiver/antenna is active, observe the green power LED and
the yellow signal LED on the face of the unit where the RJ-45 connector is
connected. Both must be lit. Also, wireless beltpacks in the vicinity of the active
transceiver/antenna will be connected to the system and their displays will show
labels and other information.
For the best, most reliable coverage, it is advisable to use a minimum of two
transceiver/antennas in any installation, positioned in different locations in the
coverage area. When more antennas are required to support a larger coverage
area or more wireless beltpacks, an antenna splitter will need to be introduced.
In some situations, particularly in outdoor venues, interference from non-DECT
sources can severely reduce the range of the system. In these cases we
recommend a site survey as described in Chapter 8, “Installing a System”.
3.3.2 Connecting transceiver/antennas with a splitter
(PD2203)
A splitter (PD2203) will connect up to five transceiver/antennas to one of the
transceiver ports on the E-Que card, creating up to five coverage zones that can
be overlapped to make large areas where beltpacks can have continuous
coverage. The use of the splitter also extends the distance that the transceiver
antennas can be located from the matrix to 2,000 metres (6,400 feet) if 24AWG
cable is used or 1.000 metres (3,200 feet) if 26AWG cable is used (assuming the
same cable type is used to connect the antenna to the splitter and the splitter to
the matrix).
Note: It is recommended that shielded CAT-5 cable or better is used.
For example, a splitter can be used to connect to a matrix that is located in a
production truck outside an arena or stadium, with a single CAT-5 cable going to
the splitter which is then located just inside the stadium. From that splitter, up to
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five transceiver/antennas are distributed throughout the stadium to create wide
coverage – each with a run of CAT-5 cable back to the splitter. A similar
arrangement may be used in a large theatre or performing arts facility.
The connection between a transceiver port on the E-Que card and a PD2203
splitter is accomplished with standard 4-pair CAT-5 data cable with RJ-45
connectors. It is connected to the port labeled MATRIX on the splitter. The splitter
must be locally powered via its DC IN connector, using the in-line external
universal power supply.
The RJ-45 ports on the splitter labeled “1” through “5” are the connections to the
FS-TA transceiver/antennas.
Ports 1 and 5 on the E-Que card are connections to the PD2203 splitter.
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Figure 3-2 E-Que card rear connectors, splitter mode
Note: You will need to set the card type to “Splitter mode” in Cards and Ports in the
EHX software interface before connecting the devices. See section 3.1.2. for more
detail.
Ports 1 and 5 (only) will connect to
a PD2203 splitter when the card is
set to Splitter modein Cards
and Ports in the EHX software.
E-Que card rear connectors,
splitter mode
Note: No splitter daisy chains
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Figure 3-3 Recommended cabling lengths and powering, FreeSpeak™ Integra
3.3.3 Powering an antenna or antenna splitter
Provision of 24 VDC power to an FS II antenna is done as follows:
Matrix
Connection from splitter to antenna:
24 AWG Cat 5/5e/6 max. cable length = 1000m (3281ft)
26 AWG Cat 5/5e/6 max. cable length = 500m (1640ft)
Note: if antennas are NOT locally powered max. cable
length = 250m (820ft).
It is recommended that antennas are powered locally.
Connection from E-Que card to splitter:
24 AWG Cat 5/5e/6 max. cable length = 1000m (3281ft)
26 AWG Cat 5/5e/6 max. cable length = 500m (1640ft)
Note: The splitter MUST be locally powered.
Maximum Cable Lengths and Powering,
FreeSpeak IIIntegra
E-Que card
PSUPSU
PSUPSU
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• Connect the antenna to a 453G023 power supply unit through the 4-pin DIN
connector at the antenna.
3.4 Determining coverage areas
After the transceiver/antennas and splitters have been initially set up proceed to
test the coverage areas and re-locate antennas and splitters, if necessary, for
optimal coverage.
The following figure illustrates some FreeSpeak II coverage scenarios.
Figure 3-4 Coverage areas for FS II TAs
Note: Cells can be completely overlapped for density (by co-locating multiple antennas).
Cells can be overlapped at boundaries (increases radio coverage).
For most working systems Clear-Com uses a ratio of 3-4 (1.9GHz) or 2-3
(2.4GHz) users per antenna. This is due to system losses.
Note: Under ideal conditions, the maximum range between an FS II beltpack and a
transceiver/antenna is 500 metres. Typical distances are between approximately
50 metres (about 160 feet) and 150 metres (about 490 feet), depending on the
particular environment.
To determine coverage areas:
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1) When the matrix, splitter(s), and transceiver/antennas have been placed
and wired, turn on an FS II beltpack (assuming that it has been registered
with the system) and walk the coverage area.
Alternatively, use the Site Survey mode on the beltpack (see 3.5 Doing a site
survey to determine coverage areas below). It is often best to begin with one
antenna in place, and then place additional units to enhance coverage.
2) Walk through all of the areas where beltpack users will typically be
moving, and note any areas of weak signal, dropout, or disconnection
from the system. Pay special attention to the overlap areas between
antenna coverage zones, making sure sufficient signal strength is there
from each of the transceiver/antennas to make a clean handoff between
them for the beltpack.
3.5 Doing a site survey to determine coverage areas
You might want to test coverage areas more extensively before setting up a
complete system. Testing a system in the setting in which it will be located helps
to meet operational needs. Factors in the local setting may affect the areas a
system can cover, so it is important to plan a site setup accordingly.
Doing a complete site survey, as described below, helps to set up an optimal
system. You can do a site survey using a beltpack that is connected to the system
or one that is not connected to the system.
3.5.1 Doing a site survey with a beltpack
1) Link one beltpack to the matrix.
2) Place one connected antenna in the center of the coverage area.
3) Put the beltpack into Site Survey mode using the beltpack menu. See 4
Operating the wireless beltpack. The following figures show the
information that the Site Survey mode displays for connected and
unconnected beltpacks.
Figure 3-4 An unconnected beltpack site survey screen
Received signal
strength indication
(RSSI)
8-digit system name
and 2-digit RPN
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Figure 3-5 A connected beltpack site survey screen
Parameter
Meaning
Received Signal Strength Indication
(RSSI)
A measure of the signal strength in a
wireless environment. The higher the
value, the stronger the signal.
Frame Error Rate (FER)
A measure of the signal connection
quality. The lower the FER, the better
the signal connection.
Link Quality (LQ)
A combined quality metric ranging
from 1 (poor) to 5 (high).
Table 3-1 Key to site survey terms
4) Walk around the antenna with the beltpack, monitoring the beltpack signal
strength and quality metrics.
The signal strength is shown in the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)
field.
• The signal strength number will fluctuate, ranging between 0 - 59 as you
walk through the coverage area, and may even fluctuate as you stand
still. As a rule-of-thumb the best system performance will be obtained
when the signal strength remains at 30 or above. If the signal strength
falls below 30 the beltpack may start losing audio. This is the limit of the
coverage zone.
• A high Received Signal strength indication and a high Error rate may
indicate that there is another RF system causing interference.
A beltpack can transmit to an antenna at a range of approximately 500m in good
conditions.
5) Draw a map of the coverage zone for the antenna. The coverage zone is
the area where the signal strength, as a rule-of-thumb, is 30 or above and
the Line Quality is 3-5.
2-digit RPN
Frame error rate Link quality
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6) Repeat this process for as many antennas as necessary to cover the
required area. Overlap coverage zones so that there is no area where the
signal strength is below 30, and no area where the error rate is above a
few percent.
7) The antenna placement will need to be adjusted to get the best coverage.
Figure 3-6 Mapping overlapping coverage zones
In some environments you might observe that despite having a high signal
strength, the beltpack consistently reports a high error rate.
This could be due to two things:
• In-band interference from an RF source broadcasting in the DECT area of
the spectrum. This can be verified using a DECT band monitor or by using
a Spectrum Analyzer.
• Long Delay Spread Multipath, where the signal is bounced off a number of
reflective surfaces, such as metal ceilings, gantries, walkways or other
large structures. This problem is greatest where the reflective surface is
large and exists at a range of distances from the antenna. To reduce the
problem, consider siting the antenna where it cannot “see” the reflective
surface or installing a reflector close to the antenna between it and the
reflective surface.
3.5.2 Testing antenna handoff
After testing the coverage areas for individual antennas, test the handoff between
the antennas. When you walk through a coverage area with the beltpack, the
beltpack searches to find the antenna with the best signal strength, and switches
transmission to that antenna. Therefore the beltpack continually hands off
transmission among antennas as you move through the coverage area. You can
determine which antenna the beltpack is connected to using the EHX
configuration.
To test antenna handoff, connect any additional antennas in the installation and
walk through the coverage areas to ensure that the coverage is continuous and
complete, without audio breakups. Reposition antennas if necessary.
Zone A
1 user
Zone C
4 users
Zone B
5 users
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3.5.3 Assigning beltpacks to coverage areas
Antennas that operate in the 1.9 GHz band will handle up to 5 antennas at any
one time. Antennas that operate in the 2.4 GHz band will handle up to 4
antennas.
Although they can achieve this in good conditions, this may not always be
possible for a number of reasons. First, interference or propagation problems may
mean that not all antenna slots are available all the time. Second, a beltpack
constantly searches for the best antenna signal, and may frequently switch
antennas. To make this transmission seamless, a beltpack maintains the
connection to its current antenna until it is confident that the new antenna is
functioning well. Therefore, for a short period of time during this transition, a
single beltpack can occupy slots on more than one antenna.
This means that for zones likely to need coverage for five or more beltpacks
simultaneously it is recommended that a second antenna is installed. Similarly,
for good coverage for nine or more beltpacks simultaneously, a third antenna may
be required (remember that the 2.4 band will support one less beltpack per
antenna).
3.5.4 Conditions affecting coverage areas
The environment in which a system is located affects the coverage area for any
particular beltpack/antenna combination. The presence of walls, floors, ceilings,
trees, shrubbery, people, and numerous other items may affect the coverage
zone. Metallic objects, safety doors, lighting equipment, and bodies of water may
possibly block transmission. These factors must be taken into consideration when
planning the installation.
3.5.5 Surveying a site in standalone (rigging) mode
You might need to scope a site (check the range and performance of an antenna)
without connecting to a matrix. To do this, a beltpack and antenna can be put into
standalone or rigging mode.
To put a beltpack and antenna into standalone mode:
Make sure you have to hand:
• A beltpack
• A transceiver/antenna
• A power connector for the antenna.
• Access to a power socket.
8) Connect the power to the transceiver/antenna and at the same time
press the black mode button on the base of the antenna.
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