Computer Automation Technology CAT-250 User Manual

CAT-250

Repeater Controller

Computer Automation Technology, Inc

7378 W. Atlantic Blvd. #239
Margate, Florida 33063
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.catauto.com

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Introduction and Specifications

Introduction

1-1

Specifications

1-2

Chapter 2

System Configurations

Repeater – Transceiver

2-1

Repeater – RLS-1000 Diagram (Three Transceivers)

2-2

Repeater – Transceiver – WX-250 Weather Receiver

2-3

Repeater – WX-250 Weather Receiver Diagram

2-4

Repeater – Repeater (Two CAT-250 Controllers)

2-5

Dipswitch Settings

2-6

Chapter 3

Repeater Control by DTMF Commands

Interrogation of Repeater Control Status

3-1

Changing Repeater Control Status

3-1

Zone Control Tables 1 through 4

3-2

Zone Control Tables 4 through 8

3-3

Zone 1 DTMF Control Definitions

3-4

Zone 2 DTMF Control Definitions

3-5

Zone 3 DTMF Control Definitions

3-6

Zone 4 DTMF Control Definitions

3-7

Zone 5 DTMF Control Definitions

3-8

Zone 6 DTMF Control Definitions

3-9

Zone 7 DTMF Control Definitions

3-9

Zone 8 DTMF Control Definitions

3-10

Chapter 4

Repeater Operation Features

Time-of-Day Message

4-1

DTMF Keypad Test

4-1

DTMF Access

4-1

Forced DTMF Entry

4-1

DTMF Muting Override

4-1

Repeater ID (AT Rest)

4-1

Repeater ID (Active)

4-1

Macro Execute

4-2

Link Disconnect

4-2

Link Connect

4-2

Link Receive Only

4-2

Voice Message Selection

4-2

Chapter 5

Repeater Programming by DTMF Commands

Initialization

5-1

Programming the Master Unlock Number

5-1

Unlocking the Controller By Radio

5-1

Locking the Controller By Radio

5-1

Internal Command Assignment Table

5-2

Program Scheduler Event Macros

5-4

Program User Macros

5-4

Event Macro Command Table

5-5

Program Event Macros

5-6

Event Macro Default Table

5-6

Set Clock

5-8

Program Forced Entry Command

5-8

Program Voice Messages

5-8

Voice Message Table

5-9

Program CW Identification

5-10

CW ID Message Table

5-10

Program Control Codes and Prefix Numbers

5-10

Program Timer Memory

5-12

Send Audio Test Tone

5-14

Program Courtesy Tones

5-14

Courtesy Tone Programming Table

5-14

Exit Programming Mode

5-15

DTMF Programming Command Table

5-16

Chapter 6

Interfacing to Other Equipment

Determining COR Logic

6-1

Connection to Repeater’s Receiver

6-1

Connecting to Repeater’s Transmitter

6-1

Connecting to CTCSS Decoder

6-1

Interface Review

6-1

Connector Kit

6-2

Power Supply

6-2

Audio De-emphasis

6-2

Audio Level Adjustment

6-2

Printed Circuit Board Layout

6-2

Connector Assignment Table (J2)

6-3

Connector Assignment Table (J1)

6-4

TS-64 CTCSS Wiring Diagram

6-4

Chapter 7.

RS-232 Computer Interface

ISP Loader For CAT-250 Firmware

7-1

ED-250 Windows Editor

7-2

Activation of RS-232 Port With Dipswitch #8

7-2

Activation of RS-232 Port By Radio

7-2

Chapter 8.

Vocabulary Word List Table

8-1

Chapter 9.

Drawings (PC Board Artwork)

9-1

Chapter 10.

Schematics (Four Sheets)

10-1

Chapter 11.

Parts List Table

11-1

REVISED 04/18/16 (V1.08)

1-1

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Specifications

Congratulations on your purchase of the CAT-250 Repeater Controller. Programming the CAT-250 is a
snap, with its carefully structured uniform programming commands. The manual is easy to follow and
the voice synthesizer interacts with you during control and programming operation. An optional
WINDOW EDITOR is available to program the CAT-250 controller.

Voice Synthesizer

A vocabulary base of 290 words is available to ID your repeater and make voice announcements.

CW ID

The controller will switch to CW when a repeater user talks over the voice ID. Or ID in CW only,
depending on how the CAT-250 is configured.

Digital Voice Clock

The digital voice clock will announce the time upon request, during repeater IDs, or on the hour
through the grandfather clock feature. Back-up power for the clock is supplied by a .47 Farad
capacitor. Once 12VDC is supplied to the CAT-250 three hours are required for the capacitor to reach
full charge. During power failure the capacitor will power the clock for approximately six hours.

Scheduler

An advanced [20] position scheduler fully automates repeater operation. Any command that can be
manually executed can also be scheduled to one-minute accuracy. Program the hours, minutes, day of
week, or day of month and month of year. The CAT-250 will do the rest.

Courtesy Tone

Separate courtesy tones denote repeater and link activity. Create up to eight custom courtesy tones
and assign their use by executing event macro 13 Port #1 input and macro 14 for Port #2 input.

Port Configuration

The CAT-250 is a dual port controller. Port #1 is a repeater port. Port #2 can be configured as a
simplex transceiver or duplex transceiver port.

User Function Output Switches

Six open DRAIN user function output switches control equipment at your repeater site. These switches
are controlled manually by DTMF commands or from within a macro. They can be made to turn OFF,
ON or momentarily change state.

User Function Inputs

Four inputs activated by a voltage change from other equipment at the repeater site, causes the CAT­250 to activate a macro. Two macros are assigned to each logic input. Different macros are called when
the input goes high and low.

DTMF Keypad Test

A DTMF keypad test will read back the numbers decoded in a synthesized voice. This feature is
available on both ports one and two.

1-2

Microprocessor

P89C668

Memory

25C640 (64K)

Voice Synthesizer

Texas Instruments MSP53C391NI2D

Voice Vocabulary

290 Words

DTMF Receivers

(2) MT8870

Operating Temperature

-15 to +55 degrees C

Call Letter ID

(4) Buffer size VOICE (15) - CW (16)

User Function Outputs

(6) Switch 40VDC @ 50mA.

Logic Inputs

(4) 10K ohm input impedance

Low (0 to 0.8VDC) High (2.4 to 15VDC)

Logic Outputs

Open Collector Relay Driver (28VDC at 50mA)

Audio Input

Receiver 0.2 - 2VAC adjustable 10K ohms

Audio Output

Transmitter 2VAC adjustable 600 ohms

Power

+9 to +15VDC at 80mA

Size

4.5" X 7.0"

Warranty

Limited one year, parts and labor.

User Macros

The CAT-250 supports forty User Macros each containing sixteen commands. A user macro is a series
of commands, defined by the repeater owner. Macros permit the owner to customize certain aspects of
repeater operation. Once the CAT-250 decodes the macro number, the commands will execute in the
order they were stored within the macro.

Event Triggered Macros

An event macro is a series of commands, defined by the repeater owner. Event Macros are positioned
throughout the program to execute during certain prescribed operations. The CAT-250 supports fifty
event macros each containing sixteen commands.

Specifications

FCC Part 15 RF Interference

When installed in the RM-250 rack mount enclosure, the CAT-250 has been tested and found to meet
the standards for a Class A digital device, as specified in Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These specifications
are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a commercial installation.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

2-1

CAT-250

CAT-250 REPEATER AND TRANSCEIVER CONFIGURATION

J2-6

J2-4

J2-25

J2-10

J2-11

J2-13

J2-1

COR #1

CTCSS #1

PTT #1

TX AUDIO #1

RX AUDIO #1

GROUND

USER INPUT #3
USER INPUT #4

USER INPUT #1
USER INPUT #2

J2-22

J2-21

J2-2

J2-15

J2-14

USER OUTPUT #3

USER OUTPUT #2

USER OUTPUT #1

J2-19
J2-20 USER OUTPUT #4

J2-17

J2-16

GROUND

+12VDC OUTPUT

J1-1

J1-4

J1-3

J1-2

COR #2

TX AUDIO #2

PTT #2

CTCSS #2

RX AUDIO #2J1-5

J2-8 USER OUTPUT #6

GROUNDJ1-8

REPEATER

TRANSCEIVER

J2-7 USER OUTPUT #5

Chapter 2 - System Configuration

Repeater and Transceiver

In this configuration the CAT-250 supports a repeater on port #1 and a transceiver on port #2. Figure
2-1 shows the repeater connected to J2 the “25 Pin D” connector while the transceiver is connected to

J1 the “9 Pin D” connector. The transceiver port is also available on the “25 Pin D” connector to be

compatible with other CAT controllers.

Figure 2-1

2-2

CAT-250

RLS-1000B

J2-6

J2-4

J2-25

J2-10

J2-11

J2-13

J2-1

J2-22

J2-21

J2-2

J1-1

J1-4
J1-8

J1-9

J1-3

J1-2

COR #2

GROUND

+12VDC OUTPUT

TX AUDIO #2

PTT #2

CTCSS #2

J4-15

J4-14

J4-17

J4-22

J4-18

J4-13

J4-2

J4-1

J4-16

PORT #3 CONTROL

REPEATER COR

CTCSS OUT

REPEATER PTT

RX AUDIO

+12VDC INPUT

GROUND

PORT #1 CONTROL

PORT #2 CONTROL

COR #1

CTCSS #1

PTT #1

TX AUDIO #1

RX AUDIO #1

GROUND

USER INPUT #3
USER INPUT #4

USER INPUT #1
USER INPUT #2

REPEATER

CAT-250 - RLS-1000 THREE TRANSCEIVERS

J2-15

J2-14

J2-20

USER OUTPUT #3

USER OUTPUT #2

USER OUTPUT #1

USER OUTPUT #4

J2-19

J2-8 USER OUTPUT #6

USER OUTPUT #5J2-7

RX AUDIO #2J1-5

2

3

5

1

7
4

1

2

3

4

5

7

1

7
4
2

5
3

COR

CTCSS

PTT

TX AUDIO

RX AUDIO

GROUND

COR

CTCSS

PTT

TX AUDIO

RX AUDIO

GROUND

COR

TX AUDIO

RX AUDIO

GROUND

PTT

CTCSS

TRANSCEIVER

TRANSCEIVER

TRANSCEIVER

TX AUDIOJ4-11

PORT #3

PORT #2

PORT #1

Repeater and Transceivers

In this configuration the CAT-250 supports a repeater and three transceivers. With an RLS-1000B
Remote Link Switch board connected to port #2 three transceiver can be added to the repeater system.
Three of the CAT-250’s user function switches are assigned to control the RLS-1000B’s transceiver
inputs.

Figure 2-2

2-3

CAT-250

J2-6

J2-4

J2-25

J2-10

J2-11

J2-13

COR #1

CTCSS #1

PTT #1

TX AUDIO #1

RX AUDIO #1

GROUND

J2-16
J2-17

+12VDC OUTPUT

GROUND

J2-1

USER INPUT #3
USER INPUT #4

USER INPUT #1
USER INPUT #2

J2-22

J2-21

J2-2

J1-1

J1-4

J1-3

J1-2

COR #2

TX AUDIO #2

PTT #2

CTCSS #2

RX AUDIO #2J1-5

J2-15

J2-14

USER OUTPUT #3

USER OUTPUT #2

USER OUTPUT #1

J2-19
J2-20 USER OUTPUT #4

REPEATER

TRANSCEIVER

J1-8 GROUND

WX-250

PTT OUTPUT

PTT INPUT

J4-3

J4-2

J4-11

J4-10

TX AUDIO OUTPUT

TX AUDIO INPUT

J4-4 WX ALERT DISABLE

WX ALERT ENABLEJ4-9

J4-1 PTT GROUND

J4-7
J4-6

WX ALERT START

WX ALERT STOP

J4-8 GROUND

J2-8 USER OUTPUT #6

CAT-250 - WX-250 WITH REMOTE BASE CONFIGURATION

USER OUTPUT #5J2-7

GROUND

TX AUDIO

PTT

Repeater With One Transceiver And Weather Receiver

In this configuration the CAT-250 supports a repeater, transceiver and weather receiver. The WX­250 weather receiver mounts on the same 19-inch rack panel as the CAT-250. PTT and transmit
audio from the CAT-250 are connected to the repeater's transmitter through the normally closed
contacts of the double pole double throw relay located inside the WX-250. When a weather alert is
received, the relay will switch the weather alert audio to the TX audio input and provide a PTT signal to
key the transmitter.

Figure 2-3

2-4

CAT-250

J2-6

J2-4

J2-25

J2-10

J2-11

J2-13

COR #1

CTCSS #1

PTT #1

TX AUDIO #1

RX AUDIO #1

GROUND

WX-250

J2-16
J2-17

+12VDC OUTPUT

GROUND

REPEATER

PTT OUTPUT

PTT INPUT

J4-3

J4-2

J4-11

J4-10

TX AUDIO OUTPUT

TX AUDIO INPUT

J4-4 WX ALERT DISABLE

WX ALERT ENABLEJ4-9

J4-1 PTT GROUND

J4-7
J4-6

WX ALERT START

WX ALERT STOP

J4-8 GROUND

J2-8 USER OUTPUT #6

CAT-250 - WX-250 AUXILIARY RECEIVER CONFIGURATION

J1-1

J1-4

J1-3

J1-2

COR #2

TX AUDIO #2

PTT #2

CTCSS #2

RX AUDIO #2J1-5
J1-9 +12VDC OUTPUT
J2-1

USER INPUT #3
USER INPUT #4

USER INPUT #1
USER INPUT #2

J2-22

J2-21

J2-2

J2-15

J2-14

USER OUTPUT #3

USER OUTPUT #2

USER OUTPUT #1

J2-19
J2-20 USER OUTPUT #4

USER OUTPUT #5J2-7

Repeater And Weather Receiver

In this configuration the CAT-250 supports a repeater and weather receiver. The WX-250 is
connected to the transceiver port of the CAT-250. When a weather alert is received, a relay inside the
WX-250 will switch the weather alert audio to the RX2 audio input of the CAT-250 and provide a COR
input signal to activate the repeater’s transmitter.

Figure 2-4

2-5

CAT-250

CAT-250

CAT-250 TWO REPEATER CONFIGURATION

J2-6

J2-4

J2-25

J2-10

J2-11

J2-13

J2-1

COR #1

CTCSS #1

PTT #1

TX AUDIO #1

RX AUDIO #1

GROUND

USER INPUT #3
USER INPUT #4

USER INPUT #1
USER INPUT #2

J2-22

J2-21

J2-2

J2-15

J2-14

USER OUTPUT #3

USER OUTPUT #2

USER OUTPUT #1

J2-19
J2-20 USER OUTPUT #4

J2-6

J2-4

J2-25

J2-10

J2-11

J2-13

J2-1

COR #1

CTCSS #1

PTT #1

TX AUDIO #1

RX AUDIO #1

GROUND

USER INPUT #3
USER INPUT #4

USER INPUT #1
USER INPUT #2

J2-22

J2-21

J2-2

J2-15

J2-14

USER OUTPUT #3

USER OUTPUT #2

USER OUTPUT #1

J2-19
J2-20 USER OUTPUT #4

J1-1

J1-4

J2-17

J2-16

J1-3

J1-2

COR #2

GROUND

+12VDC OUTPUT

TX AUDIO #2

PTT #2

CTCSS #2

RX AUDIO #2J1-5

REPEATER #1

REPEATER #2

J1-1

J1-4

J2-17

J2-16

J1-3

J1-2

COR #2

GROUND

+12VDC OUTPUT

TX AUDIO #2

PTT #2

CTCSS #2

RX AUDIO #2J1-5

J2-8 USER OUTPUT #6

J2-8 USER OUTPUT #6

J2-7 USER OUTPUT #5

J1-8 GROUND

GROUNDJ1-8

USER OUTPUT #5J2-7

Dual Repeater

In this configuration two CAT-250 controllers have their link ports cross-coupled. By connecting PTT
#2 of one CAT-250 to the COR #2 of the other CAT-250 and TX2 audio of one controller connected
to the RX2 audio of the other controller the two repeaters can be linked together. When port #2 is
turned off each repeater will stand-alone.

Figure 2-5

2-6

Dip Switch

An eight-position dipswitch configures various functions of the CAT-250.

Switch 1 This switch determines Repeater COR input logic. Switch #1 should be ON if the repeater

receiver's COR is an active low and OFF if COR is active high.

Switch 2 This switch determines Repeater CTCSS input logic. Switch #2 should be ON if the

repeater receiver's CTCSS is an active low and OFF if CTCSS is active high.

Switch 3 This switch determines Link COR input logic. This switch should be ON if the link receiver's

COR is an active low and OFF if COR is active high.

Switch 4 This switch determines Link CTCSS input logic. Switch #4 should be ON if the link

receiver's CTCSS is an active low and OFF if CTCSS is active high.

Switch 5 This switch determines the operation of Port #2. Switch #5 should be ON for duplex

transceiver operation and OFF for simplex transceiver operation.

Switch 6 This switch places the CAT-250 in the cross band repeat mode. With transceivers on both

Port #1 and Port #2, enabled the link with the [5001] command. A signal received by the Port #1
receiver will only key the Port #2 transmitter and a signal received by the Port #2 receiver will only key
the Port #1 transmitter.

Switch 7 This switch is used to initialize the CAT-250. Set this switch to ON. Cycle the power OFF

and back ON. During power-up, the memory will be flushed and reloaded with default values. The
voice will say: "RESET SYSTEM OK." Set dipswitch #7 to the OFF position.

Switch 8 This switch is used to program a new MASTER un-lock number. Set switch #8 to ON. The

voice will say: "ENTER CONTROL." After the seven-digit master unlock number is entered, set switch
#8 to OFF. This switch is also used to activate the RS-232 port. Turn the power off set dipswitch #8 to
on and apply power to the CAT-250.

3-1

Zone (2)
Control Operator Code Read Channel Status (0)

Key-up and send: 100 2 0

Zone (1 through 4)
Control Operator Code Channel (1 through 8)
Activity (0=OFF 1=ON)

Key-up and send: 100 2 1 1

Chapter 3 - Repeater Control

The CAT-250 has eight control zones. These control zones can be manually controlled by DTMF
commands on the repeater input or by user and event macros.

Interrogation of Repeater Control Status

Key-up and send the control operator code [100] followed by the zone number and a zero. Un-key and
the voice will read back the channels that are turned on in that zone. Example: Read Zone 2 channel
status. If all the channels are turned off, the voice will say: "CLEAR."

Un-key and the voice will say: "ONE FOUR EIGHT"

Changing Repeater Control Status

To change the status of a channel, key-up and send the control operator code [100] followed by the
zone number, channel number and a [1] to turn the channel ON or a [0] to turn the channel OFF. Un­key and the voice will read back the zone, channel number and control activity. The voice will say:
"ONE ONE ON." or "THREE FIVE OFF."

Example: With a control operator prefix of 100, turn Zone 2 Channel 1 ON.

Un-key and the voice will say: "TWO ONE ON."

Control of the CAT-250 is also available through the Port #2 receiver. The procedure is the same as
above except the default control operator code for Port #2 is [200].

3-2

1

PORT #1 TRANSMIT

ENABLE*

2

PORT #1 COR AND CTCSS

ENABLE

3

PORT #1 COR OR CTCSS

ENABLE

4

PORT #1 TURN ON DELAY

ENABLE

5

PORT #1 DTMF PAD TEST

ENABLE*

6

PORT #1 COURTESY TONE

ENABLE*

7

PORT #1 DTMF MUTING

ENABLE

8

PORT #1 TIMEOUT

ENABLE*

1

PORT #2 TRANSMIT

ENABLE*

2

PORT #2 COR AND CTCSS

ENABLE

3

PORT #2 COR OR CTCSS

ENABLE

4

PORT #2 TURN ON DELAY

ENABLE

5

PORT #2 DTMF PAD TEST

ENABLE*

6

PORT #2 AUTO-DISCONNECT

ENABLE

7

PORT #2 DTMF MUTING

ENABLE

8

PORT #2 TIMEOUT

ENABLE*

1

PORT #2 CONTROL OPERATOR

ENABLE*

2

PORT #2 MACRO CONTROL

ENABLE*

3

RESERVED

ENABLE

4

RESERVED

ENABLE

5

RESERVED

ENABLE

6

RESERVED

ENABLE

7

RESERVED

ENABLE

8

RESERVED

ENABLE

1

USER LOGIC INPUT #1

ENABLE*

2

USER LOGIC INPUT #2

ENABLE*

3

USER LOGIC INPUT #3

ENABLE*

4

USER LOGIC INPUT #4

ENABLE*

5

SCHEDULER

ENABLE*

6

TIME OF DAY REQUEST

ENABLE*

7

GRANDFATHER CLOCK

ENABLE*

8

GRANDFATHER CLOCK SLEEP

ENABLE

Repeater Control Channels

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

3-3

1

USER OUTPUT SWITCH #1

ENABLE

2

USER OUTPUT SWITCH #2

ENABLE

3

USER OUTPUT SWITCH #3

ENABLE

4

USER OUTPUT SWITCH #4

ENABLE

5

USER OUTPUT SWITCH #5

ENABLE

6

USER OUTPUT SWITCH #6

ENABLE

7

DTMF ACCESS

ENABLE

8

FORCED DTMF ENTRY

ENABLE*

1

REPEATER ID #1 (At Rest)

ENABLE*

2

REPEATER ID #2 (Active)

ENABLE*

3

SQUELCH TAIL MESSAGE

ENABLE

4

TRANSMITTER DROP MESSAGE

ENABLE

5

TIMED MESSAGE #1

ENABLE

6

TIMED MESSAGE #2

ENABLE

7

RESERVED

ENABLE

8

RESERVED

ENABLE

1

FAN CONTROL

ENABLE

2

CTCSS ENCODER LOGIC

ENABLE

3

ECHOLINK® CONTROL

ENABLE

4

TRANSMITTER HANG TIME

ENABLE*

5

RESERVED

ENABLE

6

RESERVED

ENABLE

7

RESERVED

ENABLE

8

RESERVED

ENABLE

1

RESERVED

ENABLE

2

RESERVED

ENABLE

3

RESERVED

ENABLE

4

RESERVED

ENABLE

5

RESERVED

ENABLE

6

RESERVED

ENABLE

7

RESERVED

ENABLE

8

RESERVED

ENABLE

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

* During initialization these control channels are set to the enable position.

3-4

Zone 1 - Repeater Control Channels

1. Port #1 Transmitter Enable

This is the master repeater switch. This channel must be enabled for normal repeater operation. The
CAT-250 will continue to respond to control operator commands even when the Port #1 transmitter is
disabled. This channel will automatically be enabled after a dipswitch #7 initialization reset.

2. Port #1 COR and CTCSS Enable

When this channel is enabled, in addition to a COR input, an input from a CTCSS decoder at J2-4 must
also be present before Port #1 will activate. A COR input by itself will have no affect. To prevent loss of
control, DO NOT ENABLE THIS CHANNEL unless a CTCSS decoder is connected to J2-4.

3. Port #1 COR or CTCSS Enable

When this channel is enabled, the COR and CTCSS inputs will function as a (OR) logic input. This
means activity on either the COR or CTCSS inputs will cause the controller to key the Port #1
transmitter.

4. Port #1 Turn on Delay Enable

When this channel is enabled, a deliberate and sustained input on Port #1 must be present before the
controller will respond. A time delay of 0.1 to 9.9 seconds can be selected with the [*624*]
programming command. When the CAT-250 is initialized, this timer defaults to 1.0 seconds. This
channel is useful during periods when noise bursts are present on the repeater input.

5. Port #1 DTMF Pad Test Enable

When this channel is enabled, a repeater user is able to perform a test of their radio's 12 or 16-button
keypad through the repeater port. As the numbers are being decoded, they are stored in memory.
When the repeater user stops transmitting the controller will read back all the numbers that were
decoded. The Forced DTMF Entry key is defaulted to the [D] key. It must be entered last and it will
not read back during the pad test.

6. Port #1 Courtesy Tone Enable

When this channel is enabled, a courtesy tone will occur when the COR signal is lost. To eliminate the
courtesy tone, turn this channel OFF. The timeout timer will continue to be reset.

7. Port #1 DTMF Muting Enable

When this channel is enabled, anytime a DTMF tone is received, the audio will be turned off to the Port
#1 transmitter. The transmit audio will remain muted until a pre-determined time after the last DTMF
tone is received. During the mute period, cover beeps are transmitted each second to indicate repeater
activity. This feature prevents control commands from being repeated. It provides an extra measure
of security. There may be times when it is desirable to pass the DTMF tones through the repeater. To
temporarily disable DTMF muting, precede the DTMF string with a (#).

3-5

Zone 2 - Link Control Channels

8. Port #1 Timeout Enable

Port #1 time-out is user programmable with the [*601*] timer programming commands. When the
CAT-250 is initialized, this timer defaults to 3 minutes. When this channel is turned off, the repeater,
port #1 will not timeout.

1. Port #2 Transmitter Enable

This channel must be enabled for link operation. This channel will automatically be enabled after a
dipswitch #7 initialization reset.

2. Port #2 COR and CTCSS Enable

When this channel is enabled, in addition to a COR input at J2-5, an input from a CTCSS decoder at J2­3 must also be present before the repeater will activate. A COR input by itself will have no affect.

3. Port #2 COR or CTCSS Enable

When this channel is enabled, the COR and CTCSS inputs will function as a (OR) logic input. This
means activity on either the COR or CTCSS inputs will cause the controller to key the repeater's
transmitter.

4. Port #2 Turn on Delay Enable

When this channel is enabled, a deliberate and sustained input on Port #2 must be present before the
controller will activate the repeater. A time delay of 0.1 to 9.9 seconds can be selected with the
[*624*] programming command. When the CAT-250 is initialized, this timer defaults to 1.0 seconds.
This channel is useful during periods when noise bursts are present on the transceiver input.

5. Port #2 DTMF Pad Test Enable

When this channel is enabled, a repeater user is able to perform a test of their radio's 12 or 16-button
keypad through Port #2. As the numbers are being decoded, they are stored in memory. When the
repeater user stops transmitting the controller will read back all the numbers that were decoded. The
Forced DTMF Entry key is defaulted to the [D] key. It must be entered last and it will not read back
during the pad test.

6. Port #2 Auto Disconnect Enable

When this channel is enabled, the link will disconnect automatically after a period of repeater inactivity.
The voice will say: “LINK TIME OUT”. A repeater or transceiver COR will keep the link activate until
the repeater returns to rest. A rest period of up to 29 minutes can be selected with the [*607*]
programming command. When the CAT-250 is initialized, this timer defaults to 10 minutes.

3-6

Zone 3 - Link Control Channels

7. Port #2 DTMF Muting Enable

When this channel is enabled, anytime a DTMF tone is received, the audio will be turned off to the Port
#2 transmitter. The transmit audio will remain muted until a pre-determined time after the last DTMF
tone is received. During the mute period, cover beeps are transmitted each second to indicate repeater
activity. This feature prevents control commands from being repeated. It provides an extra measure
of security. There may be times when it is desirable to pass the DTMF tones through the repeater. To
temporarily disable DTMF muting, precede the DTMF string with a (#).

8. Port #2 Timeout Enable

Link time-out is user programmable with the [*602*] timer programming commands. When the CAT­250 is initialized, this timer defaults to 3 minutes. When this channel is turned off, the repeater link
port, will not timeout.

1. Port #2 Control Operator Enable

When this channel is enabled, the CAT-250 will accept control operator commands to change the
settings of the zone channels from the link side. The default code is [200]. This code can be changed
with the [*502*] programming command.

2. Port #2 Macro Enable

When this channel is enabled, the CAT-250 will accept user macro commands from the link side.

3. Reserved

4. Reserved

5. Reserved

6. Reserved

7. Reserved

8. Reserved

3-7

Zone 4 - Miscellaneous Control Channels

1. User Logic Input #1 Enable

When this channel is enabled, an active high logic input on connector J2-1 will execute event macro #5
while an active low logic input will execute event macro #6.

2. User Logic Input #2 Enable

When this channel is enabled, an active high logic input on connector J2-2 will execute event macro #7
while an active low logic input will execute event macro #8.

3. User Logic Input #3 Enable

When this channel is enabled, an active high logic input on connector J2-21 will execute event macro
#9 while an active low logic input will execute event macro #10.

4. User Logic Input #4 Enable

When this channel is enabled, an active high logic input on connector J2-22 will execute event macro
#11 while an active low logic input will execute event macro #12.

5. Scheduler Enable

When this channel is enabled, all action by the scheduler will be executed per the times programmed in
the scheduler table. There may be times, during emergency net operations, when it is not desirable to
have channels change automatically. To suspend scheduler operation, turn this channel off.

6. Time of Day Request Enable

When this channel is enabled, repeater users can request a time of day announcement by entering the
time of day request number. This message will consist of up to 15 words selected from the voice
vocabulary table and is programmed with the [*3109*] command. When the CAT-250 is initialized,
this message defaults to: "THE TIME IS 7:15 PM."

7. Grandfather Clock Enable

When this channel is enabled, the CAT-250 will announce the time of day every hour on the hour. This
message will consist of up to 15 words selected from the voice synthesizer vocabulary table and
programmed with the [*3110*] command. When the CAT-250 is initialized, this message defaults to:
"CAT-250 REPEATER THE TIME IS 7:15 PM."

8. Grandfather Clock Sleep Mode Enable

It may be desirable to suspend the grandfather clock operation during the early morning hours. When
this channel is enabled, the last announcement will be at 11:00 PM. Time announcements will resume
at 7:00 AM the next morning.

3-8

Zone 5 - Miscellaneous Control Channels

1. USER Output Switch #1 Enable

When this channel is enabled, switch #1 is turned on. Connector J2 pin 14 will sink 50 MA to ground.

2. USER Output Switch #2 Enable

When this channel is enabled, switch #2 is turned on. Connector J2 pin 15 will sink 50 MA to ground.

3. USER Output Switch #3 Enable

When this channel is enabled, switch #3 is turned on. Connector J2 pin 19 will sink 50 MA to ground.

4. USER Output Switch #4 Enable

When this channel is enabled, switch #4 is turned on. Connector J2 pin 20 will sink 50 MA to ground.

5. USER Output Switch #5 Enable

When this channel is enabled, switch #3 is turned on. Connector J2 pin 7 will sink 50 MA to ground.

6. USER Output Switch #6 Enable

When this channel is enabled, switch #4 is turned on. Connector J2 pin 8 will sink 50 MA to ground.

7. DTMF Access Enable

When this channel is enabled, a DTMF Access number selected by programming command [*503*]
must be entered to activate Port #1. The repeater will continue to operate until a period of inactivity
occurs determined by the [*606*] sleep timer. Once the timer expires the next repeater user must re­enter the DTMF Access number.

8. Forced DTMF Entry D Key

When this channel is enabled it is possible to force a DTMF command even while the port is active. To
force a DTMF command, end the command with a [D]. This key can be changed with the [*29x]
programming command.

3-9

Zone 6 – Voice Message Control Channels

Zone 7 - Miscellaneous Control Channels

1. Repeater ID #1 (At Rest) Enable

When this channel is enabled, repeater ID message #1 will repeat subject to the setting of the ID
timer. This ID will consist of up to 15 words selected from the voice vocabulary table and is
programmed with the [*3101] command.

2. Repeater ID #2 (Active) Enable

When this channel is enabled, the Repeater ID Message #2 will repeat subject to the setting of the ID
timer. This ID will consist of up to 15 words selected from the voice vocabulary table and is
programmed with the [*3102] command. When Repeater ID #1 and #2 are enabled, ID messages
selection will be determined by whether the repeater is at rest or a QSO is in progress.

3. Squelch Tail Message Enable

When this channel is enabled, the squelch tail message occurs when a repeater user un-keys their
transmitter. This message will repeat subject to the setting of the [*610*] squelch tail message timer.
This message will consist of up to 15 words selected from the vocabulary table and programmed with
the [*3103] command.

4. Transmitter Drop Out Message Enable

When this channel is enabled, the voice drop out message will occur just before the repeater
transmitter turns off. This message will repeat subject to the setting of the [*611*] drop out message
timer. This message will consist of up to 15 words selected from the voice vocabulary table and is
programmed with the [*3104] command.

5. Timed Message #1 Enabled

When this channel is enabled, the timed voice message will occur on a regular schedule subject to the
setting of the timed message timer. This message will consist of up to 15 words selected from the
voice vocabulary table and is programmed with the [*3105] command.

6. Timed Message #2 Enabled

When this channel is enabled, the timed voice message will occur on a regular schedule subject to the
setting of the timed message timer. This message will consist of up to 15 words selected from the
voice vocabulary table and is programmed with the [*3106] command.

7. Reserved

8. Reserved

1. Fan Control Enable

When this channel is enabled, user output switch #6 is converted into a Fan Control output. When PTT
#1 turns ON, user output #6 J2 pin 8 will turn ON. After PTT #1 turns OFF this output will remain ON
for an additional period of time determined by the [*612*] Fan Control timer. This timer default is 60

seconds. Use this output to control a fan relay to cool the repeater’s transmitter. When this channel is

enabled, Zone 5 Channel 6 will have no effect.

3-10

Zone 8 - Miscellaneous Control Channels

2. CTCSS Encoder Switch Enable

When this channel is enabled, user output switch #5 is converted into a CTCSS Encoder Switch output.
When Port #1 goes active, user output #5 J2 pin 7 will turn ON. After Port #1 goes inactive, this
output will remain ON for an additional period of time determined by the [*626*] CTCSS Encoder
timer. This timer default is 4.0 seconds. Use this output to control an external CTCSS encoder. When
this channel is enabled, Zone 5 Channel 5 will have no effect.

3. Echolink® Control Enable

When the Link is enabled and DTMF Muting (Zone 1 Channel 7) is enabled, a DTMF command entered
through Port #1 will be muted on both the Port #1 and Port #2 transmit audios. When this channel is
enabled, Port #2 transmit audio will be the actual DTMF command. The DTMF command will continue
to be muted on the Port #1 transmit audio.

4. Transmitter Hang Time Enable

When this channel is enabled, the transmitter will have a hang-time subject to the
settings of the COR Drop to Courtesy Beep Timer [*621*] and the Courtesy Beep to
PTT Drop Timer [*622*]. At default these timers are set for one second and four
seconds.

5. Reserved

6. Reserved

7. Reserved

8. Reserved

1. Reserved

2. Reserved

3. Reserved

4. Reserved

5. Reserved

6. Reserved

7. Reserved

8. Reserved

4-1

Chapter 4 - Repeater Operation

Time of Day Message

Key-up, and enter [400], the time of day access code. Un-key, and the voice synthesizer will announce
the time. Example: The voice will say: "THE TIME IS 7:30 PM". The time of day announcement is
stored in voice message [9] and can be changed with the [*3109] programming command.

DTMF Keypad Test Port #1 and Port #2

Key-up, and enter [375], the DTMF keypad access code followed by the keypad numbers and letters to
be tested. The entries can be in any order. Un-key, and the voice will read-back all numbers and
letters that were decoded including the "STAR" and "POUND". The Forced DTMF Entry key is defaulted
to the [D] key. It must be entered last and it will not read back during the pad test.

DTMF Access Port #1 and Port #2

When the CAT-250 is in the DTMF Access mode, you must enter the DTMF Access code to activate the
repeater. The voice will say: "OK UP" and the repeater will respond to a COR and or CTCSS input.
When the repeater returns to rest, for a time determined by the sleep timer, the DTMF Access code
must be re-entered to activate the repeater. You can bypass the rest period and return the repeater to
DTMF access mode by re-entering [325], the DTMF access code. The voice will say: "OK DOWN".

Forced DTMF Command Entry Port #1 and Port #2

During normal operation a DTMF command is entered when the port goes inactive. It is possible to
force a DTMF command entry even while the port is active. The CAT-250 will accept the [D] key as an
entry command. This key can be changed with the [*29X] programming command.

DTMF Muting Override Port #1 and Port #2

With DTMF muting enabled, there may be times when it is desirable to pass the DTMF tones to the
repeater or link transmitter. To temporarily disable DTMF muting, precede the DTMF string with a
pound [#].

Repeater ID #1 (At Rest)

If the repeater has been at rest for a period in excess of the ID timer setting, when the repeater is
keyed, the CAT-250 will send ID #1. This ID should be longer than ID #2 and include additional
information about the repeater or sponsoring organization. Example: "WITH ONE HUNDRED WATTS OF
RF POWER AT YOUR SERVICE THIS IS THE W4XYZ REPEATER SYSTEM -- GOOD AFTERNOON".

Repeater ID #2 (Active)

If a QSO is in progress and it's time to identify the repeater, the CAT-250 will wait until COR drops to
send ID #2. This ID should be short so as not to interfere with the QSO in progress. Example:
"W4XYZ REPEATER." This ID is also called as the final ID of the ten-minute period.

4-2

Key-up and enter: 7 0 0 0 7

Voice Message Number

Voice Prefix Number

Macro Execute

A macro is a series of commands, defined by the repeater owner. Macros permit the owner to
customize certain aspects of repeater operation. Once the CAT-250 decodes the macro number, the
commands will execute in the order they were stored within the macro string.

Link Disconnect

Key-up on the repeater or link input and enter the link disconnect control Macro #28 number [5000].
The CAT-250 will disconnect the link port from the repeater port, and the voice will say: “LINK OFF.”
See the Event Macro Data table in Chapter 5.

Link Connect

Key-up on the repeater or link input and enter the link connect control Macro #27 number [5001]. The
CAT-250 will connect the link port to the repeater port, and the voice will say: “LINK ON.” See the
Event Macro Data table in Chapter 5.

Link Receive Only

Key-up on the repeater's input and enter the link receive only control Macro #26 number [5002]. The
CAT-250 will connect the link port to the repeater port and the voice will say: “LINK RECEIVER ON.”
The link transmitter will be disabled. See the Event Macro Data table in Chapter 5.

Voice Message Selection

Key-up and enter the VOICE prefix followed by the message number. The CAT-250 will key the
transmitter and play the message stored at that location. Example: With a VOICE prefix number of
700, play message stored at table position seven.

5-1

Chapter 5 - Repeater Programming By DTMF Tone

This section describes how the repeater owner using a DTMF keypad programs the CAT-250 controller.
The various types of program commands are described in detail and examples are given in the
following text.

Initialization

To initialize the CAT-250, set dipswitch #7 to on and cycle DC power. During power-up, the voice will
say: "RESET SYSTEM OK." Set dipswitch #7 to off. Initialization consists of the following operations:

Dipswitch #7 Initialization

1. All memory locations are cleared.

2. The control channels marked with a [*] are enabled.

3. The master unlock number is loaded with the default value [1234567].

4. The unlock number is loaded with the default value [7654321].

5. The Port #1 control operator prefix code is loaded with [100].

6. The Port #2 control operator prefix code is loaded with [200].

7. All codes are loaded with default values.

8. All timers are loaded with default values.

9. The two voice Ids are loaded with “CAT-250 REPEATER”.

10. All messages are loaded with default messages.

11. Event macros are loaded with defaults.

Programming the Master Unlock Number

To program the Master UNLOCK number, set dipswitch #8 to the on position. The voice will say:
"ENTER CONTROL." Key-up and enter a seven-digit number. Un-key, if the number is accepted, the
voice will say: "CONTROL OK." If the number is rejected, the voice will say: "ENTER CONTROL." Key­up and enter the seven-digit number. Set dipswitch #8 to the off position.

Unlocking the Controller By Radio From Port #1 and Port #2 [7654321]

To unlock the controller, key-up and enter the unlock number. The voice will say: "CAT 250
CONTROL."

Note: The CAT-250 can be unlocked and placed in the programming mode with either the unlock or
the master unlock number. The master unlock number must be changed by using dipswitch #8. The
unlock number can be changed remotely without having to go to the site. For security reasons use the
unlock number because it can easily be changed. Use the master unlock number when the conditions
are thought to be secure.

Locking the Controller By Radio [*0]

Key-up and send [*0]. Un-key, the controller will lockup and the voice will say: "CONTROL EXIT." The
controller will lock automatically when the programming timer expires. The voice will say: "TIMER
EXIT." The programming time limit is set by the programming timer [*605*]. The default time is ten
minutes.

NOTE: The CAT-250 must be unlocked to perform the following programming functions.

5-2

COMMAND

CHANNEL

ACTION

CONTROL REPEATER ZONE 1

11

1-8

0=OFF 1=ON

CONTROL REPEATER ZONE 2

12

1-8

0=OFF 1=ON

CONTROL REPEATER ZONE 3

13

1-8

0=OFF 1=ON

CONTROL REPEATER ZONE 4

14

1-8

0=OFF 1=ON

CONTROL REPEATER ZONE 5

15

1-8

0=OFF 1=ON

CONTROL REPEATER ZONE 6

16

1-8

0=OFF 1=ON

CONTROL REPEATER ZONE 7

17

1-8

0=OFF 1=ON

CONTROL REPEATER ZONE 8

18

1-8

0=OFF 1=ON

COMMAND

COMMENTS

PLAY TIME OF DAY

2000

PLAY DAY OF WEEK

2001

PLAY VOICE MESSAGE (No Interruption with COR)

30XX

01-20

PLAY VOICE MESSAGE (Interruption with COR)

31XX

01-20

PLAY VOICE MESSAGE (Interruption with COR, Switch to CW)

32XX

01-20

PLAY CW BUFFER

3300

PLAY CW CHARACTER

34XX

01-46

LOAD COURTESY TONE PORT #1

36XX

01-08

LOAD COURTESY TONE PORT #2

37XX

01-08

PLAY COURTESY TONE PORT #1

3800

PLAY COURTESY TONE PORT #2

3900

PULSE USER OUTPUT SWITCH #1 (PULSE RATE 100mSEC)

41XX

01-99

PULSE USER OUTPUT SWITCH #2 (PULSE RATE 100mSEC)

42XX

01-99

PULSE USER OUTPUT SWITCH #3 (PULSE RATE 100mSEC)

43XX

01-99

PULSE USER OUTPUT SWITCH #4 (PULSE RATE 100mSEC)

44XX

01-99

PULSE USER OUTPUT SWITCH #5 (PULSE RATE 100mSEC)

45XX

01-99

PULSE USER OUTPUT SWITCH #6 (PULSE RATE 100mSEC)

46XX

01-99

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [RX1 TO TX1]

500X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [RX1 TO TX2]

501X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [RX1 TO TX1 AND TX2]

502X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [RX2 TO TX1]

510X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [RX2 TO TX2]

511X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [RX2 TO TX1 AND TX2]

512X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [VOICE TO TX1]

520X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [VOICE TO TX2]

521X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [VOICE TO TX1 AND TX2]

522X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [BEEP OR CW TO TX1]

530X

0=OFF 1=ON

CAT-250 Internal Command Pointer Assignments

5-3

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [BEEP OR CW TO TX2]

531X

0=OFF 1=ON

AUDIO SWITCH CONTROL [BEEP OR CW TO TX1 AND TX2]

532X

0=OFF 1=ON

LOAD TIME DELAY (SECONDS)

60XX

01-99

PTT #1 CONTROL

611X

0=OFF 1=ON

PTT #2 CONTROL

612X

0=OFF 1=ON

PTT #1 AND PTT #2 CONTROL

613X

0=OFF 1=ON

PTT #1 WITH DELAY AND AUDIO SWITCH [VOICE TO TX1]

614X

0=OFF 1=ON

PTT #2 WITH DELAY AND AUDIO SWITCH [VOICE TO TX2]

615X

0=OFF 1=ON

PTT #1 WITH DELAY AND AUDIO SWITCH [VOICE TO TX1-TX2]

616X

0=OFF 1=ON

USER FUNCTION SWITCH #1 OUTPUT (PULSE 500mSEC)

621X

0=OFF 1=ON

2=PULSE

USER FUNCTION SWITCH #2 OUTPUT (PULSE 500mSEC)

622X

0=OFF 1=ON

2=PULSE

USER FUNCTION SWITCH #3 OUTPUT (PULSE 500mSEC)

623X

0=OFF 1=ON

2=PULSE

USER FUNCTION SWITCH #4 OUTPUT (PULSE 500mSEC)

624X

0=OFF 1=ON

2=PULSE

USER FUNCTION SWITCH #5 OUTPUT (PULSE 500mSEC)

625X

0=OFF 1=ON

2=PULSE

USER FUNCTION SWITCH #6 OUTPUT (PULSE 500mSEC)

626X

0=OFF 1=ON

2=PULSE

DISCONNECT PORT #2 FROM PORT #1

7000

CONNECT PORT #2 TO PORT #1

7001

CONNECT PORT #2 RECEIVER TO PORT #1

7002

DTMF ACCESS REPEATER

710X

0=OFF 1=ON

DISABLE EVENT MACRO

80XX

01-50

ENABLE EVENT MACRO

81XX

01-50

DISABLE USER MACRO

82XX

01-40

ENABLE USER MACRO

83XX

01-40

SEND VOICE WORD

9XXX

001-998

Figure 5-1

Scheduled Event Macro Time (30-49) Command Memory

Event Macros (30-49) are linked to the scheduler. The [*10XX], [*11XX] and [*12XX] programming
commands are used to read, program and erase the scheduled time the macros execute.

Read Scheduled Event Macro Time (30-49)

Key-up and send [*10XX]. Un-key and the voice will read back the status of the memory location. If
there is no command stored at that memory location, the voice will say: "All CLEAR." If a command is
stored at that memory location, the voice will read back the time, day, day of month and month of
year.

5-4

DAY OF WEEK SCHEDULER PROGRAMMING TABLE

0=Daily 2=Monday 4=Wednesday 6=Friday 8=Weekdays

1=Sunday 3=Tuesday 5=Thursday 7=Saturday 9=Weekends

Minutes Day of Week
Hour

*1144 ** 15 6

Minutes Day of Week
Hour Day of Month
Month of Year

*1130 09 00 6 00 00

Programming Command Separator

*14 03 1 * 123 * 1511 6141 9450 9695 6140

Macro Table Position Say:[POWER]
Macro Control (0=OFF 1=ON) Say:[HI]
Macro Executing Number
Turn User Switch #1 to ON
PTT#1 And Audio Switch ON PTT #1 And Audio Switch OFF

Program Scheduled Event Macro Time (30-49)

Key-up and send [*1130] followed by the hours, minutes, day of week, or day of month and month of
year. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK." Example: 9:00 AM Every Friday.

Enable – Disable Scheduled Event Macro (30-49)

Key-up and send [*1130 1] to enable scheduler macro 30 or [*1130 0] to disable macro 30.
Example: Set Event Macro 44 for 15 minutes after every hour on Friday.

Erase Scheduled Event Macro Time (30-49)

Key-up and send [*12XX]. Un-key, the voice will say: "CONTROL OK."

User Macro Command Memory

Macros are used to store custom commands of up to sixteen operations that will execute with a single
DTMF entry.

Read User Macro Locations (01-40)

Key-up and send [*13XX]. Un-key and voice will read back the macro control number followed by the
enable control byte followed by the macro data commands stored at that memory location. If the
location is empty, the voice will say: "MACRO NUMBER XX NO CODE NO DATA."

Program User Macro Locations (01-40)

Key-up and send [*14XX] followed by the macro control number and the string of internal commands
to be executed. See Figure 5-1. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK." Example: Program

macro #3 with a control number of [123] to Turn ON User Function Switch #1 and say: “HI POWER”.

The Macro Control number [123] is the number entered by a repeater user to execute the macro.

5-5

MACRO

DEFINITION

MACRO

DEFINITION

01

PORT #1 COR/CTCSS ACTIVE

26

PORT #2 RECEIVE ONLY

02

PORT #1 COR/CTCSS INACTIVE

27

PORT #2 CONNECT

03

PORT #2 COR/CTCSS ACTIVE

28

PORT #2 DISCONNECT

04

PORT #2 COR/CTCSS INACTIVE

29

PORT #2 AUTO DISCONNECT

05

LOGIC INPUT #1 ACTIVE HIGH

30

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #30

06

LOGIC INPUT #1 ACTIVE LOW

31

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #31

07

LOGIC INPUT #2 ACTIVE HIGH

32

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #32

08

LOGIC INPUT #2 ACTIVE LOW

33

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #33

09

LOGIC INPUT #3 ACTIVE HIGH

34

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #34

10

LOGIC INPUT #3 ACTIVE LOW

35

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #35

11

LOGIC INPUT #4 ACTIVE HIGH

36

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #36

12

LOGIC INPUT #4 ACTIVE LOW

37

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #37

13

PLAY COURTESY TONE #1

38

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #38

14

PLAY COURTESY TONE #2

39

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #39

15 40

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #40

16

SQUELCH TAIL MESSAGE

41

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #41

17

TRANSMITTER DROP MESSAGE

42

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #42

18

ID MESSAGE INITIAL

43

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #43

19

ID MESSAGE PENDING

44

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #44

20

ID MESSAGE FORCED

45

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #45

21

ID MESSAGE FINIAL

46

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #46

22

TIMED MESSAGE #1

47

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #47

23

TIMED MESSAGE #2

48

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #48

24

DTMF ACCESS UP

49

SCHEDULED EVENT MACRO #49

25

DTMF ACCESS DOWN

50

POWER UP

Program User Macro Locations (01-40)

Key-up and send [*14XX] followed by a [1] to enable the macro or a [0] to disable the macro. This
feature permits the macro to be turned off without having to erasing it. Un-key and voice will say:
“CONTROL OK.”

Erase User Macro Locations (01-40)

Key-up and send [*15XX]. Un-key, the voice will say: "CONTROL OK."

Event Macro Command Memory

Event Macros are used to perform custom operations at pre determined times during repeater
operation.

5-6

01

PORT #1 COR/CTCSS ACTIVE

02

PORT #1 COR/CTCSS INACTIVE

03

PORT #2 COR/CTCSS ACTIVE

04

PORT #2 COR/CTCSS INACTIVE

05

LOGIC INPUT #1 ACTIVE HIGH

1511

06

LOGIC INPUT #1 ACTIVE LOW

1510

07

LOGIC INPUT #2 ACTIVE HIGH

1521

08

LOGIC INPUT #2 ACTIVE LOW

1520

09

LOGIC INPUT #3 ACTIVE HIGH

1531

10

LOGIC INPUT #3 ACTIVE LOW

1530

11

LOGIC INPUT #4 ACTIVE HIGH

1541

12

LOGIC INPUT #4 ACTIVE LOW

1540

13

COURTESY TONE PORT #1 INPUT

5301

3800

5300

14

COURTESY TONE PORT #2 INPUT

5301

3421

5300

15

16

SQUELCH TAIL MESSAGE

5201

3003

5200

17

TRANSMITTER DROP MESSAGE

5201

3004

5200

18

ID MESSAGE INITIAL

6120

5201

3201

5220

19

ID MESSAGE PENDING

6120

5201

3202

5220

20

ID MESSAGE FORCED

5301

3300

21

ID MESSAGE FINIAL

6141

3001

6140

22

TIMED MESSAGE #1

6141

3005

6140

Programming Command Play CW Buffer “L”

*17 14 1 * 5301 3421 5300
Audio Switch OFF
Macro Table Position Audio Switch ON
Macro Control Number (0=OFF 1=ON)

Read Event Macro Locations (01-50)

Key-up and send [*16XX]. Un-key and voice will read back the macro control number followed by the
macro data commands stored at that memory location. If the location is empty, the voice will say: "NO
MACRO."

Program Event Macro Locations (01-50)

Key-up and send [*17XX] followed by the macro control number and the string of internal commands
to be executed. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK." Example: Program the Port #2
courtesy tone to be the letter “L”.

Erase Event Macro Locations (01-50)

Key-up and send [*18XX]. Un-key, the voice will say: "CONTROL OK."

Event Macro Default Data

5-7

23

TIMED MESSAGE #2

6141

3006

6140

24

DTMF ACCESS UP

6141

9650

9530

9875

6140

25

DTMF ACCESS DOWN

6141

9650

9530

9324

6140

26

PORT #2 RECEIVE ONLY

6141

3013

6140

7002

27

PORT #2 CONNECT

6161

3012

7001

6160

28

PORT #2 DISCONNECT

6161

3011

6160

7000

29

PORT #2 AUTO DISCONNECT

6161

3014

6160

7000

30

SCHEDULED MACRO 30

31

SCHEDULED MACRO 31

32

SCHEDULED MACRO 32

33

SCHEDULED MACRO 33

34

SCHEDULED MACRO 34

35

SCHEDULED MACRO 35

36

SCHEDULED MACRO 36

37

SCHEDULED MACRO 37

38

SCHEDULED MACRO 38

39

SCHEDULED MACRO 39

40

SCHEDULED MACRO 40

41

SCHEDULED MACRO 41

42

SCHEDULED MACRO 42

43

SCHEDULED MACRO 43

44

SCHEDULED MACRO 44

45

SCHEDULED MACRO 45

46

SCHEDULED MACRO 46

47

SCHEDULED MACRO 47

48

SCHEDULED MACRO 48

49

SCHEDULER MACRO 49

50

POWER UP

6141

9275

9002

9050

9999

6001

9101

9100

6140

Check Time of Day

Key-up and send [*20]. Un-key, the voice will read the time, day of week, day of month, month and
year. Example: "THE TIME IS TWELVE FIFTEEN PM MONDAY MONTH THREE DAY OF MONTH TWENTY
THREE YR THREE."

NOTE: Back-up power for the clock is supplied by a .47 farad capacitor. Once 12VDC is supplied to the
CAT-250 three hours are required for the capacitor to reach full charge. During power failure the
capacitor will power the clock for approximately six hours. During power up the CAT-250 will announce
the time. If the scheduler is used it is advisable to provide an uninterruptible power source for CAT-

250.

5-8

Day of Week (1=SUN 7=SAT)
Minutes (0-59) Day of Month (01-31)
Hours (0-23) Month of Year (01-12)
Year

Programming Command *21 14 55 2 25 01 03

Hours (0-23) Minutes (0-59)

Programming Command *22 14 55

Message Number W 4 X Y Z Repeater

Programming Command *31 01 890 004 920 930 950 746

Setting the Clock [Long Entry]

Key-up and send [*21] followed by the hours, minutes, day of week, day of month, month of year and
year. Un-key and the voice will say "CLOCK SET OK." Example: 2:55 PM Monday January 25th. All
entries must be double digit, except the day of week.

Setting the Clock [Short Entry]

Key-up and send [*22] followed by the hours, and minutes. Un-key and the voice will say "CLOCK SET
OK." Example: 2:55 PM Monday.

Program Forced Entry Command [*29]

DTMF commands are entered when the port goes inactive. To force a DTMF command when the port is
active, end the command with a [D]. This key can be changed with the [*29X] programming
command. To change this key to [#], key-up and send [*29#]. Un-key, the voice will say: “CONTROL
OK.” Select [*], [#], [A], [B], [C], or [D]. To read the command, key-up and send [*29].

Send Voice Message [*3001]-[*3020]

Key-up and send [*3001]. Un-key and the voice synthesizer will say the ID.

Program Voice Message [*3101]-[*3120]

Key-up and send [*31XX] followed by the message number and three digit numbers that represent the
words required to construct the ID. Memory space is provided for 15 entries. Refer to the Voice
Vocabulary Word List. Example: Load Repeater ID with "W4XYZ Repeater”.

5-9

VOICE MESSAGE ASSIGNMENT NUMBER TABLE

01

REPEATER ID #1 (AT REST)

“CAT-250 REPEATER”

02

REPEATER ID #2 (ACTIVE)

“CAT-250”

03

SQUELCH TAIL MESSAGE

“MESSAGE 3”

04

TRANSMITTER DROP MESSAGE

“MESSAGE 4”

05

TIMED MESSAGE #1

“MESSAGE 5”

06

TIMED MESSAGE #2

“MESSAGE 6”

07

REPEATER TIME OUT EXIT

“REPEATER TIME OUT EXIT”

08

REPEATER TIME OUT CLEAR

“REPEATER TIME OUT CLEAR”

09

TIME OF DAY MESSAGE

“THE TIME IS”

10

GRANDFATHER CLOCK MESSAGE

“CAT250 REPEATER THE TIME IS”

11

REMOTE BASE OFF

“REMOTE BASE OFF”

12

REMOTE BASE ON

“REMOTE BASE ON”

13

REMOTE BASE RECEIVE ONLY

“REMOTE BASE RECEIVE”

14

REMOTE BASE AUTO CLEAR

“REMOTE BASE CLEAR”

15

MESSAGE 15

“MESSAGE 15”

16

MESSAGE 16

“MESSAGE 16”

17

MESSAGE 17

“MESSAGE 17”

18

MESSAGE 18

“MESSAGE 18”

19

MESSAGE 19

“MESSAGE 19”

20

MESSAGE 20

“MESSAGE 20”

Erase Synthesized Voice Message [*3201]-[*3220]

Key-up and send [*32XX]. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK." The voice ID will be erased.

CW ID Memory Storage

Memory space is provided for a CW identification. The buffer will accept 15 characters. During
initialization, the CW buffer is loaded with "CAT200/R."

Send CW Identification [*33]

Key-up and send [*33]. Un-key and the CAT-250 will send the CW ID.

5-10

00=0

07=7

14=E

21=L

28=S

35=Z

42=[?]

01=1

08=8

15=F

22=M

29=T

36=/

43=[-]

02=2

09=9

16=G

23=N

30=U

37=AR

44=(

03=3

10=A

17=H

24=O

31=V

38=SPACE

45=SK

04=4

11=B

18=I

25=P

32=W

39=[.]

05=5

12=C

19=J

26=Q

33=X

40=[;]

06=6

13=D

20=K

27=R

34=Y

41=[:]

Programming D E SPACE W 4 X Y Z / R
Command
*34 13 14 38 32 04 33 34 35 36 27

Programming Command Control Operator Prefix Number

*501* 100

Program CW Identification [*34]

Key-up and send [*34], followed by the two digit numbers that represents the call letter identification.
Memory space is provided for (15) entries. Refer to the CW ID programming table. Example: Load
CW ID memory buffer with DE W4XYZ/R.

Erase CW Identification [*35]

Key-up and send [*35]. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK." If the CW ID buffer is empty
and a repeater user keys-up during a voice ID, the voice ID will stop.

Control Code And Prefix Number Memory

This memory area is reserved for storage of control and prefix numbers. These numbers can be from
one to seven digits and will change to a default value when the CAT-250 is powered up with dip-switch
#7 set to the on position.

Control Operator Prefix Number Port #1 (Repeater) [*501*]

This programming command selects the control operator prefix number for the repeater port. This
number must precede the command to change the zone control channels. Example: To program a
Control Operator Prefix of [100], key-up and send:

Un-key, the voice will say: "CONTROL OK." The default number is [100].

5-11

Control Operator Prefix Number Port #2 (Link) [*502*]

This programming command selects the control operator prefix number for the link port. This number
must precede the command to change the zone control channels through port #2 the link input.
Example: To program a Control Operator Prefix of [200], key-up and send and send [*502*200].

DTMF Access Code [*503*]

This programming command selects the DTMF access prefix number. When the repeater is in the
DTMF Access Mode it will not respond to a COR input. The repeater user must enter the DTMF access
number to activate the repeater. When the repeater returns to rest for a period determined by the
sleep timer, this number must be re-entered to activate the repeater. The default number is [325].

DTMF Pad Test Number [*504*]

This programming command selects the DTMF pad test prefix number. This number must be entered
to initiate a DTMF keypad test. Example: To program a DTMF Pad Test Number of 375, key-up and
send [*504*375]. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK."

Port #2 Link Disconnect Control Number [*505*]

This number is used to disconnect the link. Example: To program a link disconnect control number of
5000, key-up and send [*505*5000]. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK."

Port #2 Link Connect Control Number [*506*]

This number is used to connect the link. Example: To program a link connect control number of 5001,
key-up and send [*506*5001]. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK."

Port #2 Link Receive Only Control Number [*507*]

This number is used to activate the link receive only mode. Example: To program a link receive only
control number of 5002, key-up and send [*507*5002]. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK."

Voice Demonstration Control Number [*508*]

This number must be entered to PLAY one of the voice messages. This number must precede the voice
message number. Example: To program a Voice Demonstration Control Number of 700, key-up and
send [*508*700]. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK."

Time of Day Number [*509*]

This programming command selects the time request number. This number must be entered to
request a time of day announcement. The default number is [400].

Unlock Number [*510*]

This programming command selects the unlock number used to place the CAT-250 in the programming
mode. This number is not restricted to a seven-digit number. The default number is [7654321].

Read Control And Prefix Numbers [*501 - *510]

Use this programming command to read the control operator and prefix numbers. Example: Key-up
and enter [*501], un-key and the voice will say: "CODE FIVE ZERO ONE IS ONE ZERO ZERO."

5-12

Programming Command Time (180 SECONDS)

*601* 180

Timer Memory

This memory area is reserved for storage of [16] timers. These timers are user programmable. When
the CAT-250 is initialized, these timers are automatically loaded with default values.

Port #1 Timeout [*601*]

This timer limits the Port #1 transmission length. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799
seconds. Example: To program the timer for 3 minutes, key-up and enter [*601*180]. Un-key and
the voice will say: "CONTROL OK." When initialize, this timer defaults to 180 seconds.

Port #2 Timeout [*602*]

This timer limits the Port #2 transmission length. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799
seconds. Example: To program the timer for 3 minutes, key-up and enter [*602*180]. Un-key and
the voice will say: "CONTROL OK." When initialize, this timer defaults to 180 seconds.

System ID Timer [*603*]

This timer sets the time between transmissions of the repeater ID. The ID occurs when a repeater user
stops transmitting. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799 seconds. The timer default is
480 seconds.

System Pending ID Timer [*604*]

The CAT-250 waits until the input is clear before generating a voice ID. If the System ID Timer expires
and the input is still not clear, the CAT-250 will wait an additional period of time before a forced ID is
sent. This timer sets the length of this period. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799
seconds. The timer default is 120 seconds.

CRT and Programming Length Timer [*605*]

During the programming mode, this timer determines the maximum time the controller remains
unlocked. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799 seconds. When initialize, this timer will
default to 600 second.

DTMF Access Sleep Timer [*606*]

This timer determines the time required for the repeater to be at rest before the DTMF access code is
required to activate the repeater. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799 seconds. The
timer default is 60 seconds.

Link Auto Disconnect Timer [*607*]

During link operation if Zone 2 channel 6 is enabled the link will disconnect automatically after a period
inactivity. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799 seconds. The timer default is 600
seconds.

Timed Message #1 Timer [*608*]

This timer sets the timed message repeat period. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799
seconds. The timer default is 1799 seconds.

5-13

Timed Message #2 Timer [*609*]

This timer sets the timed message repeat period. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799
seconds. The timer default is 1799 seconds.

Squelch Tail Message Timer [*610*]

This timer sets the time between transmissions of the squelch tail message. The message occurs when
a repeater user stops transmitting. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799 seconds. The
timer default is 1799 seconds.

Drop Out Message Timer *611*]

This timer sets the time between transmissions of the drop out message. The message occurs when a
repeater stops transmitting. This timer is programmable between 60 and 1799 seconds. The timer
default is 1799 seconds.

Fan Control Timer *612*]

When Zone 7 Channel 1 is enabled, user output switch #6 becomes a Fan Control output. When PTT
#1 turns ON, User Output #6 (J2 pin 8) will turn ON. After PTT #1 turns OFF this output will remain
ON for an additional period of time determined by the [*612*] Fan Control timer. This timer is
programmable between 60 and 1799 seconds. The timer default is 60 seconds.

COR Drop to Courtesy Beep Timer [*621*]

This timer determines the time between loss of COR and the generation of the courtesy beep. This
timer is programmable between 0.1 and 9.9 seconds. When initialize, this timer defaults to 1 second.
Example: To program the timer for 2.5 seconds, key-up and enter [*621*25].

Courtesy Beep to PTT Drop Timer [*622*]

This timer determines the time between the generation of the courtesy beep and the time the repeater
transmitter turns off. This timer is programmable between 0.1 and 9.9 seconds. The timer default is 4
seconds.

Pre-Voice Delay Timer [*623*]

This timer determines the time after PTT goes active and the voice synthesizer begins to speak. This
timer is programmable between 0.1 and 9.9 seconds. The timer default is 0.5 seconds.

Turn on Delay Timer [*624*]

When the repeater is at rest, this timer sets the time COR must be present before the repeater will
activate. This timer is programmable between 0.1 and 9.9 seconds. Example: To program this timer
to 1.5 seconds, key-up and enter [*624*15]. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK." When
initialize this timer will default to 1.0 seconds. This timer also sets the turn on delay time for the Port
#2 input.

DTMF Muting Timer [*625*]

This timer determines the time the transmit audio will continue to be muted after the entry of the last
DTMF tone. When initialize, this timer defaults to 1 second.

5-14

TONE FREQUENCY TABLE

01=207Hz

06=277Hz

11=370Hz

16=493Hz

21=660Hz

26=880Hz

31=1174Hz

02=220Hz

07=293Hz

12=392Hz

17=523Hz

22=698Hz

27=932Hz

32=1244Hz

03=233Hz

08=311Hz

13=415Hz

18=554Hz

23=740Hz

28=987Hz

04=246Hz

09=330Hz

14=440Hz

19=587Hz

24=784Hz

29=1046Hz

05=261Hz

10=349Hz

15=466Hz

20=622Hz

25=830Hz

30=1108Hz

TONE TIMING (milliseconds)

0=0

1=50

2=100

3=150

4=200

5=250

6=300

7=350

8=400

9=450

Table Position Tone Frequency
Programming Command Tone Duration (150msec)

*92 5 21 3

CTSCC Encoder Timer [*626*]

This timer determines the time the CTCSS Encoder Logic remains on after Port #1 goes inactive. When
initialize, this timer defaults to 4 second.

Read Timer Settings [*601-*665]

Key-up and send [*601]. Un-key and the voice synthesizer will read back the setting of the repeater's
time-out timer. The voice will say: "TIMER 60 IS THREE MINUTES."

Audio Test Tone [*901-*902-*903]

The CAT-250 will generate a 1000Hz test tone. Use this tone as a reference when setting audio levels.
To activate the tone, as TX1 audio, key-up and enter [*901]. To activate the tone, as TX2 audio, key­up and enter [*902]. To activate the tone, as TX1 and TX2 audio, key-up and enter [*903].

Courtesy Tone

Memory space is provided for [8] custom courtesy tones. Each tone can consist of up to three different
tone frequencies of various lengths and separations.

Send Courtesy Tone (1-8)

Key-up and send [*91X]. Un-key and the CAT-250 will transmit the courtesy tone. "X" represents the
courtesy tone table location.

Program Courtesy Tone (1-8)

Key-up and send [*92X], followed by the frequency, duration and separation numbers from the
courtesy tone table. This programming command is used to develop eight custom courtesy tones 151
through 158. The tone created with the [*925] programming command is identified as tone "155".
Example: Program courtesy tone table location 5 with a tone of 660Hz and duration of 150msec.

To program a multiple courtesy tone, key-up and send [*92X], followed by the desired tone frequency,
duration and separation numbers. Example: Program courtesy tone table location 1 with a three­frequency tone.

5-15

Tone #1 Frequency [440Hz]
Table Position Tone #1 Duration [100msec]
Programming Command Time #1 Separation [50msec]

*92 1 14 2 1 21 3 2 26 4

Tone #2 Frequency [660Hz] Tone #3 Duration [200msec]
Tone #2 Duration [150msec] Tone #3 Frequency [900Hz]
Time #2 Separation [100msec]

Erase Courtesy Tone (1-8)

Key-up and send [*93X]. Un-key and the voice will say: "CONTROL OK."

Exit Programming Mode [*0]

To exit the programming mode and return to normal repeater operation, key-up and send [*0]. Un­key and the voice will say: "CONTROL EXIT." If you fail to exit the programming mode, the CAT-250
will exit the programming mode when the [*605*] timer expires. The CAT-250 will return to normal
operation. The voice will say: TIMER EXIT."

5-16

ENTRY

DESCRIPTION

DEFAULT

*10XX

READ SCHEDULER EVENT TIME (30-49)

*11XX

PROGRAM SCHEDULER EVENT TIME (30-49)

*12XX

ERASE SCHEDULER EVENT TIME (30-49)

*13XX

READ USER MACRO COMMAND (01-40)

*14XX

PROGRAM USER MACRO COMMAND (01-40)

*15XX

ERASE USER MACRO COMMAND (01-40)

*16XX

READ EVENT MACRO COMMAND (01-50)

*17XX

PROGRAM EVENT MACRO COMMAND (01-50)

*18XX

ERASE EVENT MACRO COMMAND (01-50)

*20

SEND TIME OF DAY

*21

PROGRAM CLOCK LONG TIME OF DAY (All Clock Parameters Including Year)

*22

PROGRAM CLOCK SHORT TIME OF DAY (Hours and Minutes only)

*29

READ FORCED ENTRY KEY

*29X

PROGRAM FORCED ENTRY KEY

D

*30XX

PLAY VOICE MESSAGE (1-20)

*31XX

PROGRAM VOICE MESSAGE (1-20)

*32XX

ERASE VOICE MESSAGE (1-20)

*33

SEND CW IDENTIFICATION

*34

PROGRAM CW IDENTIFICATION

*35

ERASE CW IDENTIFICATION

*36XX

SET CW TONE FREQUENCY (01-32)

25

*37X

SET CW SPEED (1-5) (1=10 2=15 3=20 4=25 5=30WPM)

3

*38XX

SET MUTING TONE FREQUENCY (01 – 32)

20

*501*

PROGRAM CONTROL OPERATOR NUMBER PORT #1 (REPEATER)

100

*502*

PROGRAM CONTROL OPERATOR NUMBER PORT #2 (LINK)

200

*503*

PROGRAM DTMF ACCESS NUMBER

325

*504*

PROGRAM DTMF PAD TEST NUMBER

375

*505*

PORT #2 DISCONNECT CODE

5000

*506*

PORT #2 CONNECT CODE

5001

*507*

PORT #2 RECEIVE ONLY CODE

5002

*508*

PLAY VOICE MESSAGE DEMO CODE

700

DTMF Programming Commands

5-17

*509*

TIME OF DAY MESSAGE CODE

400

*510*

UNLOCK NUMBER #2 (NOT RESTRICTED TO A 7 DIGIT CODE LENGTH)

7654321

*601*

PORT #1 TIME-OUT TIMER (60 - 1799 SECONDS)

180

*602*

PORT #2 TIME-OUT TIMER (60 - 1799 SECONDS)

180

*603*

SYSTEM ID TIMER (60 - 1799 SECONDS)

600

*604*

SYSTEM PENDING ID TIMER (60 – 1799 SECONDS)

120

*605*

PROGRAMMING LENGTH TIMER & CRT TIMEOUT (60 – 1799 SECONDS)

600

*606*

PROGRAM DTMF ACCESS SLEEP TIMER (60 – 1799 SECONDS)

60

*607*

PROGRAM LINK AUTO DISCONNECT TIMER (60 – 1799 SECONDS)

600

*608*

TIMED MESSAGE #1 TIMER (60 - 1799 SECONDS)

1799

*609*

TIMED MESSAGE #2 TIMER (60 - 1799 SECONDS)

1799

*610*

SQUELCH TAIL MESSAGE TIMER (60 - 1799 SECONDS)

1799

*611*

DROP OUT MESSAGE TIMER (60 - 1799 SECONDS)

1799

*612*

FAN CONTROL TIMER

60

*621*

COR DROP TO COURTESY BEEP TIMER (0.1 – 9.9 SECONDS)

1.0

*622*

COURTESY BEEP TO PTT DROP TIMER (0.1 – 9.9 SECONDS)

4.0

*623*

PRE-VOICE DELAY TIMER (0.1 – 9.9 SECONDS)

0.5

*624*

TURN-ON DELAY TIMER (0.1 – 9.9 SECONDS)

1.0

*625*

DTMF MUTING TIMER (0.1 – 9.9 SECONDS)

1.0

*626*

CTCSS ENCODER TIMER (0.1 – 9.9 SECONDS)

4.0

*901

TRANSMIT AUDIO TEST TONE PORT #1 (REPEATER)

*902

TRANSMIT AUDIO TEST TONE PORT #2 (LINK)

*903

TRANSMIT AUDIO TEST TONE PORT #1 AND PORT #2

*91X

READ COURTESY TONE (1–8)

*92X

PROGRAM COURTESY TONE (1–8)

*93X

ERASE COURTESY TONE (1–8)

*0

MANUAL EXIT OF PROGRAMMING MODE

6-1

Chapter 6 – Interfacing to Other Equipment

Interfacing the CAT-250 to your repeater system is a simple matter. A minimum of two inputs and two
outputs are required for the CAT-250 to control a repeater. They are:

1. A COR signal to indicate when a signal is being received.

2. A receive audio signal containing DTMF tones to be processed for control.

3. A Push-To-Talk signal to tell the repeater transmitter to turn ON.

4. A transmit audio signal containing a combination of receive audio, synthesized voice, and
courtesy tone.

Additional connections are required to realize all features of the CAT-250.

Determining COR Logic

Locate your repeater receiver’s COR output. This line has a DC voltage that changes state when a
signal is being received. If the COR line is 0 volts and goes to a positive voltage when a signal is
received it is said to be (positive logic) or active HIGH. If the COR line is a positive voltage, and goes
to 0 volts when a signal is received it is said to be (negative logic) or active LOW. Note: 0 volts is any
voltage less than 0.8VDC. A positive voltage is any voltage greater than 3.0VDC. Set dipswitch #1 on
the CAT-250 to ON for (negative logic) and OFF for (positive logic).

Connection to Receiver

Connect the repeater receiver audio output to J2-13 and the COR to J2-6 of the CAT-250. Verify this
line changes from less than 0.8VDC to greater than 3.0 VDC. If the COR line will not meet these limits
it may be necessary to add a pull-up resistor to the COR #1 line. This may also be true for the COR #2
input. Space is provided on the CAT-250 board to add pull-up resistors.

Connection to Transmitter

Locate your repeater’s Push-To-Talk input. When grounded, this line will make the repeater transmit.
Connect the CAT-250 PTT #1 output (J2-10) to this line. Locate your repeater’s TX audio input. This is
the line were the audio signal used to modulate the transmitter is applied. Connect the TX1 AUDIO
(J2-11) to this line.

Connection to CTCSS Decoder

If your repeater receiver has a CTCSS decoder output, connect it to J2-4. In addition to COR, the CAT­250 requires an active high input to represent a CTCSS input. If the CTCSS input is active low set
dipswitch #2 on.

Interface Review

1. Are dipswitches #1 through #8 in their proper positions?

2. Is the PTT-1 output at J2-10 connected to the transmitter PTT input?

3. Is the TX1 Audio at J2-11 connected to the transmitter audio input?

4. Is the COR-1 at J2-6 connected to the repeater receiver COR output?

5. Is dipswitch #1 ON for active low COR or OFF for active high COR?

6. Is the COR level changing from less than 0.8 VDC to greater than 3.0 VDC?

7. Is the RX1 AUDIO at J2-13 connected to the receiver audio output?

8. Is the audio input level sufficient for the DTMF decoder?

6-2

SW1

J2 J1J4

J3

TX1 TP3

RX2

RX1

TX2

TP4

TP6

TP5

PROGRAM

FIRMWARE

COR1

TP1

COR2

TP2

VOICE

ADJUST

J5

J7

J6

RX1

RX2

J9

J8

DE-EMPHASIS

JUMPER

Connector Kit

Included with the controller is a connector kit containing a 25 pin “D” connector to mate with J2, a

2.5mm power plug to mate with J3 (center pin is [+]), and two 2200 ohm resistors. If the COR inputs

are active low, you may need to install the 2200 ohm resistors as pull-ups on the board at the R10 and
R11 positions. If the receiver’s COR circuit in not capable of pulling down the 2200 ohm resistor you
may increase the value up to 10K ohms.

Power Supply

The CAT-250 is powered by an external 12VDC power supply. Connect the positive lead of the supply
to the center pin of the coaxial power connector J3 and the negative lead to the outer conductor.

Audio De-Emphasis Jumpers (J8-J9)

If the controller is supplied with discriminator audio it is necessary to de-emphasize the audio. With
the jumpers installed on J8 (Port #1) and J9 (Port #2), C32 and C33 will be connected across the
feedback resistors of the receiver audio amplifiers. This will lower the gain at the higher frequencies
and produce the necessary de-emphasis. If de-emphasize audio is supplied to the controller these
jumpers should be removed.

Audio Level Adjustment

The audio mixing-switching circuits of the CAT-250 are optimized around an input and output of –
10dBM (220mV).

Connect a signal generator to the repeater’s receiver input. Adjust the signal generator’s output for a

standard test signal of 1000 Hz at 3 KHz deviation. If a signal generator is not available, select a
handi-talkie that you suspect has the DTMF tone pad adjusted for approximately 3 KHz deviation.

Key-up on the repeater input and send a DTMF tone. Adjust the RX1 control R25 for 220mVAC at TP5.
If a link transceiver is connected to the CAT-250, key-up and send the LINK enable command [5001].
Key-up on the LINK receiver input and send a DTMF tone. Adjust RX2 control R26 for 220mVAC at
TP6.

Figure 6-1

6-3

1

LOGIC INPUT #1

14

SWITCH #1

2

LOGIC INPUT #2

15

SWITCH #2

3

CTCSS #2

16

+12VDC OUTPUT

4

CTCSS #1

17

GROUND

5

COR #2

18

GROUND

6

COR #1

19

SWITCH #3

7

SWITCH #5

20

SWITCH #4

8

SWITCH #6

21

LOGIC INPUT #3

9

PTT #2

22

LOGIC INPUT #4

10

PTT #1

23

TX AUDIO #2

11

TX AUDIO #1

24

RESERVED

12

RX AUDIO #2

25

GROUND

13

RX AUDIO #1

Once the RX1, and RX2 audios are adjusted, key-up on the repeater input and send a DTMF tone.
Monitor the REPEATER transmitter. Adjust the TX1 Audio level control (R15) as required to set the
repeater transmitter deviation to 3 KHz or as desired. If the repeaters transmit audio input is very
sensitive and you find the TX1 Audio level control near minimum, it is strongly recommended that an
external voltage divider be installed at the audio input of the repeater’s transmitter.

If a link transceiver is connected, key-up on the repeater input and send a DTMF tone. Monitor the
LINK transmitter. Adjust the TX2 Audio level control (R16) as required to set the link transmitter
deviation to 3 KHz or as desired. If the link-transmit audio input is very sensitive and you find the TX2
Audio level control is near minimum, set the jumper plug at J5 between pins 1 and 2.

Compare the receive and synthesized voice audio and adjust the voice Level (R30) as desired. The
synthesized voice should be slightly lower than the receive audio.

Unlock the CAT-250 by keying-up on the repeater input and entering: [1234567]. Key-up and enter
the [*901] test tone programming command. Verify that the test tone provides approximately 1.5 KHz
transmitter deviation. Key-up and enter [*0] to exit the programming mode.

Repeater and Link Interface (J2)

Connector J2 provides an interface to the repeater and transceiver.

Figure 6-2

6-4

1

COR #2

6

RESERVED

2

CTCSS #2

7

RESERVED

3

PTT #2

8

GROUND

4

TX AUDIO #2

9

+12VDC OUTPUT

5

RX AUDIO #2

GROUND

TS-64WDS

RED

BLUE

ORANGE/WHITE

VIOLET

GREEN/WHITE

BLACK

YELLOW

GREEN

YELLOW/BLACK

+12VDC

CAT-250 ( J2-4)

DISCRIMINATOR

TRANSMITTER EXCITER

CAT-250 RX1 INPUT (J2-13)

2200 OHM PULL-UP RESISTOR

HIGH PASS OUT

HANG-UP

PTT INPUT

GROUND

CTCSS TONE OUT

DISCRIMINATOR

PTT OUTPUT

RX AUDIO MUTE

+12VDC

BLUE/WHITE

11

2

10

12

1

6

9

8

13

3

DISCRIMINATOR

GROUND

HIGH PASS FILTER IN

(1) TRANSMITTER PTT

OR

(2) NO CONNECTION

(1) CAT-250 PTT #1 (J2-10)

OR

(2) CAT-250 SWITCH #5 (J2-7)

To continuously transmit a CTCSS tone on the transmitter wire pins 8 and 10 per option #1
To transmit a CTCSS tone only w hen a receive signal is present, w ire pins 8 and 10 per option #2.
Program timer (*626*) for 0.1 seconds and turn on Zone 7 channel 2.

Link Interface (J1)

Connector J1 provides an alternate interface between Port #2 of the CAT-250 and the Link transceiver.
This permits the use of independent cables between the repeater and link transceiver.

Figure 6-3

CTCSS Decoder

Connect the TS-64WDS CTCSS Encoder/Decoder assembly to the CAT-250 as described in Figure 6-4.
The decoder must be connected to discriminator audio. Speaker or volume control audio will have
insufficient low frequency CTCSS tone content.

Figure 6-4

7-1

CAT-250

Chapter 7 – RS-232 Computer Interface

Connect your computer’s COMM port to the CAT-250 at J4 as described in Figure 7-1.

Figure 7-1

ISP Loader For CAT-250

Use the ISP Loader to upload the latest firmware version of the CAT-250 controller available at the

www.catauto.com web site. Under RESOURCES, select FIRMWARE UPDATES and then CAT-250

and the latest version. Follow the procedure described in the “CAT-250 Firmware Download
Instructions”.

Start the ISP Loader program to display the “ISP Loader For CAT-250” window. Follow the
directions described in the window.

7-2

Turn on dipswitch #7 and cycle power or there will not be any PTT.

ED-250W Windows Editor

Start the windows editor program to display the “CAT-250 Repeater Controller Editor” window.

Activation Of The RS-232 Port With Dipswitch #8

To activate the RS-232 port, set the DC power to OFF. Set dipswitch #8 to ON. Turn the DC power to
ON.

Activation Of The RS-232 Port By Radio

To activate the RS-232 port, key-up into Port #1 and enter the control operator prefix code [100]
followed by [97]. The voice synthesizer will say: “CONNECT” and the transmitter will drop.

8-1

Chapter 8 - Voice Vocabulary

Zero 000
One 001
Two 002
Three 003
Four 004
Five 005
Six 006
Seven 007
Eight 008
Nine 009
Ten 010
Eleven 011
Twelve 012
Thirteen 013
Fourteen 014
Fifteen 015
Sixteen 016
Seventeen 017
Eighteen 018
Nineteen 019
Twenty 020
Thirty 030
Forty 040
Fifty 050
Sixty 060
Seventy 070
Eighty 080
Ninety 090
A 210
Above 214
Again 221
Alert 223
All 224
Alpha 225
Amateur 228
An 230
And 231
Area 235
As 236
Assistance 237
At 239
Attention 241
B 250
Band 252
Base 253
Beacon 254
Below 255
Bravo 257
By 260
C 270
Call 272
Calling 273
Cancel 274
Cat 275
Caution 276

Change 279
Charlie 280
Check 281
Clear 283
Closed 285
Club 286
Code 287
Come 288
Complete 289
Condition 292
Connect 294
Contact 295
Control 296
D 310
Danger 311
Data 312
Date 313
Day 314
Days 315
Decrease 317
Delay 319
Delta 320
Direction 322
Do 323
Down 324
E 340
Echo 342
Ed (suffix) 343
Emergency 344
End 345
Enter 346
Error 348
Exit 350
F 370
Failure 372
Fast 374
Feet 376
For 004
Foxtrot 386
Frequency 388
Friday 389
From 390
Full 392
G 410
Get 412
Go 413
Golf 414
Good 415
H 440
Ham 443
Hamfest 444
Have 445
Hertz 449
High 450
Hotel 453

Hour 454
Hours 455
I 470
Ice 471
Identify 473
In 475
India 477
Information 478
Ing(suffix) 479
Inputs 480
Intruder 481
Is 482
It 483
J 500
Juliet 502
K 530
Key 531
Keypad 532
Kilo 533
L 550
Last 552
Left 554
Let 556
Lima 559
Link 561
Low 568
Lower 569
M 580
Machine 581
Macro 582
Make 583
Manual 585
Many 586
Meeting 593
Mega 594
Message 595
Meter 596
Meters 597
Mike 599
Miles 600
Minus 603
Minute 604
Minutes 605
Mobile 606
Monday 608
Month 609
Move 611
N 620
Near 621
Net 623
New 624
Next 625
Night 626
No 627
Normal 628

8-2

Not 630
November 631
Now 632
Number 633
O 650
Of 653
Off 654
On 656
Open 657
Operator 659
Or 660
Oscar 662
Out 664
Over 665
P 680
Papa 682
Per 683
Plan 688
Please 689
Plus 690
Point 691
Pound 694
Power 695
Preset 697
Q 720
Quebec 721
R 730
Radio 731
Range 735
Ready 737
Receive 738
Receiver 739
Remote 743
Repeater 746
Reset 747
Right 749
Romeo 752
S 770
Saturday 772
Seconds 774
Sent 778
Service 781
Set 782
Severe 783
Sierra 788
Snow 791
Speed 793
Star 795
Start 796
Stop 797
Storm 798
Sunday 799
System 801
S (plural) 802
T 820
Tango 821

Temperature 824
Test 826
Than 827
Thank-You 828
That 829
The(shortE) 830
The(longE) 831
Then 832
This 833
This-is 834
Thunderstorms 836
Thursday 837
Time 838
Timer 839
To 002
Today 840
Tomorrow 841
Tone 854
Tonight 842
Tornado 843
Traffic 845
Transceiver 853
Transmit 846
Try 848
Tuesday 849
Turn 850
U 870
Uniform 871
Unit 872
Until 874
Up 875
Use(noun) 876
Use(verb) 877
V 880
Victor 884
W 890
Wait 891
Warning 892
Watch 893
Watts 894
Weather 896
Wednesday 897
Week 898
Welcome 900
What 903
Whiskey 904
Will 905
With 908
X 920
X-Ray 921
Y 930
Yankee 931
Yes 934
You 936
Your 937
Z 950

Zed 951
Zone 953
Zulu 954
Pause
Pause 1 960
Pause 2 961
Pause 3 962
Pause 4 963

Time Variables

Time of Day 100
Day of Week 101

9-1

Chapter 9 - Drawings

CAT-250 Repeater Controller

Figure 9-1

10-1

Controller Board (CAT-250)

Sheet 1 of 3

Controller Board (CAT-250)

Sheet 2 of 3

Controller Board (CAT-250)

Sheet 3 of 3

Chapter 10 - Schematic

10-2

10-3

10-1

11-1

1

Capacitor

100pf

C37

1

Capacitor

.001uf 50V

C31

4

Capacitor

.0047uf 50V

C27,C30,C32,C33

2

Capacitor

.015uf 50V

C28,C29

16

Capacitor

.1uf 50V

C1,C2,C8,C9,C10,C11,C12,C13,C14,C15,C16
C17,C18,C19,C20,C36

2

Capacitor

.47uf 50V

C23,C24

8

Capacitor

10uf 16V

C4,C5,C6,C7,C21,C22,C25,C26

1

Capacitor

470uf 50V

C3 1 Capacitor

.47 Farad – 5V

C34

2

Connector

DB9 Female

J1,J4

1

Connector

DB25 Female

J2

1

Connector

DC Power

J3 1 Connector

Header 1X3

J5

2

Connector

Header 1X5

J6,J7

1

Crystal

3.58 MHz

Y2

1

Fuse

0.5 Amp Fast

F1

1

I.C.

25C640

U9 1 I.C.

89C668HBA

U10

1

I.C.

ATF1502ASL

U8 1 I.C.

LM340-05

U1 2 I.C.

LM348

U6,U13

1

I.C.

MAX335

U5 1 I.C.

MAX232

U7 1 I.C.

MCP101

U14

1

I.C.

MSP53C391

U2 2 I.C.

MT8870D

U3,U11

1

I.C.

TPIC6C595

U4 1 I.C.

ULN2804

U12

3

Resistor

100 Ohm

R14,R27,R28

2

Resistor

620 Ohm

R12,R13

2

Resistor

5K Variable

R15,R16

3

Resistor

10K Variable

R25,R26,R30

5

Resistor

10K

R23,R24,R31,R34,R40

2

Resistor

10K 6 Pin SIP

R17,R19

3

Resistor

10K 10 Pin SIP

R1,R5,R9

1

Resistor

15K

R35

9

Resistor

33K

R18,R20,R21,R22,R29,R36,R37,R38,R39

Chapter 11 - Part List

11-2

3

Resistor

82K

R32,R33

4

Resistor

100K

R2,R3,R6,R7

2

Resistor

560K

R4,R8,R11

2

Resistor

User Option

R10,R11

1

Resonator

12 MHz

Y1 1 Switch

DIP SW 8

SW1

1

Switch

Push Button

SW2

6 Test Points

TP1,TP2,TP3,TP4,TP5,TP6

1

Transorb

1N6278A

CR1