Firecom 30 Series, 110 Series, 210 Series Operation Manual

Wireless Base Station

Single and Multiple Headsets

Operation Manual

7340 SW Durham Road • Portland, OR 97224 USA

Phone: [phone] • 1-800-527-0555

Fax: [phone] • email: [e-mail]

www.firecom.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Base Station Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Pairing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1

OVERVIEW

This manual describes single headset and multiple headset wireless base station
models to be used with the Firecom UHW/ FHW wireless headset series. Together,
with the UHW/ FHW wireless headset series, the base stations provide secure, inter­ference free communications for operators of fire and emergency trucks.

BASE STATION MODELS

Single Headset Base Station

LINK

WIRE LESS BASE

POWER INTERCOM

Single Headset Base Station
30XXR Intercom Compatible

WIRELESS BASE

POWER INTERCOM

Multiple Headset Base Station

30XXR Intercom Compatible

PAIR

LINKS

1 2 3 4 5

PAIR

This model accommodates a single UHW/ FHW
series radio transmit wireless headset. The base
station can be connected via a 6 conductor flat
cable to any headset port on Firecom’s 30XXR
series intercoms. The base station will provide
full duplex audio and PTT communication
between the wireless headset and the intercom.

Multiple Headset Base Station

This model accommodates up to five UHW/ FHW
series non-radio transmit wireless headsets1.The
base station can be connected via a 6 conductor
flat cable to any headset port on Firecom’s
30XXR series intercoms. The base station will
provide full duplex audio communication
between the wireless headset and the intercom.

Single Headset Base Station, Firecom’s
110/210 Intercom Compatible

This model accommodates a single UHW/ FHW
series radio transmit wireless headset. The base
station can be connected via a 6 conductor flat

WIRE LESS BASE

110 - 210 COMPATIBLE

POWER INTERCOM

LINK

PAIR

cable to any headset port on Firecom’s110 radio

Single Headset Base Station

110/210 Intercom Compatible

interface or 210 intercom. The base station will
provide full duplex audio and PTT communication
between the wireless headset and the intercom.

Note: Any combination of up to 40 radio-transmit and non radio-transmit headsets
connected to single and multiple headset bases can operate simultaneously, in close
proximity to each other, for interference free communications2.

2

INSTALLATION

• It is recommended that the base station be mounted high on the truck window,
not within 4 inches of any metal3. The base station should be attached to the
window with 1/4“ thick, double-sided tape, to help insulate the base station from
the cold. When mounted vertically, the base station should be oriented so that
cables into the base station are connected from the bottom, not the top of the
enclosure so as not to provide a water path into the enclosure.

• Connect nominal 12V (11-16V) from the truck to the base station using the power
cable provided. The base station can be connected to the vehicle power line and
ground at any location on the truck, without risking undesired effects such as
ground loops, etc. Connect the black wire to the vehicle’s ground and the red
wire to the vehicles 12V power. When wired separately from the intercom, use a
separate 1A ATO fuse for the base station. However, if wired to the same power
source as the intercom, the base station can be connected through the same
1A ATO fuse provided with the intercom.

• Plug one end of the enclosed 6P6C RJ-12 modular communication cable into the
RJ-12 jack on the base station and the other end into any headset port on the
intercom4.

NOTE: When crimping the 6P6C modular plugs, always make sure the
printed side of the cable is facing the release tab on the plug on both
ends of the RJ-12 modular cable.

• To provide strain relief for the power cable, use a wire tie to tie the modular
communication cable to the power cable. Place the wire tie as close to the base
station as possible.

The RJ-12 Modular Plug

Release tab

Cable slot

WIR ELESS BASE

POWER INTERCOM

LINK

PAIR

3

PAIRING

WI RELE SS BASE

LINK

POWER INTERCOM

Single Headset Base Station

PAIR

Single Headset Base

1.When the base station is first powered, the green LED labeled POWER on the
bottom left of the front panel will illuminate steadily. The single LINK yellow LED
will either stay unlit, indicating that no headsets have been previously paired to the
base, or will start flashing rapidly, indicating that a headset has been previously
paired to the base station5.

2.Press and hold the pairing button in the bottom right corner of the base station
for approximately 5-7 seconds. The LINK LED will start flashing slowly to indicate
that the base station has been placed in pairing mode. Once the base station is
placed in pairing mode, the user has approximately 15 seconds to place the
headset in pairing mode.

3.Place the headset in pairing mode; refer to the UHW/ FHW series user’s manual
for information regarding how to put the headset in pairing mode. The red and
green LEDs on the headset will alternate rapidly to indicate that the headset is in
pairing mode.

4.After about 5-7 seconds, the green LED on the headset and the yellow LINK LED
on the base station’s front panel will flash rapidly for two seconds then turn on
steadily to indicate that a link has been established between the headset and the
base. At this point, full duplex audio communication between the headset and the
base station is enabled.

4

PAIRING

WIRELESS BASE

LINKS

1 2 3 4 5

POWER INTERCOM

Multiple Headset Base Station

PAIR

Multiple Headset Base

The multiple headset base station is equipped with 5 yellow LINK LEDS on the front
panel. Each LINK LED represents a headset position with position #1 represented by
the leftmost LED. The pairing priority is given starting with position #1 and ending
with position #5. It is recommended that pairing to new headsets is done

one headset at a time.

1.When the base station is first powered, the green LED labeled POWER on the
bottom left of the front panel will illuminate steadily. Every one of the five LINK
yellow LEDs will either stay unlit, indicating that no headset has been previously
paired to that particular headset slot, or will start flashing rapidly indicating that a
headset has been previously paired to that particular headset slot5but is not
currently linked.

NOTE: If any headsets have been previously paired to the base station
and the intent is to keep them paired, then these headsets must remain
turned on and linked in steps 1 through 3 of this procedure. An active
link to a headset is indicated by the respective LINK LED on the front
panel of the base station being steadily illuminated.

2.Press and hold the pairing button in the bottom right corner of the base station
for approximately 5-7 seconds. The respective LINK LEDs for any headset that
is currently linked to the base station will remain steadily illuminated. However,
LINK LEDS for vacant slots and for occupied slots with no actively linked head­sets will start flashing slowly to indicate that the base station has been placed in
pairing mode and that these slots have been made available for pairing. The
highest priority slot will be assigned to the headset currently being paired. Once
the base station is placed in pairing mode, the user has approximately 15 seconds
to place the headset in pairing mode.

5

PAIRING

3.Place the headset in pairing mode; refer to the UHW/ FHW series user’s manual
for information regarding how to put the headset in pairing mode. The red and
green LEDs on the headset will alternate rapidly to indicate that the headset is in
pairing mode.

4.After about 5-7 seconds, the green LED on the headset and the respective yellow
LINK LED on the base station’s front panel will flash rapidly for two seconds then
turn on steadily to indicate that a link has been established between the headset
and the base. At this point, full duplex audio communication between the
headset and the base station is enabled.

Note: It is only necessary to pair a headset to a base station once. After that, if
power is turned off to the headset or base station, the pairing settings will not be lost
in either the headset or the base, as those settings reside in indelible memory on
both devices

Footnotes

1- Five headsets can be paired to a multiple headset base, but only four headsets can be connected and

communicated through the base at any given time.

2- Under certain site conditions, it may be possible to operate up to 50 headsets in close proximity.

3- Due to the excellent coverage range the wireless system provides, the base may be mounted in different

locations inside the cab, such as the top surface of the dashboard close to the front windshield. Care
should be taken when the base station is mounted in such locations in order to ensure that the base
station and its wiring are not damaged due to accidental bumping or piling up of additional working
gear.

4- In the case of radio transmit single headset base, if transmit priority is desired, then the communication

cable from the base station should be plugged into headset port marked PR.

5- If the LINK LED flashes rapidly at power up, then it is an indication that a headset has been previously

paired to the base. The previously paired headset will not need to be paired again to the base station
and turning the power on to the headset will make it link to the base station.

6

TROUBLESHOOTING

When properly located, installed and powered, the base station will perform reliably
with no anticipated problems.

Note: If the symptoms you are experiencing are not covered in this manual, or if
you are having difficulty troubleshooting your system, contact your local Firecom
dealer for assistance or see www.firecom.com for additional information.

Problem: No indication of power to the base station (green power indicator does
not illuminate).

• Check wiring to the base station.

Problem: No audio communication and/or PTT from or to the base.

• Ensure that power is turned on to the wireless headset(s) and that the
headset(s) are connected.

• Ensure that the modular communication cable is connected between the
base station and intercom.

• Check the modular communication cable between the base station and
intercom for continuity.

• Ensure correct polarity of the 6P6C plug on both ends of the modular cable
(refer to “Installation” section).

Problem: Poor quality audio, low or distorted received or transmitted audio.

• Ensure that the volume level is properly adjusted on the intercom. For 30XXR
series intercoms, it is recommended that the volume level is set as high as
possible on the intercom without causing distorted audio on the headset side,
and that the volume control on the headset is adjusted for comfortable listening.

• Poor quality audio can also be caused by a defective headset. Check
operation with a known, well functioning headset in order to determine
whether the problem is attributed to the base station.

• Ensure that the proper base station model for your intercom is used.

Problem: Audible interference from portable and mobile radios.

• The wireless system is tested and proven to be immune to interferences from
portable and mobile communication equipment operated anywhere in the
frequency spectrum from 30MHz to 18GHz. However, care should be taken
with installation of communication cables between the intercom and the base
station. These cables should be routed away from portable and mobile radios
and antenna cabling in order to prevent RF interference from such devices.

Problem: Poor coverage range.

• Check location of the base station on the vehicle. The base station should not
be installed inside metal enclosures or any other location closer than 4 inches
to a metal object or surface.

• Poor range can also be caused by a defective headset. Check operation with a
known, well functioning headset in order to determine whether the problem is
attributed to the base station.

7

SPECIFICATIONS

Electrical:

- Power: Nominal 12V (11-16V)

- Current draw: 45mA average, 80mA peak

- Reverse voltage protection

- Immune to ESD and transients per SAE standard J1113

- EMC compatible per SAE standard J1113

Mechanical:

- Dimensions: 5.7"L x 2.6"W x 1.14"H

- Weight: 4.24 oz (0.265Lb)

Environmental:

- Operating temperature range: -10 to+70°C

- Storage temperature: -25 to + 85°C

- Meets SAE standards J1455

- Chemical resistance, corrosion and humidity per MIL-STD-810

RF:

- Range: 1100' open field,100' minimum depending on where the base station is
installed on a fire or emergency truck.

- Secured digitally encoded interference free communications.

- Any combination of base stations or headsets for a total of 40 headsets working
together in close proximity.

FCC/IC Compliance:

This device complies with FCC Part 15 Rules and IC RSS-213 Rules. Operation of
this device is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.

2. This device must accept any interference that may be received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC/IC RF Exposure Warning:

- This product complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment.

- To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, the base unit must be installed
and operated 20 cm (8 inches) or more between the product and all person’s
body (excluding extremities of hands, wrist and feet).

- This product may not be collocated or operated in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.

8

PACKAGE CONTENTS

Single Headset Base Station: P/N 106-3089-00

- Single headset base station: P/ N 950-3089-00

- Power cable, 9': P/ N 420-0047-00

- Modular communication cable, 16': P/ N 400-0009-00

- Modular plug 6P6C, 2ct, P/ N 351-0002-07

- User’s manual: P/ N 600-0075-00

Multiple Headset Base Station: P/N 106-3086-00

- Multiple headset base station: P/ N 950-3086-00

- Power cable, 9': P/ N 420-0047-00

- Modular communication cable, 16': P/ N 400-0009-00

- Modular plug 6P6C, 2ct, P/ N 351-0002-07

- User’s manual: P/ N 600-0075-00

Single Headset Base Station, 110/210 Series Intercom: P/N 106-3094-00

- Single headset base station: P/ N 950-3094-00

- Power cable, 9': P/ N 420-0047-00

- Modular communication cable, 16': P/ N 400-0009-00

- Modular plug 6P6C, 2ct, P/ N 351-0002-07

- User’s manual: P/ N 600-0075-00

ACCESSORIES

- 30XXR intercom to dual base adapter cable: P/ N 420-2142-00

- 110 / 210 intercom to dual base adapter cable: P/ N 420-2143-00

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Firecom can void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

If a problem persists in the device, contact Firecom for a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number. Return the device for replacement or repair.

CONTACT: Firecom

7340 SW Durham Road
Portland, OR 97224
1-800-527-0555
USA

9

WARRANTY

Two-Year Limited Warranty to the Original Purchaser

Sonetics Corporation warrants to the original purchaser of its products, that they will be free
from defects in materials and workmanship, under normal and proper use, for the period of
two years from date of purchase. Sonetics Corporation will repair or replace, at its option, any
parts showing factory defects during this warranty period, subject to the following provisions.
This warranty applies only to a new product which has been sold through authorized channels
of distribution. All work under warranty must be performed by Sonetics Corporation. All
returned products must be shipped to our address, freight prepaid, accompanied by a dated
proof of purchase. The purchaser voids this warranty if he, she or others attempt to repair, service
or alter the product in any way. This warranty does not apply in the event of accident, abuse,
improper installation, unauthorized repair, tampering, modification, fire, flood, collision, or
other damage from external sources, including damage which is caused by user replaceable
parts (leaking batteries, etc.). This warranty does not extend to any other equipment or apparatus
to which this product may be attached or connected. The foregoing is your sole remedy for
failure in service or defects. Sonetics Corporation shall not be liable under this or any implied
warranty for incidental or consequential damages, nor for any installation or removal costs or
other service fees. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including
the warranty of merchantability or fitness of use, which are hereby excluded. To the extent that
this exclusion is not legally enforceable, the duration of such implied warranties shall be limited
to two years from date of purchase. No suit for breach of express or implied warranty may be
brought after two years from date of purchase.

FIRECOM is a division of Sonetics Corporation
7340 SW Durham Road • Portland, Oregon 97224
800-527-0555 • 503-684-6647 • Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] • www.firecom.com

Copyright © 2008 Sonetics Corporation - All rights reserved.

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent of Sonetics Corporation.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

This document is part number 600-0075-00 RevC. Patent pending.