MOBEXCOM DVRS Vehicular Repeater
Users Manual
8A083X22 Rev. 4.2
Vehicular Repeater System
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... 2
Notes, Attentions, Important ................................................................................................... 3
REPEATER MODES ................................................................................................................................... 7
CONTROL HEAD ......................................................................................................................................... 8
REPEATER RADIO UNIT ........................................................................................................................... 9
MOBILE RADIO UNIT ................................................................................................................................. 9
3. OPERATION ...................................................................................................................... 10
CONTROL HEAD ....................................................................................................................................... 10
APPENDIX 1 ............................................................................................................................... 13
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Notes, Attentions, Important
Throughout this manual, you will see Notes, and Attentions, Important
Their meaning is as follows:
NOTE
A clarifying statement that expands on the text that follows.
IMPORTANT
An important statement that should be considered and / or implemented in order to
achieve adequate equipment operation.
ATTENTION!
An instruction that must be followed in insure compliance with the appropriate standards or
proper equipment operations.
Vehicular Repeater System
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Vehicular Repeater System
NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
ATTENTION!
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Futurecom Systems Group, ULC could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
RF EXPOSURE
ATTENTION!
To satisfy FCC/ISED RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, refer to Futurecom
8F083X03 (FCC) or 8F083X05 (ISED) RF Safety Booklet for TX – RX duty cycle and a separation distance
between the antenna of this device and persons during operation. To ensure compliance, operations at closer
than this distance is not allowed.
RADIO OPERATOR
Futurecom requires the MOBEXCOM DVRS Repeater operator to ensure FCC Requirements for Radio
Frequency Exposure are met. The minimum distance between all possible personnel and an omnidirectional
antenna must be as specified in Futurecom 8F083X03 or 8F083X05 RF Safety Booklet.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE MPE DISTANCE EXCLUSION AREA AROUND THE ANTENNA MAY EXPOSE
PERSONS WITHIN THIS AREA TO RF ENERGY ABOVE THE FCC/ISED EXPOSURE LIMIT FOR
BYSTANDERS (GENERAL POPULATION). IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE REPEATER OPERATOR TO
ENSURE THAT MPE LIMITS ARE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES DURING REPEATER TRANSMISSIONS. THE
REPEATER OPERATOR MUST ENSURE AT ALL TIMES THAT NO PERSON COMES WITHIN MPE
DISTANCE FROM THE ANTENNA.
ATTENTION!
The MOBEXCOM DVRS Repeater is intended for use in occupational / controlled conditions, where users
have full knowledge of the operator exposure and can exercise control over the operator exposure to meet
FCC/ISED limits. This radio is NOT authorized for general population, consumer, or any other use.
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ANTENNA INSTALLATION
ATTENTION!
To satisfy FCC/ISED RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, refer to Futurecom
8F083X03 (FCC) or 8F083X05 (ISED) RF Safety Booklet for the approved frequency bands, antenna types
and antenna installation restrictions and requirements.
IMPORTANT
Refer to Futurecom 8F083X03 or 8F083X05 RF Safety Booklet for antenna installation instructions and
proper installation locations diagram.
FCC Label
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
RF Exposure Label
Vehicular Repeater System
RF EXPOSURE LABEL INSTALLATION LOCATION
IMPORTANT
The RF Exposure Label should be affixed in the vehicle beside the mobile radio control head. The label
should be in the direct view of the Repeater operator. The label is supplied with the MOBEXCOM DVRS
Repeater.
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Vehicular Repeater System
ATTENTION!
Do not use the DVRS in the frequency band 406.0MHz – 406.1MHz. This frequency band is reserved for
distress beacons.
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Vehicular Repeater System
2. INTRODUCTION
The Futurecom MOBEXCOM DVRS® Vehicular Repeater is designed to interface to a range of mobile radios and
control heads. It permits expanded operation of portable radios. The Vehicular Repeater system consists of. a mobile
radio, MOBEXCOM DVRS® Vehicular Repeater unit, a mobile radio Control Head and a RF multiplexer. The Control
Head communicates with the Vehicular Repeater and the mobile using a serial data protocol.
REPEATER MODES
The Vehicular Repeater operates in one of three modes. The mode of operation is selectable from the Mobile
Control Head by the mobile radio operator.
The three modes are known as the MOBILE, LOCAL and SYSTEM modes. The function and purpose of each
mode is described as follows.
Mobile Mode
In the MOBILE mode, the vehicular repeater is completely disabled. The mobile radio is operational and will
permit the mobile radio user to communicate conventionally, using the mobile radio. The mobile user may select
the desired mobile operating channel, adjust the receiver volume level and transmit using the microphone Pushto-Talk (PTT).
This mode is used when Repeater operation is not desired. The Vehicular Repeater System operates
similarly to a standard mobile radio system, as if the Repeater were not present. The RF multiplexer is disabled
and the antenna is connected directly to the mobile radio.
The MOBILE mode should be selected if several Repeater equipped vehicles are in the same area and
another Vehicular Repeater already has LOCAL or SYSTEM mode enabled.
Local Repeat Mode
In the LOCAL repeat mode, the Vehicular Repeater is enabled to permit communications among nearby
portable radio users and the mobile radio user. Repeater signals are not retransmitted by the Mobile Radio, so
that communications on the mobile channel will not be disturbed. However, all functions of the mobile radio
operate normally, except for scan, microphone mobile Push-to-Talk, scan activation, mode selection, zone
selection, home channel operation and mobile channel selection. When the LOCAL repeat mode is selected, the
mobile radio scan is deactivated and the mobile radio reverts to the selected mobile channel. Signals received by
the Vehicular Repeater receiver are heard in the mobile speaker and will also be retransmitted by the Vehicular
Repeater transmitter. Signals received by the Mobile receiver are heard in the Mobile speaker and will be
transmitted by the Vehicular Repeater. When signals are present in both the Vehicular Repeater and Mobile
receivers simultaneously, the signal from the Vehicular Repeater will have priority in the mobile speaker. (Note
that the receiver/PTT and speaker priorities are programmable.)
The mobile user will key only the Vehicular Repeater transmitter when using the microphone Push-to-Talk.
The Vehicular Repeater receiver has full priority over the mobile radio operator microphone Push-to-Talk. To
respond to a mobile signal, the mobile operator must enter either the MOBILE or SYSTEM mode to be able to
transmit from the mobile radio.
The mobile user may adjust the receiver volume level and transmit over the Vehicular Repeater using the
microphone Push-to-Talk.
The LOCAL mode, as the name implies, permits communications among portable radio users and the mobile
radio operator, without interfering with the mobile radio dispatch channels.
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Vehicular Repeater System
System Repeat Mode
In the SYSTEM repeat mode, both the Mobile Radio and the Vehicular Repeater are enabled at the same
time to permit the full exchange of communications among nearby portable radio users, the mobile radio user and
the dispatcher and other users on the Mobile Radio channel. Signals received by the Vehicular Repeater receiver
are heard in the mobile speaker and may also be retransmitted by both the Vehicular Repeater and Mobile
transmitters at the same time. Signals received by the Mobile receiver are heard in the mobile radio speaker and
are also retransmitted out of the Vehicular Repeater transmitter. When the SYSTEM repeat mode is selected, the
mobile radio scan may be deactivated and the mobile radio reverts to the selected mobile channel. When signals
are present in both the Vehicular Repeater and Mobile receivers simultaneously, the signal from the Mobile Radio
will have priority in the mobile speaker.
The mobile user may simultaneously key both the Mobile radio and Vehicular Repeater transmitters when
using the microphone Push-to-Talk. The mobile radio operator microphone Push-to-Talk has priority over the
Mobile receiver.
When signals are present in both the Vehicular Repeater and Mobile receivers simultaneously, the signal
from the Vehicular Repeater has priority in the mobile speaker.
The mobile user may adjust the receiver volume level and transmit over the Vehicular Repeater and Mobile
Radio, using the microphone Push-to-Talk.
The SYSTEM repeat mode is used when full communications among all radio parties is desired.
CONTROL HEAD
The control unit is a standard mobile radio control head. The Vehicular Repeater is designed to operate with a
variety of control heads. It is a ruggedly constructed weatherized control unit, incorporating an array of pushbuttons, a
Liquid Crystal display, 2 knobs and 2 LED indicators. The display and pushbuttons are backlit for night time visibility.
The control unit is housed in a two-piece plastic, weather-resistant housing. The external radio/repeater
connections are made to connector on the rear of the unit. A microphone is provided and is secured to the control unit
connector on the front of the control unit.
A serial-control data interface is used to provide a communications connection between the control unit, the
Vehicular Repeater and the mobile radio.
The following features are provided:
Knobs for
:
‘Volume’ with integral Power On/Off pushbutton switch
‘Channel’ selection
Pushbuttons for
:
‘Zone’
‘Page’
‘Monitor’ ON/OFF
‘Alarm’ ()
‘Private’ ()
‘Repeater mode’ selection (H/L)
‘Phon’
‘Scan’
‘Call’
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‘Opt’
‘Home Menu’
‘Sel’
Vehicular Repeater System
LED Indicators for
:
‘Mobile Transmit’ (Red LED)
‘Mobile Receiver Busy’ (Orange LED)
Display
:
Alphanumeric LCD (with backlighting)
Indicators are provided to display the receiver and transmitter status of the mobile. The ‘Mobile Transmit’ red
indicator lights whenever the mobile transmitter is keyed. The ‘Mobile Receiver Busy’ orange indicator lights
whenever the receiver is busy, regardless of presence or absence of any CTCSS (Channel -Guard) tone coding.
REPEATER RADIO UNIT
The Repeater is designed to implement a Vehicular Repeater System, to provide portable radio users greater
communication range by repeating signals through the vehicle's mobile radio to the dispatch centre. Various modes of
repeater operation are available, to suit different operational requirements. The Vehicular Repeater Radio is the
central connection point for the vehicular system. It connects to an external Control Head and Mobile Radio.
It includes all the necessary hardware for repeater operations. The Repeater is housed in a weather resistant
metal enclosure with 2 removable covers. The covers provide protection for the connectors. The Repeater is mounted
on a RF multiplexer.
The Repeater communicates with the control head and the mobile radio via serial communication bus.
MOBILE RADIO UNIT
The Mobile Radio used in the Vehicular Repeater System is a standard mobile radio. Refer to the mobile radio’s
user manual for details of operation of this radio. The Vehicular Repeater is designed to operate with a variety of
mobile radio units.
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Vehicular Repeater System
3. OPERATION
CONTROL HEAD
The Repeater Control Head selects mode of operation for both the Repeater and the Mobile Radio.
To Turn the Repeater ON or OFF
Press the button in the Volume knob located on the left side of the control unit. The display should become
active when the system turns ON. A test message appears briefly on the display. When the system is turned ON,
the Mobile Channel and Repeater Mode will automatically return to the same settings that were in effect when the
power was last turned OFF. Press the button in the Volume knob second time to turn the Repeater OFF.
To Change the Speaker Volume
Turn the Volume knob until the desired volume level is reached.
To Change the Repeater Mode
Press the 'H/L' button once. The Repeater mode is changed in the following sequence: MOBILE-SYSTEMLOCAL-… In the Mobile mode the alphanumeric display shows ‘ZONE CHANNEL’. In the System mode both the
Repeater and the Mobile Radio may transmit at the same time. In the Local mode the display shows ‘RLOC
CHANNEL’. (‘ZONE’ is the selected Mobile zone name while ‘CHANNEL’ is the selected Mobile channel name.)
When the LOCAL or SYSTEM repeat modes are selected, the mobile radio scan is deactivated and the mobile
radio reverts to the selected mobile channel.
NOTE
The Mobile zone and channel cannot be changed while in LOCAL and SYSTEM
repeat modes.
Refer to the earlier description of repeat modes.
MOBILE XMIT Status Indicator
The 'MOBILE XMIT' red LED indicator is one of two status indicators that is provided on the Control Head,
located in the upper left corner. This indicator will light whenever the Mobile Transmitter is keyed. This will occur
in 'MOBILE' or 'SYSTEM' mode when the microphone Push-to-Talk is being pressed or when a signal from the
Vehicular Repeater is being retransmitted by the Mobile Radio (In 'SYSTEM' mode).
MOBILE BUSY Status Indicator
The 'MOBILE BUSY' orange LED indicator is one of two status indicators that are provided on the Control
Head, located in the upper left corner. This indicator will light whenever the Mobile Radio is receiving any signal
on the selected Mobile Channel. If CTCSS (Channel Guard) tone coding is used, the signal may not be audible if
the coding does not match.
Note that if the microphone is “off-hook”, the Mobile/Repeater audio will be heard on the speaker even if
CTCSS is not present or is incorrect. This is the same as the Monitor function.
ALPHANUMERIC Status Indication
The ‘ZONE’ is not displayed in the LOCAL and SYSTEM repeat modes. Instead, this portion of the
alphanumeric display shows the status of the Repeater in these two modes together with 'MOBILE XMIT' and
'MOBILE BUSY' status indicators.
The following tables summarize indicators for different Repeater states:
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CONTROL HEAD INDICATORS AND ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY – MOBILE MODE
REPEATER STATE
‘ M O B I L E B U SY ’ ‘MOBILE XMIT’ DISPLAY
MOBILE RECEIVE WITH
CTCSS
MOBILE RECEIVE
WITHOUT CTCSS
MICROPHONE PTT
ON
ON
ON
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
REPEATER RECEIVE
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
WITH CTCSS
REPEATER RECEIVE
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
WITHOUT CTCSS
CONTROL HEAD INDICATORS AND ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY – LOCAL MODE
REPEATER STATE
‘ M O B I L E B U SY ’ ‘MOBILE XMIT’ DISPLAY
MOBILE RECEIVE WITH
ON ‘RL TX CHANNEL’
CTCSS
MOBILE RECEIVE
ON ‘RLOC CHANNEL’
WITHOUT CTCSS
MICROPHONE PTT
REPEATER RECEIVE
‘RL TX CHANNEL’
‘RL RT CHANNEL’
WITH CTCSS
REPEATER RECEIVE
‘RL RX CHANNEL’
WITHOUT CTCSS
Vehicular Repeater System
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
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Vehicular Repeater System
CONTROL HEAD INDICATORS AND ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY – SYSTEM MODE
REPEATER STATE
‘ M O B I L E B U SY ’ ‘MOBILE XMIT’ DISPLAY
MOBILE RECEIVE WITH
ON ‘RS TX CHANNEL’
CTCSS
MOBILE RECEIVE
ON ‘RSYS CHANNEL’
WITHOUT CTCSS
MICROPHONE PTT
REPEATER RECEIVE
ON ‘RS TX CHANNEL’
ON ‘RS RT CHANNEL’
WITH CTCSS
REPEATER RECEIVE
‘RS RX CHANNEL’
WITHOUT CTCSS
Note that ‘ZONE’ and ‘CHANNEL’ are the selected Mobile zone and channel names, respectively.
Functions Disabled in LOCAL and SYSTEM Repeat Modes
There are several control unit button and knob functions, which are disabled in the LOCAL and SYSTEM
repeat modes. These are Scan activation, Mode selection, Zone selection, Home channel operation and Mobile
channel selection.
NOTE
A standard audible error signal “bop” as well as an error message is displayed
‘RLOC VR ACTIVE’ or ‘RSYS VR ACTIVE’ if any of the above functions are
attempted in the LOCAL or SYSTEM repeat modes.
Other Button and Knob Functions
The available Repeater functions are:
‘Monitor’ - unmutes speaker audio when Mobile or Repeater RF carrier is present.
‘H/C’ - changes Repeat mode of operation.
‘Call’ - sends call signal via Mobile transmission (SYSTEM and MOBILE mode only).
‘Opt’ - dims alphanumeric display.
All other buttons and knobs function as programmed in the standard mobile radio. Please refer to the mobile
radio’s documentation for details of operation.
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Vehicular Repeater System
APPENDIX 1
General Specifications
Dimensions Height / Width / Depth 92mm (3.63”) / 186mm (7.32”) / 315mm ( 12.41”)
Weight 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs) approx.
Channel Spacing 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz
Analog Voice or P25 Modulation
Power Supply
DC Current Drain Repeater OFF
RPTR Standby
Receive
Transmit
Operating Temperature -30°C to +60°C
Protection Against Liquids IP6 (water jet proof)
RF Connector Impedance 50 Ohm
Duty Cycle
VHF, UHF
700MHz, 800MHz
External Connectors
13.8 VDC 20%, negative ground only
Max 1.7 A @ 7.5 W Audio @ 13.8 VDC
Max. 6.0 A @ 20 W RF output at TX Connector
50% TX – 50% RX
Max. 0.01 A
Max. 0.8 A
100% TX
RF Connectors
Computer Interface
Mobile Radio
DC Power
Power Output at TX Connector
Standalone Mode:
FCC Simultaneous DVRS Repeated
and Mobile Operation:
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20 W Max. (programmable per channel from 1 W Min.)
5W, 6W, 10W or 20W Max. (programmable per channel
Refer to RF Safety Booklet for maximum allowed power
USB, 9 pin male circular (programming only)
RS232: 115 kbps max., +/-3V min. input, 5 kOhm
input impedance, 300 Ohm output impedance
Analogue audio ports: 200 kOhm input impedance,
15 Ohm output impedance
output for specific approved DVRS, Mobile Radio and
antenna combinations
TNC female
20 pin male circular:
6 pin male circular
from 1 W Min.)
Maximum DVRS power output is programmed by
authorized service personnel at time of DVRS
installation in accordance with approved DVRS, Mobile
Radio and antenna combinations.
Power output cannot be changed by the operator
CCT Option 15 sec to 15 min. or disabled
Vehicular Repeater System
Carrier Frequency Stability
Audio Distortion <2%
Frequency Band (RX and TX)
VHF FCC
VHF IC
UHF FCC
UHF IC
700MHz FCC
700MHz IC
800MHz FCC
800MHz IC
Equipment Type Acceptance
VHF FCC
UHF FCC
700MHz FCC
800MHz FCC
1.5 ppm, from –30° to +60°C, ambient +25°C
reference
136 – 174 MHz
138 – 174 MHz
380 – 406 MHz, 406.1 – 512 MHz
406.1 – 430 MHz, 450 – 470 MHz
764 – 776 MHz, 794 – 806 MHz
768 – 776 MHz, 798 – 806 MHz
806 – 824 MHz, 851 - 869 MHz
806 – 824 MHz, 851 - 869 MHz
LO6-DVRSVHF
LO6-DVRSUHF
LO6-DVRS700
LO6-DVRS800
VHF IC
UHF IC
700MHz IC
800MHz IC
2098B-DVRSVHF
2098B-DVRSUHF
2098B-DVRS700
2098B-DVRS800
Applicable Standards
Test
MIL-STD 810C,D,E,F For rain, dust and salt atmospheres
MIL-STD 810C,D,E,F For shock and vibration
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Vehicular Repeater System
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