MOBEXCOM DVE
Users Manual
8A084X03 Rev. 1.2
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS .....................................................................................................2
Notes, Attentions, Important....................................................................................................3
MODES ..........................................................................................................................................................7
CONTROL HEAD .........................................................................................................................................7
DVE RADIO UNIT ........................................................................................................................................8
MOBILE RADIO UNIT..................................................................................................................................8
3. OPERATION.........................................................................................................................9
CONTROL HEAD .........................................................................................................................................9
APPENDIX 1................................................................................................................................12
DVE
Futurecom Systems Group Inc. DVE Users Manual 8A084X03_Rev1_2.DOC Rev. Preliminary Page 2
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.
DVE
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DVE
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 Inc. could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
USA Users:
Do not use the DVE in the frequency band 406.0MHz – 406.1MHz. This frequency band is reserved for distress
beacons
IMPORTANT
This manual contains important safety and operating instructions, therefore keep this manual
always on hand!
Prior to using any product, follow all warning, safety and operating instructions written on the product and in
the Users Manual. All instructions should be saved for reference in the future!
RF EXPOSURE
Model Minimum Separation
Distance
DVE VHF
DVE UHF
Table 1 DVE Minimum Separation Distance for Different Frequency Bands
66cm (26.0”)
40cm (15.75”)
ATTENTION!
To satisfy FCC/IC RF exposure requirements, a separation distance as per Table 1 or more should be
maintained between 0dBd (2.15dBi) onmi directional antenna of this device and persons. To ensure
compliance, operation at closer than this distance is not allowed.
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DVE
RADIO OPERATOR
Futurecom requires the MOBEXCOM DVE operator to ensure FCC Requirements for Radio Frequency
Exposure are met. The DVE output power has to be set such that the maximum power into 0dBd
(2.15dBi) omni directional antenna does not exceed 3.0W at the antenna connector. The minimum
distance between all possible personnel and the antenna at 3.0W must be at least as shown in Table 1.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE MPE DISTANCE EXCLUSION AREA AROUND THE ANTENNA MAY
EXPOSE PERSONS WITHIN THIS AREA TO RF ENERGY ABOVE THE FCC EXPOSURE LIMIT FOR
BYSTANDERS (GENERAL POPULATION). IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OPERATOR TO
ENSURE THAT MPE LIMITS ARE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES DURING TRANSMISSIONS. THE
OPERATOR MUST ENSURE AT ALL TIMES THAT NO PERSON COMES WITHIN MPE DISTANCE FROM
THE ANTENNA.
ATTENTION!
The MOBEXCOM DVE is intended for use in occupational / controlled conditions, where users have
full knowledge of their exposure and can exercise control over their exposure to meet FCC limits. This
radio is NOT authorized for general population, consumer, or any other use.
ANTENNA INSTALLATION
IMPORTANT
The maximum allowed gain of the λ/4 omni-directional antenna for the Mobexcom DVE is Unity (0dBd).
IMPORTANT
To assure optimum performance and compliance with RF Energy Safety standards, these antenna
installation guidelines and instructions are limited to metal-body vehicles with appropriate ground planes
and take into account the potential exposure of back seat passengers and bystanders outside the
vehicle.
Selecting an Antenna Site/Location on a Metal Body Vehicle
External installation
Check the requirements of the antenna supplier and install the vehicle antenna external to a metal body
vehicle in accordance with those requirements.
Roof top
For optimum performance and compliance with RF Energy Safety standards, mount the mobile radio antenna
in the center area of the roof.
Trunk lid
For optimum performance and compliance with RF Energy Safety standards, mount the DVE antenna in the
center area of the trunk.
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DVE
Before installing an antenna on the trunk lid:
Ensure that the distance from the antenna location on the trunk lid will be at least the distance specified in
Table 1 from the front surface of the rear seat-back to assure compliance with RF Energy Safety standards.
Ensure that the trunk lid is grounded by connecting grounding straps between the trunk lid and the vehicle
chassis.
Ensure that the antenna cable can be easily routed to the radio. Route the antenna cable as far away as
possible from any vehicle electronic control units and associated wiring.
Check the antenna location for any electrical interference.
NOTE:
Any two metal pieces rubbing against each other (such as seat springs, shift levers, trunk and hood lids,
exhaust pipes etc.) in close proximity to the antenna can cause severe receiver interference.
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
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 operator. The label is supplied with the MOBEXCOM DVE.
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DVE
2. INTRODUCTION
The Futurecom MOBEXCOM DVE® is designed to interface to a range of mobile radios and control heads. It
permits expanded operation of portable radios. The DVE system consists of a mobile radio, MOBEXCOM DVE®
unit and a mobile radio Control Head. The Control Head communicates with the DVE and the mobile using a
serial data protocol.
MODES
The DVE operates in one of two modes. The mode of operation is selectable from the Mobile Control Head
by the mobile radio operator.
The modes are known as the MOBILE (DVE OFF) and SYSTEM modes. The function and purpose of each
mode is described as follows.
Mobile Mode
In the MOBILE mode, the DVE 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 DVE operation is not desired. The DVE System operates similarly to a standard
mobile radio system, as if the DVE were not present. The MOBILE mode should be selected if several DVE
equipped vehicles are in the same area and another DVE already has SYSTEM mode enabled.
System Mode
In the SYSTEM mode, both the Mobile Radio and the DVE are enabled to permit the full exchange of
communications among nearby portable radio users and the dispatcher and other users on the Mobile Radio
channel. Signals received by the DVE receiver are heard in the mobile speaker and will also be retransmitted
by the Mobile transmitters. Signals received by the Mobile receiver are heard in the mobile radio speaker and
are also retransmitted out of the DVE transmitter. However, all functions of the mobile radio operate normally,
except for scan, scan activation, mode selection, zone selection, home channel operation and mobile channel
selection. When the SYSTEM repeat mode is selected, the mobile radio scan is deactivated and the mobile
radio reverts to the selected mobile channel. When signals are present in both the DVE and Mobile receivers
simultaneously, the signal from the DVE will have priority in the mobile speaker. (Note that the receiver/PTT
and speaker priorities are programmable.)
The DVE receiver has full priority over the mobile radio operator 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 DVE and Mobile receivers simultaneously, the signal from the DVE
has priority in the mobile speaker.
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 DVE 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/DVE
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
DVE and the mobile radio.
The following features are provided:
Knobs for
‘Volume’ with integral Power On/Off pushbutton switch
‘Channel’ selection
Pushbuttons for
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:
:
‘Zone’
‘Page’
‘Monitor’ ON/OFF
‘Alarm’ (Δ)
‘Private’ (∅)
‘ mode’ selection (H/L)
‘Phon’
‘Scan’
‘Call’
‘Opt’
‘Home Menu’
‘Sel’
DVE
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.
DVE RADIO UNIT
The DVE is designed to implement a DVE System, to provide portable radio users greater communication
range by repeating signals through the vehicle's mobile radio to the dispatch centre. Two modes of DVE
operation are available, to suit different operational requirements. The DVE Radio is the central connection point
for the system. It connects to an external Control Head and Mobile Radio.
It includes all the necessary hardware for DVE operations. The DVE is housed in a weather resistant metal
enclosure with 2 removable covers. The covers provide protection for the connectors.
The DVE communicates with the control head and the mobile radio via serial communication bus.
MOBILE RADIO UNIT
The Mobile Radio used in the DVE System is a standard mobile radio. Refer to the mobile radio’s user
manual for details of operation of this radio. The DVE is designed to operate with a variety of mobile radio units.
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3. OPERATION
CONTROL HEAD
The DVE Control Head selects mode of operation for both the and the Mobile Radio.
DVE
To Turn the 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 DVE 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 DVE
OFF.
To Change the Speaker Volume
Turn the Volume knob until the desired volume level is reached.
To Change the Mode
Press the 'H/L' button once. The DVE mode is changed in the following sequence: MOBILE-SYSTEM-…
In the Mobile mode the alphanumeric display shows ‘ZONE CHANNEL’. In the System mode the display
changes to ‘RSYS CHANNEL’. (‘ZONE’ is the selected Mobile zone name while ‘CHANNEL’ is the selected
Mobile channel name.) When the SYSTEM mode is selected, the mobile radio scan is deactivated and the
mobile radio reverts to the selected mobile channel.
The Mobile zone and channel cannot be changed while in SYSTEM mode.
Refer to the earlier description of repeat modes.
MOBILE XMIT Status Indicator
NOTE
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 DVE 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/ 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 SYSTEM repeat mode. Instead, this portion of the alphanumeric
display shows the status of the DVE in these two modes together with 'MOBILE XMIT' and 'MOBILE BUSY'
status indicators.
The following tables summarize indicators for different DVE states:
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CONTROL HEAD INDICATORS AND ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY – MOBILE MODE
STATE
‘ M O B I L E B U S Y ’ ‘MOBILE XMIT’ DISPLAY
MOBILE RECEIVE WITH
CTCSS
MOBILE RECEIVE
WITHOUT CTCSS
MICROPHONE PTT
ON
ON
ON
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
RECEIVE WITH CTCSS
RECEIVE WITHOUT
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
CTCSS
CONTROL HEAD INDICATORS AND ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY – SYSTEM MODE
STATE
‘ M O B I L E B U S Y ’ ‘MOBILE XMIT’ DISPLAY
MOBILE RECEIVE WITH
ON ‘RS TX CHANNEL’
CTCSS
MOBILE RECEIVE
ON ‘RSYS CHANNEL’
WITHOUT CTCSS
RECEIVE WITH CTCSS
RECEIVE WITHOUT
ON ‘RS RT CHANNEL’
‘RS RX CHANNEL’
CTCSS
DVE
‘ZONE CHANNEL’
Note that ‘ZONE’ and ‘CHANNEL’ are the selected Mobile zone and channel names, respectively.
Functions Disabled in SYSTEM Mode
There are several control unit button and knob functions, which are disabled in the SYSTEM mode.
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
‘RSYS VR ACTIVE’ if any of the above functions are attempted in the SYSTEM
modes.
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Other Button and Knob Functions
The available functions are:
• ‘Monitor’ - unmutes speaker audio when Mobile or DVE RF carrier is present.
• ‘H/C’ - changes Repeat mode of operation.
• ‘Call’ - sends call signal via Mobile transmission.
• ‘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.
DVE
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DVE
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 OFF
RPTR Standby
Receive
Transmit
Operating Temperature -30°C to +60°C
Protection Against Liquids IP6 (water jet proof)
RF Connector Impedance 50 Ohms
Duty Cycle 100% TX
External Connectors
RF Connector
Computer Interface
13.8 VDC ± 20%, negative ground only
Max. 2.0 A @ 3 W RF output at TX Connector
Mini UHF female
USB, 9 pin male circular
Max. 0.01 A
Max. 0.8 A
Max 0.8 A
Mobile Radio
Power Output at TX Connector 3.0 W Max. (programmable per channel from 0.3 W
CCT Option 15 sec to 15 min. or disabled
Carrier Frequency Stability
Audio Distortion <2%
Model (TX and RX Frequency Band)
Applicable Standards
MIL-STD 810C,D,E,F For rain, dust and salt atmospheres
MIL-STD 810C,D,E,F For shock and vibration
DC Power
DVE VHF
DVE UHF
20 pin male circular
6 pin male circular
Min.)
± 1.5 ppm, from –30° to +60°C, ambient +25°C
reference
136 - 174 MHz
380 - 512 MHz
Test
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