ON-CHANNEL REPEATER (OCR)
Users Manual
Rev. Preliminary-01
8A535X01
REVISION RECORD
REV # ECN # DESCRIPTION DATE
Preliminary Original Release June 8, 2006
Preliminary-
01
PROPRIETARY STATEMENT
©
2006,2007 Futurecom Systems Group Inc.
Printed in Canada. All Rights Reserved
No part of this document, or any software included with it, may be reproduced and distributed without the prior
written permission of the copyright holder.
Futurecom Systems Group Inc. reserves the right to make changes or improvements to the equipment, software
or specification described in this document at any time and without prior notice. These changes will be
incorporated in the new releases of this document.
This document may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Futurecom Systems Group Inc.
waves responsibility for any labour, materials or costs incurred by any party as a result of using this document.
Original Release March 23, 2007
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 2 of 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT.................................................................................................. 4
Notes, Attentions, Important................................................................................................ 4
SAFETY INFORMATION..................................................................................................... 5
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION.............................................................................. 5
Damage Requiring Service.............................................................................................. 6
OCR TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................... 10
MAIN FEATURES................................................................................................................. 10
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION.................................................................................................. 11
OCR INSTALLATION......................................................................................................... 12
OCR PROGRAMMING........................................................................................................ 13
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 13
CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING THE OCR TO A PC ..................................................... 13
INSTALLING THE PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE ................................................................... 13
USING THE PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE FOR SETTING UP THE OCR.............. 14
Starting up the Programming Software.................................................................................... 14
Using the Programming Software On-Line .............................................................................. 14
SETTING UP THE OCR MAXIMUM GAIN .............................................................................. 15
Downlink Maximum Gain Setting:......................................................................................... 15
Uplink Maximum Gain Setting:............................................................................................. 15
OCR FRONT PANEL INDICATORS.................................................................................. 17
OCR Specifications..................................................................................................................... 18
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 3 of 18
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This document describes the operation of the Futurecom On-Channel Repeater
(OCR). It provides setup guidelines and outlines the programming options, which
are accessible through the programming software (6A074X01).
Notes, Attentions, Important
Throughout this manual, you will see Notes, Attentions and Important.
Their meaning is as follows:
NOTE
A clarifying statement that expands on the text that follows.
IMPORTANT
An important statement that must be considered and / or implemented in
order to achieve adequate equipment operation.
ATTENTION!
An instruction that must be followed to insure compliance with the
appropriate standards or proper equipment operations.
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 4 of 18
SAFETY INFORMATION
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, can 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 On-Channel Repeater in the frequency band 406.0 - 406.125MHz.
This frequency band is reserved for use by distress beacons.
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
The following information may or may not be applicable to your product.
In any case, precautions should always be taken when handling any electrical product.
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!
ATTENTION!
Always keep product dry, never expose to any kind of moisture.
Do Not expose product to extreme temperatures - as found near a hot radiator or
stove.
Do Not expose product to open flames, cigarettes, etc.
Precautions should be taken to avoid objects falling or liquids spilling onto product.
Do Not incorporate the use of other equipment that is not recommended or sold by the
manufacturer. The result may be the risk of fire or electric shock injury.
Connect DC power cord to DC power source as marked on the product.
This product does not contain customer serviceable components therefore never disassemble the
product.
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 5 of 18
IMPORTANT
If an outdoor antenna is connected, make sure the system is always grounded to allow
for protection against voltage surge and built-up static charges. Outdoor antennas
should always be located away from power lines.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE
This product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the product; or
The product has been exposed to rain or moisture; or
The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change of
performance; or
The product has been dropped, or the cabinet damaged.
RF EXPOSURE
ATTENTION!
To satisfy FCC/IC RF exposure requirements, a separation distance specified in
Table 1 or more should be maintained between the antenna of this device and
persons. To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this distance is not allowed.
RADIO OPERATOR
Futurecom requires the OCR operator to ensure FCC Requirements for Radio
Frequency Exposure are met. The minimum distance between all possible personnel
and the antenna must be as specified 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 OCR OPERATOR TO ENSURE THAT MPE LIMITS ARE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES
DURING REPEATER TRANSMISSIONS. THE OCR OPERATOR MUST ENSURE AT ALL TIMES
THAT NO PERSON COMES WITHIN MPE DISTANCE FROM THE ANTENNA.
ATTENTION!
To satisfy FCC/IC RF exposure requirements, the OCR site operator must comply
with FCC/IC requirements for maximum site EIRP radiated power and antenna height
limits.
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 6 of 18
Antenna Gain dBi 0 2.15 5.15 8.15 11.15 14.15 17.15
dBd -2.15 0 3 6 9 12 15
Antenna RF Power
1 W 18 23 33 46 64 91 128
5 W 40 51 72 102 144 203 286
10 W 57 72 102 144 203 286 404
15 W 69 88 125 176 248 351 495
20 W 80 102 144 203 287 405 571
25 W 89 114 161 227 320 452 639
30 W 98 125 176 249 351 496 700
37.3 W 109 139 196 277 391 552 780
TABLE 1 OCR UHF MPE Safe Distances in cm for Various Antenna Gains
Antenna Gain dBi 0 2.15 5.15 8.15 11.15 14.15 17.15
dBd -2.15 0 3 6 9 12 15
Antenna RF Power
1 W 13 16 23 32 44 63 88
5 W 28 35 50 70 99 139 197
10 W 39 50 70 99 139 197 278
15 W 48 61 86 121 171 241 340
20 W 55 70 99 140 197 278 393
25 W 61 78 111 156 220 311 439
30 W 67 86 121 171 241 340 481
37.3 W 75 96 135 190 269 379 536
TABLE 2 OCR 800 MPE Safe Distances in cm for Various Antenna Gains
If the antenna gain is not listed in Table 1 and Table 2, the MPE Safe Distance is calculated as
follows:
Calculation Method for RF Safety Distance r:
S = PG/4Πr
Where: P: power input to the antenna in mW.
EIRP: Equivalent (effective) isotropic radiated power in mW.
S: power density mW/cm
2
=EIRP/4Πr
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 7 of 18
2
2
.
G: numeric gain of antenna relative to isotropic radiator.
r: distance to centre of radiation in cm.
RF EXPOSURE DISTANCE LIMIT: r = (PG/4ΠS)
For General Population/ Uncontrolled Exposure:
S = 0.2
mW/cm
S = f/1500 in
2
for frequency range of 30MHz – 300MHz.
mW/cm
2
for frequency range of 300MHz – 1500MHz. f is the minimum used
frequency in MHz.
As an example, let us consider a case of minimum frequency f = 380MHz, RF power P = 37.3W and
an antenna with gain of 2.15dBi:
P = 37300 mW = 10 log(37300) dBm = 45.717 dBm
EIRP = P + G in dBm = 45.717 dBm + 2.15dB = 47.867 dBm = 10
S = 380/1500
mW/cm
2
For General Population/bystanders: r = (EIRP/4ПS)
1/2
= (EIRP/4ΠS)
1/2
= (61194/4П(380/1500))
1/2
(47.867/10)
= 61194mW
1/2
= 138.64cm.
The MPE safe distance is therefore at least 139cm (54.73”).
ATTENTION!
The MOBEXCOM DVRS Repeater must be restricted to occupational use only to
satisfy FCC RF Exposure requirements.
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.
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 8 of 18
RF Exposure Label
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 9 of 18
OCR TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
MAIN FEATURES
The On-Channel Repeater (OCR) is a synthesized, microprocessor-based, high performance, RF
channel selective repeater with 30 Watt output power capability. It is available in the VHF, UHF,
700MHz and 800/900MHz bands. It is designed to receive a single RF channel, filter and amplify the
channel signal and retransmit it. The OCR is used for extending the RF Coverage area of an existing
radio site by receiving and re-broadcasting from host to user (downlink) and from user to host
(uplink).
The On-Channel Repeater is programmed to receive and transmit on the same frequency.
The OCR operation is programmable either locally from an RS-232 port on the front panel or
remotely from a System Controller. The OCR operating parameters, such as power output,
sensitivity threshold, CTCSS, mode of operation, frequencies of operation, adjacent channel spacing
etc can be configured by the Customer via simple set-up software as described in this manual. The
currently programmed operating parameters of the OCR determine its personality. The OCR
personality is stored in the EEPROM of the unit. It can be saved on a PC as a personality data file,
which can be downloaded on as many OCRs as required.
Additional per channel alarm and monitoring functions are available to indicate any Power, VSWR,
Temperature and Synthesizer lock conditions.
The chassis of the OCR is made from aluminum. The rugged construction minimizes microphonics
and internal feedback. The OCR installation is performed by simply plugging it into a double
Eurocard format 19” EIA rack mount card cage.
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 10 of 18
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The OCR consists of four main blocks – Front End, IF section, Power Amplifier and Controller.
The Front End consists of band-pass filtering, low-noise preamplifier and adjustable PIN diode
attenuators. The sensitivity of the Front End is -120dBm.
After the Front End, the RF frequency is downconverted to an IF frequency by a mixer stage followed
by BP filtering, amplification and another mixer downconverting to a seconf IF frequency. This IF
frequency signal is filtered further by BP filters with BW depending on the programmed channel
spacing (25kHz or 12.5kHz respectively).
The IF signal path continues with an Automatic Gain Control Loop (AGC), which maintains constant
signal level, irrespective of the input signal level. The filtered and amplified IF signal goes through
selective filter, followed by a mixer, which further upconverts it to the programmed OCR transmit
frequency (same as the receive frequency). The transmit frequency signal is fed to the power
amplifier module where it is filtered and amplified. The driver and power amplifier produce the
programmed transmit power output (max 30 Watts). The transmitted power level is compared and
adjusted to match its programmed value. The forward and reverse power is monitored continuously
and the output power is reduced when the forward and reflected power levels are outside of the
programmed range.
The Controller Board controls the operation of the OCR. It contains the microcontroller with Flash
memory for the firmware and EEPROM personality storage. Communications with the other modules
are facilitated by two RS-232, RS-484 and I2C serial links. One RS-232 serial port is accessible via
8-pin mini DIN connector on the front panel.
The front panel RESET and TX DISABLE inputs are monitored and can be accesses via two front
panel holes with a round tool 2.5mm (0.1”) diameter. The front panel indicators (TX DIS, DC ON, TX
ON, RX ON, PWR and VSWR) are also controlled by the Controller Board.
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 11 of 18
Master Shelf
Slave CM-Ds
lave Shelf
Master Slot
OCR INSTALLATION
The OCR is easily installed by plugging it into the Eurocard format card cage which can
accommodate up to five OCRs.
The DC supply wiring must be connected to nominal 27.6VDC.
For more information on multi channel options call the Futurecom sales department to obtain a
quotation.
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 12 of 18
OCR PROGRAMMING
INTRODUCTION
The Controller board EEPROM of the OCR contains the programmed Personality Data (PD) of the
specific OCR unit. The PD file determines the functionality of the OCR and it can be created and / or
modified by using the OCR programming software.
CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING THE OCR T O A PC
1. Plug the supplied programming cable into the “RS232” connector on the front of the OCR.
2. Plug the other end of the serial cable into the serial port of the PC.
3. Follow the Programming Instructions as described in the next paragraphs.
4. Exit the programming software and only then unplug the serial cable from the OCR.
INSTALLING THE PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
The programming software can be run either from Windows or MS DOS. Copy the files from the
Futurecom supplied disk into a separate directory / folder on your PC. Create a shortcut (Windows)
or use the supplied batch file by typing in the path to the .exe file location on the specific PC. Run the
programming software by clicking on the shortcut or typing the batch file name.
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 13 of 18
USING THE PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE FOR SETTING UP THE OCR
STARTING UP THE PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
After connecting the programming cable to the OCR serial port, run the programming software. The
following screen will be displayed:
USING THE PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE ON-LINE
For successful On-Line operation the OCR needs to be properly connected prior to
commencing the programming / system setup:
1. The OCR must be plugged into the Futurecom subrack and supplied with proper DC
power supply.
2. The RF IN and RF OUT ports need to be connected to the corresponding multicoupling
ports or to adequate power rating 50 Ohm loads (or to the test equipment).
3. The DC power supply needs to be turned on.
For successful On-Line operation, the PC RS232 port has to be properly initialized and connected to
the OCR by using the provided serial cable. The COM port settings need to be specified the first time
you run the programmer on your PC as described below.
Go to the Options pull down menu:
Select Ports / Modem Setup:
If connecting directly to the repeater select Direct Access to unit and ensure the correct COM port is
selected Exit from the Ports menu and select “Yes” when prompted “Would you like to update the
config file?”
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 14 of 18
IMPORTANT
The OCR Power Output and CAS Thresholds determine the OCR maximum Gain,
which must be at least 10dB lower than the measured overall system isolation. The
isolation measurement and gain setting procedure is described in the Setting up the
OCR Gain section of this document.
SETTING UP THE OCR MAXIMUM GAIN
The OCR has the receive and the transmit frequencies the same. The Gain range is 70 to 140dB in
OCR mode. However, the gain is limited by the isolation that can be achieved between the rest of
the RF system i.e. cables, antennas, filtering etc. The maximum Gain setting must be at least 10 dB
lower than the measured overall isolation in order to prevent OCR lock up.
Once the OCR is programmed, installed and connected to the rest of the antenna system, the
Maintenance screen can be used for measuring the isolation and setting up the gain as described
below. No extra test equipment is required.
Open the Maintenance screen from the OCR Setup pull down menu. The Maintenance screen is
not a programming screen. It is used for diagnostic and setup only. The fields seen on the
Maintenance screen are described in the previous sections with the exception of the measured data
fields shown on the right hand side and marked with “?”.
DOWNLINK MAXIMUM GAIN SETTING:
Ensure that the correct channel is selected (if the OCR is programmed with more than one
channel in the Channel Data list).
Set the desired maximum power output in the Power Setup field.
Make sure the donor site is not transmitting by observing the ?CM CAS fields (should be Idle
when no carrier is present).
Key up the OCR by setting PTT to ON.
Read the “own” ?RSSI level from the Maintenance screen
The difference between the Tx power setting and the received “own” RSSI is the Antenna /
system isolation.
Unkey the OCR by setting PTT to OFF.
Key up the Donor site and read the donor ?RSSI level off the Maintenance screen.
Set the RSSI CAS Threshold to at least 10 dB higher than the measured “own” RSSI level and
6dB lower (better) than the measured Donor RSSI. If the above is not possible, the power output
needs to be reduced and the above steps repeated at reduced gain.
(for example if the measured “own” RSSI is -120dBm and the donor RSSI is -90dBm, set the RSSI
CAS Threshold to -110dBm < RSSI CAS Th. < -96dBm)
UPLINK MAXIMUM GAIN SETTING:
Ensure that the correct channel is selected (if the OCR is programmed with more than one
channel in the Channel Data list).
Set the best RSSI level required (usually -115dBm) in the RSSI CAS Th ON field.
Set the power output to the calculated level required to reach the Donor site (allow for at least 6
dB margin).
Key up the OCR by setting PTT to ON.
Read the “own” ?RSSI level from the Maintenance screen
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 15 of 18
The difference between the Tx power setting and the received “own” RSSI is the Antenna /
system isolation.
Unkey the OCR by setting PTT to OFF.
Set the RSSI CAS Threshold to at least 10 dB higher than the measured “own” RSSI level
(for example if the measured “own” RSSI level was -120dBm, set the RSSI CAS Th ON to -110dBm
or higher).
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 16 of 18
OCR FRONT PANEL INDICATORS
The OCR front panel has several LEDs which provide the following indications:
LED
Label
TX DIS RED The TX DIS LED is steady on when transmit is
DC ON GREEN When on it indicates that the OCR is
TX ON GREEN When on it indicates that the OCR is
RX ON GREEN When on it indicates that the OCR input signal is
PWR RED The PWR LED is steadily on when the
VSWR RED The VSWR LED is on when an excessive
LED
Color
DESCRIPTION
disabled either by:
Triggering the TX DIS switch which is
located above the LED (accessible with
a round tool 2.5mm in diameter)
Triggering the back panel Tx Disable
Input
Setting the Operating Mode field to Tx-
Disable (in the Maintenance screen)
The TX LED indicator is flashing when one of
the synthesizers is being out of lock.
powered up.
transmitting.
above the programmed level
output RF power is outside of the
programmed tolerance.
The PWR LED is flashing alternatively
with the VSWR indicator when an error
is found in the EEPROM of the OCR
reflected power is detected on the Tx port
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 17 of 18
OCR Specifications
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency of Operation 136 – 174
Sensitivity -115 dBm -113 dBm
Input Carrier Detection Threshold -115 to -80 dBm -113 to -80 dBm
Carrier Detection Adjustment Step 1 dB
Carrier Detection Attack Time <2 ms
Max. Gain Range (Programmable)
On-Channel Repeater
AGC Attack Time < 2 ms
AGC Decay Time < 2 ms
Output Power 1 to 30 W
Duty Cycle 100%
Output Frequency Stability Tracks Input Signal Frequency
Passband Frequency Stability +/- 1.5ppm (+/- 0.1 ppm optional)
Modulation Types Narrowband FM Voice, P25 Voice and Data
Channel Spacing 25 kHz / 12.5 kHz
Selectivity 25kHz / 12.5kHz >65 / > 55dB
Adjacent Channel Rejection
25kHz / 12.5kHz
Receiver Spurious Response
Rejection
Receiver Intermodulation > 70 dB
Receiver Conducted Spurious
Emissions
Transmitter Conducted Spurious
Emissions
Transmitter FM Hum and Noise > 45 dB
Input / Output Impedance 50 Ohms
Input / Output VSWR < 1.5 : 1
Power Supply Voltage 22 to 28 VDC
Power Supply Current Drain
Standby
Transmit
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
RF Connectors SMA female
Environmental 90% humidity @ 50 °C (122°F)
Operating Temperature Range -30 to +60°C (-22 to +140°F)
Dimensions [H x D x W] 260 x 225 x 75 mm (10.25” x 8.86” x 2.95”)
Weight 4.09 kg (9 lb)
OCR VHF OCR UHF OCR 700 OCR 800
MHz
380 – 512
MHz
70 to 140 dB
>100dB / >60dB
> 70 dB
< -57 dBm
< -20 dBm
< 0.3 A
< 4 A
764 – 806
MHz
806 – 960
MHz
8A535X01 Rev. Preliminary-01 Page 18 of 18
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