GE MDS, MDS SD Master Station Setup Manual

MDS SD Master Station

Setup Guide

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The MDS SD Master Station serves as a central station in a mul­tiple address system (MAS) wireless network. It provides long
range, duplex (or simplex) communication between a control point
and associated remotes. It is fully redundant for mission-critical
applications, and is a compatible replacement for older
MDS x790 Master Stations.

The master station works with a wide array of wireless equipment,
including MDS SD Transceivers, legacy MDS x710 radios, and
additional wireless options, depending on the modules installed in
the chassis.

Invisible place holder

Figure 1. SD Master Station

All modules are installed on slide-in assemblies, accessible from
the front of the unit. A protective cover on the unit’s face slides off,
allowing access to the modules and all interface connectors. In
addition to communication modules, up to two power supply units
may be installed, and these are available to suit a wide range of AC
and DC power requirements.

Each module is secured to the chassis with knurled fasteners for
easy changes, when required. Figure 2 shows a common configu­ration of installed modules.

Supply 1 (AC)

Supply 2 (DC)

Figure 2. Front Panel Connectors & Indicators

(Front cover removed)

Master Station modules are factory installed and cabled. Table 1
describes each module installed in a redundant configuration, from
left to right. For a non-redundant configuration, blank plates are
used in place of the redundant power supply and radio modules,
and a non-redundant version of the Alarm/Relay module is
installed.

The master station supports Ethernet or serial polling depending
on order options. A host computer may be connected to the appro­priate port on the chassis (LAN for Ethernet; COM1/2 for serial sig­naling).

Configuration of the unit is performed with a PC, using a web inter­face. The PC connects to the front of the radio’s Platform Manager
module. Configuration options are similar to those of the SD Trans­ceiver, and the radio supports full SD functionality in transparent
mode. In addition, a command line interface (CLI) is available
through the mini USB port using the proper USB drivers.

Platform Manager
Radio A

Invisible place holder

Radio B

Alarm/Relay

Duplexer

Table 1: Module Descriptions—Redundant Station

Module ID Function

Power Supply 1,
Power Supply 2

Platform
Manager

Radio A,
Radio B

Alarm/Relay 6847

Duplexer 6837 Internal RF duplexer (if equipped)

Varies Input power supply. In a redundant

6834 Provides management and data

6846
(SDM9)

6848

configuration, both supplies work
in tandem and are independent of
which radio is active.

interface functions.
Single or redundant full duplex SD

Master radios.
Redundant—Active radio relay and

alarm/audio interface.
Non-redundant—Alarm and audio

interface.

1.1 Related Documentation

In addition to this setup guide, the SD Master Station Technical
Manual (05-6399A01, under development) provides guidance on

system design, advanced configuration, and maintenance. The
Technical Manual should be available to personnel involved in the
design, commissioning and maintenance of the network. Elec­tronic copies of the latest user documents and support files are
available free of charge at www.gemds.com.

1.2 Options and Accessories

The SD Master Station may be equipped with optional battery
backup, 10-watt RF power output (5 watt is standard), and a variety
of duplexer and module options. Contact your factory representa­tive for information on any of these options.

In addition, GE MDS offers an Accessories Selection Guide listing
additional items that may be used with many of our products. Con­tact your factory representative or visit www
latest copy.

.gemds.com for the

1.3 T ypical Application

Figure 3 on the following page shows a common arrangement of

the master station as used in a multiple address radio network. The
system shows both SD and legacy x710 remote transceivers in
use.

Depending on order options, the master station can communicate
with remotes employing Ethernet signaling, serial signaling, or a
mix of both.

05-6398A01, Rev. A MDS SDA Instruction Sheet 1

Figure 3. Application Example

2.0 INSTALLATION

Refer to the figures which follow for these steps, as required:

1. Mount the unit.
19-inch rack cabinet, or may be placed on any sturdy tabletop
or other flat surface. The installation site should be free of
excessive dust, and should have adequate ventilation. The
chassis should be positioned so that all interface cabling will
reach the required connectors.

When rack mounting, the rack ears can be installed in one of
three positions to allow flexibility in the mounted depth of the
chassis. The unit should be mounted so as to maximize air­flow around the rear heat sink.

2. Connect Antenna
tions are made to the Type-N connectors on the rear of the
unit. The number of connections depends on options ordered,
including duplexer options, as follows: Separate TX and RX;
Combined TX/RX; RX Out, RX In; and TX.

The unit may be rack-mounted (2U high) in a

Feedlines. All coaxial antenna connec-

Figure 5. Internal Duplexer (or internal T/R switch),

Figure 6. External duplexer or dual antennas

(TX and RX ports pass directly through)

3. Install the Data Interface Cabling. Interface connections are
made to the front of the Platform Manager module.
connections for most sites include:

• Serial Data—Attach data equipment to the front panel

COM1 and/or COM2 ports. The unit is hardwired as a DCE
device, thus a straight-through Ethernet cable may be used
in most cases (DB9-F to RJ-45 connector, GE MDS part no.
73-2434A12).

• Ethernet LAN—Attach data equipment to the ETH1 and/or

ETH2 port. The auto-sensing MDIX feature allows either a
straight-through or crossover cable to be used.

Where applicable in the steps that follow, secure all cable connec­tions with the locking screws provided.

4. Connect Primary Power—The Master Station is powered
using one or two power supply modules that work in tandem.
The modules may be
following tables list each type and key operating parameters.

Single N connectors

Typical

AC, DC, or a combination of both. The

Table 2: AC Power Supply Module

Figure 4. Internal Duplexer, Triple N connectors

2 MDS SD Master Station 05-6398A01, Rev. A

Module Input Power Current Rating

6755 100-264 Vac, 50/60 Hz 120W Max.

All DC power supply modules have chassis isolated inputs
and a diode bridge for floating ground, positive ground, or
negative ground installations.
power connector with screw-terminals. Strip the wire leads to
6mm (1/4 inch) and insert them into the wire ports provided.
Be sure to observe the polarity shown below. T ighten the bind­ing screws securely and insert the connector into the module.

These modules include a keyed