GE MDS DS LCT450 User Manual

MDS LCT 450

Tri-Mode Data Transceiver

Start-Up Guide

Firmware Release 1.x.x

MDS 05-4819A01, Rev. 01

MAY 2008

OPERATIONAL & SAFETY NOTICES

RF Exposure

Concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard to
humans. Do not allow people to come closer to the antenna than the distances

listed in the table below when the transmitter is operating. More information on
RF exposure can be found online at the following website:

www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.

Antenna Gain vs. Recommended Safety Distance

Device complies with Power Density requirements at 20 cm

No

separation:

Required separation distance for 9 dBi antenna (in m): 2.53

Above data based on a 30-watt output level with a 100% duty cycle.

FCC Part 15 Notice

The transceiver is approved under 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. Any unauthorized modification
or changes to this device without the express approval of Microwave Data Systems may void the user’s
authority to operate this device. Furthermore, this device is intended to be used only when installed in
accordance with the instructions outlined in this manual. Failure to comply with these instructions may
void the user’s authority to operate this device.

INTRODUCTION

This guide presents basic installation and operating instructions for the
MDS LCT 450 Series wireless transceiver.

The transceiver (Figure 1) is designed to operate in the Railroad Dis­tributed Power application. It is software-configurable to provide flex­ible operation in a variety of applications using one hardware
platform. It employs microprocessor control and Digital Signal Pro­cessing (DSP) technology to provide robust communications even
under adverse conditions.

Figure 1. Data Transceiver

NOTE:

Some features may not be available on all units, based on the
options purchased and the applicable regulatory constraints
for the region in which the radio will operate.

Front Panel Connectors

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the interface connectors and indicators on

the transceiver’s front an d rear panels. These items are referenced in
the installation steps given later in this guide.

05-4819A01, Rev. 01 MDS SD4 Startup Guide

1

Invisible place holder

Power Input

(10.5 to 16 Vdc @ 8A)

Antenna

(Mini-UHF)

Figure 2. Antenna & DC Power Connectors

Invisible place holder

PWR

DCD

LED Indicator Panel

(See inset above)

TXD

RXD

Data Interface

(DB-25)

Figure 3. Data Interface Connector & LED Status Panel

INSTALLATION

There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver:

• Adequate and stable primary power

• An efficient and properly installed antenna system

• Correct data connections between the transceiver and the data
device.

2 MDS SD4 Startup Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 01

Figure 4 shows a typical station arrangement. This is followed by

step-by-step procedures for installing the transceiver and making front
and rear panel connections.

DATA EQUIPMENT

ANTENNA
SYSTEM

RADIO

TRANSCEIVER

DC POWER CABLE

10.5—16 VDC @ 8A
Negative Ground

LOW-LOSS

COAXIAL CABLE

(50 Ohm)

Figure 4. Typical Station Arrangement

Installation Steps

Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Refer to

Figure 4 as necessary to make the cable connections.

Mount the transceiver to a stable surface using the brackets

1.
supplied with the radio. Begin by attaching the radio’s mounting
brackets to the bottom of the transceiver case (if not already
attached) using the four 6-32 x 1/4 inch (6 mm) screws supplied.

Figure 5 shows the mounting bracket dimensions.

05-4819A01, Rev. 01 MDS SD4 Startup Guide

3

2.

NOTE:

To prevent moisture from entering the radio, do not mount the
case with the cable connectors pointing up. Also, dress all
cables to prevent moisture from running along the cables and
into the radio.

Invisible place holder

ALTERNATE

POSITION

1.75"

2.75"
70 mm

4.44 CM

6.63"

168 mm

8.5"

216 mm

5.625"

143 mm

7.25"
184 mm

2.0"

2.25"

50 mm

57 mm

Figure 5. Transceiver Mounting Bracket Dimensions

CAUTION

POSSIBLE

EQUIPMENT

DAMAGE

Using screws longer than 1/4 inch (6 mm) to attach the
brackets to the radio may damage the internal PC
board. Use only the supplied screws.

Install the antenna and feedline for the station. The antenna

used with the transceiver must be designed to operate in the
radio’s frequency band, and be mounted in a location that pro­vides a clear, path to the other associated station(s). Use low loss
coaxial feedline and keep the cable as short as possible.

4 MDS SD4 Startup Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 01