GE MDS MPRS Setup Guide

MDS Master Station

Setup Guide

INTRODUCTION

The MDS 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 when
ordered with the appropriate network interface modules.

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

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 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.

IMPORTANT: To ensure proper heat-sink engagement, the knurled
fasteners must be tightened with a screw driver to at least 10
inch-pounds (approximately ¼ turn past hand tight).

Supply 1 (DC)

Supply 2 (AC)

Figure 2: Front Panel Connectors & Indicators

Master Station modules are factory installed and cabled.

Module Descriptions - Redundant Station

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 MDS 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 through a web interface. This
requires a LAN connection to one of the Ethernet ports on the Platform
Manager module. In addition, a command line interface (CLI) is availa­ble through the mini USB port using the proper USB drivers available at

www.gemds.com.

Figure 1: MDS Master Station

Platform Manager

Radio A

Radio B

Alarm/Relay

(Front cover removed)

Duplexer

Table 1:

describes each module

Table 1: Module Descriptions - Redundant Station

Module ID Function

Power Supply 1,
Power Supply 2

Platform Manager 6834 Provides management and data interface

Radio A,
Radio B

Alarm/Relay

Duplexer 6837 Internal RF duplexer (if equipped)

Varies Input power supply. In a redundant

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

functions.

6846

6847

6848

Single or redundant SD Master radios
(SDM9, SDM4), or LN radio modules

Redundant—Active radio relay and
alarm/audio interface.

Non-redundant—Alarm and audio
interface.

Related Documentation

In addition to this setup guide, the MDS Master Station Technical
Manual (05-6399A01) provides guidance on system design, advanced

configuration, and maintenance. The Technical Manual is 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.

Options and Accessories

The MDS Master Station may be equipped with optional battery backup
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.gemds.com for the latest
copy.

Typical Application

Figure 3 on the following page shows a common arrangement of the
MDS Master Station as used in a licensed narrowband network. The
system shows both MCR and ECR transceivers in use.

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

05-6398A01, Rev. H.1 MDS Master Station Setup Guide 1

Table

3

: DC Power Supply Modules

6843 +/- 12-

30 VDC

10 A Max

Connector 1:

TX/RX Antenna Port

Knockout covers

installed on unused

ports

Figure 3: Licensed Narrowband Application Example

INSTALLATION

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

1.

Mount the unit. The unit may be rack-mounted (2U high) in a
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 Feed-lines. All coaxial antenna connections are
made to the Type-N connectors on the rear of the unit. Figure 4,
Figure 5, and Figure 6 illustrate the antenna options available;

Connector 1:

TX/RX Antenna Port

Connector 2:

RX Output to external

notch filter

Connector 3:

RX Input from external

notch filter

Figure 4: Internal Duplexer, Triple N connectors

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

Single N connector

Connector 1:

TX Output Port

Connector 2:
RX Input Port

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. Typical connec­tions for most sites include:

•

Serial Data—Attach data equipment to the front panel COM1 or
COM2 port. By default, the COM2 port is set for management
and must be configured for data before connecting data equip­ment. 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 AC, DC, or a combination of both. The following tables
list each type and key operating parameters.

Table 2: AC Power Supply Module

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. These modules include a keyed power con­nector with screw-terminals. Power supply connections must be
less than 3 meters from the source to the 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. Tighten the bind­ing screws securely and insert the connector into the module.

Module Input Power Current Rating

2 MDS Master Station Setup Guide 05-6398A01, Rev. H.1

6844 +/- 36-75 VDC 3.5 A Max