Federal Communications Commission (FCC) / Industry Canada (IC)
License Requirements
l Operation of the Transmitter requires a FCC/IC operating license, which must be obtained prior to operation.
l FCC licenses must be renewed every 10 years and the IC licenses must be renewed annually.
l As a service, Primex will file the license application if the end-user desires it. An end-user that does not want Primex to file for
the original site license will be required to complete a waiver form, file the required application, and receive a valid license from
the FCC/IC prior to use.If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact Primex Technical Support.
l Primex requires a copy of the licenses in order to complete the factory presets.
Product Compliance
l This device complies with Part 90 and Part 15 of the FCC rules and RSS-119 of Industry Canada.
l Canada IC: 4256A-FM72 (TX/RX/LED). The term "IC:" before the certification/registration number signifies only that the Industry
Canada technical specifications were met.
l Operation of this device is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications to any part of the Primex System components not expressly approved by Primex could void the userʼs
FCC/IC authority to operate the equipment.
Radio Frequency (RF)Exposure
To comply with FCC OET65 and Industry Canada RF exposure requirements, the antenna is only to be used or installed in locations
where the following antenna separation guidelines exist when the Transmitter is in operation. Distance above roofline is for direct
line of sight only. Distance Above Roofline: 8.95 ft. (2.72 m).
If the system is installed in a healthcare facility, top-floor testing must be performed to verify the power level IS LESS THAN -15dBm
and that no external antenna is be placed within 30 ft. (9.1 m) of any window or other GLASS CEILING or WINDOW of the facility.
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l Do not install antenna near power lines. Power lines, telephone lines, and guy wires look the same. As a precaution, please
assume any wire line can electrocute you.
l Do not install the antenna on a wet or windy day when lighting or thunder is in the area. Do not use a metal ladder during
antenna installation.
l Wear shoes with rubber soles and heels. Wear protective clothing including a long sleeved shirt and rubber gloves.
l The installation, maintenance, or removal of an antenna requires qualified, experienced personnel. These instructions are written
for qualified, experienced installation personnel, such as a Primex certified technician.
l Antenna systems should be inspected once a year by qualified personnel to verify proper maintenance, and condition of
equipment.
Antenna Installation
l Keep 12 in. (30.4 cm) of clearance on all sides of the enclosure.
l High power antenna is designed for mounting above the top of a small tower or pole.
l Best operation is obtained when the ground plane rods are above all objects.
l In the event that metal objects extend above the level of the ground plane, or it's necessary to mount the antenna on the side of
a tower. the radiation pattern will be distorted. The shape of the pattern depends on the size of the tower and the distance
between the antenna and tower. Radiation through the tower or metal objects is lower than from other directions.
l The antenna cannot be placed on or directly adjacent to walls or metal structures.
Guidelines for Working in Radio Frequency (RF) Environments
In accordance with Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) rules on RF emissions 47 CFR 1.1307 and OET65.
l All personnel entering this area must be authorized.
l Maintain a minimum of 4 ft. of clearance from the Antenna.
l Before working on antennas, notify equipment owners and shut off appropriate Transmitters.
Step 8: Complete Final Antenna Mounting Requirements37
Step 9: Ground Transmitter38
Step 10: Establish Transmitter Connections39
Step 11: Configure NTP Time40
Step 12: Establish Transmitter Settings44
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Step 13: Verify Transmitter is Operational46
Transmitter Front Display47
Front display information47
Time source communication status47
LED status indicator48
Time information displayed48
Transmitter Main Menu50
Main Menu options50
View Switch Settings50
View GPS Setup Menu51
View Diagnostics Menu51
Identify Active Diagnostic Error Code52
Diagnostic Error Codes Specifications53
Clear Error Codes53
Support55
Five Year Limited Warranty56
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XR Series Specifications
XR Series Transmitters broadcast over a 72MHz frequency that leverage the precision of GPS satellite or Network Time Protocol
(NTP) time to wirelessly synchronize time to analog and digital clocks, timers and other time receivers throughout a facility.
Transmitter Operation
Time synchronization
Once a Transmitter has received its time, from either a GPS Receiver, NTP time source (XR models only) or another Transmitter, it
sets its internal clock. It then transmits time information or schedules via a wireless radio frequency signal to the wireless clocks,
bells, and other devices in the system. As a result, the system devices are precisely synchronized to each other and all time,
schedules, and events are kept current.
Time Source: a Transmitter receives time from a GPS Receiver or a NTP server (XR models only) and then broadcasts received time
and event schedules to clocks and other system devices.
Frequency and channel: a Transmitter operates on channels with 20kHz bandwidths and 72MHz frequency and is preset to one of
the channels licensed by the FCC/IC to minimize interference on these frequencies and channels.
Broadcast (Transmit) Schedule Transmitter with External Antenna: broadcasts its synchronized time to the system clocks and
devices from the 39th to the 6th minute of the next hour and changes to a standby mode during the 7th to the 38th minute of the
hour (standard broadcast schedule). During initial power-up, the Transmitter broadcasts for 8 consecutive hours. After the 8 hour
power-up period, the Transmitter reverts to its timed broadcast schedule.
Lightning Arrester - 5 Watt and 30 Watt models only: a lightning arrester is housed inside the enclosure and helps protect the
Transmitter and amplifier from lightning damage during severe weather. However, Primex cannot guarantee that all damage will
be prevented even with the lightning arrester installed.
High Power Amplifier - 5 Watt and 30 Watt models only: a high-power amplifier increases the output power of the base
Transmitter. The amplifier is housed in the Transmitter's industrial style enclosure for safety reasons. Transmitter includes an
externally mounted antenna and an RF power amplifier that increases the output power, allowing it to transmit a greater distance.
Analog Clock signal search frequency: six pre-scheduled times a day at 10:01, 2:01 and 6:01 a.m. and p.m. lock time (not the
actual time of the day), a clock's receiver turns on to search for a Transmitter signal to receive a time update, starting with the
previously stored channel number.
Digital Clock/Timer signal search frequency: every 10 minutes on the 5's (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 minutes) of the hour, a clock's
receiver turns on to search for a Transmitter signal to receive a time update.
Power-up sequence
1. When the Transmitter is powered on, its front display lights up.
2. Green, yellow, and red LED lights turn on for 2 seconds as a test and then turn off.
3. Green LED illuminates to indicate the Transmitter is broadcasting.
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4. Front display initially displays the time as 12:00:00 and its software version.
ParameterSpecification
Operating Frequency Range72MHz
Channels49 channels available (pre-programmed prior to shipping)
Dimensions22 in. W x 17 in. H x 22 in. D (55.88 cm W x 43.18 cm H x .55.88 cm D)
Radio TechnologyNarrowband FM
System Impedance50 Ohms
Voltage120VAC
5. Transmitter checks the position of the switches on the back of the Transmitter, and stores the settings in its memory.
6. Transmitter completes an initialization sequence with its time source. Its time source may be either a GPS Receiver, NTP, or
Repeater (Satellite) Transmitter.
Power failure
During a power failure, the Transmitter continues to track time with the last valid time signal that it received. Once the power had
been restored, the Transmitter begins to broadcast (even without a valid time signal) to the down-stream components. Once the
Transmitter has been powered on for a few hours, it's capable of keeping track of time off its internal backup power for up to
eight hours.
l The system has a fail-safe design. If the failure of a system component or power loss to a component occurs, all down-stream
components continue normal operations using their own internal time base.
l If after a specified period of time communication has not been restored, a visual indicator of a loss of communication appears
and remains until communication is restored. Loss of communication visual indicators: Transmitter LED flashing, flashing
colon on LED digital clocks/timers; stepping of second hand on analog clocks.
NOTE
Transmitter with an External Antenna: In the event of a facility wide power outage, a Transmitter with an External
Antenna will broadcast continuously for 8 hours upon the restoration of power, synchronizing all Primex devices
throughout the facility.
In the event power to a Transmitter is shut off and turned back on (power cycled) the Transmitter will broadcast
continuously for 8 hours. Power cycling the Transmitter can be used to set/reset system devices. It's not recommended
to power-cycle a Transmitter when it is in an error status - indicated when its red LED is flashing.
When planning the system installation of a Transmitter with an External Antenna, Primex recommends taking into consideration the
below guidelines. Location is extremely important to ensure the best operation of your system.
NOTE
Prior to installation and to assure optimum performance of the system, it's recommended a site survey is completed by
Primex. The site survey includes an analysis and recommendation of the installation location of the system components
and ground plan omnidirectional antenna.
l Transmitter should be located on the tallest building near center of area of coverage. In a multi-story building, locate
Transmitter on the top floor; significantly improves coverage to the lower floors due to the “umbrella” pattern of transmission.
l Transmitter must be located within 100 feet (30.4 m) from the antenna. The maximum cable length allowed between the
External Antenna and Transmitter is 100 feet (30.4 m). The system is attenuated to the 100 feet (30.4 m) of coaxial cable;
typically figure between 80 to 85 feet of usable cable length.
l Transmitter must be located a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 m) above the floor.
l Transmitter must be located within 5 feet (1.5 m) from a 120 VAC electrical outlet. 10 AMP dedicated service recommended.
l Transmitter enclosure clearance. 5 or 30 Watt Transmitter enclosure dimension is 18" L x 22" W x 22" D (46 cm L x 56 cm W x 56
cm D), required wall space is 24" L x 30" H x 30" D, allowing for a minimum clearance of 4" (10 cm) rear, 12" (30.4 cm) front,
and 10" (25.4 cm) side. 1 Watt Transmitter enclosure dimension 17” L x 12” W x 2” D (5.08 cm L x 43.18 cm W x 30.48 cm D),
required area on the wall is 24” L x 18” W x 3” H.
l Transmitter must be located in a controlled environment that is 32 to 122° F (0 to 50° C) and non-condensing humidity
environment.
l Transmitter shelf mounting: For 5 and 30 Watt Transmitter models, a shelf with enforcement must be provided that is 24” x 24”
and support a weight of 60 lbs. A shelf for a 1 Watt Transmitter can be purchased from Primex.
l External Antenna must be located at a minimum of 15 feet (4.5 m) clear from the radius of other antennas.
l External Antenna must be located at least 10 feet (3 m) from normal traffic area.
l External Antenna mast must be located within 10 feet (3 m) from earth ground.
l External Antenna cannot be placed on or directly adjacent to walls or metal structures.
l External Antenna cannot be located near television receiving antennas.
l External Antenna cannot be mounted indoors or in enclosed areas.
l External Antenna cannot be mounted to pre-existing antenna towers. If this is desired, contact Primex prior to installation.
l 5 or 30 Watt Transmitter in healthcare facility: External Antenna must be located 30 feet (9 m) from any window or other glass
openings. If Hospital Paging Link Receiver is located on roof, Primex is required to be supplied the frequency prior to
installation.
External AntennaCoaxialExternal antenna connection to Transmitter enclosure external antenna
connection
Time source connections
A 5 and 30 Watt time source connections are located in its removable access panel.
5 and 30 Watt Transmitter connection specifications
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Step 11: Configure NTP Time
An XR Transmitter can be configured to use NTP as its time source. If the system will use NTP, complete the configuration
procedures below.
Overview
l To use NTP time, the Transmitter is required to be connected to a wired Ethernet network, its switch settings 1 and 2 must be
set to the UP position, and optionally can be configured to use an alternate NTP time source if the factory-default NIST time
source will not be used.
l The Transmitter NTP settings are accessed and configured from a Web browser on a computer that is on the same Local Area
Network (LAN) as the Transmitter. If you need assistance, contact the facility's IT department.
NOTE
Prior to configuring the NTP time source, please be aware the IP address of an NTP server and Transmitter is required to
complete this configuration. Before beginning this procedure set the computer to use a static IP address.
Transmitter Factory Default Network Settings
l Factory-default IP address: 192.168.1.1
l Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
l User name and password: blank (not required)
l Pre-Configured NTP Time Source: By default when configured for NTP time, the Transmitter is programmed from the factory to
obtain the NTP time from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. According to the NIST they provide a public
service by outputting one of two official time sources by the United States. Readings from the clocks of the NIST contribute to
world time, called Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The time maintained by NIST should never differ by more than 0.000 0001
seconds from UTC. For more information, please visit: http://www.nist.gov
l Factory-default IP address: 192.168.1.1
l Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
l User name and password: blank (not required)
l Pre-Configured NTP Time Source: By default when configured for NTP time, the Transmitter is programmed from the factory to
obtain the NTP time from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. According to the NIST they provide a public
service by outputting one of two official time sources by the United States. Readings from the clocks of the NIST contribute to
world time, called Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The time maintained by NIST should never differ by more than 0.000 0001
seconds from UTC. For more information, please visit: http://www.nist.gov
NOTE
Be sure to write down and file the changes you make to network configuration settings. Once the default static IP
address is changed, the factory default IP address will no longer work and you must use the new settings to access the