RTS BTR-24 Operating Manual
Operating Manual
BTR-24
Wireless Base Station
Thank you from Bosch
We, at Bosch Security Systems, Inc, would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing the RTS
BTR-24 Base Station. Many of the features in this product are the result of years of development work with
many of the features developed from customer feedback. We hope that your experience with this product is a
pleasant one and hope to provide you with a continuing line of RTS products well into the future. In order to
get the most out of your new wireless intercom system, please take a few moments to look through this
operating manual before using the product for the first time.
Proprietary Notice
The product information and design disclosed herein were
originated by and are the property of Bosch Security Systems,
Inc. Bosch reserves all patent, proprietary design, manufacturing,
reproduction, use and sales rights thereto, and to any article
disclosed therein, except to the extent rights are expressly granted
to others.
Copyright Notice
Copyright 2012 by Bosch Security Systems, Inc. All rights
reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without prior written
permission from Bosch is prohibited.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Warranty and Service Information
For warranty and service information, refer to the appropriate
web site below:
RTS Intercoms .............www.rtsintercoms.com/warranty
RTS Digital
•
RTS TW
•
Audiocom
•
RadioCom ..............www.telexradiocom.com/warranty
Headsets .............www.intercomheadsets.com/warranty
Customer Support
Technical questions should be directed to:
Customer Service Department
Bosch Security Systems, Inc.
12000 Portland Avenue South
Burnsville, MN 55337 U.S.A.
Telephone: 800-863-4169
Fax: 800-323-0498
Info@rtsintercoms.com
Technical Questions EMEA
Bosch Security Systems Technical Support EMEA
http://www.rtsintercoms.com/contact_main.php
Disclaimer
The manufacturer of the equipment described herein makes no
expressed or implied warranty with respect to anything contained
in this manual and shall not be held liable for any implied
warranties of fitness for a particular application or for any
indirect, special, or consequential damages.The information
contained herein is subject to change without prior notice and
shall not be construed as an expressed or implied commitment on
the part of the manufacturer.
-i-
Table of Contents
Section 1 Introduction ...............................................1-1
General Description.............................................1-1
System Features...............................................1-1
Important Safety Instructions ........................................1-1
Section 2 BTR-24 Base Station ..........................................2-1
Controls and Connections .........................................2-1
Technical Specifications ..........................................2-2
Section 3 Initial Equipment Setup.........................................3-1
Unpacking .................................................3-1
Operating for the First Time .......................................3-1
Battery Charging Instructions .......................................3-1
Antenna Connection ............................................3-1
Antenna Polarization ............................................3-1
Antenna Placement .............................................3-1
BTR-24 Base Station ........................................3-2
TR-240 (or TR-24) Beltpack ....................................3-3
Improving Range and Reception ......................................3-3
System Quick Start Guide ........................................3-4
Section 4 BTR-24 Operation............................................4-1
Basic Operation Description ........................................4-1
Powering the Base Station .........................................4-1
Booting ...................................................4-1
RF Channel Selection ............................................4-1
ClearScan ..................................................4-1
Lockout ...................................................4-1
Factory Reset ................................................4-2
Section 5 System Operation ............................................5-1
Wireless Mode ...............................................5-1
Set-up ................................................5-1
Wireless Capacity Limit .......................................5-1
Wireless and Wired Mixed-Mode .....................................5-2
Set-up ................................................5-2
Mixed-Mode Capacity Limit ....................................5-2
Extended Wireless Mode ..........................................5-3
Set-up ................................................5-3
Extended Wireless Mode Capacity Limit ..............................5-3
Linking Multiple Base Stations .......................................5-4
Cell-Type Architecture ...........................................5-4
Channel Spacing and Utilization ..................................5-4
Separation Distance and Antenna Gain ...............................5-5
Type of Environment ........................................5-5
Guidelines for Deployment Optimization
with Multiple BTR-24s .......................................5-5
Network Requirements ...........................................5-5
-ii-
Section 6 User Configuration Options ......................................6-1
Computer Requirements ..........................................6-1
Network Configuration ...........................................6-1
Logging into a Device ...........................................6-2
Software Version ..............................................6-3
User Menu Options .............................................6-4
Enter New Login Password.....................................6-4
Display/Edit IP Address ......................................6-4
Display/Edit SSID .........................................6-4
Enable/Disable 802.11 WEP Encryption ..............................6-4
Display/Edit WEP Encryption Key.................................6-4
Display Device MAC Addresses ..................................6-4
Enable/Disable MAC Filtering ...................................6-4
Display/Edit MAC Filter List....................................6-5
Enable/Disable Beacon Broadcast .................................6-5
Exit .................................................6-5
Section 7 Maintenance and Care .........................................7-1
Li-Ion Batteries ...............................................7-1
Battery Care.................................................7-1
Long Term Battery Storage.........................................7-1
Cleaning ..................................................7-1
Temperature and Humidity .........................................7-1
Section 8 RF Channels and Interference .....................................8-1
802.11 RF Channels ............................................8-1
802.11 “Non-overlapping” Channels ....................................8-2
CSMA-CA .............................................8-2
Data vs. Real time Audio ......................................8-2
802.11 Wireless / RF Interference .....................................8-3
Wired / Network Interference........................................8-4
Section 9 Hardware Specifications ........................................9-1
Program ...................................................9-1
Section 10 Troubleshooting............................................10-1
Section 11 Regulatory Information .......................................11-1
FCC and Industry Canada .........................................11-1
EU Compliance Information .......................................11-2
China Compliance Information ......................................11-3
EU Declaration of Conformity ......................................11-4
Section 12 Accessories and Replacement Parts .................................12-1
Section 13 Glossary ................................................13-1
-iii-
Section 1 - Introduction
General Description
The RTS BTR-24 base station is a digital, multi-channel, wireless
access point offering reliable and secure, full-duplex
communication with up to 10 wireless TR-240 (or TR-24)
beltpacks and almost an unlimited number of half-duplex
beltpacks.
Operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the BTR-24 uses the
widely adopted IEEE 802.11 technology and is approved for
license free use in most countries. The system also incorporates
ClearScan intelligence which will automatically select the optimal
radio frequency (RF) channel for communication.
The RTS BTR-24 has the ability to configure multi-level 802.11
wireless security features, such as packet encryption and MAC
address filtering, to provide a highly secure wireless intercom
system.
The BTR-24 base station serves as a central relay location which
handles the audio traffic between TR-240 (or TR-24) beltpacks.
The BTR-24 is perfectly suited for stand-alone operation and can
also interface with other BTR-24 and BTR-240 base stations to
extend range and provide wireless communication coverage to
multiple locations.
The BTR-24 base station has an internal rechargeable Li-Ion
battery that will provide up to 10 hours of uninterrupted
operation.
System Features
Important Safety Instructions
Prior to operation, read and follow all safety instructions.
Throughout this manual, the following notations are used:
WARNING: Indicates a situation which, when not avoided,
has the potential to result in death or severe
injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a situation which, when not avoided,
has the potential to cause the system to no longer
function properly or cause equipment damage.
NOTE: Indicates important additional information.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, adhere to the
following instructions:
Do not expose the system components to rain or
•
moisture.
Ensure that the power cords are in a safe and secure
•
place that is protected from being walked on or
pinched.
Do not remove the cover or product casing. All
•
technical service must be performed by qualified
service personnel.
Uses the widely adopted 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 WLAN
•
technology.
No FCC license required and no license required in most
•
countries world-wide.
Multi-level wireless security and audio encryption.
•
ClearScan intelligence to automatically select the best RF
•
channel to operate.
Up to 10 wireless full-duplex TR-240 (or TR-24) beltpacks
•
per base station and nearly an unlimited number of half-duplex
beltpacks.
Multiple options for antenna connections and accessories.
•
BTR-240 base stations and BTR-24 access points can be
•
linked together to provide a wider wireless coverage area.
Dependable, rechargeable, wide temperature range, Li-Ion
•
battery with low battery indicator.
BTR-24 can be powered from external AC for endless
•
operation in permanent installations.
WARNING:
Excessive sound pressure from headsets can cause hearing
loss! The duration of exposure to high volumes must be
shortened to reduce the chance of hearing damage. Signs of
prolonged exposure to excessive audio levels include:
Ringing sounds heard in ears.
•
Can no longer hear high frequency tones, if only for a
•
short time.
1-1
[This page intentionally left blank]
1-2
Section 2 - BTR-24 Base Station
ON
OFF
LOW
BATTERY
POWER
AP
ACTIVE
CHANNEL
SELECT
CHANNEL
CLEAR SCAN
LOCK
BTR-24
1
2
3
4
5
RED: CHARGING
GREEN: READY
PROGRAM
TRANSMIT
ANTENNA
1.5 A
CORD
RETAINER
RECEIVE
ANTENNA
BTR-24
Bosch Security Systems
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(2) This device must accept any interference, received.
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
Including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Made in U.S.A. of
Domestic & Foreign Content P/N: F.01U.266.418
FCC ID: B5DM525
IC: 1321A-XOAP
S.N.: 007000
6
7 9
8
10
12V
(REV.02)
Controls and Connections
Figure 2-1
Front View
1. On/Off Switch – turns the power on/off.
2. Power / Low Battery Light – indicates the base station
has power, either from the internal battery or AC power
connected to the unit.
GREEN = Battery OK
RED = Battery Low (approx. 30 minutes left)
NO Light = Battery Depleted (needs charge)
3. AP Active Light – the green light will blink to indicate
that the BTR-24 has successfully booted and is operating.
4. RF Channel Display – displays the current RF channel of
operation.
5. <SELECT> Button – quickly press and release to
increment the RF channel of operation.
Figure 2-2
Rear View
6. Receive Antenna Jack – reverse "TNC" connector.
7. Charge / Power Jack – used to charge the internal Li-Ion
battery and power the unit directly from a wall outlet.
Accepts a 12VDC regulated power supply with at least a
1.5 A current capacity.
8. Charge Light.
RED = Battery is charging.
GREEN = Battery is charged.
9. Programming Input – RJ-45 jack for wired Ethernet
connections.
10. Transmit Antenna Jack – reverse "TNC" connector.
2-1
Technical Specifications
RF Technology ........................................................IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi)
FCC License ...........................................................No License Required
Frequency Band of Operation
North America......................................................2.412 to 2.462 GHz
Europe / China......................................................2.412 to 2.472 GHz
Transmitter Output Power (conducted)
North America...............................................................200 mW
Europe / China................................................................50 mW
Security and Encryption Technology
802.11 Wi-Fi....................................................40-bit and 104-bit WEP
Antennas................................................Multiple omni and directional available
Programming Port...........................................................Ethernet (RJ-45)
Number of full-duplex beltpacks ..........................................................10
Number of half-duplex beltpacks....................................................Unlimited
Power Requirements.......................................................12 VDC, 1.5 Amps
BTR-24 Battery .....................................................Lithium-Ion Rechargeable
BTR-24 Battery Life .........................................................10 Hr (Typical)
BTR-24 Recharge Time ......................................................7-8 Hr (Typical)
BTR-24 Low Battery Indication ..............................30 minutes of battery life left (Typical)
Dimensions..................................6" L x 7.63" W x 1.72" H (152mm x 194mm x 44mm)
Weight..................................................................2 lb. 11 oz (1.2 kg)
1
2
1
With no in ter fer ence on the RF chan nel of op er a tion.
2
Tested with over 28 half-du plex us ers.
2-2
Section 3 - Initial Equipment Setup
RED: CHARGING
GREEN: READY
PROGRAM
TRANSMIT
ANTENNA
1.5 A
CORD
RETAINER
RECEIVE
ANTENNA
BTR-24
Bosch Security Systems
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(2) This device must accept any interference, received.
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
Including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Made in U.S.A. of
Domestic & Foreign Content P/N: F.01U.266.418
FCC ID: B5DM525
IC: 1321A-XOAP
S.N.: 007000
12V
(REV.02)
Unpacking
Unpack the RTS BTR-24 base station and retrieve the Package
Contents list. Verify that all contents have been received
according to the Package Contents list. Also, ensure that none of
the system components have acquired any damage.
Contact the shipper or dealer immediately if anything is damaged
or missing.
Operating for the First Time
The BTR-24 can be configured to use with TR-240 (default) or
TR-24 beltpacks. The BTR-24 is shipped and ready for operation
with TR-240 beltpacks by default. Refer to Section 6 for
instructions to change the configuration for operation with TR-24
beltpacks.
After unpacking, ensure that the BTR-24 does not have the same
IP address as any other system devices. If so, refer to Section 6
for instructions on how to change the IP address.
Prior to use, the TR-240 (or TR-24) beltpacks should always have
their batteries fully charged. Refer to the “Battery Charging
Instructions” in their respective operating manuals.
The capacity, or number of allowable full-duplex beltpacks, is
dependent upon the environment in which the system is used.
When operating for the first time, it is recommended that only a
few beltpacks are used to verify the system operation. Once
communication has been verified with a few beltpacks, more can
be added.
After system operation has been initially verified, it is strongly
recommended that the user login to each of the devices and
change the audio encryption key, SSID, wireless encryption key,
or all, to something different from the factory defaults. This will
ensure that the system is unique and other nearby system devices
cannot connect and communicate. Refer to the “User
Configuration” sections in each of the product operating manuals
for instructions to change these settings.
Battery Charging Instructions
Prior to using the BTR-24 with battery power only, the battery
should be fully charged. When the BTR-24 is in the "OFF"
position, it will require approximately 7 full hours to completely
charge a dead battery. A BTR-24 can also be used while charging
the battery, but this will require a much longer time to completely
charge.
NOTE: Battery packs should always be charged in a room
temperature location.
1. Plug the AC end of the supplied 12VDC wall adapter into a
standard AC wall outlet.
2. Plug the charge connector into the charge jack on the back of
the base station.
3. The Charge Light on the rear panel of the BTR-24 indicates
the battery charge status.
RED = Charging in progress
GREEN = Charging is done
Antenna Connection
The BTR-24 base station is supplied with two (2) antennas for
transmitting and receiving. Both antennas are 3dBi
omni-directional (Model: RA-3) with reverse polarity TNC
connectors.
Attach one of the antennas to the transmitter antenna jack labeled
"Transmit Antenna" on the rear panel. The antenna should be
vertically aligned.
Attach the second antenna to the receiver antenna jack labeled
"Receive Antenna" on the rear panel. The antenna should also be
vertically aligned.
Figure 3-1
Attaching Transmit and Receive Omni-directional Antenna
Antenna Polarization
The supplied antennas are vertically polarized. This means that
both the transmitting and receiving antennas should operate in the
vertical position for the best performance.
Antenna Placement
Proper antenna placement has a significant effect on the overall
performance of the RTS Wireless Intercom System. The
following suggestions will help optimize system performance.
3-1
BTR-24 Base Station
#1
#2
#3
ON
OFF
LOW
BATTERY
POWER
AP
ACTIVE
CHANNEL
SELECT
CHANNEL
CLEAR SCAN
LOCK
BTR-24
ON
OFF
LOW
BATTERY
POWER
AP
ACTIVE
CHANNEL
SELECT
CHANNEL
CLEAR SCAN
LOCK
BTR-24
ON
OFF
LOW
BATTERY
POWER
AP
ACTIVE
CHANNEL
SELECT
CHANNEL
CLEAR SCAN
LOCK
BTR-24
The supplied omni-directional antennas have a circular antenna
pattern and radiate RF signals equally in all directions. When
using the omni-directional antennas, the base station should be
located as close to the center of the wireless coverage area as
possible.
If desired, the antennas can be remotely mounted or mounted on
the front panel for a better signal path. A coax assembly with
remote antennas may be required. See the “Accessories and
Replacement Parts” section for ordering information.
2. Placing the BTR on top of a
shelf or equipment rack unobstructed
without remoting the antennas is OK.
NOTE: Antennas should never be mounted on, or next to metal,
such as beams, walls with metal studs, equipment
racks, etc. This will “detune” the antennas, by altering
the antenna pattern characteristics, which can result in
noise or loss of RF signal at the base station. This also
applies to the antennas when connected directly to the
base station.
NOTE: If the base station is to be located in a shielded rack
mount enclosure or other poor RF location, the
antennas must be mounted remotely with coax
assemblies. See Figure 3-2 for antenna mounting
options when using in an equipment rack.
1. Placing the BTR in a shelf or
equipment rack and using
remote antennas is OK.
3. Placing the BTR in a shelf or
equipment rack with the antennas
mounted on the back of the BTR
or the side of the rack is NOT OK.
Figure 3-2
Equipment Rack Antenna Placement
3-2
TR-240 (or TR-24) Beltpack
The TR-240 (or TR-24) beltpack contains two internal antennas
which are located on the sides of the beltpack. The beltpack
should be worn on the belt, or attached to a pocket, at the hip with
the buttons facing up. Place the beltpack in a position that allows
for greatest visibility to the base station antennas.
Improving Reception and Increasing Range
The optimal and most reliable performance will result from
keeping the distance from the base station and beltpacks as short
and unobstructed as possible.
Line-of-sight (LOS) is where the transmitters and receivers of
devices have a clear “sight” to each other, and the RF signal can
travel in a straight line between those devices. The best
performance will be obtained by having line-of-sight from the
base station to each beltpack. This can be achieved by having the
beltpack facing the base station antennas while being worn on the
belt or in a pocket.
Attempting to operate the wireless intercom system through or
around obstructions such as walls, ceilings, metal objects, etc.,
will reduce strength of the RF signal and therefore reduce system
range and performance. The human body is also considered an
obstruction to the RF signal.
The antennas that are supplied with the base station should
provide satisfactory system performance in most applications.
System range and reliability can be enhanced, however, by
remotely mounting the antennas or by using alternate antennas
that can be found in the “Accessories and Replacement Parts”
section of this manual.
Figure 3-3
Beltpack on Hip
NOTE: For the best RF signal path, do not allow the TR-240 (or
TR-24) to be within 6 inches (15cm) of other objects
while being worn on the belt.
NOTE: The antennas listed in the “Accessories and
Replacement Parts” section of this manual have been
approved and authorized for use with the BTR-24 base
station. Using an unauthorized antenna may be illegal.
3-3
System Quick Start Guide
ON
OFF
LOW
BATTERY
POWER
AP
ACTIVE
CHANNEL
SELECT
CHANNEL
CLEAR SCAN
LOCK
BTR-24
The following is a list to quickly get the BTR-24 base station and
wireless TR-240 (or TR-24) beltpacks operating.
NOTE: Additional setup information can be found in
the "Operating for the First Time" section of this
operating manual.
NOTE: Prior to use, the TR-240 (or TR-24) should have their
batteries fully charged. Refer to the “Battery Charging
Instructions” in their respective manuals.
1. Select a location for the BTR-24 base station and connect the
power cord (if desired) and antennas.
When using omni-directional antennas, place the base
•
station as close to the center of the coverage area as
possible.
If external power is not available, the BTR-24 base
•
station(s) can run off the internal battery (if already
charged).
2. Turn on the base station.
After approximately 15 seconds, the base station will
•
have completed the boot cycle, the active RF channel is
displayed and the LED labeled "AP ACTIVE" will blink.
3. Perform a ClearScan.
Press and hold the <SELECT> button until the decimal
•
point starts to blink (approx. 3 seconds) then release.
The display will blink "C" while ClearScan is being
•
performed.
ClearScan will find and select the optimal RF channel for
•
operation.
4. Plug headsets into the TR-240 (or TR-24) beltpacks and turn
them on, one by one.
If the beltpack has not been previously set to wireless
•
mode, press and hold the <TALK> button while the
beltpack boots.
Figure 3-4
BTR-24 Supporting 8 Wireless TR-240s
Allow a few seconds between each beltpack power on.
•
After approximately 20 seconds, a voice prompt will
•
announce “wireless” in the beltpack headphones
indicating that wireless communications has started.
The BTR-24 wireless intercom system is now ready for
operation!
3-4
Section 4 - BTR-24 Operation
BTR-24 Operation
This section discusses the operation and features of the BTR-24
base station. This section outlines the basic operation, hardware
interfaces, and setup of the base station.
Basic Operation Description
The BTR-24 digital wireless intercom system offers one of the
most comprehensive, user friendly and versatile set of features
available in wireless intercom systems anywhere in the world.
The base station comes with the ClearScan intelligence which
automatically selects the optimal RF channel for communication.
The BTR-24 base station can accommodate up to 10 full-duplex
wireless TR-240 (or TR-24) beltpacks. The base station may also
be used with an unlimited number of beltpacks in half-duplex
operation.
Powering the Base Station
The BTR-24 base station can be powered from its internal Li-Ion
battery or an external 12 VDC supply. The base station accepts a
5.5 mm by 2.5 mm plug. The source must supply at least 1.5
Amps. When the BTR-24 is plugged in using the external power
supply, the internal battery will charge.
Power the base station via the front panel switch by moving the
switch to the on, “ON”, position. Turn off the base station by
moving the switch to the off, “OFF”, position.
NOTE: The supplied power source has been approved for use
with the BTR-24. Users should only use the supplied
power source when operating the BTR-24. For
replacement power supplies, see the “Accessories and
Replacement Parts” section for ordering information.
NOTE: When rebooting the BTR-24 base station, the power
should remain off for at least 3 seconds before it is
switched back on. This allows the unit time to settle and
completely power down before power is reapplied.
Booting
Once the power switch on the BTR-24 has been turned on, the
LED labeled "Power/Low Battery" will illuminate solid green.
The base station takes approximately 15 seconds to configure and
complete its boot cycle. When the base station has finished
booting, the active RF channel is displayed and the LED labeled
"AP ACTIVE" will blink. At this point, the TR-240 (or TR-24)
beltpacks can be turned on.
RF Channel Selection
Once the BTR-24 is booted, the <SELECT> button allows the
user to manually select the RF channel of operation.
While the "AP ACTIVE" LED is blinking, quickly press and
release the <SELECT> button to increment the RF channel of
operation. When the last channel is reached, the RF channel will
cycle back to channel 1 on the next button press.
NOTE: It may take up to 5 seconds for beltpacks that are
already associated with the BTR-24 to re-associate on
the new RF channel.
NOTE: The RF channel of operation is remembered and
BTR-24 will continue to boot on the same channel until
it is set differently by the user.
ClearScan
When ClearScan is activated, the BTR-24 base station will
temporarily shut down it's transmitter and begin scanning the
available RF channels. The base station will determine which RF
channel has the least activity and then begin transmitting on it.
Key Sequence: Press and hold <SELECT> until the decimal
point begins to blink (approx. 3 seconds)
then release.
The display will flash "C" while scanning. When ClearScan is
complete, the display will show the current RF channel of
operation and the "AP ACTIVE" light will resume blinking.
Lockout
The lockout function will prevent a user from changing the RF
channel or performing ClearScan and factory reset.
Key Sequence: Press and hold <SELECT> until the decimal
point begins to blink and CONTINUE to
hold the button until the decimal point is on
solid (approx. 10 seconds).
While lockout is activated, the decimal point will remain solid on
the display. To unlock a base station, use the same key sequence
and the decimal point will disappear from the display.
NOTE: The lockout feature is remembered every time the base
station is booted.
4-1
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