TB9100 Base Station
P25 CG Console Gateway
P25 TAG Trunked Analog Gateway
Installation and Operation Manual
MBA-00002-15 · Issue 15 · March 2014
Contact Information
Tait Communications
Corporate Head Office
Tait Limited
P.O. Box 1645
Christchurch
New Zealand
For the address and telephone number of regional
offices, refer to our website: www.taitradio.com
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This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied,
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without prior written permission from Tait Limited.
The word TAIT and the TAIT logo are trademarks of
Tait Limited.
All trade names referenced are the service mark,
trademark or registered trademark of the respective
manufacturers.
Disclaimer
There are no warranties extended or granted by this
document. Tait Limited accepts no responsibility for
damage arising from use of the information contained
in the document or of the equipment and software it
describes. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure
that use of such information, equipment and software
complies with the laws, rules and regulations of the
applicable jurisdictions.
Enquiries and Comments
If you have any enquiries regarding this document, or
any comments, suggestions and notifications of errors,
please contact your regional Tait office.
Updates of Manual and Equipment
In the interests of improving the performance, reliability
or servicing of the equipment, Tait Limited reserves the
right to update the equipment or this document or both
without prior notice.
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This product may be protected by one or more patents
or designs of Tait Limited together with their
international equivalents, pending patent or design
applications, and registered trade marks: NZ409837,
NZ409838, NZ415277, NZ415278, NZ508806,
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AU2004216984, AU321864, AU 321868, AU339127,
AU339391, CN1031871, CN 1070368,
CN200930004199.5, CN200930004200.4,
CN200930009301.0, EU000915475-0001,
EU000915475-0002, GB2413445, US12/870840,
US13/082767, US13/185498, US 13/465664, US 13/
542062, US13/542147, US13/763531, US 13/896969,
US14/032876, US29/401234, US 29/401235,
US5745840, US640974, US640977, US7411461,
US7758996, US7937661, US8301682.
This product may also be made under license under one
or more of the following U.S. Patents: 4,590,473
4,636,791 4,716,407 4,972,460 5,146,497 5,148,482
5,164,986 5,185,795 5,185,796 5,271,017 5,377,229
5,502,767.
The IMBE™ voice coding Technology embodied in
this product is protected by intellectual property rights
including patent rights, copyrights and trade secrets of
Digital Voice Systems, Inc. This voice coding
Technology is licensed solely for use within this
Communications Equipment. The user of this
Technology is explicitly prohibited from attempting to
decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble the Object
Code, or in any other way convert the Object Code
into a human-readable form. Protected by U.S. Patents
5,870,405, 5,826,222, 5,754,974, 5,701,390, 5,715,365,
5,649,050, 5,630,011, 5,581,656, 5,517,511, 5,491,772,
5,247,579, 5,226,084 and 5,195,166.
Environmental Responsibilities
Tait Limited is an environmentally
responsible company which supports waste
minimization, material recovery and
restrictions in the use of hazardous
materials.
The European Union’s Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires that this product
be disposed of separately from the general waste stream
when its service life is over. For more information
about how to dispose of your unwanted Tait product,
visit the Tait WEEE website at www.taitradio.com/
weee. Please be environmentally responsible and dispose
through the original supplier, or contact Tait Limited.
Tait Limited also complies with the Restriction of the
Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive in the
European Union.
In China, we comply with the Measures for
Administration of the Pollution Control of Electronic
Information Products. We will comply with
environmental requirements in other markets as they are
introduced.
2TB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
This manual primarily describes the TB9100 base station but also includes
the P25 CG console gateway and P25 TAG trunked analog gateway. When
“base station” is referred to, this generally applies to the console gateway and
trunked analog gateway as well. When “reciter” is referred to, this generally
applies also to the gateway module.
This manual is intended for use by experienced technicians familiar with
installing and operating base station and gateway equipment. It includes a
technical description of the equipment, maintenance and troubleshooting
information.
Document Conventions
“File > Open” means “click File on the menu bar, then click Open on the
list of commands that pops up”. “Monitor > Module Details > Channel
Module” means “click the Monitor icon on the toolbar, then in the
navigation pane find the Module Details group, and select Channel Module
from it”.
Within this manual, four types of alerts may be given to the reader. The
following paragraphs illustrate each type of alert and its associated symbol.
WarningThis alert is used when there is a hazardous situa-
tion which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CautionThis alert is used when there is a hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NoticeThis alert is used to highlight information that is required to
ensure procedures are performed correctly. Incorrectly performed procedures could result in equipment damage or malfunction.
This icon is used to draw your attention to information that may improve
your understanding of the equipment or procedure.
The current set of TB9100 product documentation is provided in PDF
format on the product CD. Updates are made available on the Tait support
web. Print copies of the documentation are available on request.
■ TB9100 Specifications Manual (MBA-00014-xx).
■ TB9100 Customer Service Software User’s Manual (MBA-00003-xx)
and online Help.
■ TB9100 Calibration Software User’s Manual (MBA-00004-xx) and
online Help.
■ TBA0STU/TBA0STP Calibration and Tes t U ni t O p e r a t i o n M a nu a l
(MBA-00013-xx).
■ TaitNet P25 Conventional Networks System Manual (MBA-00032-xx).
■ TaitNet P25 Trunked Networks System Manual (MBA-00045-xx).
■ TN9400 P25 Trunked Network System Manual (MNC-00001-xx).
■ Safety and Compliance Information (MBA-00012-xx)
The characters xx represent the issue number of the documentation.
Technical notes are published from time to time to describe applications for
Tait products, to provide technical details not included in manuals, and to
offer solutions for any problems that arise. The product CD includes
technical notes that were available at the time of release. Look for new or
updated technical notes on Tait’s technical support website.
8PrefaceTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
The Tait TB9100 base station/repeater is a robust state-of-the-art digital
fixed station that combines Tait’s proven strengths in reliability, high
performance and modular design with software-based configurability and
operation, digital signal processing and voice-over-IP technology. Also
available are a standalone P25 CG console gateway and a P25 TAG trunked
analog gateway, providing full encryption features, but no RF functionality.
The base station, console gateway and trunked analog gateway are designed
for operation in a Project 25 radio network. The base station can be
configured as a repeater or as a line-connected base station, for operation in
conventional or in trunked networks. The base station and console gateway
can also be configured for operation as a data gateway in a conventional
network. The console gateway and trunked analog gateway are used where
encryption is required on the analog line interface.
The ability of the base station to interoperate in both analog FM and digital
P25 modes, to link stations using standard Internet Protocol
communications, and to add features through software options ensures that
P25 systems designed with the TB9100 are scalable in both size and
functionality.
The base station and gateways combine industry-leading digital voice
quality with rugged design specifications and intuitive user interfaces. These
products have been designed to meet the demanding needs of the public
safety and public service sectors.
The base station’s RF interface is dual-mode analog/digital, allowing users
of APCO P25 or analog radios to communicate via the network.
Its Ethernet interface provides built-in network connectivity, allowing the
TB9100 to join with other TB9100 base stations and console gateways to
form a channel group. This network supports voice over IP and remote
management of all base stations and gateways.
The analog line allows the direct connection of third party dispatch systems.
The following are some of the features of the base station:
■ Fully compliant with the Project 25 Common Air Interface. Can
■ Dual mode. Comprehensive analog and digital features ensure
■ Integrated built-in voting facility. No external voter is needed.
■ Can be completely managed remotely from a PC running the Tait
■ An integrated wiring solution is provided for the system control bus and
■ Reciters can be replaced without affecting the operation of other reciters
■ Rugged construction with generous heatsinks and fan-forced cooling for
therefore interoperate with any similarly compliant radios.
interoperability with analog or digital technology. The base station can
switch seamlessly between analog FM and digital P25 communications
on a per-call basis.
Customer Service Software (CSS): configuration, alarm monitoring,
fault diagnosis, feature and firmware upgrades.
DC power connections to each reciter.
in the same subrack.
continuous operation from –30°C to +60°C (– 22°F to +140°F).
The following are some of the features of the gateways:
■ Project 25 standard DES or AES encryption and decryption at the analog
line interface.
■ Support for MDC1200, E&M, and function tone signaling on the analog
line.
1.2Base Station and Gateway
Like the base station, the console gateway and trunked analog gateway can
be unpacked, given an IP address, set up on the bench, and used with a
Calibration and Test Unit (CTU). AC and DC power, the analog line, and
Ethernet are connected up in the same way for both a base station and a
gateway. The gateway has a front panel with fans and a control panel. It can
also be monitored and configured by the CSS, much as a base station.
Although the gateway module has an RF board (as well as a digital board
and a network board), that board has only limited functionality, such as
providing clock signals. The gateway subrack can be populated with
multiple gateway modules, in the same way that the base station can be
populated with multiple reciters. A faulty gateway module or power
management unit (PMU) is replaced in the same way.
The control panel in a console gateway operates as for a base station, except
that the Carrier button has no effect and the microphone can only transmit
via the connected channel group. The speaker can output the channel
group’s vote winner (if unencrypted), but the console gateway cannot itself
provide any receive audio, as it has no RF capability. The control panel in a
12DescriptionTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
trunked analog gateway has limited functionality. The Power and Alarm
LEDs are used, but none of the other controls are operational.
Any references in this manual to the following do not apply to the gateways:
■ Tran smi tt in g
■ PA
■ Receiving.
The gateway has one capability that the base station does not have. It can
serve as an encryption/decryption point. Many references to encryption
apply only to the gateway.
When “base station” is referred to, this generally applies to the console
gateway and trunked analog gateway as well. When “reciter” is referred to,
this generally applies also to the gateway module.
1.3Modules
The base station or gateway consists of a subrack with one of the following:
■ Up to two transmit/receive channels.
■ Up to five receive-only or gateway channels with a PMU.
■ Up to seven receive-only or gateway channels (external power supply
required).
The one PMU supplies and manages power to the whole subrack. One
reciter or gateway module is needed for each channel and one PA is needed
for each transmit/receive channel. There is also a front panel with fans, and
a control panel. The modules are interconnected at the front of the subrack.
External connections to the modules are located at the rear.
Modules come in different variants depending for example on the RF band
or the supply voltage. The PA and the PMU are common to the TB8100
base station. Receive-only base stations and gateways do not need PAs.
Each module is inserted into the 4U subrack from the front and is secured
at the front with a metal clamp. Both clamp and module are easily removed
for rapid module replacement. The modules are secured laterally with plastic
guides that clip into the top and bottom of the subrack. These guides can be
easily repositioned to change the configuration of a subrack. The heavier
modules are also secured laterally by metal tabs at the rear of the subrack.
The following provides a brief description of the available modules.
The reciter module comprises the
receiver, exciter and digital control
circuitry. It also incorporates the
network board, which provides the
Ethernet interface, the analog line
interface, and general purpose digital
inputs and outputs.
Reciters are installed in the subrack
from right to left (viewed from the
front), with the right-hand position
corresponding to position 1 on the
control panel. Only the reciter in
position 1 can communicate with the PMU (if fitted).
It is not possible to convert a reciter to a gateway module.
Gateway Modules
The gateway module of the console gateway and trunked analog gateway
appears identical to the reciter of the base station. However, they are
electronically distinct. The console gateway and trunked analog gateway
have no RF capability. They perform P25 encryption and decryption at the
analog line, which the base station is incapable of.
Gateway modules are installed in the subrack from right to left (viewed from
the front), with the right-hand position corresponding to position 1 on the
control panel. Only the gateway module in position 1 can communicate
with the PMU (if fitted).
It is not possible to convert a gateway module into a reciter.
14DescriptionTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
The power amplifier amplifies the RF output from the reciter and is available
in 5W, 50W and 100W models.
The 5W and 50W models mount vertically in the subrack, while the 100W
model mounts horizontally as it has a wider heatsink. The 100W PA is also
fitted with an airflow duct.
5/50W PA100W PA
All three models are designed to operate on the 28VDC output provided by
the power management unit. In addition, variants of the 5W and 50W
models are available for DC-only operation. These two 12V PAs are fitted
with an internal boost regulator board, which converts the 12 V nominal
DC input to a 28VDC output to power the PA circuit boards. The boost
regulator board also provides a 12VDC output to power the reciter.
The first 5W or 50W PA is installed in position 3 of the subrack. The second
5W or 50 W PA is installed in position 5. The 100W PA occupies positions
3, 4 and 5 and shares a connection with the PMU to position 6 of the
subrack. PAs are not required in a gateway or receive-only base station.
Power Management Unit
The PMU provides the 28VDC
power supply for the modules in the
subrack. The input voltage can be AC,
DC or both AC and DC, depending
on the model. The PMU also has an
auxiliary DC output of 13.65 VDC,
27.3VDC, or 54.6VDC, depending
on the model.
The PMU can only be installed in
positions 6 and 7 of the subrack. It is
connected to position 6.
The front panel is mounted onto the subrack with two quick-release
fasteners. It incorporates the cooling fans for the PAs and the PMU if these
modules are present.
The control panel is mounted onto
the subrack and is accessible through
an opening in the front panel. The
control panel provides some manual
control of the channels in the subrack,
can display status information for each
channel and allows the technician to
make and receive calls (refer to
“Control Panel” on page 79).
Subrack
It is a technician tool rather than a user
facility.
The 4U subrack is made of passivated steel and is designed to fit into a
standard 19 inch rack or cabinet.
It is fitted with a configurable subrack interconnect board that provides
switching and control logic. The position of a module in the rack is defined
by the socket in the subrack interconnect board to which the module is
connected by the system control bus.
16DescriptionTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
Much of the circuitry in the base station is common to both frequency
bands, and is therefore covered by a single description in this manual.
Where the circuitry differs between VHF and UHF, separate descriptions
are provided for each frequency band. In some cases the descriptions refer
to specific VHF or UHF bands or sub-bands, and these are identified with
the letters listed in the following table.
Frequency
Identification
B bandB1 = 136MHz to 174MHz
VHF
H bandH0 = 380MHz to 520MHz
UHF
K bandK4 = 762MHz to 870MHz
L bandL1 = 852MHz to 854MHz and 928MHz to 930MHz
a. Only PAs with hardware version 00.02 and later can operate from 380MHz to
520MHz. PAs with hardware version 00.01 and earlier can only operate from
400MHz to 520MHz.
b. The actual frequency coverage in this band is:
Transmit: 762 MHz to 776 MHz, and 850 MHz to 870 MHz
Receive: 792MHz to 824MHz
c. Only 5 W L-band base stations are available. They currently only have compliance for
sale in Australia, and are unavailable in other markets.
Frequency Band and Sub-band
B2 = 136MHz to 156MHz
B3 = 148MHz to 174MHz
a
H1 = 400MHz to 440MHz
H2 = 440MHz to 480MHz
H3 = 470MHz to 520MHz
H4 = 380MHz to 420MHz
b
c
1.5Product Options
The modular design of the base station means that it is available in many
variations. A range of features that can be enabled in software adds another
level of configurability. Here are some of the different products that result
from different module combinations.
Base Station/Repeater
The standard combination of modules is suitable for use as a line-connected
base station and as a repeater. This is the typical base station configuration
described in “Theory of Operation” on page 21. Depending on its PMU, it
can operate on AC power, DC power, or a combination of both.
The base station can be provided without a PMU for those who prefer to
use an external third party power supply. The 12 V DC input is connected
directly to the 12V PA. This is a variant of the PA that includes a boost
regulator board. This board converts the 12V nominal DC input to a
28VDC output to power the PA circuit boards. The boost regulator board
also provides a 12VDC output to power the reciter. Customers must provide
their own power supply. Without a PMU, the base station can only be
powered by DC and cannot carry out its power management functions.
Receive-only Base Station
The base station can be provided as a receive-only variant in systems that
need sites to enhance the receive coverage. This consists of a single reciter
in a subrack, with or without power management. The exciter is present but
not licensed to transmit.
Console Gateway
A console gateway consists of a gateway module in a subrack, optionally
with a PMU. A subrack can contain several gateway modules. The console
gateway’s analog line connects to the dispatch system, and its Ethernet
interface connects to the Tait P25 Network. It has no RF functionality.
Encrypted voice quality is indistinguishable from unencrypted.
The console gateway supports Project 25 compliant DES (via the basic
encryption license) and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with the AES
license.
Since the control panel is another analog access point, decryption at the
control panel could be a point of insecurity in the system. For this reason,
there is no encryption or decryption to the control panel. The control panel
speaker plays unencrypted speech (if that is present at the gateway). If the
gateway is receiving or transmitting encrypted speech, the speaker simply
produces encrypted noise.
Trunked Analog Gateway
A trunked analog gateway consists of a gateway module in a subrack,
optionally with a PMU. A subrack can contain several gateway modules. A
trunked analog gateway differs from a console gateway only in the software
feature licenses it has. The trunked analog gateway’s analog line connects to
the dispatch system, and its Ethernet interface connects (via the CSSI
protocol) to an RFSS controller in a Tait P25 Trunked Network. It has no
RF functionality.
18DescriptionTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
Encrypted voice quality is indistinguishable from unencrypted.
The trunked analog gateway supports Project 25 compliant DES (via the
basic encryption license) and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with the
AES license.
The control panel in a trunked analog gateway has limited functionality.
The Power and Alarm LEDs are operational, but the microphone and
speaker are not used.
1.6Applications
TB9100 base stations can be used as repeaters or as base stations. They can
be connected together as a channel group, to form a wide area repeater or
wide area base station. They can be used in trunking systems and in
conventional systems with analog or digital dispatch equipment. For more
information, see the appropriate Tait P25 System Manual.
Repeater
The base station can function as a standalone repeater. The analog line is not
used and the Ethernet line is only used for CSS access.
Line-Connected Base Station
AnalogThe base station can function as a line-connected base station. Analog
dispatch equipment is connected to the analog line.
DigitalThe base station can make available a digital fixed station interface (DFSI)
for connecting to digital dispatch equipment.
Channel Group
Base stations that are interconnected over an IP-based linking infrastructure
can be configured as a channel group. Together, they operate as a single
logical channel, forming a wide area repeater, wide area base station, wide
area trunking control channel or trunking traffic channel.
Trunking Control or Traffic Channel
Base stations can be interfaced to an external trunking site controller. Under
instructions from the site controller, they can function as a control channel
or a traffic channel.
Base stations can operate as part of a simulcast channel group. The
transmitters in the channel group are synchronized and transmit
simultaneously on the same frequency. Each transmitter needs a highly
accurate 1PPS pulse and an external frequency reference, so that it can time
transmissions with the required accuracy.
P25 Linking
A pair of base stations can function as linking transceivers and be used to
provide an RF link, for example between a channel group and a base station
at a remote site.
Figure 1.1Base stations as linking transceivers
Base
station
communications
Data Gateway
Linking
transceiver
Channel group
Local siteRemote site
Linking
transceiver
Channel group
communications
Base
station
A base station must be appropriately configured using the CSS before it can
function as a linking transceiver. As voting information cannot be carried
over the RF link, signals that the linking transceiver provides to its channel
group must be assigned a source type and given a fixed impairment value.
For details, see the appropriate Tait P25 System Manual and the CSS
Help or manual.
The data gateway is a function carried out in a Tait P25 base station or P25
console gateway operating in a TaitNet P25 conventional network. It
provides a gateway between P25 radios and a data server. The data gateway
interfaces to P25 radios using the P25 common air interface (CAI) and to a
data server (such as the KMF) using the IP network. The data gateway
function requires the Conventional Packet Data Services feature license and
is enabled in configuration. For details, see the TaitNet P25 Conventional
Networks System Manual and the CSS Help or manual.
20DescriptionTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
The console gateway interfaces a third party analog dispatch console to a Tait
P25 N etwork . It act s as an e ncr yp ti on/decryption point, enabling the analog
dispatch console to participate in encrypted calls. A console gateway is a
channel group member, connecting the dispatch console to the channel
group.
Trunked Analog Gateway
The trunked analog gateway interfaces a third party analog dispatch console
to a Tait P25 trunked network. Each trunked analog gateway makes a
‘channel’ available to the dispatcher by providing a connection into the
trunked network. The dispatch console can be considered a virtual radio,
with the gateway providing the dispatcher with a radio identity on the
trunked network. The trunked analog gateway acts as an encryption/
decryption point, enabling the analog dispatch console to participate in
encrypted calls.
The reciter receives RF signals from its RF input and sends RF from its RF
output to the PA, along with a PA key signal. The reciter also receives signals
from and sends signals to the analog line, the Ethernet interface, and the
control panel (see Figure 1.2).
A system control bus interconnects the modules and carries alarm and
control signaling between the reciter and the other modules.
The control panel speaker and microphone enable the base station
maintainer to communicate with the dispatcher or with subscriber unit
radios. The Ethernet interface carries voice over IP as well as
communications with the CSS.
The reciter carries out signal processing and has overall control of the base
station. It comprises an RF, a digital, and a network board, as shown in
Figure 1.3.
Figure 1.3Reciter boards
RF I/P
RF O/P
Ethernet
Interface
RF
Board
Digital
Board
Control
Panel
Maintainer Access
Network
Board
RS-232 +
Digital I/O
Analog Line
The RF board contains the receiver and exciter circuitry.
The digital board converts information between analog and digital and
controls the maintainer’s access via the control panel. It also performs the air
interface signal processing for both analog FM and digital P25 modes.
The network board acts as the link between the digital circuitry and the Tait
P25 Network, and gives the base station an identity as a network element.
It also provides the physical connections for the Ethernet, analog and
RS-232 serial interfaces.
For more detailed information, see “Technical Description” on page 117.
22DescriptionTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
Figure 1.4 gives an overview of signal paths within the reciter.
Figure 1.4Reciter signal paths
Digital BoardNetwork board
Protocol
Main
switch
RF Interface
ADC
demodulator
Modulator/
P25
modem
FM audio
process
ADC
Control panel
G.711
G.711
Vocoder
DSP
switch
stack
RTP
UDP
IP
G.711
Vocoder
Analog line
Ethernet Interface
ADC
1.Incoming signals all go to the main switch.
a. Digital P25 signals from the RF interface go straight from the
digital board to the main switch.
b. Analog FM signals from the RF interface go from the FM audio
processing circuitry via a G.711 encoder to the DSP switch, which
routes them to the main switch.
c. All signals from the channel group go through the protocol stack
straight to the main switch.
d. Signals from the control panel microphone or from the analog line
pass first through an ADC, which converts them from analog to a
128kbit/s digital stream. Then, if they are analog FM, they pass
through a G.711 encoder. If they are digital P25, they pass through
an IMBE vocoder. The DSP switch then routes them to the main
switch.
2.The main switch handles the signals according to the reciter’s
configuration and role within the channel group. It may vote between
RF-originated signals. If there are multiple signals, it selects or
prioritizes them.
3.The main switch routes the signals to the appropriate destinations:
■ RF interface (via the digital board), for transmitting P25 over the
air)
■ Ethernet interface (via the IP protocol stack), for sending to the
■ DSP switch, for further routing and for converting back to analog
4.The DSP switch coordinates the DSP processing of the signals and
routes them to the RF interface, analog line and/or the control panel
speaker).
5.Each destination interface makes available the signal with the highest
priority for that interface.
Run and Standby Modes
The base station normally operates in Run mode, but you can use the CSS
to put it in Standby mode.
Run modeIn Run mode, the base station performs its normal functions.
Standby modeWhen you program the base station or run invasive diagnostic tests, the base
station must be in Standby mode. This takes the base station out of service.
However, the control panel is still effective; you can use it to send and
receive over the air and across the analog line and to receive from the channel
group interface.
Dual Mode
The base station can handle analog FM calls as well as digital P25 calls. It is
a dual-mode base station. However, it can be configured to always operate
in one mode. For example, if only digital P25 radios use the base station, the
base station can ignore analog FM calls. Note that at any one time, the base
station can only handle one call, either analog FM or digital P25. It cannot
receive a call in one mode and repeat it in the other.
Analog FM modeIn Analog FM mode, the base station can receive and transmit over the RF
interface using analog FM modulation. Analog FM speech is sent and
received over the channel group interface using the G.711 format.
Digital P25 modeIn digital P25 mode, the base station can receive and transmit over the RF
interface using digital P25 modulation. Digital speech is in the IMBE
(Improved Multi-Band Excitation) format.
Dual mode
configuration
Dual mode is configured not for the base station as a whole, but for the
inputs at a particular interface. The mode of outputs is not configurable; it
can always be either analog FM or digital P25, depending on the input.
When the base station receives an input on an interface, it operates in the
mode of that input.
24DescriptionTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
Dual mode is configured or selected at the different inputs in the following
way:
Input interfaceDescription
RF The RF interface can be configured in channel profiles
to receive analog FM speech, digital P25 speech or
both (dual mode). In dual mode, the receiver listens
for digital P25 signals. If they are detected, the base
station operates in digital P25 mode, otherwise in
analog FM mode.
Analog Line The analog line receives analog speech signals from
the dispatch console. The current calling profile
defines whether the signal is to be handled as digital
P25 or analog FM. Different calling profiles can select
different modes.
Digital fixed station interface The DFSI receives speech signals whose mode has
already been defined by the FSH. The FSI is always
capable of receiving calls in either mode.
Channel group interface The channel group interface receives speech signals
whose mode has already been defined by the
channel group member that is the source of the call.
The channel group interface is always capable of
receiving calls in either mode.
Control PanelThe control panel receives speech from the
connected microphone. The user selects digital P25
or analog FM mode using the microphone button.
Refer to “Microphone Operation” on page 82 for
further details. The destination of the signal is
configured by the CSS.
A system control bus and a subrack interconnect board interconnect the
modules in the subrack and carry alarm and control signaling between the
reciter and the other modules, as shown in Figure 1.5.
Figure 1.5Intermodule communication paths
Microphone
Control Panel
Speaker
User
Controls
I C
μP
I C
2
PMU
2
I C Current
Source
Reciter
μP
2
I C
2
Mic
Speaker
PA
μP
FanFan
Subrack Interconnect Board
PA
Fan
PMU
Fan
26DescriptionTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
Base stations with a PMU manage the supply of power to ensure
uninterrupted operation of the base station. A range of parameters is
monitored and can trigger alarms that are sent via the reciter to the CSS and
a syslog collector.
AC to DC
Changeover
When the PMU has an AC and a DC module, the base station can be
powered by either the AC (mains) or the DC (battery) supply. The base
station will default to the AC supply if both supplies are provided. If the AC
supply becomes unavailable, a seamless changeover from the AC to DC
supply takes place, providing that the battery voltage is above the configured
minimum. You can use the CSS to monitor whether the base station is
running on battery or mains power.
DC OperationWhen the base station is running off the DC supply and the battery voltage
falls below the configured minimum, the base station will enter PMU
Shutdown mode to protect the battery and base station equipment. The
standby power supply card maintains the power to the PMU microprocessor,
while the rest of the PMU is shut down. When the battery voltage rises to
the configured startup setting, power is resumed to the DC supply. Refer to
“PMU Operation on DC Input” on page 129 for more detailed
information.
Auxiliary Power
Control
The output from the auxiliary power supply board can be used to power
other site equipment. The maximum output is 40W.
Power Distribution
Subracks with a
PMU
Figure 1.6 shows how power is distributed to modules in the subrack. One
method is used if there is a PMU, another if there is a 12V PA and yet
another if there is neither PMU nor PA.
The subrack can receive input power from either the AC or DC input. The
PMU provides a 28 V output to the PA and to the reciters. Internal seamless
switching between the AC or DC input ensures there are no power
interruptions should a changeover occur between the two inputs. The base
station will default to the AC input if both AC and DC inputs are provided.
The AC converter has a series switch which isolates the mains input from
the converter. The DC input, however, has much higher current ratings, and
supports an on/off switch on the converter only.
The outputs from both the AC and DC high power converters are added
together and fed to the PA via the PA1 and PA2 outputs. The auxiliary
output is also tapped off this summed output.
In 12V DC PA-only base stations, the DC power input is connected directly
to the PA, where it is fed to the internal boost regulator board. This board
provides a 12VDC output for the reciter and a 28VDC output for the PA
circuit boards.
Subracks with no PA
and no PMU
Distribution from
the reciter
When the subrack has neither PMU or PA, reciters or gateway modules
obtain their power from a DC terminal block at the rear of the subrack.
The reciter input power feed is distributed to all internal reciter boards.
Local regulation ensures that noise and common mode interface signals are
kept to a minimum between sub-assemblies. Various power supplies in the
reciter further power and isolate critical sub-sections.
The reciter also powers the control panel, via a backpower protection diode.
The system control bus is used to route power from the reciter to the control
panel. When a reciter is powered and plugged into the control bus, if a
control panel is connected there will always be a reciter present to drive the
control bus functions.
Figure 1.6Subrack power distribution
Subrack with PMU
DC
PMU
28V
PA
AC
28V
Aux. DC
Reciter
28V
Control
Panel
12 V DC
PA-only subrack
12V
PA
Boost
Regulator
28V
12V
Reciter
12V
Control
Panel
Subrack with no
PA and no PMU
10.8 - 32V
DC terminal at
rear of subrack
J17 connector
on subrack interconnect board
Reciter
10.8
- 32V
Control
Panel
28DescriptionTB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual
The front panel can be equipped with up to two fans. One fan is for the
PMU and the other is for the PAs. (Reciters also have fans, see “Reciter Fan
Operation” on page 121.)
Front panel fans do not operate continuously but are switched on and off as
needed by the reciter firmware.
When the base station powers up, the fans turn on: the PMU fan runs first,
followed by the PA fan (the reciter fans will also power up, after the PA fan).
Each fan will run for about 5 seconds before switching off.
Front panel fans must have the correct wiring: power and ground (2-wire
fans), or power, ground, and rotation detect (3-wire fans). Both fans in a
subrack must be of the same type. If 3-wire fans are fitted, the reciter can
monitor whether the fans are rotating and generate an alarm if the fan fails.
The control and monitoring of the fans is performed by the reciter selected
at the control panel. We recommend that you enable the fan alarms for
reciter 1 and disable the fan alarms for the other reciters.
Configuring Fan
Control
The operation of the PA fan is configurable via the CSS; you can specify the
threshold temperature at which the fan will be turned on, and set the fan to
operate only when the PA is transmitting.
The PMU fan has fixed on/off thresholds and a defined set of duty cycles
based on the PMU temperature and load current, as described in the
following table.
PMU TemperatureCurrentFan Duty Cycle
<149°F (65°C)<4A
4A–6A
6A–8A
8A–12A
12A–14A
≥15A
>149°F (65°C)––always on
always off
2 minutes on, 8 minutes off
2 minutes on, 5 minutes off
3 minutes on, 3 minutes off
4 minutes on, 1 minute off
always on