Tait TBCB2X Users Manual

TB9400 Base Station/Repeater

Installation and Operation Manual

MBC-00001-20 · Issue 20· November 2018

Contact Information

Tait Communications Corporate Head Office

Tait International Limited P.O. Box 1645 Christchurch New Zealand

For the address and telephone number of regional offices, refer to our website: www.taitradio.com

All information contained in this document is the property of Tait International Limited. All rights reserved. This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, stored, or reduced to any electronic medium or machinereadable form, without prior written permission from Tait International Limited.

The word TAIT and the TAIT logo are trademarks of Tait International 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 International 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.

US640974, US640977, US698339, US 702666, US7758996, US8902804, US9107231, US9504034, US9559967.

The AMBE+2™ 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.

Environmental Responsibilities

Tait International 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 International Limited.

Tait International 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.

Updates of Manual and Equipment

In the interests of improving the performance, reliability or servicing of the equipment, Tait International Limited reserves the right to update the equipment or this document or both without prior notice.

Intellectual Property Rights

This product may be protected by one or more patents or designs of Tait International Limited together with their international equivalents, pending patent or design applications, and registered trade marks: NZ409837, NZ409838, NZ415277, NZ415278, NZ530819, NZ534475, NZ547713, NZ577009, NZ579051, NZ579364, NZ586889, NZ610563, NZ615954, NZ700387, NZ708662, NZ710766, NZ711325 , NZ726313, NZ593887, AU2015215962, AU339127, AU339391, AU2016259281, AU2016902579, EU000915475-0001, EU 0009154750002, GB2532863, US 14/834609 Div. no 1, US15/ 346518 Div.no 2, US15/350332, US15/387026 Div., US20150085799, US20160044572, US20160057051,

2 TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

Contents

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Scope of Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Associated Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Publication Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1.2 Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

1.3 Mechanical Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

1.4 Frequency Bands and Sub-bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

1.5 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

1.6 Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

1.7 Theory of Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

1.7.1 Signal Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

1.7.2 Online and Offline Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

1.7.3 Intermodule Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

1.7.4 Power Management and Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

1.7.5 PMU Operation on DC Input. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

1.7.6 Front Panel Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

2 General Safety and Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

2.1 Personal Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

2.1.1 Unpacking and Moving the Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

2.1.2 Lethal Voltages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

2.1.3 AC Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

2.1.4 Explosive Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

2.1.5 High Temperatures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

2.1.6 LED Safety (EN60825-1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

2.1.7 Proximity to RF Transmissions / A proximité des émissions RF . . . . . 34

2.2 Equipment Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

2.2.1 Installation and Servicing Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

2.2.2 Preventing Damage to the PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

2.2.3 ESD Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

2.2.4 Anti-tampering Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

2.3 Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

2.3.1 Operating Temperature Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

2.3.2 Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

2.3.3 Dust and Dirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

2.4 Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

2.4.1 Distress Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

2.4.2 Compliance Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

2.4.3 FCC Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

2.4.4 Unauthorized Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual 3 © Tait International Limited November 2018

3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

3.1 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

3.2 Module Indicator LEDs and Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

3.2.1 Reciter and Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

3.2.2 PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

3.2.3 PMU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

4 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

4.1 Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

4.1.1 Equipment Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

4.1.2 Grounding and Lightning Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

4.1.3 Equipment Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

4.1.4 Ambient Temperature Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

4.1.5 Cabinet and Rack Ventilation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

4.2 Unpacking and Moving the Subrack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

4.3 Identifying the Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

4.4 Initial Setting Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4.4.1 Confirming Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4.4.2 Working with Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

4.4.3 Customizing the Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

4.4.4 Recommended Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

4.4.5 Restricted Port Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

4.4.6 Changing the Root Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

4.4.7 Tuning the Reciter and Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

4.5 Installing the Base Station on Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

4.5.1 General Installation Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

4.5.2 Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

4.5.3 Mounting the Subrack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

4.6 Connecting Up the Base Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

4.6.1 Connection Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

4.6.2 Connecting AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

4.6.3 Connecting DC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

4.6.4 Connecting the Auxiliary DC Power Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

4.6.5 Connecting RF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

4.6.6 Connecting an External Frequency Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

4.6.7 Connecting a 1PPS Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

4.6.8 Ethernet Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

4.6.9 Connecting General Purpose Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

5 Working with Base Stations from Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

5.1 PC Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

5.2 Connecting Your PC to the Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

5.2.1 Logging In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

5.2.2 Setting the IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

5.2.3 Security Certificates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

5.2.4 Local Connection to a Base Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

5.2.5 Troubleshooting Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

5.2.6 Finding a Lost or Forgotten IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

5.2.7 Setting Up Authentication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

5.3 Working with the Web Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

4 TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

5.3.1 Monitoring Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

5.3.2 Troubleshooting Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

5.3.3 Viewing Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

5.3.4 Viewing the Base Station and Network Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

5.4 Basic Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

5.4.1 User Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

5.4.2 Taking the Base Station Offline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

5.4.3 Troubleshooting Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

5.4.4 Disabling the Front Panel Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

5.4.5 Preparing to Download Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

5.4.6 Working with Configuration Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

5.4.7 Setting Up Custom Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

5.4.8 Subaudible Signaling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

5.4.9 Checking for Interference on a Receive Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

5.4.10 Configuring Single Base Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

5.4.11 Configuring Receive-Only Base Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

5.4.12 Configuring Base Stations in a Channel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

6 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

7 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

8 Replacing Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

8.1 Saving the Base Station’s Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

8.2 Preliminary Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

8.3 Replacing a Reciter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

8.4 Replacing a Power Amplifier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

8.5 Replacing a Power Management Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

8.6 Replacing the Module Guide Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

8.7 Replacing the Subrack Interconnect Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

8.8 Final Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Appendix A – Interface Pin Allocations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

System Interface Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Ethernet Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

PMU Auxiliary DC Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Appendix B – Inter-Module Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Dual 50W Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Single 50W Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

100W Base Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Receive-only Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Appendix C – Identifying Front Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Tait Software License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Simplified EU Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual 5 © Tait International Limited November 2018

Preface

Scope of Manual

This manual provides information on installing and operating the TB9400 base station. It is intended for use by experienced technicians familiar with installing and operating base station equipment. It also includes configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting information.

Except where stated otherwise, the information in this manual generally applies to both standard and receive-only base stations and reciters. When “reciter” is referred to, this generally applies also to the receiver (receive-only reciter). References to power amplifiers (PAs) and transmitting obviously do not apply to receive-only equipment.

Unless mentioned specifically, this manual will use the term “base station” to refer to both base station and repeater.

Document Conventions

The TB9400 base station has a web interface with an accordion menu on the left side of the screen. “Configure > Base Station > Channels” means click Configure in the top-level menu, then in the expanded Configure menu click Base Station, and finally click on the Channels tab on that page.

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.

Warning This alert is used when there is a hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Caution This alert is used when there is a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

Notice This 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.

6 Preface TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

Associated Documentation

The following associated documentation for this product is available on the Tait support website.

■ TB9400 Specifications Manual (MBC-00002-xx)

■ TN9400 P25 Trunked Network Maintenance Manual (MNC-00001-xx)

■ TaitNet P25 Trunked Networks with TB9400 Base Stations System

Manual (MBA-00064-xx)

■ TaitNet Analog Conventional Networks with TB9400 Base Stations

System Manual (MND-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. Technical notes are available in PDF format from the Tait support website. For more information contact your regional Tait office.

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual Preface 7 © Tait International Limited November 2018

Publication Records

Issue Publication Date Description

20 November 2018 General updates for the 2.55 release

Advice for configuring subaudible signaling.

19 July 2018 General updates for the 2.50 release

Addition of B2 band. Clarified that HH band is nominally 378 - 420. All frequencies can be used except for the range at 406 - 406.1 (exclusive). Updated type designators. Smaller updates throughout.

18 March 2018 General updates for the 2.45 release

Publication Record now shows most recent manual issue at top of table Added note about fill-in receiver to “8.4 Replacing a Power Amplifier” Clarified “Bands and Sub-Bands” table Updated section 5.2.4 “Connecting a Networked PC to a Base Station” Added site controller table to the “1.6. Licenses” section HH band is now released as 50W and receive only

17 November 2017 General updates for the 2.40 release.

Added definition of “integral voter” to Glossary on page 122 Added solution to Internet Explorer black screen in Connecting Your PC to

the Base Station on page 82.

Added notice regarding fan operation to Front Panel Fans on page 31. Added information on cancelling a firmware package to Subaudible

Signaling on page 99.

Updated information on downloading firmware packages Setting Up a

Central Package Server on page 97.

Added notice regarding the base station resetting to Setting the IP Address

on page 84.

Added new HH band information throughout.

16 July 2017 General updates for version 2.35 release.

General minor wording and content changes throughout Added P25 Conventional Simulcast Repeater to Features on page 10 Central voter and satellite licences listed as alternatives Licenses on

page 19.

Updated description for the ‘Digital Fixed Station’ Interface in Licenses on

page 19.

Updated the “Licenses and applicability” table for Central Voter, IP Networking Satellite, and Simulcast. Added new H3 band information throughout. Screenshots have been updated in various places.

8 Preface TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

1 Description

The Tait TB9400 base station 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.

The TB9400 operates as a transceiver in Project 25 trunked, trunked simulcast, and P25 conventional networks. It is capable of either P25 Phase 1 FDMA operation, or 6.25kHz equivalent P25 Phase 2 TDMA operation.

The TB9400 can also operate in an analog conventional simulcast or non-simulcast multi-site network.

The TB9400 combines industry-leading digital voice quality with rugged design specifications and intuitive user interfaces. These products are designed to meet the needs of the public safety and public service sectors.

The ability of the base station to link stations using standard Internet Protocol communications, and to add features through software options ensures that P25 systems designed with the TB9400 are scalable in both size and functionality.

Its Ethernet interface provides built-in network connectivity, allowing the TB9400 to join with other TB9400 base stations to form a channel group. This network supports voice-over-IP and remote management of all base stations via a web browser.

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual Description 9 © Tait International Limited November 2018

1.1 Features

The following are some of the features of the base station:

■ Fully compliant with the P25 Common Air Interface. Can therefore

■ Supports P25 Phase 1 operation with either C4FM or LSM modulation

■ Supports P25 Phase 2 operation.

■ Analog conventional repeater operation.

■ Analog conventional simulcast operation on an IP backbone requiring

■ Integrated built-in voting facility. No external voter is needed.

■ Can be completely managed remotely from a PC running a web

■ An integrated wiring solution is provided for the system control bus and

■ Reciters (receiver/exciter modules) can be replaced without affecting

■ Rugged construction with generous heatsinks and fan-forced cooling

interoperate with any similarly compliant radios.

on the transmitter

no audio calibration or training.

browser: configuration, alarm monitoring, fault diagnosis, feature and firmware upgrades. Alarms can also be reported via SNMP traps, allowing integration with an SNMP-based network management system.

DC power connections to each module in the subrack.

the operation of other reciters in the same subrack.

for continuous operation from –22°F to +140°F (–30°C to +60°C).

10 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

1.2 Modules

The base station consists of a subrack with up to two transmit/receive channels, or up to four receive-only channels.

The single PMU (power management unit) supplies and manages power to the whole subrack (refer to “Theory of Operation” on page 22). One reciter and one PA (power amplifier) are needed for each transmit/receive channel. The PA is not required for a receive-only base station. There is also a front panel with user controls and fans. 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.

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.

Subrack The 4U subrack is made of passivated steel and is designed to fit into a

standard 19 inch rack or cabinet. The subrack is fitted with an interconnect board that connects the system control bus and power to the modules and front panel. The position of a module in the subrack is defined by the socket on the subrack interconnect board to which the module is connected by the system control bus.

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual Description 11 © Tait International Limited November 2018

Front Panel

The front panel is mounted onto the subrack with two quick-release fasteners. It incorporates the indicator LEDs, four-line LCD display, user controls, ambient temperature sensor and cooling fans.

The indicator LEDS allow some monitoring of the operational status of the base station. The user controls and display allow the technician to configure the IP address of each module. Refer to “Front Panel” on page 38 for more information.

The base stations have different front panel ducting arrangements depending on PA type and power. Front panels may not be interchangeable.

The microphone input and speaker are not used in this release of the TB9400.

Reciter The reciter module comprises the receiver, exciter and digital control

circuitry. The reciter provides the Ethernet interface and system inputs and outputs.

Receiver modules (receive-only reciters) are not fitted with the transmit circuitry or front panel SMA connectors, and are physically unable to transmit.

reciter receiver

12 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

Power Amplifier

The PA amplifies the RF output from the reciter and is available in 50W and 100W models.

The 50W model mounts 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.

50W PA 100W PA

Both models are designed to operate on the 28VDC output provided by the PMU. PAs are not required in a receive-only base station.

Power Management Unit

The PMU provides the 28VDC power supply for the modules in the subrack. It can operate on 120/230VAC 50/60Hz nominal, and 12, 24 or 48VDC nominal. 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 13.65VDC, 27.3VDC, or

54.6VDC, depending on the model.

AC and DC PMU shown

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual Description 13 © Tait International Limited November 2018

1.3 Mechanical Assembly

This section illustrates the main mechanical components of the base station.

Figure 1.1 below shows the configuration for a typical dual 50W base

station. The subrack has six slots, numbered from right to left as viewed from the front of the subrack. The PMU occupies slots 5 and 6, with the reciter and PA pairs to the right of it in slots 1 to 4. Each PA is mounted vertically with its heatsink facing its associated reciter. The PMU and each reciter/PA pair have their own cooling fans.

The front panel can be easily removed from the subrack by undoing two quick-release fasteners. Refer to “Replacing Modules” on page 105 for more details.

Figure 1.1 Mechanical assembly - dual 50W base station with front panel

front panel

subrack

PMU

PA 2

reciter 2

cable retaining clip

PA 1

reciter 1

module retaining clamp

subrack interconnect board

plastic guide rail

subrack interconnect board retaining clamp

front panel fastener

14 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

Figure 1.2 below shows the configuration for a typical single 50W base

station. The PMU again occupies slots 5 and 6, with the reciter in slot 1 and PA in slot 2. The PA is mounted vertically with its heatsink facing the reciter. The PMU and the reciter/PA pair have their own cooling fans.

Figure 1.2 Mechanical assembly - single 50W base station

PMU

50W PA

reciter

subrack

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual Description 15 © Tait International Limited November 2018

Figure 1.3 below shows the configuration for a typical 100 W base station.

The PMU occupies slots 5 and 6, with the PA directly beside it in slots 3 and 4. The reciter occupies slot 1. Unlike the 50W PAs, the 100W PA is mounted horizontally with the heatsink facing upwards. It is also fitted with an airflow duct to channel the airflow from the cooling fan through the heatsink fins.

Figure 1.3 Mechanical assembly - single 100W base station

PMU

airflow duct

reciter

subrack

cable retaining clip

16 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

1.4 Frequency Bands and Sub-bands

Much of the circuitry in the base station is common to all frequency bands, and is therefore covered by a single description in this manual. In some cases the descriptions refer to specific bands or sub-bands, and these are identified with the letters listed in the following table.

Frequency Identification Frequency Band and Sub-band 50W 100W Receive-only

B band B2 = 136MHz to 156MHz

B3 = 148MHz to 174MHz

H band HH = 378MHz to 420MHz

H1 = 400MHz to 440 MHz H2 = 440MHz to 480 MHz H3 = 470MHz to 520 MHz

K band K4 = 762 MHz to 870MHz

a. The actual frequency coverage in this band is:

Transmit: 762MHz to 776 MHz, and 850 MHz to 870 MHz Receive: 794MHz to 824MHz

In Brazil, for K band, the TB9400 is considered to be configured as a base station with retransmission of received signals.

✓ ✓

✓✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual Description 17 © Tait International Limited November 2018

1.5 Applications

The TB9400 operates in P25 trunked networks (Phase 1 or Phase 2), P25 conventional networks and analog conventional networks. It operates as a stand-alone repeater/base station, or as part of a channel group, providing receiver voting and simulcast transmission. All air interfaces and system types support simulcast operation.

In P25 Phase 2 operation, a single TB9400 base station can provide two traffic channels, since each radio frequency (physical channel) provides two logical channels (timeslots). However, it can provide only one control channel, since control channels are still P25 Phase 1.

In a trunked simulcast network, 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. Also required is an NTP source that is derived from the same source as the 1PPS signal. This will ensure a common timestamp in logs across all units in the system. An external frequency reference, along with an NTP source and 1PPS signal derived from the same GPS source, are also essential for all reciters for P25 Phase 2 operation.

In a P25 conventional network, the TB9400 operates as a single or wide area conventional repeater, with receiver voting and optional simulcast.

Dispatch connection is via two distinct interfaces:

■ P25 standard DFSI connection (up to three connections simultaneously)

■ Tait P25 Console Gateway, supporting conversion between P25 and

analog consoles with MDC1200 signalling

In an analog conventional network it can operate as a repeater with CTCSS

The base station can also operate as part of an analog conventional simulcast network and is fully IP-connected. The base station also features an internally integrated voter, and therefore requires no external voter.

The base station can be provided as a receive-only variant in systems that need sites to enhance the receive coverage. The receiver module in a receive-only base station is physically unable to transmit.

For more information on these applications, refer to the Help and appropriate Tait System Manual.

or DCS subaudible signaling.

1. Private Line (PL).

18 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

1.6 Licenses

Some operational functions of the base station are controlled by licenses. These functions will not work unless you purchase the appropriate feature license and enable the feature set controlled by that license. The feature sets currently available are listed below.

Base stations can operate in distinct network tiers according to the feature licences on the base station.

The compatibility rules are defined in the following table:

P25 Access Trunking Operation Compatible Not operate Not operate

P25 Express6 Trunking Operation Compatible Compatible Not operate

Site controller

Access Express6 Full system

P25 Trunking Operation Compatible Compatible Compatible

Base station

Analog Air Interface (TBAS041 - Default Licence)

P25 Common Air Interface (TBAS050)

P25 Trunking Operation (TBAS056)

Digital Fixed Station Interface (TBAS060)

Central Voter (TBAS061)

The central voter and satellite licences listed below are alternatives.

This is the licence that accompanies the base station. A base station with this license can operate as a repeater in an analog conventional network.

Allows a base station to transmit and receive P25 Phase 1 C4FM digital voice transmissions.

Allows a base station to become a trunking master, functioning as an interface between the trunking site controller and the channel group. Allows a base station (master or satellite) to have a TCCP connection (control or status) to a trunking site controller.

Allows the base station to integrate with dispatch consoles supporting DFSI (Digital Fixed Station Interface).

P25 and analog. This feature allows a base station to act as a central voter.

Simulcast (TBAS062)

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual Description 19 © Tait International Limited November 2018

This feature is required in base stations that have transmitters and belong to a P25 Phase 1 simulcast or analog simulcast network in the central voter of a simulcast channel.

1. Not needed for receive-only base stations.

. It is also required

P25 Trunking Failsoft (TBAS063)

Linear Simulcast Modulation (TBAS065)

P25 Phase 2 Trunking (TBAS066)

P25 Phase 2 Simulcast (TBAS069)

Allows trunked channels that become isolated from a site controller to perform simple conventional operation and to interface to a digital dispatch system. If a trunked channel consists of several base stations in a channel group, only the central voter (normally the master) needs this license. It is then able to become the failsoft repeater for that channel group.

P25 only. Allows the base station to transmit using the LSM modulation

scheme

. This scheme allows increased site separation in simulcast

networks. Also requires the Simulcast license (TBAS062).

This feature allows the base station to operate in trunking mode using two-slot TDMA as defined by the P25 Phase 2 standards.

This feature is required in base stations that have transmitters and belong

to a P25 Phase 2 simulcast network of a P25 Phase 2 simulcast channel

. It is also required in the central voter

. Also requires the P25 Phase 2 Trunking (TBAS066) and Simulcast (TBAS062) licenses. Tait also recommends adding the Linear Simulcast Modulation (TBAS065) license as it provides improved RF performance.

P25 Access Trunking Operation (TBAS070)

IP Networking Satellite (TBAS071)

P25 Express6 Trunking Operation (TBAS072)

Enables single site P25 trunking.

All system types and all air interface types. This feature allows a base station to be part of a channel group without requiring the Central Voter (TBAS061) license.

Enables P25 trunking with up to 6 sites.

2. The central voter in a simulcast channel needs the respective Phase 1 or Phase 2 simulcast license. Normally, a transceiver member of a simulcast channel will have a simulcast license, so this constraint should not be an issue.

20 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

Table 1.1 Licenses and applicability

Licence Name Air Interface System Type

TBAS041 Analog Air Interface Analog Conventional

TBAS060 Digital Fixed Station Interface Analog & P25 Phase 1 Conventional

TBAS061 Central Voter Analog & P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked, Conventional

TBAS071 IP Networking Satellite Analog & P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked, Conventional

TBAS062 Simulcast Analog & P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked, Conventional

TBAS050 P25 Common Air Interface P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked, Conventional

TBAS065 Linear Simulcast Modulation P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked, Conventional

TBAS056 P25 Trunking Operation P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked

TBAS063 P25 Trunking Failsoft P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked

TBAS066 P25 Phase 2 Trunking P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked

TBAS070 P25 Access Trunking Operation P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked

TBAS072 P25 Express6 Trunking Operation P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunked

TBAS069 P25 Phase 2 Simulcast P25 Phase 2 Trunked

TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual Description 21 © Tait International Limited November 2018

1.7 Theory of Operation

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 PA sends an RF feedback signal to the reciter for linearization and power control purposes. The reciter also receives signals from, and sends signals to, the system interface, the Ethernet interface, and the front panel (see Figure 1.4).

A system control bus interconnects the modules and carries alarm and control signaling between the reciter and the other modules (refer to

“Intermodule Communications” on page 25 for more details).

The Ethernet interface carries voice over IP and also allows maintainer access via a web browser.

Figure 1.4 Base station high-level diagram

RF To

Antenna

AC Input

DC Input

A receive-only base station has a receiver instead of a reciter, and does not have a PA.

PMU

28VDC

System Control Bus

RF+PAKey

RF Feedback

RF From

Antenna

1PPS

Reciter

Front Panel

External Reference Frequency

System Input and Output

Ethernet Interface to Network

22 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

The reciter carries out signal processing and has overall control of the base station. Its circuit boards are shown in Figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5 Reciter boards

RF Input

RF Output

RF Input

(feedback from PA)

Receiver

Board

Transmit Forward

Board

Transmit

Reverse

Board

Reciter

Control

Board

Front Panel

System Input and Output

Ethernet Interface to Network

Maintainer Access

The receiver board contains all the receiver circuitry, while the exciter circuitry is located on the transmit forward board.

The reciter control board converts information between analog and digital and controls the maintainer’s access via the front panel. It performs the air interface signal processing for digital P25 operation, gives the base station an identity as a network element, and provides the physical connections for the Ethernet and system interfaces.

1.7.1 Signal Paths

Figure 1.6 gives an overview of signal paths within the reciter.

Figure 1.6 Reciter signal paths

Receive RF Interface

Demodulator

P25

Modem

ControlADC DDC

Transmit RF Interface

(feedback from PA)

DAC

ADC

Cartesian

Loop

Modulator

Baseband

Audio

G.711

Protocol

Stack

Reciter Control Board

RTP

UDP

Ethernet Interface

Digital P25 signals from the receive RF interface pass through the digital receiver and P25 modem to the control software in the control processor. The control software passes the signal through the Ethernet interface to the site controller (P25 trunked networks), to the console gateway (conventional networks), or for a satellite, to the central voter in a simulcast system.

Input to the Ethernet interface can be from the site controller (P25 trunked networks), from the console gateway (conventional networks), or from the central voter in a simulcast system. These inputs are processed by the control processor and passed through the P25 modem to the transmitter. If the base station is itself a central voter, this input can also be a received signal, which is voted on and sent back through the Ethernet interface to the site controller.

1.7.2 Online and Offline Modes

The base station normally operates in Online mode, but you can put it into Offline mode via its web interface.

Online Mode In Online mode, the base station is in service and performs its normal

functions of transmitting and receiving radio signals.

24 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

Offline Mode

Offline mode allows a maintenance engineer to carry out tasks that can not be done while the base station is in service - such as activating firmware or running diagnostic tests.

1.7.3 Intermodule Communications

A system control bus and a subrack interconnect board link the modules in the subrack and carry alarm and control signaling between the reciter and the other modules, as shown in Figure 1.7.

Specific configuration settings for dual base stations are described in

“Recommended Configuration Settings” on page 58.

Figure 1.7 Intermodule communication paths

PMU

I C Current

Source

Reciter 1

RS-485

PA 1

RS-485IC

Fan

FanFan

Fan 3:

PMU

Fan 1:

Reciter 1/

PA 1

User

Controls

Fan 2:

Reciter 2/

PA 2

Front Panel

Subrack Interconnect Board

Reciter 2

RS-485RS-485 Fan

PA 2

1.7.4 Power Management and Distribution

The PMU manages the supply of power to ensure uninterrupted operation of the base station. A range of parameters is monitored and these can trigger alarms that are sent to the reciter. Alarms can be monitored via the web interface and reported via SNMP traps; they are also recorded in the reciter’s internal log file.

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 startup voltage. You can use a web browser to check whether the base station is running on battery or mains power.

DC Operation When the base station is running off the DC supply and the battery voltage

falls below the configured minimum, the base station will enter battery protection 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 28 for more detailed information.

Auxiliary Power Control

Distribution Figure 1.8 shows how power is distributed to modules in the subrack. The

The output from the auxiliary power supply board can be used to power other site equipment. The maximum output is 40W.

28VDC output from the PMU is fed directly to the PA in a single base station, or directly to PA 1 in a dual base station, and to the other modules via the subrack interconnect board. Power to the reciters and front panel is current-limited by self-resetting fuses on the subrack board.

The AC converter has a series switch which breaks the phase input to the converter. The DC input, however, has much higher current ratings. Its switch does not disconnect power from the DC converter itself, but disables the converter by switching off its control circuitry.

The outputs from both the AC and DC high power converters are added together and fed to the modules via the high-current outputs. The auxiliary output is also tapped off this summed output.

26 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

Figure 1.8 Subrack power distribution

Single

Dual

DC AC

Aux. DC 28V

PMU

28V

PA Reciter

DC AC

PMU

28V

Subrack

Board

Front

Panel

Subrack

Board

Receive-only

PA 1 PA 2 Reciter 1

DC AC

Aux. DC 28V

PMU

Receiver 1

Receiver 3

Subrack

Board

Reciter 2

Receiver 4Receiver 2

Front Panel

1.7.5 PMU Operation on DC Input

The operation of the PMU on DC input is controlled by three sets of parameters:

■ user-programmable alarms

■ user-programmable startup and shutdown limits

■ battery protection limits

The voltage range for each of these parameters is provided in Table 1.2 on

page 29. Figure 1.9 on page 30 illustrates how these parameters interact,

and how they control the operation of the PMU over a range of DC input voltages.

Alarms User-programmable alarms can be set for low or high battery voltage

(Configure > Alarms > Thresholds). The alarms will be triggered when the set voltage levels are reached. These limits are subject to the tolerances of the battery protection circuitry, as stated in “Battery Protection (Fail-safe) Limits” in Table 1.2.

Startup and Shutdown Limits

Battery Protection Limits

The user-programmable startup and shutdown limits allow for adjustable startup and shutdown voltages (Configure > Base Station > Miscellaneous). These limits can be adjusted for different numbers of battery cells, or for the particular requirements of the base station operation. Once the limits are reached, the PMU will shut down. These limits are subject to the tolerances of the battery protection circuitry, as stated in “Battery Protection (Fail-safe) Limits” in Table 1.2.

Notice It is possible to set the startup voltage of the base station below the nominal voltage of the battery. Continuing to use a battery for extended periods when it is below its nominal voltage will severely shorten its service life. For more information on battery management, we recommend that you consult the battery manufacturer.

The battery protection limits are set in hardware at the factory, and cannot be adjusted by the user. These limits will not be reached under normal operation conditions, but are provided as “fail-safe” measures to protect the battery from deep discharge. They also remove the need for low-voltage disconnect modules.

28 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

Table 1.2 PMU DC voltage limits

Parameter

User-programmable Alarms

Low Battery Voltage High Battery Voltage

User-programmable Limits

Startup Voltage (after shutdown) Shutdown Voltage

Battery Protection (Fail-safe) Limits

Startup Voltage Undervoltage Shutdown Overvoltage Shutdown Overvoltage Shutdown Reset

a. The information in this table is extracted from the Specifications Manual. Refer to the latest issue of this manual

for the most up-to-date and complete PMU specifications.

b. Using the base station’s web interface.

Voltage Range

12V PMU 24V PMU 48 V PMU

10V to 14V 14V to 17.5V

10.9V to 15V ± 0.3 V 10V to 13.5V ± 0.3 V

10.8V +0.2 V

9.5V +0.3 V

18.1V +

17.1V +

0.3V

20V to 28V 28V to 35V

21.8V to 30V ±0.5V 20V to 27V ±0.5V

21.6V + 19V +0.5V

36.2V +

34.2V +

0.5V

40V to 56V 56V to 70V

43.6V to 60V ±1V 40V to 54V ±1V

43.2V + 38V +1V

72.4V +

68.4V +

1V 1V

Figure 1.9 PMU alarm thresholds and voltage limits when operating on DC

Time

DC Input Voltage

Overvoltage Shutdown (HW)

Overvoltage Shutdown Reset (HW)

High Battery Voltage Alarm (SW Alarm)

Startup Voltage (SW)

Startup Voltage (HW)

Shutdown Voltage (SW)

Undervoltage Shutdown (HW)

Low Battery Voltage Alarm (SW Alarm)

30s delay 30s delay 30s delay

Run

Hardware Behaviour

Stop

Run

Software Control &

Hardware Combined

Stop

Software Alarm

Off

Active

Software Alarm

(Low Battery Voltage)

Off

Active

(High Battery Voltage)

30 Description TB9400 Installation and Operation Manual

+ 76 hidden pages

Tait TBCB2X Users Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual