Trilithic MCA III User Manual
Seeker MCA III
Mobile Communications Adapter
Operation Manual
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. See Page 3 for complete details.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Industry
Canada Standards. See Page 4 for complete details.
Copyright © 2014 Trilithic, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Specications are subject to change without notice. Please contact your sales representative for further information.
Putting Innovation Within Reach
Product innovation at Trilithic has always been characterized by one thing: it’s practical. It
makes life easier for customers. It’s the natural result of listening to them. That philosophy
has been the driving force behind the company’s growth from its beginnings as a two-man
engineering team in 1986 to its current position as a global manufacturer with more than 130
employees.
A privately held company, Trilithic broadend its original RF and microwave component product
line by acquiring lters manufacturer Cir-Q-Tel and instruments manufacturer Texscan, adding
broadband solutions to the product line. The company also expanded operations to Thailand in
2001, to meet increasing demand for its products in the growing markets of Asia.
As new communications applications continue to emerge, part of Trilithic’s business has
evolved into managing change—helping customers respond quickly to market opportunities
with innovative technology and individualized solutions. But the core value of Trilithic’s
business approach—listening to customers—hasn’t changed. Keep that focus intact will help
provide better products in the long run and ensure continued growth for decades to come.
Trilithic is comprised of three major divisions:
Broadband Instruments
The company is best known for innovations in signal level measurement, leakage detection
and reverse path maintenance—like the use of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology,
which lets eld technicians upgrade their signal analyzers by simply downloading rmware.
Emergency Alert Systems
Trilithic’s EAS division is a leading supplier of homeland security government-mandated
emergency alert systems for broadband and other communication system providers. As
the communications industry continues its rapid evolution, Trilithic has begun offering
comprehensive systems and services to address a wide variety of emergency alert system
needs, including the design and architectural layout of complex analog and digital EAS
networks.
XFTP
Trilithic’s XFTP division offers a specialty line of eld technical products for cable operators
and technicians, as well as a line of products for installing electronics in the home of
the future. The division brings together an experienced Trilithic team and a new group
of exclusive distributors to provide popular products and services at an affordable price,
without sacricing quality or support.
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FCC Part 15 Compliance
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
Pursuant to FCC 15.21 of the FCC rules, changes not expressly approved by Trilithic, Inc.
might cause harmful interference and void the FCC authorization to operate this product.
The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at
least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the device and receiver
• Connect the device into an output on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
The Seeker MCA III can only be used with the following Trilithic approved Wi-Fi antennas:
• P/N 2071677004 - 2.4 & 5 GHz antenna
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Industry Canada Compliance
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS
standard(s). Operation of this device is subject to the following two
conditions; 1) This device may not cause harmful interference and
2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
The Seeker MCA III can only be used with the following Trilithic approved Wi-Fi antennas:
• P/N 2071677004 - 2.4 & 5 GHz antenna
Industrie Canada Conformité
Cet appareil est conforme au Cahier des charges sur les normes
radioélectriques d’Industrie Canada concernant les appareils radio
exempts de licence. Le fonctionnement de cet appareil est soumis
aux deux conditions suivantes : 1) cet appareil ne doit pas produire
de brouillage et 2) cet appareil doit accepter tout brouillage, y compris
celui pouvant causer un mauvais fonctionnement de l’appareil.
Cet appareil numérique de classe B est conforme à la norme
canadienne ICES-003.
Le Seeker MCA III ne peut être utilisé avec le Trilithic approuvé antennes Wi-Fi qui suit:
• P/N 2071677004 - 2.4 et 5 GHz antenne
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1
General Information ..................................................................................................................7
Helpful Website ......................................................................................................................7
Where to Get Technical Support ............................................................................................7
How this Manual is Organized ...............................................................................................8
Optional Software...................................................................................................................9
Features Not Available During Initial Release ........................................................................9
Conventions Used in this Manual.........................................................................................10
Precautions ..........................................................................................................................10
Chapter 2
Seeker MCA III Introduction ....................................................................................................11
What is Seeker GPS? .......................................................................................................... 11
Equipment Supplied with Your Seeker MCA III ....................................................................11
Accessories for Your Seeker MCA III ...................................................................................11
Device Overview ..................................................................................................................12
Front View .......................................................................................................................12
Left Side View .................................................................................................................12
Rear View .......................................................................................................................13
Assembly of Seeker Mobile Mount & MCA III ......................................................................14
Installation of the Seeker MCA III .........................................................................................15
Display Screen Overview .....................................................................................................18
Startup Screens ..............................................................................................................18
Shutdown Screen ...........................................................................................................18
Display Screen Navigation..............................................................................................19
Using the Select Button .............................................................................................19
Home Screen & MCA Status Screens .......................................................................19
GPS Status Screen ...................................................................................................22
Ethernet Status Screen .............................................................................................23
USB Status Screen ...................................................................................................25
Cellular Status Screen...............................................................................................27
Wi-Fi Status Screen ..................................................................................................29
Wi-Fi Test Screen ......................................................................................................31
Activity & Error Screens ..................................................................................................32
LAW Display Screens .....................................................................................................36
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Chapter 3
Seeker MCA III Operation ........................................................................................................37
Congure Settings................................................................................................................37
Seeker & Seeker D Display Modes ......................................................................................37
Seeker MCA III Communication Successful ...................................................................37
GPS Signal Status ..........................................................................................................38
Data Synchronization with Seeker MCA III .....................................................................38
Chapter 4
Data Upload Options ...............................................................................................................41
Leakage Detector via PC with Internet Connection .............................................................41
Wi-Fi Access Point ...............................................................................................................41
Cellular .................................................................................................................................41
Fleet Management System Integration ................................................................................41
Chapter 5
Appendix ..................................................................................................................................43
General Specications .........................................................................................................43
Display Messages & Error Codes ........................................................................................44
Device Errors ..................................................................................................................44
Bootloader Messages .....................................................................................................47
Trilithic Broadband Instruments 2-Year Limited Warranty ....................................................49
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Chapter 1
General Information
Helpful Website
The following website contains general information which may be of interest to you:
http://www.trilithic.com
Trilithic’s website contains product specications and information, tips, release information,
marketing information, frequently asked questions (FAQs), bulletins and other technical
information. You can also check this website for product updates.
Where to Get Technical Support
Trilithic technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM EST.
Callers in North America can dial 317-895-3600 or 800-344-2412 (toll free). International
callers should dial 317-895-3600 or fax questions to 317-895-3613. You can also e-mail
technical support at support@trilithic.com.
For quicker support response when calling or sending e-mail, please provide the following
information:
• Your name and your company name
• The technical point of contact (name, phone number, e-mail)
• The rmware & software version numbers for the Seeker, Seeker D, Seeker MCA III
rmware and/or Seeker Setup Software
• The version of Windows you are using (including any Service Packs and patches)
• A detailed description of the problem you are having, including any error or information
messages
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How this Manual is Organized
This manual is divided into the following chapters:
• Chapter 1, “General Information” provides Trilithic contact information and describes
how this operation manual is structured.
• Chapter 2, “Seeker MCA III Introduction” introduces what the Seeker MCA III is and
what it does. This chapter discusses the practical application of the Seeker MCA III.
Finally, this chapter will also explain the connections of the Seeker MCA III.
• Chapter 3, “Seeker MCA III Operation” describes how to use the modes of operation of
the Seeker MCA III.
• Chapter 4, “Data Upload Options” shows the data upload options for the Seeker MCA
III.
• Chapter 5, “Appendix” shows the technical specications of the Seeker MCA III as well
as any error codes that may appear on the display screen of the Seeker MCA III.
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Optional Software
Although the Seeker comes precongured and ready to use from the factory, the following
software is required for advanced conguration of the Seeker MCA III:
• Seeker Setup is used to congure the Seeker MCA III, enabling the operator to
assemble les containing network connection & LAW upload settings. Users can
efciently download congurations to one or more Seeker MCA III units.
The following software is required for leakage data analysis using the Seeker MCA III:
• Leakage Analysis Workshop (LAW) is software that manages the storage and
retrieval of leakage information collected by vehicle mounted Seeker GPS systems.
Installed on a server, it receives leakage data uploads via the Internet/LAN or through
a customer congured Wi-Fi wireless site. Data stored in LAW server may be displayed
on maps or as text, used to generate leakage work orders, or downloaded to other
Trilithic or third-party applications.
Features Not Available During Initial Release
Although the Seeker MCA III includes all necessary hardware for the following features,
they are not available during the initial release of the Seeker MCA III. These features will be
enabled with a future rmware release:
• USB - This port is not used at this time, but will be enabled in the future to allow for
manual leakage data uploads and rmware updates.
• FMI - This port is not used at this time, but will be enabled in the future to allow the use
of GARMIN FMI Enabled Portable Navigation Devices (PND).
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Conventions Used in this Manual
This manual has several standardized conventions for presenting information:
• Connections, menus, menu options, and user-entered text and commands appear in
bold.
• Section names, web, and e-mail addresses appear in italics.
A NOTE is information that will be of assistance to you related
to the current step or procedure.
A CAUTION alerts you to any condition that could cause a
mechanical failure or potential loss of data.
A WARNING alerts you to any condition that could cause
personal injury.
Precautions
Do not use the Seeker MCA III in any manner not
recommended by the manufacturer
The Seeker MCA III can only be used with the Trilithic
approved 2.4 & 5 GHz Wi-Fi Antenna (P/N 2071677004) that is
supplied with the Seeker MCA III.
Use only the Seeker MCA III to Mobile Mount Power and Data
Cable supplied with the Seeker MCA III.
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Chapter 2
Seeker MCA III Introduction
This chapter:
• Describes the purpose of the Seeker MCA III
• Lists the equipment supplied with the Seeker MCA III
• Gives a guided tour of the Seeker MCA III
What is Seeker GPS?
The Seeker GPS system provides a cost-effective way to equip each vehicle in a eet with
GPS-based reporting capabilities. The Seeker GPS system consists of the standard Seeker
or Seeker D, a Seeker MCA III, and a GPS receiver. The Seeker MCA III module includes a
standard Wi-Fi communications module for the wireless upload of data to the Leakage Analysis
Workshop (LAW).
Equipment Supplied with Your Seeker MCA III
The Seeker MCA III includes the following:
• P/N 2011690000 – Seeker MCA III with Wi-Fi
• P/N 2071585029 – Seeker MCA III to Mobile Mount Power and Data Cable
• P/N 2071677004 – Remote Wi-Fi Antenna
• P/N 2072213010 – CAT5e Ethernet Patch Cable - 10 Foot (Quad-Shielded)
• P/N 0500994002 – Mounting Screws (x2)
Accessories for Your Seeker MCA III
The following accessories are available for the Seeker MCA III:
• P/N 2071707004 – GPS Receiver for Seeker MCA III
• P/N 2011222000 – Seeker Approved A/B/G/N Wi-Fi Access Point
• P/N 2071585026 – Seeker MCA III Garmin Cable (FMI-15)
• P/N 2071585030 – Seeker MCA III to Wireless Matrix or SageQuest Data Cable
• P/N 2071585006 – Serial Data Cable - 10 Foot
• P/N 2072195002 – Cellular antenna (international penta-band)
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Device Overview
The Seeker MCA III is used to store leakage data collected from the Seeker or Seeker D and
to upload the same leakage data directly to a PC or to the LAW server.
Changes to the devices not expressly approved by Trilithic,
Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Front View
Display Screen
The LCD is used to display the setup and operation
status of the MCA III. The information displayed on this
screen is for reference only, the settings shown here can
be adjusted using Seeker Setup.
Left Side View
USB Connection
The USB connection is used with a USB ash drive for
manual leakage data uploads and rmware updates
The USB Connection is not enabled at this time, but will be
enabled by a future rmware release.
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Rear View
21 3 4
1. Cellular Antenna Connection – This connection is used to connect an optional
cellular antenna in order to transmit leakage records to a LAW server.
2. Mobile Mount Serial Data Connection – This connection is used with the MCA III
serial cable to connect the Seeker or Seeker D Mobile Mount to the MCA III. Also,
power is supplied to the MCA III through this connection from the Mobile Mount.
3. GPS Serial Data Connection – This connection is used to connect to a serial (RS-
232) enabled GPS receiver.
5
6
7
4. Fleet Management Interface Connection – This connection is used to interface with
your GARMIN FMI enabled Portable Navigation Device (PND).
The FMI Connection is not enabled at this time, but will be
enabled by a future rmware release.
5. Ethernet Connection – This connection is used to connect to a LAN network in order
to upload leakage records to a LAW server or program the device with the Seeker
Setup application.
6. Wi-Fi Antenna Connection – This connection is used to connect a Wi-Fi antenna in
order to transmit leakage records to a LAW server.
7. Select Button – Single click this button to scroll through the device status menus and
double click this button to enter a specic status menu.
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Assembly of Seeker Mobile Mount & MCA III
The following steps provide detailed instructions on how to install the Seeker MCA III onto the
bottom of the Seeker or Seeker D Mobile Mount. Note that the Seeker Mobile mount is shown
for display purposes only, this procedure will also work with the Seeker D Mobile Mount in the
same way.
1. Remove the two 1/4” Screws (1) from the bottom of the Mobile
Mount (2) that are closest to the front mobile mount as shown to the
right. Discard these screws, they are no longer needed.
2. Align the ridges on the top of the Seeker MCA
III (3) with the slots in the bottom of the mobile
mount (2) and then place the bottom of the
Seeker MCA III against the bottom of the mobile
mount as shown to the right.
3. Slide the Seeker MCA III (3) forward until the Alignment
Tab (4) comes into contact with the back side of the
mobile mount (2) as shown to the right.
4. Insert and tighten the two 1-1/4” Screws (included) into the
mounting holes (5) on the bottom of the Seeker MCA III as shown
to the right. To prevent damage to the Seeker MCA III housing,
take care not to over tighten the screws.
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Installation of the Seeker MCA III
The following steps provide detailed instructions on how to install the Seeker MCA III in your
vehicle.
Before installation, install the Seeker or Seeker D Mobile
Mount in the vehicle as shown in the Seeker or Seeker D
Operation Manuals.
Before installation, congure the Seeker or Seeker D and MCA
III as shown in the Seeker Setup Software Operation Manual.
1. Connect the Seeker or Seeker D Mobile Mount to the Seeker MCA III using the serial
data cable.
Seeker Mobile Mount and MCA III
Rear View
When using the MCA III with the Seeker D Mobile Mount, be
sure to connect the serial data cable to the serial port labeled
MCA on the back of the Seeker D Mobile Mount.
Seeker D Mobile Mount and MCA III
Rear View
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