Australian Office United States OfficePO Box 1037 6900 Philips Highway, Suite #26-27
OPDC WA 6916 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216
AUSTRALIA UNITED STATES
Phone +61 8 9244 5550 Phone +1 904 281 0073
Fax +61 8 9244 5559 Fax +1 904 281 0074
Email sales@commtechwireless.com
Web www.commtechwireless.com
Email sales@commtechwireless.com
Web www.commtechwireless.com
MAXPage Manual
NOTICE
This manual is copyrighted. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part
without written prior consent of Commtech Wireless.
All information provided in this document is carefully prepared and offered in good faith as a guide in the installation, use and
servicing of our products. Installers must ensure that the final installation operates satisfactorily within the relevant regulatory
requirements. Commtech Wireless accepts no responsibility for incorrect installation. Commtech Wireless reserves the right
to change products, specifications, and installation data at any time, without notice.
Commtech Wireless makes certain limited warranties with respect to defective diskettes, documentation and electronic
circuitry. Please see the associated information contained on this page.
SOFTWARE LICENSE STATEMENT
The MAXPage firmware and Windows® software is protected by international copyright laws. Under the copyright laws, this
manual may not be copied, in whole or in part without written prior consent of Commtech Wireless.
LIMITED WARRANTY
With respect to the physical documentation and physical electronic circuitry enclosed herein, Commtech Wireless warrants the
same to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. In the event of
notification within the warranty period of defects in material or workmanship, Commtech Wireless will replace the defective
diskettes, documentation and electronic circuitry. The remedy for breach of this warranty shall be limited to replacement and
shall not encompass any other damages, including but not limited to loss of profit, and specia l, incidental, consequential, or
other similar claims.
Commtech Wireless specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to defects in the documentation and electronic
circuitry, and the program license granted herein, in particular, and without limiting operation of the program license with
respect to any particular application, use, or purpose.
SAA (C-TICK AUSTRALIA)
To ensure compliance with ACA Technical Standards, this equipment is labeled with a Telecommunications Compliance
Label. For safety reasons, this equipment should only be connected to compliant telecommunications equipment in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
FCC PART 15
Where applicable, this equipment has been tested and found to comply with FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 15 with the
limits of a Class B digital device, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause interference harmful to radio communications. On the base of the equipment is a label containing an FCC Registration
Number, if applicable.
FCC PART 68 & IC (INDUSTRY CANADA)
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. Located on the equipment is a label that contains, among other
information, the FCC registration number and ringer equivalence number (REN.) If requested, this information must be
provided to the telephone company.
The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which may be connected to the telephone line. Excessive REN’s on the
telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most, but not all areas, the sum of the
REN’s should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to the line, as determined
by the total REN’s contact the telephone company to determine the maximum REN for the calling area.
This equipment cannot be used on the telephone company-provided coin service. Connection to Party Line Service is subject
to State Tariffs.
If this equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary
discontinuance of service may be required. If advance notice isn’t practical, the telephone company will notify the customer as
soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right the file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the
operation of the equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will provide advance notice in order for you to make the
necessary modifications in order to maintain uninterrupted service.
If trouble is experienced with this equipment, please contact:
Company Name: Commtech Wireless
Address: 6900 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville Florida 32217, USA
TEL: +1 904 281 0073 FAX: +1 904 281 0074
If the trouble is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may request you to remove the equipment
from the network until the problem is resolved.
This equipment uses the following USOC jacks: RJ11C
It is recommended that the customer install an AC surge arrester in the AC outlet to which this device is connected. This is to
avoid damaging the equipment caused by local lightening strikes and other electrical surges.
1.1 About MAXPage........................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Features ......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Further Help and Support........................................................................................................... 8
1.4 About This Manual....................................................................................................................... 8
MAXPage is an advanced, competitively priced, alpha-numeric paging system that uses the
POCSAG protocol. It features a high impact ABS plastic molded enclosure to ensure longterm durability. Its modern looking design also looks great on any desk.
MAXPage is a complete, ready to use package, which is easy to install and operate. One of
MAXPage’s primary advantages is that it incorporates a powerful 4 Watt transmitter,
meaning it can provide coverage for small to medium sized sites.
The keyboard and LCD provide an interface that allows you to type and send messages,
maintain a pager database, program MAXPage and perform system tests such as a site
survey. The LCD is large, making it easy to read. Both the keypad and LCD are LED backlit
to make it easy to see and use in dark areas. A PS2 keyboard can be connected into the rear of
the unit so that alphanumeric characters can be typed in.
Easy Messaging
Messages are sent to on-site pagers by entering the Local ID number of the pager, typing in
the message and pressing the
key to send the message.
For tone only pagers, simply type in the Pager ID , and press the
A number of function keys are available which enable the user to send canned messages to
commonly used recipients with just the push of a button.
On-Site Paging
MAXPage uses an internal 4 watt transmitter to send instant messages free of charge
Which makes it the ideal system for any company desiring to contact mobile staff without
amassing a huge, ongoing communications bill. There are no monthly access fees or per-call
charges with MAXPage.
The transmitter within MAXPage will provide coverage for a small – medium premises such
as a hotel or hospital.
Businesses that benefit from MAXPage include hotels, motels, schools, churches, retail
outlets, health care facilities, manufacturing plants and mine sites.
User Programmable
MAXPage can store in its EEPROM up to 1000 user programmable pager entries using a
local ID of 0 - 9999.
Each entry holds the Local ID number of the pager, the format of the paging message
(Coaster Pager /Alpha/Numeric/Tone only) and the cap code of the pager.
Alarm Monitoring
MAXPage has an optional 4 alarm inputs on board. These alarm inputs can be triggered by
opening or closing a circuit. (such as by opening or closing a door)
Each alarm input may be configured to send a specific message to a selected pager or group.
Alarm messages are broadcast the instant an alarm becomes active or after a programmable
delay time. An alarm may also escalate to another recipient if alarm conditions are not
cleared within an acceptable amount of time.
1
Note: Some countries require annual radio licenses
MAXPage has a built in RS232 serial port that is used for programming of the unit or as an
optional TAP/COMP/SCOPE interface that can process paging messages from other systems.
Paging messages received by MAXPage are automatically forwarded to the appropriate onsite pager.
TAP, the most commonly used protocol for communicating paging messages, is sometimes
known as PET or IXO. COMP is an umbrella term that encompasses the COMP1 and
COMP2 protocols.
Telephony Interface
An optional Telephone interface is built into MAXPage allows you to send messages from
any phone on your Telephone network, or any phone on a PSTN that can access your system.
You dial the extension on your PBX or phone number allotted to the MAXPage, then follow
the voice prompts to send numeric and even alphanumeric text messages to any device
registered on the MAXPage database.
Calls made from PBX phones are free, so it is convenient and economical to use the
Telephone interface.
1.3 Further Help and Support
Contact your Place of Purchase
A CommtechWireless Authorized Distributor or Dealer sets up most systems. Contact your
place of purchase with inquiries beyond the scope of this manual.
This Product is Not Field Serviceable
Should a fault develop with the hardware or software, contact your place of purchase for the
most appropriate form of action. Do not attempt to open or repair any of the products as this
may void any warranty.
1.4 About This Manual
This manual is designed to assist electrical and electronic contractors install MAXPage as
well as to give users an understanding of how to use the unit. Every component of the system
is described in a separate section of the manual with step-by-step instructions to facilitate
hardware installation, software configuration, testing and troubleshooting.
Technical terms are defined in a glossary located in the appendix at the end of this manual.
Conventions used in the layout of this manual include:
Cross-references between sections of the manual appear in italics.
NOTE: A note preceded with this symbol indicates secondary information pertaining
to the topic under discussion.
Æ IMPORTANT: A Right-pointing arrow followed by text in this manner presents
important information.
▲ WARNING: Warnings like this alert you to the fact that you might damage your
equipment or lose data if you don't follow instructions carefully.
The top panel of MAXPage features a 19 key keypad including several useful function keys.
The keypad is LED backlit so that it can be easily seen in dark areas.
LCD
The LCD provides an interface to the software on board MAXPage. It displays 2 lines by 16
alphanumeric characters. It is also LED backlit for easy night viewing.
LED Status Lights
The LED lights on the front panel indicate the status of the MAXPage unit as follows:
Light Label ColorIndicates
Power Red The MAXPage is receiving power and is on.
z
Transmit Green The MAXPage is transmitting a message.
z
PBX Green The MAXPage Telephone interface is currently active.
z
NOTE: LED lights used for optional components and external connections will not be
All connectors for MAXPage are on the rear panel of the unit.
BNC Transmitter Connector
The whip antenna included with the MAXPage package connects to the internal transmitter
via this 50Ω BNC connector.
Power Switch
Power can be turned on and off to the unit using this switch.
12-13.8V DC Power Connector
The power adapter included with the MAXPage package supplies mains power to the unit via
this 12-13.8VDC connector. MAXPage requires a regulated 12-13.8VDC power supply,
capable of providing 2 Amps.
MAXPage contains (optional) support for a PS2 keyboard. This enables alphanumeric
messages to be typed into the unit.
Alarms Input
Wires connecting (optional) alarm points to MAXPage, interface through this socket. It is an
RJ45 connector.
9-Pin RS232 Connector
The 9-pin RS232 connector may be used to connect MAXPage to (optional) communications
systems outputting TAP, COMP or SCOPE messages. It is also used to connect to an IBM
PC, in conjunction with the Windows® MAXPage programming software, for settings
adjustment and programming of the unit. It is a DB9 female connector.
PBX Interface
The (optional) Telephone (PBX) interface is used to connect the device to your PBX system
or phone system. Numeric and alphanumeric messages can be sent by following the voice
prompts and using the telephone keypad on the telephone.
Æ IMPORTANT: The following components are optional and will not be available
unless the appropriate license option has been purchased. Contact your place of
purchase for information on how to enable these components if required.
PS2 Keyboard
To connect the PS2 keyboard, plug in the PS2 keyboard connector into the connector
labeled PS2 Keyboard. Alphanumeric input can then be achieved.
Alarm Inputs
To connect alarm inputs into MAXPage you will need an RJ45 connector, some CAT5
cable and the appropriate crimping tool. Alternatively, if you do not have a crimper,
you can use or buy a pre-made RJ45-RJ45 cable from any computer or electronics
store and cut one of the ends off if necessary.
The pin-outs for the RJ45 connector are shown below. Each alarm input is a contactclosure type, meaning the alarm input is triggered by opening or closing the circuit.
▲ WARNING: The four alarm inputs are not isolated from each other - pins 2, 4, 6 and
8 are connected to each other and share a common ground.
To interface the MAXPage with a third party paging system that is outputting the
TAP, COMP or SCOPE protocols, use the female DB9 on the rear of the MAXPage
unit.
1. The pin-outs for this serial connector on MAXPage are shown below:
Abbreviation Signal DB9 Female
TXD Transmit data 2
RXD Receive data 3
GND Ground 5
RTS Request to send 7
CTS Clear to send 8
Front View
2. When connecting the device to an IBM PC with the MAXPage Windows® software
installed, a straight through cable is used. See the Windows® MAXPage Software section
for more information regarding this.
3. Depending on the type of third party paging system you are connecting to you may need
either :
• A straight through cable where each pin is wired straight through with TX-TX,
RX-RX and so on.
• A null modem crossover cable that has all pins wired straight through except for
the transmit and receive lines which are crossed (TX-RX and RX-TX).
The section below explains how to make each type of cable if required. Alternatively they
can be purchased at a local computer or electronics store.
When making a straight through cable, you will need some shielded cable with the
appropriate number of conductors within, a DB9 male plug (for the MAXPage end) and
either a DB9/DB25 male/female for the other end, depending on the equipment it is being
connected too.
The table below shows the pin-outs required for correct operation.
When making a null modem cable, you will need some appropriate cable, a DB25 female
plug (for the MAXPage end) and either a DB9 female or DB25 female for the other end,
depending on the equipment it is being connected too. The table below shows the pin-outs
required for correct operation.
If you wish to use the Telephone interface (a.k.a. PBX interface), run a cable from a spare
PBX extension or phone line to the connector shown in the diagram below. Make note of the
extension or phone number MAXPage is connected to. The customers will need to be told
which extension or phone number to dial in order to reach the unit.
3.3 Interference to Telephones, PBXs’ and other electronic equipment
The transmitter in MAXPage has a significant power output and when transmitting it may
cause interference to other electronic equipment.
For Audio equipment such as Wired Telephones, Cordless Telephones, Private Branch
Exchange (PBX) systems, Audio / Visual entertainment systems and Radio Communications
equipment, the interference may cause the following:
• An increase in the level of background noise whilst the MAXPage is transmitting
• Loss of Audio whilst the MAXPage is transmitting
In general, all electronic equipment may exhibit the following behaviour if subjected to
interference.
• Temporary aberrations in operation, e.g. screen flicker.
• Malfunctions requiring the user to switch off and on the equipment to recover.
• Malfunctions requiring the equipment to be serviced.
The following rules apply to the installation of MAXPage in order to address interference
1. Keep other equipment and their power supplies at least 1 meter away from the
The keypad and LCD on MAXPage are used to send messages and configure the pager
database.
Navigation
Navigation through the various menus and fields is done using either the built in keypad or an
(optional) PS2 keyboard plugged into the external PS2 port.
Key Description
These keys are used to move the cursor to the previous/next field. In fields
that allow text input, you can hold down these buttons to insert a square
bracket character.
This key is used to delete the characters in a field one at a time. It is also
used to go back to the previous field or menu screen in the menu structure.
This key is used to create a space in a field.
This key can be used to enter data into a field and move along to the next
one, or toggle between available options in certain fields.
The function keys are used to send canned messages to predetermined
and then pressing a function key, alternate
recipients. By holding
functions are accessible.
They can also be used as SEND keys in certain instances. This feature is
described in more detail below in the Sending a Message section.
The numeric keypad is used to enter data into fields and type messages.
They are sometimes used to toggle between available options in certain
fields. By holding down these buttons, canned text strings can be inserted
into text fields.
Operation Notes
In certain fields, some keys are unavailable for use. For example: A Pager ID can only consist
of numeric characters so alphanumeric key entry is disabled.
Various Modes
The general operation of MAXPage can be divided into five areas:
• Normal Mode – this is where messages can be manually sent to recipients.
• User Mode – this is where pagers, reminders and the time are configured.
• Config Mode – this is where the pagers, transmitter, telephone interface, alarms and rs232
port is configured.
• License Mode – this is where license keys can be entered to enable optional functions.
• Tools Mode – this is where site survey and bulk install functions are configured.
Each will be described individually in more detail below.
NOTE: The number of digits the Pager ID is made up of, can be altered in the
Windows software and in Config Mode described below. If you enter a Pager ID less
than that number of digits, you will need to press the
next field. When a Pager ID is entered with the same number of digits as the
programmed maximum, MAXPage automatically moves you along to the next field or
sends the message if it is a tone-only type.
or key to move to the
Message:
[ ]
3. If you have entered a Pager ID for a numeric, alphanumeric or voice pager, MAXPage
prompts you for a message to send. Use the keypad to type this in and confirm the
entry with the
key. To clear the screen at any time, use the key.
NOTE: If you have entered a Pager ID for a tone-only pager, you will not be
prompted for a message. The page will be automatically sent and you will return to the
Main Screen.
NOTE: If the button is used to send a message to a POCSAG pager, the message
will be sent with the default beep code setup on the unit. (See the Database Setup section
later on). Alternatively the function keys can be used as SEND buttons at this stage.
Button
force the message to be sent with a beep code “B”. Button
be sent with a beep code “C”. Button
code “D”.
4. Once the details have been entered correctly, the page will be sent, and the LCD will
will force the message to be sent with a beep code “A”. Button will
will force the message to
will force the message to be sent with a beep
confirm this by display Message Sent as shown below:
Message Sent.
5. If the message was sent to a voice pager, the screen will display the following. While
this screen is being displayed, you can speak to the MAXPage unit and any audio will
be transmitted to the relevant voice pager(s).
NOTE: Most voice pagers can only store between 30 – 240 seconds of audio, so it is
best to keep any voice messages as short as possible. See the documentation that came
with your voice pager for more information.
NOTE: It is recommended that you speak in the direction of the MAXPage unit at a
distance of 30 cm (1ft) for optimal performance.
6. MAXPage continuously listens to the radio channel on which it operates, if the
Channel Busy function is enabled. If you attempt to send a message whilst another
transmitter is operating on the same frequency, MAXPage will try and wait until the
other transmission is finished. If the other transmitter finishes transmitting within 3
seconds, the message will be sent off. If the other transmitter does not finish
transmitting on the channel within 3 seconds, the unit will display Channel Busy and
cancel sending the message.
Channel Busy.
4.3 Using the Telephone (PBX) interface
To use MAXPage’s Telephone interface follow the directions below.
1. Pick up the phone and dial the extension that the MAXPage is connected to.
2. After a short pause, you will hear “Enter pager number”
3. Type the Pager ID of the pager or group you wish to contact.
Æ IMPORTANT: If the Pager ID has less characters than the PBX Digits field above,
the Pager ID will have to be typed in with leading zeros. Alternatively, the # key is a
termination key which will enter the Pager ID.
Example if PBX digits is set to 4 and you want to send a message to Pager ID ‘1’ you can
type 0004 or 1 followed by the # key.
4. After the Pager ID has been entered, you will hear “Enter Message”. Using the numeric
keypad on the phone type the message you wish to send.
5. If you want to insert a canned message during a Telephone call, simply press the * key
followed by the number assigned to the canned msg, followed by the # key to end the
message.
NOTE: You can combine canned messages with other numbers. For example you
could have canned message #1 set to “call extension”. When prompted to “Enter
Message” you would type *134#. This would send the message “call extension34”.
Canned msg’s are explained in more detail below in the Canned Msgs section.
To enter User Mode, whilst at the Main Screen, press the
or by pressing F10 on the PS2 keyboard if installed.
, and keys simultaneously
NOTE: If the password feature has been enabled, you will have to enter this in before
proceeding. If no password is set (default) you will be in User Mode.
Æ IMPORTANT: This is the “Admin” password (not set by default)
Once you are in User Mode there will be three menu options:
1.Pagers 2.Time
3.Reminders
4.4.2 Pagers
This section contains options to add, edit or delete pagers and groups from the database.
Pagers
You need to register a pager in the database before you can send any messages. At the User
Mode menu screen, press
to select Pagers. You will then see the screen below
1.Pagers
2.Groups
Then press to select Pagers. You will see the screen below. This is referred to as the
Pagers Menu.
1.Add/Edit Pager
2.Delete Pager
Adding or Editing a Pager
To add or edit a pager, press
a pager that you wish to use and determine its cap code. A cap code is essentially a 7-digit
‘phone number’ for a pager, except that more than one pager can have the same number.
to select Add/Edit Pager when in the Pagers Menu. Locate
NOTE: Pagers supplied by Commtech include an information sheet that identifies
the cap code. Some pagers display their cap code through the menu on the pager.
Contact your service centre for assistance if you are unable to determine your pagers
cap code.
1. The following screen will then be displayed:
ID[ ] [ ]
Capcode[ ]
2. Enter a Pager ID using the keypad in the ID field. Press the key to move along to
the next field if required. If the Pager ID already exists in the database, the details for
that ID will be displayed in the fields. If the Pager ID is not in the database, all fields
will be empty ready for data entry.
NOTE: A Pager ID is a reference number that identifies pager(s) in the database. It
3. The next field requires a paging format to be entered. Press any key on the keypad to
choose between Alpha, Numer, Coast, TwoTn, GrpTn and Tone. This is set depending
on the type of pager that will receive the message. Once you have found the required
option, press the
key to move along to the next field.
NOTE: Alpha = an alphanumeric pocsag pager, Numer = a numeric pocsag pager,
Coast = a pocsag coaster pager, Voice = individual call to a two-tone voice pager, GrpTn
= a group call to a two-tone voice pager.
ID[1 ] [Alpha]
Capcode[ ]
4. The next field along is the Capcode field. Type in the seven digit cap code for the
pager in this field. The
Æ IMPORTANT: If adding a voice pager, the Capcode field is where you enter the
three digit code associated with it. The first digit refers to the Reed Group, the second
refers to the first (A) tone frequency and the third digit refers to the second (B) tone
frequency. Consult the appendix for more information.
key can be pressed to clear this field one character at a time.
NOTE: If you entered a seven-digit cap code, MAXPage will automatically enter and
save the pager entry. If the cap code you typed in was less than seven digits, MAXPage
fills in the number with leading zeros and requires the
the entry. If an invalid cap code has been entered, you will need to change it before you
will be allowed to proceed. The valid cap code range is 0000008 – 2097151.
key to be pressed to confirm
ID[1 ] [Alpha]
Capcode[1234567]
5. The screen will briefly display the words Pager Saved once all fields have been
correctly filled. You will then be returned to the Pager Menu screen where you can
choose to add/edit or delete another pager.
Pager saved
6. To return to Normal Mode, press the key three times to exit out of all menus.
MAXPage will then restart ready for use.
Deleting a Pager
To delete a pager, press
to select Delete Pager at the Pager Menu shown below.
1.Add/Edit Pager
2.Delete Pager
1. Enter the Pager ID of the pager you wish to delete in the ID field followed by the
key. If the pager exists in the database the details will be displayed in the fields on
the screen. If the Pager ID does not exist in the database, a warning message