All information and statements contained herein are accurate to the best of Westell Technologies knowledge. Westell
makes no warranty with respect there to, including without limitation any results that may be obtained from the
products described herein or the infringement by such products of any property rights of any persons. Use or
application of such information or statements is at the users’ sole risk, without any liability on the part of Westell.
Nothing herein shall be construed as license or recommendation for use, which infringes upon any propriety rights
of any person. Product material and specifications are subject to change without notice. Westell standard terms of
sale and the specific terms of any particular sale apply.
Acronyms and Abbreviations ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Copyright and Trademark Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................... 9
1 General Information ............................................................................................................................................... 10
1.1 Document Purpose and Intended Users ................................................................................................................................. 10
1.3.1 Important Safety Information ................................................................................................................................................ 12
1.4 FCC Part 90 Signal Boosters ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Product Information ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
2.2 Product Features .............................................................................................................................................................................. 13
2.3 Included Accessories ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Power Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16
3.6 Alarm Status ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.4 Mounting the Repeater ................................................................................................................................................................. 23
5.5 Verifying the Physical System Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 24
5.6 Controlling the Repeater ............................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.7 Connecting to the Alarm Relay Panel ...................................................................................................................................... 25
5.8 Connecting the Power Cable ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.1 Upgrading the Firmware ............................................................................................................................................................... 44
7 System Operation ................................................................................................................................................... 29
7.1 Operating the Program ................................................................................................................................................................. 29
7.2 Status .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
7.3 Control .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Appendix A Important Product Information....................................................................................................... 48
A.1 Registration Number ...................................................................................................................................................................... 48
A.2 Internal Power Supply .................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Appendix B Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................... 49
Figure 5-5: Alarm Relay 9 Position D-Sub Connector ............................................................................................................................ 25
Figure 5-6: Alarm Relay Cable Connected to Repeater ......................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 5-7: Remove the Power Connector Cap ........................................................................................................................................ 27
Figure 5-9: Power Cable Connected to Repeater .................................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 5-10: Power Cable Connected to Repeater .................................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 6-2: Navigate to the destination directory ................................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 6-3: Click Next to Begin Installation ................................................................................................................................................ 42
Figure 6-7: Navigate to the New Software BIN File ................................................................................................................................ 45
Figure 6-8: Firmware Version Check ............................................................................................................................................................. 45
Figure 6-11: Verify New Software Version .................................................................................................................................................. 47
Figure 7-1: IP Settings......................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 7-2: Run the Software ........................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 7-3: Status Page (after clicking connect) ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 7-4: Status Mode Page ......................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 7-5: Control Mode Page ...................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Purpose
Scope
Audience
Document Organization
References
Document Conventions
Safety Notices
Technical Support
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Copyright and Trademark Acknowledgements
Purpose
This manual contains information and procedures for the operation of the Westell PS51080 Public Safety Repeater.
Changes that occur after the publishing date may be incorporated by a complete manual revision or as additions.
Scope
Reference this manual when there is a need to add enhanced signal capability to a new or existing system, to monitor
a system, make maintenance adjustments, or address alarms.
Audience
This manual is intended for installers and users who are familiar with similar types of equipment.
specifications. Also provides information about GUI items, alarm status and alarm relay.
Chapter 4: Product Appearance – Provides physical specifications, photographs and information about
the external and internal repeater configuration.
Chapter 5: Installation Guidelines – Lists guidelines for installing the repeater and antennas.
Chapter 6: Software Installation – Outlines the steps required to install the software.
Chapter 7: System Operation – Describes product operation, including how to open the communication
port and describes the functions in the Status and Control pages.
Appendix A: Important Product Information – Provides the product registration number and internal
power supply information.
Appendix B: Acronyms and Abbreviations – A table of acronyms and abbreviations and definitions for
Description of an imminent hazard that, if not avoided, may result in severe personal
injury or death. Before you work on equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with
electrical and RF circuitry and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents.
WARNING!
Description of an imminent hazard that, if not avoided, may result in personal injury or
serious equipment damage.
CAUTION
Description of a conditions or practice that could cause damage to equipment or
property. Communicates information that is crucial to preventing loss of data or damage
to hardware or software, and actions that could result in equipment failure.
IMPORTANT
Additional important information that the user must be aware of, but is not related to a
hazard.
NOTE
Additional information that is beneficial for the user to know, but is not related to a
hazard.
Bold
Bold text indicates an action or provides emphasis.
Click
Instructs the user to press the primary (typically left) mouse button while the pointer is
over the specified location.
Right-click
Instructs the user to press the secondary (typically right) mouse button while the pointer
is over the specified location.
Double-click
Instructs the user to press the primary (typically left) mouse button twice, rapidly, while the
pointer is over the specified location.
Select
Instructs the user to perform a selection on the screen by clicking an active object.
Enter
Instructs the user to type text using the keyboard.
>
Indicates a level in a menu. For example, Start>Programs prompts the user to click on
Start, then locate and click Programs under the Start menu.
FCC Part 90
Document Conventions
Table P-1 lists the conventions used throughout this document.
This general safety information applies to both operating and service personnel. Specific warnings and cautions are
located in other parts of this manual where they apply and may not appear in this summary. Failure to comply with
these precautions or specific warnings elsewhere in the manual violates the safety standards of design, manufacture,
and intended use of equipment.
Westell assumes no liability for the customer’s or user’s failure to comply with these requirements:
Explosive atmospheres - To avoid explosion or fire, do not operate this product in the presence of
flammable gases or fumes.
Lightning danger - Do not install or make adjustments to this unit during an electrical storm.
WARNING!
Changes and Modifications not expressly approved by Westell can void your
authority to operate this equipment under Federal Communications Commission’s
rules.
Technical Support
If you suspect a malfunction with this product or have a technical question, call your dealer or the Westell Support
Line at: (603) 626-6677, Toll Free (USA) 1-877-844-4274, press option 2, and then option 1. Westell Support can also
be reached via email at IBWsupport@westell.com.
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Refer to Appendix B for definitions of the acronyms and abbreviations used in this manual.
Copyright and Trademark Acknowledgements
The following products are referred to in this manual:
is a registered trademark of Westell Technologies, Inc.
The purpose of this document is to provide a step-by-step procedure to help experienced technicians or engineers
install and commission an in-building wireless enhancement system using Westell’s PS51080 Public Safety Repeater.
Follow the instructions in this guide to minimize risks associated with modifying a live system and preclude service
interruptions. This document assumes the technician or engineer understands the basic principles and functionality
involved with repeater and in-building systems. This guide has been written to address the practical concerns of the
installer.
1.2 Application
Use this guide whenever there is a need to add enhanced signal capability to an existing system or when a repeater
is included in a new installation.
1.2.1 Product Registration Information
The serial number is located on the label on the panel near the power connectors. Record this number in Figure 1-1.
Retain this manual, along with proof of purchase, to serve as a permanent record of your purchase.
The general safety information in this guideline applies to both operating and service personnel. Specific warnings
and cautions are located in the applicable manual sections, but may not appear in this summary. Failure to comply
with these precautions or specific warnings elsewhere in the manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture,
and intended use of equipment. Westell assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these
requirements:
Grounding: This repeater is designed to operate at 110VAC @ 0.5A maximum current and must always be operated
with the ground wire properly connected.
Explosive atmospheres: To avoid explosion or fire, do not operate this product in the presence of flammable gases
or fumes.
Lightning danger: Do not install or adjust this unit during an electrical storm.
No user-serviceable parts are inside the unit. Hazardous voltages are present when the cover is removed. Opening
the chassis will void your warranty. If you suspect a malfunction with this product, call your dealer or Westell’s technical
support line at 1.877.844.4274.
Turn the repeater power off when connecting or disconnecting cables.
Antennas used for the purpose of radiating signals indoors are limited to a maximum gain of 3 dBi. The outdoor
antenna used for the purpose of communicating to the wireless infrastructure is limited to 14 dBi gain, or any
combination of gain and loss that equals 14 dB at input. Each antenna must be positioned to observe minimum
separation requirements from all users and bystanders
.
The following guidelines must be used when considering separation distances:
Indoor antennas
must be placed so that under normal conditions, personnel cannot come within 20 cm (~8
in) of any inside antenna. Adhering to this minimum separation will ensure that the employee or bystander
cannot exceed RF exposures beyond the maximum permissible limit as defined by FCC Regulations section
1.1310 Limits for general population/uncontrolled exposure.
Outdoor antenna must be positioned so that under normal conditions
than 120 cm (~4 ft.). A directional antenna having a maximum gain of 14 dBi is used, and precautions
should be taken to prevent personnel from routinely passing through the main radiation beam at a distance
closer than specified.
1.4 FCC Part 90 Signal Boosters
WARNING!
THIS IS A 90.219 CLASS B DEVICE
This is not a consumer device. It is designed for installation by FCC licensees and
qualified installers. You must have an FCC license or express consent of an FCC
Licensee to operate this device. You must register class B signal boosters (as defined
in 47 CFR 90.219) online at www.fcc.gov/signal-boosters/registration. Unauthorized
use may result in significant forfeiture penalties, including penalties in excess of
$100,000 for each continuing violation.
The PS51080 repeater was developed for use in enclosed structures where signals from local public safety towers to
operate mobile units is poor or unavailable. Adequate signal strength must be available outside the structure as a
prerequisite to achieving in-building coverage. The device is connected to an external antenna, normally located on
a roof, and to one or more internal antennas placed strategically throughout the area where wireless service is desired.
The external antenna is typically directional, such as a Yagi antenna. Internal antennas are typically omnidirectional,
although various other types may be used, depending on the coverage application. The repeater amplifies both the
uplink (mobile to base) and downlink (base to mobile) signals, thus facilitating communications to and from the
intended wireless infrastructure.
With a maximum total of 80 dB nominal gain on both the uplink and downlink, gain can be adjusted over a range
from 50 dB to 80 dB in 1 dB steps.
The repeater is controlled using a computer connected to the 8P8C/RJ45 Female Network Connector labeled ‘GUI’.
There are also LED indicators to indicate alarm status, OSC and power. Refer to Figure 4-1.
2.2 Product Features
Easy installation
Light and small
One body type
Control using a Windows-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) and accessed by connecting a laptop or
desktop computer to the 8P8C/RJ45 Female Network Connector labeled ‘GUI’
User gain control
Automatic level control
Automatic shutdown function
Oscillation protection
Overdrive protection
Under/over voltage protection
Fault protection
Alarm notification
External interfaces – serial
Persistent status and error information
Table 2-1 contains the items that are shipped with the PS51080 Public Safety Repeater.
Table 2-1: Included Accessories
2.4 Optional Accessories
A complete line of accessories is available from Westell. Check with your Westell distributor for any additional items
needed. Some products that are suitable for most in-building needs are listed in Table 2-2.