User Manual

DTC Communications, Inc. Page 6 of 7
The program enables the following functions:
1. Set operational parameters (Confidence interval, DTMF tone, motion sensing, delayed turn-on,
scheduled turn-on, breakwire sense, standby sense)
2. Verify LB-1 programming integrity (checksum)
3. Read and Write configuration
4. Test tone transmission
The program and cradle are used as follows. First, insure that there is a working 9-volt battery in the base
of the cradle. Plug the DB-9 connector into the COM1 port of a PC. Insert a LB-1 beacon into the cradle,
with the contacts down.
The batteries should not be inserted into the LB-1, as it will be powered by
the 9-volt battery in the cradle. If the batteries are already inserted, the unit will not establish
communications with the computer. It will not be damaged either.
The LB-1 will power up and be
ready for communication with the computer. When the program is run, it will establish a connection with
the LB-1 and report on its internal configuration by pressing ‘R’.
DTMF
The purpose of the DTMF tone output is to provide identification of the beacon. A DTMF decoder (i.e.
Metro-Tel Corp, Model TPM32) can be connected to the output of a conventional FM receiver or a tracker
set to the FM mode used to monitor the beacon. All sixteen DTMF tones are available (0-9, *, #, A-D).
Low-battery indication
The low battery indication consists of a unique multi-tone that replaces the DTMF tone every five
confidence tones. This gives an indication that the batteries in the beacon are nearing their end-of-life. The
Low-battery indication is operative in confidence mode as well as alarm mode. After the battery warning
tone is initiated, the remaining battery life is TBD.
Confidence mode
When the STANDBY mode is not asserted, and the BREAKWIRE is intact, the beacon will transmit
confidence multi-tones. These tones insure the operator that the beacon is working, and the batteries have
sufficient life to continue operating. The interval between confidence tones is settable from 4 seconds to 60
seconds. Selecting the interval is a balance between operator expectations and battery life. Obviously, the
longer the confidence tone interval, the greater the battery life. The duration of the confidence tone is fixed
at 300 mS.
Alarm mode
When the BREAKWIRE is triggered (typically when the wire is broken, and the breakwire parameter is set
to normally-closed (NC) mode), the unit will enter alarm mode. A DTMF tone will be transmitted every
second for 500 mS, a 50% duty cycle. This will be an obvious alarm to the operator receiving the signal.
The Alarm mode will only last as long as the BREAKWIRE is triggered. If it is wired to a switch, for
example, the alarm mode will be exited when the switch is returned to normal.
Tracking Mode
The software package may include a Tracking Mode module that allows additional and alternative choices
to the screen shown. These allow the beacon to be configured to work with various tracking receivers. In
the default tracking pulsetrain configuration; four 15 mS long unmodulated pulses, each separated by 15
mS, are produced. This tracking pulse signature is repeated every second for “Motion”, two-seconds for
“Stopped” and four-seconds for “Parked”.