User's Manual

05-6301A01, Rev. 01 MDS Mercury Series Quick Start Guide 3
At All Units...
Observe the transceiver’s LED panel for the proper indications
(see Table 1). In a normally operating system, the radio will typi-
cally become associated in about two minutes from start-up.
At the Base Station...
a. If the BS is the first unit you are installing, send a PING
command to it through the LAN port. This verifies basic
LAN connectivity.
b. If you have already installed an SU, try sending a PING to
that unit through the Menu System PING utility or a
device connected to the unit on the same subnet.
At Subscriber Units...
a. Look for the LINK LED to illuminate and stay on. This indi-
cates the unit has successfully associated with the net-
work’s Base Station. (May take up to 30 seconds.)
b. View the Starting Information screen for the Device Sta-
tus and Connection Status). It will show one of these:
Initializing—This is the first phase after boot-up.
Scanning—The unit is looking for a BS beacon signal.
Ranging—Unit is adjusting power, timing, & frequency with a BS.
Authenticating—(When Device Authentication is used.) The SU
is authenticating to the network to obtain clearance.
Associated —The unit has successfully synchronized and associ-
ated with a BS. This is the normal state of the radio.
Alarmed—The unit has detected one or more uncleared alarms.
c. When the network is operating properly based on obser-
vation of the unit’s LEDs, connect a computer to the trans-
ceiver’s data port that will be used by the local terminal
equipment. Send the PING command to verify communi-
cations integrity with the BS.
d. After the PING is successful, connect the terminal equip-
ment to the radio’s data port and verify normal operation.
If above checks are OK, you are finished with the installation at this
site.
2.2 ANTENNA AIMING
Directional antennas usually require some fine-tuning of their
bearing to optimize the received signal strength. The SU has a
built-in received signal strength indicator (RSSI) that can be used
to optimize the received signal level. It is available under the Per-
formance Information menu.
In general, signal levels stronger than –80 dBm will provide reliable
communication in the network. RSSI measurements and Wireless
Packet Statistics are based on multiple samples over a period of
several seconds. The average of these measurements is dis-
played by the RSSI screen. Follow the steps below to aim the
antenna for best received signal level.
2.2.1 Procedure
1. Verify the SU is associated with a Base Station unit by
observing the LINK LED. It should be on or blinking.
2. a) View and record the Wireless Packets Dropped and
Received Error rates (Main Menu>Performance Informa-
tion>Packet Statistics). This information will be used later.
b) Read the RSSI level at the Subscriber Unit (Main
Menu>Performance Information>Internal Radio Status).
3. Optimize RSSI by slowly adjusting the direction of the
antenna. Watch the RSSI indication for several seconds after
making each adjustment so that the RSSI accurately reflects
any change in the link signal strength. The less negative the
dBm number, the stronger the signal.
4. View the Wireless Packets Dropped and Received Error
rates at the point of maximum RSSI level (Main Menu>Per-
formance Information>Packet Statistics). They should be
the same or lower than previously noted.
If the RSSI peak results in an increase in the Packets
Dropped and Received Error numbers, the antenna may be
aimed at an undesired signal. Try a different antenna heading.
2.3 TROUBLESHOOTING
It is best to begin troubleshooting at the BS, as the rest of the
system depends on it for network synchronization and configura-
tion. If the BS has problems, the operation of the entire network will
be affected.
All radios in the network must meet these basic requirements:
• Adequate and stable primary power
• An efficient and properly aligned antenna system
• Secure connections (RF, data & power)
• Proper programming of the unit’s operating parameters,
especially Frequency Selection and IP Address
• The correct interface between the radio and the connected
data equipment (proper cable wiring, data format and timing)
A chart of LED functions is provided on Page 4 of these instruc-
tions. Refer to the Technical Manual for suggestions on resolving
common system difficulties using the radio’s LEDs and Menu
system as a guide.
If problems cannot be resolved using the guidance provided here,
review the GE MDS website’s technical support area for recent
software/firmware updates, general troubleshooting help, and ser-
vice information. Additional help is also available from our Tech-
nical Services Department.
2.3.1 Resetting to Factory Defaults
In trouble cases where several menu parameters have been
changed and there is no track of changes, it may help to return the
unit to a known, factory default state. Configuration can then be
attempted again. Use this function with care, as all user-custom-
ized settings will be cleared.
To reset to factory defaults, select Maintenance/Tools>Reset to
Factory Defaults.
2.4 APPROVAL INFORMATION
2.4.1 FCC Part 15 Notice
The transceiver series complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules for a Class A digital
device. Operation 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. Any unauthorized modifi-
cation or changes to this device without the express approval of GE MDS may void
the user’s authority to operate this device. Furthermore, the Mercury Series is
intended to be used only when installed in accordance with the instructions outlined
in this guide. Failure to comply with these instructions may void the user’s authority to
operate the device.
2.4.2 Industry Canada Notice
Industry Canada rules (SRSP 301.7) require that the power to the antenna on an
1800-1830 MHz installation shall not exceed 2 watts in any 1 MHz channel bandwidth.
2.4.3 RF Exposure Notices (English and French)
1800 MHz Models
Professional installation required. The radio equipment described in this guide
emits radio frequency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated
energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to
come closer than 0.4 meters (15 inches) to the antenna when the transmitter is oper-
ating in indoor or outdoor environments. More information on RF exposure is available
on the Internet at www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.
3650 MHz Models
Professional installation required. The transceiver described here emits radio fre-
quency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a direc-
tional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to come closer than 25
cm (9.8 inches) to the antenna when the transmitter is operating. This calculation is
based on an 18 dBi panel antenna. Additional information on RF exposure is available
on the Internet at www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.
Co-location Requirements: To meet FCC co-location requirements for transmitting
antennas, a 20 cm (7.87 inch) separation distance is required between the unit’s Wi-Fi
and fundamental antennas.