Technical Support The SpotCell 100 serial number must be available to authorize technical support and/or to establish a return authorization for defective units. The serial number is located on the back of the SCU and DDU as well as the box in which they were delivered. Additional support information may be obtained by accessing the SpotwaveWireless Inc. website at www.spotwave.com. To contact support by telephone, call your local Cellular provider, or 1-877-610-9586.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: 1. What is Covered and for How Long? Spotwave Wireless Inc. ("Spotwave") warrants to the original Purchaser that the Spotwave SpotCell System (the "System") is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of 12 months from the date of shipment from Spotwave (the "Limited Warranty Period"). 2. What is not covered? This Limited Warranty is conditioned upon proper use of the System by the Purchaser.
5. This Limited Warranty allocates risk between Purchaser and Spotwave, and the Spotwave System pricing reflects this allocation of risk and the limitations of liability contained in this Limited Warranty. The agents, employees, distributors, dealers or representative of Spotwave are not authorized to make modifications to this Limited Warranty, or make additional warranties binding on Spotwave.
iv SpotCell 100, Release 1.
Table of Contents Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Packing list - SpotCell 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Unpacking and inspecting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Preparing for installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Signal Strength . . . . . . .
Displayed Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 DDU (outward facing unit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 SCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Trouble Shooting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Applications overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Components and Installation . . . . . . . . . .
1 – Introduction 1.1 This manual The content of this manual complements the Quick Install Guide, and provides specific details that may be referred to if necessary during installation of the SpotCell 100™ system. 1.2 About Installation Installation of the SpotCell 100 does not require any specialized technical knowledge in the area of Cellular or RF technologies.
INTRODUCTION The SpotCell 100 system receives signals from one or more celluar base stations and re-transmits the signal to areas where cell phones do not work or work poor ly due to obstructions or the remoteness of the location. Figure 1.1:How SpotCell 100 improves cellular communications 2 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
2 – Getting Started 2.1 Packing list - SpotCell 100 The SpotCell 100 is shipped in a single box containing: Directional Donor Unit (DDU) - this is the outward facing part of the assembly. Subscriber Coverage Unit (SCU) - this is the indoor part of the assembly. Power Adapter - to be plugged into an electrical outlet, and connected to the SCU. Cable - used to connect the SCU and DDU together.
GETTING STARTED DDU TO BE UPDATED SCU Power Adapter Cable Figure 2.1:Components of the SpotCell 100 package 2.2 Unpacking and inspecting Physically inspect the box for shipping damage before unpacking the SpotCell 100. 1. Remove the SpotCell 100 components from the box. 2. Remove all packing material from the Directional Donor Unit (DDU) and the Subscriber Coverage Unit (SCU). Save the packaging in case the SpotCell 100 is ever stored or shipped to SpotWave for service. 3.
2.3 Preparing for installation The following are general considerations and preparations that should be looked at before installing the SpotCell 100. 2.3.5 Signal Strength The SpotCell 100 system brings signals from an area of adequate coverage, to an area with poor or non-existent coverage. It is the DDU which captures a good signal, and the SCU that provides the signal to the area with poor cell phone coverage.
GETTING STARTED 2.3.10 Orientation of DDU relative to SCU If possible face the DDU and SCU in opposite directions, and back to back. While not a requirement, some installations will perform better if the units are positioned in this manner. 2.3.11 Barrier between DDU and SCU The greater the physical obstruction between the DDU and SCU, the better the performance. Dense obstructions such as brick, concrete or metal walls are better than wooden or plaster walls. 6 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
3 – Installation 3.1 Positioning the SpotCell 100 DDU (outward facing unit) Three methods of positioning the DDU (outward facing unit) are outlined on the following pages based on location. Specifically they refer to installing inside buildings, on external walls, and on rooftops. 3.1.1 Installing the DDU indoors 1. Position the DDU (but do not mount it) as close to the final desired mounting location as possible.
INSTALLATION 2. Connect the DDU and SCU with the enclosed RF cable. Note: The SCU does not have to be in its final location while positioning the DDU. During DDU installation, it is usually helpful to have the SCU near the DDU. 3. Connect the power supply wires to the SCU by holding down the blue tab and pushing the positive wire (marked with text) into the positive (+) side of the connector.
6. Rotate the face of the DDU from left to right in front of the window. window Figure 3.2:Rotation of DDU in front of window (overhead view) If not in front of a window, rotate the DDU in a complete circle. Figure 3.3:Complete 360° rotation of DDU (overhead view) 7. As you are rotating, you will notice that the LED on the back of the DDU will light up green, red or amber; this is normal. 8. Again, rotate the DDU left to right, this time stopping your rotation when the LED is green.
INSTALLATION Note: For inside installation it is recommended that various locations within the structure be tested as suitable locations to position the DDU. For each location the DDU is tested and the LED is green, the display on the bottom of the SCU indicates the relative signal strength the DDU is receiving (see figure below). Mount the DDU in the location that has the highest indicated signal level. TO BE UPDATED Figure 3.4:Displayed Signal Strength 9.
3.1.10 Installing the DDU on a roof Note: For optimal performance, the DDU should be installed as high as possible when the installation is in a remote area 1. Go to the roof with the DDU and position it (but do not mount it) as close to its proposed final mounting location as possible. The SCU does not have to be in its final position at this time, but it should not be brought outdoors. 2. Connect the DDU and SCU with the enclosed cable. 3.
INSTALLATION 4. Plug the power adapter into a wall socket. 5. Ensure the switch on the SCU is in the ‘Install’ position. 6. Holding the DDU, rotate it in a full circle. A time of 10 seconds is appropriate to fully complete the rotation. Figure 3.6:DDU complete rotation 7. As you are rotating, you will notice that the LED on the back of the DDU may light up green, red or amber; this is normal. 8.
3.1.10 Installing the DDU on an external wall: Note: For optimal performance, the DDU should be installed as high as possible on the external wall when the installation is in a remote area. 1. Situate, as well as possible, the DDU close to the desired mounting location. The SCU does not have to be in its final position at this time, but it should not be brought outdoors. 2. Connect the DDU and SCU with the enclosed RF cable. 3.
INSTALLATION 4. Plug the power adapter into a wall socket. 5. Ensure the switch on the SCU is in the ‘Install’ position. 6. To align the DDU, rotate the face of the unit from left to right within the constraints allowed by the wall. 7. As you are rotating, you will notice that the LED on the back of the DDU may light up green, red or amber; this is normal. 8.
3.2 Choosing a location for the SpotCell 100 SCU (indoor unit) The SCU should be optimized and mounted, after the DDU has been optimized and mounted. Generally, the SCU should be mounted in a location as far as possible from the DDU, while being within the area to have improved coverage. If mounted on a ceiling, the unit should be downward facing, and in the center of the area requiring cell phone coverage.
INSTALLATION locations, move the SCU to the alternate locations and check the display. Place the SCU in the location showing maximum number of bars (see figure # below showing bars being displayed). In the event the number of bars is not changing, which is very possible, choose a location that is most convenient. TO BE UPDATED Figure 3.10:Displayed Signal Strength 4. Refer to page # for mounting instructions. 16 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
4 – Mounting All components required for mounting on internal/external walls, as well as pipes are included in the mounting kit. 4.1 Running the cable through a wall If it is necessary to run a cable through a wall, use a masonry or wood drill bit to drill a 5/8-inch diameter hole. After passing the cable through, use the putty in the installation kit to fill the hole around the cable. 4.2 Mounting the DDU The DDU has two brackets which can be used for mounting the unit. Figure 4.
MOUNTING 4.2.1 Mounting to a wood structure: If the mounting surface is uneven, use a shim to level to ensure the mounting bracket is vertical. 1. Using the two holes in the second bracket as a guide, drill two 1/8 inch diameter holes approximately 2.5 inches deep. 2. Install the two 1/4 x 2 inch lag bolts (item ##) , leaving the heads protruding enough that the bracket can be slipped over top. 3. Hook the bracket over the screws and tighten in the position required. Figure 4.3: 4.2.
4.2.5 Pipe Mount: Two stainless steel hose clamps are required for mounting the DDU on pipe. 1. Feed the clamps through the bracket attached to the back of the DDU and tighten. Figure 4.4:Pipe mounting the DDU 2. Point the unit as required and tighten the clamps Spotwave Wireless Inc.
MOUNTING 4.2.3 Mounting the SCU The SCU has a bracket attached as illustrated below. The bracket can be rotated to allow mounting to a ceiling or wall such that the face of the unit is parallel to the floor or ceiling, or positioned at approximately 45 degrees. Figure 4.5:Back of the SCU and the mounting bracket. If mounting on a solid wood surface, or stud covered by drywall, drill a 1/8th inch diameter hole and mount with screw ##(of which there are 20).
Spotwave Wireless Inc.
MOUNTING 22 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
5 – Displayed Information 5.1 DDU (outward facing unit) Figure 5.1:DDU LED LED is RED: the DDU is not capturing an adequate enough signal for the system to operate. LED is YELLOW: the captured signal is within range and the system will function, but the DDU is not properly positioned to capture the strongest signal available in its current location. LED is GREEN: after one complete rotation of the DDU this indicates the DDU is optimally positioned in this location. 5.
DISPLAYED INFORMATION 22 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
3 – Trouble Shooting Information 1. Status: The display on the bottom of the SCU dynamically displays information regarding the SpotCell system and environment during installation and operation. Action: Look at the information display to determine if the SpotCell system is indicating a fault. 2. Status: The LED on the DDU is not illuminating during the installation. Action: Ensure the following: The provided white cable is connected to the SCU and DDU. The power supply is connected to the SCU.
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION 4. Status: While optimizing the DDU for installation, you found that the LED turned green in multiple locations, indicating each had appropriate signal strength. How do you determine which location is optimal for the DDU? Action: Look at the signal level indicated on the display on the bottom of the SCU each time the green light appears on the DDU during alignment. Mount the DDU in the location as indicated having the highest signal level.
6. Status: The DDU and SCU installed properly, but your cell phone still does not work. Action: There are two factors that may be affecting coverage as described below: Visually inspect the area around the SCU. Ensure that there are not any large metallic objects directly between the SCU and the area where cell phone coverage is not adequate. Remount the SCU so that it is out in the open.
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION 9. Information: Remote installation SpotCell 100 characteristics. Action: In order for the SpotCell 100 system to function, there are two basic parameters that must be met. The DDU must receive a minimum amount of cellular signal, and a physical environment that blocks cellular signals must be in between the DDU and SCU (i.e. a wall).
11. Information: Proper alignment rotation Action: Make sure the DDU is rotated once completely within the area available for rotation, and then move through the same rotation again. DDU alignment is based on optimizing the direction the DDU is facing after initially establishing the range of signal available by rotating the DDU in a circle.
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION 28 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
Appendix A – Applications overview SpotCell 100 operates in the 800 MHz cellular frequency band and will be installed in a location where a cellular handset has poor or nonexistent coverage. Poor coverage may be a result of signal degradation due to terrain or urban environmental influences such as buildings, tunnels or underground garages. It may also be a result of the user being in a fringe area or outside of the known existing cellular coverage area.
APPLICATIONS OVERVIEW SpotCell 100 is a complete out-of-the-box solution consisting of four physical components: A donor component called a DDU (Directional Donor Unit), which is 14.00 inches (35 centimetres) wide, 10.50 inches (27 centimetres) high and 3.50 inches (9 centimetres) deep. An indoor component called a SCU (Subscriber Coverage Unit), which is 8.25 inches (21 centimetres) wide, 6.50 inches (17 centimetres) high and 2.50 inches (6 centimetres) deep.
To complete an installation, the DDU will typically be installed outdoors, and as high as possible. The SCU will be installed indoors, within the area to be provided with coverage. The power supply will be connected to the SCU, and the coaxial cable will connect the DDU and SCU. Figure 2: Typical building installation Typical installations for building and home/ cottage environments are depicted in Figure 1 and Figure 2. A.
APPLICATIONS OVERVIEW SpotCell 100 operates with the following circuit-switched air interface protocols that are used in the North American (800 MHz) cellular band: AMPS and NAMPS (analog) IS-136 NA TDMA IS-95 CDMA SpotCell 100 uses two units (DDU and SCU), each supporting full duplex communications. The DDU is typically located outdoors, at an elevation higher than the SCU to help reduce the path loss to the base station. The SCU is located indoors in an area requiring improved coverage.
Appendix B – System Specifications B.1 DDU LED signal indications: RED: BS signal too low (< -100 dBmi) YELLOW: BS signal present and within range (between -100 dBmi and -30 dBmi) GREEN: BS signal is at maximum (within range peak to peak-5dB) B.2 Horizontal antenna beam width: B.2.1 SCU Antenna Summary Gain 2.5 dBi Azimuth Beamwidth ±75° F/B 15 dB B.2.2 DDU Antenna Summary Gain 10 dBi Elevation Beamwidth ±32° offset -12° F/B 20 dB B.3 Architecture Tables go here SpotCell 100, Release 1.
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS 32 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
Appendix C – Installation Safety Regarding Hazard of Shock C.1 Lightening (Referenced in "LOCATION FACTOR AND ITS IMPACT ON ANTENNAE SAFETY WITH REFERENCE TO DIRECT LIGHTNING STRIKES. ",by Z. A. Hartono & I. Robiah Lightning Research Sdn. Bhd.,457 Jalan B11, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) To a certain extent, the location of lightening strikes on buildings can be anticipated based on the height and shape of the building.
INSTALLATION SAFETY REGARDING HAZARD OF SHOCK For tall buildings (i.e. above 50m in height), lightening strikes are found mainly on the protruding corners on the flat or slanted roofs instead of the highest points. It has also been observed that the incidence of multiple strikes on the exact same location is more commonly found in tall buildings.
INSTALLATION SAFETY REGARDING HAZARD OF SHOCK A reasonable distance to keep all persons and equipment away from power lines is 20 feet. Many States/Provinces have laws outlining rules and regulations when working near power lines, and you will want to follow their standards if available. · C.3 Grounding ... information to be added here on grounding, next week SpotCell 100, Release 1.
INSTALLATION SAFETY REGARDING HAZARD OF SHOCK 36 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
Glossary Automatic Gain Control AGC A series of actions by which gain is automatically adjusted in a detailed manner as a function of a specified parameter, such as received signal strength level.
Glossary dB The difference (or ratio) between two signal levels. Named after Alexander Graham Bell. (That is why the "B" is capitalized.) Used to describe the effect of system devices on signal strength. For example, a cable has 6 dB loss or an amplifier has 15 dB of gain. This is very useful because system gains and losses can be calculated by adding and subtracting dBd The gain an antenna has over a dipole antenna at the same frequency.
Glossary Directional Donor Unit DDU This is the SpotCell 100 system element that is installed with a directional antenna aimed at the nearest cellular base-station. This unit may often be installed outdoors. The term donor is widely used in the repeater industry for the antenna that supports the air interface to the network. Effective Radiated Power (ERP) Effective radiated power. It is equal to the sum of the antenna gain (in dBi) plus the power (in dBm) into that antenna.
Glossary 40 Radio Frequency Interference RFI Any unwanted signal generated by any source that produces RF signals at the same frequency and along the same path of another RF signal wave. Radio Frequency RF Any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum normally associated with radio wave propagation.
