TB9300 Base Station/Repeater Installation and Operation Manual MBC-00008-15 · Issue 15 · March 2017
Contact Information Tait Communications Corporate Head Office Tait Limited P.O. Box 1645 Christchurch New Zealand For the address and telephone number of regional offices, refer to our website: www.taitradio.com Copyright and Trademarks All information contained in this document is the property of Tait Limited. All rights reserved.
Contents Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Scope of Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Associated Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.4 2.4.5 3 Distress Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compliance Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FCC Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unauthorized Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health, Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility in Europe. . . . . . . .
.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 5.2.4 5.2.5 5.2.6 5.2.7 Logging In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting a Networked PC to a Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troubleshooting Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Tait Software License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Directive 1999/5/EC Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface Scope of Manual This manual provides information on installing and operating the TB9300 base station. It is intended for use by experienced technicians familiar with installing and operating base station equipment. It also includes configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting information. Unless mentioned specifically, this manual will use the term “base station” to refer to both base station and repeater.
Associated Documentation The following associated documentation for this product is available on the Tait support website.
Publication Record Issue Publication Date Description 1 July 2012 First release 2 October 2012 General updates for version 1.05 release. Information added on compliance standards, firmware download procedure, reciter and PA product codes. 3 June 2013 General updates for version 1.15 release and the K-band base station. 4 August 2013 General updates for version 1.20 release and the H-band base station. 5 November 2013 General updates for version 1.25 release.
1 Description The Tait TB9300 base station is a robust state-of-the-art digital fixed station that combines Tait’s proven strengths in reliability, high performance and modular design with software-based configurability and operation, digital signal processing, and voice-over-IP technology. The base station operates as a transceiver in trunked DMR or MPT networks, and as a repeater in DMR or analog conventional networks.
1.1 Features The following are some of the features of the base station: ■ Fully compliant with the DMR Tier 2 and Tier 3 Standards. Can therefore interoperate with any similarly compliant radios. ■ Analog conventional repeater operation. ■ MPT operation as control channel or traffic channel transceiver in MPT/ IP network including standalone operation.
1.2 Modules The base station consists of a subrack with up to two physical transmit/ receive channels. The single PMU (power management unit) supplies and manages power to the whole subrack (refer to “Theory of Operation” on page 21). One reciter and one PA (power amplifier) are needed for each physical transmit/receive channel. There is also a front panel with user controls and fans. The modules are interconnected at the front of the subrack. External connections to the modules are located at the rear.
Front Panel The front panel is mounted onto the subrack with two quick-release fasteners. It incorporates the indicator LEDs, four-line LCD display, user controls, ambient temperature sensor and cooling fans. The indicator LEDS allow some monitoring of the operational status of the base station. The user controls and display allow the technician to configure the IP address of each module. Refer to “Front Panel” on page 39 for more information.
Power Amplifier The PA amplifies the RF output from the reciter and is available in 50W and 100W models. The 50W model mounts vertically in the subrack, while the 100W model mounts horizontally as it has a wider heatsink. The 100W PA is also fitted with an airflow duct. 50W PA 100W PA Both models are designed to operate on the 28VDC output provided by the PMU. Power Management Unit The PMU provides the 28VDC power supply for the modules in the subrack.
1.3 Mechanical Assembly This section illustrates the main mechanical components of the base station. Figure 1.1 below shows the configuration for a typical dual 50W base station. The subrack has six slots, numbered from right to left as viewed from the front of the subrack. The PMU occupies slots 5 and 6, with the reciters in slots 1 and 2. The two PAs are mounted vertically in slots 3 and 4 with the heatsinks facing each other.
Figure 1.2 below shows the configuration for a typical single 50W base station. The PMU again occupies slots 5 and 6, with the reciter in slot 1 and the PA in slot 3. The single PA is mounted vertically with the heatsink facing the center of the subrack. This positions the cooling fins directly behind the fan. Figure 1.
Figure 1.3 below shows the configuration for a typical 100 W base station. The PMU occupies slots 5 and 6, with the PA directly beside it in slots 3 and 4. The reciter occupies slot 1. Unlike the 50W PAs, the 100W PA is mounted horizontally with the heatsink facing upwards. It is also fitted with an airflow duct to channel the airflow from the cooling fan through the heatsink fins. Figure 1.
1.4 Frequency Bands and Sub-bands Much of the circuitry in the base station is common to all frequency bands, and is therefore covered by a single description in this manual. In some cases the descriptions refer to specific bands or sub-bands, and these are identified with the letters listed in the following table.
1.5 Applications The TB9300 is designed for operation in a Tait TN9300 DMR Tier 2 conventional radio network, a Tait TN9300 DMR Tier 3 trunked radio network, an MPT-IP network, or as an analog conventional repeater. In a DMR Tier 2 conventional network it can operate as a stand-alone repeater, or as a member of a multi-site system (under the supervision of a DMR conventional node).
1.6 Licenses Some operational functions of the base station are controlled by licenses. These functions will not work unless you purchase the appropriate feature license and enable the feature set controlled by that license. The feature sets currently available are listed below. The central voter and satellite licences are alternatives. The base station is fully functional without them. The base stations in a Tait DMR Tier 3 Network are controlled by a node (DMR trunking controller).
1.7 Theory of Operation The reciter receives RF signals from its RF input and sends RF from its RF output to the PA, along with a PA key signal. The reciter also receives signals from, and sends signals to, the system interface, the Ethernet interface, and the front panel (see Figure 1.4). A system control bus interconnects the modules and carries alarm and control signaling between the reciter and the other modules (refer to “Intermodule Communications” on page 24 for more details).
The reciter carries out signal processing and has overall control of the base station. Its circuit boards are shown in Figure 1.5. Figure 1.5 Reciter boards RF Input RF Output Receiver Board Transmit Forward Board System Input and Output Reciter Control Board Ethernet Interface to Network Front Panel Maintainer Access The receiver board contains all the receiver circuitry, while the exciter circuitry is located on the transmit forward board.
1.7.1 Signal Paths Figure 1.6 gives an overview of signal paths within the reciter. Figure 1.6 Reciter signal paths Receive RF Interface ADC DDC Demodulator DMR Modem Modulator FM Baseband Audio Transmit RF Interface DAC Control G.711 RTP Protocol Stack UDP Ethernet Interface IP Reciter Control Board Digital DMR signals from the receive RF interface pass through the digital receiver and DMR modem to the control software in the RISC processor.
1.7.3 Intermodule Communications A system control bus and a subrack interconnect board link the modules in the subrack and carry alarm and control signaling between the reciter and the other modules, as shown in Figure 1.7. Specific configuration settings for dual base stations are described in “Recommended Configuration Settings” on page 59. Intermodule communication paths PMU Fan I2C 2 Fan mP mP mP IC I2C Current Source PA 1 Reciter 1 RS-485 Figure 1.
1.7.4 Power Management and Distribution The PMU manages the supply of power to ensure uninterrupted operation of the base station. A range of parameters is monitored and these can trigger alarms that are sent to the reciter. Alarms can be monitored via the web interface and reported via SNMP traps; they are also recorded in the reciter’s internal log file. AC to DC Changeover When the PMU has an AC and a DC module, the base station can be powered by either the AC (mains) or the DC (battery) supply.
Figure 1.8 Subrack power distribution Single DC Aux. DC AC PMU 28V Subrack Board 28V PA DC Dual Aux.
1.7.5 PMU Operation on DC Input The operation of the PMU on DC input is controlled by three sets of parameters: ■ user-programmable alarms ■ user-programmable startup and shutdown limits ■ battery protection limits The voltage range for each of these parameters is provided in Table 1.1 on page 28. Figure 1.9 on page 29 illustrates how these parameters interact, and how they control the operation of the PMU over a range of DC input voltages.
Table 1.1 PMU DC voltage limitsa Voltage Range Parameter User-programmable Alarmsb Low Battery Voltage High Battery Voltage 12V PMU 10V to 14V 14V to 17.5V 24V PMU 48V PMU 20V to 28V 28V to 35V 40V to 56V 56V to 70V User-programmable Limitsb Startup Voltage (after shutdown) 10.9V to 15V ±0.3V 21.8V to 30V ±0.5V 43.6V to 60V ±1V Shutdown Voltage 10V to 13.5V ±0.3V 20V to 27V ±0.
TB9300 Installation and Operation Manual © Tait Limited March 2017 Stop Run Stop Run Description Off Software Alarm (High Battery Voltage) Active Off Software Alarm (Low Battery Voltage) Active Software Control & Hardware Combined Hardware Behaviour 0V Undervoltage Shutdown (HW) Shutdown Voltage (SW) Low Battery Voltage Alarm (SW Alarm) Startup Voltage (HW) Startup Voltage (SW) High Battery Voltage Alarm (SW Alarm) Overvoltage Shutdown Reset (HW) Overvoltage Shutdown (HW) DC Input Volta
1.7.6 Front Panel Fans The front panel is equipped with three fans. Fan 1 is for the reciters, fan 2 is for the PAs, and fan 3 is for the PMU. Front panel fans do not operate continuously, but are switched on and off as needed by their associated module. In a dual base station either PA or reciter can turn on its fan. The reciter in slot 1can also carry out a fan test on all three fans. Front panel fans are 3-wire fans (power, ground, and rotation detect).
2 General Safety and Regulatory Information This chapter provides general information on safety precautions for operating the base station. 2.1 Personal Safety 2.1.1 Unpacking and Moving the Equipment To prevent personal injury and equipment damage, we recommend that two people unpack and move the equipment. Caution A subrack complete with modules can weigh up to 62lb (28kg), or up to 66lb (30kg) complete with packaging. We recommend that you have another person help you unpack and move the equipment.
2.1.3 2.1.4 AC Power Connection English (en) The PMU must be connected to a grounded mains socket-outlet. Norsk (no) Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt. Suomi (fi) Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoitus-koskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan. Svenska (sv) Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag. Explosive Environments Warning Do not operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere. Operating the equipment in these environments is a definite safety hazard.
2.1.7 Proximity to RF Transmissions / A proximité des émissions RF To comply with the RF Field Limits for Devices Used by the General Public for (Uncontrolled Environment)a, a safe separation distance of at least 12 feet (3.6 metres) from the antenna system should be maintained. This figure is calculated for a typical installation, employing one 100W base station transmitter.
2.2 Equipment Safety 2.2.1 Installation and Servicing Personnel The equipment should be installed and serviced only by qualified personnel. 2.2.2 Preventing Damage to the PA The base station has been designed to operate safely under a wide range of antenna loading conditions. Transmitting into a low VSWR will maximize the power delivered to the antenna. Notice Do not remove the load from the PA while it is transmitting. Load transients (switching or removing the load) can damage the PA output stage.
2.2.4 Anti-tampering Devices All network elements should be physically secured, where possible. This includes the use of locked cabinets and the use of seals on connectors. All network connectors should be sealed with the stick-on type of seal. The purpose of the seals is to detect unauthorized tampering. The seal should reveal if any of the connectors have been unplugged or if any unauthorized equipment has been plugged in.
2.4 Regulatory Information 2.4.1 Distress Frequencies The 406 to 406.1MHz frequency range is reserved worldwide for use by Distress Beacons. Do not program transmitters to operate in this frequency range. 2.4.2 Compliance Standards This equipment has been tested and approved to various national and international standards. Refer to the latest issue of the Specifications Manual for a complete list of these standards. 2.4.
2.4.5 Health, Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility in Europe In the European Community, radio and telecommunications equipment is regulated by Directive 1999/5/EC, also known as Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) directive. The requirements of this directive include protection of health and safety of users, as well as electromagnetic compatibility. Intended Purpose of Product This product is a radio transceiver.
3 Operation This section describes the user controls and indicator LEDs on the front panel and on the base station modules.
3.1 Front Panel The user controls and indicator LEDs on the front panel are shown in Figure 3.1. They allow some manual control over the base station and monitoring of its operational status. Notice If there is more that one reciter in a subrack, inputs from all reciters are summed to drive the front panel LEDs. Figure 3.
f The amber receive LED indicates whether the base station is receiving a valid RF signal on one or both logical channels. Receive LED LED Description On (steady) A base station is receiving a valid RF signal. Off A base station is not receiving a valid RF signal. g Transmit LED The amber transmit LED is lit while the transmitter is transmitting. h Keypad The keypad is used to navigate the base station’s menus, enter text, and to adjust the contrast of the display.
i Display The display is used in conjunction with the keypad to access the base station’s menus. It allows the technician to configure the IP address of each reciter (refer to “Setting the IP Address” on page 81), and to set the contrast of the display (see below). After the base station is powered up, the display shows “Please wait...” while the base station is starting up, followed by the home screen when the start-up process is complete.
Menu Map The menu map below shows the menu items available in this release of the base station. Notice The menu map shown is for a single base station. The menu items available in your base station will depend on which modules are present in the subrack, and whether the keypad has been disabled (refer to “Disabling the Front Panel Keypad” on page 93). Home Screen Base Station Modules Modules Reciter 1 Front Panel Reciter 1 View Reciter 1 Address Edit Reciter 1 Address View Reciter 1 Address IP: 172.
3.2 Module Indicator LEDs and Switches Additional status information is displayed by LEDs in individual modules. The PMU also has switches that let you turn the AC and DC modules off. 3.2.1 Reciter The indicator LEDs on the front of the reciter are visible through a slot in its front panel. Front View Figure 3.
The indicator LEDs on the rear of the reciter are on the Ethernet connector. Rear View Figure 3.3 Indicator LEDs on the rear of the reciter b b indicator LEDs These LEDs provide the following information about the state of the reciter: 44 Operation ■ steady amber - the Ethernet interface is connected ■ flashing green - data is being transmitted across the Ethernet interface.
3.2.2 PA The indicator LEDs on the PA are visible through a slot in its front panel. Figure 3.
3.2.3 PMU The only controls on the PMU are the on/off switches on the rear panel for the AC and DC modules, and the indicator LEDs visible through a slot in its front panel. Figure 3.5 Operating controls on the PMU rear view front view b b c AC module on/off switch c d d indicator LEDs DC module on/off switch Warning The AC and DC module on/off switches do not totally isolate the internal circuitry of the PMU from the AC or DC power supplies.
Indicator LEDs These LEDs provide the following information about the state of the PMU: ■ steady green - the PMU is powered up ■ flashing green - the PMU has no application firmware loaded or activated; you can use the web interface to download or activate the firmware; also see “Preparing to Download Firmware” on page 93 ■ flashing red - one or more alarms have been generated; you can use the web interface to find out more details about the alarms ■ flashing red and green - the PMU is in battery pr
4 Installation This chapter provides information on the site requirements for your TB9300 equipment and also describes how to install the base station in a standard 19 inch rack or cabinet. If this is your first time installing a TB9300 base station, we recommend that you read the entire chapter before beginning the actual installation.
4.1 Before You Begin 4.1.1 Equipment Security The security of your base station equipment is a high priority. If the site is not fully secure, the base station should at least be locked in a secure, ventilated cabinet to prevent unauthorized access. 4.1.2 Grounding and Lightning Protection Electrical Ground The base station modules are grounded by physical contact between the module case and the subrack.
4.1.5 Cabinet and Rack Ventilation The cooling airflow for the subrack enters through the front panel and exits at the rear. For optimum thermal performance, the heated air that passes through a base station must never be allowed to re-enter the air intakes on the front panel. Any space at the front of the cabinet not occupied by equipment should be covered by a blanking panel. Refer to Figure 4.1 on page 51.
Figure 4.1 Typical cabinet ventilation requirements top view b 8in (20cm) side view front view 2U c e d t7in (t17.
4.2 Unpacking and Moving the Subrack The subrack is packed in a strong corrugated cardboard carton with top and bottom foam cushions. To prevent personal injury and damage to the equipment, we recommend that two people unpack and move the subrack. To remove the subrack from the carton, follow the procedure illustrated in Figure 4.2. Caution A subrack complete with modules can weigh up to 62lb (28kg), or up to 66lb (30kg) complete with packaging.
Disposal of Packaging 3. Slide the carton upwards over the foam cushions and lift it away e. Remove the cushion from the bottom of the subrack f. 4. Rotate the subrack and cushion carefully over the rear of the subrack g so that it is the right way up with the cushion on top h. Remove the cushion from the top of the subrack i. If you do not need to keep the packaging, we recommend that you recycle it according to your local recycling methods.
4.3 Identifying the Equipment You can identify the model and hardware configuration of the TB9300 modules by referring to the product code printed on labels at the rear of each module. The meaning of each character in the product code is explained in the tables below. This explanation of product codes is not intended to suggest that any combination of features is necessarily available in any one product.
a. The actual frequency coverage in this band when used with a K4-band TB9300 reciter is 762MHz to 776MHz and 850MHZ to 870MHz. The actual frequency coverage in this band when used with a K8-band TB9300 reciter is 757MHz to 758MHz.
4.4 Initial Setting Up Before putting the base station into service, you may want to carry out some basic functional testing, configuration, and tuning (if required). This section provides an overview of these procedures: 4.4.
Functional Tests Test The following table provides an overview of the tests available using the web interface. Refer to the Help for full details of these tests.
4.4.2 Working with Configurations The Web UI page Tools > Files > Configuration allows you to manage your base station configuration. You can: 4.4.3 ■ Backup a configuration. This stores a snapshot of the base station’s current configuration. It is advisable to back up the current configuration before making significant configuration changes. ■ Upload a configuration. This copies a configuration from your computer to the base station.
4.4.4 Recommended Configuration Settings In a dual base station only base station 1 communicates directly with the PMU and front panel. Therefore the following configuration settings are recommended for dual base station operation: ■ Disable the “PMU not detected” alarm on base station 2 (Configure > Alarms > Control > PMU). ■ Disable the “FP not detected” alarm on base station 2 (Configure > Alarms > Control > Front panel).
4.4.5 Restricted Port Numbers Certain configuration settings in the base station’s web interface require you to enter a port number (for example, the trunking interface). Two ranges of port numbers are unavailable for use with the base station. The web interface will prevent you from entering a number from these ranges, as explained below. Restricted Port Numbers 4.4.6 Details 0 – 1023 The “well-known ports”, commonly used by other devices in a network.
4.4.7 B-Band C-Band Tuning the Reciter Before the base station is installed on site, you may need to tune the receiver front end. The receiver front end requires tuning if the receive frequency is shifted more than 2MHz away from the previously set frequency, or the RSSI level of the new frequency is more than 1dB lower than the RSSI level of the previously set frequency.
To check the RSSI level and tune the receiver front end (if required), follow these steps: 1. Remove the reciterfrom the subrack and reconnect the system control bus cable to power up the module. Tait can provide extender cables (TBC Reciter Power Cables) to enable tuning with a subrack or from a bench power supply. To order these, the part number is T01-01150-0001. 2. Log in to the reciter and select Monitor > Interfaces > RF Interface.
H-Band Before the base station is installed on site, you may need to tune the receiver front end. The receiver front end requires tuning if the receive frequency is shifted more than 5MHz away from the previously set frequency, or the RSSI level of the new frequency is more than 1dB lower than the RSSI level of the previously set frequency. Tait can provide extender cables (TBC Reciter Power Cables) to enable tuning with a subrack or from a bench power supply.
4. Set the reciter to the new receive frequency. 5. Change the RF input signal to the new receive frequency at –80dBm. Check that the RSSI reading is –80dBm ±1dB. If it is, the receiver front end does not require tuning. If it is not, go to the next step. 6. Using the Johanson tuning tool1, adjust the helical filter for the new frequency (as shown in Figure 4.4) to obtain a peak RSSI reading. This reading should be within 1dB of the reading at the previous frequency.
4.5 Installing the Base Station on Site 4.5.1 General Installation Advice When installing base stations, it is very important to observe good site engineering rules. This is especially true when the channels are combined into a single antenna. If at all possible, the RF planner should avoid frequency plans in which the Rx to Tx spacing is an exact multiple of the trunked channel spacing, thus forcing Tx intermodulation products to fall outside the Rx channels.
4.5.3 Mounting the Subrack Caution A subrack complete with modules can weigh up to 62lb (28kg), or up to 66lb (30kg) complete with packaging. We recommend that you have another person help you unpack and move the equipment. The TBAA03-16 carrying handles will make it easier to move the equipment once it has been unpacked. If necessary, remove the modules from the subrack before moving it (refer to “Replacing Modules” on page 99). In all cases follow safe lifting practices. Figure 4.
Figure 4.6 below gives the dimensions of the subrack and its mounting holes. Figure 4.6 Subrack dimensions 17 in (432 mm) 14.8 in (375.5 mm) 19 in (482.6 mm) 14.7 in (373.5 mm) 18.3 in (465.1 mm) 14.37 in (365 mm) 4 in 6.96 in (176.8 mm) (101.6 mm) 5.25 in (133.4 mm) 0.42 in (10.6 mm) 0.26 in (6.
Auxiliary Support Bracket TBAA03-13 auxiliary support brackets can be fitted to the rear of the subrack to provide additional mounting security. Figure 4.7 shows a standard TBAA03-13 bracket b fitted in a typical Tait cabinet c. If you are not using the Tait cabinet, you may have to make your own brackets to suit your installation. Figure 4.7 Auxiliary support bracket b c Notice You must fit the auxiliary support brackets if you intend to transport a cabinet fitted with a fully built-up base station.
DC Power Cabling DC power cables should be well supported so that the terminals on the PMU and on the ends of the cables do not have to support the full weight of the cables. Figure 4.8 shows two recommended methods of securing these cables to prevent straining either set of terminals. We recommend that you fit the supplied covers to the DC terminals to protect against accidental shorts. Figure 4.
