Allgon ALR Compact Repeater User manual

User’s Manual
ALR Compact Repeater
VD203 67/EN - English Future on Demand.

User’s Manual
ALR Compact Repeater
Low Power Band Selective Repeater
–
English
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 i

This document describes installation, commissioning and the design of the Allgon ALR Compact Repeater.
Communication between the Allgon ALR Compact Repeater and an operator is carried out either by using Allgon OMT32
(Operation and Maintenance Terminal), or Allgon OMS (Operation and Maintenance System). OMT32 is described in the
AR Repeaters and OMT32, User’s Manual. OMS is described in the Advanced Repeater OMS, User’s Manual.
Hardware and software mentioned in this document are subjected to continuous development and improvement.
Consequently, there may be minor discrepancies between the information in the document and the performance and
design of the product. Specifications, dimensions and other statements mentioned in this document are subject to change
without notice.
In this document, the ’<>’ brackets are used to indicate function keys contrary to a series of key strokes
’<Del>’ = the Del(ete) key, ’Del’ = D, e, l.
Allgon and its suppliers shall not be liable for any damages related to the software or hardware, or for any other damages whatsoever caused of the use of or
inability to use any Allgon product. This is applicable even if Allgon has been advised of the damage risk. Under any circumstances, Allgon’s entire liability
shall be limited to replace such defective software or hardware which was originally purchased from Allgon.
Teflon is a registered trademark of Du Pont. Other trademarks mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
This document is produced by El, Tele & Maskin Ingenjörsfirma AB, Huddinge, Sweden.
Printed in Sweden.
Allgon Systems AB, SE-187 80 Täby, Sweden
Phone: [phone] – Fax: [phone] – Internet: www.allgon.com
This document or parts of it may not be reproduced without the written permission of Allgon Systems AB.
Infringements will be prosecuted. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Allgon Systems AB, Sweden, 1994-2000.
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 ii

Contents
Abbreviations ............................................................................................................... v
1. Safety ....................................................................................................................... 1-1
Static Electricity .................................................................................................. 1-2
2. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2-1
Repeater Type .................................................................................................... 2-2
Using Repeaters ................................................................................................. 2-3
Shaded Area ................................................................................................. 2-4
Sports Arena ................................................................................................... 2-5
3. Installation ................................................................................................................ 3-1
Siting the Repeater ............................................................................................ 3-1
Sunshine ......................................................................................................... 3-1
Shelter ............................................................................................................. 3-1
Outdoor Installation and Service Limitations .............................................. 3-1
Dimensions and Weight .................................................................................... 3-2
Mounting ............................................................................................................. 3-3
Connection ........................................................................................................ 3-6
Connection Ports and Station Ground ............................................................ 3-9
Station Ground .............................................................................................. 3-9
P112 PC Port .................................................................................................. 3-10
P113 Parking Device ..................................................................................... 3-10
P118 Repeater to Repeater Link Port .......................................................... 3-10
P119 Alarm Port ............................................................................................. 3-11
P120 Door Switch .......................................................................................... 3-12
P124 Repeater to Repeater Link Port .......................................................... 3-12
P130 RCC Port ............................................................................................... 3-12
Mains Breakdown Relay .................................................................................... 3-13
4. Commissioning ........................................................................................................ 4-1
Starting the Repeater ........................................................................................ 4-2
Indicators ....................................................................................................... 4-3
Repeater Configuration .................................................................................... 4-4
5. Functional Description and Design ....................................................................... 5-1
Repeater Design ................................................................................................ 5-2
The Main Repeater Units .............................................................................. 5-3
Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 5-4
Downlink Signal Path ..................................................................................... 5-4
Uplink Signal Path .......................................................................................... 5-4
Band Selective Compact Repeater Block Diagram ................................. 5-5
RCC ................................................................................................................ 5-6
R2R ................................................................................................................. 5-6
Alarm .............................................................................................................. 5-7
Repeater Setup ............................................................................................. 5-7
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 iii

Board and Unit Descriptions ............................................................................. 5-8
DCC - Directional Coupler for Compact ................................................... 5-8
DPX - Duplex Filter ......................................................................................... 5-8
BSC Band Selective Compact Board ......................................................... 5-9
LNA - Low Noise Amplifier ............................................................................. 5-12
PA - Power Amplifier ...................................................................................... 5-13
Repeater Software and Hardware Compatibility ....................................... 5-14
Cabling ............................................................................................................... 5-15
Compact Repeater With RCC Unit ............................................................. 5-15
Compact Repeater Without RCC Unit ........................................................ 5-16
R2R, Repeater To Repeater Link ....................................................................... 5-17
Installation ...................................................................................................... 5-17
Configuration ................................................................................................. 5-17
6. Optionals .................................................................................................................. 6-1
RCC, Remote Communication Control Unit ................................................... 6-2
RCC For Radio Communication ................................................................. 6-3
RCC For Telephone Line Communication ................................................. 6-3
OMT32, Operation and Maintenance Terminal .............................................. 6-4
OMS, Operation and Maintenance System .................................................... 6-4
Battery Backup ................................................................................................... 6-4
Fiber Optic Unit .................................................................................................. 6-4
7. Repeater Alarms ..................................................................................................... 7-1
Alarm Reference List ......................................................................................... 7-2
Index .............................................................................................................................. I-1
Questionnaire .............................................................................................................. Q-1
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 iv

Figures
Figure 2-1. Allgon ALR Compact Repeater .............................................................. 2-1
Figure 2-2. Repeater coverage of shaded area ..................................................... 2-4
Figure 2-3. Repeater in sports arena ........................................................................ 2-5
Figure 3-1. Repeater dimensions ............................................................................... 3-2
Figure 3-2. Attaching the repeater to a wall ........................................................... 3-3
Figure 3-3. Attaching the bracket to a pole ............................................................ 3-4
Figure 3-4. Attaching the bracket to a mast ........................................................... 3-4
Figure 3-5. Attaching the repeater to the bracket .................................................. 3-5
Figure 3-6. MS and BS antenna connections ........................................................... 3-6
Figure 3-7. Connection ports and station ground ................................................... 3-9
Figure 3-8. Mains breakdown relay connection ...................................................... 3-13
Figure 4-1. Indicators in the cabinet ......................................................................... 4-3
Figure 5-1. The main repeater units .......................................................................... 5-3
Figure 5-2. Block diagram .......................................................................................... 5-5
Figure 5-3. BSC, Band Selective Compact board ................................................... 5-9
Figure 5-4. LNA, Low Noise Amplifiers ....................................................................... 5-12
Figure 5-5. PA, Power Amplifiers ................................................................................. 5-13
Figure 5-6. Cabling with RCC unit ............................................................................. 5-15
Figure 5-7. Cabling without RCC unit ....................................................................... 5-16
Figure 5-8. Repeater to Repeater Link ...................................................................... 5-17
Figure 6-1. The RCC unit ............................................................................................ 6-2
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 v

Abbreviations
Abbreviations used in this manual, in the software, and in the repeater:
AGC Automatic Gain Control
AMPS Advanced Mobile Phone Service
BCCH Broadcast Control Channel (GSM broadcast channel time slot)
BS Base Station, BS antenna = towards the base station
BSC Band Selective Compact repeater board for adjustable bandwidth
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
CW Continuous Wave
DCC Directional Coupler, Compact
DAMPS Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service
DCS Digital Communication System (same as PCN)
DL Downlink signal direction (from base station via repeater to mobile station)
DPX Duplex filter
EEPROM Electrical Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
EGSM Extended Global System for Mobile communication
ETACS Extended Total Access Communication System
ETSI European Telecommunications Standard Institute
GSM Global System for Mobile communication
HW Hardware
LED Light Emitting Diode
MS Mobile Station, MS antenna = towards the mobile station
MSC Mobile Switching Center
NMT Nordic Mobile Telephone system
OMS Operation and Maintenance System
OMS/PC Desktop or notebook with installed OMS software
OMT32 Operation and Maintenance Terminal
OMT32/PC Desktop or notebook with installed OMT32 software
PCN Personal Communication Network (same as DCS)
PCS Personal Communication System
PSM Power Supply Module
PTFE Polytetrafluoro Ethylene (Teflon)
RCC Remote Control unit for Compact repeater
RF Radio Frequency
RSSI Received Signal Strength Indication
RTC Real Time Clock
SW Software
TACS Total Access Communication System
TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
UL Uplink signal direction (from mobile station via repeater to base station)
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 vi

1. Safety
Any personnel involved in installation, operation or service of Allgon
repeaters must understand and obey the following:
•Allgon repeaters are designed to receive and amplify signals from one or
more base stations and retransmit the signals to one or more mobile
stations. Also, the repeaters are designed to receive signals from one or
more mobile stations, amplify and retransmit to the base stations. The
repeaters must be used exclusively for these purposes and nothing else.
•Repeaters supplied from the mains must be connected to grounded
outlets and in conformity with any local regulations.
•The power supply unit contains dangerous voltage that can cause
electric shock. Disconnect the mains prior to any work in the repeater.
Any local regulations are to be followed when servicing repeaters.
Authorized service personnel only are allowed to service repeaters while
the mains is connected.
•The repeater cover must be secured in opened position, e.g. by tying it
up, at outdoor repeater work. Otherwise, the cover can be closed by the
wind and cause your fingers getting pinched or your head being hit.
•When working on a repeater on high ground, e.g. on a mast or pole, be
careful not to drop parts or the entire repeater. Falling parts can cause
serious personal injury.
•Any repeater, including this repeater, will generate radio signals and
thereby give rise to electromagnetic fields that may be hazardous to the
health of any person who is extensively exposed to the signals at the
immediate proximity of the repeater and the repeater antennas.
BERYLLIUM OXIDE
•Repeaters equipped with an optional remote communication control
unit (RCC) have a dummy load in the directional coupler (DCC) that
contains beryllium oxide (BeO). Beryllium oxide is poisonous if present
as dust or smoke which can be inhaled. Do not file, grind, machine, or
treat this part with acid.
HYDROGEN FLUORIDE
•The coaxial cable insulation is made of PTFE, polytetrafluoro ethylene,
that gives off small amounts of hydrogen fluoride when heated.
Hydrogen fluoride is poisonous. Do not use heating tools when
stripping off coaxial cable insulation.
No particular measures are to be taken in case of fire because the
emitted concentration of hydrogen fluoride is very low.
•A lithium battery is permanently mounted on the repeater board. Due
to the risk of explosion, this battery must only be removed from the
board by an Allgon authorized service technician.
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Safety
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 1 - 1

Static Electricity
Static electricity means no risk of personal injury but it can severely
damage essential parts of the repeater, if not handled carefully.
Parts on the printed circuit board as well as other parts in the repeater
are sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
Never touch the printed circuit board or uninsulated conductor
surfaces unless absolutely necessary.
If you must handle the printed circuit board or uninsulated conductor
surfaces, use ESD protective equipment, or first touch the repeater
chassis with your hand and then do not move your feet on the floor.
Never let your clothes touch printed circuit boards or uninsulated
conductor surfaces.
Always store printed circuit boards in ESD-safe bags.
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Safety
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 1 - 2

2. Introduction
Allgon repeaters are used to fill out uncovered areas in cellular mobile
systems, such as base station fringe areas, road tunnels, business and
industrial buildings, etc.
A repeater receives signals from a base station, amplifies and retransmits
the signals to mobile stations. Also it receives, amplifies and retransmits
signals in the opposite direction. Both directions are served
simultaneously.
To be able to receive and transmit signals in both directions, the repeater
is connected to a donor antenna directed towards the base station and to
a service antenna directed towards the area to be covered.
Control of the repeaters is performed using a desktop or notebook loaded
with the Allgon OMT32, Operation and Maintenance Terminal, which can
communicate with the repeaters, either locally or remotely via modem.
Remote operation can be performed either via a traditional telephone line
or via a mobile phone that can be installed inside the repeater.
To be able to control many Allgon AR repeaters in common, there is an
Allgon OMS, Operation and Maintenance System.
The compact repeater is described in this manual. OMT32 is described in
the AR Repeaters and OMT32, User’s Manual. OMS is described in the
Advanced Repeater OMS, User’s Manual.
Figure 2-1. Allgon ALR Compact Repeater
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Introduction
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 2 - 1

Repeater Type
The following repeater type is currently available:
•Band selective repeater with adjustable bandwidth
Band selective repeater with adjustable bandwidth
The band selective compact repeater has filters that can be set to various
bandwidths. This repeater type is used for analog or digital systems, such
as NMT, GSM, TACS/ETACS, AMPS, DAMPS and CDMA.
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Introduction
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 2 - 2

Using Repeaters
In areas where the radio signal propagation is poor repeaters can be used
to fill out those areas which are not covered by the base station.
The following scenarios are examples on this:
–Sports arenas
–Fair halls
–Large shopping centres
–Road and railway tunnels
–Indoors in buildings with metal or concrete walls
Other examples where repeaters can be used to increase the coverage are:
–Shaded areas
–Fringe coverage areas
In areas where the traffic intensity is low, it is not cost efficient to install
a base station. An Allgon repeater, which can be installed with a
minimum of investments, is a much better solution. You save installation
costs as well as operational costs.
Examples of using repeaters
Two examples are described in the following sections. An outdoor
example in a shaded valley and an indoor example in a sports arena.
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Introduction
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 2 - 3

Shaded Area
A valley is shaded by hills. There is a base station 5 kilometers away, but
the lowest signal strength in the valley is less than –100dBm. A mast
used for other purposes is available for a repeater installation. The mast
height is 42 meter and it is located on a hill. The scenario is illustrated
in Figure 2-2.
The donor antenna of the repeater was mounted at the top of the mast
and the service antenna was mounted at the half mast. The antenna
isolation was measured to over 100dB. The repeater was set to 70dB gain.
Measured levels: Received signal level – 60.0 dBm
Donor antenna gain 15.0 dBi
Cable loss –5.0 dB
Repeater input level – 50.0 dBm
Adjusted repeater gain 70.0 dB
Repeater output level 20.0 dBm
Cable loss – 5.0 dB
Service antenna gain 8.0 dBi
Radiated output level 23.0 dBm
The measured result in the valley was better than –90dBm.
Donor antenna
Service antenna
Figure 2-2. Repeater coverage of shaded area
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Introduction
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 2 - 4

Sports Arena
A 2000 spectators sports arena with metallic roof had an indoor signal
strength too low to provide a fair service in most parts of the arena. The
nearest base station was 8 kilometers away and it was equipped with one
carrier only.
A donor antenna directed towards the base station was mounted on a
mast outside the building and a repeater was installed inside the building
with the service antenna on the arch vault. The scenario is illustrated in
Figure 2-3.
The antenna isolation was measured to over 85dB.
Measured levels: Received signal level – 80.0 dBm
Donor antenna gain 15.0 dBi
Cable loss –5.0 dB
Repeater input level – 70.0 dBm
Adjusted repeater gain 70.0 dB
Repeater output level 0.0 dBm
Cable loss – 2.0 dB
Service antenna gain 7.0 dBi
Radiated output level 5.0 dBm
The signal strength was fair for service in the entire arena.
Service antenna
Donor antenna
Figure 2-3. Repeater in sports arena
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Introduction
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 2 - 5

Before installation, read carefully Chapter 1, Safety.
Siting the Repeater
Allgon repeaters are designed for outdoor usage. However, humidity and
temperature changes may have affect on the reliability. A preferable site
for the repeater is thus indoor, in a tempered and ventilated room.
Sunshine
If a repeater is placed outdoor and can be exposed to direct sunshine, it is
essential that the air can circulate around the repeater with no obstacle.
The operating temperature must not exceed +55°C. A shelter can be used
to shade the repeater from direct sunshine.
Shelter
Allgon repeaters are designed with a weather proof outdoor case that can
be mounted without any kind of shelter from rain, snow or hail.
If a repeater is to be opened on the site when raining, snowing, or hailing
there must be some kind of permanent or temporary shelter. This is
applicable to gentle rainfall, snowfall or hail. Limitations for very bad
weather is found in the next section.
Outdoor Installation and Service Limitations
Sited outdoors, the repeater must not be opened for installation or
service at bad weather, such as:
–Intense rainfall, snowfall or hail
–Storm or high wind
–Extremely low or high temperature
–High humidity of the air
3. Installation
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Installation
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 3 - 1

Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions of the repeater, including the mounting bracket, is shown
in Figure 3-1. The repeater chassis consists of two main parts, a cabinet
in which the circuitry is housed, and a cover.
Approximately repeater weight
Repeater with cover ................................................................... 10Kg (22 lbs)
It is not recommended to remove the cover from the cabinet at the site.
However, if the cover, for some reason, has to be removed from the
cabinet, then disconnect the interconnection cables, close the cover,
remove the hinge shafts, and remove the cover.
110
(
4.3"
)
15
(0.6")
385 (15.2")
385
(15.2")
Mounting bracket Cabinet Cover
Figure 3-1. Repeater dimensions
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Installation
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 3 - 2

Mounting
The ALR repeater is easy to mount, either by anchoring the repeater in
the fixing holes, or by using the EA101 57/1 Pole Mounting Bracket kit,
containing a mounting bracket, clamps for 40mm – 110mm round pole,
and fixing screws for fastening the repeater to the mounting bracket.
The mounting bracket is shown in the figure. The holes are threaded
(M6) and correspond to the mounting holes in the repeater.
1. Mount the repeater.
Normally, the repeater is mounted on a wall, pole, or mast. These
mounting cases are shown below.
Figure 3-2 shows how to mount the repeater to a wall using four
fixing screws. You can use screws for maximum 13mm (1/2") hexagon
socket wrench, e.g. 6mm (1/4") bults.
ANT
HI LO
ANT
LO HI
Figure 3-2. Attaching the repeater to a wall
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Installation
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 3 - 3

Figure 3-3 shows a bracket attachment to a pole using the mounting
bracket and the clamps provided with the bracket.
Figure 3-4 shows a bracket attachment to a mast using two angle
irons and four M6 (1/4") screws. The screw heads can be slided into
the bracket profile as shown in the figure.
Figure 3-3. Attaching the bracket to a pole
Figure 3-4. Attaching the bracket to a mast
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Installation
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 3 - 4

If the mounting bracket is used, then mount the repeater on the
bracket using the four fixing screws provided with the mounting
bracket kit (see Figure 3-5).
2. Mount the donor antenna directed towards the base station antenna.
3. Mount the service antenna directed towards the area to be covered by
the repeater.
ANT
HI LO
LO HI
ANT
Figure 3-5. Attaching the repeater to the bracket
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Installation
VD203 67/EN - User’s Manual Rev. 1A 2000-07 3 - 5

Connection
1. Connect the service antenna (MS) and donor antenna (BS) coaxial
cables (see Figure 3-6). N type female connectors are used in the
repeater.
The donor antenna (BS) is connected to the right in the cabinet.
The service antenna (MS) is connected to the left in cabinet.
2. Connect the mains to the repeater Power Supply Module, PSM, in
the PSM connector.
The Compact repeater is approved in accordance with EN and
UL/cUL regulations. This is, however, only valid if a classified power
cord is used.
ANT
HI LO
ANT
LO HI
MS BS
Mains
Figure 3-6. MS and BS antenna connections
ALLGON Systems AB ALR Compact Repeater Installation
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