Argent Data Systems ADS-SR1 User manual

Argent Data Systems
ADS-SR1 Simplex Repeater
User’s Manual
Revised 12-22-2012
Firmware revision O
Argent Data Systems
PO Box 579
Santa aria, CA 93455
[phone]
Fax [phone]
www.argentdata.com
Copyright © 2008-2012 Argent Data Systems
All Rights Reserved

1
Warranty
If this product fails due to defects in materials or workmanship during the
period of one year from the date of purchase, or if the flash memory in this
device fails through normal usage during the period of five years from the date
of purchase, Argent Data Systems will repair or replace the device, at our option.
This warranty covers defects in manufacturing discovered while using the
product as recommended by the manufacturer. The warranty does not cover
loss or theft, nor does coverage extend to damage caused by misuse, abuse,
unauthori ed modification, improper storage conditions, lightning, or natural
disasters.
Should the product fail, your sole recourse shall be repair or replacement, as
described in the preceding paragraphs. We will not be held liable to you or any
other party for any damages that result from the failure of this product.
Damages excluded include, but are not limited to, the following: lost profits, lost
savings, lost data, damage to other equipment, and incidental or consequential
damages arising from the use, or inability to use this product. In no event will
Argent Data Systems be liable for more than the amount of your purchase price,
not to exceed the current list price of the product, and excluding tax, shipping
and handling charges.
Argent Data Systems disclaims any other warranties, expressed or implied. By
installing or using the product, the user accepts all terms described herein.
To obtain service under this warranty, contact us at [e-mail] or
at 1-800-274-4076.

2
Introduction
The ADS-SR1 is a multi-function simplex repeater, voice mailbox, and voice
announcement system. It can be used with almost any radio (handheld, base
station, or mobile) and is equally suitable for permanent installation or
temporary use for emergencies and special events. Features of the ADS-SR1
include:
-218 seconds total recording time (867 with upgrade)
-19.2 kH sample rate for excellent voice clarity
-10 voice announcements with independent timers
-Up to 20 voicemail messages
-Programmable maximum message length setting
-Messages and settings retained for 20 years with no power
-Optional Morse code or voice identification
-DTMF remote control for all functions
-Operates from two AA batteries or external 4-28 V DC supply
-Runs for weeks on alkaline or lithium batteries
-‘Say again’ function repeats last received transmission on command
-‘Stand by’ tone or message option lets users know repeater is in use
-Selectable courtesy tones
-Audio output adjustable in hardware and by remote command
-PTT modes for handheld and mobile radios
-Upgradeable software for future enhancements
-Programmable security code with auto-lock feature
-Unit remains controllable even with stuck receiver squelch
-1 year warranty on complete unit, 5 years on flash memory
What is a Simplex Repeater?
Most radio operators are familiar with the concept of a duplex repeater, where a
separate receiver and transmitter operate at the same time, listening on one
frequency and retransmitting on another. Duplex repeaters allow natural
conversation, but they’re typically bulky and expensive because of the elaborate
filters required.
A simplex repeater, on the other hand, is a store-and-forward device. It records
incoming transmissions and re-sends them on the same channel. It can provide
the same extension of coverage and range as a duplex repeater, with the obvious

3
drawback of requiring twice as much air time to carry out a conversation, as each
transmission is repeated back. However, its simplicity and low cost makes it
perfect for temporary or emergency use, and to provide coverage in areas where
the cost of a duplex repeater can’t be justified.
For many radio clubs and emergency response organi ations, a single semi-
portable duplex repeater is a major investment. Simplex repeaters like the ADS-
SR1, on the other hand, are inexpensive enough to be kept as individual
equipment for each member, making it more likely that they’ll be available for
rapid deployment when needed. An emergency repeater station can be set up
with nothing more than a handheld radio, a cable, and the repeater unit itself.
The ADS-SR1 has additional features that make it useful as more than just a
simplex repeater. For example, the ‘say again’ feature can be used to repeat a
single missed message on demand, even with the normal repeater function
disabled. This is particularly useful in situations where most stations are close
enough to hear each other directly and normal operation of the repeater would
be distracting.
The voice announcement features of the ADS-SR1 can be used independently of
the repeater functions, and can be used for such things as club activity reminders
or foxhunt beacons, or even a slow-scan TV beacon. The voicemail feature
functions like an answering machine for your radio, recording up to 20 incoming
messages and allowing them to be retrieved with a separate access code,
independent of the main security code.
Legal Issues
Legal restrictions on the operation of a simplex repeater depend on the radio
service used (i.e., amateur, commercial, FRS, MURS, etc) and vary from country
to country. Interpretations of specific rules vary as well, and their applicability
to operation of the ADS-SR1 may depend on which specific features are used. It
is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that they operate within applicable
regulations.

4
Hardware Description
The ADS-SR1 measures 3.6” by 2.6” by 1.1” (92mm by 66mm by 28 mm). Its
front panel has a pushbutton power switch, 2.1x5.5mm center-positive DC power
jack, and an RJ45 jack for all radio connections. Two LEDs (one red and one
green) on the RJ45 jack indicate activity. A removable panel on the back of the
unit provides access to the battery compartment and DIP switches. Setting the
DIP switches may require a small object like a paperclip or pin. These switches
select the PTT mode and audio output range, and allow the device to be reset to
its default settings.
Power is supplied by internal batteries, through the DC power jack, or through
the RJ45 jack.
Installing Batteries
The ADS-SR1 accepts two AA (LR6) si e batteries. Use fresh alkaline or lithium
batteries, and pay close attention to battery polarity. Do not install batteries if
the unit is being powered through the RJ45 jack!
Do not store the unit for long periods with alkaline batteries installed. If long-
term storage is required, use premium grade lithium batteries (e.g., Energi er
Lithium) and inspect them periodically. Lithium batteries provide significantly
longer operating life for the unit and can be stored for longer periods of time.
Because the ADS-SR1 may be stored in your emergency kit for years without
being used, lithium batteries are highly recommended to ensure that the unit will
work when it’s needed.

5
Radio Interfacing
The RJ45 jack on the front panel provides all radio interface
connections. Looking into the front of the connector, the pin
functions, from left to right, are as follows:
8- Power in (typically used with radios that provide a +8v output)
7- Unused
6 - Audio in (from radio’s speaker output)
5- Push-to-talk output
4- Ground
3- Audio out (to radio’s microphone input)
2- Ground
1- Squelch / COR input
The Squelch / COR input is optional. When this signal is available from the radio
(usually from an accessory or data connector) it allows the repeater to be
operated with the VOX delay.
The PTT mode must be set appropriately for the radio being used. Most base
station and mobile radios use a separate PTT input. Many handheld radios, with
the notable exception of most Kenwood models, combine the microphone and
PTT signals. For combined PTT models, DIP switch 4 in the ADS-SR1’s battery
compartment must be set to the ON position. All other radios should have
switch 4 set to OFF.
Do not install batteries when using the optional RJ45 power input pin. The
DC jack, however, may be used while batteries are installed.
Audio Levels
For good performance, it is important to set both receive and transmit audio
levels correctly. The receive audio level is set using the radio’s volume control.
To set it correctly, use another radio for testing. Transmit a test message in an
ordinary speaking voice and observe the red and green LEDs on the front of the
ADS-SR1.
The green LED will turn on when the audio level is about 75% of full scale. The
red LED is normally on and will switch off when the level exceeds 100%. Set the
volume of the radio connected to the ADS-SR1 so that the green LED flickers in
response to your voice, without the red LED dimming noticeably.

6
If you are unable to get the receive audio level high enough, the solder jumper
marked SJ1, located on the circuit board near the DIP switch, may be cut to
increase gain. This jumper is present only on hardware revision 1.3 and above.
Setting the transmit audio level is a two-step process. First, the range can be set
roughly using DIP switches 1 and 2. The audio level will be lowest with both
switches off, and highest with both switches on.
When set properly, the transmitted audio should sound natural and not distorted
or ‘clipped’, without being excessively quiet. The ##98 command will cause the
unit to transmit a 1 kH tone at full amplitude for several seconds, to help with
adjustment. If you can’t find a combination of DIP switch settings that yields a
comfortable audio level, it can be further adjusted using a DTMF command,
detailed below.

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Operation
When repeater mode is enabled (as it is by default), the ADS-SR1 listens for
activity and automatically starts recording when audio is detected. If the red
light does not come on in response to radio activity, check that the volume level
of the radio is set correctly.
A period of silence (initially set to two seconds) tells the ADS-SR1 that the
transmission is finished, and it then keys the radio and retransmits the message.
Many mobile radios provide a squelch, COR/COS, or ‘busy’ signal that can be
used with the ADS-SR1’s squelch input. This allows the VOX delay to be
eliminated. See the section on the squelch input function for more information.
If no time limit has been set, the repeater will record until its memory is full.
Remember that the voice memory is shared between the current message being
recorded, the previous transmission (if ‘say again’ mode is enabled) and any
stored voicemail messages and announcements. If the unit runs out of space, it
will wait until the current transmission ends before repeating as much as it was
able to record.
If a time limit is set, the repeater will record only to this limit and will then
immediately transmit what it recorded, even if the sender is still talking. If the
cool-down timer is enabled, the unit will stop repeating until the timer expires.
This helps prevent transmitter overheating, and allows a repeater with a stuck
squelch to be controlled, as it will still respond to commands even while the cool-
down timer is active.
The ADS-SR1 responds to a number of DTMF commands. Normal commands
start with ‘##’; access to these commands can be restricted through the use of a 3-
digit security code.
A few commands can be used without a security code. Pressing ‘0’ activates the
‘say again’ function (if enabled) and causes the repeater to retransmit the last
transmission heard, even if hours or days have passed. However, the ‘say again’
memory is not retained when the unit is powered off.
The record voicemail command, ‘1’, can also be entered without a security code.
See below for more information on voicemail functions.

8
Entering ‘*’ at any time during a transmission causes the repeater to ignore the
current transmission, and aborts any commands being entered. This can be used
to prevent the unit from retransmitting your message, or to correct a mistake
while entering a command. Pressing ‘*’ followed by the 3-digit voicemail access
code enters voicemail retrieval mode, detailed below.
If the repeater auto-off timer is enabled, pressing ‘3’ will turn on the repeater
function. The repeater function will shut off again after the unit has been idle for
the specified time or when the ‘6’ command is received. This allows users
without the access code to turn the repeater on and off as needed.
The ‘stand by’ tone or message option, when enabled, alerts users of the repeater
that a transmission is being recorded. This helps to prevent doubling, but results
in the first portion of the incoming transmission being dropped. When this
option is enabled, allow an extra second or so after keying the microphone before
talking.
essages
The ADS-SR1 has 10 message slots, numbered 0 through 9. These messages can
be configured as timed announcements (each with a selectable interval and time
offset), automatic responses to incoming transmissions (often for ID or operating
instructions), or they may be triggered manually by DTMF command. Message
rotation and preamble settings are described in the command reference below.

9
Command Reference
All normal commands start with ‘##’, followed by at least two digits. If the unit
is locked (either because the lock command ‘##00’ was entered or because the
auto-lock function was enabled and the timer expired), no commands will be
accepted until ‘##’ and the 3-digit security code have been received. For
example, if the code is ‘123’, entering ‘##123’ unlocks the unit.
If the repeater has trouble receiving commands, try adjusting the audio input
level. Each time a valid DTMF tone is received, the red LED will momentarily
turn off. When entering long commands, watch the LED to ensure each key
press is received properly.
The ADS-SR1 responds to commands with four distinct tone sequences:
High triple-beep – ‘Ok - Command was accepted.
High-high-low – ‘Negative’ - Command was accepted, with negative results.
High-low – ‘Error’ - Unknown command, or invalid entry.
Low-low – ‘Locked’ - The security code must be entered first.
ntering Times
For most commands requiring units of time, you can use one of three entry
modes:
MM – Two digit value in minutes (e.g., ‘10’ = 10 minutes)
SSS – Three digit value in seconds (e.g., ‘030’ = 30 seconds)
HHMM – Hours and minutes, up to 12 hours (e.g., ‘0130’ = 1 hour 30 minutes)
A quick reference sheet is included at the end of this manual. We strongly
recommend cutting out this sheet, folding it, and storing it in the ADS-SR1’s
battery compartment. If you plan to store the unit for long periods with lithium
batteries installed, use the back of the sheet to track battery replacement dates.

10
General Options
##71 – Repeater On
Turns on the simplex repeater function. The unit will automatically repeat
transmissions. The repeater is turned on by default.
##70 – Repeater Off
Turns off the simplex repeater function. The unit will respond to
commands, record ‘say again’ messages, play announcements, and accept
voicemail as usual, but it won’t automatically repeat transmissions.
##14<1/0> – Say-Again Mode On/Off
Enables or disables ‘say again’ mode. Pressing ‘0’ will cause the repeater
to retransmit the last transmission heard when this mode is enabled. Default is
on.
Example: ##141 – Enable ‘say again’ mode.
##06<time> – Set Auto-Off Timer
The repeater function automatically shuts off after the specified idle
interval, and may be turned on again with ‘3’ or off with ‘6’. These on and off
functions do not require the access code to be entered. Setting the auto-off timer
to 0 disables this function. Default is disabled.
Example: ##06045 – Set timer to 45 seconds
##19<nn> - Set Minimum Transmission Time
This setting specifies, in tenths of a second, how long a transmission must
be before it will be repeated. This can be used to avoid ‘kerchunking’ of the
repeater. When using the repeater to check for missed calls with the ‘say again’
feature, setting this number higher will prevent short transmissions from
overwriting the ‘say again’ memory. Default is 0.2 seconds.
Example: ##1 04 – Set minimum transmission time to 0.4 seconds
##17<time> - Repeater Timeout
Sets the maximum transmission length allowed. If an incoming
transmission exceeds this length, the repeater will stop recording and start re-
transmitting it immediately. Set to ero to disable. Default is disabled.
Example: ##17045 – Set repeater timeout to 45 seconds

11
##18<time> - Repeater Cool-down Time
If the repeater times out due to a long transmission, it will stop repeating
transmissions until the period of time specified by this setting has expired. This
can be used to avoid transmitter overheating, to ensure that a repeater with a
stuck squelch remains controllable, or to penali e overly long-winded users. Set
to ero to disable. Default is disabled.
Example: ##1802 – Set cool-down time to 2 minutes
##165[n] – nable ‘Stand By’ Tone or Message
The repeater will send the selected message (or a double beep if no
message is selected) when an incoming transmission is received. This alerts
other users that the repeater is in use. Because the repeater must key the
transmitter for the duration of the beep or message, the first portion of the
incoming transmission will be lost, so keep the ‘stand by’ message short. Default
is disabled.
Example: ##165 – Use ‘stand by’ beep ##1651 – Use message ‘1’
##164 – Disable ‘Stand By’ Message
Turns off the ‘stand by’ tone or message.
##78<code> - Set Pager Activation Code
The pager activation code can be up to 6 characters long. When a code is
entered, the repeater will ignore all received transmissions unless the DTMF
activation code is heard. This can be used to extend voice pager systems, or to
activate the repeater using a DTMF automatic numeric identification (ANI)
setting on the sending radio. Setting a blank code disables the function. Default
is disabled.
Example: ##781234 – Set pager activation code to ‘1234’.
##75<1/0> – Responder Mode On/Off
Enables or disables responder (‘beepback’) mode. When enabled, the
repeater will respond with a courtesy tone but will not automatically repeat
transmissions.
Example: ##751 – Enable responder mode.

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Radio Interface Settings
##11<nn> – Set Transmit Audio Level
Sets the transmitted audio level, from 00 to 99. Avoid using low numbers,
as this decreases sound quality. Set the level first using the DIP switches, and
then use this setting as a fine adjustment. Default is 99.
Example: ##1150 – Audio level 50%
##107<n> – Set Audio Input Gain
If the audio level from the radio is too low, this setting can be used to
increase the gain in software. ##1070 sets 1x gain, ##1071 is 2x, and ##1072 is 4x.
Note that this setting does not affect the VOX threshold. The unit must be reset
for this setting to take effect. Default is 1x gain.
Example: ##1071 – Sets 2x gain
##92<nn> - Transmit Delay Time
Digital radios, or radios with slow transmit turnaround, may require an
extra delay between PTT and the start of a transmission. This option sets the
transmit delay in 1/10 second units. Default is 0.5 seconds.
Example: ## 220 – Repeater will wait 2.0 seconds between PTT and first audio
##77<1/0> - Courtesy Tone Delay On/Off
Some radios produce a beep from the local speaker at the end of each
outgoing transmission that can cause the repeater to get stuck in a continuous
transmission cycle. Enabling this option causes the repeater to ignore audio for
one second after each transmission. Default is off.
Example: ##771 –Enable courtesy tone delay
##109<n> – COR / Squelch Input Mode
Some radios provide a ‘carrier operated relay’, ‘carrier operated switch’,
or other squelch output. Set this option to 0 for VOX operation, 1 for an active-
high input, and 2 for an active-low input. Default is VOX mode.
Example: ##10 1 – Enable squelch input, active high
##79<nn> - Squelch Tail Suppression Time
If your radio has a slow squelch, you may hear a static crash at the end of
each repeated transmission. Set this option in 1/75 second units to reduce or
eliminate this noise. Default is ero.
Example: ##7 10 – Repeater will ignore last 10/75 (0.133) second of each transmission

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##13<nn> - Set VOX Timeout
This setting, in 10ths of a second, controls how long the repeater will listen
for silence before deciding that a transmission has ended. Setting this too low
will cause the repeater to start transmitting during short pauses in speech, and
setting it too high will cause unnecessary delay. Default is 2 seconds.
Example: ##1335 – Set timeout to 3.5 seconds
##12<n> - Select Courtesy Tone
The ADS-SR1 will transmit a courtesy tone or ‘roger’ beep after every
transmission, if enabled. This command selects the style of tone to use.
0 – No tone
1 – Rising triple tone (default)
2 – High-high-low-low
3 – High-low
4 – Low-high
5 – Triple beep
6 – Single beep

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Security Commands
##00 – Lock Repeater
Activates the security code and prevents entry of most commands until
the access code is entered.
##01 – Ping
Always responds with a triple-beep. Use to test that the unit is unlocked
and responding properly to commands.
##08<code> – Set Security Code
Sets the 3-digit access code for all normal commands. As with the
voicemail code, this must be entered twice. If the code is lost, the unit can be
unlocked by using the reset switch, detailed below, to restore it to its default of
‘000’.
Example: ##08123123 – Set code to ‘123’
##09<time> – Set Auto-Lock Timer
If the auto-lock timer is not set to ero, the unit will automatically lock
itself after the specified time interval if no commands are entered during that
time. Default is disabled.
Example: ##0 030 – Set timer to 30 seconds

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Message Commands
##3<n> - Record Announcement
Records an announcement in the specified slot (0-9). If an announcement
already exists in the slot, the old message is erased and replaced. The repeater
will respond with an ‘ok’ beep. Transmit your message after the ‘ok’ beep, and
the repeater will respond by playing an ‘ok’ beep, followed by the message just
recorded.
Example: ##31- Record announcement 1
##2<n> - Play Announcement
Plays the specified announcement (0-9), or a ‘negative’ beep if the
announcement is blank.
Example: ##21 – Play announcement 1
##4<n> - rase Announcement
Erases the specified announcement (0-9).
Example: ##41 –Erase announcement 1
##5<n><time> - Set Announcement Interval
If the interval for an announcement is not ero, it will be played
automatically at that interval. The time range can be from one second to twelve
hours. Default is ero (disabled).
Example: ##530100 – Set announcement 3 interval to 1 hour
##6<n><time> - Set Announcement Time Offset
Without the use of a time offset, all announcements with the same interval
would play at the same time. Use the offset to stagger messages. For example, to
alternate between messages 1 and 2 every five minutes, set both to interval 10,
and then set the offset for message 2 to 5 minutes. Message 1 will transmit at
00:00, message 2 at 00:05, message 1 again at 00:10, message 2 at 00:15, and so on.
Default is ero.
Example: ##6410 – Set announcement 4 offset to 10 minutes

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##16<1/0> – Voice ID On/Off
Turns voice ID auto-response on or off. When enabled, the repeater will
play announcement 0 in response to a transmission. Like the Morse ID, an
inhibit timer (set with the ##85 command) can be used to ensure the voice ID
plays no more often than specified. This message can also be used to transmit
instructions on use of the repeater or voicemail functions. Default is off.
Example: ##161 – Voice ID on
##85<time> - Set Voice ID Inhibit Timer
As with the CW ID inhibit timer, this timer prevents the voice ID auto-
response from playing more often than the specified interval. Default is 10
minutes.
Example: ##8508 – Set voice ID inhibit timer to 8 minutes
##16<9/8> – Voice ID Rotation On/Off
When this option is enabled, the voice ID auto-response message will
cycle through each recorded announcement, except message 1 if the preamble
option is enabled. Default is off.
Example: ##168 – Voice ID rotation off
##16<3/2> – Voice Preamble On/Off
The voice preamble function causes the repeater to send message 1 at the
start of each repeated transmission. Default is off.
Example: ##163 – Voice preamble on

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Morse Code ID Commands
##82<nn…> - Set CW ID Text
Sets the text to be transmitted in Morse code for the timed and auto-
response ID functions, up to 12 characters. Each character is entered as a two-
digit number, from the following table:
00 Space 24 X
01 A 25 Y
02 B 26 Z
03 C 27 . (Period)
04 D 28 , (Comma)
05 E 29 ?
06 F 30 0
07 G 31 1
08 H 32 2
09 I 33 3
10 J 34 4
11 K 35 5
12 L 36 6
13 M 37 7
14 N 38 8
15 O 39 9
16 P 40 ; (Semicolon)
17 Q 41 : (Colon)
18 R 42 / (Slash)
19 S 43 - (Dash)
20 T 44 ‘ (Apostrophe)
21 U 45 ( (Left parenthesis)
22 V 46 ) (Right parenthesis)
23 W 47 _ (Underscore)
Example: ##8223310123 – Set ID to W1AW
##86 – Check CW ID
Plays the Morse code ID entered by the ##82 command.

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##80<1/0> - Timed CW ID On/Off
##801 turns on the timed Morse code ID, and ##800 turns it off. This ID
function is separate from the CW ID auto-response function. When enabled, the
ID will be transmitted at the programmed interval regardless of activity. Default
is off.
Example: ##801 – Turn on CW ID
##83<time> - Set CW ID Timer
Sets the time interval for Morse code IDs. This option is enabled with the
##80 command, and is independent of the auto-response ID. Default is 10
minutes.
Example: ##8310 – Set CW ID time to 10 minutes
##80<3/2> - nable or Disable Cleanup CW ID
##803 enables the cleanup ID option, and ##802 disables. If the cleanup ID
option is enabled, the timed CW ID will only activate once after a period of
inactivity determined by the CW ID timer, rather than operating continuously.
Example: ##803 – Enable Cleanup ID
##15<1/0> – CW ID Auto-Responder On/Off
Enables or disables CW ID auto-response. The repeater will respond to a
transmission with a Morse code ID (set with the ##82 command) when enabled.
If the CW ID inhibit timer (##84) is set, the ID response will be sent only as often
as specified by that timer setting. Default is off.
Example: ##150 – CW ID off
##84<time> - Set CW ID Inhibit Timer
When the Morse code ID auto-response feature (##151) is enabled, this
timer determines how often the ID will be sent in response to a transmission. For
example, if the timer is set to 10 minutes, the ID will be sent in response to the
first transmission heard, and not again until at least 10 minutes have passed and
another transmission is heard. Default is 10 minutes.
Example: ##8405 – Set CW ID inhibit timer to 5 minutes
##81<nn> - Set CW Speed
Sets the transmission speed for Morse code messages. Accepted values
are 00-99, ranging from very slow to very fast. Default is 80.
Example: ##81 5 – Set CW speed to 5% (very fast)
Voicemail Commands

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##73 – Voicemail On
Turns on the voicemail function. Pressing ‘1’ will record a new voicemail
message.
##72 – Voicemail Off
Turns off the voicemail function. Existing messages will be retained and
can be retrieved, but messages cannot be recorded. The voicemail function is
turned off by default.
##07<code> – Set Voicemail Access Code
Sets the 3-digit access code that grants access only to the voicemail
retrieval menu. The code must be entered twice. The default code is ‘000’.
Example: ##07123123 – Set code to ‘123’
##02 – Check Voicemail
See voicemail chapter below for more information on retrieving voicemail
messages.
##74 – rase All Voicemail Messages
Erases all voicemail messages.