BridgeComSystems ComLink BRC-40U User manual

ComLink BRC-40U/50V Owner’s Manual
By BridgeCom Systems, Inc.

Copyright 2012 BY
Bridge Embedded Systems, Inc
Version 1.0, November 2012
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
LTRis a registered trademark of EF Johnson Corporation
Windowsis a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
For Technical Support, please contact:
BridgeCom Systems, Inc.
102 NE State Route 92 Highway, Suite C
Smithville, MO 64089
Tel: [phone]
[email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 5
WELCOME ........................................................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER 2: SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION ............................................................................................. 7
INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................... 7
POWER UP....................................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 4: OPERATION .................................................................................................. 8
OPERATING MODES ............................................................................................................. 8
CHANNEL AND USER DATABASE ............................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER 5: REPEATER MODE........................................................................................... 9
OVERVIEW........................................................................................................................ 9
OPERATION....................................................................................................................... 9
CHANNEL SETTINGS............................................................................................................. 9
USER SETTINGS ............................................................................................................... 10
ERROR ALERTS ................................................................................................................ 10
CHAPTER 6: BASE STATION MODE.................................................................................. 11
OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................... 11
OPERATION..................................................................................................................... 11
BASE STATION SETTINGS .................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER 7: AUXILIARY MODE ....................................................................................... 11
OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................... 11
EXTERNAL CONTROLLERS ........................................................................................................ 11
CHAPTER 8: ALIGNMENT ................................................................................................ 12
OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................... 12
PARAMETERS ................................................................................................................... 12
ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE ...................................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER 9: REMOTE PROGRAMMING............................................................................. 14
OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................... 14
ACCESSING REMOTE PROGRAM MODE............................................................................................. 15
COMMANDS ...................................................................................................................... 15
EXAMPLE 1: ADD A NEW USER AND MODIFY THE USER’S PROFILE ................................................................ 18
EXAMPLE 2: DEACTIVATE AN EXISTING USER .................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 10: KEYPAD LOCK ........................................................................................... 20
OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................... 20
PROCEDURE ...................................................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 11 BATTERY BACKUP/EXTERNAL DC IN .......................................................... 21
APPENDIX A: ACCESSORY CONNECTOR DESCRIPTION ................................................... 22
APPENDIX B: REMOTE PROGRAMMING QUICK REFERENCE ............................................ 23
APPENDIX C: CTCSS TONE/DCS CODE TABLES ............................................................... 24
3

CTCSS TONES ................................................................................................................ 24
DCS CODES ................................................................................................................... 24
APPENDIX D: REPEATER SYSTEM RECORD SHEET .......................................................... 25
WARRANTY AND SERVICE .............................................................................................. 26
FCC STATEMENTS ........................................................................................................... 27
4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the ComLink BCR REPEATER FM Repeater System. As part of the ComLink series, the BCR
REPEATER has been developed to provide many of the features you, the communications user, have requested. The BCR
REPEATER gives you a feature rich scalable repeater platform to grow as your system needs grow. The BCR REPEATER
integrates the RF power of a dual fan-cooled 40-watt repeater with a high capacity ‘tone panel’ and a 16 channel base
station. The BCR REPEATER also provides a D-SUB 25pin accessory connector allowing for ease in interfacing your favorite
external peripheral such as a Tone/DC Remote, Telephone Interconnect, SCADA, or Telemetry fixture. We would also like to
say The BCR REPEATER repeater is 100% LTR compatible and can be used with your favorite LTR trunking controller. This
means the BCR REPEATER provides DC access from the receiver to the controller and from the controller all the way to the
RF transmitter without causing sub-audible signal degradation.
Features
• High Performance Specs: Temperature Compensation Oscillator (TCXO) ensures frequency stability and accuracy
during ambient temperature changes.
• Modular Design: The modular design of the BCR-40U/50V allows for ease and quick replacement of the internal
electronics at the site.
• Rack style design: The galvanized steel chassis construction provides for a Heavy Duty housing that can be mounted
in a standard 19” rack or desktop configuration taking up 3.5” of rack space. Standard equipped rack handles provide
for ease during 19” rack installation.
• Internal duplexer (optional): The design of the BCR-40U/50V’s chassis allows for an internal duplexer to be
installed.
• Front panel display and controls: The front panel of the BCR-40U/50V includes a LCD display and four LED status
indicators. Front panel controls include a four-button keypad, speaker volume control knob, and select control knob.
• Windows-based programmer: The BCR-40U/50V can be setup and maintained using the optional BCR programming
software. Programming is simple and easy – the ACC-8025 cable connects your PC to the BCR-40U/50V, no other
interface modules are needed.
• Signaling capability: Built-in High capacity ‘tone panel’ that supports up to 24 users per channel with 38 CTCSS tones
and 83 DCS codes available per channel. Cross tone/code encoding is available as well.
• Battery Backup: The BCR-40U/50V can be powered from a 12V battery and also provides a charging circuit for
maintenance free operation.
• External Speaker Out: Operate a high-powered external speaker by turning it on from the front panel.
• Built In Channel ID update: Sends station ID in programmable intervals. Select Morse send rate of 10-25 WPM.
• Integrated High-Efficiency Power Supply: The BCR REPEATER includes an internal 150W power supply with
MosFet-based switch-mode technology for high reliability, high efficiency and minimum size and weight. It also
provides 13.8V output for powering external controllers, thus saving valuable site resources.
• Dual Cooling Fans: The BCR REPEATER incorporates two cooling fans that can be programmed for continuous
operation or transmit only.
• Variable channel spacing: Each channel can be individually programmed to use 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz spacing making
the BCR-40U/50V useful for years to come.
• Remote Programming via DTMF tones: In order to save a time consuming trip to the site, the BCR-40U/50V
provides for remote programming and maintenance.
• Accessory Connector and AUX Feature: The internal controller can be disabled and the repeater placed in an
auxiliary mode where it can be used as a slave to an external controller.
• Air-Time Logging: The BCR-40U/50V automatically logs cumulative airtime on a per use basis. The airtime is
recorded in minutes and seconds and is accumulated on per second basis. The air-time data is then retrieved using the
BCR programming software.
5

This Owner’s Manual will acquaint you with the features and specifications of the BCR-40U/50V. Every effort has been made
in the preparation of this manual to ensure the accuracy of its contents. However, please note that one of the many
features of the BCR-40U/50V includes upgradable firmware. Firmware upgrades may modify existing features and/or
introduce new features not available at the time of this manual’s publication. Please read the accompanying documentation
with any firmware upgrade for any changes to this manual’s content.
CHAPTER 2: SPECIFICATIONS
General BCR-40U BCR-50V
Number of Channels: 16
Operating Voltage: 11 V DC Min / 13.8 V DC Nominal / 15 V DC Max
Channel Spacing: 25kHz/12.5kHz
Rated Current Drain: 11.2A Max
Weight: 18 lbs.
Weight w/ duplexer: 20 lbs.
Frequency Range: 400-470 MHz 136-174 MHz
Dimensions (W x H x D): 19.0” x 3.5” x 13.5”
Frequency Stability: +/- 1.5 ppm +/- 1.5 ppm
Operating Temperature Range: -22°F to +140°F (-30°C to +60°C)
Local Oscillator: Low-side injection Low-side injection
Sensitivity 0.25 µV 12dB SINAD 0.22 µV 10dB SINAD
Squelch Threshold: Open 12dB SINAD/Close 8dB SINAD
Selectivity: 65dB @ 12.5kHz 70dB @ 25.0kHz
Spurious Rejection: 70dB
Intermodulation Rejection: 72dB @ 12.5kHz 72dB @ 25.0kHz
Antenna Connector: N-Type
Antenna Impedance: 50Ω
RF Output (w/o duplexer):
Programmable
400-470 @ 0-40W
Adjustable
136-174 @ 0-50W
Adjustable
Modulation: 160K0F3E, 11K0F3E
Maximum Deviation: +/- 5kHz (25 kHz) +/- 2.5 kHz (12.5 kHz)
FM Hum and Noise 40dB @ 12.5kHz 45dB @ 25.0kHz
Antenna Connector: N-Type
Antenna Impedance: 50Ω
Specifications per EIA standards. In our on-going commitment to quality specifications are subject
to change without notice.
6

CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION
Upon opening the shipping carton, the following items should be present and undamaged:
• BCR FM Repeater System (UHF or VHF Version)
• Detachable AC-line cord
• One strip of four rubber feet
The BCR repeater is capable of producing HIGH-powered RF signals that require proper
termination into a suitable load. It is highly recommended the BCR Repeater be installed by a
qualified technician with experience installing FM repeaters and controller equipment.
Installation
The BCR repeater provides 4 slots for installation into a 19” rack or 4 rubber feet for placement in a desktop
configuration. If installing the repeater in a 19” rack, use 4 rack screws (not supplied) to securely fasten the
repeater’s front panel flush with the rack’s rails. If placed in a desktop configuration, it is recommended the
rubber feet be placed close to the four corners of the bottom of the chassis.
Optional accessories include a base station microphone, internal duplexer, and the BCR Repeater Windows
based programmer. Please check with your dealer for more information about these optional accessories.
The BCR repeater is shipped with or without an internal duplexer. If the unit is not equipped with an internal
duplexer, there will be an N-type female connector for RX and another for TX located on the rear of the unit.
If the unit is shipped with an internal duplexer, there will be one N-type female connector at the TX/Duplexer
Out port.
The internal power supply of the BCR Repeater is factory pre-set for 120V AC 60HZ operation to deliver 13.8
Volts. If the repeater did not come with a duplexer installed, connect the received signal to the RX antenna
port and connect the TX antenna port’s output to where the powered signal is to be transmitted. If the
repeater came installed with a duplexer, attach the antenna cable to the duplexer out port on the rear of the
unit.
If the unit is to use an external speaker for monitoring received audio a 1/8” mono jack is located on the back
of the unit next to the 25-pin accessory connector.
The RJ-45 connector next to the Ext Speaker jack is for USB connection and future expansion.
Power Up
To power the unit, simply plug the detachable AC-line cord into the receptacle located on the back of the unit
and then plug it into an AC line source. Pressing the power switch to the up position turns on the unit. The
display will illuminate indicating the unit is on. The BCR repeater will cycle through a power-up sequence
illuminating the LCD and the LED’s. The model name will be displayed for approximately two seconds followed
by the version of firmware. If the unit was ordered without being custom programmed, the default
personality will be loaded and HIGH POWER will be displayed for approximately 2 seconds and then dashed
lines. If the unit was ordered custom programmed, the name given to the first channel will be displayed
instead of HIGH POWER. If the unit was ordered without being custom-programmed, you will have to
purchase the BCR repeater programmer to customize the unit to your frequency license. Keep this in mind
prior to attaching the repeater to a service monitor. Depending on your test equipment, you may need to
reduce the output power or pad the TX output so as not to damage your test equipment.
7

CHAPTER 4: OPERATION
Operating Modes
The BCR Repeater has four different modes of operation: repeater mode, base station mode, and
auxiliary(AUX) mode. By default, the unit operates in repeater mode unless you explicitly change modes.
This chapter will give you a brief overview of each of the modes. The individual modes are covered in detail in
the chapters that follow. Also in each of the various operating modes an external peripheral can be connected
to the accessory connector located on the rear of the unit. Through programming, the external peripheral can
be made to work in conjunction with the repeater. The BCR repeater will ‘remember’ the mode it was in prior
to power down. When powered back up, the unit will revert to the previous mode.
Repeater Mode: The BCR repeater is a full-featured community repeater with programmable settings for
channel spacing, TX Timeout, and CW-ID broadcasting preferences. In repeater mode, the BCR Repeater will
listen for calls from any user that belongs to the currently selected channel. If it detects a CTCSS tone or DCS
code of a valid user, it will repeat the call with the appropriate CTCSS/DCS encoding. While in repeater mode,
the BCR Repeater can also be remotely programmed using a two-way radio capable of generating DTMF tones.
For more information on repeater mode, see “Chapter 5: Repeater Mode”. For more information on remote
programming, see “Chapter 8: Remote Programming”.
If an external peripheral such as a phone patch is used in conjunction with repeater Mode, the external
peripheral will gain control of the transmitter upon engaging the external PTT line. When the external PTT line
is engaged, the circuit is designed to break the connection between the RX Module and the TX Module so that
the external peripheral has control. The transmit options of the user in Slot 1 will be utilized. If
necessary, the repeater supports a programmable COS output on pin 17 to be interfaced with the peripheral.
Base Station Mode: The BCR repeater is a full-featured base station. By attaching an optional microphone,
the BCR Repeater can communicate as any user on the selected channel. For more information, see “Chapter
6: Base Station Mode.” If an external peripheral such as a DC Remote is used in base mode the transmit
options of the user in Slot 1 will be utilized when the external PTT line is engaged.
Auxiliary Mode: AUX mode can serve many purposes. Placing the BCR repeater in AUX mode disables the
internal controller and allows for the unit to be totally controlled by an external peripheral. For more
information, see “Chapter 7: Auxiliary Mode”.
Channel and User Database
You may program up to 16 channels for the BCR repeater to use. At any time, only one channel is active.
You can select which channel you would like activated by scrolling through the list of channels using the
SELECT knob on the unit’s front panel. Each of the 16 channels has unique settings for broadcast ID,
broadcast interval, Morse code rate, receiver frequency, transmitter frequency, channel spacing, power, and
TX Timeout time. Each channel can support up to 24 users. Each user has unique settings for user name,
status, RX signaling, TX signaling, courtesy tone, TX hold time, and tone-in-tail. In addition, base station
settings are determined on a per channel basis and utilize the operating parameters programmed on a per
user basis. Each user is assigned a particular slot within the channel. User slots are numbered sequentially
from 0 to 23. Slot 0 is the System Operator, which is the only user with remote programming privileges. The
remaining slots (1 through 23) are for common users, and no preference is given to users based on their
order within the slots.
8

CHAPTER 5: REPEATER MODE
Overview
In repeater mode, each of the BCR Repeater’s 16 channels is capable of supporting 24 individual users. Each
user may have one of 38 possible CTCSS tones or one of 83 possible DCS codes as well as inversions. While
in repeater mode, the unit can be placed in remote programming mode. This allows for the selected channel’s
properties and user database to be changed using transmitted DTMF tone command sequences.
Operation
To place the repeater on a programmed channel, simply rotate the SELECT knob on the front panel. This will
cycle through the possible channels displaying the channel name for approximately one second. The LCD will
then revert to displaying dashed lines. At this point the BCR repeater is in an idle state waiting to validate and
repeat incoming calls. Upon receipt of carrier, the yellow RX LED will illuminate. When a valid user’s signaling
is decoded, the green VALID LED will illuminate and the user’s name will be displayed on the LCD. The
transmitter will then power up and repeat the call. The red TX LED will illuminate and the cooling fans will
engage. When the call expires, the green VALID LED will go off and if carrier is no longer present, the yellow
RX LED will go off as well. The Transmitter may remain keyed for a programmed hang time. When done
transmitting, the red TX LED will go off, and the cooling fan may stop depending on programming. At any
point in time, the repeater audio traffic may be monitored. Pressing-and-releasing the MON button will
sequence through the possible speaker output options. The sequence is thus: Internal Speaker, External
Speaker, Both Internal and External, and both off. The NOTE icon will visible to indicate internal, and the ~
icon will be visible to indicate external.
Channel Settings
Channel and user settings are either pre-programmed by your dealer or by you using the BCR programmer.
The following lists all of the channel settings.
Channel Name: The Channel Name is an 16 character name. Legal characters are uppercase letters and
numbers. It is also the name that appears in the BCR Repeater’s LCD display when that channel is active.
Broadcast ID: The Broadcast ID is an eight-character name consisting of uppercase letters and numbers.
The Broadcast ID is transmitted in Morse code at specified intervals to identify the repeater on the air. (10-25
Word Per Minute)
Broadcast Interval: The Broadcast Interval specifies how often the Broadcast ID will be transmitted. It has
a range of 0 to 999 minutes. ‘0’ disables this feature and the Broadcast ID will not be transmitted.
Receiver/Transmitter Frequency: You must specify a receive and transmit frequency. 400 to 470 MHz for
the BCR-40U, 136 to 174 MHz for the BCR-50V.
Channel Spacing: Each channel can be programmed for either narrow (12.5kHz) or wide (25kHz) band. This
setting is applied to both the transmitter and the receiver.
Power Setting: Each channel can be programmed from 0 Watts to its rated power (40W for the UHF and
50W for the VHF). The TX power is adjusted from the alignment menu. It can also be preset using the BCR
Programming software.
COS Setting: The COS (Carrier Operated Switch) output is an open-drain output that functions ACTIVE LOW.
It can be made to toggle when carrier is present or when valid signaling is determined.
Cooling FAN Operation: The cooling fans can be made to operate continuously or only during transmit.
CSQ Repeat: Selecting this option will cause the repeater to repeat every instance of valid carrier. The TX
options transmitted will be that of those programmed in for Slot 1 of the User Settings.
Tx Timeout: TX Timeout controls how long the BCR Repeater will continuously transmit before the RF Power
Amp (RF PA) is automatically shut off. The maximum value of the TX Timeout feature is 999 seconds. To
disable the TX Timeout feature, enter 0 in the TX Timeout field.
9

Remote Access Code: The System Operator can remotely manage the BCR Repeater by using DTMF tone
sequences. The Remote Access Code is a four-digit number that you specify on a per channel basis. Before
making any modifications, the System Operator must enter the Remote Access Code to gain access to the
system. All four-digit numbers are valid, except “5555”. To disable the Remote Access feature, simply leave
the SYSOP Operator slot empty.
User Settings
User ID: The User ID is an eight-character name that will be displayed in the BCR Repeater’s LCD while that
user’s call is being repeated. Legal characters in the User ID include uppercase letters, numbers, dashes, and
periods. By default, users are assigned the name “USER” plus a two digit number corresponding to the slot of
that user. For example, the user in slot #8 will be assigned the name USER08 by default. The user in slot 0
is assigned the name “SYS-OP” to reflect its special role as the System Operator, but you can change its User
ID as well if you prefer.
Status: Each user has a status of “Active” or “Inactive”. By default, all users are “Active”. If you mark a
user as “Inactive”, their calls will not repeated, although all their information will still be retained in the
system. This option is useful if you want to suspend the repeater privileges of a user, without deleting that
user entirely.
RX/TX Signaling: Each user must be assigned an Rx Signal and a TX Signal. You may specify either a
CTCSS tone or a DCS code. If you select a CTCSS tone, you must also specify one of 38 tones ranging from
67.0 to 250.3 Hz. If you select DCS code, you must also specify one of 83 three-digit codes, inverted or non-
inverted. The Rx Signal and TX Signal are selected separately. The per user TX signaling setting can also be
made to transmit carrier only (CSQ). The BCR Repeater is capable of cross tone/code encoding. For example,
if the BCR REPEATER detects that it has received a transmit request with a 179.9 Hz CTCSS tone, it can then
repeat the call with a 162.2 Hz CTCSS tone, or even with a DCS code. Cross tone/code encoding can be
useful when setting up multiple repeaters at different locations that share the same frequency.
Courtesy Tone: When a user has finished transmitting, the BCR Repeater can emit a courtesy tone. The
courtesy tone can be set for 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, or no courtesy tone. The duration of the courtesy
tone is fixed at 75 milliseconds.
TX Hold Time: After a user has finished transmitting, the repeater can continue to transmit for a
programmed amount of hold time. TX Hold Time has a range of 0 to 65,535 ms. However, during remote
programming, the max number that can entered is 9,999 ms. If the user has a courtesy tone, it is
recommended that you set the TX Hold Time to be at least 250 ms.
Tone-in-Tail: With Tone-In-Tail enabled, the BCR Repeater will encode the user’s CTCSS tone or DCS code
during the TX Hold Time.
Error Alerts
PLL Lock Error: The BCR Repeater monitors the status of the PLL/VCO circuitry in both the Receive and
Transmit modules. In the event the receiver’s PLL is unable to lock due to a hardware failure, the BCR
Repeater will display RX PLL ERRROR. If the transmitter's PLL circuitry should fail, TX PLL ERROR will be
displayed. Upon detecting a PLL error, the BCR Repeater will enter an error state. While in error state,
repeater operation will be suspended. The user may try to reprogram the channel by rotating the SELECT
knob. In the event the problem is unsolvable, the repeater may require servicing. Please contact your dealer
or BridgeCom Systems, Inc. technical support.
10

CHAPTER 6: BASE STATION MODE
Overview
In addition to its repeater features, the BCR repeater can be operated as a base station. While in base station
mode, the system operator is able to communicate with any user on the selected channel.
Operation
To switch from repeater mode to base station mode, simply press and release the BASE button on the front
panel. The BASE LED will illuminate. The BASE LED will stay lit during base station operating mode. The first
time that base station mode is entered, the unit will default to the user in Slot 1. Any subsequent time that
base station mode is entered, the user that was active the last time that the BCR repeater was in base station
mode will be selected. The front or external speaker can be turned on and the received audio volume
adjusted. THE RX, VALID, AND TX LEDs ARE DISABLED IN BASE MODE. However, the LCD display will
illuminate the current status of a call. If the unit is receiving, ‘RX’ will be displayed next to the user name. If
the unit is performing a valid decode, ‘RX VALID’ will be displayed next to the user name. When the
microphone is keyed, ‘TX!’ is displayed next to the user name. When the base station operator initiates a
transmission, it will be on the selected users transmit squelch option. Different users on the channel may be
selected by rotating the SELECT knob. During Base Station mode, it is permissible to transmit using a
deactivated user’s tone/code. In order to exit base station mode, simply press the RPTR or AUX button.
Base Station Settings
Remote mode cannot be entered during Base station mode. All selected user receive and transmit options
(courtesy tone, hang time, and Tone-in-Tail) are inherited when transmitting to that user.
CHAPTER 7: AUXILIARY MODE
Overview
By entering auxiliary (AUX) mode, the repeater's internal controller is disabled and the BCR-40U/50V may be
controlled by an external peripheral. In addition, while in AUX mode enable/disable the speaker settings.
External Controllers
When in AUX mode the BCR REPEATER’s internal tone panel is disabled and total control of the repeater is
surrendered to an external peripheral such as an LTR controller or another tone panel. Please refer to
Appendix A: for the pin-out description of the BCR REPEATER to help you make your custom cable. When
AUX mode is entered, the circuit path is set up to where the DATA or Composite output of the
external controller has DC access to the transmitter. The BCR REPEATER requires the DC input of
the DATA or Composite output be centered at 1.5 V DC otherwise the external peripheral could
cause a DC shift to make the BCR REPEATER transmit off frequency. To help achieve the 1.5 V DC
input requirement, the BCR REPEATER incorporates a DC level shifting Trim Pot (P1) on the
internal accessory board. Open the unit to access the accessory board. This is the board the
accessory connector is on. With your external controller connected, use a DC voltmeter to
measure the DC input voltage on TP1. While the controller is sending data, Adjust P1 until 1.5
Volts DC is achieved.
11

CHAPTER 8: ALIGNMENT
Overview
The BCR Repeater is designed to operate in a wide range of the RF spectrum and the repeater is factory
aligned to work at any frequency within that spectrum. However, because the repeater operates on a single
transmit frequency at a time, you will likely want to optimize performance for that frequency. The BCR
Repeater is equipped with the ability to fine-tune the repeater’s operation at a specific transmit frequency.
If you ordered the BCR Repeater with custom programming, then it should already be aligned to operate at its
programmed frequency. If you ordered the BCR Repeater without custom programming, then it is advised
that you follow the alignment procedures in this section.
Parameters
During the alignment process, you will have the opportunity to fine-tune all of the listed parameters below.
The heading of each bullet is the name of the parameter that you will see in the BCR Repeater’s display during
the alignment process.
• SQUELCH: 1-9 (Approx 0.22µV -0.30µV)
• RF POWER: (0-400) – This value is representation of the RF Output Power – 0 being least
power and 400 being max power.
• TX SUB DEV: (0-7) This parameter controls the TX sub-audible tone/code output devation. 0
being < 40dB, 1-7 in 2dB increments from –12dB to 0dB.
• TX VOICE DEV: (0-7) This parameter controls the TX Voice deviation. 0 being < 40dB, 1-7
adjusts in 2dB increments from –12dB to 0dB.
• TX FREQ: This parameter controls the temperature-controlled crystal oscillator (TCXO) voltage.
The TCXO is adjusted at the factory to work across the repeater’s RF operating range. You can
adjust the TX FREQ parameter to fine-tune the TCXO voltage for the selected frequency.
Alignment Procedure
For this process, a service monitor capable of duplex operation and a hand held two-way radio.
Follow the steps below:
1) Start the alignment procedure
Once the repeater has powered up select the channel to adjust. Press-and-hold the RPTR button
for approximately two seconds. The LCD will display SQUELCH and squelch value below. To cycle
through the available alignment parameters, rotate the SELECT knob.
2) Set up the service monitor and adjust SQUELCH
Program the service monitor to generate on the RX frequency at a signal strength ranging from
approximately 0.30uV to 0.22uV. To adjust the squelch, press-and-release the SELECT knob.
Rotate the SELECT knob until RX light goes out. When comfortable with the setting, press-and-
release the SELECT knob to store the value. Repeat and adjust accordingly until results are
satisfactory for the environment.
12

3) Adjust the RF POWER parameter
Make sure the TX output is connected to a 50 ohm load. Rotate the SELECT knob to the RF
POWER parameter in the alignment menu. Press-and-release the SELECT knob to engage the RF
power amp. Using the service monitor, observe the output power level. Rotate the SELECT knob
until the desired RF power is achieved. Press-and-release the SELECT knob to store the value.
The unit will cease transmitting.
4) Adjust the TX SUB DEV parameter
Rotate the SELECT knob to the TX SUB DEV parameter in the alignment menu. Using the service
monitor programmed to receive on the TX frequency, press-and-release the SELECT knob. A
100Hz tone will be transmitted. Adjust the deviation to the correct level by rotating the SELECT
knob. To store the level, press-and-release the SELECT knob. The unit will cease transmitting.
5) Adjust the TX VOICE DEV parameter
Put the repeater in repeater mode. Use a service monitor in duplex mode. Program the service
monitor to transmit on the unit’s RX frequency and receive on the unit’s TX frequency. Inject a 1
kHz tone at rated deviation along with the channel’s programmed sub-audible tone or code. Once
the repeater has decoded the sub-audible and the transmitter is engaged, press-and-hold the
repeater button to put the unit in alignment mode. Rotate the SELECT knob to the TX VOICE DEV
parameter. Press-and-release the SELECT knob. Rotate the SELECT knob until the correct
deviation is achieved. Once the desired level is achieved, press-and-release the SELECT knob. It
is recommended you test the settings by using a hand portable or mobile to communicate through
the repeater. If necessary, repeat the above steps to achieve the best performance.
6) Adjust the TX-FREQ parameter
Select TX FREQ in the alignment menu. With the receiver quiet, place the service monitor on the
transmit frequency. Adjust the TCXO voltage by pressing the up and down buttons to the point
where the transmitter is on frequency as close as possible. NOTE: The sub-audible/broadband
input from the accessory connector has direct connection to the TCXO. Adjusting P1 on the
accessory board will adjust the TX FREQ also.
7) Exit
Pressing-and-holding the RPTR button for approximately two second will exit the alignment mode
and restore the BCR Repeater to repeater mode. The new settings should be tested to the
satisfaction of the system operator.
13

CHAPTER 9: REMOTE PROGRAMMING
Overview
Many settings of the BCR Repeater can be remotely programmed using DTMF tone sequences. You can add
and delete users, as well as modify all individual user settings, such as TX/RX squelch options and courtesy
tones. In addition, many channel settings can be modified remotely as well, such as the broadcast ID interval
and the TX Timeout timer.
Before You Begin
Before you begin using the remote programming features, please go through the following checklist to make
sure that you meet all the requirements for remote programming.
 Some basic channel settings, such as the channel ID, remote access PIN, RX/TX frequencies must be
set up by your dealer or by using the BCR programmer.
 A four-digit remote access PIN must be entered in order to access the remote program mode. Make
sure that you know the PIN for the channel that you wish to modify before you begin.
 You must have a handheld or mobile radio that can generate CTCSS tones / DCS codes and DTMF
tones simultaneously. The handheld or mobile must generate each DTMF tone for at least 40ms and
the duration between DTMF tones must be at least 40 ms.
 Every user belongs to a particular “slot”. There are 24 slots, numbered from 0 to 23. Whenever you
modify an individual user’s settings, you must enter their slot number. If you want to add users
remotely, you must know which slots are free. Try to keep an updated list of all the slots and their
corresponding users. A blank template is provided in Appendix D of this manual for this purpose. You
can also export a list of users and their settings for printing using the BCR programmer.
 The user is Slot 0 is the designated System Operator. Only the System Operator may remotely
program the BCR repeater, so make sure that you have a user in Slot 0. In order to remote program
the unit, Slot 0 settings must be programmed.
 You’ll want to try to keep remote programming sessions as short as possible. While in remote
programming mode, all other users are locked out of the system, so you’ll want to minimize the
repeater’s downtime. Another consideration is that the repeater will automatically exit remote
programming mode without saving the changes if it doesn’t receive a DTMF tone for 60 seconds. It is
recommended you write down all the command sequences you would like to enter before you begin.
14

Accessing remote program mode
To access remote program mode, the System Operator must key the remote access PIN, followed by the
pound (#) symbol. Not just any user can enter the PIN – the repeater must also detect the presence of the
System Operator’s CTCSS tone / DCS code. If the System Operator’s tone/code is detected, then the repeater
will not repeat the call, so don’t worry about the PIN being transmitted to other users.
Once you enter the PIN and press the # key, the repeater will transmit 3 –1500 Hz tones to indicate that
remote mode was entered. The LCD will also display REMOTE.
Commands
Each commands is composed of a sequence of DTMF tones containing a two-digit command prefix, followed by
a series of command parameters, followed by the # key. The commands are executed once the # key is
received and the calling party de-keys their radio.
De-keying after each command is necessary so that the repeater can respond to each command with a series
if either success or failure tones. A response of four 1500 Hz tones indicates the operation was a success. A
response of four 500 Hz tones indicates the operation failed.
The table below is a list of the available tasks followed by their 2-digit command prefix:
Command Prefix
ENTER REMOTE MODE N/A
ADD USER 01
DELETE USER 02
ACTIVATE USER 03
DEACTIVATE USER 04
MODIFY USER TX SQUELCH OPTION 05
MODIFY USER RX SQUELCH OPTION 06
MODIFY USER TX DCS POLARITY 07
MODIFY USER RX DCS POLARITY 08
MODIFY USER TX HOLD TIME 09
MODIFY USER TONE IN TAIL 10
MODIFY USER COURTESY TONE 11
MODIFY CHANNEL ID INTERVAL 12
MODIFY CHANNEL MORSE RATE 13
MODIFY CHANNEL TX TIMEOUT 14
EXIT WITHOUT SAVE 98
SAVE AND EXIT 99
REBOOT 5555
REPEATER DISABLE 7777
The following pages contain a description of all the available commands. Throughout the descriptions, [0]
through [9] denotes a particular digit that must entered. [N] denotes a single digit that must be entered, the
value of which depends on your choice of settings. A [#] key must be entered after each command sequence
for the system to process the command.
Please note that for all multi-digit settings, you must enter the required number of digits, using zeroes as
placeholders where necessary. For example, if [N][N][N] is required and you want to enter 12, you must
enter 012.
15

ENTER REMOTE MODE:
ACTIVATE USER:
Field Digits
1) Remote access PIN [N][N][N][N] Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [0][3]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 23
• The remote access PIN is preprogrammed
on a per channel basis. You must know it
before you begin.
• All users are active by default. This
command is used only to reactivate a user
that has been previously deactivated.
• Only the System Operator may access
remote programming mode.
DEACTIVATE USER: Deactivate an active user.
• The four-digit code “5555” is reserved for
the REBOOT command and “7777” is
reserved for REPEATER DISABLE.
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [0][4]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 23
• If you have successfully entered remote
programming mode, you’ll hear three 1500
Hz tones. If you weren’t successful, you
won’t hear any response.
• DEACTIVE USER is a good alternative to
DELETE USER when you want to
temporarily prevent a user from accessing
the repeater without deleting their profile.
ADD USER:
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [0][1]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 23
3) Tone/Code [N][N][N] 001 < NNN < 162
MODIFY USER TX SQUELCH OPTION:
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [0][5]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 63
3) Tone/Code [N][N][N] 001 < NN < 162
• See “Appendix C” for a table of available
tones/codes and their corresponding index.
• If you attempt to add a user to a slot that
is already occupied by an existing user
(active or not), then this command will fail.
You must first delete the existing user and
then add a new one if you wish to add a
new user in that slot.
• CTCSS tones are numbered from 1-50 and
DCS codes are numbered from 51-162.
See “Appendix C:” for a complete table of
available tones/codes and their
corresponding index.
MODIFY USER RX SQUELCH OPTION:
• By default, the same tone/code will be
used for both the TX and RX squelch
options. After adding the user, you can
modify the TX and RX squelch options
individually by using the MODIFY TX
SQUELCH OPTION or MODIFY RX SQUELCH
OPTION commands.
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [0][6]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 23
3) Tone/Code [N][N][N] 001 < NN < 162
• CTCSS tones are numbered from 1-50 and
DCS codes are numbered from 51-162.
See “Appendix C” for a complete table of
available tones/codes and their
corresponding index.
DELETE USER:
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [0][2]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 23
MODIFY USER TX DCS SIGNAL POLARITY:
• This command will delete the user’s profile
entirely and the slot will be considered
empty. If you want to temporarily disable
a user while preserving their profile, try
using the DEACTIVE USER command
instead.
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [0][7]
2) User Slot [N][N] 01 is only option
3) Polarity [N] 0 = inverted
1 = non-inverted
• You can not delete the user in Slot 0
(System Operator) or Slot 1. These users
can only be deleted by using the BCR
programmer.
• This command will fail if the user is not
using a DCS Code as the squelch option.
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MODIFY CHANNEL ID INTERVAL:
MODIFY USER RX DCS SIGNAL POLARITY:
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [0][8]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 23
3) Polarity [N] 0 = inverted
1 = non-inverted
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [1][2]
2) Interval (minutes) [N][N][N] 000 < NNN
< 999
• If you set the broadcast interval to zero,
this feature will be disabled.
• This command will fail if the user is not
using a DCS Code as the squelch option. • The ID will be broadcast if and only if the
repeater was in use during the most recent
interval.
MODIFY USER TX HOLD TIME:
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [0][9]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 23
3) Hold Time (ms) [N] 0000 < NNNN
< 9999
MODIFY CHANNEL MORSE RATE:
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [1][3]
2) Rate [N][N] 10-25 WPM
• TX Hold Time, measured in milliseconds,
determines how long the repeater will
continue transmitting after the user has
de-keyed.
MODIFY CHANNEL TX TIMEOUT:
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [1][4]
2) Timer (seconds) [N][N][N] 000 < NNN
< 999
MODIFY USER TONE IN TAIL:
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [1][0]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 23
3) Tone in Tail [N] 0 = No
1 = Yes
• If you set the TX Timeout to zero, this
feature will be disabled.
• The TX Timeout timer controls the
maximum amount of timer that the
transmitter will remain keyed.
• The Tone in Tail setting determines
whether or not the user’s CTCSS tone or
DCS code is transmitted during the hold
time.
• This feature is useful to prevent a radio
with a “stuck mic” from keeping the
repeater transmitted keyed.
• Tone in Tail only has meaning if the TX
Hold Time is greater than zero. Although
the command won’t fail, Tone in Tail has
no meaning if the TX Hold Time is set to
zero.
EXIT WITHOUT SAVE:
Field Digits
1) Command [9][8]
• Upon exit, the repeater will transmit the
exit remote mode alert, which is three
consecutive 600 Hz tones.
MODIFY USER COURTESY TONE:
Field Digits Remarks
1) Command [1][1]
2) User Slot [N][N] 00 < NN < 23
3) Courtesy Tone [N] 0 = None
1 = 500 Hz
2 = 1000 Hz
3 = 1500 Hz
SAVE AND EXIT:
Field Digits
1) Command [9][9]
• The courtesy tone sounds for 75
milliseconds, after the user de-keys but
before the hold time begins.
• After this command is received, the
repeater will begin transmitting a series of
tones as it updates its internal memory.
• Upon exit, the repeater will transmit the
exit remote mode alert, which is three
consecutive 600 Hz tones.
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• You don’t need to be in remote
programming mode to issue the reboot
command. It can be used at any time.
Also, valid signaling is not required to issue
a remote reboot command.
REBOOT:
Field Digits
1) Command [5][5][5][5]
• It is not necessary to reboot the BCR
REPEATER after making changes using
remote programming commands. If you
ever do need to remotely reboot, it should
only be to relieve an immediate problem.
• This command remotely reboots the BCR
REPEATER as if someone had manually
toggled the power switch. Although the
BCR REPEATER has been designed to be as
robust as possible, this command can save
a trip to the site in the rare case that the
BCR REPEATER fails to repeat calls or
otherwise becomes unresponsive.
• This command will not be followed by any
type of success or failure alert. After using
this command, wait 20-30 seconds for the
BCR Repeater to reset and then try using it
again.
REPEATER DISABLE:
Field Digits
1) Command [7][7][7][7]
• This command remotely disables the repeater
• Reboot 5555# restores repeater operation.
Example 1: Add a new user and modify the user’s profile
Before you begin these examples, make sure that you have a two-way radio capable of transmitting DTMF
tones, and that this radio is set up to transmit the CTCSS tone / DCS code assigned to the user in Slot 0, the
System Operator. Because the System Operator’s calls are not repeated, the easiest way to confirm that the
System Operator can access the repeater is to have the System Operator press the PTT (push-to-talk) button
on their radio. Visually confirm that the repeater’s LCD displays the System Operator’s ID, which is by default
“SYS-OP”.
In this example, we will add a user to slot #30 with a DCS code of 223 and then modify its profile’s hang time
and courtesy tone. If Slot #30 is already occupied on your system, go through this examples using another
slot that is empty.
1) Enter remote programming mode
With the repeater turned on and in an idle state, the System Operator should push-to-talk, enter the
remote access PIN, press the ‘#’ key, and then release the PTT button. The repeater should respond
with the “remote mode entered” alert, which is a series of three 1500 Hz tones.
2) Add a user to slot #3 with CTCSS tone 173.8Hz
To add a user, we need to enter the ADD USER command prefix, the slot number, and the tone/code
index. The ADD USER command has a prefix of 01. We want to add the user to slot #3. From the
table in Appendix C, “CTCSS Tone / DCS Code tables”, we can see that that CTCSS tone 173.8Hz has
an index of 228.
In order to add a user, we need to enter the following sequence (without the dashes):
[0][1]-[][3]-[2][2][8]-[#]
Upon dekey, the repeater should respond with a success alert, which is a series of four 1500Hz tones.
If it failed, you’ll hear a failure alert, which is a series of four 500Hz tones. If this process fails, then
possible causes for this failure include: Slot #3 is already occupied, CTCSS tone 173.8 is already
being used by another user, or the command was entered incorrectly.
18

3) Turn on tone-in-tail in the user’s newly created profile
To turn on a user’s tone-in-tail, we need to enter the MODIFY USER TONE IN TAIL command prefix,
the user’s slot number, and the tone-in-tail preference. The MODIFY USER TONE IN TAIL prefix is 10.
We are modifying the user in Slot #3. Because we want tone-in-tail to be on, we need to set the
tone-in-tail preference to 1.
In order to turn on tone-in-tail, enter the following sequence (without the dashes):
[1][0]-[0][3]-[1]-[#]
Once you dekey, you should hear the success alert (four 1500 Hz tones.)
4) Set the user’s TX hold time to three seconds
To modify the TX hold time, we need to enter the MODIFY USER TX HOLD TIME command prefix, the
user’s slot number, and the number of milliseconds of the TX hold time. The MODIFY USER TX HOLD
TIME prefix is 09. We are modifying the user in Slot #3. We want to set the TX hold time to 3
seconds, which is 3,000 milliseconds.
In order to set the TX hold time to three seconds, enter the following sequence (without the dashes):
[0][9]-[0][3]-[3][0][0][0]-[#]
Once you dekey, you should hear the success alert (four 1500 Hz tones.)
5) Add a courtesy tone of 1000 Hz to the new user’s profile
To modify the courtesy tone preference, we need to enter the MODIFY USER COURTESY TONE
command prefix, the user’s slot number, and the index of courtesy tone that we would like to select.
The MODIFY USER COURTESY TONE prefix is 11, the user’s slot number is 3, the index of the 1000 Hz
courtesy tone is 2.
In order to add a courtesy tone of 1000 Hz, enter the following sequence (without the dashes):
[1][1]-[0][3]-[2]-[#]
Once you dekey, you should hear the success alert (four 1500 Hz tones.)
6) Save and exit
When you finish making all the above changes, you need to save and exit remote programming mode.
To store the settings of the new user, all you need to do is enter the SAVE AND EXIT command prefix.
The SAVE AND EXIT prefix is 99.
In order to save and exit, enter the following sequence (without the dashes):
[9][9]-[#]
The repeater will respond with a series of tones as it updates followed by a remote mode exited alert,
which is a series of three 600Hz tones.
19

Example 2: Deactivate an existing user
In this example, we will deactivate an existing user.
1) Enter remote programming mode
With the repeater turned on and in an idle state, the System Operator should push-to-talk, enter the
remote access PIN, press the ‘#’ key, and then release the PTT button. The repeater should respond
with the “remote mode entered” alert, which is a series of three 1500 Hz tones.
2) Deactivate the user in slot #3
To deactivate a user, we need to enter the DEACTIVATE USER command prefix and the user’s slot
number. The DEACTIVATE USER prefix is 04 and the user’s slot number is 30.
In order to deactivate the user in slot #30, enter the following sequence (without the dashes):
[0][4]-[0][3]-[#]
Once you dekey, you should hear the success alert (four 1500 Hz tones.)
Upon de-key, the repeater will respond with an OPERATION SUCCESS ALERT.
3) Save and exit
When you finish deactivating the user, you need to save and exit remote programming mode. To
store the changes, you need to enter the SAVE AND EXIT command prefix. The SAVE AND EXIT prefix
is 99.
In order to save and exit, enter the following sequence (without the dashes):
[9][9]-[#]
The repeater will respond with a series of tones as it updates followed by a remote mode exited alert,
which is a series of three 600Hz tones.
At this point, the user in slot 3 will be deactivated. Attempts to access the repeater with code/tone in slot 3
will be ignored by the repeater. To reactivate the user, go through same exact procedure above, except that
you need to use the ACTIVATE USER command prefix of 03 rather than the DEACTIVATE USER prefix.
CHAPTER 10: Keypad Lock
Overview
Many of the operations such as alignment and channel change are carried out using the front panel’s keypad,
therefore the BCR repeater incorporates a simple keypad lock to prevent unwanted manipulation of the unit’s
settings during operation at the site. The keypad can be locked and unlocked in any one of the three
operating modes.
Procedure
To lock the keypad, simply press-and-hold the SELECT knob until the LOCK icon is displayed on the
LCD. The keypad is now locked. You may only change volume and adjust the speaker settings.
To unlock the keypad, simply press-and-hold the SELECT knob until the LOCK icon disappears.
Normal user input resumes.
20