COBHAM MBF-40 Americas User manual

The most important thing we build is trust
MBF-40
SMR 900 PS Repeater
High Selectivity Digital Repeater
User Manual – 00141UM Rev. 1.0
THIS DOCUMENT IS VALID FOR THE MBF-40 HIGH SELECTIVITY DIGITAL REPEATER
SUPPORTING THE SMR900 BAND

MBF-40 SMR900 PS REPEATER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL
Cobham Wireless –Coverage Date: 31-May-18 www.cobham.com/wireless
Doc. No. 00141UM Rev. 1.0 Page | II
This document is valid for the following models:
Unit Description Part Number
MBF SMR 900 MBF SMR 900 37 dBm 110 VAC MBF-3709-PS-AC
MBF SMR 900
MBF SMR 900 37 dBm 48VDC
MBF-3709-PS-48 VDC
Copyright © 2018 Axell Wireless Limited trading as Cobham Wireless
All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be copied, distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated
into any human or computer language without the prior written permission of Axell Wireless Limited trading as Cobham
Wireless.
The manufacturer has made every effort to ensure that the instructions contained in this document are adequate and
free of errors and omissions. The manufacturer will, if necessary, explain issues which may not be covered by this
document. The manufacturer's liability for any errors in the document is limited to the correction of errors and the
aforementioned advisory services.
This document has been prepared to be used by professional and properly trained personnel, and the customer assumes
full responsibility when using them. The manufacturer welcomes customer comments as part of the process of continual
development and improvement of the documentation in the best way possible from the user's viewpoint. Please submit
your comments to the nearest Cobham Wireless sales representative.
Contact Information
Headquarters Axell Wireless trading as Cobham Wireless
Aerial House, Asheridge Road
Chesham, Buckinghamshire
HP5 2QD, United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Commercial inquiries [e-mail]
Website www.cobham.com/wireless
Support issues [e-mail]
Technical Support Line, English speaking [phone]

MBF-40 SMR900 PS REPEATER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL
Cobham Wireless –Coverage Date: 31-May-18 www.cobham.com/wireless
Doc. No. 00141UM Rev. 1.0 Page | III
About This Manual
This product manual provides the following information:
oDescription of the repeater unit
oProcedures for setup, configuration and checking the proper operation of the MBF-40
oMaintenance and troubleshooting procedures
Intended Audience
This Product Manual is intended for experienced technicians and engineers. It is assumed that the customers installing,
operating, and maintaining Cobham Wireless Repeaters are familiar with the basic functionality of Repeaters.
Cobham Wireless states in the User Manual that only suitably qualified, professional people should undertake the
installation of the product.
By only using suitably qualified, professional personnel to install the device, installation of the antenna can be
maintained, ensuring compliance with FCC RF exposure requirements and FCC rule part §90.219(c) – Ensuring that a
Type B signal Booster does not exceed the 5 W ERP requirement.
Notice
Confidential - Authorized Customer Use
This document may be used in its complete form only and is solely for the use of Cobham Wireless employees and
authorized Cobham Wireless channels or customers. The material herein is proprietary to Cobham Wireless. Any
unauthorized reproduction, use or disclosure of any part thereof is strictly prohibited.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Disclaimer of Liability
Contents herein are current as of the date of publication. Cobham Wireless reserves the right to change the contents
without prior notice. The information furnished by Cobham Wireless in this document is believed to be accurate and
reliable. However, Cobham Wireless assumes no responsibility for its use. In no event shall Cobham Wireless be liable
for any damage resulting from loss of data, loss of use, or loss of profits and Cobham Wireless further disclaims any and
all liability for indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other similes damages. This disclaimer of liability applies to all
products, publications and services during and after the warranty period.
Guarantees
•All antennas must be installed with lightning protection. Damage to power modules, as a result of lightning are not
covered by the warranty.
•Switching on AC or DC power prior to the connection of antenna cables is regarded as faulty installation procedure
and therefore not covered by the Cobham Wireless warranty.
•The repeater box should be closed using the two screws. The screws must be fully tightened. Failure to do so may
affect the IP65 compliancy and therefore any warranty.
Exclusive Remedies
The remedies provided herein are the Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Cobham Wireless shall not be viable for any
direct, incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on contract, tort, or any legal theory.
System Operation
The input / output RF level power level monitoring windows are for indication only and should not be considered a
replacement for laboratory test equipment accuracy of measurement of actual signal levels. The error of measurement
will be high at low input levels.

MBF-40 SMR900 PS REPEATER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL
Cobham Wireless –Coverage Date: 31-May-18 www.cobham.com/wireless
Doc. No. 00141UM Rev. 1.0 Page | IV
System Maintenance
•In the event of a failure Cobham Wireless’s support service should be contacted for advice on a possible module
replacement or other action to be taken.
•If a shipment of a repeater back to Cobham Wireless is made within the period of guarantee the original packing
must be used.
•The system normally operates without any operator intervention or maintenance. If in the unlikely event of any unit
failure, the faulty repeater should be replaced. A failed unit can be removed and replaced with a spare while the rest
of the system (other repeaters) is still operating. However, the power supply of the failed repeater should be isolated
from the power before anything is replaced.
•Component Replacement - None of the modules in the repeater can be replaced without removing the repeater from
its mounting and opening the cover of the repeater.
•In the event of a malfunction in the system, the status of the antenna systems as well as the continuity of the
cabling should be checked before replacing any modules within the repeater.
Product Disposal
Product Disposal - Disposal of this product must be handled according to all national laws and regulations. For detailed
information regarding materials, please refer to Cobham Wireless.
System Batteries
The Repeater contains two types of batteries:
oA battery pack in the power supply unit, consisting of 8X NiMh batteries.
oA button cell CR1216 on the controller board.
CAUTION! Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries
according to local laws and instructions.

MBF-40 SMR900 PS REPEATER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL
Cobham Wireless –Coverage Date: 31-May-18 www.cobham.com/wireless
Doc. No. 00141UM Rev. 1.0 Page | V
Compliance with FCC
NOTE: This repeater can be operated as both a Part 20 and/or Part 90 Class B repeater.
WARNING: This product is a booster and it is the responsibility of the licensee / installer to select the
correct cabling and antennas for their particular deployment scenario.
Part 90 Signal boosters THIS IS A 90.219 CLASS B DEVICE
WARNING! This is NOT a CONSUMER device. This device is designed for installation by FCC LICENCEES and
QUALIFIED INSTALLERS. You must have an FCC LICENCE or express consent of an FCC Licensee to operate this
device. You MUST register Class B signal boosters (as defined in 47 CFR 90.219) online at www.fcc.gov/signal-
boosters/registration.
Unauthorized use may result in significant forfeiture penalties, including penalties in excess of $100,000 for each
continuing violation.
This repeater must be operated as a Part 90 Class B repeater. The installation procedure must result in the signal
booster complying with FCC requirements 90.219(d). In order to meet FCC requirements 90.219(d), it may be
necessary for the installer to reduce the UL and/or DL output power for certain installations.
Part 20 Signal boosters
WARNING! This is NOT a CONSUMER device. This device is designed for installation by FCC LICENCEES and
QUALIFIED INSTALLERS. You must have an FCC LICENCE or express consent of an FCC Licensee to operate this
device..
Unauthorized use may result in significant forfeiture penalties, including penalties in excess of $100,000 for each
continuing violation.
FCC Part 15
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
A. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
B. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
Unauthorized Changes to Equipment
Changes or Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
In-building applications only
One must be aware that FCC regulation mandates that this repeater is to be used only for in-building applications and
thus feed passive or active distributed antenna systems (DAS) accordingly.

MBF-40 SMR900 PS REPEATER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL
Cobham Wireless –Coverage Date: 31-May-18 www.cobham.com/wireless
Doc. No. 00141UM Rev. 1.0 Page | VI
FCC RF Exposure Limits
This unit complies with FCC RF exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment must be installed and
operated with a minimum distance of 33 cm between the radiator and any person’s body.
Antenna Installation
Installation of an antenna must comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements. The antenna used for this booster must
be mounted on a permanent structure.
The FCC regulations mandate that the ERP of type B signal boosters should not exceed 5 W, this is equivalent to 8.2 W
EIRP.
Therefore the max antenna gain allowed for this type of signal booster should be limited to the values given by equation
1 (below) for the service antenna.
Equation (1) — Max SERVICE antenna gain
Maximum service antenna gain (dBi) = 39.1 – (37 dBm - # of antennas in dB – cable losses in dB).
For example:
No. of Antennas Cable Losses Max Allowed Antenna Gain
4 3 39.1 - (37-6-3) =11.1dBi
1 3 39.1- (37-0-3) = 5.1dbi
10 3 39.1- (37-10-3) = 15.1dbi
Compliance with FCC deployment rule regarding the radiation of noise and intermodulation
product
Good engineering practice must be used in regard to the signal booster’s radiation of intermodulation products and
noise. Thus, the gain of the signal booster should be set so that the ERP of the output of intermodulation products from
the signal booster should not exceed the level of -30 dBm in 10 kHz measurement bandwidth and noise from the signal
booster should not exceed the level of -43 dBm in 10 kHz measurement bandwidth.
In the event that the intermodulation or noise level measured exceeds the aforementioned values, the signal booster
gain should be decreased accordingly.
In general, the ERP of noise on a spectrum more than 1 MHz outside of the pass band should not exceed -70 dBm in a
10 kHz measurement bandwidth.
The MBF-900 repeater has a noise level of -43.8 dBm in 10 kHz measurement at 1 MHz spectrum outside the passband
of the signal booster, worst case intermodulation products at around -14.9 dBm in a 10 kHz bandwidth and an in-band
noise level at around -42.8 dBm in a 10 kHz bandwidth. Therefore, the noise or intermodulation product at the antenna
input port should be calculated based on equation (2).
Equation (2) — Input Noise or intermodulation product to service antenna
Input Noise to service antenna:
-XX dBm + Service Antenna gain – antenna splitter losses in dB – cable loss in dB
Example: Intermodulation product
Signal booster connected to 10 service antennas with a 100m long ½ inch cable.
Losses of such a cable with the connectors = ~ 12dB
Assuming 10 service antennas: antenna splitter losses = 11 dB
Based on equation (2) Input antenna noise (to the antenna) = -14.9-12 -11= -37.9 dBm ERP
The intermodulation product to the antenna should be -14.9 -12-11= -37.9dbm ERP

MBF-40 SMR900 PS REPEATER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL
Cobham Wireless –Coverage Date: 31-May-18 www.cobham.com/wireless
Doc. No. 00141UM Rev. 1.0 Page | VII
Example: In band Noise
Signal booster connected to 10 service antennas with a 100m long ½ inch cable.
Losses of such a cable with the connectors = ~ 12 dB
Assuming 10 service antennas: antenna splitter losses = 11 dB
Based on equation (2) Input antenna noise (to the antenna) = -42.8-12 -11=-65.8 dBm ERP
The in-band input noise to the antenna should be -42.8 -12-11= -65.8dbm ERP
Example: Out of band noise
Signal booster connected to 10 service antennas with a 100 m long ½ inch cable.
Losses of such a cable with the connectors = ~ 12 dB
Assuming 10 service antennas: antenna splitter losses = 11 dB
Based on equation (2) Input antenna noise (to the antenna) = -43.8 -12 -11= -66.8 dBm ERP
The out of-band input noise to the antenna should be -43.8 -12-11= -66.8 dbm ERP
NOTE: In this example there is a need to add an external band pass filter to attenuate the out of band noise by a further
3.2dB 1MHz away from the band edge. If fewer antennas are deployed then additional filtering will be required.
Conclusion:
Good engineering practice requires that in general when the out of band noise measured at the service antenna input is
more than -70 dBm per 10 kHz measurement bandwidth, an external band pass filter should be added to attenuate the
out of band noise level.
All Cobham Wireless repeaters include high selectivity duplexers and filters to attenuate the out of band noise. Should
additional filtering be required, we have a comprehensive range of interference filters which can be supplied upon
request.

MBF-40 SMR900 PS REPEATER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL
Cobham Wireless –Coverage Date: 31-May-18 www.cobham.com/wireless
Doc. No. 00141UM Rev. 1.0 Page | VIII
General Safety Warnings Concerning Use of System
Always observe standard safety precautions during installation, operation and maintenance of this product.
Caution labels!
Throughout this manual, there are "Caution" warnings. "Caution" calls attention to a
procedure or practice, which, if ignored, may result in injury or damage to the system,
system component or even the user. Do not perform any procedure preceded by a
"Caution" until the described conditions are fully understood and met.
Danger: Electrical Shock
To prevent electrical shock when installing or modifying the system power wiring,
disconnect the wiring at the power source before working with un insulated wires or
terminals.
Caution: Safety to personnel
oBefore installing or replacing any of the equipment, the entire manual should be
read and understood.
oThe user needs to supply the appropriate AC or DC power to the repeater.
Incorrect power settings can damage the repeater and may cause injury to the
user.
oPlease be aware that the equipment may, during certain conditions become very
warm and can cause minor injuries if handled without any protection, such as
gloves.
Caution: RF Exposure
oRF radiation, arising from transmitter outputs connected to AWL’s equipment,
must be considered a safety hazard.
oThis condition might only occur in the event of cable disconnection, or because a
‘spare’ output has been left un-terminated. Either of these conditions would impair
the system’s efficiency. No investigation should be carried out until all RF power
sources have been removed. This would always be a wise precaution, despite the
severe mismatch between the impedance of an N type connector at 50 ohm, and
that of free space at 377 ohm, which would severely compromise the efficient
radiation of RF power. Radio frequency burns could also be a hazard, if any RF
power carrying components were to be carelessly touched!
oAntenna positions should be chosen to comply with requirements (both local &
statutory) regarding exposure of personnel to RF radiation. When connected to an
antenna, the unit is capable of producing RF field strengths, which may exceed
guideline safe values especially if used with antennas having appreciable gain. In
this regard the use of directional antennas with backscreens and a strict site rule
that personnel must remain behind the screen while the RF power is on, is
strongly recommended.
oWhere the equipment is used near power lines or in association with temporary
masts not having lightning protection, the use of a safety earth connected to the
case-earthing bolt is strongly advised.
Caution: Safety to
equipment
oWhen installing, replacing or using this product, observe all safety precautions
during handling and operation. Failure to comply with the following general safety
precautions and with specific precautions described elsewhere in this manual
violates the safety standards of the design, manufacture, and intended use of this
product.
oChanges or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
oCobham Wireless assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with
these precautions. This entire manual should be read and understood before
operating or maintaining the repeater.
Warning: Restricted Access
Location
Access to the unit installation location is restricted to service personnel who have been
instructed on the restrictions and the required precautions to be taken.

MBF-40 SMR900 PS REPEATER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL
Cobham Wireless –Coverage Date: 31-May-18 www.cobham.com/wireless
Doc. No. 00141UM Rev. 1.0 Page | IX
Attention: Electrostatic
Sensitivity
oObserve electrostatic precautionary procedures.
oESD = Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Device.
oStatic electricity can be conducted to the semiconductor chip from the centre pin
of the RF input connector, and through the AC connector pins. When unpacking
and otherwise handling the repeater, follow ESD precautionary procedures
including use of grounded wrist straps, grounded workbench surfaces, and
grounded floor mats.
Caution: Class 1 Laser
The repeaters described in this manual are equipped with class 1 lasers, which have
been tested to meet IEC / EN 60825-1:2014 standards.
Caution - Un-terminated optical receptacles may emit laser radiation. Exercise caution
as follows:
oUse of controls or adjustments or performances of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure
oDo not stare into beam or view with optical instruments. Optical transmitters in
the fibre optic converter can send out high energy invisible laser radiation. There
is a risk for permanent damage to the eye.
oAlways use protective cover on all cables and connectors which are not connected.
oNever look directly into a Fiber cable or a connector.
oConsider that a Fiber can carry transmission in both directions.
oDuring handling of laser cables or connections, ensure that the source is switched
off.
oRegard all open connectors with respect and direct them in a safe direction and
never towards a reflecting surface. Reflected laser radiation should be regarded as
equally hazardous as direct radiation.
Lifting and other Health and
Safety Recommendations
Certain items of Cobham Wireless equipment are heavy and care should be taken
when lifting them by hand. Ensure that a suitable number of personnel, appropriate
lifting apparatus and appropriate personal protective equipment is used especially
when installing Equipment above ground e.g. on a mast or pole and manual handling
precautions relevant to items of the weight of the equipment being worked on must be
observed at all times when handling, installing or dismounting this equipment.
Periodical Maintenance
In order to maintain proper cooling of the RRUs, is recommended to clean the fins of
the RRUs every two years using a damp cloth. If the RRU installation area is dusty or
dirty, it is recommended to perform this procedure more often.

MBF-40 SMR900 PS REPEATER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL
Cobham Wireless –Coverage Date: 31-May-18 www.cobham.com/wireless
Doc. No.: 000xxUM Rev. 1.0 Page | X
Table of Contents
1INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Features and Capabilities.....................................................................................................................2
1.2 ALC......................................................................................................................................................2
1.3 Operating Temperature.........................................................................................................................3
1.4 MBF-40 Management Web GUI .............................................................................................................3
1.5 MBF-40 Basic Interfaces.......................................................................................................................3
1.5.1 External Interfaces........................................................................................................ 4
1.5.2 Securing the Unit.......................................................................................................... 4
1.5.3 Internal Interfaces......................................................................................................... 5
2INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS and PROCEDURE.....................................................................................6
2.1 Service Antenna Requirements ............................................................................................................6
2.1.1 Required Antenna Information....................................................................................... 6
2.1.2 Recommended Antennas.............................................................................................. 6
2.1.3 Recommended Splitters and Couplers ........................................................................... 7
2.1.4 Indoor Installations Service/Mobile Antenna Requirements.............................................. 7
2.2 Infrastructure and Cabling Considerations...........................................................................................7
2.2.1 RF Cable Installation Guidelines.................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Grounding Wires Requirements..................................................................................... 8
2.2.3 Power Requirements..................................................................................................... 8
2.2.4 F/O Cable Installation Guidelines................................................................................... 9
2.2.5 EMV Protection .......................................................................................................... 10
2.2.6 External Alarm and Relay Considerations..................................................................... 11
2.2.7 Location Criteria ......................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Repeater Installation ......................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.1 Unpacking.................................................................................................................. 12
2.3.2 Rack Mount Installation............................................................................................... 13
2.3.3 Wall Mount Installation................................................................................................ 14
2.3.4 Grounding.................................................................................................................. 20
2.3.5 Fiber Optic Connection................................................................................................ 21
2.3.6 Service Antenna Connections...................................................................................... 24
2.3.7 Power Connections and Power On .............................................................................. 24
2.3.8 Optional - External Alarm and Relay Connections......................................................... 28
2.3.9 Closing and Securing the Repeater.............................................................................. 29
3GETTING STARTED .................................................................................................................................. 30
3.1 Opening a Repeater Session ............................................................................................................. 30
3.1.1 Opening a Direct Local Session................................................................................... 30
3.1.2 Opening an Indirect Session (via the OMU II) ............................................................... 31
3.2 Navigating the Web Interface............................................................................................................. 32
3.2.1 The Home Screen....................................................................................................... 32
3.2.2 Menu Options Buttons................................................................................................. 33
3.3 Commissioning the Repeater ............................................................................................................ 33
3.3.1 Defining Site Information – MBF-40 Identification.......................................................... 34
3.3.2 MBF-40 Optical Loss Adjustment (OLA)....................................................................... 34
3.3.3 RF Balancing.............................................................................................................. 36
3.3.4 Integration into the AEM.............................................................................................. 39
3.3.5 What Next? ................................................................................................................ 39
4DIRECT ACCESS MENU OPTIONS............................................................................................................. 40
4.1 Overview........................................................................................................................................... 40