Codan MT-4E User manual

www.codancomms.com
MT-4E Analog and
P25 Digital
Radio Systems
USER GUIDE

MT-4E ANALOG & P25 DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS | USER GUIDE
Page i
Codan MT-4E
Analog and
P25 Digital
Radio Systems
User Guide

USER GUIDE | MT-4E ANALOG & P25 DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS
Page ii
© 2016 Codan Limited.
No part of this guide may be reproduced, transcribed, translated into any
language or transmitted in any form whatsoever without the prior written
consent of Codan Limited.
CODAN™, NGT™, Easitalk™, CIB™ and CALM™ are trademarks of
Codan Limited. Other brand, product, and company names mentioned
in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.
FLEX™ is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
IMBE™ is a trademark of Digital Voice Systems, Inc.
Motorola® is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc
The English version takes precedence over any translated versions.
NOTE
DOCUMENT REVISION
DEFINITION
Codan Communications
43 Erie Street, Victoria, BC
Canada V8V 1P8
www.codancomms.com
[email protected]
Toll Free Canada and USA:
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
International:
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
PRINTED IN CANADA
Document Number:
Revision:
Revision Date:
UG-003
6-0-0
August 2016
Documentation uses a three-level revision system. Each element of
the revision number signifi es the scope of change as described in the
diagram below.
Major Revisions:
The result of a major change to
product function, process or requirements.
Minor Revisions:
The result of a minor change to
product, process or requirements.
Editorial Revisions:
The result of typing corrections or
changes in formatting, grammar or wording.
1-0-0
Three-level revision numbers start at 1-0-0 for the fi rst release. The
appropriate element of the revision number is incremented by 1 for each
subsequent revision, causing any digits to the right to be reset to 0.
For example:
If the current revision = 2-1-1 Then the next major revision = 3-0-0
If the current revision = 4-3-1 Then the next minor revision = 4-4-0
If the current revision = 3-2-2 Then the next editorial revision = 3-2-3
Document revision history is provided at the back of the document.

MT-4E ANALOG & P25 DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS | USER GUIDE
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Codan Communications is a leading international designer and
manufacturer of premium communications equipment for High
Frequency (HF) and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) applications. We’ve
built our reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction over 50
years in radio communications, in some of the toughest conditions
on the planet.
For over 50 years Codan has provided customers in North America
and internationally with highly reliable Base Stations and Repeaters
that are environmentally robust to operate in rugged and extreme
temperature conditions where low current consumption (solar
powered) is a key requirement.
Codan is a pioneering member of the P25 Digital standard, for radio
system interoperability between emergency response governmental
organizations, providing enhanced functionality and encryption.
Our products operate between 29 - 960 MHz and are available in
a variety of Base Station and Repeater confi gurations for two way
voice and mobile data applications.
Our self-servicing customers range from Forestry and National Park
services through Police and Fire departments and on to Utility and
Transportation groups. Our products have been deployed in every
imaginable situation from the Antarctic to Hawaiian mountaintops to
Alaska, enabling respondents to Forest Fires, Ground Zero rescue
and routine patrols.
Codan is an industry leader in Analog and P25 radio systems design.
We off er modular rack-mounted Base Stations and Repeaters
capable of operating in Low Band VHF,VHF AM , VHF FM, UHF FM,
700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz
ABOUT CODAN
COMMUNICATIONS
On August 7th, 2012 - Codan Limited (ASX: “CDA”) announced
the acquisition of Daniels Electronics Limited, a leading designer,
manufacturer and supplier of land mobile radio communications
(LMR) solutions in North America. The acquisition of Daniels delivers
on Codan’s stated strategy of growing market share and diversifying
its radio communications product off ering. Codan Limited designs,
manufactures and markets a diversifi ed range of high value added
electronic products, with three key business divisions; radio
communications, metal detection and mining technology.
DANIELS ELECTRONICS
IS NOW CODAN
COMMUNICATIONS

USER GUIDE | MT-4E ANALOG & P25 DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS
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Codan Communications provides many resources for the testing,
tuning, maintenance and design of your Codan MT-4E Analog and
P25 Digital Radio System.
Instruction Manuals
Codan instruction manuals are very comprehensive and include
information on:
Theory of operation
Detailed Specifi cations
Testing and tuning instructions
Component layout illustrations
Instruction manuals can be obtained from the factory.
Technical Notes
Technical notes outline key aspects of tuning, installing,
maintaining and servicing Codan Radio Systems.
Technical Notes can be found online at www.codancomms.com.
Application Notes
Application Notes provide an overview of the range of applications
in which Codan Radio systems can be used.
Application Notes can be found online at www.codancomms.com.
P25 Training Guide
The P25 Training Guide provides the reader with a simple, concise
and informative description of Project 25.
The P25 Training Guide can be found online at
www.codancomms.com.
MT-4E Analog and P25 Digital Radio Systems Maintenance Guide
The MT-4E Maintenance Guide is an aid to confi guring and testing
Codan MT-4E radios using an IFR 2975 Service Monitor by
Aerofl ex. The Guide is intended to be used with IFR 2975 Setup
fi les that can be loaded into the Service Monitor.
The MT-4E Maintenance Guide can be found online at
www.codancomms.com.
RESOURCES

MT-4E ANALOG & P25 DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS | USER GUIDE
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Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ..........................................................1
Model Numbers ..........................................................................................1
Analog Only or Analog / P25 Digital Firmware ...........................................2
Identifying MT-4E Model Numbers .............................................................3
Hardware, Firmware and Software Defi nitions ..........................................5
Available Frequency Bands ....................................................................... 5
Chapter 2: Technical Information ...........................................7
Front Panel RJ45 Connector Jack .............................................................7
LVDS Serial Data .......................................................................................8
Encryption ..................................................................................................8
Channel Switching Range ..........................................................................8
Mixed Mode Operation ...............................................................................9
Upgrading Firmware Versions ....................................................................9
Repeating Digital Signals ......................................................................... 11
Chapter 3: MT-4E Radio System Confi gurations ................. 13
Repeater Operation ................................................................................. 13
Complex Repeater Operation .................................................................. 14
Repeater Operation with External Analog Wireline Control ..................... 15
Analog Controlled Base Station Operation .............................................. 16
Paging System Operation ........................................................................ 17
Digital Ethernet Base Station Operation .................................................. 18
Chapter 4: MT-4E Radio System Block Diagrams ............... 19
Repeater Block Diagram .......................................................................... 20
Base Station Block Diagram .................................................................... 22
Paging Transmitter Block Diagram .......................................................... 24
Chapter 5: Software ............................................................. 27
Connecting the PC to the Radio .............................................................. 27
Starting the Radio Service Software ........................................................ 28
Receiver and Transmitter Programming .................................................. 30
Firmware Version Number ....................................................................... 33
CI-RC-4M-G2 Multiple Link Controller Programming ............................... 34
UIC-4-00 Universal interface Card Programming .................................... 36
Chapter 6: Radio System Components ............................... 39
Codan Radio System Components .......................................................... 39
Subrack .................................................................................................... 40
System Regulator .................................................................................... 45
Power Amplifi ers ...................................................................................... 47
Tuning and Maintenance Tools ................................................................ 48

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MT-4E ANALOG & P25 DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS | USER GUIDE
Chapter 1: Introduction Page 1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
This document is written as an introduction to Codan MT-4E Analog and P25 Digital Radio Systems.
The document assumes the reader is familiar with conventional Two-Way Radio Communications
systems.
Project 25 is a standards initiative, to be amended, revised and added to as the users identify issues
and as experience is gained.
MODEL NUMBERS
Daniels Electronics Ltd. has manufactured radio systems for more than 60 years. In the early years,
Daniels manufactured AM and SSB radiotelephones for the marine industry, and more recently, the MT
series of radios for mountain top repeaters and base station applications. Codan Communications
continues to manufacture the MT series of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems.
MT-2
The MT-2 series of radio modules were originally manufactured in the 1980s. This radio series was a
crystal controlled analog radio system capable of wideband (25 KHz) operation. Although systems are
still in operation throughout North America, this series of radio modules was discontinued in the 1990s
and is no longer supported.
MT-3
The MT-3 series of radio modules were originally manufactured in the early 1990s. This radio series
was available with both crystal controlled and synthesized analog radio modules capable of wideband
(25 KHz) or narrowband (12.5 KHz) operation. The MT-3 radio modules were discontinued in 2006,
with the exception of the VHF Lowband and AM products. For more information on the MT-3 series of
radios, see the Codan MT-3 Analog Radio Systems User Guide.

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Chapter 1: IntroductionPage 2
MT-4
The MT-4 series of radio modules entered production during 2001. This radio series is the P25
compliant digital narrowband radio system, capable of analog (wideband and narrowband) or P25
digital operation.
As the MT-4 P25 products evolved, the hardware, fi rmware and software of the radio modules changed.
In order to defi ne these changes, the MT-4 product line is further described as:
MT-4R
The MT-4R series of P25 radios were manufactured from 2001 until the end of 2003.
MT-4D
The MT-4D series of P25 radios were manufactured from 2003 until the middle of 2006.
MT-4E
The MT-4E series are the current line of Analog and P25 modules.
ANALOG ONLY OR ANALOG / P25 DIGITAL FIRMWARE
The MT-4E radio modules are embedded with fi rmware that allows analog operation only. When
the P25 fi rmware upgrade is purchased, the MT-4E family of receivers and transmitters may be
confi gured for P25 digital operation, analog operation, or mixed mode operation.
All P25 digital information contained in this User Guide require the P25 fi rmware upgrade to function.
The P25 fi rmware upgrade can be purchased from the factory when ordering, or can be easily added
in the future by the customer.

MT-4E ANALOG & P25 DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS | USER GUIDE
Chapter 1: Introduction Page 3
IDENTIFYING MT-4E MODEL NUMBERS
The model number of the MT-4E Receiver or Transmitter can be found on the bottom of the front panel
of the receiver or transmitter module as shown in Figure 1-1. Figure 1-2 and 1-3 show the breakdown
of the receiver and transmitter model numbers.
Figure 1-1: Model Number Location
Model Number
TRANSMITTER
CNTL
BUS
MIC RF OUT
AD
ANALOG
DIGITAL
NORM
OFF
KEY TX
MICMODE
REF
IN
USB
FREQUENCY (MHz)
MADE IN CANADA
MODEL # CODE
RECEIVER
NORM
SQ. DISABLE
OFF
CNTL
BUS
AD
RF NI
REF
IN
USB
FREQUENCY (MHz)
MADE IN CANADA
MODEL # CODE

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Chapter 1: IntroductionPage 4
Figure 1-2: Receiver Model Numbers
Figure 1-3: Transmitter Model Numbers
U R - 4 E 420 - A0 - 000
Bands:
V = VHF
U = UHF
Specifications:
A0 = Class A
00 = Class B
MT-4E RECEIVERS
EXAMPLE: UR-4E420-A0-000
MT-4E UHF Receiver, Class A, (406-430 MHz),
no added options
MT-4 Series:
E = MT-4E
Options:
000 = None (Standard)
Range Within Band:
VHF:
150 = 136 - 174 MHz
UHF:
380* = 380 - 406 MHz 768* = 768 - 776 MHz
420 = 406 - 430 MHz 800* = 798 - 824 MHz
440* = 430 - 450 MHz 850* = 851 - 869 MHz
460 = 450 - 470 MHz 900* = 896 - 902 MHz
500* = 470 - 520 MHz 950* = 930 - 960 MHz
*Class B Only
V T - 4 E 150 - 00 - 8
Bands:
V = VHF
U = UHF
Specifications:
00 = Standard
MT-4E TRANSMITTERS
EXAMPLE: VT-4E150-00-800
MT-4E VHF Transmitter, (136-174 MHz),
8 Watts, no added options
MT-4 Series:
E = MT-4E
Range Within Band:
VHF:
150 = 136 - 174 MHz
UHF:
380* = 380 - 406 MHz 850** = 768 - 869 MHz
450 = 406 - 470 MHz 900** = 896 - 960 MHz
500* = 470 - 520 MHz
* 6.0 Watts Power Out Max.
** 3.0 Watts Power Out Max.
Options:
00 = None (Standard)
RF Power
Output:
3 = 0.5 - 3 Watts
8 = 0.5 - 8 Watts
00

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Chapter 1: Introduction Page 5
HARDWARE, FIRMWARE AND SOFTWARE DEFINITIONS
Hardware
The hardware is the radio module itself. The MT-4E Receiver module hardware is comprised of the
Receiver Mainboard, the Synthesizer Module, the RF Preselector, and the Universal Daughter Board
(UDB). An optional Decryption Board can be installed in the Receiver. The MT-4E Transmitter module
hardware is comprised of the Transmitter Mainboard, the Synthesizer Module, RF Power Amplifi er and
Universal Daughter Board (UDB). An optional Encryption Board can also be installed in the Transmitter.
Firmware
The fi rmware is the programming that is contained within the radio module. The fi rmware resides within
the DSP (located on the UDB) and is programmed at the factory. The RSS programming software can
read the fi rmware version number of MT-4E modules.
Software
The Radio Service Software or RSS is used to program features and options. The RSS programs
RF frequencies, modes of operation (analog, digital or mixed mode), CTCSS, NACs, etc. The RSS
connects to a radio module using a type A to 5 pin mini-type B USB cable. USB drivers are installed
from the RSS CD the fi rst time a Receiver or Transmitter is connected.
AVAILABLE FREQUENCY BANDS
The MT-4E modules are available in the VHF (136 - 174 MHz) and UHF (380 - 520 MHz, 768 - 869 MHz
and 896 - 960 MHz) frequency bands.
The 470 - 520 MHz band is not available in Canada.
The 380 - 406 MHz, 430 - 450 MHz, 470 - 520 MHz, 768 - 776 MHz, 798 - 824 MHz, 851 - 869 MHz,
896 - 902 MHz and 930 - 960 MHz Receivers are available in Class B only.
The 380 - 406 MHz and 470 - 520 MHz Transmitters have an RF power output of 0.5 to 6.0 Watts
maximum. The 768 - 869 MHz and 896 - 960 MHz Transmitters have an RF power output of 0.5 to 3.0
Watts maximum.

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MT-4E ANALOG & P25 DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS | USER GUIDE
Chapter 2: Technical Information Page 7
CHAPTER 2: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
FRONT PANEL RJ45 CONNECTOR JACK
Codan MT-4E Radio Equipment uses RJ45 jacks on the Receiver, Transmitter and controller cards. The
jacks are used to connect the Receiver to the controller and the controller to the Transmitter through
RJ45 interconnection cables. The interconnection cables carry Low Voltage Diff erential Signaling
(LVDS) serial data as well as analog and digital COR and PTT signals. The RJ45 interconnection
cables are specifi c to Codan Communications equipment. Do not use Ethernet or other manufacturers
cables.
The jacks are also used to connect to a Motorola® KVL 3000, KVL 3000 PLUS or KVL 4000 key loader,
which loads encryption keys in the Receiver and Transmitter encryption modules. This connection
uses a custom Codan cable from the key loader to the receiver and transmitter modules.

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Chapter 2: Technical InformationPage 8
LVDS SERIAL DATA
Codan MT-4E radio modules use Low Voltage Diff erential Signaling (LVDS) serial data to communicate
between receiver, controller and transmitter modules.
A conventional analog repeater uses analog audio to communicate between the diff erent modules.
Codan MT-4E radio systems use serial data between modules to allow for a completely transparent
digital path between the modules. This means that all digital information is passed through the repeater
system quickly and completely intact.
When an MT-4E Receiver receives a P25 digital transmission, the receiver samples the incoming
information and then creates an LVDS serial data stream (of 257.8 kbps) that contains the same
information as the Common Air Interface (with some overhead data). When an MT-4E Receiver
receives an analog transmission, the receiver samples the incoming information and then creates a
serial data stream (of 257.8 kbps) of the analog information. The incoming frequency and deviation
is converted to serial data through an A/D converter. The MT-4E Transmitter uses this information to
recreate the P25 digital or analog transmission.
ENCRYPTION
The MT-4E Receiver and Transmitter may be purchased with optional DES-OFB / AES encryption
modules installed that will allow decoding and encoding of secure communications. The encryption
modules are required at a base station only, and are not required to repeat an encrypted signal.
CHANNEL SWITCHING RANGE
Although the receiver or transmitter channels can be programmed for any frequency in their band, the
Maximum Switching Range of the module must not be exceeded or the module will require hardware
re-tuning. The maximum switching range of the Receiver modules is +/- 2 MHz (136 - 520 MHz) or
Unlimited (768 - 960 MHz), and the Transmitter modules are Unlimited, unless the VSWR Alarm is used
(+/- 0.5 MHz for VSWR Alarm). For example, a VHF receiver may be programmed for any frequency
between 136 to 174 MHz, but the front end helical fi lter has a typical pass band of 5 MHz, requiring re-
tuning if two frequencies are used that are outside of that pass band.

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Chapter 2: Technical Information Page 9
MIXED MODE OPERATION
Mixed mode operation is used to allow the receivers and transmitters to work in either analog or P25
digital mode without reprogramming the radio.
A mixed mode receiver will receive the incoming FM or C4FM transmission and will automatically detect
and demodulate the signal to an analog or P25 digital signal. The receiver will then output either an
analog or digital COR signal, as well as the appropriate serial data. A mixed mode transmitter will
accept the incoming serial data and analog or digital PTT and will modulate the signal as either FM or
C4FM, based on its input. This allows the repeater to repeat both analog and P25 digital signals.
UPGRADING FIRMWARE VERSIONS
Codan Communications allows customers to upgrade the fi rmware of their MT-4E Receivers and
Transmitters via the Firmware Flashing Software and Firmware Upgrade fi les, available at the Codan
website www.codancomms.com under Support - Software & Firmware.
A type A to 5 pin mini-type B USB cable is used to connect the USB port of an IBM compatible computer
to the USB port on the front panel of the Receiver or Transmitter module.
It is not necessary to upgrade the fi rmware if the equipment is installed and is operating satisfactory. A
fi rmware upgrade is typically only needed to fi x minor software bugs or to upgrade the functionality of
the equipment.
Firmware versions earlier than 1.6.0 must be returned to the factory for upgrading. Contact the Codan
service department for more information.
Table 2-1 shows the fi rmware versions for MT-4E modules.

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Chapter 2: Technical InformationPage 10
Table 2-1: Firmware Versions
MT-4E Receiver
Version Description / Notes
1.0.173 Initial product release
1.0.189 Minor factory bug fi xes
1.0.204 Minor factory bug fi xes
1.0.230 Minor factory bug fi xes
1.0.257 Minor factory bug fi xes
1.3.0 Fix audio / muting and P25 data issues
1.4.0 Receive TSBK data packets
1.5.0 Fix lock up issues
1.6.0 Improved CTCSS decoding
1.7.0 Added encryption capability for add-on encryption
2.0.0 Blank fi rmware - used during fi rmware upgrading
2.1.0 Added customer fi rmware fl ashing capability
2.1.1 Minor factory bug fi xes
2.2.2 Added 800 MHz and improved CTCSS / DCS and squelch
(do not use with status tone)
2.2.9 Fixed status tone issues and updated encryption capabilities
2.4.2 Enhanced RSSI, BER test, Status tone
Supports FIPS certifi ed encryption (non-FIPS not supported)
2.6.9 Enhanced synthesizer diagnostics
2.7.5 Supports new hardware in receiver
2.7.49 Improved diagnostics, digital adjacent channel rejection, DCS
Added MPT1327 Trunking capability
2.7.50 Improved DCS decoding
MT-4E Transmitter
Version Description / Notes
1.0.273 Initial product release
1.0.294 Minor factory bug fi xes
1.0.335 Minor factory bug fi xes
1.0.350 Minor factory bug fi xes
1.3.0 Subtone input capability with LVDS Serial Data repeating
1.4.0 Transmit TSBK data packets
1.6.0 Remove noise at end of transmission
1.7.0 Added encryption capability for add-on encryption
2.0.0 Blank fi rmware - used during fi rmware upgrading
2.1.0 Added customer fi rmware fl ashing capability
2.2.2 Added 800 MHz and paging
2.2.7 Updated encryption capabilities
2.4.9 Lower standby current, added Status Symbol options
Supports FIPS certifi ed encryption (non-FIPS not supported)
2.6.7 Enhanced synthesizer diagnostics
2.7.8 Supports new hardware in transmitter
2.7.52 Improved diagnostics
2.9.11 FCC Part 90.203 compliance

MT-4E ANALOG & P25 DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS | USER GUIDE
Chapter 2: Technical Information Page 11
REPEATING DIGITAL SIGNALS
A P25 digital signal is received and retransmitted by the repeater completely intact. The digital codes
such as TGID, Source ID, Destination ID, Algorithm ID, Key ID, etc. all pass transparently through the
repeater system.
The TGID and Unit ID programmed into the transmitter are normally overwritten with the incoming TGID
and Source ID when the transmitter is used in a repeater. The TGID and Unit ID are only transmitted
when the transmitter is keyed in a non-repeater mode (no input from the receiver) or in a repeating
mode using the analog audio repeat path (where all digital information is stripped off from the receiver).
A non-repeater mode would include keying by the front panel microphone or base station keying (eg.
from a tone remote).
The Network Access Code (NAC) does not normally pass transparently through the repeater. NACs
are similar to analog CTCSS tones. The NAC is typically programmed into the receiver and transmitter
independently, allowing the user to program diff erent receive and transmit NACs. To pass the NAC
through the repeater transparently, program the receiver with the special NAC $F7F. This will allow any
incoming NAC to unsquelch the receiver and will overwrite the NAC programmed into the transmitter
with the incoming NAC, allowing transparent operation.
Status Symbols are not passed through the repeater transparently. Status Symbols are changed by the
repeater to indicate inbound channel status (busy). In Base Station mode the Status Symbols are set
to show unknown status of the inbound channel. Status Symbols are not programmable.
Talk Groups are typically used in subscriber units, but a repeater could also be programmed as part of
a Talk Group. The receiver can be programmed to unsquelch on a specifi c NAC and TGID.
NOTE: If the receiver is programmed for use in a Talk Group, the NAC of that receiver must not be
set to $F7E or $F7F, as the NAC unsquelch will take precedence over the TGID and the
receiver will unsquelch on any incoming NAC (ignoring the TGID programmed setting).
Encrypted (AES or DES-OFB) voice signals will pass transparently through the repeater.
Packet Data Units (confi rmed or unconfi rmed data messages) such as Over The Air Rekeying (for
encrypted systems) and GPS position information will pass transparently through the repeater.
For a more detailed explanation of the P25 protocol, signaling and terminology, please see the Codan
P25 Training Guide.

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