Collcomm NCS-C150 User manual

NCS-C150
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Rev A
Collcomm Inc.
d.b.a. NCS
Shipping Address
2310 Pendley Road
Cumming, Georgia 30041
Mailing Address
1595 Peachtree Parkway
Suite 204-123
Cumming, Georgia 30041
Toll Free Tel. & Fax : [phone]
Email : [email protected]
Web Site: www.ncsradio.com
collcomm inc

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 2
Revision History
Rev
Description
Date
Approved
0
Initial Release
03/02/12
CIF
A
Update to add Accessory Kit
10/02/13
JFP
Model No.: NCS-C150
Serial No. : ___________________________
Accessory Kit
Item # Description QTY
1 10’ DC Power Cable 1
2 Power Cable Clamp 1
3 Extra Housing Screws 4
4 Mounting Feet 4
5 Mounting Bracket (x2) Kit 1

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 3
Table of Contents
Section Description Page
1.0 Introduction 4
2.0 Safety Information 4
3.0 Front Panel Controls 5
4.0 Radio Requirements 5
4.1 Receive Audio 5
4.2 Transmit Audio 5
4.3 PTT 5
5.0 Power Supply 5
5.1 Power Requirements 5
5.2 Power Connection 5
5.3 Polarity 5
5.4 Fusing 5
6.0 Opening Unit to Perform Adjustments 6
7.0 Internal Setup and Adjustments 7
8.0 Radio Interface Cables 9
8.1 Radio Interface and AUX Jack Pin-outs 9
9.0 Troubleshooting 10
10.0 Contacting NCS 10
11.0 C150 Specifications 11
12.0 Warranty 12

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 4
1.0 Introduction
The C150 provides a method of connecting two radios together for purposes of in-band or cross-band repeating.
Almost any radio can be used with the C150. Either VOX or COR can be used as a “busy” signal and COR polarity
can be either + or -. Receive audio levels do not need adjustment due to built-in AGC circuits for both radios.
Transmit audio levels can be adjusted independently for each radio.
A separate record output is provided that records audio transmitted on either radio. A record control output is
included to control an external recorder. Disable inputs used with an external decoder allow remote disable of either
or both transmitters.
Typical Application
2.0 Safety Information
The C150 is an electrical device requiring appropriate safety measures during installation and operation. The
following safety precautions should be observed:
When connecting the unit to a DC power source, a minimum wire size of 18 AWG should be used. When using
in a mobile environment, automotive grade wire should be used.
Do not route cables or wires through areas that may cause the insulation to be worn resulting in shorting of the
wires to ground or to each other.
Do not attempt to operate this equipment while driving a vehicle. For safety, pull over to the side of the road
when making adjustments.
NEVER connect this device to an AC voltage source. Death or injury could occur and/or the unit can be badly
damaged. Connect this device only to a DC power source with a voltage output of 12-15 volts and a current
capability of at least 250 ma.
Crossband Repeater

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 5
3.0 Front Panel Controls
4.0 Radio Requirements
4.1 Receive Audio
Receive Audio input levels from the radio are not critical. The Busy lights activate at approximately 150mV.
Receive audio input levels are automatically adjusted by an AGC circuit.
4.2 Transmit Audio
Transmit audio levels are separately adjustable for each radio and sufficient gain is available to drive nearly any
radio.
4.3 PTT
PTT is via an Open-Drain output. This signal pulls the PTT line of the radio low and will key any radio with a low-
true PTT requirement. Maximum switching capacity of the PTT output is 100V, 1.5A DC.
5.0 Power Supply
5.1 Power Requirements
The NCS-C150 will operate with any 9-16 VDC power supply capable of providing at least 50mA continuous.
5.2 Power Connection
Power is supplied to the cable on the rear of the unit. The connector is an Anderson Powerpole PP-15.
5.3 Polarity
Power cable polarity is: Red = +, Black = - (or chassis).
5.4 Fusing
The C150 uses an internal self-resetting fuse. If the fuse opens, there is likely to be an internal malfunction and
the unit should be repaired by a qualified technician.
Item
Description
1
Power Switch with Green Indicator
2
Radio 1 Indicators: Red = Transmit and Green = Receive
3
Radio 2 Indicators: Red = Transmit and Green = Receive
1
2
3

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 6
6.0 Opening Unit to Perform Adjustments
Follow the procedure shown below to open the unit up to perform settings and adjustments:
Rear View of Unit -The white round objects are pop-in/pop-out fasteners
1. Pull the rear panel to pop out the fasteners
2. Slide the whole assembly out of the enclosure.
3. Ready for Adjustment

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 7
7.0 Internal Setup and Adjustments
The printed circuit board assembly inside the C150 has provisions for setting up COR/VOX, COR Polarity and
VOX Hang time. To setup these functions, remove the rear cover of the C150, slide the PCB Assembly out of
the enclosure and refer to the diagram below for the locations of settings and adjustments.
Radio 1 Receive Setup and Transmit
Audio Level Adjustments
Radio 2 Receive Setup and
Transmit Audio Level Adjustments
Record Output Level
Adjustment
Factory Installed Shunts on Internal
Option Board Connector EXCEPT
POSITION 1.
RADIO1 Setup switches set for Low-
going COR (COR- = ON) and normal
Hang-time (LOW-HANG = OFF).
RADIO2 Setup switches set for Low-
going COR (COR- = ON) and normal
Hang-time (LOW-HANG = OFF).

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 8
7.1 Connect one radio to the RAD1 jack and the other radio to the RAD2 jack on the rear panel of the C150 using
radio-specific Radio Cables. Connect the power cable to 12VDC.
7.2 Set the COR, VOX and Hang-time settings as required for each radio.
7.3 Turn On the Power switch. The Green “ON” indicator should illuminate.
7.4 Transmit a signal to the radio connected to the RAD1 jack. The green BUSY indicator for RAD1 should light up
and the red TX indicator for RAD2 should light up. This will cause the radio connected to the RAD2 jack to transmit.
Adjust the RAD2 TX level control using a service monitor or another radio. Stop transmitting.
7.5 Transmit a signal to the radio connected to the RAD2 jack. The green BUSY indicator for RAD2 should light up
and the red TX indicator for RAD1 should light up. This will cause the radio connected to the RAD1 jack to transmit.
Adjust the RAD1 TX level control using a service monitor or another radio. Stop transmitting.
7.6 This completes Setup.
7.7 Reinstall the circuit board inside the enclosure as follows:
1. Slide the circuit board into the BOTTOM SLOT on the rear of the enclosure. Make sure both sides of the
circuit board slide into the bottom slot on each side of the enclosure
2. Slide the assembly all the way into the enclosure making sure the power switch fits through the hole on the
front panel
3. When the assembly is all the way into the enclosure, press the 4 white snap fasteners so they pop into place
in the housing's panel mounting holes.
Crossband Repeater
RAD1 RAD2

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 9
8.0 Radio Interface Cables
A Radio Interface Cable is required for each radio interfaced to the C150. This cable contains mic audio, receive
audio and PTT signals. It can be fabricated from the documentation supplied in the instruction manual or obtained
from NCS. The cable consists of an RJ-45, 8 pin modular connector on one end for mating to the C150 and a radio
interface connector on the other end. Un-terminated cables are also available that require the customer to attach the
radio interface connector.
Most commercial radios have an accessory connector that usually has mic audio, receive audio and PTT connections
available. This is the preferred interface to the NCS-C150.
Specifying Radio Interface Cables
NCS can supply Radio Cables for almost any radio. Standard cable length is six feet, however, custom lengths are
available. Since there are numerous connector types for interfacing to various commercial and amateur radio
transceivers, the radio model and connector type should be specified at the time of purchase.
8.1 Radio Interface and AUX Jack Pin-outs
RJ45 RAD and AUX Connector Pin-out
NAME
PINOUT
RAD1,
RAD2
RJ45
Connectors
on Rear
Panel
Pin
Signal
Note
1
TX AUDIO
To Radio Mic Input
2
TX AUD COMMON
To Radio Mic Input Common or Gnd
3
PTT
To Radio PTT Input
4
GND
Signal Ground
5
RX AUDIO
From Radio Audio (Speaker) Output
6
GND
Signal Ground
7
----
Not Used
8
COR
In From Radio
AUX
RJ45
Connector
on Rear
Panel
Pin
Signal
Note
1
DISABLE_1
Disables TX on RAD1
2
DISABLE_2
Disables TX on RAD2
3
GND
Signal Ground
4
EXT_P4
Spare/Factory Use
5
RECORD OUT
RX AUDIO MIXED FROM BOTH RADs
6
GND
Signal Ground
7
RECORD PTT
KEYS EXTERNAL RECORDER WHEN EITHER RAD IS BUSY
8
EXT_P8
Spare/Factory Use

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 10
9.0 Troubleshooting
The C150 was designed with care and uses high quality components and construction. You should not experience
any operating difficulties when you follow the setup and use instructions in this manual. If you do experience
problems, here is some information that may help you resolve the issues.
Hum
Magnetically induced hum can be caused to any modern piece of audio equipment by too close proximity to
unshielded power transformers or other equipment that radiates strong AC magnetic fields. You can tell if you have
this type of hum by rotating the C150 left/right, up/down and moving its position. If the hum increases and decreases,
then you are experiencing magnetic coupling from an unshielded power transformer or other equipment. The C150
should be several inches away from equipment that radiates AC magnetic fields.
Another source of hum can be a ground loop. This is a situation when pieces of audio equipment that are connected
together do not have their grounds well connected. This results in a voltage difference between the equipment
grounds and can be a safety hazard as well as introducing electrical problems. The solution to this problem is to tie
all your equipment grounds (usually case or chassis) together with a low impedance RF connection. The best choice
for connecting material is a wide braid or copper strap.
Noise
Excessive noise can be caused by many factors. The C150 uses state-of-the-art low noise amplifier ICs. However,
even these components can add a bit of noise or “hiss” to an audio signal if not adjusted properly. If you seem to
have excessive “hiss” type noise, review the setup and level adjustments you’ve made to the C150 In some cases,
increasing the radio’s own mic gain and decreasing the levels from the C150 may improve the noise level.
Excessive noise can also be caused by ground loops. See the previous “hum” discussion for information on
eliminating ground loops.
Distortion
Distorted audio can be caused by one of two situations. The first and most common is improper adjustment of audio
levels. Be sure you’ve adjusted the Radio and C150 level controls as recommended in this manual and that your
radio’s mic gain control is properly adjusted. Setting the Volume Controls at too high a level can also cause
distortion.
RF at the operating position can also cause distorted audio. To determine whether this is the problem, connect your
transmitter to a dummy load. If the distortion disappears, then you have RF entering the interface cables. To
eliminate RF problems, first make sure you have set up the jumpers and radio cables correctly. Then check that you
have a good ground between all pieces of equipment and that your RF ground is low impedance.
In-band Repeating
In-band repeating requires special attention to prevent one radio from interfering with or desensitizing the other.
Many techniques are available including increasing vertical and horizontal separation of antennas, shielding one
antenna from the other and using different polarizations for each antenna. The specific solution will be determined by
the installation environment and the overall operation conditions. Experimentation will be required.
10.0 Contacting NCS
NCS wants you to experience trouble free operation of our equipment. If you have any questions, comments or need
technical help, please use the following resources:
1. Go to the web site, www.ncsradio.com. Here you will find the latest instruction manuals, any factory developed
modifications and Frequently Asked Questions. Schematics for all NCS products may be found at
www.ncsradio.com/schematics .
2. Email us at [e-mail]. Be sure to include all pertinent information, e.g. make and model of radios,
how they’re connected to the C150, detailed description of any problems, antenna and grounding
configurations, etc.
3. Telephone us toll-free at 888-883-5788.
Note: Be near your equipment and have the manuals for your radios available. We will do our best to help you
using our technical expertise.

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 11
11.0 C150 Specifications
General
Dimensions
1.3"H x 4.0"W x 5.0"D
4.6cm x 16.3cm x 18.0cm
Weight
0.5 lb (0.91kg)
Temp Range
-20°C to + 65°C
Power Requirements
9 to 16 VDC @ 25mA max. Nominal 12VDC @ 18mA
9VDC Battery:
Type
Total
Capacity
Estimated Max
Runtime
Standby
Estimated Max
Runtime
50% Duty Cycle
Carbon-
Zinc
400 mAh
20 hours
10 hours
Alkaline
565 mAh
28 hours
14 hours
Lithium
1200 mAh
60 hours
30 hours
Front Panel
Power On/Off
Toggle Switch with Green LED Indicator
Indicators
Green LED "Busy" Indicator and Red LED "Transmit" Indicator
for each Radio
Rear Panel
Radio IF Connectors
RAD1, RAD2
RJ-45 Modular Jack
AUX
RJ-45 Modular Jack
DC Power
Four inch pigtail terminated in an Anderson PowerPole PP-15
connector.
Signal Levels
COR from Radio
COR + → Active High
COR - → Active Low
Low = < 1.0VDC; High >2.0VDC
PTT to Radio
Active Low, <.5 Ohm @ 1A, Max Rating 1.5A, 100V
TX Disable RAD1, RAD2
Active Low: <1.0VDC, Max Rating 20VDC
TX Audio
Adjustable, 0 → 2.5Vpp
RX Audio
Speaker or Line Out from Radio, 1mVpp → 5Vpp

NCS-C150 Manual Rev A Page 12
12.0 Warranty
All products manufactured by Collcomm Inc. (hereafter referred to as NCS) and purchased from an authorized
dealer or purchased directly from NCS will be warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for
a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.
NCS' liability under this warranty and the Customer's exclusive remedy is limited to repairing, servicing or
adjusting, and/or replacing the defective product returned to NCS within the warranty period. Whether the
defective product is repaired or replaced will be at the sole discretion of NCS. The warranty will be voided for
products that have been abused, misused, or subjected to abnormal operating conditions as determined by NCS.
Further, products damaged by lightning, power surges or force majeure events are not covered under this
warranty.
If, in the Customer's estimation the product appears to be defective and is within the warranty period NCS should
be notified as to the nature of the defect. If the product appears to be covered by the terms of the warranty, NCS
will promptly communicate a return authorization number and shipping instructions to the Customer. When
returning a product for repair/replacement under warranty the proof of purchase or a copy thereof must be
returned with the defective product. NCS at its discretion may deny warranty in the absence of proof of purchase.
Acceptable proof of purchase includes bill of sale, cancelled check or credit card receipt. Evidence of alteration of
the proof of purchase document shall be reason to immediately void the terms of the warranty.
For those products returned that prove to be defective and covered under the warranty, the Customer will bear the
cost of shipment for the return of the product to NCS. Collect shipments will not be accepted. NCS will bear the
cost of shipment for return of the product to the Customer after repair/replacement. Mode of shipment for return
to the Customer will be determined by NCS. Should examination reveal that the product is not defective, NCS
will notify the Customer and request return shipping instructions and NCS will be due all shipping expenses. In
the event that the examination reveals that the product is defective, but for any reason is excluded from this
warranty, NCS will prepare a quotation of the cost to repair, and will communicate same to the Customer. In the
latter event, NCS will be due all shipping charges incurred for return of the product to the Customer.
The Customer may attempt to repair a defective product under warranty provided authorization to do so is
received from NCS Technical Support. NCS will supply replacement parts free of charge for authorized Customer
repairs provided that the defective part along with the proof of purchase is submitted to NCS. NCS will pay
postage and handling for replacement parts provided the above terms are met. The product warranty under these
circumstances will remain in force for the life of the warranty.
EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES STATED IN THIS WARRANTY, WHICH ARE
EXCLUSIVE, NCS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES ON PRODUCTS SOLD HEREUNDER,
INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE IS NCS LIABLE FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES TO PERSON OR PROPERTY AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF
ANY NCS PRODUCTS.
The Customer may have additional rights beyond those specifically outlined in this document based on individual
state laws.
Collcomm Inc. d.b.a. NCS
Limited Product Warranty