COMBA CriticalPoint QE Series User manual

ANTENNA MONITORING
SYSTEM
USER MANUAL
Public Safety AMS SERIES QE: 1-0-0
FIRMWARE: V271
Comba Telecom Ltd.
CriticalPoint Public Safety
AMS

The information contained herein is the responsibility of and is approved by the
following, to whom all enquiries should be directed:
This is an unpublished work the copyright in which vests in Comba International
("Comba"). All rights reserved.
The information contained herein is confidential and the property of Comba and is
supplied without liability for errors or omissions. No part may be reproduced,
disclosed or used except as authorized by contract or other written permission. The
copyright and the foregoing restriction on reproduction and use extend to all media
in which the information may be embodied.

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0.1 CONTENTS
Section Page
0.1 CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................... 3
0.2 INDEX TO FIGURES AND TABLES ............................................................................................. 5
0.3 HISTORY ........................................................................................................................................... 6
0.4 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ................................................................................................................. 7
0.5 SAFETY NOTICES AND ADMONISHMENTS ............................................................................ 8
0.6 GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................... 9
1 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................... 10
1.1 EQUIPMENT BOCK DIAGRAM ................................................................................................... 10
1.2 EQUIPMENT LAYOUT .................................................................................................................. 11
1.3 EQUIPMENT CONSTITUTION .................................................................................................... 12
2 INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................................. 13
2.1 WARNINGS AND ALERTS ........................................................................................................... 13
2.2 SITE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................................................... 14
2.2.1 SITE PLANNING ............................................................................................................................ 14
2.2.2 INSTALLATION CHECKLIST ....................................................................................................... 15
2.3 INSTALLATION PROCEDURES ................................................................................................. 16
2.3.1 GOODS INWARDS INSPECTION .............................................................................................. 16
2.3.2 TOOLS ............................................................................................................................................. 16
2.3.3 PREPARATION .............................................................................................................................. 16
2.3.4 WALL MOUNTING ......................................................................................................................... 17
2.3.5 DRIP-LOOP ..................................................................................................................................... 17
2.4 EQUIPMENT CONNECTORS...................................................................................................... 18
2.4.1 AMS CONNECTORS ..................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.2 GROUNDING CONNECTION ...................................................................................................... 19
2.4.3 -48VDC POWER CABLE CONNECTION .................................................................................. 19
2.4.4 RF CABLE CONNECTION ........................................................................................................... 19
2.4.5 ETHERNET CONNECTION ......................................................................................................... 19
2.4.6 DRY CONTACT CABLE CONNECTION .................................................................................... 20
2.4.7 DRY CONTACT ALARMS ............................................................................................................ 21
3 AMS OMT GUI OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................... 22
3.1 AMS OMT GUI CONNECTION .................................................................................................... 22
3.2 OMT GUI INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 23
3.2.1 [CURRENT ALARM] ...................................................................................................................... 24
3.2.2 [TAG MANAGER] ........................................................................................................................... 25
3.2.3 [STATUS] ......................................................................................................................................... 26
3.2.4 [ALARM LOG] ................................................................................................................................. 27
3.2.5 [TAG SCAN] .................................................................................................................................... 28
4 COMMISSIONING ......................................................................................................................... 29
4.1 PRE-COMMISSIONING TASKS .................................................................................................. 29
4.2 PRE-COMMISSIONING PROCEDURE ..................................................................................... 29
4.3 COMMISSIONING THE AMS EQUIPMENT .............................................................................. 30
4.4 TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS ......................................................................................................... 33

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4.4.1 TAGS & ALARMS .......................................................................................................................... 33
4.4.2 TAG SCAN FAIL ............................................................................................................................. 34
5 MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................................. 35
6 APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................. 35
6.1 APPENDIX A: TOOLS ................................................................................................................... 35
6.2 APPENDIX B: TAG LIST ............................................................................................................... 36
6.3 APPENDIX C: ALARM LOG EXAMPLE ..................................................................................... 36
6.4 APPENDIX D: RMA (RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION) ............................................. 37

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0.2 INDEX TO FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure 1: Front, Side and Bottom Views of the AMS Enclosure .........................................................................9
Figure 2: AMS System Block Diagram ..............................................................................................................10
Figure 3: AMS External Layout .........................................................................................................................18
Figure 4: AMS Internal Component Diagram ....................................................................................................12
Figure 5: Mounting Rack Overview ...................................................................................................................10
Figure 6: AMS Connector Locations .................................................................................................................18
Figure 7: Dry Contact NO-NC Example ............................................................................................................21
Figure 8: AMS Dry Contact No-NC Layout .......................................................................................................21
Figure 9: Web GUI Main Screen - Login ...........................................................................................................22
Figure 10: Web GUI Main Screen .....................................................................................................................23
Figure 11: [Current Alarm] Screen ....................................................................................................................24
Figure 12: [Tag Manager] Screen .....................................................................................................................25
Figure 13: [Status] Screen ................................................................................................................................26
Figure 14: [Alarm Log] Screen ..........................................................................................................................27
Figure 15: [Tag Scan] Screen ...........................................................................................................................28
Figure 16: Commissioning Proceedure - Time Clock Editing ...........................................................................30
Figure 17: Commissioning Proceedure - Frequency & Power Editing .............................................................31
Figure 18: Commissioning Proceedure - Poll Editing .......................................................................................32
Figure 19: Example Tag Table ..........................................................................................................................33
Figure 20: Reset Screen ...................................................................................................................................34
Figure 21: Repair Device Notice Screen ...........................................................................................................34
Figure 22: Example Tag List .............................................................................................................................37
Figure 23: Example Alarm Log .........................................................................................................................37
Table 1: Equipment Connectors .......................................................................................................................18
Table 2: Power Cable Labeling .........................................................................................................................19
Table 3: Pin Definition of Dry Contact Cables ...................................................................................................20
Table 4: Commissioning Task Explanation .......................................................................................................29

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0.3 HISTORY
Change No. ENU Details Of Change
1
1
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This manual first created and issued in
June
20
22
.

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0.4 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Abbreviation Definition
AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction
AMS Antenna Monitoring System
BDA Bi-Directional Amplifier
DAS Distributed Antenna System
dB Decibel
dBm Decibels relative to 1 milliwatt
DL Downlink
DIM Digital Integrated Module
ESD Electrostatic Discharge
FS Frequency Selection
GUI Graphical User Interface
Hz Hertz
MCU Main Control Unit
MHz Megahertz
NF Noise Figure
OMC Operation & Maintenance Center
OMT Operation & Maintenance Terminal
PA Power Amplifier
PLL Phase Locked Loop
PSU Power Supply Unit
RF Radio Frequency
RFID Radio Frequency Identification
SMA Sub-Miniature A Connector
UL Uplink
VAC Volts Alternating Current
VDC Volts Direct Current
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

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0.5 SAFETY NOTICES AND ADMONISHMENTS
This document contains safety notices in accordance with appropriate standards. In the interests of conformity
with the territory standards for the country concerned, the equivalent territorial admonishments are also shown.
Any installation, adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the equipment must only be carried out by trained,
authorized personnel. At all times, personnel must comply with any safety notices and instructions.
Specific hazards are indicated by symbol labels on or near the affected parts of the equipment. The labels
conform to international standards, triangular, and are colored black on a yellow background. An informative
text label may accompany the symbol label.
Hazard labeling is supplemented by safety notices in the appropriate equipment manual. These notices contain
additional information on the nature of the hazard and may also specify precautions.
Note: The grantee is not responsible for any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance. Such modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
For compliance with the general population RF exposure limits, each individual antenna used for this
transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance greater than 67.2cm or more from all persons
during normal operation and must not be co-located with any other antenna for meeting RF exposure
requirements.
Warning Notices:
Caution: The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
-- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
-- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your
body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter
End of Section

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0.6 GENERAL INFORMATION
The CriticalPoint Antenna Monitoring System (AMS) consists of a Main Control Unit (MCU) in conjunction with
an unlicensed 900MHz transceiver and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) monitoring tags installed in the
Comba Distributed Antenna System (DAS) service antennas. The system utilizes RFID technology
incorporated into the DAS service antennas to monitor the coaxial link status of the entire passive network.
The AMS can report the status of any individual antenna link in real time via an easy-to-use GUI and transmit
the overall alarm information through Form C dry contacts. This system will satisfy the Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements for monitoring service antennas as part of the overall System Component
Failure alarming requirements. The system can also increase the efficiency and accuracy of monitoring a
passive antenna system, as well as troubleshooting the passive network.
Main Features
 Monitor In-building DAS status in real time for all passive components, antenna coax, and Comba
service antennas
 Report overall status through dry contact alarming - login to identify alarms from individual antenna
paths
 Supports up to 25dB DAS cable loss
 Supports antenna monitoring of VHF, UHF & 700/800MHz bands
 Supports Form C dry contact alarms
 NEMA 4 enclosure
 Low Power Consumption
The following figure shows the enclosure of the Antenna Monitoring System (AMS).
Figure 1: Front, Side and Bottom Views of the AMS Enclosure

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1 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
1.1 EQUIPMENT BOCK DIAGRAM
The AMS uses a diplexer to pass the Public Safety downlink/uplink (VHF/UHF/700/800) frequencies and
inject/extract the unlicensed 900MHz frequency to monitor the antenna RFID tags. The unlicensed 900MHz
frequency (user definable in the GUI) is pulsed from the AMS throughout the passive DAS network/antenna
arrays, the antennas tag information is then reflected to the AMS. The AMS cross-references the received tag
codes against a list of existing tag codes to see if any RFID tags are missing. The missing RFID tags will
create a log in the “Alarm Log” and trigger an alarm if the “Polling” parameters (configured by installer) are met
in Auto Mode or if “Status” scan is run in Manual Mode.
Figure 2: AMS System Block Diagram

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1.2 EQUIPMENT LAYOUT
Shown below is the external layout of the AMS unit.
Figure 3: AMS External Layout
Ethernet Port –
WEB Login
RF IN
–
N
-
Female
From BDA
RF OUT
–
N
-
Male
To Service ANT.
ALM1 – AMS
Malfunction
ALM2 – Tag
Malfunction
DC-48V IN

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1.3 EQUIPMENT CONSTITUTION
The AMS unit consists of the following components:
Main Control Unit (MCU): The MCU is used to monitor and control the operation of the AMS.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): The PSU converts the input voltage into a stable DC supply to provide power for
the internal modules.
Digital Integrated Module (DIM) and 900 MHz Transceiver: Transmits and receives a 900 MHz signal,
defined by the MCU, that is sent to the diplexer and received by the RFID tags. RFID tags then send back a
tag ID to this component that is interpreted and forwarded to the MCU to be recorded.
Diplexer: Located near the RF Input and RF Output terminals. Passes and combines the first responder RF
signals with the unlicensed 900MHz pilot/responder signals to the passive DAS. NOTE: If the AMS powers
down, the first responder signals are not affected.
Figure 4: AMS Internal Components Diagram
End of Section
PSU
MCU
DIM &
Transceiver
DIPLEXER

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2 INSTALLATION
2.1 WARNINGS AND ALERTS
RF Emissions & RF Exposure
There may be situations, particularly for workplace environments near high-powered RF sources, where
recommended limits for safe exposure of human beings to RF energy could be exceeded. In such cases,
restrictive measures or actions may be necessary to ensure the safe use of RF energy.
High Voltage
The equipment has been designed and constructed to prevent, as far as reasonably practicable danger. Any
work activity on or near equipment involving installation, operation or maintenance must be, as far as
reasonable, free from danger.
Where there is a risk of damage to electrical systems involving adverse weather, extreme temperatures, wet,
corrosive, or dirty conditions, flammable or explosive atmospheres, the system must be suitably installed to
prevent danger.
Protective Earthing
Equipment provided for the purpose of protecting individuals from electrical risk must be suitable for the
purpose and properly maintained and used.
Handling Precautions
This covers a range of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding, or
restraining an object, or individuals from the equipment. It also covers activities that require the use of force or
effort, such as pulling a lever, or operating power tools.
Where some of the abovementioned activities are required, the equipment must be handled with care to avoid
damaged.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Observe standard precautions for handling ESD-sensitive devices. Assume that all solid-state electronic
devices are ESD-sensitive. Ensure the use of a grounded wrist strap or equivalent while working with ESD-
sensitive devices. Transport, store, and handle ESD-sensitive devices in static-safe environments.

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2.2 SITE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
2.2.1 SITE PLANNING
Site Considerations
Outdoor equipment is designed to be waterproof, rainproof, and with snow protection. Temporary protection
should be taken when the equipment enclosure is opened for installation or maintenance in an outdoor
environment. The equipment must not be opened for installation or maintenance in bad weather (e.g., gale
storm, rainfall, extreme temperatures, and high humidity)
Installation Location
Mounting surface shall be capable of supporting the weight of the equipment.
To avoid electromagnetic interference, a proper mounting location must be selected to minimize interference
from electromagnetic sources such as large electrical equipment.
Environmental
Humidity has an adverse effect on the reliability of the equipment. It is recommended to install the equipment
in locations having stable temperature and unrestricted airflow.
The installation location for the product should be well ventilated. The equipment has been designed to operate
at the temperature range and humidity level as stated in the product specifications in the datasheet.
Direct sun light exposure to the equipment should be avoided. Provide additional shelter if necessary.
Power Supply
The power supply unit (PSU) provides power to all modules within the equipment. Depending on the product
variant it is recommended that the PSU be operated on a dedicated circuit breaker or fused circuit.
Grounding Requirement
Verify that the equipment has been well grounded. This includes antennas and all cables connected to the
system. Ensure lightning protection for the antennas is properly grounded.
Cable Routing
Depending on equipment configuration, a variety of types of cables are required. Where applicable, ensure
cables are properly routed and secured so that they are not damaged.
Manual Handling
During transportation and installation, take necessary handling precautions to avoid potential physical injury to
the installation personnel and the equipment.

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2.2.2 INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
 Working space available for installation and maintenance for each mounting arrangement. Ensure
unrestricted airflow
 Ensure earth ground point is within reach of the ground wire
 Ensure a power source is within reach of the power cord and the power source has sufficient capacity
 Where appropriate, ensure unused RF connectors are terminated
 Do not locate the equipment near large transformers or motors that may cause electromagnetic
interference
 Reduce signal loss in feeder cable by minimizing the length and number of RF connections
 Ensure coax loss is no greater than 25dB
 Ensure equipment will be operated within the stated environment (see datasheet)
 Observe handling of all cables to prevent damage
 Service antennas should be selected based on the type of service area, e.g., indoor antenna for indoor
application, and panel antenna for outdoor application. Additionally, DAS service antennas must be
coordinated with Comba prior to installation, as RFID chips are required to be installed at the Comba factory

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2.3 INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
2.3.1 GOODS INWARDS INSPECTION
 Verify the number of packages received against the packing list
 Check all packages for external damage; report any external damage to the shipping courier. If there is
damage, a shipping agent should be present before unpacking and inspecting the contents because
damage during transit is the responsibility of the agent
 Open and check each package against the packing list. If any items are missing, contact Comba
 Do not remove items from anti-static packing until ready for installation. If damage is discovered at the
time of installation, contact the shipping agent
2.3.2 TOOLS
See Appendix A for a full list of the recommended tools required for installation and routine maintenance.
2.3.3 PREPARATION
 Wall mounting with the masonry bolts, which make use of the outer holes.
Figure 5: Mounting Rack Overview

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2.3.4 WALL MOUNTING
 Drill two holes on the wall using the position of two holes on the mounting rack as a guide. Fix the
mounting rack to the wall using four masonry bolts (M10x110mm)
 Install the Mounting Rack to the wall
 Hang the equipment and secure the enclosure to the mounting rack
2.3.5 DRIP-LOOP
Comba recommends that every horizontal cable entry to the equipment forms a 'U' before its entry to the
equipment. Water on the cable will drip down at the bottom of the loop and will not accumulate at the equipment
connectors.

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2.4 EQUIPMENT CONNECTORS
2.4.1 AMS CONNECTORS
The AMS is designed for all cable entries from the right or the left of the enclosure, as shown below.
Figure 6: AMS Connector Locations
Table 1: Equipment Connectors
Identifier Descriptions
ETH RJ45 Connector for Ethernet connection (e.g., Remote Login)
ALM 1 Alarm cable connector for monitoring alarm associated to AMS device, such as
device power loss
ALM 2 Alarm cable connector for monitoring alarms associated to RFID tags
DC -48V Power cable connector for a pre-installed power cord for connection to DC (-48V)
RF IN N-Female - Connects to the BDA or Signal Booster MT or Service port
RF OUT N-Male – Connects to the passive DAS equipment/service antennas

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2.4.2 GROUNDING CONNECTION
Ground Connection
To ensure safe operation of the product, a ground (earth) connection is required. For single phase AC power
source, the product must be grounded by connecting the “earth wire” of the power cord to the ground terminal
of the AC supply. For operating this product with DC power systems (such as DC output battery backup units,
or rectifiers), the product should not be connected to power systems that switch open the return lead because
the return lead could function as the ground (earth) connection for the equipment.
Protective Ground Connection
The enclosure must be grounded securely by connecting a copper wire (CSA 16mm2) to the grounding terminal
on the equipment/rack, and the other end to a protective ground (i.e., building earth point). An internationally
acceptable color code of the ground connection wire is green/yellow.
Such a ground connection implements the “Protective Ground Connection” and must be connected to the
equipment at the designated ground point. In general, do not connect the supply before establishing an
adequate ground (earth) connection.
Construct the ground wire and use appropriate crimp connectors where necessary. Locate and connect the
equipment grounding terminal to a protective ground (i.e., building earth point).
2.4.3 -48VDC POWER CABLE CONNECTION
-48VDC power cable connection is as follows:
 DC -48V port  Connects to -48VDC power source
Table 2: Power Cable Labeling
Wire Color Connection
Blue -48V
Red (Brown) +48V
2.4.4 RF CABLE CONNECTION
RF cable connection is as follows:
 AMS RF OUT port  Connects to the feeder cable from service antennas.
 AMS RF IN port  Connects to the feeder cable from BDA downlink (Comba BDA MT port)
2.4.5 ETHERNET CONNECTION
Establish an Ethernet connection using the ‘LAN’ port located on the panel.

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2.4.6 DRY CONTACT CABLE CONNECTION
Below are the pin definitions of the dry contact cables.
Table 3: Pin Definition of Dry Contact Cables
Pin NO. Pin Description Color Code
ALM1
1 CLOSE1
AMS Failure/Power Loss
Red (Brown)
2 COM1 Blue
3 OPEN1 Yellow
ALM2
1 CLOSE2
Antenna RFID Tag Missing
Red (Brown)
2 COM2 Blue
3 OPEN2 Yellow