CommScope miniRepeater MR8518 User manual

MR8518/8518/1918/1918
miniRepeater
User's Manual
M0139AHJ

Page 2 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
DISCLAIMER:
This document has been developed by CommScope, and is intended for the use of its
customers and customer support personnel. The information in this document is subject to
change without notice. While every effort has been made to eliminate errors, CommScope
disclaims liability for any difficulties arising from the interpretation of the information contained
herein. The information contained herein does not claim to cover all details or variations in
equipment, nor to provide for every possible incident to be met in connection with installation,
operation, or maintenance. This document describes the performance of the product under the
defined operational conditions and does not cover the performance under adverse or disturbed
conditions. Should further information be desired, or should particular problems arise which
are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser’s purposes, contact CommScope.
CommScope reserves the right to change all hardware and software characteristics without
notice.
COPYRIGHT:
© Copyright 2017 CommScope Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This document is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical
photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of CommScope.
TRADEMARKS
All trademarks identified by ® or ™ are registered trademarks or trademarks, respectively, of
CommScope. Names of products mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only
and may be trademarks and / or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH, 10-April-2017

Table of Contents
M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918 Page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL 6
1.1. ABBREVIATIONS 6
1.2. HEALTH AND SAFETY 7
1.3. PROPERTY DAMAGE WARNINGS 7
1.4. COMPLIANCE 8
1.5. ABOUT COMMSCOPE 11
1.6. INTERNATIONAL CONTACT ADDRESSES FOR CUSTOMER SUPPORT 12
2. INTRODUCTION 14
2.1. PURPOSE 14
2.2. THE MR8518/8518/1918/1918 MINIREPEATER 14
3. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION 16
3.1. GENERAL 16
3.2. DESIGN AND CONNECTORS 17
4. INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING 18
4.1. MECHANICAL INSTALLATION 18
4.1.1. Health and Safety for Mechanical Installation 18
4.1.2. Property Damage Warnings for Mechanical Installation 18
4.2. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION 19
5. SOFTWARE SETUP 23
5.1. LOGIN 23
5.2. MENU BAR – BUTTONS 24
5.3. STATUS BAR 24
5.4. STATUS 25
5.5. SETTINGS 27
5.5.1. Settings - Radio Frequency 28
5.5.2. Settings - Alarms 33
5.5.3. Settings - Modem Control 33
5.5.4. Settings - LAN Connectivity 35
5.5.5. Settings - User Account 37
5.6. MAINTENANCE 38

Table of Contents
Page 4 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918
Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
5.7. LOGOUT 39
5.8. UPLOAD NEW SOFTWARE VERSION 40
6. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT 41
6.1. EXTERNAL MODEM (KIT) 41
6.2. ANTENNA 41
6.3. ADAPTER CABLE 41
7. ALARMING AND SUPERVISION 42
7.1. ALARM LEDS 42
7.2. DISPLAY AND RESET & INSTALLATION ASSISTANCE BUTTON 43
8. APPENDIX 45
8.1. ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS 45
8.2. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS 46
8.3. MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS 46
8.4. SPARE PARTS LIST 48
9. LIST OF CHANGES 48
10. INDEX 49

Figures and Tables
M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918 Page 5
FIGURES AND TABLES
figure 3-1 MR8518/8518/1918/1918 block diagram.................................................. 16
figure 3-2 Connectors of MR8518/8518/1918/1918.................................................. 17
figure 4-1 Wall-mounting bracket.............................................................................. 18
figure 4-2 Wall mounting procedure.......................................................................... 19
figure 4-3 Power connection of DC connector with MRx18....................................... 20
figure 5-1 Login page................................................................................................ 23
figure 5-2 Menu-bar buttons ..................................................................................... 24
figure 5-3 Status bar................................................................................................. 24
figure 5-4 Status - General & Alarms........................................................................ 25
figure 5-6 Settings - Radio Frequency...................................................................... 28
figure 5-8 Settings - Alarms...................................................................................... 33
figure 5-9 Settings - Modem Control......................................................................... 33
figure 5-10 Settings - LAN connectivity..................................................................... 35
figure 5-11 Settings - User Account.......................................................................... 37
figure 5-12 Maintenance........................................................................................... 38
figure 5-13 Logout .................................................................................................... 39
figure 5-14 Upload new software version ................................................................. 40
figure 6-1 Coverage antenna for MRx18, optional equipment.................................. 41
figure 7-1 Display and alarm LEDs........................................................................... 42
figure 7-2 Display with reset button and alarm LEDs................................................ 43
figure 7-3 Display - RSSI.......................................................................................... 44
figure 7-4 Display - Gain UL and DL......................................................................... 44
figure 7-5 Display - Pout UL and DL........................................................................... 44
figure 8-1 Cabinet drawing MR8518/8518/1918/1918.............................................. 47
table 5-1 Menu-bar buttons, description................................................................... 24
table 5-2 Status bar, description............................................................................... 24
table 5-3 Refresh and Auto Refresh buttons ............................................................ 25
table 5-4 Status – General........................................................................................ 26
table 5-5 Status - Alarms.......................................................................................... 27
table 5-6 Radio Frequency – Power......................................................................... 28
table 5-7 Radio Frequency – General....................................................................... 31
table 5-8 Radio Frequency - Auto Gain.................................................................... 32
table 5-9 Settings - Alarms ....................................................................................... 33
table 5-10 Settings - Modem Control........................................................................ 34
table 5-11 LAN Connectivity - General..................................................................... 36
table 5-12 LAN Connectivity - DHCP Settings.......................................................... 36
table 5-13 LAN Connectivity - SNMP Settings.......................................................... 37
table 5-14 Settings - User Account........................................................................... 37
table 5-15 Maintenance - Modem Debugging........................................................... 38
table 5-16 Maintenance - Software Update.............................................................. 39
table 5-17 Maintenance - Webpage Update............................................................. 39
table 7-1 Alarm LEDs ............................................................................................... 42

1. General
Page 6 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918
Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
1.General
1.1.Abbreviations
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership
Project
ALC Automatic Level Control
AMPS American Mobile Phone System
or Advanced Mobile Phone
System
BCCH Broadcast Control Channel
BITE Built-In Test Equipment
BTS Base Transceiver Station
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
CEPT Conférénce Européenne des
Postes et Télécommunications
CF Center Frequency
CFO Center Frequency Offset
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DL Downlink
DoC Declaration of Conformity
EDGE Enhanced Data Rates for GSM
Evolution
ESD Electrostatic Discharge
ETACS Enhanced TACS
ETS European Telecommunication
Standard
ETSI European Telecommunication
Standards Institute
FSK Frequency Shift Keying
GSM Global System for Mobile
Communication
GUI Graphical User Interface
I2C-Bus Inter-Integrated Circuit Bus
(Philips)
ID No Identification Number
IF Intermediate Frequency
LED Light Emitting Diode
LMT Local Maintenance Terminal
LNA Low Noise Amplifier
MCC Mobile Country Code
MNC Mobile Network Code
MR Microwave Repeater
MS Mobile Station
MTBF Mean Time Between Failures
OIP-3 Output Intercept Point of the
3rdOorder
OMC Operation and Maintenance
Center
PA Power Amplifier
PCMCIA Personal Computer Modem
Communication International
Association
PCS Personal Communication
System
PSTN Public Switched Telephone
Network
PSU Power Supply Unit
R&TTE Radio & Telecommunications
Terminal Equipment
Rev Revision
RF Radio Frequency
RLP Radio Link Protocol
RSSI Receive Signal Strength
Indication
RTC Real-Time Clock
RX Receiver
SCL Serial Clock
SDA Serial Data
SMSC Short Message Service Center
TACS Total Access Communication
System
TCH Traffic Channel
TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
TX Transmitter
UE User Equipment
UL Uplink
UMTS Universal Mobile
Telecommunication System
UPS Uninterruptable Power Supply
URL Uniform Resource Locator
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

1. General
M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918 Page 7
1.2.Health and Safety
1. Caution: High frequency radiation in operation. Risk of health hazards associated
with radiation from the antenna(s) connected to the unit. Implement prevention
measures to avoid the possibility of very close proximity to the antenna(s) while in
operation.
1.3.Property Damage Warnings
1. Notice: Although the repeater is internally protected against overvoltage, it is
strongly recommended to ground (earth) the antenna cables close to the repeater’s
antenna connectors for protection against atmospheric discharge.
2. Notice: ESD precautions must be observed. Before commencing maintenance
work, use the available grounding (earthing) system to connect ESD protection
measures.
3. Notice:Only suitably qualified personnel are allowed to work on this unit and only
after becoming familiar with all safety notices, installation, operation and
maintenance procedures contained in this manual.
4. Notice: Keep operating instructions within easy reach and make them available to
all users.
5. Notice: Read and obey all the warning labels attached to the unit. Make sure that
all warning labels are kept in a legible condition. Replace any missing or damaged
labels.
6. Notice: Only license holders for the respective frequency range are allowed to
operate this unit.
7. Notice: Make sure the repeater settings are correct for the intended use (refer to
the manufacturer product information) and regulatory requirementsare met. Do not
carry out any modifications or fit any spare parts, which are not sold or
recommended by the manufacturer.
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by CommScope, CommScope’s general limited
product warranty (http://www.commscope.com/Resources/Warranties/) shall be the
warranty governing the MRx18 Units, including the installation, maintenance, usage
and operation of the MRx18 Units.

1. General
Page 8 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918
Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
1.4.Compliance
1. Notice: For installations, which have to comply with FCC RF exposure
requirements, the antenna selection and installation must be completed in a way to
ensure compliance with those FCC requirements. Depending on the RF frequency,
rated output power, antenna gain, and the loss between the repeater and antenna,
the minimum distance D to be maintained between theantenna location andhuman
beings is calculated according to this formula:
]/[
][
][ 2
4cmmW
mW
cm PD
P
D∗∗ =
π
where
•P (mW) is the radiated power at the antenna, i.e. the max. rated repeater
output power in addition to the antenna gain minus the loss between the
repeater and the antenna.
•PD (mW/cm²) is the allowed Power Density limit acc. to 47 CFR 1.1310 (B) for
general population / uncontrolled exposures which is
oF (MHz) / 1500 for frequencies from 300MHz to 1500MHz
o1 for frequencies from 1500MHz to 100,000MHz
RF exposure compliance may need to be addressed at the time of licensing, as
required by the responsible FCC Bureau(s), including antenna co-location
requirements of 1.1307(b)(3).
2. Notice:For installations which have to comply with European EN50385 exposure
compliance requirements, the following Power Density limits/guidelines (mW/cm²)
according to ICNIRP are valid:
o0.2 for frequencies from 10 MHz to 400 MHz
oF (MHz) / 2000 for frequencies from 400 MHz to 2 GHz
o1 for frequencies from 2 GHz to 300 GHz
3. Notice: Installation of this equipment is in full responsibility of the installer, who has
also the responsibility, that cables and couplers are calculated into the maximum
gain of the antennas, so that this value, which is filed in the FCC Grant and can be
requested from the FCC data base, is not exceeded. The industrial boosters are
shipped only as a naked booster without any installation devices or antennas as it
needs for professional installation.

1. General
M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918 Page 9
4. Notice: For installations which have to comply with FCC/Industry Canada
requirements:
English:
This device complies with FCC Part 15 and Industry Canada license exempt RSS
standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
This device complies with Health Canada’s Safety Code. The installer of this
device should ensure that RF radiation is not emitted in excess of the Health
Canada’s requirement. Information can be obtained at http:
//www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/radiation/radio_guide-lignes_direct-eng.php.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
French:
Cet appareil est conforme à FCC Partie15 d’Industrie Canada RSS standard
exempts de licence (s). Son utilisation est soumise à Les deux conditions
suivantes: (1) cet appareil ne peut pas provoquer d’interférences et (2) cet appareil
doit accepter Toute interférence, y compris les interférences qui peuvent causer
un mauvais fonctionnement du dispositif.
Cet appareil est conforme avec Santé Canada Code de sécurité 6. Le programme
d’installation de cet appareil doit s’assurer que les rayonnements RF n’est pas
émis au-delà de I’exigence de Santé Canada. Les informations peuvent être
obtenues:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/radiation/radio_guide-lignes_direct-
fra.php
Les changements ou modifications non expressément approuvés par la partie
responsable de la conformité pourraient annuler l'autorité de l'utilisateur à utiliser
cet équipement.
5. Notice: The power supply of the unit complies with Overvoltage Category II. It also
complies with the surge requirement according to EN 61000-4-5 (fine protection);
however, installation of an additional medium (via local supply connection) and/or
coarse protection (external surge protection) is recommended depending on the
individual application in order to avoid damage caused by overcurrent.
For Canada and US, components used to reduce the Overvoltage Category shall
comply with the requirements of IEC 61643-series. As an alternative, components
used to reduce the Overvoltage Category may comply with ANSI/IEEE C62.11,
CSA Certification Notice No. 516, CSA C22.2 No. 1, or UL 1449. Suitability of the
component for the application shall be determined for the intended installation.
6. Notice: Corresponding local particularities and regulations must be observed. For
national deviations, please refer to the respective documents that can be
downloaded as well.

1. General
Page 10 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918
Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
7. Note: For a Class A digital device or peripheral:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
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 his own expense.
8. Note: For a Class B digital device or peripheral:
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.
9. Note: This unit complies with European standard EN60950.
Equipment Symbols Used / Compliance
Please observe the meanings of the following symbols used in our equipment and the
compliance warnings:
Symbol
Compliance
Meaning / Warning
--- FCC
For industrial (Part 20) signal booster:
WARNING: This is NOT a CONSUMER device. It is
designed for installation by FCC LICENSEES and
QUALIFIED INSTALLERS. You MUST have an FCC
LICENSE or express consent of an FCC Licenseeto operate
this device. Unauthorized use may result in significant
forfeiture penalties, including penalties in excess of
$100,000 for each continuing violation.
For (Part 90) signal booster:
WARNING: This is NOT a CONSUMER device. It is
designed for installation by FCC LICENSEES and
QUALIFIED INSTALLERS. You MUST have an FCC
LICENSE or express consent of an FCC Licenseeto 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.
CE
Alert sign to R&TTE
To be sold exclusively to mobile operators or authorized
installers – no harmonized
frequency bands, operation
requires license. Intended use: EU and EFTA countries
Indicates conformity with the R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC
certified by the notified body no. 0700.

1. General
M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918 Page 11
1.5.About CommScope
CommScope is the foremost supplier of one-stop, end-to-end radio frequency (RF)
solutions. Part of the CommScope portfolio are complete solutions for wireless
infrastructure from top-of-the-tower base station antennas to cable systems and
cabinets, RF site solutions, signal distribution, and network optimization. For patents
see www.cs-pat.com.
CommScope has global engineering and manufacturing facilities. In addition, it
maintains field engineering offices throughout the world.
Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH based in Buchdorf/Germany, which is part of
CommScope, is a leading manufacturer of coverage equipment for mobile radio
networks, specializing in high performance, RF and optical repeaters. Our optical
distributed networks and RF repeater systems provide coverage and capacity solution
for wireless networks in both indoor installations and outdoor environments, e.g.
tunnels, subways, in-trains, airport buildings, stadiums, skyscrapers, shopping malls,
hotels and conference rooms.
Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH operates a quality management system in
compliance with the requirements of ISO 9001 and TL 9000. All equipment is
manufactured using highly reliable material. To maintain highest quality of the
products, comprehensive quality monitoring is conducted at all fabrication stages.
Finished products leave the factory only after a thorough final acceptance test,
accompanied by a test certificate guaranteeing optimal operation.
This product meets the requirements of the R&TTE directive and the Declaration of
Conformity (DoC) itself. A current version of the CE DoC can be downloaded as well.
Any updated version of the DoC is available upon request from the local sales offices
or directly from CommScope via the local Customer Support at one of the addresses
listed in the following chapter.
According to the DoC, our "CE"-marked equipment can be used in all member
states of the European Union.
Note: Exceptions of and national deviations from this intended use may be
possible. To observe corresponding local particularities and regulations,
please refer to the respective documents (also in national language) which
can be downloaded as well.
To make the most of this product, we recommend you carefully read the instructions
in this manual and commission the system only according to these instructions.
For technical assistance and support, please also contact the local office or
CommScope directly at one of the addresses listed in the following chapter.

1. General
Page 12 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918
Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
1.6.International Contact Addresses for Customer Support
Canada
A
M
E
R
I
C
A
S
United States
CommScope Canada
Andrew LLC, A CommScope Company
Mail
505 Consumers Road, Suite 803
Toronto M2J 4V8, Canada
Mail
620 North Greenfield Parkway
Garner, NC 27529, U.S.A.
Phon
e
[phone] (Office)
[phone] (Cell)
Phone [phone]
Fax
[phone]
Fax
[phone]
E-mail
[e-mail]
E-mail
[e-mail]
Caribbean & South American Region
Caribbean & Central American Region
CommScope Cabos do Brasil Ltda.
CommScope Mexico S.A. de C.V.
Mail
CALA Tech Support for Distributed
Coverage & Capacity Solutions (DCCS)
products:
Rua Guaporanga, 49
Praça Seca – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
ZIP: 21320-180, Brazil
Mail
CALA Tech Support for Distributed
Coverage & Capacity Solutions
(DCCS) products:
Av. Insurgentes Sur 688, Piso 6
Col. Del Valle, CP: 03100
Mexico City, Mexico
Phone
[phone] (Cell)
[phone] (Office)
Phone [phone] (Office)
Fax
+ 55-15-2102-4001
Fax
[phone]
E-mail
[e-mail]
E-mail
[e-mail]
China, India and Rest of Asia
A
P
A
C
Australia & New Zealand
Andrew International Corporation
Andrew Corporation (Australia) Pty Ltd.
Mail
Room 915, 9/F
Chevalier Commercial Centre
8 Wang Hoi Rd
Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
Mail
Unit 1
153 Barry Road
Campbellfield
VIC 3061, Australia
Phone
[phone]
Phone
[phone]
Fax
[phone]
Fax
[phone]
E-mail
[e-mail]
E-mail
[e-mail]
Middle East & North Africa
Africa
&
Middle
East
South Africa
CommScope Solutions International Inc.
(Branch)
Andrew Wireless Solutions Africa
(PTY) LTD
Mail
PO Box 48 78 22
Unit 3206, Floor 32,
Jumeirah Business Center 5,
Jumeirah Lakes Towers,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Mail
11 Commerce Crescent West
Eastgate, Sandton
PO Box 786117
Sandton 2146
South Africa
Phone
[phone]
Phone
+ 27 11-719-6000
Fax
[phone]
Fax
+ 27 11-444-5393
E-mail
[e-mail]
E-mail
[e-mail]

1. General
M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918 Page 13
United Kingdom
E
U
R
O
P
E
Scandinavia
Andrew Wireless Systems UK Ltd
Andrew Norway (AMNW)
Mail
Unit 15, Ilex Building
Mulberry Business Park
Fishponds Road
Wokingham Berkshire
RG41 2GY, England
Mail
P.O. Box 3066
Osloveien 10
Hoenefoss 3501
Norway
Phone
[phone]
Phone
+ 47 32-12-3530
Fax
[phone]
Fax
+ 47 32-12-3531
E-mail
[e-mail]
E-mail
[e-mail]
Germany
France
Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH
CommScope France
Mail
Industriering 10
86675 Buchdorf
Germany
Mail
Immeuble Le Lavoisier
4, Place des Vosges
92052 Courbevoie, France
Phone
[phone]
Phone
[phone]
Fax
[phone]
Fax
[phone]
E-mail
[e-mail]
E-mail
[e-mail]
Austria
Switzerland
Andrew Wireless Systems (Austria) GmbH
CommScope Wireless Systems AG
Mail
Weglgasse 10
2320 Wien-Schwechat
Austria
Mail
Tiergartenweg 1
CH-4710 Balsthal
Switzerland
Phone
[phone]
Phone
[phone]
Fax
[phone]
Fax
[phone]
E-mail
[e-mail]
E-mail
[e-mail]
Italy
Iberia Region - Spain & Portugal
CommScope Italy S.r.l., Faenza, Italy
Andrew España S.A. A CommScope Company
Mail
Via Mengolina, 20
48018 Faenza (RA)
Italy
Mail
Avda. de Europa, 4 - 2ª pta.
Parque Empresarial de la Moraleja
Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
Phone
[phone]
Phone
[phone]
Fax
[phone]
Fax
[phone]
E-mail
[e-mail]
E-mail
[e-mail]
Czech Republic
CommScope Solutions Czech Republic
C-Com, spol. s r.o
Mail
U Moruší 888
53006 Pardubice, Czech Republic
Phone
[phone] (Office)
[phone] (Mobile)
Fax
[phone]
E-mail
[e-mail]

2. Introduction
Page 14 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918
Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
2.Introduction
2.1.Purpose
The MR8518/8518/1918/1918 miniRepeater is a bi-directional amplifier used to
enhance signals between a mobile and a base station in a mobile network. It has been
designed to increase signal strength in small and medium sized areas such as offices,
shops, and basements. By boosting the signal level, the MR8518/8518/1918/1918
increases indoor coverage and allows high data rate connectivity.
If weak signal transmissions occur within the coverage area due to indoor applications,
topological conditions or distance from the transmitter, a repeater is used to extend
transmission range. In the downlink path, the repeater picks up the signals from a
donor antenna of a BTS/Node B, amplifies and re-transmits it into the required dark
spot. In the uplink (UL) path the repeater picks up the signals from a mobile/User
Equipment (UE) and re-transmits it to the BTS/Node B.
2.2.The MR8518/8518/1918/1918 MINIREPEATER
The MR8518/8518/1918/1918 miniRepeater is referred to as MRx18 in the following
sections.
CommScope’s MRx18 miniRepeater gives designers a simple tool to solve their small
area coverage and performance issues.
The MRx18 cabinet consists of the MR8518/8518 main half and the MR1918/1918
extension half cabinet.
The MRx18 is easy to install. Also, a web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
simplifies commissioning and configuring the equipment. The RF link (donor) towards
the base station is typicallyfed from an outdoor antenna while the coverage area is fed
by an indoor antenna.
The MRx18 supports two segments within the 850 MHz frequency band. As for the
main unit MR8518/8518 the segments are equipped with a fixed bandwidth filter that
are tailored for applications where Band A and Band AE or Band B and BE are to be
amplified. However, the filters can be shifted within the 850 MHz frequency band by
changing the start frequency. Regarding the extension cabinet of the MR1918/1918
the segments have variable bandwidths.
Auto Gain functionality enables automatic gain adjustment in order to maximize
performance; however, gain may be set manually if desired.
An alarm interface with a display and LEDs indicates the status of the equipment
locally. Moreover, thestatus andalarmsofthe MRx18 can be queriedin the web-based
GUI.

2. Introduction
M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918 Page 15
The MRx18 has an optional remote-monitoring function (see separate manual) that
provides equipment alarming and basic configuration settings via a GSM-SMS. Alarm
SMSs (including heartbeat) can be sent to the common Andrew OMC or to any
standard SMS receiver (even a mobile phone).
Moreover, the MRx18 can be connected to LAN.
Features at a glance:
•Two segments with fixed bandwidth in 850 MHz and two segments with variable
bandwidth in 1900 MHz
•Variable bandwidth up to 25 MHz for 1900 MHz segments
•Easy to install due to light weight, small dimensions and Auto Gain functionality
•Integrated combiner/crossband coupler, no external devices required, common
antenna ports for both segments equipped
•Easy commissioning via web-based GUI
•Automatic Level Control (ALC)
•Fixed bandwidth to match band A and AE or band B & BE
•Adjustable start frequency
•Automatic power down/up option at user-defined DL RSSI threshold
•LEDs for local alarm indication
•RSSI and status indication via display
•Optional remote control via SMS
•Connection to LAN

3. Functional Description
Page 16 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918
Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
3. Functional Description
3.1.General
The MR8518/8518/1918/1918 is a miniRepeater operating in the 850 MHz and
1900 MHz frequency ranges. The operation principle of the dual-segment is depicted
in the following block diagram:
figure 3-1 MR8518/8518/1918/1918 block diagram
E0783BG

3. Functional Description
M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918 Page 17
3.2.Design and Connectors
figure 3-2 Connectors of MR8518/8518/1918/1918
Note: SMA connectors have a specified torque of 0.45 N-m. Use an appropriate
tool to fasten and unfasten these connectors. Do not over-tighten the
connectors or screws.
RF donor antenna
connector, BTS, SMA
DC PSU connector
Modem connector
DC + Data
Reset and
installation
assistance
switch
RF coverage antenna
connector, mobile, SMA
Ethernet
connector
RF modem connector SMA,
25 dB coupling loss

4. Installation and Commissioning
Page 18 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918
Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
4. Installation and Commissioning
4.1.Mechanical Installation
4.1.1. Health and Safety for Mechanical Installation
1. Caution: Risk of serious personal injury by equipment falling due to improper
installation. The installer must verify that the supporting surface will safely support
the combined load of the electronic equipment and all attached hardware and
components. The screws and dowels (wall anchors) used should also be
appropriate for the structure of the supporting wall.
4.1.2. Property Damage Warnings for Mechanical Installation
1. Attention: Do not install the unit in a way or at a place where the specifications
outlined in the Environmental and Safety Specifications leaflet of the supplier are
not met.
2. Attention: It is the responsibilityof the installer to verify that the supporting surface
will safely support the combined load of the electronic equipment and all attached
hardware and components and to ensure that the unit is safely and securely
mounted.
3. Notice: Use proper mounting hardware depending on the structure of e.g. the wall
where the unit will be installed.
To mount the MRx18 to a wall, proceed as follows:
1. Use two appropriate screws
and dowels to fasten the wall-
mounting bracket through the
two slot holes to a wall. (The
screw type depends on the
quality of your wall).
figure 4-1 Wall-mounting bracket
MRx18
miniRepater
Wall-mounting bracket
2 thread nuts
2 slot holes

4. Installation and Commissioning
M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918 Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918 Page 19
2. Insert the MRx18 into the wall-mounting bracket.
3. Fasten the repeater by means of 2 metric M5x50 fillister-head screws to the two
thread nuts of the wall mounting bracket.
figure 4-2 Wall mounting procedure
4.2.Electrical Installation
1. Notice: The electrical installation has to be performed in accordance with the
safety regulations of the local authorities. Due to safety reasons, the electrical
installation must be performed by qualified personnel only. The repeater must not
be opened.
2. Notice: Observe the labels on the front panels before connecting or disconnecting
any cables.
Connect the antenna cables to the antenna connectors and the antennas.
Use only the power supply delivered with the unit. Do not modify the power supply
unit (PSU) and cable!
Do not mount the PSU to the ceiling!
Connect the DC connector of the power supply and provide mains to the power
supply. Ensure the DC connector is plugged in correctly as in the following
illustrations.
front side
rear side
2 M5x50 screws

4. Installation and Commissioning
Page 20 M0139AHJ_MR85_85_19_1918
Manual for MR8518/8518/1918/1918
Plug in the male DC connector by
inserting the lug into the guide at
the DC connector with the arrow-
molded side on top
, see
illustrations.
The DC connector of the cable is
equipped with a locking mechanism. The
system of locking the plug is based on a
“push-
pull” mechanism. The locking
sleeve has to be pulled back to free the
connection.
figure 4-3 Power connection of DC connector with MRx18
Align the donor antenna towards the BTS. The MRx18 provides antenna alignment
assistance. Therefore, press the "Reset and installation assistance" switch (see
chapter 3.2 Design and Connectors) for at least four seconds after (!) the boot
process has been finished (i.e. red ALC LED is blinking for four seconds). This will
set the gain to max. value and disable Auto Gain for about four minutes. The status
LED will be blinking red/green. Align the donor antenna towards the BTS tower to
reach the highest RSSI level possible. Check the RSSI level at the display (see
figure 7-3). By pushing the reset-and-installation-assistance switch the RSSI level
of each assembled segment (up to three segments) can be displayed (see chapter
7.2 Display and Reset & Installation Assistance Button). After four minutes Gain
and Auto Gain are adjusted to the values prior to the activation of the antenna
alignment.
Align the coverage antenna.
As the default settings of the repeater are set to ‘Auto Gain enabled’, only the
frequencies have to be adjusted. Additionally, the repeater can be customized with a
laptop or PC via Ethernet connector:
For local connection, connect the straight CAT 6 patch cable to the Ethernet
connector of the MRx18 and the network connector of a laptop or PC. For MRx18
connection to a LAN network connect the cross-over cable. (Note: The MRx18
operates at 10 Mbps and full-duplex).
Locking sleeve
Pull back
locking sleeve
to disconnect!
Lug
Guide of DC connector
Lug
Insert lug into guide
Insert with
arrow-molded
side on top