Computer Automation Technology WX-200 User manual

WX-200
Digital Weather Receiver
Computer Automation Technology, Inc
4631 N.W. 31st Avenue, Suite 142
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.catauto.com

Table of Contents
Chapter Page
1. Introduction and Specifications 1-1
2. Interfacing to Repeater 2-1
3. Configuration Programming 3-1
4. Drawings 4-1
5. Schematics 5-1
6. Parts List 6-1
REVISED 11/23/04 (V1.01)

1-1
Chapter 1 - Introduction and Specifications
WX-200 Weather Receiver
The WX-200 is a highly sensitive, quality receiver, with good front-end protection designed to
function in the high RF environment typical of many repeater sites. A digital decoder responds to
Specific Area Message Encoded (SAME) alerts transmitted by the NOAA weather station located in
your geographic area. Select your county code and the type of alert. Select warnings and or
watches. During a weather alert, a relay in the WX-200 will disconnect the transmitter from the
controller and connect it to the weather receiver. The relay provides a ground for the transmitter PTT
line. Weather audio will be transmitted for the period of the alert announcement. A programmable
alert timer provides back-up protection.
Weather Alert Log
As alerts are received the WX-200 stores the date, time and type of alert in non- volatile memory.
Storage space is provided for forty alerts. Use the RS-232 port and the WX-200 configuration
program to down load the data. A print driver is also provided.
Alert Start Logic Output (J3-7)
An ALERT START output provides a TTL logic high two second pulse when a weather alert is received.
This output can be used to set off an external alarm or trigger the controller to execute a macro or
load a “SEVERE WEATHER ALERT” memory save.
Alert Stop Logic Output (J3-6)
Included in the digital packet is the length of the severe weather alert. The WX-200 stores this
information and generates a stop logic output when the time period has expired. An ALERT STOP
output provides a TTL logic high for one second. This output can be used to trigger the controller to
reload the “NORMAL” memory save.
Weather Enable Input (J3-9)
When this input is grounded the weather receiver will activate. When connected to a controller's user
function output switch, weather reports on demand are available.
Weather Disable Input (J3-4)
When this input is grounded the WX-200 will not respond to weather alerts issued by the NOAA
weather station. Once a “Sky Warn Net” is activated, it may be desirable to stop any additional
alerts. When this input is momentary grounded, the WX-200 will reset, canceling an alert.
Alert Message Timer Selection
At the conclusion of an alert message the weather station send a digital termination packet. The WX-
200 decodes this packet and turns the transmitter off. If the weather station fails to send the
termination packet the alert message timer will take over. Select this time with the WX-200
configuration program.

1-2
Specifications
Available NOAA Channels: 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz
162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz, 162.550 MHz
Sensitivity Receive: 0.5 microvolts for 20 dB quieting
Sensitivity Decoder: 1.0 microvolts for 95% decoder accuracy
Image Rejection: -55dB
I.F. Rejection: -60dB
Modulation: Narrow Band FM, 5KHz Deviation
Antenna: 50 Ohm, Type BNC Connector
L.O. Emissions: Fully complaint with FCC Rules, Part 15
Relay Closure: 2 Form C (DPDT) by Digital Alert Packet
Power: +12VDC @ 100 ma, DC Power Type 2.5mm
Dimensions: 1.75" H x 19" W x 5" D
Operating Temperature: -15 to +55 C
FCC Part 15 RF Interference
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.
User changes or modifications to the WX-200 not expressly approved by Computer Automation
Technology could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Part 97.113.e Prohibited transmissions.
No station shall retransmit programs or signals emanating from any type of radio station other
than an amateur station, except propagation and weather forecast information intended for use by
the general public and originated from United States Government stations.

2-1
Chapter 2 - Interfacing to Repeater
CAT-1000 Controller Interface
Connect the WX-200 to the CAT-1000B and the repeater as shown in Figure 2-1A. PTT and transmit
audio from the CAT-1000B are connected to the repeater's transmitter through the normally closed
contacts of the double pole double throw relay located in the WX-200. Set the power switch to on,
the WX-200 will announce the firmware version. When a weather alert is received, the relay will
switch the weather alert audio to the TX audio input and provide a PTT signal to key the transmitter.
CAT-1000
REPEATER
WX-200
GROUND
USER OUT #2
USER OUT #1
USER IN #2
USER IN #1
PTT OUTPUT
PTT INPUT
J4-3
J4-2
J4-11
J4-10
TX AUDIO OUT
TX AUDIO IN
J4-4 WX DISABLE
WX ENABLEJ4-9
J4-1 PTT GROUND
J4-8 GROUND
WX ALERT STOP
WX ALERT STARTJ4-7
J4-6
J4-6
J4-4
J4-25
J4-10
J4-11
J4-13
COR #1
CTCSS #1
PTT #1
TX AUDIO #1
RX AUDIO #1
GROUND
J1-22
J1-6
J1-5
J1-10
J1-1
GND
TX
PTT
CTCSS
GND
RX
COR
Figure 2-1A

2-2
Controller Interface
Connect the WX-200 to the controller and repeater as shown in Figure 2-1B. PTT and transmit audio
from the controller are connected to the repeater's transmitter through the normally closed contacts
of the double pole double throw relay located in the WX-200. Set the power switch to on, the WX-
200 will announce the firmware version. When a weather alert is received, the relay will switch the
weather alert audio to the TX audio input and provide a PTT signal to key the transmitter.
CAT-200B
CAT-250
CAT-300DXL
CAT-700B
JX-6
JX-4
JX-25
JX-10
JX-11
JX-13
COR #1
CTCSS #1
PTT #1
TX AUDIO #1
RX AUDIO #1
GROUND
REPEATER
GND
TX
PTT
CTCSS
GND
RX
COR
JX-17 GROUND
JX-15
JX-14
USER OUT #2
USER OUT #1
WX-200
PTT OUTPUT
PTT INPUT
J4-3
J4-2
J4-11
J4-10
TX AUDIO OUT
TX AUDIO IN
J4-4 WX DISABLE
WX ENABLEJ4-9
J4-1 PTT GROUND
J4-8 GROUND
CAT-200B JX=J3
CAT-250 JX=J2
CAT-300DXL JX=J3
CAT-700B JX=J4
Figure 2-1B
The WX-200 receiver can be activated anytime, by turning on user function switch output #1 which
grounds the WX ENABLE pin (J4-14) on the WX-200 receiver.
It may be desirable to stop additional alerts when a sky-warn net is activated. Turn on user function
switch output #2. This grounds the WX DISABLE pin (J4-4) on the WX-200.
When a weather alert is received, the WX ALERT START OUTPUT (J4-7) will provide a one second
positive DC voltage [TTL] level to be used to activate other equipment at the repeater site.
Included in the alert packet is the length of the alert. When the alert time has expired, the WX
ALERT STOP OUTPUT (J4-6) will provide a one second positive DC voltage [TTL] level to be used to
activate other equipment at the repeater site.

2-3
Headphone Interface J1
Plug a set of stereo headphones into J1 to monitor the NOAA weather station.
Computer Interface J2
Connect your computer’s serial port to the WX-200 receiver at connector J1. Use Radio Shack shielded
RS-232 cable (cat No. 26-117B) or equivalent. This cable is a DB-9 male to DB-9 female with pins 2-2
and 3-3.
12VDC Interface J3
Connect a 12VDC power supply to the WX-200 receiver through the 2.5mm power jack J2. The
center pin is positive. In stand-by mode the WX-200 requires 100 ma.
Repeater Interface PTT Ground [J4-1]
Connect this pin to the transmitter chassis ground. This will insure that during an alert the PTT line
will be returned to transmitter chassis ground.
Repeater Interface PTT Input [J4-2]
Connect this pin to the controller PTT output.
Repeater Interface PTT Output [J4-3]
Connect this pin to the transmitter PTT input.
Repeater Interface Weather Alert Disable Input [J4-4]
Connect this pin to a user function switch on the controller. When this input is grounded, the receiver
will not respond to alerts issued by the weather station. NOTE: When this input is momentary
grounded, the WX-200 will reset, canceling the alert.
Repeater Interface Weather Alert Stop Output [J4-6]
When a weather alert is received, embedded in the digital message is the length of the alert. When
this time period has expired, this output will go active high (TTL) for one second.
Repeater Interface Weather Alert Start Output [J4-7]
When a weather alert is received, this output goes active high (TTL) for one second.
Repeater Interface Ground [J4-8]
Connect this pin to controller ground. This provides a common ground between the controller and
WX-200 receiver.
Repeater Interface Weather Alert Enable Input [J4-9]
Connect this input to a user function switch on the controller. When this input is grounded, the
weather receiver will activate.
Repeater Interface TX Audio Input [J4-10]
Connect this input to the controller transmit audio output.
Repeater Interface TX Audio Output [J4-11]
Connect this output to the repeater transmit audio input.

2-4
Antenna Interface J5
Connect a VHF antenna to the BNC connector J5. If the WX-200 is located in the fringe area of the
NOAA transmitter an external antenna is recommended. Do not locate the antenna near any
transmitting antennas.
WX-200 Controls
Test Switch [SW1]
Press [SW1] to initiate a test sequence of the logic functions of the WX-200. NOTE: This test does
not verify the operation of the receiver or FSK decoder circuitry.
Read FIP Code Switch [SW2]
Press [SW2] to initiate a read back of the FIP codes programmed into the WX-200. Perform this test
after the WX-200 has been programmed to verify the correct county codes have been entered into
the WX-200 memory.
Monitor Switch [SW3]
Press [SW3] to activate the headphone audio. Press the switch a second time to deactivate
headphone audio. NOTE: This switch does not activate the transmitter.
ANTENNA
MONITOR
HEADPHONE RS-232 +12VDC REPEATER
CONTROLLER
TEST
READ FIP
CODES
Figure 2-2
WX-200 Frequency Adjustments
The WX-200 is shipped with its frequency set to 162.550 MHz. To change to a different NOAA
frequency, change the settings of dipswitch SW1.
SW1-1 SW1-2 SW1-3 FREQUENCY
OFF OFF OFF 162.400 MHz
ON OFF OFF 162.425 MHz
OFF ON OFF 162.450 MHz
ON ON OFF 162.475 MHz
OFF OFF ON 162.500 MHz
ON OFF ON 162.525 MHz
OFF ON ON 162.550 MHz
Figure 2-3

2-5
WX-200 Audio Adjustments
Transmit audio from the controller has a direct connection to the transmitter through the WX-200.
There is no need to readjust transmitter deviation. Press the MONITOR switch [SW3] on the rear
panel. Monitor the transmitter output. Adjust the LINE LEVEL audio control R25 for the desired level
of NOAA weather station audio.
Press the FIP CODE switch [SW2]. The voice synthesizer will announce the selected FIP codes and
voice the station ID if activated. Continue to press [SW2] as required until the VOC LEVEL audio
control R24 is adjusted for the desired voice synthesizer level. The Headphone audio output has been
factory set.
Play Test Packets
You can generate test packets with your computer’s
sound card to test the WX-200. NOTE: Insure that
during the test sequence the sound card is not
configured to apply “special effects” to the sound
files.
Connect the output of the sound card to the
modulation input of a RF signal generator. Set the
frequency to 162.XXX MHz at 3KHz deviation. If a
signal generator is not available connect a cable
from the output of the sound card to WX-200 at
TP1.
Set dipswitch #4 to ON and cycle power to reset the
WX-200 to default values. Return dipswitch #4 to
the OFF position.
Start the WX-200 program, click on the “HELP” menu and select “Play Test Packets”.
TEST PREDEFINED DATE PREDEFINED LENGTH
Required Weekly Test July 31 15 Minutes
Flash Flood Warning July 31 1 Hour
Severe Thunderstorm Watch July 31 1 Hour
Tornado Watch July 31 1 Hour
Figure 2-4
NOTE: After completion of the test remember to upload your local parameters and codes.

3-1
Chapter 3 - Configuration Programming
The WX-200 Configuration program requires a Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT or Me operating system.
Install the program. Press START, PROGRAMS, and WX1000 Weather Receiver to display the [WX-200
DIGITAL WEATHER RECEIVER] window.
Figure 3-1
WX-200 Setup
Click the [Program Setup] button to display the [WX-200 SETUP] window. Select your computer’s
serial port or click on the “Serial Port Test” button. Your computer will determine which port is
connected to the WX-200. The time of the alert is sent in the digital packet as GMT time. Select your
time zone so the configuration program can calculate your local time. Check the box to automatically
adjust for daylight savings time. Click [OK].
Figure 3-2

3-2
Federal Information Processing Codes
From the WX-200 Digital Weather Receiver window click the [U.S. FLAG] button to display the [WX-
200 FIPS Codes] window. Click the [SELECT STATE / TRANSMITTER CITY] button to display the [WX-
200 STATE / TRANSMITTER LOCATION] window.
Figure 3-3
WX-200 State / Transmitter Entry
Select the state and frequency from the drop down boxes. Select the transmitter location and Click
[OK].
Figure 3-4

3-3
The WX-200 FIPS Codes window will display the counties serviced by the selected transmitter. Select
the desired county or counties by checking the boxes along the left column. Up to 24 counties can be
selected. When the selections are complete, click [OK] to return to the WX-200 FIPS Code window.
Figure 3-5
FIPS Code Editor
The WX-200 editor program includes an all states database derived from the database of the NOAA
weather service at www.noaa.org. As changes are made by the weather service the all states data file
for the WX-200 editor is up-dated and available on the computer automation web site at
www.catauto.com. The WX-200 FIPS Editor window permits the addition of codes that do not appear
on the current published lists. See Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6

3-4
WX-200 Event Codes
Click the [STORM CLOUD] button to display the [WX-200 EVENT CODES] Window. Select up to
twenty-four events by checking the box next to each event. When the selections are complete check
OK.
Figure 3-7
WX-200 Options Settings
Click the [TOOLS] button to display the [WX-200 OPTIONS SELECT] Window. Options include Accept
all FIP Codes, Accept all Event Codes, and Ignore the Termination Data Packet (Use Line Time Out).
Select the desired options and click [OK].
Figure 3-8
Override Options
If the accept all FIP and Event Codes boxes are checked, the WX-200 will respond to all alerts issued
by the weather station. Operation is similar to a receiver with 1050Hz decoder only.

3-5
Voice Interval Options
When the alert message is finished the weather station sends a termination data packet. Upon recipe
of this packet the WX-200 will turn off the speaker, line audio and repeater transmitter. The voice
synthesizer will continue to announce the alert until the time period has expired. Select the desired
voice alert options and click OK.
WX-200 Timer Settings
Click the [CLOCK] button to display the [WX-200 TIMER SELECT] Window. Timers include: Line Time-
out, Pre Voice Delay Timer, Voice Interval Timer and Relay Activation Delay Timer. Select the desired
times and click [OK].
Figure 3-9
Line Time-out Option
This timer selects the time the line audio and PTT outputs are active when an alert message is sent by
the weather station. A termination data packet is sent at the end of the alert message. Should the
weather station fail to send the termination data packet this timer will limit the alert transmission time.
Pre Voice Delay
This timer selects the delay between activation of the control relay and when the voice synthesizer
begins to speak.
Voice Interval Timer Option
Imbedded in the alert information packet is the time the warning or watch is in effect. The time is sent
in fifteen-minute increments for the first hour and thirty minute increments for the remaining time of
the alert. Once the alert message is finished, the red alert led on the front panel will continue to flash
and the WX-200 voice synthesizer will periodically key-up the repeater transmitter and announce the
nature of the alert. This timer sets the time between voice synthesizer announcements.
Relay Activation Delay
When the digital packet is decoded the relay disconnects the transmitter from the controller. If you
want to use the features of your repeater’s controller to send paging tones, alert tones or a custom
voice message announcement this disconnect must be delayed. Use this feature to select the delay.

3-6
Call Letter Identification
Use the WX-200 voice synthesizer to identify the transmitter at the end of an alert and during the
periodic voice weather announcements. Enter your station identification in the Call Letter Box. Valid
characters are A-Z and 0-9. Up to fifteen (15) characters can be entered. Additional check boxes are
provided to add the words “This is”, “Transmitter” and “Repeater” to the identification announcement.
Figure 3-10
Transfer Data
To transfer data between the WX-200 and your computer, click the [COMPUTER TRANSFER] button.
After the current configuration up loads the alert history will down load. The alert history will display in
the [WX-200 DIGITAL WEATHER RECEIVER] window. See Figure 3-11. The most recent alert will
appear in group #1 table position #1. The WX-200 memory will store information on the last forty
alerts. The display includes the Date, Time and Event Code description. Warnings are displayed in
red, watches in yellow, and test messages in white. NOTE: WX-200 must not be in the MONITOR
mode during a data transfer.
Figure 3-11

3-7
Test County FIP Codes
After a data transfer, press the FIP code switch. The voice synthesizer will read out the county FIP
codes stored in memory. Example: The voice will say: “TEST FIP CODES 013067 013089 013121.”
The voice synthesizer will also announce the station ID if programmed and enabled.
Reset WX-200 Memory
Remove +12VDC power from the WX-200 receiver. Set dipswitch #4 to the ON position. The WX-200
will reset and the voice synthesizer will say: “WX-200 VERSION 1.00 RESET DATA LOAD COMPLETE”.
Set dipswitch #4 to the OFF position.
Print History
To print the alert history, click the [PRINT HISTORY] button.

4-1
Chapter 4 - Drawings
Figure 4-1

5-1
Chapter 5 - Schematics
WX-200 Schematic Sheet 1 of 3
WX-200 Schematic Sheet 2 of 3
WX-200 Schematic Sheet 3 of 3

6-1
Chapter 6 - Part List
1 Bead Inductor P9810 L3
1 Capacitor 470pf C64
3 Capacitor .001uf C24,C32,C33
1 Capacitor .0015uf C66
1 Capacitor .0047uf C17
1 Capacitor .0082uf C21
3 Capacitor .015uf C30,C34,C35
1 Capacitor .027uf Film Cap C22
16 Capacitor .1uf 50V C8,C10,C11,C12,C16,C18,C20,C25
C36,C38,C39,C52,C53,C72,C79,C80
1 Capacitor 4.7uf 16V C23
7 Capacitor 10uf 16V C4,C5,C6,C9,C29,C31,C37
2 Capacitor 470uf 25V C7,C81
2 Capacitor (SM) 0.5pf C47,C57
4 Capacitor 10pf C46,C54,C59,C69
1 Capacitor 15pf C45
7 Capacitor 33pf C1,C2,C13,C14,C56,C70,C77
2 Capacitor 47pf C44,C62
2 Capacitor 150pf C60,C78
1 Capacitor 470pf C49
2 Capacitor .001uf C51,C75
3 Capacitor .01uf C48,C55,C58
8 Capacitor .1uf C40,C41,C42,C43,C50,C61,C63,C76
1 Capacitor (VAR) .7-20pf C71
1 Connector 9D (F) J2
1 Connector 15D (F) J4
1 Connector DC Power J3
1 Connector Antenna J5
1 Connector Headphone J1
1 Crystal 3.27MHz Y1
1 Crystal 12MHz Y2
1 Crystal 10.245 MHz Y3

6-2
1 Crystal 16MHz Y4
3 Diode 1N4148 CR4,CR5,CR6
1 Diode 1.5KE20A CR14
2 Filter 10.7 MHz FL1,FL2
1 Filter 455 KHz FL3
1 Fuse 0.5 Amp F1
1 Header 2X8 J6
1 I.C. 25C320 U6
1 I.C. 74HC14 U5
1 I.C. 74HC157 U9
1 I.C. 74HC4053 U14
2 I.C. 78L05 U16,U20
1 I.C. LM340-T5.0 U8
1 I.C. LM348M U13
1 I.C. LM1458M U4
1 I.C. MC13135 U15
1 I.C. MC145170-2 U19
1 I.C. MCP101 U3
1 I.C. P89C51RD2 U7
1 I.C. TC232CPE U2
1 I.C. TSP53C30AN2L U1
1 I.C. XR2211 U11
1 Inductor 100uh L1
1 Relay 12V DPDT K1
2 Resistor 1.0K R4
3 Resistor 10K Network 10P R1,R29,R30
2 Resistor 10K Var R24,R25
1 Resistor 20.5K 1% R7
3 Resistor 22K R18,R19,R23
6 Resistor 10K R9,R20,R22,R26,R53,R54
2 Resistor 18K R15,R16
3 Resistor 47K R21,R50,R51
1 Resistor 33K R17
1 Resistor 68K R2