CWT Trailblazer TB 4.9 Series Instruction Manual

Installation & User Manual
Trailblazer Digital Radio
TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series
Part Number 490-2000
Rev 3.07

Trademark Information
Trailblazer, the Trailblazer logo, RuralConnect, and the RuralConnect logo, are
registered trademarks of Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. Windows is a registered
trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Copyright
Copyright © 2002-2007 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No
part of this manual may be reproduced without permission of Carlson Wireless
Technologies. The information contained in this publication is the latest available;
however, Carlson Wireless Technologies reserves the right to make changes without
notice.
U.S. Headquarters:
1385 8th Street
Arcata, CA 95521 USA
Presales Inquires and Applications Support
Please contact your local distributor or the Carlson Wireless sales department for sales
inquiries and/or applications support. Purchasers of Carlson Wireless Technologies’
products should make their own evaluations to determine the suitability of each such
product for their specific application. Carlson Wireless Technologies’ obligations
regarding the use or application of its products shall be limited to those commitments to
the purchaser set forth in its Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale for a delivered
product. The use of this manual is also limited to the terms and conditions stated in the
contract between Carlson Wireless and the purchaser.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
URL: http://www.CarlsonWireless.com
Repair and Return
Carlson Wireless will replace or repair its Trailblazer product for one year from the
original date of shipment if it does not meet its published specification or if it fails while in
service. A return material authorization (RMA) is required prior to returning equipment to
CWT. Please contact Carlson Wireless if a RMA is needed for return of equipment.
Customer Service
Technical support is available Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, PDT.
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
URL: http://www.CarlsonWireless.com/support.html
Training
The Customer Service Department offers training classes to include overviews on:
applications, engineering, in-house testing, configuration, field testing and maintenance.
Please contact our Customer Service Department for more specific details.
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual ii

SAFETY WARNING
Potentially hazardous voltages exist on TELCO lines and associated equipment. Always
observe standard safety precautions during installation, operation and maintenance of
these products. To avoid the possibility of electric shock, be sure to disconnect the
power from the remote power source before you perform any line connections or repairs.
Always disconnect all the cables connected to the system before disconnecting the
grounding connection. After disconnecting the power allow a few seconds for the
internal capacitances to discharge before accessing the boards.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL WARNING
The installation procedures described in this manual MUST be performed by qualified
personnel aware of the hazards involved. The personnel involved in equipment
installation must be trained in the installation of telephone equipment and associated
power systems; these personnel must strictly observe all the safety precautions related
to the installation of communication equipment. Never install, remove, or adjust
equipment and associated cables. Do not work on roofs, masts or towers during a
lightning storm.
ATTENTION! STATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES
PROPER HANDLING AND GROUNDING WARNING
Components within the Trailblazer system are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
To avoid and prevent ESD damage, and device failure, maintain proper grounding
during configuration, repair or maintenance. This is achieved through the use of an
antistatic wrist strap securely connected to chassis ground. Do not use conductive tools
for adjusting channel select switch.
FCC, RF SAFETY HAZARD WARNING
Due to the energy radiated from the antenna, this product must never be mounted so
that the cabinet containing the antenna is closer than 2 meters (6.7 feet) to any person.
Refer to Section 4.2 for further restrictions.
UL INSTALLATION SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
•Never install telephone jacks in a wet location unless the jack is specifically
designed for wet locations.
•Never touch telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line has been
disconnected at the network interface.
•Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
Connection to the Telephone Network
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. You will find the label located on
the device. This label contains the FCC Registration Number and the Ringer
Equivalence Number (REN) for the equipment. You must, upon request, provide this
information to your local telephone company. The REN is used to determine the
quantity of devices that may be connected to the telephone line and still have all of those
devices ring with an incoming call signal. In most areas the sum of the RENs of all
devices connected to one line should not exceed five (5.0). Confirm the number of
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual iii

devices possible on the telephone line (in REN) by contacting the local telephone
company who provides the service.
Incidence of Harm
If your telephone equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone
company may disconnect your service temporarily. When possible, the telephone
company will notify you in advance of pending disconnection. If advanced notice is not
practical, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will also be informed of your right
to file a compliant with the FCC.
Rights of the Telephone Company
Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or
procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your equipment. In this case, you
will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone
service.
Coin Service or Party Use Line
This equipment may not be used on the coin service provided by the telephone
company. Connection to party lines is subject to state tariffs.
Compliance and US Regulatory Information
Model TB 4.9
FCC Reg No., Part 68 BMD8 USA – 27773-PT-E
FCC Reg No., Part 90 subpart Y FCCID: OPA-TB49
Industry Canada CS-03 3448A-10241A
Model TB 2.4-5.8
FCC Reg No., Part 68 BMD8 USA – 27773-PT-E
FCC Reg No., Part 15 FCCID: OPA-TB24-58
Industry Canada CS-03 3448A-10241A
Industry Canada RSS-210 3448A-TB24-58
Compliance Classification
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 user’s expense.
Radio Interference: Carlson Wireless USA Model TB 2.4-5.8
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 operations. Changes of modification not expressly
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual iv

approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer’s Name: Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 1385 8th Street.
Arcata, CA 95521
USA
Declares that the product:
Product Name: Trailblazer TB 2.4-5.8
Conforms to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC:
FCC Part 15.247
And also declares that the product:
Product Name: Trailblazer TB 4.9
Conforms to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC:
FCC Part 90 subpart Y
Supplementary Information:
Published Specifications
William Mc Bride
Director of Technical Operations
Arcata, CA USA
March 2007
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual v

Table of Contents
_____________________________________________________________________________
1 Introduction..................................................................................................................2
1.1 Scope of Manual ...............................................................................................2
1.2 Functional Overview and Applications ..............................................................2
1.2.1 Main Features and Advantages................................................................. 2
1.2.2 General Specifications............................................................................... 4
2Pretest and System Planning.................................................................................5
2.1 Site Requirements and System Planning..........................................................5
2.1.1 Grounding..................................................................................................5
2.1.2 Lightning Protection................................................................................... 5
2.1.3 Line of Sight............................................................................................... 6
2.1.4 Fresnel Zone .............................................................................................6
2.1.5 Path Loss................................................................................................... 6
2.1.6 Interference ...............................................................................................7
2.1.7 RF Cable Sizing and Recommendations................................................... 8
2.1.8 Audio and Data Cable Recommendations ................................................8
2.1.9 General Tools ............................................................................................ 8
2.2 Unpacking .........................................................................................................9
2.3 Bench Testing Instructions ................................................................................ 9
2.3.1 Setting up Your Trailblazer on the Bench.................................................. 9
2.3.2 Powering the Trailblazer..........................................................................10
2.3.3 Connecting POTS Lines .......................................................................... 11
2.3.4 Connecting Leased Lines ........................................................................13
2.3.5 Repeater Operation ................................................................................. 14
3Operation ...............................................................................................................15
3.1 Configuring and Accessing the Trailblazer Unit ..............................................15
3.1.1 Connecting the Serial Cable....................................................................15
3.1.2 Installing the CWT GUI on Your PC ........................................................16
3.1.3 Using the GUI .......................................................................................... 16
3.1.4 Software Downloads Using the GUI ........................................................18
3.2 Setting the Radio Frequency and Scrambling Code ....................................... 19
3.2.1 Selecting the CPE Time Slot ...................................................................20
4Field Installation Options .....................................................................................21
4.1 Mounting the Enclosure................................................................................... 21
4.2 External Antennas ........................................................................................... 23
4.2.1 Marketing and Sales Channels................................................................23
4.2.2 Calculating the EIRP of an External Antenna.......................................... 24
4.2.3 RF Safety Hazard Warning...................................................................... 24
4.3 18dBi 2.4 GHz Directional Flat Panel Antenna ...............................................25
4.3.1 Product Overview .................................................................................... 25
4.3.2 Unpacking................................................................................................ 25
4.3.3 Mounting..................................................................................................25
4.4 22dBi 4.9 GHz Directional Flat Panel Antenna ...............................................26
4.5 23dBi 5.8 GHz Directional Flat Panel Antenna ...............................................26
4.6 24dBi 2.4 GHz High-Gain Parabolic Grid Antenna..........................................27
4.6.1 Product Overview .................................................................................... 27
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual vi

4.6.2 Unpacking................................................................................................ 27
4.6.3 Mounting..................................................................................................27
4.7 Weatherproofing RF Connections ...................................................................29
4.8 Antenna Alignment ..........................................................................................31
4.9 Interference Solutions ..................................................................................... 31
4.10 Lightning Protection......................................................................................... 32
4.10.1 Antenna Port Protection ..........................................................................32
4.10.2 Telephone Line Surge Protection ............................................................ 36
5Test & Maintenance ..............................................................................................37
5.1 Diagnostics...................................................................................................... 37
5.1.1 Trailblazer Operation ...............................................................................37
5.1.2 LED Function...........................................................................................38
5.2 Maintenance.................................................................................................... 39
5.2.1 Installation of Software/Firmware Upgrades............................................ 39
6Appendix................................................................................................................39
6.1 About Carlson Wireless................................................................................... 39
6.1.1 Mission ....................................................................................................39
6.1.2 History .....................................................................................................39
6.1.3 Summary .................................................................................................39
6.2 System Specifications .....................................................................................40
6.2.1 Block Diagram .........................................................................................41
6.3 Cable Pin outs .................................................................................................41
6.3.1 Configuration Port Pinout ........................................................................41
6.4 Signal Strength Conversion Chart...................................................................43
6.5 Antenna Patterns and Specifications .............................................................. 44
6.5.1 18dBi Directional Panel Plots and Specs ................................................ 45
6.5.2 24dBi High-Gain Parabolic Grid Plots and Specs ...................................47
6.6 Warranty.......................................................................................................... 48
6.7 Acronyms/Abbreviations.................................................................................. 49
6.8 Glossary ..........................................................................................................50
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual vii

List of Figures
_____________________________________________________________________________
Figure 1: Line of Sight is clear, the first Fresnel Zone is NOT clear. This path will
experience significant outages.................................................................................. 6
Figure 2: Test Antennas.................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3: Outdoor Unit Battery and Power Connection................................................... 10
Figure 4: Rack Mount Battery Connection ...................................................................... 11
Figure 5: Telephone Line Connections ........................................................................... 12
Figure 6: Telephone or Lease Line Connections ............................................................ 13
Figure 7: Pin Out Information..........................................................................................13
Figure 8: Repeater Operation .........................................................................................14
Figure 9: Master/Slave Radios........................................................................................ 15
Figure 10: Connecting the Serial Cable .......................................................................... 16
Figure 16: Rotary Switch and Reset Button .................................................................... 19
Figure 17: CPE Time Slot Selection Switch .................................................................... 20
Figure 18: Wall mounting the Trailblazer enclosure........................................................ 21
Figure 19: Pole mounting the Trailblazer enclosure........................................................ 22
Figure 22: Mounting of 24dBi High-Gain Parabolic Grid Gain Antenna (horizontal or
vertical).................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 23: 2.4 GHz 24dBi dipole assembly procedure (Vertical Polarity) ...................... 29
Figure 24: ????...............................................................................................................30
Figure 25: Sealing the Connector Assembly................................................................... 30
Figure 26: Covering Rubber Tape with Electrical Tape ..................................................31
Figure 27: Gas Discharge Protector Dimensions............................................................ 34
Figure 28: Shorted Stub Protector Specifications ........................................................... 35
Figure 29: Shorted Stub Protector Dimensions............................................................... 35
Figure 30: Primary Telephone Line Transient Protection................................................ 36
Figure 31: Trailblazer Radio Card LEDs ......................................................................... 38
Figure 32: Block Diagram of Radio Card ........................................................................41
Figure 33: Serial Data Cable Pinout (PCB View) ............................................................ 42
Figure 34: Serial Data Cable Schematic.........................................................................42
Figure 35: Bill what's this? .............................................................................................. 45
Figure 36: 24dBi Forward plot......................................................................................... 47
List of Tables
_____________________________________________________________________________
Table 1: Fade Margin Chart .............................................................................................. 7
Table 2: Coax Cable Loss Table....................................................................................... 8
Table 3: 2.4G International Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix .............................. 19
Table 4: 2.4G Domestic Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix ................................... 19
Table 5: 4.9G Public Safety Lic. Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix ......................19
Table 6: 5.8G Low Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix ........................................... 20
Table 7: 5.8G High Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix........................................... 20
Table 8: Gas Discharge Protector Specifications............................................................33
Table 9: RF Shorted Stub Lightning Surge Protector Specifications ..............................34
Table 10: Telephone Line Surge Protector .....................................................................37
Table 11: System Status LED Information Table ............................................................ 38
Table 12: Configuration Port Cable Construction Table.................................................. 42
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual viii

Table 13: Serial Data Cable Pinout................................................................................. 43
Table 14: Bill ...................................................................................................................44
Table 15: 18dBi Directional Panel Specifications............................................................46
Table 16: 24dBi High-Gain Parabolic Grid Antenna Specifications ................................47
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual ix

1 Introduction
1.1 Scope of Manual
The purpose of this manual is to provide planning and installation personnel with the
appropriate procedures for the Trailblazer Digital Microwave Radio and its accessory
equipment. In order to avoid harm to persons or damage to the product, please ensure
that you have read and understand the safety, unpacking and installation sections before
proceeding.
1.2 Functional Overview and Applications
Using state-of-the-art digital electronics, the Trailblazer provides 512kbps of high-quality,
reliable, wireless voice and/or data over distances of up to 32mi/ 50 km or more in
repeated applications. This radio integrates seamlessly with POTS voice cards and
Leased Line cards, V.35 protocol or standard 10baseT Ethernet devices. Carlson
Wireless provides competitive price and performance solutions for many of the world’s
telecommunication needs in both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications.
Applications include:
•Security Monitoring Cameras
•Public Safety Leased Line Replacement
•Internet Cafés and Telephone Calling Centers
•Point-to-Point Commercial Data Links
•Cellular Backhaul Data Needs
•Permanent or Temporary Telephone Service
•Temporary or Emergency Restoration of Services
•Public Calling Phones
•Retrofit for Exhausted Wire Line Systems
•Islands and other Isolated Areas
•Inaccessible, Environmentally Sensitive and Historic Areas
•Harsh Climates and Geologically Adverse Environments
1.2.1 Main Features and Advantages
Advantages over Wire Line
The Trailblazer’s wireless link eliminates the expense of right-of-way and wire line costs,
provides solutions for areas where adverse geology, climate or inaccessibility exclude
the installation of wire lines, and preserves the beauty and integrity of sensitive
environments and historic structures. Wireless links remain operational when wired
networks go down due to floods, power pole failures, digging up of fiber and copper
cables, fires and other hazards.
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 2

Wire Line Quality Voice and Data
You can configure your Trailblazer for data speeds up to 512 kbps or designate part of
your bandwidth to POTS lines or Leased lines, as the Trailblazer seamlessly integrates
64kbps full bandwidth PCM POTS or Leased Line cards for high quality, uncompressed
audio with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
Easy Installation
The outdoor unit mounts on a 1"- 2.25" pipe or pole or attaches to any vertical surface.
The indoor rack enclosure mounts in a standard 19” rack. Each unit requires an external
antenna and has its own optional battery, backed up AC or 48VDC power supply, or
runs directly on 12-24 VDC, which is easily powered by solar.
Low Power Draw: Ideal for Solar Applications
The low power consumption of 2 to 5 Watts makes the Trailblazer very energy efficient.
The Trailblazer operates at any DC voltage from 12V to 24V and is thus easily powered
by a solar system. CWT solar powering kits are available with up to 7 days of back-up
power.
Flexible & Programmable
All Trailblazer models are bench or field programmable. Using the GUI (Graphical User
Interface) application with a Windows PC and serial COM port, you can configure the
amount of bandwidth, allocate voice and data channels, select different frequencies and
CDMA codes, use antenna alignment aids and other diagnostic tools, as well as upgrade
software and firmware. The Trailblazer models support all CLASS features, fax and V.90
dial-up modems.
Rugged & Weatherproof
In the weatherproof enclosure option, all components, including the digital radio cards,
power supplies & CPU, are fully integrated into a NEMA 4X waterproof enclosure, which
is built to last in tough climates. The lockable polycarbonate enclosure, with a neoprene
gasket, will protect against wind, rain and ice thus providing years of service.
No License Required for the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz, Simple License for 4.9 GHz
The Trailblazer uses the license-exempt (in most countries) 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz
frequency bands, or the 4.9GHz public safety band.
Private and Secure
The signal is fully encrypted spread-spectrum CDMA modulation with a proprietary
framing structure and packet size that ensures complete privacy and security.
Standard ISO 2593 V.35 DTE port
Because the Trailblazer models feature a standard ISO 2593 V.35 DTE port, most other
V.35 devices plug right into the Trailblazer Phone Extender.
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 3

Repeater
A digital repeater is available to extend the range of the network or to work around
terrain obstacles.
Expandable
Starting with only one link, you can add CPE units, gaining the features of a point-to-
multipoint topology for your current and future growth needs without loosing any of your
original investment.
10BaseT On-Board Ethernet Port
On-board Ethernet satisfies simultaneous LAN / IP data and PCM voice needs with an
Industry Standard RJ45 10BaseT connection. Some of its advanced features include
802.3 Ethernet supported by Transparent LAN bridging and Automatic LAN MAC
address filtering at the MAC level, making it transparent to higher level protocols such as
TCP/IP, DECnet, NETBIOS, and IPX network protocols. Broadcast, multicast, or frames
set up for peered LAN are forwarded while reserving maximum RF bandwidth.
1.2.2 General Specifications
Note: More technical details are found in the Appendix to this manual
Product Description Digital Microwave Radio with POTS, Leased
Lines and 10BaseT / V.35 port
Data Interfaces
Primary Serial Data Port (1) RJ45 port providing 10BaseT
Data Rate and Type 128/256/384/512 kbps, synchronous
Serial Command Port RS 232, 57.6 kbps, N, 8, 1, no handshaking
Latency < 4.4ms depending on speed selected
Power Requirements
Input Voltage 12 to 24 VDC or 100-260 VAC with AC power
supply (optional)
Power Consumption 3 - 5 Watts depending on configuration
Battery Backup (optional) Over 8 hours with a 5Ah battery
RF Specifications
RF Frequency Range 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz
4.900 to 5.900 GHz
Modulation Type BPSK (256kbps) or QPSK (512kbps) DSSS
Transmitter Output Power +20dBm
Receiver Sensitivity (10-6 BER) -93dBm @ 256 kbps, -90dBm @ 512 kbps
Operating Temp -30 to +60 Degrees C with solar shielding,
0-90% Non-Condensing
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 4

Physical Characteristics
Outdoor Enclosure Dimensions 13 x 11 x 6 in / 33 x 28 x 15 cm
Rack Mount Dimensions 19” rack mount 3RU (5 ¼ in)
Unit Weight 8 lbs / 3.7kg
Outdoor Enclosure Specs NEMA 4X, rain, wind and ice protected GE
Valox99® polycarbonate w/ neoprene gasket
Mounting 1”-2.25” or 2.5cm-5.7cm pipe/pole
2Pretest and System Planning
2.1 Site Requirements and System Planning
2.1.1 Grounding
2.1.2
A ground is defined as a low impedance electrical connection to earth that is used to
dissipate energy. Grounding your Trailblazer is very important for safety reasons as well
as to protect your system from damage due to lightning and static charge build up.
Since lightning strikes and surges are high current and high frequency events, all ground
wires must be as short and straight as possible and not be coiled or looped. Choose the
largest diameter ground wire your ground connectors will accept for good electrical
conductivity. A #8 gauge copper wire or larger is recommended.
Recommended grounds are: the utility company ground, a ground rod, well casings,
and cold water pipes that are of continuous metal. A note of caution: sometimes the
metal-cold water pipes are repaired and/or extended with PVC piping hidden behind
drywall. The introduction of PVC material disrupts the material’s conductivity and thus
renders it unacceptable as a ground. In desert areas, where ground conductivity is poor,
many ground rods are often needed, bonded together to make a suitable connection to
the ground. 5 ohm impedance is a minimum.
Unacceptable grounds are: sprinkler pipes, PVC pipes, conduit, buried wire, and any
ground that cannot be verified.
Lightning Protection
Lightning protection with a poor ground is the same as having no
protection at all!
Lightning is one of the most dangerous and unfortunately most frequently encountered
natural hazards to your Trailblazer. Ensure that your system is adequately protected. A
good connection to ground is indispensable for your lightning protection to work correctly
and thus prevent lightning damage to your Trailblazer. The Trailblazer system is
equipped with on-board secondary active lightning protection only. This secondary
lightning protection is only effective when the system is powered up. If you power down
your Trailblazer, disconnect the antennas and phone lines to prevent damage from
lightning strikes. Primary lightning protection is located outside the enclosure. Install
primary lightning protection with a good ground on all RF, data and voice line
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 5

connections that have even a moderate outdoor line build out. A good rule of thumb is
that all lines entering or exiting a building need protection. Both ends of the cables
between buildings must be protected! See section 5.2 for detailed specifications and
usage information on optional primary lightning protection available from Carlson
Wireless.
2.1.3
2.1.4
Line of Sight
Visual line of sight is the straight, unobstructed line between the Base unit’s antenna and
the CPE’s antenna. In other words, when you look from one antenna you can see the
other one. Because RF waves do not travel in a narrow beam, but spread out as they
travel through space, simple line of sight is not adequate for a microwave path. As the
waves travel out from the transmitting antenna, the signal density decreases and more
area around the visual LOS is necessary to be able to receive a reasonable signal at the
receiving antenna. This three dimensional space is called the RF line of sight and is
described by Fresnel zones named after the French physicist who first discovered their
importance.
Fresnel Zone
The first Fresnel Zone is the football shaped volume area, around the line-of-sight, that
radio waves spread into after they leave the antenna.
Trees, buildings, mountains and any number of other objects can occupy the Fresnel
Zone. The curvature of the earth, even for some short paths, also tends to put the
ground into the Fresnel Zone. These objects can either reflect or absorb the signal
traveling between antennas. A rule of thumb is that the center (60% of the first Fresnel
Zone) must be free of any obstruction for tolerable attenuation of the signal. It is
better to have the first Fresnel zone entirely clear of any objects. For paths over water, it
is recommended that the entire first Fresnel Zone be clear to eliminate fading from the
strong out-of-phase reflections off the surface of the water.
Figure 1: Line of Sight is clear, the first Fresnel Zone is NOT clear. This path will
experience significant outages.
2.1.5 Path Loss
After confirming line of sight and adequate Fresnel Zone clearance, add the Free Space
Loss of the radio signal, RF cable losses and antenna gains to determine your system’s
remaining signal, i.e. fade margin. The chart below shows various antenna and distance
combinations.
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 6

Distance Distance Bandwidth Ant1 Gain Ant2 Gain RF cables Freq FRSPL RF power ERP Rx Thrshld Link Mrgn
in miles in km in kb/s in
dBi in dBi in dB in
GHz in dB in
dBm in dBm in dBm in
dB
24.3 39.1 512 31.0 31.0 6.6 5.80 140 20 51 -91 22.5
1.6 2.6 256 14.0 14.0 4.0 2.45 108 20 34 -94 25.2
Table 1: Fade Margin Chart
You can also calculate your own path loss using the integrated radio link margin
calculator included on the Carlson Wireless product CD in a folder called “Calculators”.
This is an approximate calculation – an exact calculation includes factors such as local
weather patterns and must be performed by a qualified engineer.
What’s an acceptable fade margin? The rule of thumb theory is that 10 dB of fade
margin will deliver about 90% reliability and 20 dB will deliver over 99% reliability.
Because there is only a small ground wave component involved in the radio propagation,
the above numbers presume a clear first Fresnel Zone. A fade margin of 20 dB is
suggested to overcome multi-path degradation and polarization. On long paths (over 20
miles) particularly at 4.9 GHz and 5.8 GHz, it is better to have 30 dB of fade margin.
2.1.6 Interference
The 2.4 and 5.8 GHz radio bands are unlicensed and shared. All users in the band must
accept all other signals within the band, interfering or not. Devices operating in this band
can become a source of interference for Trailblazer products. If the interfering signal is
stationary and has a bandwidth less than 3 MHz, it will not create any significant problem
even if it is 100 times (20dB) stronger than the receive threshold. If the interfering signal
has a bandwidth wider than 4 MHz and is 10 times (10dB) stronger than the receive
threshold, it can render channel(s) unusable. If the interfering signal is frequency
hopping throughout the band, such as the LAN bridge device, and is only 1/10 (–10dB)
as strong as the receive threshold, it can cause significant dropouts.
Some examples of these devices are:
Video Transmitters
Video transmitters use analog radios which are usually fixed in frequency, utilize 6 to 10
MHz of bandwidth and are low power with an ERP of less then +10dBm.
Cordless Phones
Cordless phones are narrow band and fixed in frequency (during each use), utilize 1 to 2
MHz of bandwidth, are low power with an ERP of less than +10dBm. It is strongly
recommended to avoid the use of 2.4GHz cordless phones in the vicinity of Trailblazer
products.
Local Area Network (LAN) Bridges
Wireless LAN devices are true spread spectrum devices. They either frequency hop, a 1
MHz bandwidth over the complete band, or utilize CDMA of 16 MHz bandwidth and are
stationary. ERPs can range up to +30dBm.
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 7

Microwave Ovens
Microwave oven outputs have been measured at levels up to +20dBm ERP. The
magnetrons built into the ovens cause transmission of narrow pulses that sweep the
2.4GHz band. The energy is normally concentrated in the upper half of the band
between 2.450 and 2.485 GHz.
2.1.7 RF Cable Sizing and Recommendations
Before making any decisions as to which cable to use, first consider several factors; the
final length of the cable, the amount of power you want the cable to tolerate, the loss
factor of the cable at your chosen frequency and the outdoor climate conditions the
cable will be exposed to. For most general installations with short runs, LMR400 will
work fine. Heliax™ is recommended for any cable runs over 100 feet. The chart below
provides the loss factor for several popular cable sizes.
Coax Cable Attenuation (dB per 100 feet)
Cable Type 2.4 GHz 4.9 GHz 5.8 GHz
LMR 400 6.7 dB 9.9 dB 10.8 dB
½ inch Heliax 3.6 dB 5.5 dB 6.0 dB
5/8 inch Heliax 2.8 dB 4.2 dB 4.7 dB
7/8 inch Heliax™ 2.1 dB 3.2 dB Not recommended
Table 2: Coax Cable Loss Table
2.1.8
2.1.9
Audio and Data Cable Recommendations
Standard telephone twisted pair wiring (Cat 3, 4 or 5) is recommended for audio
connections to the Trailblazer. The Leased Line interface and the rack mount
enclosures use RJ45 connectors for the audio connections. The POTS interface in the
outdoor enclosure uses screw terminals. For the Ethernet connection, CAT 5 cable is
recommended. CAT 5 cable is also recommended for sync cables in installations where
multiple Trailblazers are co-located.
NOTE: On the outdoor enclosure, feed the cable through the weatherproof cord grip
before terminating it. The cord grip is too small to accept an RJ45 connector especially
while occupied by other cables!
General Tools
•ESD Gear
•Desktop PC or Laptop Computer with Windows™
•Wrench Set
•Socket Set
•Screwdriver Set
•Multi Meter
•Butt-set or Test Telephone with Bare Wire Connection
•Wire Cutters
•Wire Strippers
•Vapor Wrap
•Electrical Tape
•Small Non-Conductive Adjustment Tool
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 8

•Safety Gear
2.2 Unpacking
NOTE: Always observe ESD precautions when handling circuit boards!
Before opening package(s), inspect the shipping box(es) and report any damage to the
shipping carrier. Your package was insured and the shipping carrier will be responsible
for any damage to the equipment. Unpack and compare the contents against the
packing slip and inspect all for damage. Report any damage to the units or missing
components to your Carlson Wireless customer service representative.
Included with your purchase are:
•The ‘Quick Start Guide’ helps you become familiar with your system
•The Carlson Wireless Product CD (containing the user manuals, back- up
configuration software and other needed items!)
•(2) Test Antennas for bench testing
•One Serial Interface Cable per unit to connect to the GUI
•Mounting Hardware (optional)
•Optional Power Supplies, if ordered, will be pre-installed in the enclosures
•Optional Surge Protectors (RF and phone lines)
•Antennas (optional)
•Optional Batteries, if ordered, will be shipped outside the enclosure to prevent
damage.
2.3 Bench Testing Instructions
Before going into the field, set up the Trailblazer units on your bench so you can become
familiar with their operation, configuration and verify their functionality. Each system is
shipped with a handy, full-color “Quick Start Guide” for simplified step-by-step
instructions for bench testing. The following section will provide you with the same
information in greater detail.
2.3.1 Setting up Your Trailblazer on the Bench
Set your units next to each other and attach the included test antennas to the ‘N’ female
connectors on the enclosures as shown below. The units may not achieve an RF
connection without these little antennas.
Figure 2: Test Antennas
Test Antennas
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2.3.2 Powering the Trailblazer
The Trailblazer units accept 12 -24VDC negative ground. If your system is equipped
with a battery backup you will need to install the battery and connect the battery wires.
Place the battery into the Trailblazer with the positive terminal toward the outside of the
enclosure. Secure the battery with the battery bracket and the hardware supplied as
shown in the figures. Make sure that the red wire is connected to the positive battery
terminal.
.
Figure 3: Outdoor Unit Battery and Power Connection
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 10

Figure 4: Rack Mount Battery Connection
If you are not using the Carlson Wireless power supply, make sure that you power the
unit with 12 – 24VDC with a power supply rating of at least 10 Watts.
2.3.3 Connecting POTS Lines
Connect POTS lines as shown in the figure below using the black screw terminals on the
units’ interface card. Remember to connect the telephone line(s) from the phone
company to the Base unit and the telephones to the CPE unit. The location of your
active lines will depend on the time slots selection made by the CPE and the bandwidth
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used. Note the “Active Line” label on your Base and CPE units.
Screw
Terminals
Figure 5: Telephone Line Connections
To connect POTS lines with a rack mount enclosure, see figure 5. Pins 4 and 5 on the
RJ-45 connector are used for POTS lines.
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