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