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 1.04

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 © 2002-2006 Carlson Wireless, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual may
be reproduced without permission from 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.
US Headquarters:
1180-B Evergreen Road
Redway, CA 95560 USA
Presales Inquires and Applications Support
Please contact your local distributor or the Carlson Wireless sales department. 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
CWT and the purchaser.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
URL: http://www.carlsonwireless.com
Repair and Return
Carlson Wireless will replace or repair this product within one year from the 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.
Customer Service
Technical support is available Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, PDT.
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
URL: http://www.carlsonwireless.com/support.html
Training
The Customer Service department offers training classes including 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

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual iii
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 such that the
cabinet containing the antenna can be 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
The 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 this equipment. You must, upon request, provide this information to your 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 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. 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 his own
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 operation. Changes of modification not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual iv

Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer’s Name: Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 1180–B Evergreen Rd.
Redway, CA 95560
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 Quality Management
Redway, CA
Jan 2006
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual v

Table of Contents
_____________________________________________________________________________
1Introduction..................................................................................................1
1.1 Scope of Manual.....................................................................................1
1.2 Functional Overview and Applications....................................................1
1.2.1 Main Features and Advantages.......................................................1
1.2.2 General Specifications.....................................................................3
2Pretest and System Planning .....................................................................4
2.1 Site Requirements and System Planning ...............................................4
2.1.1 Grounding........................................................................................4
2.1.2 Lightning Protection.........................................................................4
2.1.3 Line of Sight ....................................................................................5
2.1.4 Fresnel Zone ...................................................................................5
2.1.5 Path Loss ........................................................................................6
2.1.6 Interference .....................................................................................7
2.1.7 RF Cable Sizing and Recommendations.........................................7
2.1.8 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 the POTS Lines ..........................................................11
2.3.4 Connecting the Leased Lines ........................................................12
3Operation....................................................................................................14
3.1 Configuring and Accessing the Trailblazer Unit ....................................14
3.1.1 Connecting the Serial Cable..........................................................14
3.1.2 Installing the CWT GUI on Your PC ..............................................14
3.1.3 Using the GUI................................................................................14
3.1.4 Software Downloads Using the GUI ..............................................15
3.2 Accessing the Trailblazer using HyperTerminal™ ................................17
3.2.1 Windows™ HyperTerminal™ Software .........................................17
3.3 Setting the Radio Frequency and Scrambling Code.............................17
3.3.1 Selecting the CPE Time Slot .........................................................19
4Field Installation Options..........................................................................20
4.1 Mounting the Enclosure........................................................................20
4.2 External Antennas ................................................................................21
4.2.1 Marketing and Sales Channels......................................................22
4.2.2 Calculating the EIRP of an External Antenna ................................23
4.2.3 RF Safety Hazard Warning............................................................23
4.3 18dBi 2.4 GHz Directional Flat Panel Antenna .....................................24
4.3.1 Product Overview ..........................................................................24
4.3.2 Unpacking .....................................................................................24
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual vi

4.3.3 Mounting........................................................................................24
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
4.6.2 Unpacking .....................................................................................27
4.6.3 Mounting........................................................................................27
4.7 Weatherproofing RF Connections ........................................................30
4.8 Antenna Alignment ...............................................................................32
4.9 Interference Solutions...........................................................................32
4.10 Lightning Protection..............................................................................33
4.10.1 Antenna Port Protection ................................................................33
4.10.2 Customer Premise Telephone Line Surge Protection....................36
5Test & Maintenance...................................................................................38
5.1 Diagnostics ...........................................................................................38
5.1.1 LED Function.................................................................................38
5.2 Maintenance .........................................................................................39
5.2.1 Installation of Software/Firmware Upgrades..................................39
6Appendix ....................................................................................................40
6.1 About Carlson Wireless ........................................................................40
6.1.1 Mission ..........................................................................................40
6.1.2 History ...........................................................................................40
6.1.3 Summary .......................................................................................40
6.2 System Specifications...........................................................................41
6.2.1 Block Diagram ...............................................................................42
6.3 Cable Pin outs ......................................................................................43
6.3.1 Configuration Port Pinout ..............................................................43
6.4 Advanced Programming and Diagnostics.............................................45
6.4.1 Configuring the Serial Port Parameters.........................................45
6.4.2 Setting the V35 enable and port location.......................................46
6.4.3 Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)....................................46
6.4.4 Air Link Quality ..............................................................................47
6.4.5 Installation of Software/Firmware Upgrades..................................47
6.5 Antenna Patterns and Specifications....................................................49
6.5.1 18dBi Directional Panel Plots and Specs ......................................49
6.5.2 24dBi High-Gain Parabolic Grid Plots and Specs..........................50
6.6 Warranty...............................................................................................51
6.7 Acronyms/Abbreviations.......................................................................52
6.8 Glossary ...............................................................................................53
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual vii

List of Figures
_____________________________________________________________________________
Figure 1: Line of Sight is clear, the first Fresnel Zone is NOT clear......................5
Figure 2: Base Unit Power Connections .............................................................10
Figure 3: Connecting the Serial Cable ................................................................14
Figure 4: Rotary Switch and Reset Button ..........................................................17
Figure 5: CPE Time Slot Selection Switch ..........................................................19
Figure 6: Wall mounting the Trailblazer enclosure..............................................20
Figure 7: Pole mounting the Trailblazer enclosure..............................................21
Figure 8: Mounting of 24dBi High-Gain Parabolic Grid Gain Antenna (horizontal
or vertical)....................................................................................................28
Figure 9: 2.4 GHz 24dBi dipole assembly procedure (Vertical Polarity).............29
Figure 10: Surge Protection, RF .........................................................................34
Figure 11: Antenna Port Lightning Protector, VSWR and Insertion Loss ............35
Figure 12: Primary Telephone Line Transient Protection....................................36
Figure 13: Trailblazer Radio Card LEDs .............................................................38
Figure 14: Block Diagram of Radio Card ............................................................42
Figure 15: Serial Data Cable Pinout (PCB View) ................................................43
Figure 16: Serial Data Cable Schematic .............................................................44
Figure 17: 24dBi Forward plot.............................................................................50
List of Tables
_____________________________________________________________________________
Table 1: Fresnel Zone Chart .................................................................................6
Table 2: Fade Margin Chart ..................................................................................6
Table 3: Coax Cable Loss Table...........................................................................8
Table 4: Feed Cable Sizing and Distance for the Traiblazer...............................11
Table 5: 2.4G International Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix ..................18
Table 6: 2.4G Domestic Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix .......................18
Table 7: 4.9G Public Safety Lic. Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix...........18
Table 8: 5.8G Low Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix................................18
Table 9: 5.8G High Band – Frequency/Code Switch Matrix...............................18
Table 10: RF Lightning Protection.......................................................................34
Table 11: Subscriber side protection...................................................................37
Table 12: System Status LED Information Table ................................................38
Table 13: Configuration Port Cable Construction Table......................................43
Table 14: Serial Data Cable Pinout.....................................................................44
Table 15: 18dBi Directional Panel Specifications................................................49
Table 16: 24dBi High-Gain Parabolic Grid Antenna Specifications.....................50
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual viii

Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 1
1Introduction
1.1 Scope of Manual
The purpose of this manual is to provide planning and installation personnel with
the appropriate procedures to plan and install the 2005 Trailblazer Digital
Microwave Radio and accessory equipments. 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 high-speed data connection 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. CWT 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 Data Links
•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 Service
•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.
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, as the Trailblazer seamlessly integrates

our 64kbps full bandwidth PCM POTS or Leased Line cards for high quality,
uncompressed audio with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
Easy Installation
The units mount on a 1"- 2.25" pipe or pole or to any vertical surface, use an
external antenna, and have their own power supply (optional) or operate on 12-
24 VDC, easily powered by solar.
Low Power Draw: Ideal for Solar Applications
The low power consumption of 2 Watts makes the units very energy efficient.
They accept any DC voltage from 12V to 24V and are thus easily powered by
solar. 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
All components, including the digital radio cards, multiplexer, power supplies &
CPU, are fully integrated into the 8lb/ 3kg waterproof enclosure. The units are
housed in a NEMA 4X waterproof enclosure, built to last in tough climates. The
lockable polycarbonate enclosure with a neoprene gasket will protect against
wind, rain, and ice ensuring years of service.
No License Required for the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz, Simple license for 4.9 MHz
Private and Secure
The Trailblazer TB 2.4-5.8 uses the, in most countries, the license-exempt 2.4
GHz or 5.8 GHz frequency bands, while fully encrypted spread-spectrum CDMA
modulations, proprietary framing structure and packet size assure 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.
Repeater Mode
This product can be used as a digital repeater by simply connecting two units via
the V.35 data port and optional repeater cable.
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 growing needs without
loosing any of your original investment.
Trailblazer Installation and User Manual 2