Dataradio Paragon-III User manual

Paragon-III
(700 MHz)
Data Base Station
Technical Manual
Version 0.02
(preliminary)
The entire contents of this manual and the Radio Installation Software
described in this manual are copyright 2004 by DATARADIO Inc.
Copyright DATARADIO Inc.
April 2004
Part no.: 120 20191-001

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1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................1
1.1 INTENDED AUDIENCE ........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................................................................1
1.2.1 Features:..................................................................................................................................................2
1.3 FACTORY TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................................................3
1.4 PRODUCT WARRANTY.......................................................................................................................................4
1.5 REPLACEMENT PARTS .......................................................................................................................................4
1.5.1 Factory Repair.........................................................................................................................................4
1.6 PACKAGING.......................................................................................................................................................4
2. INSTALLATION................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 LOCATION .........................................................................................................................................................5
2.3 FRONT VIEW: ....................................................................................................................................................5
2.4 REAR VIEWS: ....................................................................................................................................................6
2.5 ELECTRICAL ......................................................................................................................................................8
2.5.1 Paragon-III Assembly Power ..................................................................................................................8
2.6 ANTENNA ........................................................................................................................................................10
2.6.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................10
2.6.2 Cabling and Connection........................................................................................................................10
2.7 COMPLETING THE PHYSICAL INSTALLATION....................................................................................................10
2.8 CHECKING OUT NORMAL OPERATION .............................................................................................................10
3. OPERATING DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................................11
3.1 RADIO ASSEMBLY ...........................................................................................................................................11
3.1.1 Receiver module....................................................................................................................................11
3.1.2 5W Transmitter module .........................................................................................................................12
3.1.3 50W Transmitter module .......................................................................................................................12
3.1.4 BDLC-III module...................................................................................................................................13
3.1.5 Speaker panel ........................................................................................................................................13
3.1.6 Dual Power Supply module ...................................................................................................................14
3.1.7 Radio Backplane Assembly....................................................................................................................15
4. TROUBLE-SHOOTING AND TESTING .....................................................................................................16
4.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED....................................................................................................................................16
4.2 RECOMMENDED CHECKS.................................................................................................................................16
4.3 ADDITIONAL TEST DETAILS .............................................................................................................................20
4.3.1 RF Data Link Test..................................................................................................................................20
5. RADIO PROGRAMMING AND ADJUSTMENTS .....................................................................................21
5.1 SERIES II RADIO PROGRAMMING.....................................................................................................................21
5.1.1 Recommended Items ..............................................................................................................................21
5.1.2 Module Programming............................................................................................................................21
5.1.3 Channel Selection via DIP Switches......................................................................................................24
5.2 SERIES II RADIO TUNING.................................................................................................................................25
5.2.1 Test Equipment ......................................................................................................................................25
5.2.2 Receiver module ....................................................................................................................................25
5.2.3 Exciter Module (T881-xx-0200) ............................................................................................................27
6. SPECIFICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................32
FIGURE 1-TYPICAL RACK-MOUNT MULTI-MODULES "RADIO ASSEMBLY".....................................................................5
FIGURE 2-TYPICAL RACK-MOUNT DUAL "POWER SUPPLY"...........................................................................................5
FIGURE 3-BASE STATION STANDARD ASSEMBLY-PRELIMINARY ...................................................................................6
FIGURE 4-BASE STATION STANDARD ASSEMBLY,WITH 3RD PARTY DC SUPPLY MODULE -PRELIMINARY.......................7
FIGURE 5-MAXI-FUSE...................................................................................................................................................9

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FIGURE 6-RECEIVER MODULE .....................................................................................................................................11
FIGURE 7–5W EXCITER MODULE ................................................................................................................................12
FIGURE 8–50W PA(AET) MODULE. ...........................................................................................................................12
FIGURE 9–BDLC III MODULE ....................................................................................................................................13
FIGURE 10 -SPEAKER MODULE.....................................................................................................................................13
FIGURE 11 -DUAL POWER SUPPLY MODULE FRONT PANEL .........................................................................................14
FFIGURE 13 -DUAL POWER SUPPLY,REAR CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................15
FIGURE 14 -280 03425-001 RADIO BACKPLANE ..........................................................................................................15
FIGURE 14 -RECEIVER SYSTEM INFORMATION SAMPLE...............................................................................................22
FIGURE 15 -RECEIVER CHANNEL INFORMATION SAMPLE ............................................................................................22
FIGURE 16 -EXCITER SYSTEM INFOMATION SAMPLE ...................................................................................................23
FIGURE 17 -EXCITER CHANNEL INFORMATION SAMPLE ..............................................................................................23
FIGURE 18 -BACKPLANE DIP SWITCHES EXAMPLE -CHANNEL 1SELECTED ................................................................24
FIGURE 19 -T885, TYPICAL RSSI CURVE:VOLT TO DBM............................................................................................27
FIGURE 20 -T885-0200 RECEIVER TUNING CONTROLS LOCATION ..............................................................................30
FIGURE 22 -T881-0200 EXCITER TUNING CONTROLS LOCATION.................................................................................31
TABLE 1-ON-AIR DATA SPEEDS AND MODULATION TYPES.............................................................................................2
TABLE 2-POWER SUPPLY,LEDS INDICATIONS..............................................................................................................9
TABLE 3-CHECKLIST A(AFTER INSTALLATION) .........................................................................................................17
TABLE 4-CHECKLIST B(GENERAL) ............................................................................................................................18

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WHAT'S NEW
History
Version 0.02: October 2004 – issue 0.02, preliminary, had appended
data about 50W PA, option Aethercomm
Version 0.01: April 2004 –first issue, preliminary

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Definitions
The following terms are used throughout this document.
Asynchronous Information that can be sent at random times, and not synchronized to a clock.
Transmission characters begin with a “start” bit and end with a “stop” bit.
AVL Automatic Vehicle Location. Optional feature that involves using GPS (Global
Positioning System) signals from the mobile unit by the Host PC.
BDLC-III Base Station Data Link Controller (PD = Parallel decode). An async controller-
modem designed for the radio base station in mobile systems. A component of
Paragon-III.
E-DBA Dataradio’s Enhanced Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation.
DCE Data Communications Equipment. This designation defines the direction (input
or output) of the various RS-232 interface signals. Modems are always wired as
DCE.
DTE Data Terminal Equipment. This designation defines the direction (input or out-
put) of the various RS-232 interface signals. Most user equipment, as well as
PCs, are wired as DTE.
Gemini-III High specs dual DSP mobile radiomodem with Dataradio PD technology (Paral-
lel Decode)
IP
Network Speed This is the bit rate on the RF link between units. Could be different from COM
port baud rate.
Paragon-III Next generation of Paragon/PD+. Runs up to 128 kb/s
Parallel Decode Technology featuring dual receivers for added data decode sensitivity in multi-
path and fading environments.
Radio Assembly Radio modules used in Paragon-III and available in two distinct series depending
on radio’s frequency band.
RS-232 Industry–standard interface for serial data transfer.
VIS Vehicular Information Solutions. Dataradio’s name for a series of products spe-
cially designed for mobile data.
CDip Windows based "Commands & Data over IP" radio-modem Software. This soft-
ware allows basic tests, unit configuration, and troubleshooting.

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1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This document provides information required for the setting up, operation, testing and trouble-shooting of
the DATARADIO Paragon-III radio-modem base station.
1.1 Intended Audience
This document is intended for engineering, installation, and maintenance personnel.
1.2 General Description
Paragon-III product is a factory-integrated industrial-grade data radio base station used in mobile networks
and is designed specifically to fit the needs of vehicular applications. It features dual receivers for added data
decode sensitivity in multi-path and fading environments.
When used with Dataradio’s state-of-the-art Gemini-III (G3) mobile IP data solution, the system delivers
unequaled high-speed data performance and unmatched effective throughput.
All Paragon-III models are supplied in a rackmount configuration that includes:
•A Paragon-III full-duplex Radio-modem assembly that includes a Next generation high-speed Dataradio
third generation “Base Station Data Link Controller” module (BDLC-III) fitted in the radio chassis
assembly.
•Duplexer and backup power units are custom furnished items.
•Wire line modem(s) are optional items.
•Laptop PC and its application software are user-supplied items.

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1.2.1 Features:
•Parallel Decode (PD) technology featuring dual receivers for added decode sensitivity in multi-
path and fading environments.
•Fully IP based product line, using an optimized IP layer that reduces IP overhead for the RF link
•Sophisticated dual DSP-based modem design provides added system performance, fewer retries
and more effective throughput.
•Full duplex operation in the 700MHz frequency band
•Power rated 5W, adjustable 1W up-to 5 W in production process . (A 50 Watts Power Amplifier
model is intended for future availability).
•Models with on-air data speeds and modulation types as follows:
Table 1 - On-air data speeds and modulation types
Channel spacing
Modulation type
50 kHz
SRC4FSK 64 kb/s
SRC8FSK 96 kb/s
SRC16FSK 128 kb/s
•Uses the Next generation high-efficiency Dataradio Enhanced DBA over-the-air protocol
•Over-the-air compatible with Gemini-III mobile products (factory settable)
•Out-of-band signaling enables transmission of GPS reports with no effect on system performance.
•Flash programmable firmwares
•Modular design in a rugged die-cast aluminum chassis
•Paragon-III units are factory-configured based on each customer’s network system requirements

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1.3 Factory Technical Support
The Technical Support departments of DATARADIO provide customer assistance on technical prob-
lems and serve as an interface with factory repair facilities. They can be reached in the following
ways:
For Canada and International customers:
DATARADIO Inc.
5500 Royalmount Ave, suite 200
Town of Mount Royal
Quebec, Canada H4P 1H7
Technical support hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time
phone: [phone]
fax: [phone]
Email address: [email protected]
or
For U.S. customers:
DATARADIO Corp.
6160 Peachtree Dunwoody RD., suite C-200
Atlanta, Georgia 30328
Technical support hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Eastern Time
phone: [phone]
fax: [phone]
Email address: [email protected]

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1.4 Product Warranty
Warranty information may be obtained by contacting your sales representative.
1.5 Replacement Parts
This product is usually not field-serviceable, except by the replacement of individual radio modules.
Specialized equipment and training is required to repair logic, modem boards, and radio modules.
Contact Technical Support for service information before returning equipment. A Technical Support
representative may suggest a solution eliminating the need to return equipment.
1.5.1 Factory Repair
When returning equipment for repair, you must request an RMA (Returned Material Authorization)
number. The Tech Support representative will ask you several questions to clearly identify the prob-
lem. Please give the representative the name of a contact person, who is familiar with the problem,
should a question arise during servicing of the unit.
Customers are responsible for shipping charges for returned units. Units in warranty will be repaired
free of charge unless there is evidence of abuse or damage beyond the terms of the warranty. Units
out of warranty will be subject to service charges. Information about these charges is available from
Technical Support.
1.6 Packaging
Each Paragon-III product normally leaves the factory packaged as follows:
•A Series II Dataradio base station “Radio-modem assembly”
•A dual power supply assembly
•One standard seven-foot 120VAC power cord
•Two DC power cables to connect the radio assembly to the dual power supply assembly.
•Courtesy small parts kit
Frequently, Paragon-III product components are field-assembled prior to customer delivery.
The cabinetry may then be supplied in one of several custom rack-mount configurations that may also in-
clude fan, backhaul modems, duplexer/filters/combiners, and ancillary equipment.
If damage has occurred to the equipment during shipment, file a claim with the carrier immediately.

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2. Installation
2.1 Overview
The cabinet and rack-mount housing the Paragon-III’s radio assembly and the BDLC-III is generally
installed in a sheltered facility. Occasionally located adjacent to the nerve center of the user’s
network, it is often located near tower sites or at remote locations where it operates unattended.
Furnishings needed include power, cabling, and installation of antenna, landline or microwave mo-
dem, and host PC or portable computer. Details of these are outside the scope of this manual. This
manual covers the radio assembly and the BDLC-III that includes the modem.
2.2 Location
Be sure to place the Paragon-III in such a way that:
•The LEDs can be seen (as an aid in troubleshooting)
•Access to the antenna connector and to the back connectors is possible without removing the unit
•Sufficient air may flow around the unit to provide adequate cooling.
2.3 Front View:
Figure 1 - Typical rack-mount multi-modules "Radio Assembly"
Figure 2 - Typical rack-mount dual "Power Supply"
OL Stby On Power OL Stby On Power
T800 II Slimline
®
Dual Power Supply Module
®
Receiver
®
Gating Gate
Line
Level
Supply
®
Exciter
Carrier On
Line
Sensitivity
Supply
Microphone
®
Sensitivity
Monitor
Volume
Off
On
Monitor
Mute
Receiver
Gating Gate
Line
Level
Supply
Sensitivity
Monitor
Volume
Off
On
Monitor
Mute
Excellence in Radio
Communications
® ®
Speaker Panel
programming
port
RX2RX1
OFF
SPEAKER
SELECT SWITCH
A
ir Flow
BDLC-III