Dataradio Paragon User manual

ParagonPD
Data Base Station
Technical Manual
Version 2.04a
(Preliminary, for internal use only)
The entire contents of this manual and the Radio Installation Software
described in this manual are copyright 2002 by DATARADIO Inc.
Copyright DATARADIO Inc.
March 2002
Part no.: 120 20170-204a

120 20170-204a ii ParagonPD Technical Manual
Table of Contents
1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 INTENDED AUDIENCE ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................................1
1.2.1 Features:.................................................................................................................................................1
1.3 FACTORY TECHNICAL SUPPORT........................................................................................................................ 2
1.4 PRODUCT WARRANTY ...................................................................................................................................... 2
1.5 REPLACEMENT PARTS....................................................................................................................................... 2
1.5.1 Factory Repair........................................................................................................................................ 2
1.5.2 Model Designation.................................................................................................................................. 3
1.6 RADIO SERIES I OR II........................................................................................................................................3
1.7 PACKAGING ......................................................................................................................................................4
2. INSTALLATION ...............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 OVERVIEW........................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 LOCATION......................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 ELECTRICAL......................................................................................................................................................4
2.3.1 Radio Assembly Power............................................................................................................................ 7
2.3.2 BDLCPD assembly Power........................................................................................................................ 8
2.4 ANTENNA .........................................................................................................................................................8
2.4.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................8
2.4.2 Cabling and Connection .........................................................................................................................8
2.5 COMPLETING THE PHYSICAL INSTALLATION...................................................................................................... 8
2.6 CHECKING OUT NORMAL OPERATION...............................................................................................................9
3. OPERATING DESCRIPTION .........................................................................................................................9
3.1 RADIO ASSEMBLY............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.1.1 Front panels............................................................................................................................................9
3.1.1.1 Receiver module..............................................................................................................................................9
3.1.1.2 Exciter module ..............................................................................................................................................10
3.1.1.3 Power Amp module.......................................................................................................................................10
3.1.1.4 Speaker panel ................................................................................................................................................10
3.1.1.5 Dual Power Supply module...........................................................................................................................11
3.1.1.5.1 Rear Connections......................................................................................................................................11
3.1.2 Radio Assembly, rear panel .................................................................................................................. 11
3.1.2.1 Backplane PCB .............................................................................................................................................11
3.2 BDLCPD .........................................................................................................................................................12
3.2.1 BDLCPD Front panel............................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.1.1 Front Switches...............................................................................................................................................12
3.2.1.1.1 Reset.........................................................................................................................................................12
3.2.1.1.2 PF 1 ..........................................................................................................................................................12
3.2.1.2 LEDs and Indications....................................................................................................................................14
3.2.1.2.1 Radio Network Indicators.........................................................................................................................14
3.2.1.2.2 RS-232 Port Indicators.............................................................................................................................14
3.2.1.2.3 Check and Power......................................................................................................................................15
3.2.1.2.4 Alarm Indicators.......................................................................................................................................15
3.2.2 BDLCPD Rear panel ..............................................................................................................................16
3.2.2.1 Signal Levels.................................................................................................................................................16
3.2.2.2 Pin Functions.................................................................................................................................................16
4. WINRIS PROGRAM.......................................................................................................................................18
4.1 OPERATION.....................................................................................................................................................18
4.2 TO CONNECT AND START WINRIS .................................................................................................................. 18
4.3 WINRIS WINDOW........................................................................................................................................... 19

120 20170-204a iii ParagonPD Technical Manual
4.4 PORT CONFIGURATION WINDOW .................................................................................................................... 20
4.5 FUNCTIONS .....................................................................................................................................................20
4.5.1 “Station Reset” button.......................................................................................................................... 20
4.5.2 Configuration to a file........................................................................................................................... 21
4.5.2.1 “Get” button ..................................................................................................................................................21
4.5.2.2 “Get As” button.............................................................................................................................................21
4.5.3 Configuration from a File.....................................................................................................................21
4.5.3.1 “Put From” button.........................................................................................................................................21
4.5.4 Special Functions.................................................................................................................................. 21
4.5.4.1 Banner Field..................................................................................................................................................22
4.5.4.2 Comments......................................................................................................................................................22
4.5.4.3 Password .......................................................................................................................................................22
4.5.5 Test Functions....................................................................................................................................... 22
4.5.5.1 DSR signal is High indicator.........................................................................................................................23
4.5.5.2 CTS signal is High indicator .........................................................................................................................23
4.5.5.3 Channel Selection..........................................................................................................................................23
4.5.5.4 TXON Tests ..................................................................................................................................................23
4.5.5.4.1 Unmodulated Carrier................................................................................................................................23
4.5.5.4.2 Modulated Carrier ....................................................................................................................................23
4.5.5.5 Random Data.................................................................................................................................................23
4.5.5.6 Square Wave .................................................................................................................................................23
4.5.5.7 Addressing and Test......................................................................................................................................23
4.5.6 Status Bar.............................................................................................................................................. 24
5. TESTING AND TROUBLE-SHOOTING ..................................................................................................... 25
5.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ................................................................................................................................... 25
5.2 RECOMMENDED CHECKS................................................................................................................................25
6. RADIO PROGRAMMING AND ADJUSTMENTS.....................................................................................30
6.1 SERIES I 800MHZ RADIO PROGRAMMING ...................................................................................................... 30
6.1.1 Recommended Items.............................................................................................................................. 30
6.1.2 Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 30
6.1.3 File Creation.........................................................................................................................................31
6.1.4 Programming the EPROM.................................................................................................................... 32
6.1.5 EPROM Installation.............................................................................................................................. 33
6.1.6 Channel Selection via DIP Switches..................................................................................................... 33
6.2 SERIES I 800MHZ RADIO TUNING ..................................................................................................................34
6.2.1 Test Equipment...................................................................................................................................... 34
6.2.2 Receiver Module (T885)........................................................................................................................35
6.2.2.1 Initial Setup...................................................................................................................................................35
6.2.2.2 Synthesizer Alignment ..................................................................................................................................35
6.2.2.3 Front-End Alignment ....................................................................................................................................35
6.2.2.4 SINAD and Linearity Check .........................................................................................................................36
6.2.2.5 RSSI Adjustment...........................................................................................................................................36
6.2.3 Exciter Module (T881) .......................................................................................................................... 37
6.2.3.1 Initial Setup...................................................................................................................................................37
6.2.3.2 Synthesizer Alignment ..................................................................................................................................37
6.2.3.3 TX Frequency Error Adjustment...................................................................................................................37
6.2.3.4 Low Frequency Balance Adjustment.............................................................................................................38
6.2.3.5 Exciter Power Output....................................................................................................................................38
6.2.4 Power Amplifier Module (T889)........................................................................................................... 39
6.2.4.1 Power Amplifier Power Out..........................................................................................................................39
6.2.4.2 Forward Power Alarm Level.........................................................................................................................39
6.2.4.3 Reverse Power Alarm Level (Optional) ........................................................................................................39
6.3 SERIES II RADIO PROGRAMMING .................................................................................................................... 42
6.3.1 Recommended Items.............................................................................................................................. 42
6.3.2 Module Programming........................................................................................................................... 42

120 20170-204a iv ParagonPD Technical Manual
6.3.3 Channel Selection via DIP Switches..................................................................................................... 45
6.4 SERIES II RADIO TUNING................................................................................................................................46
6.4.1 Test Equipment...................................................................................................................................... 46
6.4.2 Receiver module (T885, T855 & T835)................................................................................................. 46
6.4.2.1 Initial Setup...................................................................................................................................................46
6.4.2.2 Synthesizer Alignment ..................................................................................................................................47
6.4.2.3 Front-End Alignment ....................................................................................................................................47
6.4.2.4 SINAD and Linearity Check .........................................................................................................................47
6.4.2.5 RSSI Adjustment (T885 and T855)...............................................................................................................48
6.4.2.6 RSSI Adjustment (VHF: T835).....................................................................................................................49
6.4.3 Exciter Module (T881,T857 or T837) ...................................................................................................50
6.4.3.1 Initial Setup...................................................................................................................................................50
6.4.3.2 Synthesizer Alignment ..................................................................................................................................50
6.4.3.3 TX Frequency Error Adjustment...................................................................................................................50
6.4.3.4 Low-Frequency Balance Adjustment ............................................................................................................51
6.4.3.5 Exciter Power Output....................................................................................................................................52
6.4.4 Power Amplifier Module (T889 (800-870 MHz only), T859 or T839).................................................. 52
6.4.4.1 Power Amplifier Power Output.....................................................................................................................52
6.4.4.2 Forward Power Alarm Level.........................................................................................................................52
6.4.4.3 Reverse Power Alarm Level (Optional) ........................................................................................................53
6.4.4.4 Tait T859 (UHF) Standard Tuning Procedure...............................................................................................53
6.4.4.5 Tait T859 Tuning for Best Efficiency............................................................................................................53
6.4.5 (TPL) LMS series Power amplifier (PA8-2BF-LMS) (806-960 MHz)................................................... 54
6.4.5.1 Power Output alignment (from TPL Communications).................................................................................54
6.4.5.2 Forward Power Alarm Level.........................................................................................................................54
6.4.5.3 Amplifier Activation......................................................................................................................................54
6.4.5.4 RF Input (Relative Reading) .........................................................................................................................54
6.4.5.5 Forward Power meter calibration ..................................................................................................................54
6.4.5.6 Reverse Power meter calibration...................................................................................................................55
6.4.5.7 Reverse Power Alarm Level..........................................................................................................................55
7. SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................................... 63
APPENDIX 1 - PARAGONPD DEVIATION ADJUST ........................................................................................................ 62
FIGURE 1 - TYPICAL RADIO AND POWER SUPPLY ASSEMBLIES, FRONT VIEW................................................................... 5
FIGURE 2 - BDLCPD, FRONT VIEW................................................................................................................................. 5
FIGURE 3 - TYPICAL RADIO AND POWER SUPPLIES ASSEMBLY, REAR VIEW..................................................................... 6
FIGURE 4 - BDLCPD, REAR VIEW................................................................................................................................... 6
FIGURE 5 - BDLCPD’S REAR CONNECTION, SWITCH AND FUSE....................................................................................... 8
FIGURE 6 - RECEIVER MODULE FRONT PANEL................................................................................................................9
FIGURE 7 - EXCITER MODULE, FRONT PANEL............................................................................................................... 10
FIGURE 8 - POWER AMP MODULE, FRONT PANEL......................................................................................................... 10
FIGURE 9 - SPEAKER PANEL......................................................................................................................................... 11
FIGURE 10 - DUAL POWER SUPPLY REAR CONNECTIONS..............................................................................................11
FIGURE 11 - BDLCPD MEMBRANE SWITCHES............................................................................................................... 12
FIGURE 12 - RF INDICATORS........................................................................................................................................14
FIGURE 13 - RS-232 PORT LED INDICATORS ..............................................................................................................15
FIGURE 14 - ALARMS LED INDICATORS.................................................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 15 - BDLCPD Y CABLE AND PINOUT ............................................................................................................... 17
FIGURE 16 - SERIES I RECEIVER SYSTEM INFORMATION.............................................................................................. 31
FIGURE 17 - SERIES I CHANNEL INFORMATION............................................................................................................ 32
FIGURE 18 - CHANNEL SELECTION VIA INTERNAL DIP SWITCHES................................................................................ 34
FIGURE 19 - T885 RECEIVER TUNING CONTROL LOCATION..........................................................................................40
FIGURE 20 - T881 EXCITER TUNING CONTROLS LOCATION .......................................................................................... 41
FIGURE 21 - RECEIVER SYSTEM INFORMATION............................................................................................................ 43

120 20170-204a vParagonPD Technical Manual
FIGURE 22 - RECEIVER CHANNEL INFORMATION SCREEN............................................................................................ 43
FIGURE 23 - EXCITER SYSTEM INFORMATION SCREEN.................................................................................................44
FIGURE 24 - EXCITER CHANNEL INFORMATION SCREEN .............................................................................................. 44
FIGURE 25 - BACKPLANE DIP SWITCHES EXAMPLE - CHANNEL 5 SELECTED ...............................................................45
FIGURE 26 - T855 AND T885, RSSI CURVE: VOLT TO DBM........................................................................................48
FIGURE 27 - T835, RSSI CURVE: VOLT TO DBM......................................................................................................... 49
FIGURE 28 - T800-50-0001 BACKPLANE AND TEST PINS LOCATION............................................................................. 49
FIGURE 29 - T859 TUNING SETTINGS ..........................................................................................................................53
FIGURE 30 - LMS REAR PANEL ................................................................................................................................... 55
FIGURE 31 - T885 RECEIVER TUNING CONTROLS LOCATION ...................................................................................... 56
FIGURE 32 - T881 EXCITER TUNING CONTROLS LOCATIONS....................................................................................... 57
FIGURE 33 - T855 RECEIVER TUNING CONTROLS LOCATION ...................................................................................... 58
FIGURE 34 - T857 EXCITER TUNING CONTROLS LOCATIONS....................................................................................... 59
FIGURE 35 - T835 RECEIVER TUNING CONTROLS LOCATION ...................................................................................... 60
FIGURE 36 - T837 EXCITER TUNING CONTROLS LOCATION......................................................................................... 61
TABLE 1 - POWER SUPPLY LEDS INDICATIONS.............................................................................................................. 7
TABLE 2 - TX MODE SELECTION LEDS INDICATIONS................................................................................................... 13
TABLE 3 - TEST TRANSMISSIONS ................................................................................................................................. 13
TABLE 4 - RS-232 LED FUNCTION SELECTION SEQUENCE ......................................................................................... 14
TABLE 5 - RS-232 SIGNAL LEVELS .............................................................................................................................. 16
TABLE 6 - DTE PORT 9-PIN FUNTIONS......................................................................................................................... 16
TABLE 7 - DTE PORT 25-PIN FUNCTIONS..................................................................................................................... 16
TABLE 8 - CARRIER DEVIATIONS FOR TONE OR DATA MODULATION........................................................................... 24
TABLE 9 - CHECKLIST A (AFTER INSTALLATION) ......................................................................................................... 27
TABLE 10 - CHECKLIST B (GENERAL) .........................................................................................................................28
TABLE 11- LOW FREQUENCY BALANCE – DEVIATION READINGS (FROM TXON7 1000HZ AND TXON4 RANDOM
DATA).................................................................................................................................................................. 51

120 20170-204a vi ParagonPD Technical Manual
WHAT'S NEW
History
Preliminary - Version 2.04, March 2002
Based on prerelease version 2.03; appends info on 19.2 and 25.6 KBPS
on 12.5 kHz spaced channels
•Changes made to:
-Section 1.2.1 “Features”
-Section 1.5.2 “Model Designation”
-Section 7 “Specifications”
-Table 3 “Test transmissions”
-Table 8 “Carrier Deviations for tone or data modulation”.
-Table 10 “Checklist B (General)”
Version 2.03, January 2002 (preliminaries 2.01 to 2.03)
•Changes made to:
-Section 1.2.1 “Features”
-Section 1.5.2 “Model Designation”
-section 2.3.1 Clarification of fuse type used
-Section 6 Revised Series II “Radio Tuning Procedure” and addition
of tuning location on figures and two new figures added
-Section 7 “Specifications”
-Table 3 “Test transmissions”
-Table 8 “Carrier Deviations for tone or data modulation”.
-Table 10 “Checklist B (General)”
•Table 12 added
Version 2.0: May 2001
•First release covering, in addition to the DGFSK model, the SRRC4FSK
modulated model with speeds of up to 25.6 Kbps. Relevant changes
made to:
-Section 1.2.1 “Features”
-Section 1.5.2 “Model Designation”
-Table 3 “Test transmissions”
•This version introduces the following changes:
-Section 1.6 “Radio Series I or II:
-Revised description
-Section 2.3 “Electrical”:
-Clarification of amperage requirement
-Figure 4 “BDLCPD, rear view”. Re-tracing of top fan wiring to cor-
respond to factory routing.

120 20170-204a vii ParagonPD Technical Manual
-Section 3.1.1 “Receiver”:
-Endnote added to clarify troubleshooting characteristic.
-Section 3.1.1.5 “Dual Power Supply”, clarification of “OL” (over-
load) LED function.
-Figure 10 “Dual Power Supply Rear Connection” corrected to corre-
spond to the voltage printed on the connector label.
-Section 4 “WinRIS” program detailed.
-Table 8 “Carrier deviations for Tone or Data Modulation”. Now in-
corporates in a single table the details previously available as
Table 8 and Table 10.
-Table 10 “Checklist B, (General)”, steps 6 and 7 revised to merge
values for the two models.
-Table 11 “Checklist B, (Paragon/PD)” steps 6,7 and 10 revised
-Figure 20 “Channel Selection via internal DIP switches”, clari-
fies the use of switch 8.
-Section 6.2.3.5 and 6.4.3.5 “Exciter Power Output” correction of
output power to 4 Watts.
-Figure 21 “T885 Receiver tuning control location”, clarification
of RSSI test point location.
-Section 7 “Specifications”:
-Rx and Tx “Current Consumption” values revised.
-Base Station “Power Consumption” specification added.
•Supersedes Paragon/PD Addendum 124 20170-001a, dated February 2001.
•Supersedes Technical Support Bulletin TSB ATL007, dated 17 April,
2001 and titled “New Deviation Settings for 800MHz GeminiPD and Para-
gonPD with 4 level FSK Modulation”.
Version 1.0: May 2000
•First released version, DGFSK modulated model, and speeds up to
19200 b/s.

120 20170-204a viii ParagonPD Technical Manual
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.
BDLCPD Base Station Data Link Controller (PD = Parallel decode). An async radiomo-
dem designed to control the base station in mobile systems. A component of
ParagonPD.
DBA Dataradio’s Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation protocol designed for short-
inquiry/long response applications such as dispatch systems. Latest enhance-
ments include support for occasional long messages inbound, and for Out-of-
Band data for AVL reports with no extra overhead.
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.
GeminiPD High specs mobile radiomodem. (PD = Parallel Decode)
Network Speed This is the bit rate on the RF link between units. Could be different from COM
port baud rate.
ParagonPD Factory-integrated industrial-grade data base station using Parallel Decode tech-
nology. Used in VIS mobile networks.
Parallel Decode Technology featuring dual receivers for added data decode sensitivity in multi-
path and fading environments.
Refarming FCC’s strategy for using the radio spectrum more efficiently to meet future
communications requirements.
Radio Assembly Radio modules used in ParagonPD 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.
WinRIS Windows Radio Installation Software. This software allows basic tests, unit con-
figuration and troubleshooting.

120 20170-204a Paragon
PD
Technical Manual
1
1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This document provides the information required for the setting up, operation, testing and trouble-
shooting of the DATARADIO ParagonPD radio-modem base station.
1.1 Intended Audience
This document is intended for engineering, in-
stallation, and maintenance personnel.
1.2 General Description
ParagonPD product is a factory-integrated
industrial-grade data 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 environ-
ments.
When used with Dataradio’s state-of-the-art
GeminiPD mobile data solution, the system
delivers unequaled high-speed data performance
and unmatched effective throughput.
All ParagonPD models are supplied in a rack-
mount configuration that includes:
•A ParagonPD Radio assembly
•A contemporary, high-speed Dataradio
“Base Station Data Link Controller”
(BDLCPD).
ParagonPD units do not include the optional wire
line modem(s). Duplexer and backup power units
are custom furnished items. The laptop PC and its
application software are user-supplied items.
1.2.1 Features:
•Dual receivers Parallel Decode technology
•SRRC4FSK modulation model capable of
32000, 25600, and 19200 b/s in 25 kHz
channel spacing and 25600(US- NPSPAC
only), 19200, 16000, plus 14400 b/s in 12.5
kHz channel spacing and FCC’s NPSPAC
channel.
•DGFSK modulation model capable of
19200 and 16000 b/s in 25 kHz channel
spacing and 9600 b/s in 12.5 kHz channel
spacing.
•Sophisticated DSP-based modem design
provides added system performance and
fewer retries
•Available in VHF, UHF and 800 MHz radio
bands
•Power output of 20W to 70W for
ParagonPD’s 800 MHz and of 20W to 100W
for VHF and UHF
•Supports high-efficiency Dataradio DBA
over-the-air protocol
•Over-the-air compatible with MobilPac/R
DGFSK and SRRC4FSK modulated Gem-
iniPD mobile products *
•Modular design in a rugged die-cast alumi-
num chassis
•Full-duplex operation
•ParagonPD units are factory-configured
based on each customer’s network system
requirements
•Flash programmable firmware upgradabil-
ity.
*Networks must use common modulation scheme,
bit and baud rates

120 20170-204a Paragon
PD
Technical Manual
2
1.3 Factory Technical Support
The Technical Support departments of
DATARADIO provide customer assistance on
technical problems and serve as an interface
with factory repair facilities. They can be
reached in the following ways:
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: [e-mail]
or
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: [e-mail]
1.4 Product Warranty
Warranty information may be obtained by con-
tacting 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 ra-
dio modules.
Contact Technical Support for service informa-
tion 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 Authoriza-
tion) number. The Tech Support representative
will ask you several questions to clearly identify
the problem. 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 re-
paired free of charge unless there is evidence of
abuse or damage beyond the terms of the war-
ranty. Units out of warranty will be subject to
service charges. Information about these charges
is available from Technical Support.