ELPRO EL-ERTK-A2 User manual
Version 1.2 Jan 2023
OPERATOR
MANUAL
EL-ERTK-A2
ERRTS Test Set and Ranger Software
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Introduction
The ERTK-A2 Field Test Set is designed to test and evaluate Event Reporting Radio Telemetry
System (ERRTS) Field Stations and Store & Forward Repeaters in the field. Facilities allow the
testing of the major radio transmission functions and the display of sensor identification and the
accumulator values for reports from the station under test.
The Test Set ERT-A2 module is easily programmed for testing Field Stations of various
frequencies in the VHF band. The ERT-A2 module can be programmed to any frequency within
the 148 to 174MHz band. There is also an audible output to indicate the receiver has heard a
valid message, which is useful for monitoring of ERRTS signals.
The transmitter power, frequency, and quality of the antenna systems can be easily measured
using the Surecom digital VHF SWR & Power Watt meter.
Transmitted data can be checked for integrity using the “ERRTS Ranger” Windows based
software provided. ALERT/ALERT2 Frames and IFLOWS Frames are supported.
The Test Set is used in conjunction with a portable computer (not supplied) using Windows
Operating systems and may be used as a substitute for either a Field Station, Repeater or a Base
Station to assist in fault diagnosis.
The Test Set is portable, contained in a carry case and all devices are powered by internal
batteries. The ERT-A2 and VWSR meter can be charged using the supplied plug pack.
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Contents of TestSet
The ERTK-A2 Field Test Set is contained in a heavy duty, waterproof carry case which contains
a foam insert that provides protection for the components.
The Test Set Includes:
•ERT-A2-CXR-1X Receiver and Decoder
•VSWR Meter & Test Leads
•Built in Battery & Plug Pack Charger
•Programming leads and cables
•Whip antenna
Options Available
•Digital Multi Meter
•Fixed Attenuator & Accessories
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Operation
Connections
The ERTK-A2 Field Test Set has been pre-wired to allow easy access to all connection points.
These are the main connections that you will need to access (refer to the figure below):
Antenna –You will find a small whip antenna in the accessory box.
Configuration –Configuration port for the ERT-A2 Receiver & Decoder (If configuration of the
Base Station is needed i.e., to change Radio frequency, etc.)
Charger for VSWR Meter –This USB port is primarily used for periodically changing the
VSWR Meter (when required). Note: Supply comes from the internal ERT-A2 battery so
prolonged charging of other devices will flatten the battery. Should only be used in
emergencies and when the 24V DC charging cable is connected (see below)
Serial Data Out –This connection point is for the Serial data from the ERT-A2 Receiver/
Decoder and is used to connect to the Ranger software for displaying Alert data frames.
Power –Turn ON/OFF power to the ERT-A2 Receiver/Decoder.
Charging Port –Charges the ERT-A2 Receiver /Decoder and the VSWR Meter (if connected
to the USB Charging socket)
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The VHF VSWR and Watt meter
Description
The ERTK-A2 Field Test Set is supplied with a Surecom SW-102 Digital VSWR Watt Meter and
frequency counter. This device allows the testing of the cannister transmitter to ensure the
Transmitted Power and the Frequency are within allowable limits. Should the frequency drift
beyond a certain limit, then the reliability of the communications will begin to suffer.
The SW-102 is a handheld device and is powered by internal rechargeable Li-on batteries,
which can be charged from any Micro USB phone charger, or the USB charging socket
provided in the case. Note: Charging will come directly from the ERT-A2 Internal battery, so the
Power switch must be turned ON.
The SW-102 is also able to check the Antenna VSWR by connecting it in series with the
antenna using the cables provided.
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Connection
In order to measure the
frequency and TX power of
the transmitter and the
Antenna VSWR, it is
necessary to connect the
SW-102 inline in between the
cannister and the antenna or
dummy load. The cables
provided should be sufficient
for the connections.
Each connector is clearly labelled, connect the TX to the
Transmitter and the ANT to the Antenna or if only
measuring TX power a suitable dummy load to
accommodate the power level.
Note: The ERTK-A2 Field Test Set includes two adapter
cables. You need to use both cables to connect the ERT-
A2 and the Antenna. The ERT-A2 connections are N-Type
while the VSWR meter connectors are PL-259 type. The
antenna cable will screw directly into the PL-259 ANT
connector on the SWR meter but will not provide an RF
connection.
The Power Meter or VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Reflectometer) is used to test the
condition of the antenna and co-axial cable assembly. The meter is an “In- Line” variety as it is
installed between the transmitter and the antenna co-axial cable.
As it is a ratio, the accuracy of the meter in precise measurement becomes less important, also
the SWR provides a constant reference figure for the antenna system independently of the
amount of RF Power generated by the transmitter.
The Test Set is supplied with two co-axial test leads for use with connection of the meter to the
system under test.
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Making a TX power and VSWR Measurement
To check the TX power level and VSWR we need to force the cannister to Transmit.
In the ERT-A2 this can be done from the terminal menu. It is an option under the “Unit
Diagnostic” menu. Select “Radio Tone Reversals” from the “Unit diagnostics” menu.
If using the legacy cannisters, there is an option in the menu for “Tones”.
This will force the radio to send a constant tone which will allow us to see what the TX level and
what the VSWR is if an antenna is connected. The display will show similar to the below
image:
You can then read the TX Power level (red rectangle) and VSWR (orange rectangle) The reading
should not exceed 1:5. You will also be able to see the Transmit Frequency (light blue rectangle).
The display will retain the values until they change or the unit times out and goes to sleep. Pressing
any key on the legacy cannister will turn off the transmitter. On the ERT-A2 you will need to select
the option to “Stop Radio Tones”.
To clear the display, press the yellow button for 2 seconds.
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ERT-A2 ERRTS Decoder
Description
The ERT-A2 will receive and decode ALERT (version 1) or ALERT2 radio messages and translate
the radio messages into a serial format RS485 to USB Serial converter suitable for the portable
computer.
Operation
The Decoder operation is provided from a standard ERT-A2 ALERT2
cannister which is configured as a Base Receiver.
The ERT-A2 is powered internally from a Li-on battery which can be
charged via the charging port and plug-pack power supply provided in the
kit.
The power switch on the front panel turns off the ERT-A2 and isolates the
battery from drawing any further current, i.e. via the USB charging socket.
If you need to change the battery or remove it for whatever reason, please disconnect from the
connector behind the stainless-steel bracket inside the ERT-A2 as shown in the diagram above.
Configuration
As the Receive/Decoder is a standard ERT-A2 it can be used as a spare Field station or Repeater if
required in an emergency and so may need to be reconfigured from time to time.
To reconfigure the unit back to a Base Receiver, connect to the “configuration” USB B Socket
in the case using a standard USB A USB B (Printer) cable (included) and follow the basic
configuration requirements as per below.
From a factory defaulted unit select “Unit Config” from the main menu then “Communication”
Configuration Mode = “Integrated Radio Reporting”
Unit Type = “Base Station Rcvr”
Tx Frequency = Configure to match your system.
RX Frequency = Configure to match your system.
Report Format = Generally this would be ALERT Binary which receives both ALERT Binary
and ALERT IFLOWS format. If your network operates using ALERT2 protocol, select this from
the menu.
Next, navigate back to the main menu and then select “Show/Save configuration”, check its
correct then select “Yes” to save.
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ERRTS RANGER Software
ELPRO Alert2 Ranger software can be downloaded from our web site at the link below.
https://support.envirada.com/portal/en/kb/articles/elpro-ertk-a2-testset-and-new-ranger-software
Description
ERRTS Ranger is a Windows Interface/Driver for ALERT and ALERT2 Flood Warning system
protocols. This manual applies to software “Alert2 Ranger V1.03”.
Connecting the portable computer
A USB A to USB B (Printer) cable is supplied with the ERTK-A2 Field Test Set.
Connect the lead to the USB B socket marked as “Serial Data” on the panel in the Test Set case.
Then connect the other end to the serial port of your portable computer.
Download, install and then run the “Ranger” software and you will see a screen like below.
Select the comm port that you are plugged into from the drop-down list. (If you are unsure of
the Comm port number, check Windows Device Manager. Press the circular arrow to update
the Comm port list.
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Connection Options
The ERTK-A2 Field Test Set set can be Setup to connect via the following
interfaces:
•ERTD Connect - Allows you to connect to the older Elpro Decoder
Serial port. This decodes standard ALERT (version 1) protocol from a
ELPRO ERTD data decoder.
•ERTA2 RS-485 - Connection to the “Serial Data Out” socket on the connection panel, which
will decode either ALERT or ALERT2 (whichever is configured) frames received by the ERT-
A2.
•ERTA2 USB - This allows direct connection to the ERT-A2 USB port. This connection is
useful to monitor traffic received at a repeater station or a base station where there is no
RS485 connection available. Note this connection requires ERT-A2 with firmware version 1.7
or newer to operate.
Default for Ranger Decoding with the Test Set is “ERTA2 RS-485”
You do not need to setup any serial parameters on your portable computer as the Ranger software
will automatically adjust itself to the correct baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits and flow control as
required.
The Ranger software will now record any ALERT and/or ALERT2 messages it receives and will
decode the data appropriately.
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Displayed Data Frame –ALERT Concentration format
When the ERT-A2 is configured for ALERT IFLOWS or ALERT Binary mode (ALERT version 1), the
data is received in ALERT mode, and forwarded to the Ranger Software as an ALERT2
Concentration frame which holds the data from one or more ALERT messages.
The data from the most recent frame is displayed at the top of the screen. This can be set to only
display data from a single station (refer to section “
Filtering Data
” below).
The fields here show:
Last ID: - The Station ID of the last receive message. For a Concentration Format frame, this
is the ALERT (version 1) ID of the last received message.
Rx Time: - This is the timestamp recorded at your portable computer when the message was
received.
Last Value: - This is the sensor value corresponding to the sensor ID shown in “Last ID”.
RSSI: - This is the received signal strength of the last message.
More detailed information is shown in the Decoded Data section. The format of the data displayed
consists of the following items:
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[Time Stamp] - Time the message was received in the Ranger Software.
Source: - Source Address of the message. This is the address of the local ERT-A2 unit in the
ERTK-A2 Field Test Set.
Agency ID:- Configured Agency ID at the ERTK-A2 unit (default value ELPRO)
ALERT (Conc) - Frame type indication –This indicates one or more ALERT (version 1) messages
inside an ALERT2 concentration frame.
Received: -Data Time Stamp (Actual event time Stamp from the local ERT-A2 device).
Data: - This is the actual data Sensor ID’s, data values and time offset. (Will show multiple
values in the data frame). The sensor ID is the ALERT sensor ID of the remote
ALERT (version 1) device. The data value is the data sent with the sensor ID, and
the time offset is the time (in seconds) that the message was held at the receiver
before it was forwarded (This will be zero for a normal base station receiver).
RSSI: - Signal level of the received radio message (measured in dBm)
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Displayed Data Frame –ALERT2 General Sensor Report format
When the ERT-A2 is configured for ALERT2 format, the data is received by the ERTK-A2 unit in ALERT2 mode
and forwarded to the Ranger Software as an ALERT2 general sensor report from the remote station.
The data from the most recent frame is displayed at the top of the screen. This can be set to only display data
from a single station (refer to section “
Filtering Data
” below).
The fields here show:
Last ID: - The Station ID of the last receive message. For an ALERT2 Format frame, this is the
ALERT2 ID of the remote sending station.
Rx Time: - This is the timestamp recorded at your portable computer when the message was received.
This is the same as the [Time Stamp] value in Decoded Data.
Last Value: - ALERT2 messages can contain data from multiple sensors. This field shows the sensor ID
and value for each of the sensors in the message.
RSSI: - This is the received signal strength of that message.
More detailed information is shown in the Decoded Data section. The format of the data displayed data
consists of the following items:
[Time Stamp] - Time the message was received in the Ranger Software.
Source: - Source Address of the message. This is the address of the local ERT-A2 unit in the ERTK-
A2 Field Test Set.
Agency ID: - Configured Agency ID at the Base station (default value ELPRO)
ALERT2: - Frame type indication –This is a single ALERT2 message. The 4-digit Address is the station
ID of the remote field station
Sent: -Data Time Stamp. For ALERT2 messages, this is the time stamp added at the remote field
device.
Data: - This is the actual data Sensor ID’s and data values. This will show multiple sensor IDs and
values in the data frame. The sensor ID is the ALERT2 sensor ID at the remote ALERT2
device. The data value is the data sent with the sensor ID. In the image above, the reports
at 12:43:51 and 12:21:46 contain a single data item (ID 3). The other reports contain three
data items, IDs 8, 5, and 3.
RSSI: - Signal level of the received radio message (measured in dBm)
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Connecting to the ERTD Decoder for ALERT messages
You can use the Ranger software to monitor data from a legacy ALERT receiver/decoder (ERTD,
ERTE) configuration. Select the correct Comm port, then click “ERTD Connect”
When connected to an ERTD unit, the received data is in the original ALERT (version 1) format.
The data from the most recent frame is displayed at the top of the screen. This can be set to only
display data from a single station (refer to section “
Filtering Data
” below).
The fields here show:
Last ID: - The ALERT ID of the last received message.
Rx Time: - This is the timestamp recorded at your portable computer when the message was
received.
Last Value: - This is the sensor value corresponding to the sensor ID shown in “Last ID”.
More detailed information is shown in the Decoded Data section. The format of the displayed data
consists of the following items:
[Time Stamp] - Time the message was received in the Ranger Software.
Binary: - Displayed for ALERT Binary format messages
IFLOWS: - Displayed for ALERT Enhanced IFLOWS format messages
ID : VALUE - The sensor ID and Sensor value from the receive message.
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Station Names
Ranger software will support a file with lookup of station names and IDs. This file must be named
“Address-Location.txt” and must be placed in the same directory as the ERTA2Ranger executable.
; *************************
; * ADDRESS LOCATION FILE *
; * --------------------- *
; *************************
; This is an example of the address location file.
; The actual address (ID) must be first, followed by the user name.
; The user name can be any length, but should be kept to 22 characters
;
; The program ignores lines that do not start with a <space>.
;
; <-22 characters ->
; ALERT ADDRESS USER - NAME
; ------------- ----------------------
838 Mingo Ck Rd RN
839 Mingo Ck Rd Batt
Once this file is loaded, the station User Name will display under the “Last ID” field
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Filtering Data
The ERRTS Ranger software lets you filter incoming data to only display data from a single
sensor at the top of the screen (the Serial Data and Decoded Data fields will still show all
received messages).
Click the Check box marked “Filter Disabled” to enable filtering. The label will change to “Filter
Enabled”. A text box marked “ID Filter” will appear. You can type the ID of station under test
here to only display data from that station at the top of the screen. If you have an address
location file loaded (see above –“
Station Names
”) you can also set the ID by selecting from
the list of station names.
Data Log Files
The ERRTS Ranger software automatically logs data as well as displaying it on the screen. Each
time you connect, it creates two new log files to log the decoded data and raw serial data.
ERTA2_Data_Log_<yyyymmdd_hhmm> logs the decoded output displayed under “Decoded Data”
ERTA2_Comms_Log_<yyyymmdd_hhmm> logs the raw received data displayed under “Serial Data”.
Page 17 of 17 man_A-ERTK-A2_V1.3.docx
Connecting directly to the ERT-A2 USB Configuration port
ERT-A2 Firmware version 1.7 allows direct connection to the USB port on the ERT-A2 unit. This is
useful if you want to monitor messages at a repeater station or base station where you can’t access
the RS-485 signals directly.
Plug your USB cable to the USB-B connector on the ERT-A2 unit and use Windows Device Manager
to determine which Comm port to use (ERTA2 USB connection will display under Ports (COM & LPT)
as a USB Serial Device).
Select the Comm port and click “ERTA2 USB” on the Connection list. You will be prompted for the
Technician Password. Enter the password or click “Use Default” if you haven’t changed the password
from the factory setting.
Once the connection is complete, you can see the receive frequency displayed. You can also change
the Receive frequency. Type in a new value and click “Set Freq”.
Note: Take care to Disconnect from repeaters or base stations after you have completed your test. If
you change frequency and unplug without first selecting “Disconnect”, the receive frequency will
remain at the value you have set. If you forget to disconnect, you can restore the frequency by:
- Reconnecting the USB cable, connect to ERTA2 USB, then select Disconnect; or
- Restarting the module (RESET button); or
- Setting the frequency back to the original value through the configuration menu.
Support
To speak with our technical support team, please contact us on:
Telephone: +61 7 3352 8624
Email: support@elprotech.com
ELPRO Technologies |29 Lathe St |Virginia QLD 4014
www.elprotech.com
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