Fox Electronics FX255 D3 User manual

FX255 D3 DECODER/REPEATER
FOXFOX
FOXFOX
ELECTRONICS (PTY) LTD
SPECIALIZED SECURITY MONITORING EQUIPMENT
FX 255 D3
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
V1.0

PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY TO ENSURE THE CORRECT
OPERATION AND INSTALLATION OF THE DECODER.
CONTENTS
Safety precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
Introduction & Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5
Control and communication layout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6
Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
Programming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10
Date, time, repeater and base features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12
RS232 protocol
Troubleshooting - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15
Sharenet monitoring system - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16
Outdoor base antenna mounting example - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Please note that on our quest to improve on the features of the FX255 system,
features and specifications may change without notice.
1

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRONIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE THE COVER OR WORK ON THE INTERNAL
COMPONENTS IF YOU ARE NOTAQUALIFIED
ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN
To insure safe and trouble free operation follow all safety and operating
instructions in this manual.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
§ Disconnect the 220v AC before removing the FX255 cover.
§ Do not expose the FX255 to water or excessive moisture.
§ Do not connect external devices, chargers or batteries to the internal 12 volt
supply.
§ Always select the battery switch to the OFF position to disconnect the internal
battery when the FX255 is not in use.
§ Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
VENTILATION:
There should be at least 10cm space between the top, rear and sides of the FX255
to allow ample ventilation. Do not close any of the ventilation holes on the lid.
POWER REQUIREMENTS:
220v AC 50Hz
13.8V DC external adaptor
To keep the warranty void the FX255 base station may only be repaired by an
Fox electronics authorized repair technician. Any unauthorised repairs can cause
poor performance of your equipment.
2

INTRODUCTION
The FX 255 D3 alarm monitoring station is a compact self-contained unit
designed for monitoring of long range data transmitters as a standalone
unit or with a repeater network.
It consists of a decoder/encoder, receiver, transmitter, internal power
supply and backup battery in a compact durable enclosure, and is
programmable to be used as a decoder or repeater station. The LCD
display on the front panel provides the user with the last 4 received
transmitter codes and telemetry information. Received information is
reported to a USB port or programmable RS232 communications port.
The repeater network can utilize up to 32 repeaters working with auto
pathfinder technology to allow all repeaters to relay through each other
to efficiently send signals to the base station. Repeaters report battery
low, mains-fail, auto test and repeater number.
Up to 255 users may utilize the same frequency repeater network, using
a maximum of 10 000 codes per user.
FEATURES
§ Self contained unit with battery backup and charger.
§ X55 coding allow up to 255 users to share a frequency.
§ Each user has a 10 000 code capability.
§ Dual frequency decoding.
§ Encrypted coding format allows for secure data transmission.
§ Auto test report with repeater number .
§ 999 Telemetry andActivation condition codes are possible with X55 coding.
§ 4 Line x 20 character display which displays the last 4 code numbers with
telemetry and signal count.
§ The FX255 is programmable as a decoder or repeater.
§ Internal real time clock and calendar.
§ External buzzer output with remote reset input.
§ Single or dual antenna termination.
§ Up to 30 repeaters may be used on one system to provide good range and
reliable communications.
§ Repeater pathfinder technology ensures fast airtime saving communication.
3

SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency range 135 - 175 MHz
Frequency control Synthesized
Frequency stability 5 ppm
Channel spacing 12.5 KHz
Operating temperature range -10 to + 60°C
Termination SO239
Impedance 50 Ohms
Dimensions W 250mm x D 220mm x H 75 mm
Sensitivity -120 dBm (12 dB Sinad EIA)
Adjacent channel Selectivity -70 dB
Inter-modulation -65 dB
Spurious rejection -70 dB
RF output 5 or 12 watt selectable / 50 ohms
Spurious emission -70 dB below carrier
Modulation type FM
Frequency deviation adjustable to maximum 3.0 KHz
Main supply 13.8 volts DC internal power supply
Backup power 6.5 Ah battery
Receiver and decoder 145 mA
Transmitting signals 5 watt 1.5 amp (110 msec)
12 watt 2.5 amp (110 msec)
4
General
Receiver
Transmitter
Power supply
Power Consumption

INSTALLATION
Unpack the FX255 D3 decoder and check that the power and computer USB
or RS232 cable is removed before disposing of the box. (Recycle where possible)
1. Set the battery Select Switch to the internal battery position(down). The
FX255 D3 will power up on the internal backup battery.
2. Insert and tighten the antenna connector.
3.Connect the USB (or RS232) cable connector to the FX255 D3 Base and to an
available computer USB (or RS232) port. USB driver software must be loaded
onto the windows based software. Note Windows XP and older is not supported.
5
EXT
INT
PGM RS232 USB
PGM RS232 USB
EXT
INT
PGM RS232 USB
EXT
INT

Fx255 CONTROL LAYOUT
1. Status LED : Indicates microprocessor operation
2. Reset Switch : Used to reset or return out of a display function.
3. Volume UP : Increase the speaker volume.
4. Volume DOWN : Decrease the speaker volume.
5. Mode switch : Used for selecting various modes of FX255 functions.
6. Repeat LED : Indicates data transmitting in repeater mode
7. LCD display : 4 Line display indicating the last 4 codes received with
telemetry and signal count information.
FX255 COMMUNICATION PORT LAYOUT
1. Programmer Port : RJ12 programmer input for the FX Programmer.
2. RS232 Port : Programmable RS232 computer communication.
3. USB-B Port : USB computer communication.
4. Antenna Connector : For PL259 connectors at 50 OHM impedance.
5. DC input Switch : Select switch for internal or external DC battery backup.
6. External DC input : DC input socket for external DC supply.
7. AC adapter : Accepts standard 3 pin 220v AC cable.
6
9
8765
4
3
2
1
EXT
INT
PGM RS232 USB
7654
3
2
1

OPERATION
On Start Up the LCD will Display the following:
Programmed for a Decoder/Base it will display the Communications port setting.
Programmed as a Repeater it will display the Repeater Number and Talk Thru
repeater numbers.
Volume and Squelch
To adjust the volume press the UP or DOWN control buttons on the front of
the FX255 decoder. This will allow the user to select a comfortable audio level.
It is important to monitor radio signals to ensure that incoming codes are decoded.
To open the squelch press the MODE button once. Select the volume level if
necessary and press the RESET button to clear the squelch.
NOTE: Adjustment of both these controls have no affect on signal reception.
PWR, RX-1/2 , TX and DEC LED indicators
PWR - Power LED should flash ON for a ¼ second approximately once every
second, indicating that the processor is operating correctly. If the AC power is
OFF the LED will flash for ½ a second approximately every second to indicate
AC loss.
RX1/2 - LED indicates Green when RX1 is selected and Red for RX2.
TX - LED indicates when the FX255 D3 is transmitting data.
DEC - LED will flash every time data is read off the network.
Buzzer Reset and Code Acknowledge
After a code is received the buzzer will auto reset or if programmed it will stay
on until the reset button is pressed. This feature is selected in programming.
7
FOX
ELECTRONICS
FX255 D3 DECODER
COM - CID1

Remote Reset and External Buzzer Connection
Remote Reset : Used for external reset switch / remote connection
A normally open contact is required for reset.
External Buzzer : Output at 12 volt and 1 ampere maximum load.
Note polarity on terminal block.
8
RESET N/O
CONTACT
EXTERNAL
12V BUZZER +
-

PROGRAMMING
Insert the FX Programmer into the programming socket located at the back of
the FX 255 D3 decoder. The programmer will power up and you are ready to
start programming.
SETTING UP GENERAL FEATURES
Press [1] to view the settings of general features.
To enable a feature the corresponding NUMBER must be ON. To alter the
settings press the corresponding NUMBER KEY on the keypad to toggle the
function operation.
To EXIT and save - press the # key.
DIGIT FUNCTION ON OFF
1 HEARTBEAT 30 SEC 5 MINUTES
2 RS232 SPEED 9600 19200
3 RS232 MODE1 3 DIG TLM / CID1 1 DIG TLM / CID0
4 RS232 MODE2 FX255 STD SURGUARD
5 CODE PREFIX ENABLED DISABLED
6 MULTI USER DISPLAYALL SINGLE USER
7 SYSTEM MODE PATHFINDER STANDARD
8 BUZZER SUSTAIN AUTO RESET
BASE STATION OR REPEATER PROGRAMMING
The change from base station to repeater or the other way around is done by
the following instructions:
PRESS [2] [000] for BASE STATION
[2] [001] for REPEATER NO 1
[2] [002] for REPEATER NO 2
up to REPEATER 16
NOTE: If the FX255 is in repeater mode the BUZZER output is automatically
disabled.
9

TIME AND DATE PROGRAMMING
The FX255 is equipped with a real time clock and calendar that will NOT be lost
if the unit is turned off.
To program the time and date follow these instructions:
PRESS [6][1234][6][1] - The current date and time will be displayed.
Enter new [HOUR] [MIN] [DAY] [MONTH] [YEAR] [#] to save
To set the time to 16:30 and the date to 24/03/2016 the entry's will be:
PRESS [16] [30] [24] [03] [16] >followed by a long BEEP .
NOTE : The time is set in 24hour mode.
nd
PROGRAMMING 2 USER DECODING
The FX255 may be programmed to allow 2 users on a frequency to be decoded
to one Base station decoder.
PRESS [3] [user ID] >followed by a long BEEP .
nd
NOTE: To disable 2 user decoding, program user ID to "000".
In this mode the Alpha prefix is automatically enabled to differentiate
between the two user signals decoded.
PROGRAMMING REPEATER REPEAT THROUGH
The FX255 as a repeater is programmable to allow preprogrammed repeaters to
repeat though a set repeater. This allows repeaters to be daisy chained to the
base station. A repeater can only allow 4 other repeaters to repeat though.
To program Repeater NO. 1 to allow Repeater NO.5 and 7 to repeat through,
the following must be programmed on Repeater NO.1.
To allow Repeater NO.5 repeat through.
PRESS [6][1234][6][3] [40] [005] > followed by a long BEEP .
To allow Repeater NO.7 repeat through.
PRESS [6][1234][6][3] [41] [007] >followed by a long BEEP .
NOTE: To disable repeat though, program locations 40,41,42,43 to "000".
10

USB and RS232_______________
SERIAL PORT PROTOCOL
OPERATION
The decoded T9 signal will provide the computer software with the transmitter
code number , type of system activation, repeater number and user ID. All this
information is important in order for the computer software to log all activation's
and repeater activity.
The repeater number indicates repeater received and will be a '0' for a signal
received directly by the decoder.
USB- The use of the USB port requires Driver software to be installed on the
monitoring computer. The software drivers are supplied with the FX255 D3.
DATA MESSAGE COMPOSITION
Enter [1] [3] [#] on the LCD programmer to enable the standard format.
The form of the message is:
(ID) ACCT RN I Q XYZ PP CCC S E
There are other RS232 formats available that are described on page 14 of this
manual.
NOTE : FOX CID and SURGURD format are the only communication protocols
that will support T9 Muli-data transmission.
11
ID = 2 Digit Customer ID prefix (0-9, A-F) Programmable on Base on/off
ACCT= 4 Digit Account number (0-9999)
RN = Repeater number (0-99).
I = Signal strength (0-9).
Q= Event qualifier, which gives specific event information:
1/E = New Event or Opening
3/R = New Restore or Closing
@ = Heartbeat signal (sent every 5 minutes)
XYZ = Event code (3 digits 0-999)
PP = Partition number (2 digits 0-4)
CCC = Zone number (Zone or User # Open/Close reports ) (3 digits 0-999)
S= 1 Digit Hex checksum - ( 0-9,A-F)
calculated such that: (Sum of all message digits < multiple of 15)
E =End off byte 'OD' HEX carriage return

RS 232 CABLE CONNECTION TO A COMPUTER.
BASE COMPUTER
DB 9 FEMALE DB 9 FEMALE DB 25 FEMALE
Pin 2 - Data Rx ------------ Pin 3 - Data Tx Pin 2 - Data Tx
Pin 3 - Data Tx ------------ Pin 2 - Data Rx Pin 3 - Data Rx
Pin 5 - Data Gnd ------------ Pin 5 - Data Gnd Pin 7 - Data Gnd
INTERFACE PROTOCOL BETWEEN BASE AND COMPUTER
FORMAT : Asynchronous serial data
BAUD RATE : 19200 (programmable to 9600)
DATA BITS : 8
PARITY : No parity
HANDSHAKE : No handshake
STOP BITS : 1
RS 232 DATA SENT TO COMPUTER
12
INPUT TRIGGER EVENT CODE ZONE PARTITION
1 - EMERGENCY E003 000 00
2 - ALARM E000 000 00
3 - LOCK UP R001 000 00
3 - OPEN UP E002 000 00
4 - TELE 1 E004 000 00
5 - TELE 2 E005 000 00
6 - TELE 3 E006 000 00
7 - TELE 4 E007 000 00
8 - TELE 5 E060 000 00
9 - AC FAIL E010 000 00
9 - AC RESTORE R011 000 00
AUTO TRIGGER EVENT CODE ZONE PARTITION
BATT LOW E008 000 00
BATT RESTORE R009 000 00
FX255 HOUR TEST E012 000 00
TECH TEST E013 000 00
OVER VOLTAGE E015 000 00
POWER UP E017 000 00
STAT ARMED E020 000 00
STAT DISARMED R040 000 00

MULTI-DATA EXTENDED TELEMETRY DATA
The standard list of the most common telemetry data is provided below. Please
Note that there are many more not listed here. A complete list is available on
request.
13
ACTIVATION EVENT CODE ZONE PARTITION
MEDICAL E100 1-200 1-3
FIRE E110 1- 1-3
SMOKE E111 1- 1-3
PANIC E120 1- 1-3
DURESS E121 1- 1-3
SILENT PANIC E122 1- 1-3
BURGLARY E130 1- 1-3
GENERALALARM E140 1- 1-3
SILENT BURGLARY E146 1- 1-3
AC LOSS E301 0 000
SYSTEM BATTERY LOW E302 0 000
OPEN / CLOSE E/R400 USER 1-3
OPEN / CLOSE BY USER E/R401 USER 1-3
MANUAL TEST REPORT E601 0 000
PERIODIC TEST REPORT E402 0 000
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200

TROUBLE SHOOTING
BEFORE CALLING FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT !
General problems with the FX255 D3 may be resolved by one or more of the
following solutions. If after trying these suggestions, you are still experiencing
problems, contact FOX Electronics for technical support.
§ Check the STATUS LED forAC loss indication.
§ Be sure the 3 pin AC plug is connected to a live outlet (Test with DVM or
connect a test light).
§ Be sure that the battery terminals are connected.
§ Check that computer USB or RS232 connections are correct and secure
(Only use original cables or cables assembled as described in this manual).
§ Listen to incoming codes signals and check if they are decoded.
§ The computer will only communicate if the RS232 port is correctly programmed.
§ Check that your antenna connector to the FX 255 decoder is correctly
terminated and secure.
PREPARE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THEN CALL THE SERVICE
TECHNICIAN.
The following information will assist the Technician in helping your quickly
and efficiently:
§ A description of the problem.
§ Repeater locations and numbers, Base Station location and antennas
installed on site if you are experiencing signal problems.
§ Notes on test transmitter tested from the control room indicating the
repeaters received.
§ Have a working voltage meter at your disposal.
NOTE: Accurate information given on questions asked by our technical staff
ensure a faster and more accurate resolution to your problem.
14

FOX ELECTRONICS
FX 255 SHARE-NET MONITORING SYSTEM
The T9 VHF transmitter incorporates 8 programmable
trigger inputs to suit the installation or alarm panel
used. Power-up, battery low and DC over-voltage
signals allow accurate pro-active installation monitoring.
T9 Transmitter
no A11052
FX 255 Repeater
T9 Transmitter
no C39041
In SHARE-NET mode the FX255 repeater network will allow up to 255 users to utilize / share the
same repeaters and monitor transmitters individually as if on their own network. More than
one user may also be monitored by one Decoder.
The FX255 Decoder can be used as a standalone monitoring unit or within a network of
repeaters. Repeaters allow for a greater area of operation and repeat the transmitter
signals to the Decoder. Up to 16 Repeaters may be installed on a network.
Decoded signals are displayed on the LCD display and transferred to a USB and RS232
communication port for connection to a computer database.
The FX255 unit may be programmed as a Decoder or Repeater with a standard T9 programmer.
15
FX 255 Decoder
A11052
C39041

A
B
SINGLE OUTDOOR DIPOLE MOUNTING EXAMPLE
137 -175 MHz ANTENNA RANGE
A = Distance from top of the 3m pole 75cm
B = As high as possible above the top of the roof.
C = Tie the cable down every 50cm with cable ties as indicated.
D = Earth the antenna mast with an earth spike in the ground.
C
NOTE: The higher the antenna the better it will work. Use at least
4.7mm cable ties to secure the cable to the pole. Make sure
that the connector at the Dipole antenna is insulated using
the self sealing waterproof tape provided.
16
D