Futurecom DVR-LX User manual

Futurecom Systems Group, ULC
DVR-LX®Installation Guide
Document: 8M093X01
Revision: R1.0
Date: 2021-06-01

8M093X01 R1.0 2
NOTES

8M093X01 R1.0 3
Manual Revisions
Rev
#
Date
Notes & References
0
May 2021
Original Release

8M093X01 R1.0 4
Table of Contents
Proprietary Statement...................................................................................................6
Commercial Warranty...................................................................................................6
Declaration of Conformity ............................................................................................7
Important Safety Information........................................................................................7
Notice to Users (FCC/ISED)..........................................................................................7
Déclaration de Conformité............................................................................................8
Informations de Sécurité Importantes.........................................................................8
Avis Aux Utilisateurs (FCC/ISED).................................................................................8
Introduction...................................................................................................................9
Installation Planning...................................................................................................10
Cautionary Notes & Considerations...........................................................................10
Tools Required..........................................................................................................10
Programming Details.................................................................................................10
Bypass Switch....................................................................................................................... 10
Status Lights ......................................................................................................................... 13
AVRA .................................................................................................................................... 15
Mounting Instructions.................................................................................................17
Cautionary Notes & Considerations...........................................................................17
Preparation................................................................................................................17
Instructions................................................................................................................17
Cable Connections......................................................................................................19
Cautionary Notes & Considerations...........................................................................19
Configuration Terms..................................................................................................19
DVR-LX and Duplexer Connections ..........................................................................20
In-Band Notch Filter Connectors ...............................................................................21
Power Cable..............................................................................................................23
Configuration Identification........................................................................................25
Standard Installation Cables......................................................................................26
Installation Drawings .................................................................................................27
Configuration 1: Duplex (700 or 800MHz) In-band Stacked................................................. 27
Configuration 2: Duplex (700 or 800MHz) In-band Flat........................................................ 29
Configuration 3: Duplex (VHF or UHF) In-band Stacked...................................................... 30

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Configuration 4: Duplex (VHF or UHF) In-band Flat............................................................. 31
Configuration 5: Duplex Cross-band Stacked....................................................................... 32
Configuration 6: Duplex Cross-band Flat.............................................................................. 33
Configuration 7: Simplex (VHF) In-band Stacked................................................................. 34
Configuration 8: Simplex (VHF) In-band Flat........................................................................ 35
Auxiliary Port Options................................................................................................36
In-band Auxiliary Cabling...................................................................................................... 36
Cross-band Auxiliary Cabling ............................................................................................... 36
Antenna Installation....................................................................................................38
Cautionary Notes & Considerations...........................................................................38
Preparation................................................................................................................38
APPENDIX A- AUXILIARY CABLE..............................................................................39
APPENDIX B- CONTROL CABLE ...............................................................................40
APPENDIX C- CABLES BY TYPE ...............................................................................41
Appendix D- DVR-LX ANTENNAS..............................................................................42
Glossary.......................................................................................................................43
References...................................................................................................................45
Contact Information....................................................................................................46

8M093X01 R1.0 6
Proprietary Statement
©2021 Futurecom Systems Group ULC.
All Rights Reserved
Futurecom, PDR8000, DVR-LX, the Futurecom Logo and the Stylized FC logo are
registered trademarks of Futurecom Systems Group, ULC. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owner.
No part of this document, or any software included with it, may be reproduced and
distributed without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.
Futurecom Systems Group ULC. reserves the right to make changes or improvements to
the equipment, software or specification described in this document at any time and
without prior notice. These changes will be incorporated in the new releases of this
document.
This document may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.
Futurecom Systems Group, ULC. waives responsibility for any labour, materials or costs
incurred by any party as a result of using this document.
MOTOROLA, MOTO, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used
under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Commercial Warranty
Please reference Futurecom’s Terms and Conditions of Sale, Section 7 regarding
standard warranty (Futurecom Website > Terms and Conditions).

8M093X01 R1.0 7
Declaration of Conformity
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Futurecom Systems Group, ULC.
could void the User’s authority to operate the equipment.
Important Safety Information
The DVRS Repeater is intended for use in occupational / controlled conditions, where
users have full knowledge of the operator exposure and can exercise control over the
operator exposure to meet FCC/ISED limits. This radio is NOT authorized for general
population, consumer, or any other use.
Notice to Users (FCC/ISED)
To satisfy FCC/ISED RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, refer to
the RF Safety Booklet[1] for TX –RX duty cycle and a separation distance between the
antenna of this device and persons during operation. To ensure compliance, operations
at closer than this distance is not allowed.
Futurecom requires theP25 DVRS operator to ensure FCC/ISED Requirements for Radio
Frequency Exposure are met. The minimum distance between all possible personnel and
the body of the DVRS equipped vehicle is specified in the RF Safety Booklet[2]. Failure to
observe the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) distance exclusion area around the
antenna may expose persons within this area to RF energy above the FCC exposure limit
for bystanders (general population).
It is the responsibility of the repeater operator to ensure that MPR limits are observed at
all times during repeater transmissions. The repeater operator must ensure at all times
that no person comes within MPE distance from the antenna.
[1] Refer to RF Safety Booklet available on the Futurecom website.
[2] Refer to RF Safety Booklet available on the Futurecom website.

8M093X01 R1.0 8
Déclaration de Conformité
Cet équipement a été testé et déclaré conforme aux limites pour appareils numériques de classe
A, selon la partie 15 des règlements de la FCC. Ces limites sont destinées à assurer une
protection raisonnable contre les interférences nuisibles dans une installation commerciale.
L’équipement génère, utilise et peut émettre de l’énergie de fréquence radio et peut causer des
interférences nuisibles aux communications radio s’il n’est pas installé ou utilisé conformément
au mode d’emploi. Toutefois, rien ne garantit l’absence d’interférences dans une installation
particulière.
Les changements et les modifications qui n’ont pas été approuvés expressément par Futurecom
Systems Group ULC pourraient faire perdre à l’utilisateur son droit à utiliser cet équipement.
Informations de Sécurité Importantes
Le répéteur DVRS est conçu pour être utilisé dans des conditions professionnelles/contrôlées,
dans lesquelles les utilisateurs connaissent à fond leur exposition et peuvent exercer le contrôle
nécessaire sur celle-ci pour se conformer aux limites de la FCC/ISED. Cette radio N’EST PAS
autorisée pour être utilisée par le grand public, les consommateurs ou autres.
Avis Aux Utilisateurs (FCC/ISED)
Pour satisfaire les exigences de la FCC/d’ISED en matière d’exposition à l’énergie RF pour les
transmetteurs mobiles, prière de consulter la Brochure Sécurité RF
1
pour obtenir le facteur
d’utilisation transmission/réception et la distance de séparation entre l’antenne de cet appareil et
les personnes pendant l’utilisation. Pour assurer la conformité, le fonctionnement à une distance
moins élevée n’est pas autorisé.
Futurecom demande à l’opérateur du répéteur P25 DVRS de satisfaire aux exigences de la
FCC/ISED en matière d’exposition à l’énergie RF. La distance minimale entre toutes les
personnes possibles et une antenne omnidirectionnelle doit respecter les indications de la
Brochure Sécurité RF
2
. Tout manquement à respecter la zone d’exclusion autour de l’antenne
définie par la distance correspondant à la limite d’exposition maximale peut exposer les
personnes qui se trouvent dans ce rayon à une énergie RF supérieure à la limite d’exposition de
la FCC pour les spectateurs (population générale).
C’est à l’opérateur du répéteur qu’il incombe de s’assurer que les limites d’exposition maximales
sont respectées en tout temps pendant les transmissions du répéteur. L’opérateur du répéteur
doit s’assurer en tout temps que personne ne s’approche de l’antenne à une distance inférieure à
celle correspondant à la limite d’exposition minimale.
1
Prière de consulter la Brochure Sécurité RF sur le site Web de Futurecom.
2
Prière de consulter la Brochure Sécurité RF sur le site Web de Futurecom.

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Introduction
The P25 Digital Vehicular Repeater (DVR-LX) is used to extend portable radio
communications. When the DVR-LX is interfaced to a Motorola Mobile Subscriber Unit
(MSU), the complete equipment package is referred to as Digital Vehicular Repeater
System (DVRS).
When a Portable Subscriber Unit (PSU) has difficulty reaching a system tower, a DVR-
LX can help by linking the PSU to a higher power mobile radio or MSU. The DVR-LX is
designed to be seamlessly interfaced to:
•Remote Mount APX Series MSU with or without a Control Head (O2, O3, O5,
O7, O9, or E5)
•For full list of compatible MSUs refer to compatibility chart at Futurecom.com >
Support > Documentation and Software > DVR-LX/DVR/VRX1000
NOTES:
•MSU must be configured as Remote Mount to be compatible with the DVR-LX.
•APX8500 MSU may require interface kit. Please refer to the DVR/VRX1000
Ordering Guide.
•The MSU configured for DVRS operation can support up to two control heads.
•All control and status of the DVR are provided by the APX MSU control head.
The control head is mounted in the front of the vehicle while the DVR-LX and
associated filtering is housed in the back.
Figure 1: DVRS Equipment In Vehicle Layout

8M093X01 R1.0 10
Installation Planning
Tools Required
Description
Needed For
Drill
Installer preferred mounting hardware
Center Punch
(Optional)
Installer preferred mounting hardware
4mm Allen Key
6mm shoulder screws for securing DVR-LX flat mount to its
mounting base
Wire Cutters and
Crimping Tool
DC power cable installation
3/16” Flat Screwdriver
Cable connector screws
Programming Details
This section will detail programming information needed to enable certain installation
options. For full instructions on how to program the DVR-LX, please refer to the VR
Programming Guide
4
.
Bypass Switch
RF Bypass Switch with non-APX8500 MSU
If installing an in-band DVR-LX, it comes equipped with an internal RF bypass switch.
This switch bypasses the filtering at the output of the MSU as required to allow access to
3
Refer to RF Safety Booklet available on the Futurecom website.
4
Refer to VR Programming Guide available on the Futurecom website.
Cautionary Notes & Considerations
FILTER LIMITS: The DVR-LX is shipped equipped with custom filters tuned to the
specified frequency range provided by the customer. Programming the DVR-LX /
MSU to operate on frequencies outside of the original specified bands may result in
intermittent or complete loss of communications. Frequency changes may require
filter retuning or replacement.
TRANSMIT POWER (CROSS-BAND): The cross-band DVR-LX can be interfaced to
a high power MSU, however, the transmit power of the MSU must be reduced to
comply with the maximum power restrictions described in the DVRS RF Safety
Booklet3.
TRANSMIT POWER (IN-BAND): In all in-band DVRS configurations, the MSU
transmit power must not exceed 50 Watts on DVRS Enabled MSU Modes due to the
in-band filters’power rating. The in-band filters connected to the MSU have typical
insertion loss of 1.5dB.

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the full frequency band when DVR-LX is not enabled or to block certain frequencies
when DVR-LX is active to ensure interference-free communication.
When the DVR-LX is paired with a non-APX8500 MSU, the switch bypasses the filtering
at the output of the MSU when a DVR-LX disabled talk group (TG) is selected on the
MSU control head.
To enable the RF bypass switch operation, the following must be configured via
Futurecom Repeater Configurator (FRC) in the Hardware Setup menu (Figure 2):
•MSU RF Bypass Switch = checked (enabled)
•Relay Use- Relay 1 = MSU RF Bypass Sw.
Figure 2: RF Bypass Switch Configuration
RF Bypass Switch with APX8500 MSU with Triplexer and Single Band Antennas
If installing an in-band DVR-LX, it comes equipped with an internal RF bypass switch.
This switch bypasses the filtering at the output of the MSU as required to allow access to
the full frequency band when DVR-LX is not enabled or to block certain frequencies when
DVR-LX is active to ensure interference-free communication.
When the DVR-LX is paired with an APX8500 MSU using a triplexer and single band
antennas, the switch bypasses the filtering at the output of the MSU when a DVR-LX
disabled talk group (TG) is selected on the MSU control head.
To enable the RF bypass switch operation, the following must be configured via FRC in
the Hardware Setup menu (Figure 2):
•MSU RF Bypass Switch = checked (enabled)
•Relay Use- Relay 1 = MSU RF Bypass Sw.

8M093X01 R1.0 12
RF Bypass Switch with APX8500 MSU and All Band Antenna
If installing an in-band DVR-LX, it comes equipped with an internal RF bypass switch.
This switch bypasses the filtering at the output of the MSU as required to allow access to
the full frequency band when DVR-LX is not enabled or to block certain frequencies when
DVR-LX is active to ensure interference-free communication.
When the DVR-LX is paired with an APX8500 MSU connected an all-band antenna, this
switch bypasses the filtering at the output of the MSU as needed.
MSU in-band filter is in use when:
•MSU is on an in-band channel/TG AND DVR-LX is enabled
MSU in-band filter is not in use when:
•MSU is on a cross-band channel/TG OR
•MSU is on an in-band channel/TG AND DVR-LX is disabled
To enable the correct RF Switch operation, the following must be configured via FRC:
•Hardware Setup-> MSU RF Bypass Switch = checked (enabled) (See: Figure
2: RF Bypass Switch Configuration)
•Hardware Setup-> Relay Use-> Relay 1 = MSU RF Bypass Sw. (See: Figure 2:
RF Bypass Switch Configuration)
•VR Common Setup-> Enable Bypass Algorithm for APX 8500 = checked
(enabled) (See:Figure 3: RF Bypass Switch with APX8500 MSU Configuration)
Figure 3: RF Bypass Switch with APX8500 MSU Configuration
NOTE: For in-band configurations where an APX8500 interface kit is also required, the
above programming is still required. Instructions on how to install an interface kit with an
in-band DVRS are provided separately from this manual
5
.
5
Contact Futurecom to determine if an interface kit is required or to obtain an installation drawing.

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Status Lights
The relay outputs on the DVR-LX can be programmed to provide several status
indications –‘Primary Light’, ‘VR On Light’, ‘LOC Mode Light’, or ‘SYS Mode Light’.
Primary & On Lights
The DVR-LX status icon located on the top right corner of the control head can be used
to determine when the repeater is on and whether it is acting as a Primary or Secondary
device. Due to the limited space on the control head, the icon is quite small and some
users may prefer to have a more obvious light indication of the DVR-LX status.
Figure 4: Control Head Display –Status icon
A pair of lights may be connected to the AUX port with the light colour used to indicate
whether the DVR-LX is on (Secondary mode), and when it is in Primary mode.
For example, if a red light is connected to Relay 2 and a yellow light is connected to
Relay 3, the following light combinations will be seen:
Primary DVR-LX –Red and Yellow lights
Secondary DVR-LX –Yellow light only
To enable the lights operation, the following must be configured via FRC in the
Hardware Setup menu:
•External Master Light = checked (enabled)
•Relay Use-> Relay 2 = Master Light
•Relay Use-> Relay 3 = VR On Light

8M093X01 R1.0 14
Figure 5: Primary & On Lights Configuration
System & Local Mode Lights
The top line of the control head can be used to determine whether the DVR-LX is
operating in system (SYS) or local (LOC) mode. Some users may prefer to have a more
obvious indication of the DVR-LX status.
Figure 6: Control Head Display –System/Local
A pair of lights may be connected to the AUX port with the light colour used to indicate
whether the DVR-LX is in System or Local mode.
To enable the lights operation, the following must be configured via FRC in the
Hardware Setup menu:
•Relay Use-> Relay 2 = SYS Mode Light
•Relay Use-> Relay 3 = LOC Mode Light

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Automated VR Activation (AVRA)
The AVRA option enables automated DVR-LX ON/OFF control triggered by an external
switch –portable charger, door switch etc.
To enable AVRA operation, the following must be configured via FRC in the Hardware
Setup menu:
Option 1: Connected to VIP Input on MSU Control Head or DEK
•Automatic VR Activation = checked
•AVRA Uses VIP on CH = checked
NOTE: Corresponding VIP I/P must be enabled in the MSU
6
.
Figure 8: AVRA VIP Configuration
Option 2: Connected to DVR-LX Auxiliary Cable
•Automatic VR Activation = checked
•AVRA Uses VIP on CH = unchecked
NOTE: The MSU does not require special programming related to the
enabling of this option.
6
Refer to programming guide provided by Motorola for detailed instructions.
Figure 7: System and Local Mode Lights Configuration

8M093X01 R1.0 16
Figure 9: AVRA Auxiliary Configuration

8M093X01 R1.0 17
Mounting Instructions
Preparation
The flat mount DVR-LX is shipped with a mounting base attached by 4 screws. If a
template is needed for installation, the mounting base may be removed and used for that
purpose. (See
Figure 11: DVR-LX Mounting Screws- Flat) When reattaching, ensure that the
orientation of base to repeater is lined up by having the Futurecom logos at the same
end.
Instructions
Step 1: Secure DVR-LX to mounting surface with 4 fasteners. (recommend 6mm or ¼”)
Cautionary Notes & Considerations
ACCESSIBILITY: When planning the DVRS installation, make sure to leave
adequate room around all DVRS modules to allow for easy RF and control cabling
connections, to enable programming / re-flashing access to both the DVR-LX and
MSU ports and access to the DVR-LX mounting screws.
CABLE RANGE: Ensure all DVRS components, including the remote mount MSU,
are mounted within the interconnecting cables range.
CONTROL HEAD: Ensure control head is installed in front of the vehicle.
MSU AND ACCESSORIES: For detailed MSU and accessories installation
instructions, please refer to the installation manuals available from Motorola.

8M093X01 R1.0 18
NOTE: There are holes to accommodate up to 8 mounting points, with only 4 required
(See Figure 10: DVR-LX Mounting Screws-Stacked)
Step 2: Repeat Step 1 for in-band filters (if applicable) and duplexer (for flat mount
configuration).
Step 3: Connect all cables according to appropriate configuration.
Figure 10: DVR-LX Mounting Screws-Stacked

8M093X01 R1.0 19
Figure 11: DVR-LX Mounting Screws- Flat
Note: Mounting Base and Repeater must have Futurecom logo at the same end to ensure
accessibility of mounting screw holes.

8M093X01 R1.0 20
Cable Connections
Configuration Terms:
In-Band: DVR-LX operates in the same frequency band as a system frequency band.
Cross-Band: DVR-LX operates in a different frequency band than all of the system
frequency bands.
Stacked: DVR-LX components are stacked one on top of the other which requires more
height for installation.
Flat: DVR-LX components are provided individually allowing for a lower profile
installation.
Cautionary Notes & Considerations
CABLE LENGTHS: Unless special cabling length is specified upon placing an order,
the DVR-LX is shipped with a standard 3ft-long interconnect cable between the MSU
and DVR-LX.
GROUND POLARITY: The DVR operates only in negative ground, +12VDC electrical
systems. Before starting the installation, make sure that the ground polarity of the
vehicle is correct. Accidentally reversing the polarity will not damage the DVR but will
cause the cable fuse to blow. Futurecom recommends installation of voltage surge
protection to protect the car electronics to prevent spikes in the supply voltage.
(fuse is 7A, 0.25"x1.25", fast-acting fuse)
VEHICLE USER MANUAL: Before installing any electrical equipment, check the
vehicle manufacturer’s User Manual.