GE Grid Solutions MDS Master Station User manual

MDS™ Master Station
Modular Communications Platform
MDS 05-6399A01, Rev. F
DECEMBER 2016
Firmware Version 4.1.6 and higher.
Technical Manual
Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual

Quick-Start instructions for this product are contained in publication 05-6398A01.
Visit our website for downloadable copies of all documentation at www.gemds.com.
IMPORTANT
This manual describes the details, installation, configuration and operation of the
MDS™Master Station. It does not cover the description or configuration of features and
settings common to the MDS Orbit family of products. For full information on
configuring the parts of the system that are not directly related to SD/LN networking or
the MDS™Master Station, please reference the MDS Orbit MCR Technical Manual
(p/n: 05-6632A01). The MDS™Master Station manual is designed to be used in
parallel with the MCR Technical Manual, and as such does NOT cover information
already described in that manual.

MDS 05-6399A01, Rev. F MDS™ Master Station 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Organization of Manual............................................................................................... 9
Related Publications.............................................................................................. 10
2.0 KEY PRODUCT FEATURES................................................................................ 11
2.1 Accessories and Spare Items................................................................................... 13
2.2 FCC Emission Designators: How to Find Them...................................................... 15
2.3 Front Panel................................................................................................................ 15
2.4 Rear Antenna Connections ...................................................................................... 16
3.0 INSTALLATION PLANNING................................................................................ 17
3.1 Applications............................................................................................................... 17
Repeater and Polling Remote Operation (MPRS Only)....................................... 18
Simplex and Switched Carrier Operation ............................................................. 18
3.2 Network Management............................................................................................... 18
MPRS Network-Wide Diagnostics ........................................................................ 18
MPRS Network Management Using PulseNET ................................................... 18
3.3 Redundant versus Non-redundant Operation.......................................................... 19
3.4 Antennas and Feedlines........................................................................................... 19
Antennas................................................................................................................ 19
Feedlines ............................................................................................................... 19
3.5 Grounding Considerations........................................................................................ 20
3.6 Data Interface Connections...................................................................................... 21
Ethernet Data Interface (RJ-45)............................................................................ 21
Serial Data Interfaces............................................................................................ 21
MPRS Serial Data Connection.............................................................................. 21
Mini USB................................................................................................................ 22
Alarm Output and 4-Wire Audio............................................................................ 22
4.0 INSTALLATION PROCEDURES......................................................................... 23
4.1 Unpacking and Inspection........................................................................................ 23
4.2 Installation Steps....................................................................................................... 23
Initial Startup & Operation..................................................................................... 26
Module LED Indicators.......................................................................................... 26
Normal Indications................................................................................................. 27
Maximizing RSSI................................................................................................... 27
5.0 DEVICE MANAGEMENT...................................................................................... 28
5.1 Pre-Configured Settings ........................................................................................... 28
5.2 One-Time “Recovery” Passwords ............................................................................ 28
One-Time Passwords: How They Work ............................................................... 28
Creating a One-Time Password............................................................................ 29
Logging in With a One-Time Password................................................................ 29
Deleting a One-Time Password............................................................................ 29
5.3 Configuration via Command Line (CLI).................................................................... 30
Tab Completion Feature ....................................................................................... 30

2 MDS™ Master Station MDS 05-6399A01, Rev. F
CLI Quick Reference Table................................................................................... 30
5.4 Interface Naming....................................................................................................... 32
5.5 Configuration via the Device Manager..................................................................... 32
General Configuration........................................................................................... 33
5.6 Interface Configuration ............................................................................................. 34
Understanding....................................................................................................... 34
Configuring ............................................................................................................ 34
5.7 LAN............................................................................................................................ 38
Understanding....................................................................................................... 38
Configuring ............................................................................................................ 38
5.8 Bridging..................................................................................................................... 40
Understanding....................................................................................................... 40
Configuring ............................................................................................................ 41
5.9 SDMS Interface......................................................................................................... 41
Understanding....................................................................................................... 41
Configuration ......................................................................................................... 43
General Settings.................................................................................................... 44
Dlink....................................................................................................................... 48
MAC Settings......................................................................................................... 49
IP Payload ............................................................................................................. 51
Advanced Configuration........................................................................................ 57
Audio...................................................................................................................... 60
Actions................................................................................................................... 61
Remote SD Reprogramming................................................................................. 65
Monitoring.............................................................................................................. 69
Performance.......................................................................................................... 70
5.10SD-x/0/0 Interfaces................................................................................................... 71
General.................................................................................................................. 71
Statistics................................................................................................................. 71
5.11LNMS interface ......................................................................................................... 74
Understanding....................................................................................................... 74
Advanced Configuration........................................................................................ 80
Monitoring.............................................................................................................. 81
CLI Configuration Examples ................................................................................. 86
5.12LN-x/0/0 interfaces.................................................................................................... 93
6.0 MASTER STATION MODULES........................................................................... 94
6.1 AC Power Supply Module......................................................................................... 95
6.2DC Power Supply Module ........................................................................................ 96
6.3 Platform Manager Module........................................................................................ 97
Platform Manager LED Indicators......................................................................... 97
Ethernet Interfaces................................................................................................ 97
COM1 Interface ..................................................................................................... 98
COM2 Interface ..................................................................................................... 99
Mini USB Interface............................................................................................... 101
6.4 SD Radio Modules.................................................................................................. 102
SD Master Radio Module LED Indicators........................................................... 102
SD Master Radio Module RF Interface............................................................... 102

MDS 05-6399A01, Rev. F MDS™ Master Station 3
Technical Specifications...................................................................................... 103
6.5 LN Radio Modules .................................................................................................. 105
LN Master Radio Module LED Indicators ........................................................... 105
Technical Specifications...................................................................................... 106
6.6 Alarm and Alarm/Relay Modules............................................................................ 109
Alarm Module LEDs ............................................................................................ 110
Alarm/Audio Interface.......................................................................................... 110
Alarm/Relay Toggle Switch (6847 Only)............................................................. 111
Alarm/Relay RF Connections (6847 Only) ......................................................... 111
6.7 Duplexer Tray.......................................................................................................... 112
7.0 SPECIAL CONFIGURATIONS........................................................................... 113
7.1 Migrating “A” Modem Networks.............................................................................. 113
Mitigation strategy for mixed SDx/x710 repeater networks using the “A” modem ..... 113
User Configuration 1: Non-CKEY Repeater Network Case............................... 113
User Configuration 2: CKEY Repeater Network Case....................................... 114
8.0 TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................ 115
8.1 Interpreting Module LEDs....................................................................................... 115
Normal Operation................................................................................................ 115
Exception and Alarm States................................................................................ 116
8.2 Redundant Units..................................................................................................... 116
8.3 Technical Assistance.............................................................................................. 116
8.4 Replacing Modules ................................................................................................. 116
Power Supply Modules........................................................................................ 117
Peripheral Modules –including Platform Manager, Radio, Alarm, and Alarm
Relay Modules..................................................................................................... 117
Hot Swap Redundant Modules........................................................................... 118
Internal Duplexer Tray......................................................................................... 119
400 MHz Notch-Type Duplexers......................................................................... 119
Bandpass-Type Duplexers.................................................................................. 119
8.5 Testing and Removing an Internal Duplexer ......................................................... 120
Testing................................................................................................................. 120
Removing the Internal Duplexer ......................................................................... 120
9.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE DATA..................................................................... 124
9.1 RF Propagation Planning ....................................................................................... 124
Fresnel Zone Clearance...................................................................................... 124
Formulas for System Planning............................................................................ 125
9.2 dBm-Volts-Watts Conversion Chart....................................................................... 127
10.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS ................................................. 128

4 MDS™ Master Station MDS 05-6399A01, Rev. F
Copyright Notice
This Technical Manual and all software described herein are protected by copyright: 2015 GE
MDS. All rights reserved.
GE MDS reserves its right to correct any errors and omissions in this publication.
Safety words and definitions
The following symbols used in this document indicate the following conditions:
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
Indicates practices not related to personal injury.
Indicates general information and practices, including operational
information and practices that are not related to personal injury.
Installation & Servicing Precautions
The unit is provided for professional installation only, and utilizes a
specialized antenna connector to restrict the types of antenna connections
that may be made. The integrator of this device is responsible for compliance with all applicable
limits on radiated RF power, and the RF power output may need to be adjusted to maintain
compliance, depending on the gain of the antenna system.
All power supply main connections and disconnections must be made by a qualified electrical
installer.
When servicing energized equipment, be sure to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE). During internal service, situations could arise where objects accidentally contact or short
circuit components and the appropriate PPE would alleviate or decrease the severity of potential
injury. When servicing radios, all workplace regulations and other applicable standards for live
electrical work should be followed to ensure personal safety.
Operational Safety Notices
The radio equipment described in this guide uses radio frequency transmitters.
Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a directional
antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to come in close
proximity to the front of the antenna when the transmitter is operating. More
information on RF exposure can be found online at the following website:
www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins
This manual is intended to guide a professional installer to install, operate, and perform basic
system maintenance on the described radio.

MDS 05-6399A01, Rev. F MDS™ Master Station 5
The RF safety distance is calculated based on each product type’s highest output power
configuration with no duplexer, redundant switching, or cable losses.
Table 1-1 Antenna Gain vs. Minimum RF Safety Distance
Radio Module Equipped
Antenna Gain
0–5 dBi
5–10 dBi
10–16.5 dBi
SDM4 –FCC
1.09 meters
1.95 meters
4.11 meters
SDM4 –IC
1.43 meters
2.54 meters
5.37 meters
SDM9 –FCC
0.99 meters
1.76 meters
3.73 meters
SDM9 –IC
1.29 meters
2.30 meters
4.87 meters
LN4
1.43 meters
2.54 meters
5.07 meters
LN9
1.08 meters
1.92 meters
3.82 meters
(other models):
Consult factory prior to operation.
Not all frequency models available. Consult factory for available models.
Antennas with gain greater than 16dBi have not been authorized for use with the EUT; and (b)
installation of the EUT into portable applications with respect to RF compliance will require
SAR testing and Regulatory approval.
CSA Notice Units (Both AC and DC supply versions) are permanently connected to
Protective Earth, via ground stud on the unit enclosure back, where the final
installation is subject to acceptance of CSA International or the local inspection authority having
jurisdiction. Conditions of Acceptability:
1. The equipment shall be installed indoors in a restricted access
location.
2. Installation of the equipment and its modules shall be conducted by
trained personnel in accordance with the electrical code.
3. This equipment is movable, Class I (earthed), pluggable Type A,
using detachable power cords, intended for use on TN or TT power
system for the AC power option.
4. The DC power option shall be connected to an approved power
source with adequate protection, isolated from the mains by
reinforced insulation.
5. This product was certified for use on a 20A branch circuit for the AC
power option.

6 MDS™ Master Station MDS 05-6399A01, Rev. F
6. The AC socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall
be easily accessible.
7. The power supply cord must be disconnected from the appliance inlet
before removing any power supply from the chassis.
8. CAUTION: THIS UNIT HAS MORE THAN ONE POWER SUPPLY
CORD. DISCONNECT THE TWO POWER SUPPLY CORDS
BEFORE SERVICING TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK
9. The equipment chassis shall be permanently grounded though a size
six screw and a star toothed washer.
10. The interior of the equipment is not for operator access.
FCC Part 15 Notice
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. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case users will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received; including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment
FCC IDs of Available Transmitters
As of the printing date, the following identifiers are assigned to the modules listed below. For the
latest, official listings of all agency approvals, please contact your factory representative.
Radio Desc.
FCC ID
IC ID
WIFI Module
M4Y-ZCN722MV1
3195A-ZCN722MV1
LN 400Mhz Module
E5MDS-LN400
101D-LN400
LN 700Mhz Module
E5MDS-LN700
n/a
LN 900Mhz Module
E5MDS-LN900
101D-LN900
SD 400Mhz Module
E5MDS-SDM4
101D-SDM4
SD 900Mhz Module
E5MDS-SDM9
101D-SDM9
Canada, IC ERP Limits
IC SRSP-501, 6.3.2. Limits the ERP to 125W for fixed point-to-point operation. For IC use, the
antenna gain and Transmit power must be set to meet the ERP limit of 125W. This can be
accomplished by using the appropriate at antenna gain in combination with the RF power
settings