GE MDS LCT 450 Original operating instructions

Installation & Operation Guide
Supporting Phase 1 Units
MDS 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
MAY 2010
MDS LCT 450
Tri-Mode Data Transceiver

OPERATIONAL & SAFETY NOTICES
Concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health
hazard to humans. Do not allow people to come closer to the antenna
than the distances listed in the table below 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
.
Above data based on a 30-watt RF output level with a 100% duty cycle.
FCC Part 15 Notice
The transceiver is approved under Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing 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 opera-
tion. Any unauthorized modification or changes to this device without the express approval of
Microwave Data Systems may void the user’s authority to operate this device. Furthermore,
this device is intended to be used only when installed in accordance with the instructions out-
lined in this manual. Failure to comply with these instructions may void the user’s authority to
operate this device.
Antenna Gain vs. Recommended Safety Distance
Device complies with Power Density requirements at 20 cm separation: No
Required separation distance for 5 dBi antenna (in meters): 1.6
Required separation distance for 10 dBi antenna (in meters): 2.8
Required separation distance for 16.5 dBi antenna (in meters): 6.0
RF Exposure

05-4819A01, Rev. 08 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 1
INTRODUCTION
This guide presents installation and operating instructions for the
MDS LCT 450 Series wireless transceiver.
The transceiver (Figure 1) is designed to operate in Railroad Distrib-
uted Power applications. It is software-configurable to provide flex-
ible operation in a variety of applications using one hardware
platform. It employs microprocessor control and Digital Signal Pro-
cessing (DSP) technology to provide robust communications even
under adverse conditions.
Figure 1. Data Transceiver
NOTE:
Some features may not be available on all units, based on the
options purchased and the applicable regulatory constraints
for the region in which the radio will operate.
Front Panel Connectors
Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the interface connectors and indicators on
the transceiver’s front and rear panels. These items are referenced in
the installation steps given later in this guide.

2 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 2. Antenna & DC Power Connectors
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 3. Data Interface Connectors & LED Status Panel
DC Power Input
13.6 Vdc +/-15%
Antenna Connector
(UHF)
Power Connector:
Tyco/AMP Electronics 172129-1
LED Indicator Panel
P1 Control Interface Connect
(DB-25)
PWR
DCD
TXD
RXD
P2 Programming & Diagnostic
(DB-9)

05-4819A01, Rev. 08 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 3
INSTALLATION
There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver as fol-
lows:
• Adequate and stable primary power
• An efficient and properly installed antenna system
• Correct data connections between the transceiver and the data
equipment.
Figure 4 shows a typical station arrangement. This is followed by
step-by-step procedures for installing the transceiver and making front
and rear panel connections.
Figure 4. Typical Station Arrangement
INTEGRATED PROCESSING
MODULE (IPM)
ANTENNA
SYSTEM
LOW-LOSS
COAXIAL CABLE
(50 Ohm)
RADIO
TRANSCEIVER
PL-259 UHF
CONNECTOR
DB-25M
CONNECTOR
Antenna Connector
DC POWER CABLE
Negative Ground
13.6 Vdc +/-15%

4 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
Installation Steps
Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Refer to
Figure 4 as necessary when making cable connections.
1.
Mount the transceiver to a stable surface
using the U-shaped
bracket provided. Begin by attaching the radio’s mounting bracket
to the bottom of the transceiver case (if not already attached) using
the four 6-32 x 1/4 inch (6 mm) screws supplied. Figure 5 shows
the transceiver mounting dimensions with bracket attached.
NOTE:
To prevent moisture from entering the radio, do not mount the
case with the cable connectors pointing up. Also, dress all
cables to prevent moisture from running along the cables and
into the radio.
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 5. Transceiver Mounting Bracket Dimensions
6.86"
3.25"
83 mm
2.0"
51 mm
5.63"
143 mm
174.24 mm
177.80 mm
7.00"
U-Shaped Bracket
(Part No. 821753A14)

05-4819A01, Rev. 08 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 5
Using screws longer than 1/4 inch (6 mm) to attach the
bracket to the radio may damage the internal PC board.
Use only the supplied screws.
2.
Install the antenna and feedline
for the station. The antenna
used with the transceiver must be designed to operate in the
radio’s frequency band, and be mounted in a location that pro-
vides a clear path to the other associated station(s). Use low loss
coaxial feedline and keep the cable as short as possible.
3.
Connect the data equipment
to the
DATA INTERFACE
connec-
tor. Check P1 CONTROL INTERFACE on Page 24 for pin wiring
details.
NOTE:
The radio’s P2
port is used for entering configuration
commands and reprogramming the radio’s firmware.
4.
Connect primary power to the transceiver.
Power applied must
be 13.6 Vdc (+/- 15%) and capable of providing at least 8
Amperes of continuous current. A power connector with is pro-
vided with each unit (see Figure 4).
The transceiver is designed for use with nega-
tive-ground systems only. The power supply should be
equipped with overload protection (NEC Class 2 rating),
to protect against a short circuit between its output ter-
minals and the radio’s power connector.
This completes the installation of the transceiver.
SOFTWARE COMMANDS
Table 1 lists software commands commonly used during configuration
of the transceiver. In many cases, no changes or settings will be
required, as the radio is typically supplied ready for operation from the
factory. These commands are provided in the event future changes are
needed, or to facilitate troubleshooting of the unit.
These commands require a PC to be connected to the transceiver as
explained in the following steps:
1. Connect a PC to the transceiver’s
P2
connector as shown in
Figure 6. If desired, a connecting cable may be assembled using
the information shown on Page 26.
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE

6 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 6. PC Configuration Setup
2. Launch a terminal communications program, such as HyperTer-
minal (included with most Windows
TM
systems). Data parameters
are 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit (8N1). Data rate is deter-
mined by autobaud, but 1115200 bps is the preferred speed.
3. Press the key a few times (at half-second intervals) to
obtain the ready “>” prompt on the screen. Commands may now
be entered from the keyboard.
Table 1. Command Summary
Command Name Function
ALARM Alarm Summary
AMASK Alarm Mask
AUDIO Audio Monitor/Orderwire Status
BOOT Reboot Radio
CHAN Channel commands (RX/TX frequency, RF
power, bandwidth)
CKEY Key TX Continuously (Digital Only)
DATAKEY Key on Data Activity
DUMP Read Current Unit Profile
EMP Modem TX Audio Pre-Emphasis
FSET Receive or Transmit frequency mini/max
value
PC Running Terminal Session
Transceiver
To DB-9
Management Port
ENTER

05-4819A01, Rev. 08 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 7
HELP User Help
HREV Display Hardware Revision
INIT Initialize EEPROM Defaults
MODE Radio Mode
MODEL Model Number Information
MTYPE Modem Family Type
OPT, OPTION,
OPTIONS
Display Authorized Options
OWM Owner’s Message
OWN Owner’s Name
PROG Program
PWRL, PWRM, PWRH,
PWRRXH
Power Lo (5W), Medium (20W), Hi (25),
Extra-High (30W)
PTT Push-to-Talk Delay
REF Reference Frequency
RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator
RXTOT Loss of RX Data Alarm Time
SER Radio’s Serial Number
SHOW Show Power Settings
SPECTRUM Internal Spectrum Analyzer
SQUELCH Squelch Operation
SREV Software/Firmware Revision Level
STAT Alarm Status
TEMP Internal Temperature
TOT TX Timeout-Timer
VERSION Firmware Version
Table 1. Command Summary
(Cont’d)
Command Name Function

8 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
DETAILED USER COMMANDS
The commands in this section may be used in two ways. First, you can
type only the command name to view the currently programmed data.
Secondly, you can set or change the existing data by typing the com-
mand, followed by a space, and then the desired entry. In the list
below, allowable programming variables, if any, are shown in brackets
following the command name.
ALARM
Alarm Summary
The
ALARM
command displays a summary of the radio's current oper-
ating condition. An eight-digit code will be presented which can be
decoded as described in “Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms”.
AMASK [0000 0000-FFFF FFFF]
Alarm Mask
The
AMASK
command displays or sets which events cause an alarm
output signal to be active. Normally, the mask is
FFFF FFFF
, meaning
that any of the 32 possible events will activate the alarm output signal.
Entering the
AMASK
command alone displays the current setting of
alarm events in hexadecimal format. Entering the
AMASK
command
followed by an eight-digit hexadecimal number reprograms the speci-
fied events to trigger an alarm. The eight-digit hexadecimal number
used as the command parameter specifies 0 to 32 events that can
trigger the external alarm output. The hex value for the mask corre-
sponds to the hex value for the
STAT
command. Each bit that is a '1'
identifies an alarm condition that can trigger the external output. For
more information on configuring the alarm response, contact GE
MDS.
ASENSE [HI/LO]
Alarm Sense
The
ASENSE
command sets or displays the sense of the alarm output
at Pin 6 of the COM2 port. Entering the
ASENSE
command alone
shows whether the alarm output is active high or low. Entering the
ASENSE
command followed by
HI
or
LO
resets the alarm output to
active high or low.

05-4819A01, Rev. 08 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 9
AUDIO [ON/OFF]
Audio Monitor/Orderwire Status
Used to set or display Audio Monitor/Orderwire functionality (on or
off)
BOOT [1, 2, OTHER]
Reboot Radio
Used to reboot to selected image or current image if no image speci-
fied.
CHAN [0-8, ALL]
[RXFREQ xxx.xxxx]
(MHz)
[TXFREQ xxx.xxxx]
(MHz)
[PWR [5, 20, 25, 30]
(Watts)
[BW [12.5, 25]
(kHz)
Channel Mods...
If only the first argument is given, then it displays the channel(s)
parameters. If a third (or greater) argument is given, then that channel
with have its parameters changed.
CKEY [ON/OFF] -
Digital Only
Key TX Continuously
The
CKEY
command enables or disables the continuously keyed func-
tion of the radio. When
CKEY
is set to
ON
, the radio is continuously
keyed and the Timeout Timer is disabled.
CTS [0-255]
Clear-to-Send Time
The CTS (clear-to-send) command selects or displays the timer value
associated with the CTS line response. The command parameter
ranges from 0to 255 milliseconds.
For DCE operation, the timer specifies how long to wait after the RTS
line goes high, before the radio asserts CTS and the DTE can transmit
the data. A CTS value of zero keys the radio and asserts the CTS line
immediately after the RTS line goes high.

10 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
For CTS Key operation (see DEVICE command), the timer specifies
how long to wait after asserting the CTS, before sending data out the
DATA INTERFACE port. A timer value of zero means that data will be
sent out the data port without imposing a key-up delay. (Other delays
may be present based on selected radio operating parameters.)
CTSHOLD [0-60000]
Clear-to-Send Hold Time
Used in DEVICE CTS KEY mode, this command sets the amount of time
in milliseconds that CTS remains present after transmission of the last
character out the RXD pin of the DATA port. This “hold time” can be
used to prevent squelch tail data corruption when communicating with
other radios.
The CTSHOLD setting can range from 0to 60000 ms (i.e., 60 seconds).
The default value is 0, which means that CTS will drop immediately
after the last character is transmitted. If the command is entered when
the radio is in DEVICE DCE mode, the response CTSHOLD N/A is dis-
played.
DATAKEY [ON/OFF]
Key on Data Activity
The DATAKEY command enables or disables the ability of the radio to
key the transmitter as data is received at the DATA INTERFACE con-
nector. Asserting RTS keys the radio regardless of this command set-
ting.
If DATAKEY is set to ON, the radio will key when a full data-character
is received at the transceiver's DATA INTERFACE connector. If
DATAKEY is set to OFF, the radio needs to be keyed by asserting RTS.
DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY]
Data Device Mode
The DEVICE command controls or displays the device behavior of the
radio. The command parameter is either DCE or CTS KEY.

05-4819A01, Rev. 08 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 11
In DCE mode (the default setting), CTS will go high following RTS,
subject to the CTS programmable delay time. If the DATAKEY com-
mand is set to ON, keying can be stimulated by the input of characters
at the data port. Hardware flow control is implemented by signaling
the CTS line if data arrives faster than it can be buffered and trans-
mitted.
In CTS KEY mode, the radio is assumed to be controlling another radio.
It will still key based on the RTS line, but the CTS line is used as a key-
line control for the other radio. CTS is asserted immediately following
the receipt of RF data, but data will not be sent out the DATA INTER-
FACE port until after the CTS programmable delay time has expired.
(This gives the other radio time to key.)
DUMP
Read Current Unit Profile
This command causes all of the programmed settings to be displayed.
EMP [ON/OFF]
Modem TX Audio Pre-Emphasis
This command displays or sets the TX pre-emphasis and RX
De-Emphasis when the radio is operating with the analog mode and
the radio's modem is turned off (MODEM NONE). It should be set to
match the other radios in the system. The use of pre and de-emphasis
can help reduce the detrimental influence of high frequency audio
noise.
FSET
Receive or transmit frequency min/max value
HELP
User Help
Show available commands.
HREV
Display hardware revision

12 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
INIT
Initialize EEPROM Defaults
The INIT command is used to re-initialize the radio's operating param-
eters to the factory defaults. This may be helpful when trying to
resolve configuration problems that may have resulted from the entry
of one or more improper command settings. If you are unsure of which
command setting may have caused the problem, this command allows
you to get back to a known working state. The following changes to
the radio are made when INIT is entered:
•CTS is set to 0
•DATAKEY is set to ON
•DEVICE is set to DCE
•PTT is set to 0
•SCD is set to 0
•TOT is set to 30 seconds and set to ON
•PWR is set to +37 dBm (5 watts)
All other commands remain as previously set.
MODE [NORMAL, TEST]
Radio Mode
This command puts the radio into a TEST or NORMAL mode. In the test
mode, it disables the radio from looking at the hardware channel select
lines and automatically selects Channel 0.
MODEL, MODEL1, MODEL2
Model Number Information
MTYPE [SD | X710_AE | X710_B | LOOPBACK]
Modem Family Type
OPT, OPTION, OPTIONS
Display Authorized Options

05-4819A01, Rev. 08 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 13
OWM [XXX...]
Owner's Message
This is a command to display or program an owner's message. To pro-
gram the owner's message, type OWM then the message, followed by
an ENTER keypress.
To display the owner's message, type OWM, followed by an ENTER
keypress. The owner's message appears on the display.
OWN [XXX...]
Owner's Name
This is a command to display or program an owner's name. To pro-
gram the owner's name, type OWN then the name, followed by
ENTER.
To display the owner's name, type OWN then ENTER. The owner's
name appears on the display.
PROG
Program
The PROG command used for serial reprogramming - spoof entry into
the bootloader.
PROGRAM
Program
The PROGRAM command spoofing MDS x710 bootloader program
command to start serial reprogramming. Erases and programs inactive
image via serial port with xon/xoff flow control. Returns when com-
plete. If successful active image is switched. Only valid after program
or prog command at LOADER> prompt. Used for serial reprogram-
ming.
PWRL [0-30], PWRM [0-30], PWRH [0-30],
PWRXH [0-30]
Sets Power Level
This command sets the power level value for this name. This name is
used for the power calibration command (CPWR). PWRL defaults to
5 watts, PWRM defaults to 20, PWRH is 25 and PWRXH is 30 watts.

14 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
PTT [0-255]
Push-to-Talk Delay
This command sets or displays the key-up delay in milliseconds. This
timer specifies how long to wait after the radio receives a key signal,
before actually keying the radio.
REF [xxxxx]
Reference Frequency
RSSI
Received Signal Strength Indicator
This command continuously displays the radio's Received Signal
Strength Indication (RSSI) in dBm units, until you press the Enter key.
Incoming signal strengths from -50 dBm to -120 dBm can be read.
NOTE: The RSSI samples the incoming signal for one to two seconds
before providing an average reading to the connected PC.
RTU [ON/OFF/0-80] Digital Only
RTU Emulator
This command enables or disables the radio's internal RTU simulator,
which runs with proprietary factory polling programs such as poll.exe
and rsim.exe. The internal RTU simulator is available whenever a
radio has diagnostics enabled. This command also sets the RTU
address that the radio will respond to.
The internal RTU can be used for testing system payload data or
pseudo bit error rate testing. It can be helpful in isolating a problem to
either the external RTU or the radio.
RXTOT [NONE, 1-255]
Loss of RX Data Alarm Time
The RXTOT command selects or displays the receive time-out timer
value in minutes. This timer triggers an alarm (Event 12) if data is not
detected within the specified time.
Entering the RXTOT command without a parameter displays the timer
value in minutes. Entering the RXTOT command with a parameter
ranging from 0to 255 resets the timer in minutes. Entering the RXTOT
command with the parameter NONE disables the timer.

05-4819A01, Rev. 08 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 15
SCD [0-255]
Soft-Carrier Dekey
This command displays or changes the soft-carrier dekey delay in mil-
liseconds.
This timer specifies how long to wait after the removal of the keying
signal before actually releasing the transmitter. A value of 0millisec-
onds will unkey the transmitter immediately after the removal of the
keying signal.
SER
Radio's Serial Number
This command displays the radio's serial number as recorded at the
factory.
SHOW [DC, PORT, PWR]
Show Power Settings
The SHOW command displays different types of information based on
the command variables. The different parameters are:
•DC-Display DC input/output voltages
•PWR-Display RF power output
SPECTRUM [xxx.xx]
Internal Spectrum Analyzer
Activates the built-in spectrum analyzer tool (see Figure 8) that can be
displayed on a connected PC. This tool is helpful in diagnosing inter-
ference problems on or near your channel frequency.
Access the spectrum analyzer by entering spectrum at the command
prompt. A display appears showing detected signals on your current
channel.
Optionally, you can specify a frequency at the command prompt to
view the surrounding spectrum of that frequency. To do this, enter
spectrum xxx.xx, where xxx.xx is the frequency in MHz.

16 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
A typical spectrum analyzer display is shown in Figure 8. The display
creates a received signal strength indication (RSSI) vs. frequency plot
for the frequency and surrounding signals. By analyzing the display,
you can determine the presence of other signals near the transceiver's
operating frequency. This information can be helpful in trouble-
shooting interference problems.
SQUELCH [AUTO, BYPASSED]
Squelch Operation
Set or display analog squelch bypass.
SREV
Software/Firmware Revision Level
This command displays the software revision level of the transceiver
firmware.
STAT
Alarm Status
This command displays the current alarm status of the transceiver.
If no alarms exist, the message NO ALARMS PRESENT appears.
If an alarm does exist, a two-digit code (00-31) is displayed and the
alarm is identified as “Major” or “Minor.” A brief description of the
alarm code is also given.
TEMP
Internal Temperature
This command displays the internal temperature of the transceiver in
degrees Celsius.
TOT [1-255, ON, OFF]
TX Timeout-Timer
This command sets or displays the transmitter Time-out Timer value
(1-255 seconds), as well as the timer status (ON or OFF). If the timer is
on, and the radio remains keyed for a longer duration than the TOT
value, the transmitter is automatically unkeyed.

05-4819A01, Rev. 08 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 17
When this happens, the radio must be commanded back to an unkeyed
state before a new keying command is accepted. The default timer
value is 30 seconds.
VERSION
Firmware Version
Displays package version information for each firmware image.
RADIO TESTS & TEST MODE COMMANDS
The following are checks and settings that can be performed by a tech-
nician to ensure optimal performance of the radio. For most tests, it
will be necessary to connect a PC to the radio as described in SOFT-
WARE COMMANDS on Page 5.
Antenna System SWR Check
SWR is a parameter related to the ratio between forward trans-
mitter power and the reflected power from the antenna system.
As a general guideline, reflected power should not exceed 10%
of the forward power (≈2:1 SWR). A high SWR may result in
decreased performance, and should be corrected.
The transceiver’s TXD/RXD LEDs will light when the SWR is too
high. Actual SWR can be measured by connecting a reflected
power meter, such as a Bird Model 43™directional wattmeter
with the proper element installed, between the transceiver and
the antenna system. Use the KEY/DEKEY commands described
below to control the transmitter during these tests. Test transmis-
sions should be kept as brief as possible.
If the results are normal, record them for comparison during
future routine preventative maintenance. Abnormal readings
indicate a possible trouble with the antenna or the transmission
line that will need to be corrected. Look for cable damage, poor
connections, or improper positioning of the antenna (such as
having the antenna whip too close to a metal surface).

18 LCT 450 Installation/Operation Guide 05-4819A01, Rev. 08
Over-Temperature Check
If the transmitter is approaching an out-of-tolerance temperature con-
dition, an error code is issued (see Table 3) and the PWR lamp will
flash. Further operation may be inhibited. Over-temperature condi-
tions should be investigated and resolved before further use of the
radio.
To read the actual internal temperature of the radio (in degrees Cel-
sius), the TEMP command may be issued from a PC. Excessive temper-
atures may be caused by inadequate ventilation of the transceiver case,
or operating the unit beyond its rated duty cycle (see “SPECIFICA-
TIONS” on Page 26).
Test Mode Commands
The following commands may be used by a technician to test the radio
or to make advanced setting changes during installation and mainte-
nance activities.
BW [xxxxx]
Channel Bandwidth
This command displays the current bandwidth or sets the modem
bandwidth for channel 0. This command also sets the appropriate devi-
ation for this bandwidth.
CHAN [0-8, ALL]
[RXFREQ xxx.xxxx] (MHz)
[TXFREQ xxx.xxxx] (MHz)
[PWR [5, 20, 25, 30] (Watts)
[BW [12.5, 25] (kHz)
Channel Mods...
If only the first argument is given, then it displays the channel(s)
parameters. If a third (or greater) argument is given, then that channel
with have its parameters changed.