Midian SVR-1-KW1 User manual

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SVR-1-KW1
Simplex Repeater Maker
Manual Revision: 2011-08-26
Covers Software Revisions:
VS-1XXX: 01.31.00 & Higher
This manual & product supports the following radios:
Portables: TK-2180, TK-3180
Mobiles: TK-7180, TK-8180

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HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Voltage 4.75-9.5 VDC
Operating Current
Power Save Mode (COR Operation) 2.5 mA typical
Power Save Mode (VOX Operation) 10 mA typical
Repeat Operation 17.5 mA typical
Average w/COR Power Save (80-10-10 cycle) <5 mA
Average w/COR Power Save (90-5-5 cycle) <4 mA
Operating Temperature -30 - +60 C
Frequency Response 300-3000 Hz
Input Impedance >45 k
Input Level (TX) 0.05-2.5 VPP
Input Level (RX) 0.05-2.5 VPP
Audio Output Impedance < 1200 Ohm
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
1. Test the radio for functionality.
2. Program the SVR per the Product Programming Section of this manual.
3. Install the SVR into the radio per the Hardware Installation Section of this manual.
4. Program the radio per the Radio Programming Section of this manual.
*** Midian is not responsible for any damage/loss resulting from the use of Midian’s products.

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GENERAL INFORMATION
Midian’s SVR-1 is a simplex repeater maker that can be installed into a mobile or portable radio. The SVR-1
detects COR or VOX from an incoming transmission and records the incoming audio (up to 3 minutes). When the
COR or VOX is no longer detected the SVR-1 keys the radio and retransmits the recorded audio. The SVR-1
enables users to create low-cost vehicular repeaters or expand radio coverage into poor coverage areas.

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PRODUCT PROGRAMMING
Midian’s SVR-1-KW1 is programmed via Midian’s KL-4 programmer. Please reference the KL-4 manual for setup
instructions of the programming software and hardware. From the product selection screen on the programming
software, select the SVR-1-KW1 from the list and click OK.
Set the parameters of the scrambler software to fit the application. If any clarifications on a feature are required,
move the mouse cursor over the feature name until the question mark appears and right click, a definition of the
feature will be shown.
After entering the parameters, save the file by going to File - Save As. Enter the file name in the File Name block
and click Save. Saving the file will allow for quick and easy reprogramming of units.
Programming: Plug the board onto the KL-4. Push the power button on the KL-4 and click “Program Unit” in the
programming software. The LED on the KL-4 will faintly flash if programmed successfully.
Reading: Plug the board onto the KL-4. Push the power button on the KL-4 and click “Read Unit” in the
programming software.

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Store on COR/Store on VOX: Select the appropriate method that the unit should use to start recording incoming
audio.
COR Hold-Up Time This sets the amount of times after a loss of COR or VOX that the unit will wait until it
retransmits the recorded audio.
VOX Settings > Sensitivity: This is a threshold detection based on the energy level in the audio.
VOX Settings > Attack Time: This sets the minimum time before the unit will detect VOX based on the sensitivity
setting.
VOX Settings > Decay Time: This sets the time before the unit will drop the VOX detection. Be certain to set this
long enough so that you do not have drop outs between words or on brief pauses.
Beep Options > Power Up: Enables a short beep sequence that takes place immediately after power-up.
Beep Options > Error: This beep may be triggered by any input event if programmed to do so. For example, if a
long press on the Mode Input is not assigned to a function, it may be configured to generate the error beep.
Beep Options > Mode: Not used as the radio offers its own mode tones for the option board enable.
Beep Options > Go Ahead: Not currently used.
Beep Options > Wake Up Beep: Enables a short beep to be sent over the air immediately after PTT is pressed.
Enabling this beep is recommended when the 'Wake on VOX' feature is used. This may also be used to get the
attention of the party receiving a call.
Beep Options > Courtesy Beep: If selected, once the unit is done retransmitting the recorded audio it will
generate a courtesy tone to let others know it is done retransmitting.
Beep Options > Enable Side Tone Pin: This box must be checked if the Power Up and Error beeps are to be
used.

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Power Up In Store/Retransmit Mode: If selected the unit will power up in repeat mode. This box must be
selected if doing repeat enable on a per-channel basis.
Key-Up Delay: This sets the amount of time the unit waits after keying the base station radio before it starts to
retransmit the recorded audio.
Trunking Delay Enable: Check this box if using a trunking system. This will cause the unit to hold off
regenerating the recorded audio until it has received a channel acquisition acknowledgement from the base
station radio.
Common PTT: Check this box.
PTT Cancels Store/Retransmit: If checked and the PTT is pressed during store/retransmit the unit will not
retransmit the incoming transmission.
Number of Retransmits: This sets how many times the unit will retransmit the last recorded audio clip.
Retransmit Interval: This sets the time interval between the retransmits set in the Number of Retransmits field.

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PTT > Active Polarity: This sets whether the unit looks for an active low or active high to cancel a
store/retransmit.
PTT > Debounce: If checked the unit will require a continuous active state for 30 msec before accepting the PTT.
Mode > Type: Select whether the switch is Momentary or Latched. In this case it should be Latched.
Mode > Active Polarity: Select the active polarity of the mode switch. In this case it should be Low.
Mode > Debounce: If checked the unit will require a continuous active state for 30 msec before accepting the
mode change.

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COR > Active Polarity: This sets whether the unit looks for an active low or active high to start recording the
received audio.
COR > Debounce: If checked the unit will require a continuous active state for 30 msec before accepting the
COR.
PTT > Active Polarity: This sets the polarity necessary for the unit’s PTT output to key the radio.
Audio Enable > Active Polarity: This sets the polarity necessary for the unit to enable the speaker of the radio to
pass beeps.

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Tones > Beep Volume: Adjust the slider for the desired beep volume. This level is expressed as a percentage of
max voice audio level.
Tones > Over-The-Air-Signal Modulation: Adjust the slider for the desired beep volume. This level is expressed
as a percentage of max voice audio level.
Playback > Playback Level: This controls the audio level when a stored voice message is played back on the
radio speaker. If voice playback is too low or too loud, adjust this level accordingly.
Playback > Transmit Level: This controls the audio level when a stored voice message is retransmitted over the
air. If the transmit level is too low or too loud, adjust this level accordingly.

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AUDIO LEVELS ALIGNMENT
This section describes how to determine and set the audio levels.
Audio Levels Overview:
To ensure the best audio quality, the SVR must be configured to match the audio levels used by the radio. The
SVR uses programmable gain amplifiers to accomplish this. Determining the gain settings for these amplifiers is
an involved process, so Midian simplified this process by developing an algorithm that requires the technician to
make only four voltage measurements. From these four measurements, all of the many internal settings are
determined.
Still, getting the best audio quality will likely require a bit of trial and error. The SVR only has control of audio
voltage levels, not input and output impedances. These impedances can dramatically influence the levels.
The Four Voltage Measurements:
An oscilloscope and a communications test set/service monitor are required for the measurements. It is
recommended that the measurements be recorded in units of mV peak-to-peak. Each measurement must be
taken with system modulation at either 60% or 100%, but Midian recommends using 60%
A method for controlling transmit modulation is required for accurate measurements in the TX mode. A small
speaker held in place near the microphone by a rubber band can serve this purpose in most cases. Use a sine-
wave generator to inject a 1000 Hz tone into the speaker. Adjust the output of the sine wave generator so that the
transmitter produces 60% of rated modulation while PTT is pressed. Note that if the audio source (such as a
speaker) is moved even slightly, the TX modulation may change significantly. Care must be taken to avoid
changing the TX modulation while taking the measurements.
The first two measurements must be taken using a radio that has not been modified. The 2nd two measurements
require that the SVR is installed and power is applied to the radio/SVR. These measurements must be taken
within 15 seconds of powering the SVR on. This is because the SVR may enter power saving mode after that
time. Measurements made while the SVR is in power saving mode will not be valid. The unit ships with the power
save feature enabled by default. The power save feature can be disabled via the KL-3 programming software so
that it will not interfere with taking measurements, if desired. Please note that the levels provided to the option
board are different between narrow band and wide band.
1. RX Output: The goal of this procedure is to determine the audio level that would normally appear at the RX
audio insertion point in an unmodified radio. With a fully quieting signal modulated with a 1000 Hz tone at
60%. Measure the voltage level appearing at the junction of R-670 and IC-607 Pin 28 on the TK-2180 & TK-
3180 or at the junction of C-591 and IC-413 Pin 4 for the TK-7180 & TK-8180.
2. TX Output: The goal of this procedure is to determine the audio level that would normally appear at the TX
audio insertion point in an unmodified radio. Provide the radio an audio source generating a 1000 Hz tone and
key the radio. Adjust the audio source such that the modulation is at 60%. Measure the voltage level
appearing at the junction of R-659 and R-660 on the TK-2180 & TK-3180 or at the junction of C-485 and IC-
413 Pin 14 for the TK-7180 & TK-8180.
3. RX Input: The goal of this procedure is to determine the audio level that the SVR board will see at the RX
audio pickup point after it is installed. The SVR must be installed and powered-on while making this
measurement. Modulate a 1000 Hz tone at 60%. Measure the audio level at the junction of P1-22 and C-42
on the SVR.
4. TX Input: The goal of this procedure is to determine the audio level that the SVR board will see at the TX
audio pickup point after it is installed. The SVR must be installed and powered-on while making this
measurement. Provide the radio the same audio source and level as in Step 2, generating a 1000 Hz tone
and key the radio. Measure the audio level at the junction of P1-21 and C-3 on the SVR.

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Programming the Audio Levels:
After determining the audio levels at the audio hookup points, it will be necessary to program the SVR to match
these levels. In the programming software, there is a slider control on the Audio Levels Screen for each of the of
four audio hookup points. Locate the column that corresponds to the modulation and units of measurement for
each of the audio hookup points. Adjust the slider bar such that the value appearing in the appropriate column
matches what was measured as closely as possible. Midian recommends the following values based on 60%
modulation:
Radio Model RX In TX In RX Out TX Out
TK-2180, TK-3180 924 mVpp 114 mVpp 912 mVpp 156 mVpp
TK-7180, TK-8180 864 mVpp 258 mVpp 888 mVpp 276 mVpp

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HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Be certain to follow standard anti-static procedures when handling any of Midian’s products. Due to the design of
the radio it is necessary to install two wires from the SVR-1-KW1 to the Kenwood radio.
PTT: In order to be able to automatically key the radio it is necessary to install a wire from the point shown in the
picture below to a point in the radio as discussed in the installation instructions for the desired model radio.
COR: In order to start recording the SVR-1 can look for COR or VOX. Midian recommends using COR rather than
VOX. COR is not brought up to the options connector so it is necessary to run a wire from the point shown in the
picture above to a point in the radio as discussed in the installation instructions for the desired model radio.
SVR-1-KW1 PTT Pad
SVR-1-KW1 COR Pad

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KENWOOD TK-2180 & TK-3180:
Plug the unit into the options connector located behind the options door under the battery. Before plugging the
unit in, remove R-659 to open the radio’s TX path and R-670 to open the radio’s RX path.
COR: COR is used to initiate recording in the SVR. Install a wire from the SVR into the radio. The wire should be
connected to the radio’s Q-613 collector. The SVR’s “COR In Polarity” should be programmed as “High”.
PTT: Solder a wire from the PTT point on the SVR-1 to the junction of C-503 and CN-507 Pin 4.
Remove R-670 to open the radio’s RX path
Remove R-659 to open the radio’s TX path

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KENWOOD TK-7180 & TK-8180:
Plug the unit onto the options connector CN-403.
COR: Solder a wire from the COR pad on the SVR-1 to the junction of D-416 (anode), C-560 and R642.
PTT: Solder a wire from the PTT point on the SVR-1 to the PTT pad on the radio’s display board.
Connect the PTT out from the SVR-1
to the PTT pad on the radio’s display
unit board
Connect the COR wire to this point

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RADIO PROGRAMMING
TK-2180/3180:
Use KPG-89 version 1.51 or higher.
Under the “Edit” menu select “Extended Function” and set “Optional Board” as “Voice Scrambler”.
Under the “Edit” menu select “Key Assignment” and set “Side 2” under the “Top/Side” tab as “Scrambler”. This
will set the button under the PTT as the repeater enable/disable button.
If repeat on a per channel basis is desired or a combination of a button and per channel, then from the “Zone
Information” screen click on the “Channel Edit” button. Under “Scrambler Setting” enable the “Voice Scrambler”.
For repeat on a per channel basis, this will need to be done for each channel where repeat is desired. If the box
is checked, the radio will power up in repeat mode & when that channel is selected. When per channel repeat is
used, it is still possible to toggle in and out of repeat mode using a button.

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TK-7180/8180:
Use KPG-89 version 1.51 or higher.
Under the “Edit” menu select “Extended Function” and set “Optional Board” as “Voice Scrambler”.
Under the “Edit” menu select “Key Assignment” and under the “Panel” tab set the desired button Triangle, A, B, C
or Square as “Scrambler”. This will set the programmed button as the repeater enable/disable button.
If repeat on a per channel basis is desired or a combination of a button and per channel, then from the “Zone
Information” screen click on the “Channel Edit” button. Under “Scrambler Setting” enable the “Voice Scrambler”.
For repeat on a per channel basis, this will need to be done for each channel where repeat is desired. If the box
is checked, the radio will power up in repeat mode & when that channel is selected. When per channel repeat is
used, it is still possible to toggle in and out of repeat mode using a button.
Change the COR IN Polarity to High, the Mode Input is Latched and Low.

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OPERATION
SVR Operation:
Repeater Enable/Disable: Press the radio key that was assigned in the radio programming. A tone will be
emitted from the radio and the symbol will appear on the display of the radio indicating repeat mode. If repeat
on a per channel basis is being used, then switching between an enabled or non-enabled channel causes the 
symbol to appear or disappear.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Radio Compatibility: Midian has taken the utmost care to ensure the option board integrates into the radio with
minimal impact to the features of the radio. However, some features may not be available in the radio when an
option board is used. If a feature is not available, please contact Midian to see if the feature can be added.
Audio Enable: This feature currently is not supported in the TK-7180/8180. This feature provides beeps through
the speaker of the radio.
MIDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION
Midian Electronics, Inc.
2302 East 22nd Street
Tucson, Arizona 85713 USA
Orders: 1-800-MIDIANS
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.midians.com