Midland BASE TECH II User manual

OPERATOR'SMANUAL
BASETECHIIBASE/REPEATERSTATION
5/03
Midland Radio Corp.

Base Tech II Base/Repeater Station Operator’s Manual
2
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................3
Description..............................................................................................................................................3
Features..................................................................................................................................................3
Controls, Indicators and Connectors ......................................................................................................4
Operation......................................................................................................................................................7
Installation and Programming.................................................................................................................7
Basic Operation.......................................................................................................................................8
Front Panel Operation.............................................................................................................................9
Signaling ...............................................................................................................................................11
Scanning...............................................................................................................................................14
Locking the Keypad ..............................................................................................................................17
Changing Tone Signaling Systems.......................................................................................................17
Displaying the Channel Information......................................................................................................18
Display of Received Tone Frequencies. ...............................................................................................19
Bar Graph Displays...............................................................................................................................20
LCD Display Back Light ........................................................................................................................20
Transmit Power Change .......................................................................................................................20
Calling Party ID Display........................................................................................................................21
Displaying any Radio's ID Number.......................................................................................................21
Emergency Caller Display.....................................................................................................................22
Automatic Transmit in Repeater Mode .................................................................................................22
TX Test Mode........................................................................................................................................23
Keypad Test Mode ................................................................................................................................23
Frequency Band Test Mode..................................................................................................................24
Starting Message..................................................................................................................................24
Serial Number Display..........................................................................................................................24
EEROM Data Check Mode...................................................................................................................25
Hardware Error Detection.....................................................................................................................26
RS232C Communications Error............................................................................................................27

Base Tech II Base/Repeater Station Operator’s Manual
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INTRODUCTION
Description
The Base Tech II Base Repeaters represents a technological advancement over previous models. The
Base Tech II Base Repeater is comprised of separate modules all housed within one 2RU equipment
cabinet. The receiver, transmitter, and PA unit are each enclosed within their own die-cast housing. Each
one is then mounted directly on the large upper heatsink. A microprocessor-controlled interface module
controls the channel selection, LCD Display, timers, interfaces, and signaling features.
The RF power output is 25 — 110 watts, depending on the model, and rated for continuous duty. The
CTCSS module supports all EIA tones. All tones and different encode and decode tones can be set on a
per channel basis during radio programming.
Attention
The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be fixed-mounted on outdoor permanent
structures with a separation distance of at least 6 meters from all persons during normal
operation. The peak conducted output power at each antenna terminal must not exceed
250 Watts and the peak radiated output power must not exceed 1000 Watts EIPR. Users
and installers must ensure that FCC requirements for satisfying RF exposure compliance
are met. (See FCC Rules Part 1, Sections 1307 and 1310)
Features
oSimplex or two frequency Duplex
operation
oEEPROM programmable with a PC
computer
o99 programmable multi-mode channels
oFull dot matrix LCD
oFront-facing speaker
oTransmit time limiter to prevent channel
jamming
oTX and RX encryption optional
oTwo channel scanning modes
o5-Tone encoder and decoder plus DTMF
encoder and decoder
oUp to 99 channels with channel labels
oTwo-stage front end allows mixed
Simplex and Duplex operation
oChannel selectable Wide or Narrow
channel spacing
oCTCSS on a per channel basis (DCS
available as an option)
o5 X 4 Keypad for channel change, etc
o2RU equipment cabinet
oStep-up VCO voltage for superior
selectivity
oLow stand-by current is ideal for solar
installations
oWatchdog timer

Base Tech II Base/Repeater Station Operator’s Manual
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The Base Tech II Base Repeater includes 5-tone selective calling encoder/decoder with non-predictive decoder,
as well as a DTMF encoder and voice encryption option. It supports both all channel scanning and programmed
channel scanning for base use.
The Base Tech II Base Repeater is fitted with a large full dot matrix LCD that is used to display the channel
numbers and names, frequency and tone programmed information and signaling information. All user-interface
keys and knobs are conveniently located on the front of the radio. All user-entered functions are easily activated
in a logical manner via the keypad.
The Base Tech II Base Repeater is supplied with an "N" type connector for the transmitter, and a BNC connector
for the receiver to allow easy connection to the duplexer or feeder cables.
The rear panel includes a 9-way D-sub connector for the attachment of an external shared tone panel. Also
included is a 25-way D-sub connector that enables external interface to other radios or control equipment.
The Base Tech II Base Repeater is supplied complete with the following items:
oBase Tech II Base Repeater
oDC Cable Connector
oOperators Manual
oHand Microphone
Controls, Indicators and Connectors
•Front Panel Controls
1. Headphone Socket
This socket is provided to allow users to listen to the Base Tech II Base Repeater using headphones. Plugging a
headphone into this socket will disconnect the built-In speaker. It does NOT include a microphone input or TX
PTT facility.
2. High TX Power
This is a service point and is not used by the radio operators
3. Low TX Power
This is a service point and is not used by the radio operators

Base Tech II Base/Repeater Station Operator’s Manual
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4. Loud Speaker*
The receiver audio signals are heard from this speaker (provided that the volume setting is loud enough and
provided that the speaker has not been muted by one of the tone signaling formats).
5. Repeater Mode Indicator LED
The Repeater Mode Indicator LED will illuminate "REP" in yellow when the selected channel has been
programmed for Repeater operation. This LED is NOT illuminated on any channel that is programmed to
operate in Base mode.
6. Alarm Mode Indicator LED
The Alarm Mode Indicator LED will illuminate (Flashing) "ALM" in orange whenever the transceiver detects a
fault in the receiver module, the transmitter module, or the PA module on the selected channel.
7. Transmit Mode Indicator LED
The Transmit Mode Indicator LED will illuminate "TX" in red whenever the Base Tech II Base Repeater is
transmitting.
8. Busy Mode Indicator LED
The Busy Mode Indicator LED will illuminate "BUSY" in green whenever the Base Tech II Base Repeater
receives a carrier signal on the selected channel that is greater than the Squelch setting.
9. Keypad*
The 5 x 4 key Keypad is used to enter channel selection, tone information, and other data into the Base Tech II
Base Repeater. Specific key sequences are described fully in section 4 of this document. It includes the
following keys: CH, SCAN, MON, SHIFT, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, •, #, A, B, C, and D.
10. Volume Control*
The Volume Control is used to set the audio output level from the loudspeaker. Rotate this knob clockwise to
increase the audio level, or counter-clockwise to reduce the audio level.
11. Squelch Control*
The Squelch Control is used to set the squelch threshold. Select a channel that is not being used and slowly
rotate this knob clockwise until the annoying background noise ceases. It may be desirable to rotate this knob
clockwise, slightly past the squelch threshold, to compensate for varying background noise levels.
12. Power ON/OFF Switch
The Power ON/OFF Switch is used to switch the Base Tech II Base Repeater "ON" or "OFF". Press this knob to
switch the Base Tech II Base Repeater "ON". Press this knob again to switch the Base Tech II Base Repeater
"OFF". This knob is slightly more depressed when in the "ON" position.

Base Tech II Base/Repeater Station Operator’s Manual
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13. Power On Indicator LED
The Power ON Indicator LED will illuminate in green whenever the Power ON/OFF switch is in the "ON"
position.
14. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) (not used on Single Channel Models)
The LCD comprises of four (4) lines each of which is capable of displaying twenty-one (21) characters. The first
line, under normal operating conditions, displays the strength of the signal being received on the selected
channel as a bar graph. The second line displays the strength of the transmitting power as a bar graph. The
third line displays the selected channel number (up to four characters) in the first five left hand character spaces,
and displays the channel name (up to eight characters) in the next eight character spaces.
Any combination of the following characters may be used in the channel name:
0-9, A-Z, a-z, / + - * # ! $ % ( ) = [ ] < > ? and space
This area of the LCD is left blank when channel names are not used.
The six character spaces on the right hand side of this line are used to display status symbols as follows:
Symbol Status
The monitor status.
The key lock status.
The tone encode status.
The scan mode status.
The high power transmit status.
[SHIFT] key is depressed.
On the left hand side of the fourth line, the type of tone signaling system selected by the user is displayed. For
example, "5TON" indicates 5 Tone signaling while “DTMF” indicates Dual Tone Multi Frequency signaling.
The right hand side of the fourth line is used to display data that the user enters (for example, 5 Tone calling
sequences). These character spaces are also used by the Base Tech II Base Repeater to display messages
and information directed to the user.
15. Microphone Input Socket
Connect the microphone into this socket.

Base Tech II Base/Repeater Station Operator’s Manual
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•Rear Panel Connectors
16. 25 way External Options Connector
17. 9 way Programming Connector
18. DC Input Fuse Holder
19. 3 way DC Input Socket
20. TX/Antenna Connector (N type)
21. Ventilation Slots
22. RX Connector (BNC type)
OPERATION
Installation and Programming
As the Base Tech II Base Repeater can be installed to operate as either a Base Station or as a Repeater, some
of the instructions in this document may apply to one application only, some may apply in both cases, while
others may only apply if the particular function has been enabled during programming of the Base Tech II Base
Repeater.
The Base Tech II Base Repeater must be programmed before it will operate correctly. This should be done by
the equipment supplier or a qualified radio tradesman. They will require the Base Tech II Base Repeater
programming software to do this correctly.
It is important that the Base Tech II Base Repeater be correctly installed at its working location by a qualified
radio technician.
As a minimum, it is necessary to:
oConnect the DC Input power lead to a suitable 13.8 Volt Regulated DC Power supply that has sufficient
capacity. (Ensure that the DC Polarity is correct).
oConnect the two antenna connectors to suitable antennas (ensure that the VSWR of the antennas is
correct).
oInsert the microphone into the microphone connector on the front panel.

Base Tech II Base/Repeater Station Operator’s Manual
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Basic Operation
•Switch On
Switch the Base Tech II Base Repeater "ON" by pressing the knob (12). Then check that the LED indicator (13)
is illuminated.
•Adjust the Volume Setting
Rotate the Volume Knob (10) clockwise (from the fully counterclockwise position) until the audio level from the
speaker is suitable.
•Adjust the Squelch Setting
Rotate the Squelch Knob clockwise (from the fully counter clockwise position) slowly until the background noise
can no longer be heard. It is wise to rotate the knob slightly further in the clockwise direction so that variations in
the background noise level do not "break" the squelch setting and cause annoying squelch noises to be heard
from the speaker.
•Select the Channel
Select the required channel by pressing the CH key followed by the channel number key. The channel number
keys must be selected within two seconds. For example, [CH] + [0] + [1] to select Channel 1. The LCD Display
should now display CH01 and (if programmed with a channel label) the channel name: "CH01 NAME".
•Receiving
You should now be able to hear any radio traffic that occurs on channel #1 on the Base Tech II Base Repeater. It
may be necessary to adjust the Volume setting to suit your listening requirements.
•Transmitting
Depending on the legal requirements in your country, and the operating requirements within your organization, it
may be necessary to announce your Call Sign. In addition, it will probably be necessary to announce the Call
Sign of the party you are calling at the start of your transmission.
When transmitting, it is necessary to hold the microphone about 3 inches from your mouth and speak clearly
into the front of the microphone.
It is also necessary to press and hold the “Press To Talk” (PTT) bar on the side of the microphone while
speaking into the microphone.

Base Tech II Base/Repeater Station Operator’s Manual
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Front Panel Operation
This section describes most signaling and other advanced features that are available on the Base Tech II Base
Repeater. The availability of some features is dependent on the programming of the transceiver and installed
options. You may find it worthwhile to discuss these features in detail with your radio supplier to obtain a full
understanding of their benefits.
•Keypad Operation
The Keypad is the interface between the user and the Base Tech II Base Repeater. It is used to enable or
disable various functions and to enter the required data for signaling purposes.
The word (5-Tone) or (DTMF) shown after the described feature indicates that the described feature applies to
the particular signaling format.
The following keys are used for the purposes described:
[0] - [9] Entering new channel numbers
Entering the "KILL" password
Entering signaling encoding numbers (5-Tone) (DTMF)
Entering DTMF numbers (DTMF)
[A] Advancing the Base Tech II Base Repeater to the next higher channel
Entering the signaling "A" tone (5-Tone) (DTMF)
Encodes the "A" Tone (DTMF)
[B] Advancing the Base Tech II Base Repeater to the next lower channel
Entering the signaling "B" tone (5-Tone) (DTMF)
Encodes the "B" Tone (DTMF)
[C] Entering the signaling "C" tone (5-Tone) (DTMF)
Encodes the "C" Tone (DTMF)
[D] Entering the signaling "D" tone (5-Tone) (DTMF)
Encodes the "D" Tone (DTMF)
[•] Displays the previously entered encode numbers (5-Tone) (DTMF)
Encodes the "•" -Tone (DTMF)
[#] Encodes the signaling numbers that are displayed in the LCD display (5-Tone) (DTMF)
Encodes the "#"-Tone (DTMF)
[CH] Used with two channel numbers [0] - [9] to change the active channel on the Base Tech II
Base Repeater. E.g. [CH]+[9]+[0] will change the active channel to Channel 90 (provided Ch
90 has been programmed into the Base Tech II Base Repeater.
[SCN] Used to place the Base Tech II Base Repeater into the "All-Scan" mode where the Base Tech
II Base Repeater will scan all programmed channels. Pressing the [SCN] key again will
cause the Base Tech II Base Repeater to exit from the "All-Scan" mode.
[MON] Switches the Base Tech II Base Repeater between "Monitor ON" mode and "Monitor OFF"
mode and is used to "Un-mute" the radio when using selective calling (depending on the
programming of the Base Tech II Base Repeater).

Base Tech II Base/Repeater Station Operator’s Manual
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•Keypad Operation using the [SHIFT] Key
Some of the Base Tech II Base Repeater's features and related functions can be changed by using the [SHIFT]
key. To make these changes, it is necessary to first press the [SHIFT] key followed by the other keys within a
two second timeframe.
The following key sequences are used for the purposes described:
[SHIFT]+[0] Toggles the tone system between 5-Tone signaling and DTMF signaling
[SHIFT]+[1] Switches the LCD back-light to the ON or OFF position
[SHIFT]+[2] Toggles the transmitting power between High power and Low power
[SHIFT]+[3] Invalid Key
[SHIFT]+[4] Toggles between "Single Tone Encoding" mode and "5-Tone" or "DTMF" signaling
mode
[SHIFT]+[5] Invalid Key
[SHIFT]+[6] Enters the KILL mode to allow entry of the KILL password
[SHIFT]+[7] Displays the programmed information for the selected (active) channel in the LCD
display
[SHIFT]+[8] Locks or Unlocks the Base Tech II Base Repeater's Keypad
[SHIFT]+[9] Toggles the Base Tech II Base Repeater between "Normal Channel Scanning"
mode and "Priority Channel Scanning" mode
[SHIFT]+[A] Restores a channel to the Channel Scanning List. (The user must first select the
channel to be restored as the active channel)
[SHIFT]+[B] Invalid Key
[SHIFT]+[C] Indicates to the Base Tech II Base Repeater that you have entered the last number
of a DTMF encoding sequence
[SHIFT]+[D] Invalid Key
[SHIFT]+[•] Deletes the active channel from the Channel Scanning List
[SHIFT]+[#] Will attach the "R-Number" data to the active encode number and transmit the
whole sequence
[SHIFT]+[CH] Will start or stop the display of the TX and RX bar graphs in the LCD display
[SHIFT]+[SCN] Will place the Base Tech II Base Repeater in the Program Scan mode or exit from
the Program Scan mode
[SHIFT]+[MON] Invalid Key