PAE T6M User manual

T6M Mobile Transceiver
User Guide
Handbook Part Number: 31-36000TRM

Handbook Title: T6M Mobile Transceiver User Guide
Handbook Part Number: 31-36000TRM
Issue Number: 4-1
Date of Issue: February 2001
Published By: Park Air Electronics
Northfields
Market Deeping
Peterborough
England
Telephone: From UK, 01778 345434
From outside UK, 44 1778 345434
Fax: From UK, 01778 342877
From outside UK, 44 1778 342877
T6M User Guide
Page 2
Amendment 1 to Issue 4 of this user guide has been raised to clarify the
receive specification (change note 4017 refers).
The amendment was incorporated during April 2001.

SAFETY
Warnings
[Failure to comply with warnings can result in personal injury, fire, or electric shock.]
qDO NOT operate this equipment with the antenna close to or touching eyes,
face, or exposed body parts.
qDO NOT hold the transmit (PTT) switch in the ‘ON’ position when not
communicating.
qDO NOT operate equipment at filling stations.
qDO NOT operate equipment in vicinity of explosives or explosive atmospheres.
qDO NOT operate equipment at high volume levels. Hearing experts advise
against continuous high volume operation. If you experience ringing in your
ears, reduce the volume level, or discontinue use.
qThe Power Amplifier Module used in the T6M mobile transceiver contains
beryllium oxide, which is extremely toxic. No instructions within this user guide
remove any of the transceiver's covers so users are not exposed to a potential
beryllium hazard. If the transceiver is to be disposed of, users must be aware of
current disposal regulations regarding equipment containing beryllium.
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regulations
qThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.
qYou are required to obtain a station licence before transmitting from your mobile
equipment.
qThis equipment is only licenced for operation on 25 kHz channel spacing.
Operation on 8.33 kHz channel spacing is restricted to European customers.
qThe mobile transceiver power output must not exceed the output necessary for
satisfactory technical operation taking account of local conditions and the area
to be covered.
qThe mobile transceiver's frequency and parameters should be checked by
authorized service personnel before use, and at least yearly thereafter.
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Changes or modifications to the T6M transceiver that are not expressly approved
by Park Air Electronics could void your authority to operate the transceiver.

Foreword
This user guide describes the purpose, installation, and operation of the
Park Air Electronics (PAE) T6M mobile transceiver. Read all instructions given in this
user guide before operating the transceiver.
Trademarks
The following trademarks are used in this user guide.
IBM Is a registered trademark of International Business Machines.
Microsoft Is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the USA and
other countries.
Windows Is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the USA and
other countries.
Software
Park Air Electronics takes every care to ensure that software supplied on magnetic
media contains no viruses. Users are, however, advised to virus check disks and
CD-ROMs before transferring software from these media to your computer equipment.
T6M User Guide
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T6M User Guide
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CONTENTS
SAFETY 3
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regulations 4
Foreword 5
Trademarks 5
Section 1 - Overview
About this User Guide 9
Introduction to the T6M Mobile Transceiver 9
Operating Modes 9
Normal Mode 9
Priority Mode 10
Scan Mode 10
Programming the Transceiver's Personality 10
Section 2 - Specification
General 11
Dimensions and Weight 12
Supply 12
Receive Circuit 12
Transmit Circuit 12
Section 3 - Installation
Introduction 13
Unpacking 14
Selecting a Mounting Location 14
Installing the Transceiver 15
Installing the Microphone 16
Installing the Loudspeaker 16
Power Cable Installation 17

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Installing the Antenna 19
Fitting the Antenna to Fibreglass Vehicles 20
Serviceability Check 21
Section 4 - Operating Instructions
Introduction 23
Programmable Options 24
Display Blanking 24
Warning Beeps 24
Key Beeps 24
Transmit Inhibit 25
Maximum Transmit Time 25
Front Panel Display for 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing 25
Fault and Error Codes 27
Switching On and Off (Ignition Sense not Connected) 28
Switching On and Off (When Ignition Sense is Connected) 28
Operating the Radio in Normal Mode 29
Selecting Normal Mode 29
Selecting a Channel Frequency 29
Transmitting and Receiving 29
Switching and Adjusting the Squelch Facility 29
Operating the Radio in Priority Mode 31
Selecting Priority Mode 31
Selecting a Priority Channel Frequency 31
Transmitting and Receiving 31
Operating the Radio in Scan Mode 32
Selecting Scan Mode 32
Selecting a Scan Group 32
Transmitting and Receiving 32

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Section 5 - Programming the Radio
Introduction 33
Programmable Options 36
Display Blanking 36
Warning Beeps 36
Key Beeps 36
Hold on Scan 37
Installing the Programming Software onto a Laptop, or PC 37
Creating a New Personality 37
Saving a Personality 42
Opening a Saved Personality 43
Loading a Personality into the Radio 43
Reading a Personality from the Radio 43
Printing a Personality Report 44
Section 6 - Spares
Introduction 45
List of Spares 45

Section 1 - Overview
Section 1 gives a brief overview of the T6M mobile transceiver.
About this User Guide
This user guide describes the purpose, installation, and operation of the
Park Air Electronics (PAE) T6M mobile transceiver. How to programme the required
channel frequencies and operating modes using the optional programming kit is also
fully described.
Introduction to the T6M Mobile Transceiver
The T6M multichannel mobile transceiver provides communication within the VHF
aeronautical frequency band 118 to 136.9916 MHz. The transceiver provides a nominal
8 watt amplitude modulated (AM) output, and operates on both 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz
spaced channel frequencies.
Designed for installation within a vehicle, the transceiver operates from a +13.2 volt dc
supply. For vehicles that use a 24 V dc system, or when there must be isolation
between the battery and equipment, a suitable dc to dc converter must be used.
Operating Modes
Three operating modes are available: Normal, Priority, and Scan.
Normal Mode
In normal mode, any channel frequency programmed into the transceiver can be
selected using the front panel keys. Up to 760 channel frequencies can be programmed
into the radio's personality.
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Priority Mode
Priority mode allows faster access to frequently used channels. Up to 15 of the channel
frequencies that are available in Normal mode can be programmed into the priority list.
Scan Mode
If scan mode is selected, the radio scans a number of predefined channels searching
for a ‘busy’ one. When a busy channel is found, and depending on the programmed
options, the radio remains tuned to that channel. Up to 15 scan groups can be set up,
each group containing up to 15 channel frequencies.
Programming the Transceiver's Personality
The radio's ‘personality’ is programmed into its internal memory and defines up to
760 channel frequencies, the required operating modes, and various secondary
options. When a T6M is received from PAE, the personality is either:
qA personality programmed to the user's specific requirements.
or,
qA default personality that covers the 760 channels (25 kHz spaced) available in
the VHF aeronautical frequency band. No frequencies are allocated to the
Priority list, and no scan groups are set.
A programming kit is available from PAE. This allows a new personality to be
programmed into the radio at any time.
The kit comprises software loaded on a CD-ROM or floppy disk, and a programming
lead. An IBM™ compatible laptop, or Personal Computer (PC) running Microsoft
Windows™ 95 or 98 must be available to reprogramme the radio.
To order the programming kit, contact PAE quoting part number 70-T6MPMKIT.
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Section 2 - Specification
Section 2 gives the specification of the T6M mobile transceiver.
General
The general parameters of the T6M mobile transceiver are listed below.
Operation Simplex VHF AM transmit and receive.
Operating modes Normal, priority, and scan.
Channel bandwidth 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz.
Channel increment 8.33 kHz.
Frequency range (at 25 kHz) Between 118 and 136.975 MHz.
Frequency range (at 8.33 kHz) Between 118 and 136.9916 MHz.
Frequency stability 1 ppm
Channel selection In Normal mode up to 760 channel frequencies
can be programmed into the radio. The
channels can have 25 kHz spacing, 8.33 kHz
spacing, or a mixture of both.
Priority mode allows up to 15 of the stored
channels to be allocated to a priority list.
Channel selection can then be limited to those
frequencies in the priority list.
In Scan mode, the radio can have up to 15
scan groups each containing up to 15 channel
frequencies.
Duty cycle (receive) Continuous.
Duty cycle (transmit) 25% with a maximum transmit time of 5
minutes. Longer transmit times, or a higher
duty cycle, reduces the output power by 6 dB.
Operating temperature range Between -20°C and +55°C.
Storage temperature range Between -40°C and +70°C.
Humidity Can be operated in humidity up to 80%.
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Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions and weight are:
Width 177 mm.
Height 50 mm.
Depth 228 mm.
Weight 1.75 kg.
Supply
The transceiver requires the following supply:
Input voltage 13.2 V dc (nominal 12 V dc system).
Current Receive: 1 A (nominal).
Transmit: 5 A (nominal).
Receive Circuit
The specification of the receive circuit is listed below.
Sensitivity -102 dBm at 30% modulation depth for
12 dB SINAD (ITU - T).
Selectivity With 8.33 kHz spacing: <6 dB at ±3 kHz;
>60 dB at ±8.33 kHz.
With 25 kHz spacing: <6 dB at ±8.5 kHz;
>70 dB at ±25 kHz.
Intermodulation suppression >70 dB.
Spurious response suppression >80 dB.
Audio power output 4 W into 4 ohm loudspeaker (<10% THD).
Distortion <10% THD for 90% modulation depth.
RF input impedance 50 ohms.
Transmit Circuit
The specification of the transmitter is listed below.
Nominal RF output power Adjustable between 5 and 12 W. Normally set
at8W.
Spurious <-46 dBm when more than 1 MHz from the carrier.
Harmonic outputs <-36 dBm.
Distortion <5% THD.
RF load impedance 50 ohms.
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Section 3 - Installation
Section 3 gives the instructions necessary to install the T6M mobile transceiver into
your vehicle.
Introduction
The mobile transceiver is designed to operate from a 13.2 V dc (12 V nominal) negative
ground electrical system. This type of electrical system has the negative battery
terminal connected directly to the vehicle chassis. For vehicles with a 24 V battery, or
where there must be isolation between the battery and the equipment, a suitable
dc-to-dc converter should be used.
During installation, disconnect the vehicle's main positive dc supply cable from the
battery to prevent damage from accidental short circuits during the installation.
In some cases this may cause problems with the loss of engine management
information or radio key codes. Check to see if this is the case before disconnecting the
battery. Power saver devices are available that plug into the cigar lighter or accessories
socket and prevent loss of memory information on vehicle systems.
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Before the transceiver is put into operational service, the required ‘personality’
information should be programmed into the radio. This information, includes channel
frequencies and operating modes.
When a T6M is received from PAE, the personality is either:
qA personality programmed to the user's specific requirements.
or,
qA default personality that covers the 760 channels (25 kHz spaced) available
in the VHF aeronautical frequency band. No frequencies are allocated to the
Priority list, and no scan groups are set.
A programming kit is available from PAE. This allows a new personality to be
programmed and downloaded. The radio does not have to be removed from its
installed position to download a new personality.
Note that operation using 8.33 kHz channel spacing is not currently allowed within
the USA.

Unpacking
Unpack the consignment and check the contents. The following items should be
included:
(1) T6M mobile transceiver (quantity 1).
(2) Installation kit comprising,
qMounting bracket for the transceiver (quantity 1).
qLoudspeaker (quantity 1).
qMicrophone (quantity 1).
qMicrophone rest (quantity 1).
qFixing kit knobs (quantity 2).
qRubber grip (quantity 2).
qPower lead (quantity 1).
qFuse holder (quantity 1).
qFuse 7.5 amp (quantity 1).
qBlue in-line crimp connector (quantity 1).
qScrew No. 6, ¾ inch long (quantity 2).
qScrew No. 8, ¾ inch long (quantity 6).
(3) Whip antenna (complete with approximately 4.8 m of coaxial cable).
Selecting a Mounting Location
Choose a location for the radio's mounting bracket. Avoid mounting in small enclosed
spaces (for example, glove lockers). To prevent overheating, the radio should have an
unobstructed airflow space of at least 20 mm at the rear. Suitable mounting places
include the dash, console or transmission hump. Ensure that the radio:
qIs easy to operate when seat belts are worn.
qDoes not inconvenience driver or passengers when seated, or when entering or
exiting the vehicle.
qWill not injure occupants if the vehicle suffers an impact.
qDoes not interrupt the airflow from the heater or air-conditioning vents.
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Installing the Transceiver
To install the transceiver:
(1) Ensuring that the mounting bracket fixing screws will not damage any cables,
brake or fuel lines, fit the bracket using the No. 8 self-tapping screws
provided. Mounting bracket dimensions and fixing hole centres are shown
below.
(2) Fit the transceiver in the bracket using the rubber grips and fixing knobs
included in the installation kit. The rubber grips can be fitted in two ways. One
way locks the unit rigidly in the bracket; the other provides a friction mount
allowing the unit to be tilted to the desired angle. This is illustrated on the next
page. Note the orientation of the rubber grips that are fitted at each side of the
radio.
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150 mm
48 mm
189 mm
52 mm
Hole
4.5 mm
diameter
Transceiver's Mounting Bracket

Installing the Microphone
Fit the microphone rest in a convenient location using the screws provided. Plug the
microphone lead into the socket located on the underside of the transceiver. Fit the
strain relief grommet into place.
Installing the Loudspeaker
Install the loudspeaker where it can be easily heard, using the mounting bracket and
screws provided. The loudspeaker is connected after the power lead has been
installed.
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Alternative Mounting Arrangements

Power Cable Installation
The power cable comprises red and black cables that connect to the battery, a twin-wire
loudspeaker connection (orange and violet) and a yellow ignition sense lead. All these
wires are terminated on a Molex 8-way mini-fit connector.
Note that the power cable supplied with some radios may also contain a green and a
white wire. These wires are not used and should be tied back after the power cable is
installed.
To install the power cable, refer to the illustration shown above, and:
(1) Route the power cable to the battery and cut it to the required length. If it is
necessary to drill a hole in the firewall or bulkhead to route the cable through,
then fit a grommet and seal it when the installation is complete.
(2) Fit the in-line fuse holder at the battery end of the positive (red) lead. The fuse
protects against short circuits in the cable run, so must be located as close to
the battery as possible. The fuse holder is fitted as shown in the illustration on
the next page, and as follows:
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Installation Connections

(a) When received the fuse holder's connecting wire forms a loop
connecting input to output. Cut the black wire loop at the centre.
(b) Using the supplied blue in-line crimp connector, connect the end of
the power lead's red wire to the fuse holder.
(c) Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the + battery terminal.
(d) Fit the 7.5 amp fuse and close the fuse holder's cover.
(3) Connect the power lead's black cable to the negative (-) battery terminal
connector.
Notes: Both supply leads should be connected directly to the vehicle
battery terminals. Connection to other points may result in
increased interference from the vehicle’s electrical system and
excessive voltage drop. If noise is still a problem, a dc noise filter
should be fitted.
In some cases a master isolation switch is fitted to the vehicle
(for example, in the case of emergency vehicles) and it may be a
legal requirement to wire to the switched side of the supply.
(4) If required, connect the yellow ignition sense lead to the ignition switched
supply on the vehicle. If this facility is not required, tie the yellow lead back
using suitable tape.
When ignition sense is connected, the radio switches on when the vehicle's
ignition is switched on. The radio cannot be switched off while the ignition is
on. When the vehicle's ignition is switched off, the radio remains on for two
hours before switching itself off. The radio can, however, be manually
switched off during the two hour period by pressing the PWR button.
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Connecting the Fuse Holder
(BT6MBS-06)

(5) Connect the loudspeaker to the power cable by mating the two halves of the
loudspeaker cable's in-line connector.
(6) Plug the power cable into the power supply in-line connector on the radio,
and reconnect the positive lead to the battery.
Installing the Antenna
The whip antenna is supplied with approximately 4.8 m of coaxial cable and terminated
at the radio end with a BNC connector.
For best all round performance the antenna should be mounted in the centre of the roof.
Alternative positions give degraded performance, the numbers on the diagram below
giving the order of preference. The antenna radiation patterns, shown on the next page,
illustrate the difference between centre roof and wing mounting.
Siting the antenna is a compromise between performance and practicality. If a sunroof
is fitted to the vehicle, locate the antenna so that it will not be damaged when the
sunroof is opened. Mounting at the front of a sunroof can cause annoyance due to wind
noise from the antenna when the sunroof is opened.
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To install the antenna:
(1) Abrade the underside of the antenna hole with coarse emery cloth to remove
paint and produce a clean, bright bare metal surface. This will provide a good
contact for the antenna ground. Smear the surface lightly with silicone grease
prior to tightening the antenna mount to prevent corrosion.
(2) Route, but do not connect, the antenna feeder cable to the radio.
(3) Check for low resistance (<0.1 W) between the centre pin of the coaxial
connector and the antenna radiator.
(4) Check for high resistance between the centre pin of the coaxial connector
and the vehicle chassis.
(5) Check for low resistance between the body of the connector and the vehicle
chassis.
(6) Connect the antenna feeder cable to the transceiver.
Fitting the Antenna to Fibreglass Vehicles
A separate ground plane must be installed for fibreglass vehicles. This can take the
form of a aluminum metal plate or close mesh. The ground plane must extend to at least
a quarter of a wavelength in every direction. Alternatively two ‘crossed’ aluminum strips
can be used. Again the distance from the antenna mounting point to the end of each
strip must be at least a quarter of a wavelength.
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Antenna Radiation Patterns:
Centre Roof Mounting Quarter (Wing) Mounting