Park Air Systems 6525 Operator's manual

6525 Multimode Digital Radio
User Documentation
Draft

31-3MDR00HB Page 2
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Handbook Title: 6525 Multimode Digital Radio User Documentation
Handbook Part Number: 31-3MDR00HB
Handbook Version: Draft
Date of Issue: June 2007
Published By: Park Air Systems
Northfields
Market Deeping
Peterborough PE6 8UE
England
Telephone: From UK, 01778 345434
From outside UK, 44 1778 345434
Fax: From UK, 01778 342877
From outside UK, 44 1778 342877
www.parkairsystems.com
Errata
Any errors found in this handbook are promulgated through the Park Air FTP network. Any
user can access this information by logging on to:
ftp.parkairsystems.com
When logged on, select the public (Pub) folder, then the Handbook Errata Sheets folder,
and then select the required equipment model.
[Adobe Acrobat™ must be loaded on your PC to use this facility]

31-3MDR00HB Page 3
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Health and Safety
Warnings
A warning is used to indicate possible danger to personnel. Throughout Park Air handbooks, warnings
are indicated by the following symbols:
Cautions
A caution is used to indicate possible danger to the equipment.
Indicates electrical danger to personnel.WARNING
Indicates a hazardous material.
WARNING
Indicates a non-ionizing radiation hazard.
WARNING
Indicates a specified danger to personnel.
WARNING
Indicates the presence of electrostatic sensitive devices (ESSD).Caution
Indicates a specified danger to the equipment.Caution

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Health and Safety (Continued)
Specific Warnings Applicable to the MDR
The instructions given in this documentation involve connecting dangerous voltage to the MDR.
Installation must be carried out only by suitably qualified personnel.
This equipment must be earthed. The earth terminal of the ac connector must be used as the safety
earth.
The antenna used with the MDR must be installed such that the resultant radiated field strength is
below 10 W/m² in areas normally accessible to personnel.
The RF field strength from the antenna can be predicted from the equation S=1.4PG/4πR2
[Where S = power density; P = power input to antenna; G = antenna gain; R = distance
to centre of radiation and 1.4 = multiplication factor for average power based on a
modulation index of 90%.]
Based on this formula a 2 dBi antenna, the predicted safe distance from the centre of radiation would
be approximately 0.75 m for a field strength of 10 W/m2(1 mW/cm2).
This meets the requirements of Health Canada Safety Code 6 for RF and microwave exposed
workers. For persons not classed as RF and microwave workers and including the general public
the limit is 2 W/m2(0.2 mW/cm2) which increases the minimum safe distance to 1.7 m.
Further information on calculating the field strengths and power levels can be found in Health
Canada Safety Code 6 'Limits of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in the
Frequency Range 3 kHz to 300 GHz', and also in FCC document OET Bulletin 65.
Ensure an antenna, or dummy load, is connected before switching on the MDR. There is high RF
voltage present at the antenna connector when the radio is keyed.
Although no instructions in this documentation involve removing any equipment covers, users
should be aware that the RFPA output transistors contain Beryllium.
During installation an MDR may have to be lifted, possibly to head height, to fit onto telescopic slides.
At least two people should be used to lift the equipment. Failure to use sufficient people when lifting
equipment can result in personal injury.
WARNING Dangerous Voltage
WARNING Earth Connection
WARNING Antenna Radiation
WARNING Antenna Radiation
Beryllium Hazard
WARNING
WARNING Heavy Item

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Disposal
This product is covered by the European Directive 2002/96/EC.
It must not be disposed of in domestic waste.
Disposal should be made using designated collection facilities
appointed by the government or local authority in your area.

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List of Abbreviations
Aamp
ac alternating current
ACARS aircraft communications, addressing
and reporting system
AM amplitude modulation
BIT built-in test
C celsius
dB decibel
dBm power ratio in decibel (dB) referenced
to one milliwatt (mW)
dc direct current
ESD electrostatic sensitive devices
Fig figure
Hz hertz
kg kilogramme
kHz kilohertz
LCD liquid crystal display
mmetre
mA milliamp
MDR multimode digital radio
MHz megahertz
mm millimetre
ms milli-second
mW milliwatt
PA power amplifier
ppm parts per million
PTT press to transmit
RFPA radio frequency power amplifier
s second
Vvolt
VDL VHF data link
VHF very high frequency
VSWR voltage standing wave ratio
Wwatt

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Approvals and Standards 6525 Multimode Digital Radio
The equipment is designed to meet the following requirements:
RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC
WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC
ICAO Annex 10 Vol lll Part 1 Chapter 6
EN 301 841-1 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); VHF air-ground
Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2; Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for
ground-based equipment; Part 1: Physical layer and MAC sub-layer
EN 300 676 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Ground-based
VHF hand-held, mobile and fixed radio transmitters, receivers and transceivers for the VHF
aeronautical mobile service using amplitude modulation; Technical characteristics and methods
of measurement.
Approvals have been granted against the following:
Safety approval to EN60950-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950 and UL 60950
FCC Rules 47CFR Parts 15 and 87
Technical Acceptance under Industry Canada,reference Radio Standard Specification RSS141
CE approval under the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC.
0336
!

RoHS
2002/95/EC
FCC ID; C8L 6525MDR
FCC / Industry Canada Statement
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Operation on 8.33 kHz channel spacing is prohibited under the current regulations
of Industry Canada and the FCC.

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Contents
Page
31-3MDR00HB Page 9
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Overview 11
Introduction 12
Operating Modes 12
MDR Applications 13
Hardware Configuration 13
Software Configuration 13
Specification 15
MDR Operating Characteristics 16
Dimensions and Weight 16
Input Supply Requirement 16
Environmental 16
Operation 17
Controls and Indicators 18
Introduction 18
Controls and Indicators 18
Ready Indicator 18
Alarm Indicator 18
Receive Indicator 18
Transmit Indicator 18
Scroll/Select Switch and LCD 19
Connectors 19
Reference Connector 19
Headset/Microphone/Diagnostics Connector 19
Switching On and Setting the Operating Parameters 21
Using the Scroll/Select Switch 21
Screen Protocol 21
Switching On 22
Selecting an Operating Mode 23
Selecting the Operating Frequency 24
Storing and Recalling Frequency Channels 25
Setting Band Edges 27
Setting Parameters 29
Downloading Software Fills 35
Installation 37
Introduction 38
Fuses and Connectors 39
Initial Inspection of the MDR 39
Fitting an MDR into an Equipment Cabinet 40
Rear Panel Interfaces 41
Ethernet Connector 42
Facilities Connector 43
Auxiliary Connector 45
Connecting the Chassis Stud 46
Connecting an Antenna 46
Checking the ac Input Fuse 47
AC Supply Connection 47

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Page
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Maintenance 49
Maintenance Policy 50
Unscheduled Maintenance 50
Scheduled Maintenance 50
Cleaning the Equipment 50
Security of External Connections 50
Checking the MDR’s Internal Reference Frequency 51
Initiating an Interruptive BIT Test 52
Removing and Refitting the Cooling Fan 54

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Overview

31-3MDR00HB Page 12 Overview
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Introduction
This documentation describes the Park Air 6525 Multimode Digital Radio (MDR). The MDR is a VHF
transceiver operating in the aeronautical frequency band between 118 and 136.975 MHz. The maximum
transmit output power is 25 watts.
The MDR can be used as a conventional AM-Voice transceiver, or can operate as a subsystem of the
Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) and the VHF Data Link (VDL)
air-ground communication systems.
Fig 1 6525 Multimode Digital Radio (MDR)
Operating Modes
Operating modes are software controlled. A 6525 MDR can be loaded with any two of the four available
software fills shown in Fig 2. All four software fills are available to download through the user’s network.
Fig 2 Operating Modes
AM DigitalAM Analogue
ACARS ACARS
VDL
Mode 2
AM-Voice
6525 MDR
(requires an
external modem)
(uses modem
within the MDR)

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MDR Applications
In addition to operating in a conventional AM-Voice mode, the MDR can operate in two VHF air-ground
data link services: ACARS and VDL mode 2.
ACARS is a low-speed data link in wide use throughout the world, operating at 2.4 kbits per second using
MSK modulation.
VDL mode 2 is a higher bandwidth, connection orientated service, operating at 31.5 kbits per second
using D8PSK modulation.
Hardware Configuration
The product model is: 6525 MDR.
The part number is: B6525.
A hardware configuration label is fixed to the MDR’s rear panel. The label shows the model, part number,
serial number and modification status. An example label is shown in Fig 3.
Fig 3 Hardware Configuration Label
Software Configuration
The part order number is TBD (customer specific). This number encompasses the hardware part number
detailed above, fitted with the software detailed below.
Any two of the four available software fills can be stored in the MDR at any one time. A software
configuration label, as shown in Fig 4, is fixed to the MDR’s top cover. This label details the part numbers
for the four mode software fills, and the permanently installed Ethernet software.
Fig 4 Software Label
Model:
Part No:
S / No:
Mod Record:
6525 MDR
B6525
1M2345
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Park Air Systems Ltd England
PAE
Software Configuration
Part Order No. TBD (customer specific)
Software Mode Part No.
Fill * AM Voice TBD (customer specific)
Fill * AM Analogue ACARS TBD (customer specific)
Fill * AM Digital ACARS TBD (customer specific)
Fill * VDL Mode 2 TBD (customer specific)
Interface Ethernet TBD (customer specific)
*Only 2 are stored in the radio at any one time

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Specification

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MDR Operating Characteristics
Frequency range Between 118 and 136.975 MHz
Number of channels 100
Channel spacing 25 kHz (all modes)
8.33 kHz (Am-Voice mode only)
Modulation modes ACARS 13K0A2D
VDL Mode 2 14K0G1D
AM-Voice (25 kHz) 6K00A3E
AM-Voice (8.33 kHz) 5K00A3E
Frequency stability Better than 1 ppm within permissible environmental conditions
Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions and weight of the MDR are:
Width 483 mm (19 inches)
Depth 450 mm (17.8 inches)
Height 88.9 mm (3.5 inches).
Weight 12.5 kg (27.5 pounds)
Input Supply Requirement
ac input supply Between 90 and 264 Vac, 47 to 63 Hz
ac power consumption Tx, less than 400 VA (250 VA typical)
Rx, less than 70 VA
Environmental
Temperature range 0 to +40°C operating
-20 to +60°C non-operating
Ventilation The MDR is cooled by a temperature controlled fan. When the MDR is
switched on, the fan runs at full speed for a short period before coming
under temperature control
Warm up time Less than 30 seconds

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Operation

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Controls and Indicators
Introduction
This topic describes the MDR’s front panel (see Fig 5) controls, indicators and connectors.
Fig 5 MDR Front Panel
Controls and Indicators
Ready Indicator
A green indicator that lights when the MDR is ready for use and no BIT faults have been detected.
Alarm Indicator
A red indicator that either flashes, or lights, when a BIT fault has been detected. BIT indications are
classified as either Alerts or Alarms.
If an ‘alert’ condition is detected, the Alarm indicator flashes, the Ready indicator remains lit, and the
MDR remains operational. A BIT ‘alert’ is indicated if:
The MDR’s RF output power has reduced from its setting by more than 1 dB but not more than
3dB
The supply volts falls below 21.6 V
The RF PA temperature has exceeded 80oC.
Any other BIT condition results in an alarm. When detected, the Alarm indicator lights and the Ready
indicator becomes unlit; the MDR cannot be used.
When the Alarm indicator flashes, or is lit, the front panel display indicates the nature of the Alert or Alarm
Receive Indicator
An amber indicator that lights as follows:
In AM-Voice mode When a signal above the squelch threshold is received, or when
the squelch is defeated.
In VDL 2 mode Lights on Sync and remains lit until the end of message.
In AM Analogue ACARS mode Lit when a signal is received.
In AM Digital ACARS mode Lights on Sync and remains lit until the end of message.
Transmit Indicator
An amber indicator that lights when the transmit circuit is keyed and producing output power.

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Scroll/Select Switch and LCD
The Scroll/Select switch is used in conjunction with the LCD to select most of the MDR's operational
settings. During normal operation, the LCD displays the Main screen. Detailed information regarding the
Scroll/Select switch and LCD is given on page 21.
Connectors
Reference Connector
An SMB jack socket that allows a frequency counter to monitor the MDR's reference frequency. This
connector is used only for maintenance purposes. The instructions for checking and adjusting the
reference frequency are given in the Maintenance topic.
Headset/Microphone/Diagnostics Connector
A dual purpose connector that allows either a headset/microphone, or a PC, to be connected to the MDR.
The connector is a 7-pin self-locking DIN socket; the pin-out is shown in Fig 6 and detailed in Table 1 for
the audio connections, and Table 2 for the PC connections.
A microphone/headset is used to enable the MDR to be operated from the front panel in AM-Voice mode.
Fig 6 Headset/Microphone/Diagnostics Connector Pin-Out
Table 1 Headset/Microphone/Diagnostics Connector - Audio Connections
Pin
Number Signal Input or Output Description
1 Microphone ground - 0 V.
3 Microphone PTT Input 0 V to PTT.
5 Sidetone/headset drive Output 0 to 3 V pk-pk.
6 Microphone input Input 2 to 35 mV rms on Passive setting and 8 to 140 mV rms
on Active setting to remain in VOGAD range.
7 Ground - 0 V.

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Note:
PC connections are used for maintenance at Park Air. No instructions in this documentation
require the use of this port.
Table 2 Headset/Microphone/Diagnostics Connector - PC Connections
Pin
Number Signal Input or Output Description
2 Transmit data Output RS232, 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no
handshaking.
4 Receive data Input RS232, 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no
handshaking.
7 Ground - 0 V.