Plessey EasyReach User manual

EasyReach
SPREAD SPECTRUM RADIO
USER MANUAL
Handbook 1H90941
ISSUE 3 October 27, 1999
Plessey Asia Pacific Pty Limited
ACN 076-409-311
5 Talavera Road
NORTH RYDE NSW 2113
AUSTRALIA

1H90941 REVISION RECORD
REVISION No. AUTHORITY DATE INSERTED INITIALS
01 ECO E1983 30 Nov 98 RSR
02 ECO E2136 16 July 1999 MI
03 ECO E2209 27 October 1999 MI
© Copyright Plessey Asia Pacific Pty Limited.
This publication is copyright and all rights pertaining to it are reserved.
No part may be reproduced by any process without written permission.

EasyReach User Manual
1H90941 i
CONTENTS
FUNCTION 1
General Description.........................................................................................................1
Features ..........................................................................................................................1
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 3
Equipment .......................................................................................................................3
Configuration...................................................................................................................4
Connections.....................................................................................................................6
Front Panel Indicators .....................................................................................................7
INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING 8
Conformance to Emission Requirements........................................................................8
Mounting the EasyReach Unit.........................................................................................8
Antenna Mounting .........................................................................................................10
Antenna Cable Ducting..................................................................................................10
Supply Connection ........................................................................................................11
AC Power Version................................................................................................................11
DC Power Version ...............................................................................................................11
RF Frequency Variants..................................................................................................11
Initial Switch-On.............................................................................................................12
Antenna Alignment........................................................................................................13
System Configuration ....................................................................................................14
OPERATION 15
Normal Startup Procedure.............................................................................................15
System Control and Monitoring .....................................................................................15
TROUBLESHOOTING 16
Status Indicators............................................................................................................17
POWER LED Not Green......................................................................................................17
FAIL LED is Red..................................................................................................................17
DATA LED is Red................................................................................................................17
RF SIGNAL LED is Red.......................................................................................................17
Error Table...........................................................................................................................18
Bench Testing................................................................................................................19
INTERFACING THE EASYREACH 22
Control and Configuration Using EasyReach Element Manager...................................22
Interface Cable Configurations......................................................................................24
ALARM PORT FUNCTIONS 25
CO-LOCATION OF EASYREACH LINKS 27
ACCESSORIES 28

CONTENTS EasyReach User Manual
ii 1H90941
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 29
System (E1 Version).....................................................................................................29
System (T1 Version) .....................................................................................................29
Transmitter.................................................................................................................... 30
Receiver........................................................................................................................30
Power Supply................................................................................................................ 30
Mechanical.................................................................................................................... 30
Compliance...................................................................................................................30
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NOTES 31
Surge Protection for Radio Equipment.......................................................................... 31
General................................................................................................................................31
Surge Characteristics...........................................................................................................31
Methods of Surge Protection................................................................................................31
Standard Earthing Practices .........................................................................................33
FIGURES
Figure 1 EasyReach Equipment Setup (E1 Version)...................................................................4
Figure 2 EasyReach Equipment Setup (T1 Version)...................................................................5
Figure 3 Front Mounting of EasyReach Unit ...............................................................................8
Figure 4 Rear Mounting of EasyReach Unit................................................................................8
Figure 5 Wall Mounting of EasyReach Unit.................................................................................9
Figure 6 Bench Testing Arrangement (E1 Version)...................................................................19
Figure 7 Bench Testing Arrangement (T1 Version)...................................................................19
Figure 8 Location of internal loopbacks.....................................................................................20
Figure 9 EasyReach Element Manager Startup Window ..........................................................23
Figure 10 ALARM Port Pin Configuration (Rear View)................................................................25
Figure 11 DC Power Connector Pin Configuration (Rear View) ..................................................26
Figure 12 T1 Data Connector RJ48C (Rear View)......................................................................26
Figure 13 Standard Earthing Practices at a Communication Site................................................33
TABLES
Table 1 RF Frequency Variants...............................................................................................11
Table 2 Default Settings of Operational Parameters................................................................14
Table 3 Error Condition/Status Indication Matrix......................................................................18
Table 4 Testing procedure using internal loopbacks................................................................21
Table 5 Interface Cable Pinout ................................................................................................24
Table 6 Rear Panel TERMINAL Port Pinout ............................................................................24
Table 7 ALARM Port Pinout.....................................................................................................25
Table 8 DC Power Connector Pinout.......................................................................................26
Table 9 T1 Data Connector Pinout...........................................................................................26

EasyReach User Manual
1H90941 iii
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING RF RADIATION
RF ENERGY AT MICROWAVE FREQUENCIES IS PRESENT WITH THIS
EQUIPMENT. PERSONNEL SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO HIGH RF
ENERGIES, AND SHOULD NOT BE IN FRONT OF THE ANTENNA WHEN THE
EQUIPMENT IS SWITCHED ON.
ALL ACCESSIBLE RF CONNECTIONS MUST BE TERMINATED WHEN THE
RADIO IS POWERED ON.
THE RADIO SHOULD NOT BE POWERED ON WITH ANY OF ITS COVERS
REMOVED.
CAUTION
Do not connect the antenna ports of two units directly together. Damage of
both units WILL result.
OPERATING WITHIN FCC GUIDLINES
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Section 15.247 excludes
the use of point-to-multipoint systems, omnidirectional applications, and multiple
co-located intentional radiators transmitting the same information. The
equipment should be professionally installed, ensuring that the system is used
exclusively for fixed, point-to-point operations and that the FCC radiated
emission guidelines are meet.

EasyReach User Manual FUNCTION
1H90941 1
FUNCTION
General Description
The Plessey EasyReach is a radio link platform that provides two-way full duplex
transport of 2Mbit/s (European) or 1.544Mbit/s (USA) of data between two points.
The design provides a reliable and cost effective solution for connecting
disparate communications facilities.
The Plessey EasyReach spread spectrum radio operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM
band. It does not require a spectrum management license in most countries.
The unit is constructed as a stand-alone chassis that can be used as a desktop
unit, or mounted either to a wall or in a 19-inch rack.
Product range
The EasyReach product range encompasses the following orderable variants:
E1 (2.048 Mbit/s) full duplex transport.
T1 (1.544 Mbit/s) full duplex transport.
DC Power supply.
AC Power supply.
Features
The Plessey EasyReach has the following features:
•Multiple link capability:
Up to three EasyReach links can operate from a single mast. With careful
site planning, more links can be installed at a single site.
•EasyReach Element Manager:
The Element Manager is a software package which allows the user to
control and monitor monitor the status of the radio using a PC, and
provides the means by which a link may be configured for special
requirements.
•Loopback facilities:
Loopback facilities are available to aid system commissioning and for
checking the integrity of the equipment connected to the link.
•DC supply version:

INSTALLATION EasyReach User Manual
2 1H90941
The DC supply version of EasyReach can operate from supply voltages of
+20 to +60 volts or -20 to -60 volts.
•AC supply version:
The AC supply version of EasyReach can operate from nominal mains
voltages between 110 and 240 volts AC and frequency between 50 and 60
Hertz.

EasyReach User Manual SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
1H90941 3
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
Equipment
The following equipment is supplied as a Plessey EasyReach radio system:
•Two EasyReach units each supplied with a mains power cable (for
units to be powered from AC) or a DC supply mating connector (for
units to be powered from DC).
•User manual.
•Element Manager software package on 3.5-inch floppy disc.
•PC serial interface cable.
•Two antennas, 19 dBi or 22 dBi (supplied optionally).
•Two antenna feeder cables, with N-type terminations (supplied
optionally).
•Optional accessories (see page 28).
Additional items required to set up a link are:
•Data cables (BNC terminations for E1 or RJ48C termination for T1).
•Wire pair for antenna alignment measurement.
•Voltmeter for antenna alignment measurement.
•PC for optional configuration and monitoring (minimum of Windows
95).
•Connector sealant for antenna connection.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION EasyReach User Manual
4 1H90941
Configuration
The equipment is set up on installation as shown in Figure 1.
The use of a PC is not required unless configuration change or monitoring
facilities are required.
Figure 1EasyReach Equipment Setup (E1 Version)
110/240
VAC
or
20 to 60
VDC
DATA
IN DATA OUT TERMINAL MANAGEMENT ALARM ANTENNA
TERMINAL
POWER E1 DATA
ANTENNA
5 6
VOLTMETER
+-
WIRE
PAIR ANTENNA
CABLE
PC (OPTIONAL)
SERIAL CABLE

EasyReach User Manual SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
1H90941 5
Figure 2EasyReach Equipment Setup (T1 Version)
110/240
VAC
or
20 to 60
VDC
DATA TERMINAL MANAGEMENT ALARM ANTENNA
TERMINAL
POWER T1 DATA
ANTENNA
5 6
VOLTMETER
+-
WIRE
PAIR ANTENNA
CABLE
PC (OPTIONAL)
SERIAL CABLE

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION EasyReach User Manual
6 1H90941
Connections
LOCATION TYPE FUNCTION
Front panel TERMINAL port Configuration port for PC (is connected in
parallel with the TERMINAL port on the
rear panel – either one can be used as the
configuration port).
Rear panel POWER connector AC power version (110 to 240 volts AC), 2
ampere slow blow fuse.
DC power version (20 to 60 volts DC,
isolated), 2 ampere slow blow fuse.
DATA IN
connector E1 data in from user equipment
DATA OUT
connector E1 data out to user equipment.
DATA connector T1 data in from user equipment and out to
user equipment.
TERMINAL port Configuration port for PC (is connected in
parallel with the TERMINAL port on the
front panel – either one can be used as
the configuration port).
MANAGEMENT port Network management system port
(reserved for future upgrade).
ALARM port Provides system alarm status contacts
and a signal strength indication.
ANTENNA Port for connection to the antenna.

EasyReach User Manual SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
1H90941 7
Front Panel Indicators
The names and functions of the front panel status indicators are as follows:
LEGEND If GREEN If RED
POWER Power is on -
FAIL The unit has passed self-
test Power or system fail
DATA Data acquired Loss of data or line code
violations detected at DATA IN
or Data port
RF SIGNAL Signal strength is above
threshold Signal strength is below threshold

INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING EasyReach User Manual
8 1H90941
INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING
Conformance to Emission Requirements
Users must ensure that the EasyReach system is deployed, configured and
used in a manner such that it conforms to the emission requirements specified
by the appropriate regulatory body.
Mounting the EasyReach Unit
The EasyReach unit can operate in an environment in which the temperature
range does not exceed the limits specified in the environmental specifications.
The unit comes with mounting feet attached, ready for desktop mounting.
The unit may be either front or rear mounted in a 19-inch rack. The universal
mounting brackets can be screwed onto either side of the unit at the front or
back. The four mounting feet must be removed from the underside of the unit.
Figure 3shows an example of the brackets located at the front for a front
mounted unit, and Figure 4shows the arrangement for rear mounting of a unit.
Figure 3Front Mounting of EasyReach Unit
DATATERMINAL RF
SIGNAL
FAILPWR
PLESSEYPLESSEY
EasyReach
frtmnt rev1
Figure 4Rear Mounting of EasyReach Unit
DATATERMINAL RF
SIGNAL
FAILPWR
PLESSEYPLESSEY
EasyReach
rearmnt rev1

EasyReach User Manual INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING
1H90941 9
The unit may be also be wall mounted. Attach the mounting brackets on
diagonally opposite sides of the unit, as shown in Figure 5, and leave the feet
attached to buffer the unit from the wall surface.
Figure 5Wall Mounting of EasyReach Unit
DATATERMINAL RF
SIGNAL
FAILPWR
PLESSEY PLESSEY
EasyReach
wallmnt rev 01
Mounting brackets located
at diagonally opposite
sides of the unit

INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING EasyReach User Manual
10 1H90941
Antenna Mounting
The antenna is best suited to be mounted on a pole of diameter between 50 and
100 mm. The pole must be rigidly mounted to prevent any swaying or vibration
of the antenna.
It is crucial that the two antennas in the link are mounted with the same
polarisation. Different polarisations add approximately 25 dB to the link path
loss, thus seriously reducing the link range.
Ensure that no objects are within 20 degrees of the antenna boresight within the
immediate vicinity of the antenna.
Position the antennas at both ends of the link as accurately as possible to be
pointing to within ±6 degrees of each other in the vertical and horizontal planes
(within the antenna's 3 dB beamwidth). Failure to do this will reduce the received
signal strength and may prevent the link from initialising.
Antenna Cable Ducting
The cable should be ducted so that it maintains a safe bending radius. If the
cable is tied or clamped to fixtures, ensure that the cable sheath is protected
from damage and the cable is not crushed. Ensure also that the cable is fixed so
that it cannot vibrate under wind loading.
Failure to correctly duct the antenna cable will result in the degradation of system
performance.
The cable connection to the antenna should be sealed to prevent moisture from
entering the joint, after the antenna alignment (see page 13) has been
satisfactorily completed.

EasyReach User Manual INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING
1H90941 11
Supply Connection
AC Power Version
Connect the unit to mains power using the supplied mains power cable.
DC Power Version
A mating connector is supplied for the connection of DC power.
The DC power option provides isolated positive and negative power terminals
and a chassis ground terminal. It is recommended that the ground rail of the
supply be connected to the chassis ground.
For example, if a -48V supply is used, the -48V rail will be connected to "-" and
the 0V rail will be connected to "+" and also to the chassis ground terminal.
RF Frequency Variants
EasyReach units come in two different frequency variants, and with
complementary transmit/receive frequencies for each variant. The frequencies
of the variants are listed in Table 1.
In setting up a radio link consisting of frequency variant 1 units, the unit at one
end of the link must be a 1a variant and the unit at the other end of the link must
be a 1b variant. Similarly, if frequency variant 2 units are used, one unit must be
a 2a variant and the other one a 2b.
Table 1RF Frequency Variants
VARIANT TX FREQUENCY RX FREQUENCY
1a 2412 MHz 2452 MHz
1b 2452 MHz 2412 MHz
2a 2426 MHz 2464 MHz
2b 2464 MHz 2426 MHz

INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING EasyReach User Manual
12 1H90941
Initial Switch-On
Verify that the radiated emission regulations are not exceeded by either
calculation using Equation 1or using the EasyReach Element Manager. If
necessary the output power can be adjusted using the EasyReach Element
Manager.
Equation 1Use to calculate radiated emissions
EIRP = Output Power – Cable Losses + Antenna Gain
Ensure that the equipment is set up according to Figure 1(see page 4).
It is not necessary to interface a PC to the EasyReach unit unless the user
requires either to monitor the system operation or to re-configure the control and
monitoring parameters – see “System Control and Monitoring” below, and
“Control and Configuration Using EasyReach Element Manager” on page 22.
Ensure that the antennas at both sites are pointing to within ±6 degrees of the
other site in both the vertical and horizontal planes.
Switch on the power to the equipment at both ends of the link.
The four front-panel status indicator LEDs should all be green (although they
may not be if the antenna alignment is not yet accurate enough).
Perform the antenna alignment procedure detailed on page 13.