SureCall Force5 Inline User manual

Force5 Industrial
5-Band Cellular Booster for Commercial
Oces, Institutions and Housing Complexes.
User Guide
This is NOT a CONSUMER device. It is designated for installation
by FCC LICENSEES and QUALIFIED INSTALLERS. You MUST
have an FCC LICENSE or express consent of an FCC Licensee to
operate this device. Unauthorized use may result in signicant
forfeiture penalties, including penalties in excess of $100,000
for each continuing violation.
WARNING

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CHAPTER 1: Introduction 1
1.1 - Package Contents 3
 1.2-Features&Benets3
1.3 - Additional Items Needed 3
1.4 - How It Works 4
CHAPTER 2: Safety 4
2.1 - Safety Warnings 4-5
CHAPTER 3: Planning 6
3.1 - Overview 6
3.2 - Exterior Antenna 7
3.3 - Interior Antennas 8
3.4 - Antenna Separation 9-10
3.5 - Calculating Signal Strength 10-11
3.6 - Booster Location 12
3.7 - Accessories 12
3.8 - Need Help? 12
CHAPTER 4: Installation 13
4.1 - Selecting the Locations 13
4.2 - Soft Installation 13
4.3 - Exterior Antenna 13-14
4.4 - Internal Antennas 15
4.5 - Mounting the Booster 16
CHAPTER 5: Conguration & Testing 17
5.1 - DIP Switches and Lights 17-18
 5.2-InitialConguration19
5.3 - Powering on the Booster 19
5.4 - Testing 19
5.5 - Adjusting the Booster 19-20
5.6 - Automatic Shutdown 20-21
CHAPTER 6: Warranty 21
6.1 - Warranty Periods 21
6.2 - Warranty Information 22
6.3 - Contact Information 23
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Introduction
Introducing SureCall’s Force5, Industrial booster Please read this entire manual before proceeding.
with the installation. This manual applies to the Force5 Industrial model
1.1 - Package Contents
Your booster box contains the following items:
• Force5 Booster.
• Mounting kit (not shown).
• DC power supply (not shown).
• Wall anchors (not shown).
1.2 - Features & Benets
The Force5 Industrial booster oers the following features
and benets:
• Powerful in-building booster with 31dB of adjustable gain level.
• Extends cellular signals in areas with poor coverage due to geographical location and/or building
design.
• Suitable for large areas up to approximately 80,000 square feet depending on outside signal
strength and carrier frequency.
• Maximum output power is 3 watts EIRP for cellular, 2watts EIRP for PCS and 1 watt for AWS
1710-1755 MHz bands. Fixed stations operating in the 1710-1755 MHz bands are limited to a
maximum antenna height of 10 meters above ground.
• Automatic oscillation detection and protection system powers down the booster to prevent harm-
ful radio interference.
1.3 - Additional Items Needed
The Force5 booster requires the following additonal components for a
complete installation:
• External antenna (such as the SC-288W omni by SureCall).
• Lightning protector (SC-LP).
• Cable splitter if installing multiple antennas.
• Sucient SC-400 ultra low loss interior/exterior cable of 50 ohm.
• Multiple antennas (such as the SC-222W, omnidirectional domes and/or SC-248W at panel by
SureCall).
• Grounded surge suppressor for DC power supply.
SC-288W
SC-230W
SC-100-L
Note: Due to the recent change of our company name from Cellphone-Mate (CM) to SureCall (SC) we have changed the prex on all of our
antennas, cables and accessories from CM to SC-.

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1.4 - How It Works
The Force5 booster amplies cellular signals from the nearest tower to phones in
a building and from those phones back to the tower to compensate for weak
reception caused by distance, topography, building structure, and/or other
reasons. The booster receives the signal from an outside antenna, amplies that
signal, and then rebroadcasts it via the interior antenna(s) where it is picked up
by cellular phones, modems, and data cards. The interior antennas also pick
up signals from cellular devices and pass them to the booster. The booster
amplies these signals and passes them to the exterior antenna for
rebroadcast back to the tower.
CHAPTER 2: Safety
This chapter contains important safety information designed to prevent personal
injury, equipment malfunction, and/or radio interference. You are responsible for
ensuring a safe installation.
2.1 - Safety Warnings
• You are responsible for knowing and following all applicable codes and regulations and for obtaining all
required permits and inspections.
• Follow all safety precautions contained in this Installation Manual.
• The installation process may require working in high locations such as roofs and/or ladders. Follow ap-
plicable safety regulations and best practices to avoid falling. Take care not to drop objects o any high
area. Cordon o ground areas directly below roof or ladder work when possible.
• Always use appropriate personal protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, hard hat, etc. as needed
and as required.
Safety
WARNING: FAILURE TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN
WORKING IN HIGH AREAS COULD CAUSE A FALL
AND PERSONAL INJURY.
• Some components may be heavy and/or bulky. Always use proper lifting and carrying techniques when
handling components, especially when working on a ladder, roof, or other area with a fall hazard.
• The exterior antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna.
• Always use a properly installed SureCall lightning protector between the exterior antenna and the
booster.
• Always power o the booster before working on the roof of the building or anywhere in close proximity
to the external antenna.
• Allow at least 24 inches (60cm) of separation between interior antennas and humans or animals.
• Allow at least 24 inches (60cm) of separation between exterior antennas and all persons.
• Comply with all antenna separation requirements to prevent signal oscillation.
CAUTION: SIGNAL OSCILLATION CAN CAUSE
RADIO INTERFERENCE WITH CELLULAR TOWERS
AND RESULT IN CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL
PENALTIES.
CAUTION: FAILURE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A
LIGHTNING PROTECTOR CAN RESULT IN DAM-
AGE TO THE BOOSTER, ANTENNAS, AND WIRING.
Safety
SC-222W
SC-248W

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CHAPTER 3: Planning
3.1 - Overview
The general booster installation process follows these steps:
1. Decide where to mount the exterior antenna. This will generally be on the wall or roof of the building in
the location with the strongest signal. You will need to decide whether to use an omnidirectional antenna
mounted vertically or a directional Yagi antenna pointed directly at the cellular tower (line of sight). You
must also consider attaching a grounded lightning protector between the exterior antenna and the
booster.
2. Decide where to mount the interior antenna(s), being sure to take separation requirements into account.
In general, long narrow spaces will benet most from directional at-panel antennas while more square
spaces will benet more from omnidirectional dome antennas.
3. Decide where to mount the booster. This should be in a secure indoor location near a grounded power
source.
4. Decide where to route the cables between the exterior antenna and the booster and between the
booster and interior antennas.
5. Install the antennas as described in their respective Installation Manuals.
6. Route the cables to the booster location.
7. Install the booster as described in this manual.
8. Power on the booster and perform the conguration and testing as described in this manual.
PlanningPlanning
3.2 - Exterior Antenna
You may use either an omnidirectional antenna such as the SC-288W (at area with no obstructions)
or a directional Yagi antenna such as the SC-230W (to point directly at the tower). The omnidirectional
antenna receives and transmits signals over a horizontal 360-degree circle while the Yagi antenna
receives and transmits signals over a focused area and must be aimed directly (line of sight) toward the
cellular tower that provides the best signal to the building.
The exterior antenna and mast (if any) must be
mounted in a location that meets all of the following criteria:
• Best signal strength.
• Not colocated with other antennas or used in conjunction with other antennas.
• Away from all power lines.
• 6’ from lightning rod antennas.
• 24” from all persons.
These distances are general guidelines only; refer to the applicable building and electrical codes in
your area to determine local requirements.

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Planning
3.3 - Interior Antennas
You may use any combination of omnidirectional (dome) and/or directional (at panel) interior anten-
nas needed to obtain optimal signal strength throughout the building or installation area. Dome an-
tennas such as the SC-222W provide 360-degree hemispherical coverage suitable for mostly square
areas while at panel antennas such as the SC-248W provide a focused zone of coverage suitable
for long narrow areas. The following example uses two dome antennas and one panel antenna to
provide full coverage (exterior Yagi antenna also shown):
Keep in mind that oor structures in multistory buildings can cause signicant signal loss, which
means that you may need to install interior antennas on more than one oor. Here is an example of
a multistory installation:
Note: Vertical separation is more important than horizontal separation. If you are unable to obtain
the required separation horizontally, try raising the exterior antenna. You may also try reducing the
booster gain as described in Chapter 5 of this manual.
Planning
3.4 - Antenna Separation
Proper antenna separation is essential in order to prevent signal oscillation (feedback) that can
interfere with the cellular tower. Separation is measured in a straight line from the exterior antenna to
the closest interior antenna. The closest allowable distance depends on a number of factors such as
booster gain level, building material, etc. Recommended separation distances are:
Note: You may or may not need antennas on every oor of a multistory building depending on factors
such as building material, booster gain, etc.
40dB 5-6’
45dB 15-20’
50dB 50’
55dB 60’
65dB 75-80’
70dB 100’
75dB 100’-120’
80dB 120’-180’
Amplier gain Min. separation (ad)

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Planning
You may mix and match dome and directional antennas as needed to obtain proper coverage
throughout the building or area where you need to boost the signal. If you are using a Yagi exte-
rior antenna, you should normally aim it away from all interior antennas regardless of separation to
prevent oscillation.
3.5 Calculating Signal Strength
You can calculate the number of antennas you will need using the following parameters (in dB):
• Outside signal level (OSL): This is the signal strength at the exterior antenna location and will
always be a negative number that will usually fall between -50 and -100dBm. Calls will drop at levels
of about -100dB and lower. A system installed in an area where the signal is -85 or worse will require
some detailed engineering to achieve an acceptable solution.
• Outside antenna gain (OAG): This is the signal boost provided by the exterior antenna and is
always a positive number with SureCall antennas.
CAUTION: SIGNAL OSCILLATION CAN CAUSE RADIO
INTERFERENCE WITH CELLULAR TOWERS AND RE-
SULT IN CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
SC-288W omni +3
OAG Gain
Planning
• Inside antenna gain (IAG): This is the signal boost provided by an interior antenna and is always a positive
number with SureCall antennas.
• Cable loss (CL): This is the signal loss caused by the cable and is always a negative number.
• Splitter loss (SL): This is the signal loss caused by a splitter (used if you are installing multiple antennas).
• Booster gain (AG): Number of decibels of amplication provided by the booster (rated gain less any
attenuation, as described in Chapter 5 of this manual). This is always a positive number.
The signal strength S at an interior antenna equals OSL+OAG+IAG+CL+SL+AG. To calculate the
approximate coverage distance of each antenna:
1. Calculate the signal strength S for the rst interior antenna using the preceding formula.
2. Find the signal strength S for the antenna along the bottom of the graph on the following page.
3. Move straight up the signal strength line to the PCS and cellular curves. 4. Read the approximate
coverage radius on the left.
2-way -3
3-way -5
4-way -6
SL Loss
SC-222W omni dome +3
SC-248W direction panel +7
IAG Gain
20’ SC- 400/SC-240 -1/-2
30’ SC-400/SC-240 -2/-4
50’ SC-400/SC-240 -3/-6
100’ SC-400/SC-240 -4/-8
CL Loss

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Planning
3.6 - Booster Location
Select an indoor location for the booster that meets the following criteria:
• Wall or ceiling mounts are acceptable.
• Near a properly grounded 110VAC outlet.
• Not in a tightly enclosed or overly hot space.
• All power and warning lights easily visible.
• Least amount of cable to connect all antennas.
3.7 - Accessories
The nal step in the planning process is to make sure you have all of the necessary accessories to
complete the installation. You will need all of the items listed in Chapter 1 of this manual plus some or
all of the following:
• Cable clips: Use these to secure the cables to interior and exterior walls/ceilings.
• Appropriately rated sealant/caulking: Use this to waterproof the opening where the cable from the
exterior antenna enters the building, if needed.
• Hand and/or power tools: As needed to complete the installation.
• Personal Equipment (PPE): Use all PPE required by local codes and/or best practices to help
ensure personal safety during installation.
Note: You may need to obtain a permit from your local building department to install the booster and
antennas. Check your local building and/or electrical codes.
3.8 - Need Help?
If you need help planning your installation, please contact a qualied installer, the reseller from whom
you purchased the booster, or SureCall.
CAUTION: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING
THAT THE INSTALLATION MEETS ALL APPLICABLE
CODES.
Installation
Chapter 4. Installation
This chapter describes how to install the booster and antennas for best results.
4.1 - Selecting the Locations
Select the locations for the exterior antenna, interior antenna(s), booster, cables, and accessories as
described in the previous chapter.
4.2 - Soft Installation
Perform a “soft” installation of all components to test signal coverage and oscillation before making
the installation permanent. Avoid making holes or other permanent xtures during this initial phase.
Please refer to Chapter 5 of this manual for conguration and testing instructions. Proceed with the
nal installation once conguration and testing are complete.
4.3 - Exterior Antenna
Mount the exterior antenna in the location you selected during the planning process. Be sure to follow
all of the instructions included with the antenna to ensure a safe installation. Remember:
• An omnidirectional antenna (SC-288W, etc.) must be mounted vertically.
• A Yagi antenna (such as the SC-230W) must be mounted horizontally and be aimed at the desired
cellular tower (line of sight).
CAUTION: FAILURE TO PROPERLY PLAN THE BOOST-
ER INSTALLATION CAN CAUSE SIGNAL OSCILLATION
AND/OR OTHER EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION.
CAUTION: MOUNT THE EXTERIOR ANTENNA ON A
FIXED STRUCTURE.

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Installation
WARNING: FAILURE TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN
WORKING IN HIGH AREAS COULD CAUSE A FALL
AND PERSONAL INJURY.
CAUTION: AVOID AIMING A YAGI ANTENNA TOWARD
ANY INTERIOR ANTENNA.
1. Mount the antenna.
2. Connect a length of SC-400 cable to the antenna and tighten until hand-tight.
3. Run the cable along the planned route.
4. Install a properly grounded SC-LP lightning protector.
5. Seal any holes you make in the outside of the building with appropriate caulking or sealant.
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH ANY LIVE ELECTRICAL
WIRES OR ALLOW THE ANTENNA OR CABLING TO
TOUCH ANY LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES.
CAUTION: VERIFY THAT ALL INTERIOR ANTENNAS
MEET THE SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS
DESCRIBED IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER AND THAT
NO ANTENNA IS AIMED TOWARD THE EXTERIOR
ANTENNA.
CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT AN INTERIOR ANTEN-
NA TO THE SPLITTER INPUT.
4.4 - Internal Antennas
Mount the interior antenna(s) in the location(s) you selected during the planning process. Be sure to
follow the instructions included with the antenna(s) for a safe installation. Remember:
• Dome antennas (SC-222W, etc.) should be mounted in the ceiling as close to the center of the
desired coverage area as possible with the domed side pointing down.
• Flat panel antennas (SC-248W) should be wall-mounted as close as possible to center of the wall
at one end of long narrow space.
1. Mount the antenna.
2. Connect a length of SC-400 or SC-240 cable to the antenna and tighten until hand-tight.
3. If you are installing multiple antennas, run the cable to the splitter location and connect the cable
to one of the outputs on the splitter.
4. Connect another length of SC-400 or SC-240 cable to the input side of the splitter (if used) and
run this cable to the booster location.
5. It is important to keep the cable runs equal or use taps to ensure a harmonious install.
Installation

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4.5 - Mounting the Booster
Mount the booster as follows:
1. Verify that the selected location meets all of the criteria described in the previous chapter.
2. Attach the included mounting kit to the booster using the screws provided. Tighten the screws by
hand with a screwdriver until tight plus 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Do not over-tighten.
3. Mount 24” x 24”, 3⁄4” thick sheet of plywood on top of sheetrock into wall studs where the booster
is to be situated. Plywood should be ush against wall. Once mounted, screw the booster to the
plywood sheet. The top side of the booster with the lights and DIP switches should be facing away
from the wall and be plainly visible standing near the booster.
4. Connect the exterior antenna cable to the Outside Antenna port on the booster.
5. Connect the interior antenna cable to the Inside Antenna port on the booster.
6. Verify that all cable connections are tight and that the exterior and interior antennas are connected
to the proper jacks.
CAUTION: DO NOT POWER ON THE BOOSTER UNTIL
INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
CAUTION: NEVER POWER ON THE BOOSTER WHEN
ANY ANTENNAS ARE DISCONNECTED AS THIS
COULD DAMAGE THE BOOSTER.
Installation
CHAPTER 5: Conguration & Testing
The Force5 has nine dipswitches. Below is an image of the dipswitches and the frequency bands
they utilize for attenuation. Next to the image is ageneral attenuation guide.
DIP Switches
1) AWS-UL (2100 MHz) Dip switches control AWS uplink (switch 1-5)
2) AWS-DL (2100 MHz) Dip switches control AWS downlink (switch 1-5)
3) PCS-UL (1900 MHz) Dip switches control PCS uplink (switch 1-5)
4) PCS-DL (1900 MHz) Dip switches control PCS downlink (switch 1-5)
5) LTE-UL AT&T (707 MHz) Dip switches control LTE uplink (switch 1-5)
6) LTE-DL (728-757 MHz) Dip switches control LTE downlink (switch 1-5)
7) LTE-UL Verizon (781 MHz) Dip switches control LTE uplink (switch 1-5)
8) CELLULAR-UL (800 MHz) Dip switches control Celluar uplink (switch 1-5)
9) CELLULAR-DL (800 MHz) Dip switches control Celluar downlink (switch 1-5)
Switch 1 (1dB) + Switch 2 (2dB) = 3dB attenuation
Switch 1 (1dB) + Switch 2 (2dB) + Switch 3 (4dB) = 7dB attenuation
Switch 1 (1dB) + Switch 2 (2dB) + Switch 3 (4dB) + Switch 4 (8dB) = 15dB attenuation
Switch 1 (1dB) + Switch 2 (2dB) + Switch 3 (4dB) + Switch 4 (8dB) + Switch 5 (16dB) = 31dB attenuation
Switch 1 Switch 2 Switch 3 Switch 4 Switch 5
1dB 2dB 4dB 8dB 16dB
Conguration and Testing

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Each bank of DIP switches contain ve switches.
• Turning a switch OFF increases booster gain for the selected channel.
• Turning that switch ON decreases booster gain for the selected channel.
From left to right, the DIP switches in each bank provide 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 dB of attenuation
(reduced amplication). These switches are cumulative, meaning that the total amount of
attenuation for a channel is equal to the combined dB of all ON DIP switches in the corresponding
bank. For example:
• Turning all switches OFF = 0dB attenuation
(booster is at full gain).
• Turning ON Switch #1 in a bank = 1dB
attenuation (booster maximum gain is
reduced by 1dB).
• Turning ON Switches #1, 3, and 5 in a bank = 1+4+16dB attenuation = 21dB attenuation.
For example, in an 80dB booster, this means the selected channel would be reduced to 59dB (80db -21db).
• Turning ON all switches in a bank = 1+2+4+8+16dB attenuation = 31dB attenuation
For example, in an 80 dB booster, that means that the selected channel would be reduced
to 49dB (80dB-31dB).
When the booster is powered on:
• The green Power light (5) should illuminate.
• If any of the bands are oscillating, the corresponding Band lights (6, 7, 8 , 9, 10) will ash red and that
band will ash red and that band will shut down.
Note: When the booster is turned on, the Band lights will ash red and yellow for approximately 10
seconds.
Conguration and Testing
5.2 - Initial Conguration
By default, your booster ships with all DIP switches turned OFF to provide maximum gain in
all channels. This should always be your starting point whenever installing or reinstalling the
booster.
5.3 - Powering on the Booster
To power on the booster:
1. Make sure that exterior and interior antenna cables are rmly connected to the proper ports
on the booster.
2. Plug a surge suppressor into a grounded 110VAC wall outlet.
3. Plug the AC end of the power adapter that came with the booster into the surge suppressor.
4. Plug the DC end of the power adapter into the Power port on the booster.5. Verify that the
green Power light is illuminated.
5.4 – Testing
Once the booster is powered on and no Warning lights are illuminated, walk around the entire
area to test the voice and/or data signal. Rene the antenna locations and/or gain levels as
needed, and then complete the permanent installation once the system is working as desired.
5.5 - Adjusting the Booster
Keep the following points in mind when adjusting the booster:
• Full power is not always your best option. Your goal is to obtain a usable cellular signal in as
many areas of the building as possible. A successful installation means that you can make calls
without dropping and/or have a reliable data connection.
5. Verify that the green Power light is illuminated.
CAUTION: ONLY USE THE POWER SUPPLY INCLUDED
WITH THE BOOSTER. USE OF ANOTHER POWER
SUPPLY COULD DAMAGE THE BOOSTER AND/OR
POWER SUPPLY.
CAUTION: DO NOT PROCEED BEYOND THIS POINT
UNTIL THE BOOSTER IS POWERED ON AND NO RED
WARNING LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED.
Conguration and Testing
123 4 5
124 8 16
UPLINK
123 4 5
124 8 16
DOWNLINK