SureCall Force3 PSB User manual
This is an in-building DAS
Part 90 Signal Boosters ,THIS IS A 90.219 CLASS B DEVICE
Force3 PSB Industrial
Tri-Band Radio Communications BDA
for First Responders
User Guide
This is NOT a CONSUMER device. It is designed 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. You MUST register Class B signal boosters as dened in CFR
90.219. Unauthorized use may result in signicant forfeiture penalties, including penalties in
excess of $100,000 for each continuing violation.
WARNING
WARNING. This is NOT a CONSUMER device. It is designed 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 signicant
forfeiture penalties, including penalties in excess of $100,000 for each continuing violation.
This is a 90.219 Class B Device.
Under Section 90.219(d)(5) of the Commission’s rules, all Part 90 Class B signal booster installations must be
registered with the FCC. In February 2013, as part of the Commission’s eorts to support the continued use
of signal boosters in the Private Land Mobile Radio Services and Public Safety Radio Services, the Commis-
sion adopted a registration requirement for existing and future Part 90 Class B signal booster installations. The
Commission found that a Class B signal booster registration system would be a valuable tool to help resolve
interference should it occur.
All Part 90 licensees and signal booster operators must register existing Part 90 Class B signal boosters with
the Commission by November 1, 2014. In addition, any new Class B signal booster installed after November 1,
2014 must be registered prior to operation.
Filing Registrations. To register a part 90 Class B signal booster, go to the part 90 Signal Booster Registration
and Discovery page at www.fcc.gov/signal-boosters/registration and enter an FCC Registration Number (FRN)
and Password in the upper right hand corner of the screen; then click on “LOGIN.”
On the Signal Booster Information page, enter either (1) latitude and longitude (in decimal degrees) of the signal
booster location and click on the “Get Address Info” button; or (2) the booster, city, and state, and click on the
“Get Lat/Long button. The registration tool will provide a map of the booster location to verify that the location
appears correct. Next, check the box(es) for the frequencies within the operating range of the signal booster and
enter at least one call sign associated with the booster. In addition, enter the ler’s Company Information (Com-
pany Name, Company Attention, Address, Email registration, enter Signature Information (Title, Name) and click
“Submit.” The system will generate a conrmation, including a booster ID number, which you may print for your
records. Each booster must be submitted separately. Using the links in the upper right hand corner of the Signal
Booster Conrmation page you may “Add a Booster,” “View Your Boosters” or “Log out.”
Accessing Registrations. Each registration will be available to the public on the same day it is led with the
Commission. Registrations may be accessed at: www.fcc.gov/signal-boosters/registration. Click on “View All
Boosters” from the Part 90 Signal Booster Registration and Discovery page. The registrations can be searched
and sorted by booster ID number, name of the ler, city, county, state, zip code, latitude/longitude, or call sign.
For further information please contact the FCC Licensing Support Hotline at (877) 480-3201 or submit an onlinr
help request at https://esupport.c.gov/onlinerequest.htm. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00– 6:00 pm.
2
FCC Notice
CHAPTER 1: Introduction 1
1.1 - Package Contents 4
1.2-Features&Benets4
1.3 - Additional Items Needed 4
1.4 - How It Works 5
CHAPTER 2: Safety 5
2.1 - Safety Warnings 5-6
CHAPTER 3: Planning 7
3.1 - Overview 8
3.2 - Exterior Antenna 8
3.3 - Interior Antennas 9
3.4 - Antenna Separation 10-11
3.5 - BDA Location 12
3.6 - Accessories 12
3.7 - 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 BDA 16
CHAPTER 5: Conguration & Testing 17
5.1 - DIP Switches and Lights 17-18
5.2-InitialConguration19
5.3 - Powering on the BDA 19
5.4 - Testing 19
5.5 - Adjusting the BDA 19-20
5.6 - Automatic Shutdown 20-21
CHAPTER 6: Warranty & Specications 21
6.1 - Warranty Information 21
6.2-Specications22
6.3 - Contact Information 23
Contents
4
Introduction
Introducing SureCall’s Force3 PSB Public Safety Band Amplier. Please read this entire manual be-
fore proceeding with the installation. This manual applies to the Force3 PSB model
1.1 - Package Contents
Your BDA box contains the following items:
• Force3 PSB Bi-Directional Amplier
• Mounting kit (not shown).
• DC power supply (not shown).
• Wall anchors (not shown).
1.2 - Features & Benets
The Force3 PSB BDA oers the following features
and benets:
• Powerful in-building BDA with 31dB of adjustable gain level.
• Extends 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.
• Power control maintains maximum output power at 3 watts EIRP.
• Automatic oscillation detection and protection system powers down the BDA
to prevent harmful radio interference.
1.3 - Additional Items Needed
The Force3 PSB BDA requires the following additonal components for a
complete installation:
• External antenna
• Lightning protector
• Cable splitter if installing multiple antennas.
• Sucient SC-400 ultra low loss interior/exterior cable of 50 ohm.
• Multiple antennas (omnidirectional domes and/or panels by SureCall).
• Grounded surge suppressor for DC power supply.
Note: Due to the recent change of our company name from Cellphone-Mate (CM) to SureCall (SC) we have changed the prex on all of our
antennas, cables and accessories from CM to SC-.
1.4 - How It Works
The Force3 PSB BDA amplies signals from the nearest radio tower to a building and from those radios
back to the tower to compensate for weak reception caused by distance, topography, building
structure etc. The BDA receives the signal from an outside antenna, amplies that signal, and then
rebroadcasts it via the interior antenna(s) where it is picked up by radios. The interior antennas also pick
up signals from radio devices and pass them to the BDA. The BDA amplies 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.
6
• 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 BDA.
• Always power o the BDA 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 RADIO TOWERS
AND RESULT IN CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL
PENALTIES.
CAUTION: FAILURE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A
LIGHTNING PROTECTOR CAN RESULT IN DAM-
AGE TO THE BDA, ANTENNAS, AND WIRING.
Safety
CHAPTER 3: Planning
3.1 - Overview
The general BDA 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 radio tower (line of sight). You
must also consider attaching a grounded lightning protector between the exterior antenna and the BDA.
2. Decide where to mount the interior antenna(s), being sure to take separation requirements into account.
In general, long narrow spaces will benet most from directional at-panel antennas while more square
spaces will benet more from omnidirectional dome antennas.
3. Decide where to mount the BDA. 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 BDA and between the BDA and
interior antennas.
5. Install the antennas as described in their respective Installation Manuals.
6. Route the cables to the BDA location.
7. Install the BDA as described in this manual.
8. Power on the BDA and perform the conguration and testing as described in this manual.
Overview
8
Exterior Antenna
3.2 - Exterior Antenna
You may use either an omnidirectional antenna that covers (at areas with no obstructions)
or a directional Yagi antenna (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 sig-
nals over a focused area and must be aimed directly (line of sight) toward the radio 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.
Interior Antenna
3.3 - Interior Antennas
You may use any combination of omnidirectional (dome) and/or directional (at panel) interior
antennas needed to obtain optimal signal strength throughout the building or installation area.
Dome antennas provide 360-degree hemispherical coverage suitable for mostly square areas while
at panel antennas provide a focused zone of coverage suitable for long narrow areas. The follow-
ing 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 signicant 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:
10
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
BDA gain as described in Chapter 5 of this manual.
Antenna Separation
3.4 - Antenna Separation
Proper antenna separation is essential in order to prevent signal oscillation (feedback) that can
interfere with the radio 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
BDA 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, BDA gain, etc.
40dB 5-6’
45dB 15-20’
50dB 50’
55dB 60’
65dB 75-80’
70dB 100’
75dB 100’-120’
80dB 120’-180’
Amplier gain Min. separation (ad)
Antenna Separation
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
exterior antenna, you should normally aim it away from all interior antennas regardless of separation
to prevent oscillation.
CAUTION: SIGNAL OSCILLATION CAN CAUSE RADIO
INTERFERENCE WITH RADIO TOWERS AND RESULT
IN CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
12
BDA Location
3.6 - BDA Location
Select an indoor location for the BDA 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 BDA and
antennas. Check your local building and/or electrical codes.
3.8 - Need Help?
If you need help planning your installation, please contact a qualied installer, the reseller from whom
you purchased the BDA, 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 BDA and antennas for best results.
4.1 - Selecting the Locations
Select the locations for the exterior antenna, interior antenna(s), BDA, 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 conguration and testing instructions. Proceed with the
nal installation once conguration 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 must be mounted vertically.
• A Yagi antenna must be mounted horizontally and be aimed at the desired radio tower (line of
sight).
CAUTION: FAILURE TO PROPERLY PLAN THE BDA
INSTALLATION CAN CAUSE SIGNAL OSCILLATION
AND/OR OTHER EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION.
CAUTION: MOUNT THE EXTERIOR ANTENNA ON A
FIXED STRUCTURE.
14
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 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
ANTENNA 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 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 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 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 cable to the input side of the splitter (if used) and run this cable to the
BDA location.
5. It is important to keep the cable runs equal or use taps to ensure a harmonious install.
Installation
16
4.5 - Mounting the BDA
Mount the BDA 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 BDA 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 BDA is
to be situated. Plywood should be ush against wall. Once mounted, screw the BDA to the plywood
sheet. The top side of the BDA with the lights and DIP switches should be facing away from the wall
and be plainly visible standing near the BDA.
4. Connect the exterior antenna cable to the Outside Antenna port on the BDA.
5. Connect the interior antenna cable to the Inside Antenna port on the BDA.
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 BDA UNTIL
INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
CAUTION: NEVER POWER ON THE BDA WHEN ANY
ANTENNAS ARE DISCONNECTED AS THIS
COULD DAMAGE THE BDA.
Installation
CHAPTER 5: Conguration & Testing
The Force3 PSB has ve dipswitches. Below is an image of the dip-switches and the frequency
bands they utilize for attenuation. Next to the image is a general attenuation guide.
DIP Switches
1) PS 700 DL dip wsitches control 700 band downlink
2) PS UL dip wsitches control 700 band and 800 band uplink
3) PS 800 DL dip wsitches control 800 band downlink
4) SMR 900 UL dip wsitches control 900 band uplink
5) SMR 900 UL dip wsitches control 900 band downlink
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
Conguration and Testing
18
Each bank of DIP switches contain ve switches.
• Turning a switch OFF increases BDA gain for the selected channel.
• Turning that switch ON decreases BDA 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 amplication). 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
(BDA is at full gain).
• Turning ON Switch #1 in a bank = 1dB
attenuation (BDA 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 BDA, 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 BDA, that means that the selected channel would be reduced
to 49dB (80dB-31dB).
When the BDA is powered on:
• The green Power light (4) should illuminate.
• If any of the bands are oscillating, the corresponding Band lights (1,2,3) will ash red and that band will
ash red and that band will shut down.
Note: When the BDA is turned on, the Band lights will ash red and yellow for approximately 10 sec-
onds.
Conguration and Testing
123 4 5
124 8 16
UPLINK
123 4 5
124 8 16
DOWNLINK
12 3
4
5.2 - Initial Conguration
By default, your BDA 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 BDA.
5.3 - Powering on the BDA
To power on the BDA:
1. Make sure that exterior and interior antenna cables are rmly connected to the proper ports
on the BDA.
2. Plug a surge suppressor into a grounded 110VAC wall outlet.
3. Plug the AC end of the power adapter that came with the BDA into the surge suppressor.
4. Plug the DC end of the power adapter into the Power port on the BDA.5. Verify that the
green Power light is illuminated.
5.4 – Testing
Once the BDA is powered on and no Warning lights are illuminated, walk around the entire area
to test the voice and/or data signal. Rene 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 BDA
Keep the following points in mind when adjusting the BDA:
• Full power is not always your best option. Your goal is to obtain a usable radio 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 BDA. USE OF ANOTHER POWER SUPPLY
COULD DAMAGE THE BDA AND/OR POWER SUPPLY.
CAUTION: DO NOT PROCEED BEYOND THIS POINT
UNTIL THE BDA IS POWERED ON AND NO RED
WARNING LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED.
Conguration and Testing
20
• Do not expect to see full reception everywhere in the building as this is practically impossible.
• A good rule of thumb is that increasing gain by 6dB doubles the coverage distance of the
interior antennas. Start at the lowest gain setting and increase gain gradually as needed.
• If one or more red Warning lights comes on, that indicates that there’s oscillation in that band
and the band will immediately shut down. If the dB gain is not adjusted, the Warning light will
continue ashing. The BDA will power down and will then wake every 30 seconds for the
next 15 minutes to see if the problem has been resolved. If the problem has not been resolved
after 15 minutes, the BDA will shut o and will need to be unplugged and plugged back in again
to reset.
• You may see oscillation in any of the bands (see Section 5.6).
• If you can’t get the system to work properly, you may need to install an additional interior
antenna and/or a dierent type of interior antenna and/or relocate interior antennas.
Note: In general, the uplink and downlink DIP switches should be set identically but this is
not always the case.
5.6 - Automatic Shutdown
If equipped, the Force3 PSB BDA includes an automatic shutdown feature that works in the
following sequence:
1. When oscillation is detected in the uplink and/or downlink, the appropriate Warning light(s)
will begin ashing red and the Power light (light 5 in the diagram on Page 18) remain green.
2. If oscillation occurs on any other band, lights 6 and/or 7, 8, 9, and 10 will blink as appropriate.
3. If the electrical current powering the BDA is too weak or too strong, lights 6 and/or 7, 8, 9,
and 10 will blink yellow.
4. If the problem is not resolved, the aected side will shut down for 30 seconds.
5. The BDA will wake back up. When this occurs, the power light will be green. If oscillation re-
sumes, the lights will ash as previously described. These 30-second cycles will continue for 15
minutes or until the problem is resolved.
Conguration and Testing
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