SureCall CM2020 User manual
CM2020 Industrial
Dual-Band Cellular Booster for Commercial
Oces, 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 signicant
forfeiture penalties, including penalties in excess of $100,000
for each continuing violation.
WARNING
CHAPTER 1: Introduction 1
1.1 - Package Contents 3
1.2-Features&Benets 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 9-11
3.5 - Calculating Signal Strength 11-12
3.6 - Booster Location 13
3.7 - Accessories 13
3.8 - Need Help? 14
CHAPTER 4: Installation 14
4.1 - Selecting the Locations 14
4.2 - Soft Installation 14-15
4.3 - Exterior Antenna 16
4.4 - Internal Antennas 17
4.5 - Mounting the Booster 18
CHAPTER 5: Conguration & Testing 18
5.1 - DIP Switches and Lights 19
5.2-InitialConguration 19-20
5.3 - Powering on the Booster 21
5.4 - Testing 21
5.5 - Adjusting the Booster 21
5.6 - Automatic Shutdown 22
CHAPTER 6: Warranty 22
6.1 - Warranty Periods 22-24
6.2 - Warranty Information 24
6.3 - Contact Information 24
2
Introduction
Introducing SureCall’s CM2020, Industrial booster Please read this entire manual before
proceeding. with the installation. This manual applies to the CM2020 Industrial model.
1.1 - Package Contents
Your booster box contains the following items:
• CM2020 Booster.
• Mounting kit (not shown).
• DC power supply (not shown).
• Wall anchors (not shown).
1.2 - Features & Benets
The CM2020 Industrial booster oers the following features
and benets:
• Powerful in-building booster with 31dB of adjustable gain level.
• Extends cellular signals in areas with poor coverage due to geographical and/
or building design.
• Suitable for large areas up to approximately 80,000 square feet depending on
outside signal strength and carrier frequency.
• Power control maintains maximum output power at 3 watts EIRP.
• Automatic oscillation detection and protection system powers down the
booster to prevent harmful radio interference (if equipped).
1.3 - Additional Items Needed
The CM2020 booster requires the following components for a complete
installation:
• External antenna (such as the SC-100L or SC-288W omni or SC-230D Yagi
by SureCall).
• Lightning protector (CMLP).
• Cable splitter if installing multiple antennas (up to six in a typical installation).
4
• Sucient SC-400 ultra low loss interior/exterior cable (for boosters above 55dB).
• Sucient SC-240 ultra low loss interior/exterior cable (for boosters 55dB and
below).
• Up to 6 internal antennas (such as the SC-222W, SC-223, or SC-224 omnidirec-
tional domes and/orSC-248W at panel by SureCall).
• Grounded surge suppressor for DC power
1.4 - How It Works
The CM2020 booster amplies 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, amplies that sig-
nal, and then rebroadcasts it via the interior antenna(s) where it is picked up by cel-
lular phones, modems, and data cards. The interior antennas also pick up signals
from cellular devices and pass them to the booster. The booster 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 malfunc-
tion, 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 appli-
cable 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.
Safety
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
DAMAGE TO THE BOOSTER, ANTENNAS, AND
WIRING.
6
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 benet most from directional at-panel antennas while more square
spaces will benet 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 conguration and testing as described in this manual.
Planning
Planning
3.2 - Exterior Antenna
You may use either an omnidirectional antenna such as the SC-100-L (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.
8
planning
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 such as the SC-222W, SC-223 and SC-224 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 multistorybuildings 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:
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 fac-
tors 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’
Amplier gain Min. separation (ad)
10
planning
The easiest way to calculate the straight-line separation between antennas is to break it down into
three simple measurements and then use some basic geometry to nd the distance, as follows:
1. Measure the distances ab, bc, and cd as shown in the diagram on the next page.
- Distance from the nearest interior antenna (Point a) to the wall underneath the exterior antenna
(Point b). This is distance ab.
- Distance from Point b to directly underneath the exterior antenna. This is Point (c). This is distance
bc.
- Distance from Point c to the exterior antenna (Point d). This is distance cd.
2. Multiply ab times ab to obtain ab2.
3. Multiply bc times bc to obtain bc2.
4. Multiply cd times cd to obtain cd2.
5. Add ab2+bc2to obtain ac2.
6. Add ac2+cd2 to obtain ad2.
7. The straight-line distance ad is the square root (√) key. of the result obtained in Step 6. Example:
• Distance ab=40 feet; ab2 = 40x40=1600.
• Distance bc=10 feet; bc2 = 10x10=100.
• Distance cd=20 feet; cd2 = 20x20=400.
• ac2 = 1600+100=1700
• ad2 = 1700+400=2100
• ad = 45.83’
Here, the straight-line distance ad is just under 46 feet, which is compatible with 50dB booster gain
as indicated in the previous table.
Planning
Separate interior antennas based on the calculations shown in Section 3.5. 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.
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.
•Outside antenna gain (OAG): This 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
RESULT IN CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
SC-100S omni +5 +5
SC-100L omni +9 +9
SC-288 omni +3 +3
SC-230D Yagi +10 +11
OAG Cellular PCS
12
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.
IAG Cellular PCSCS
• 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 amplication 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
3-way -5 -5
4-way -6 -6
SL Cellular PCS
20’ SC- 400/SC-240 -1/-2 -2/-4
30’ SC-400/SC-240 -2/-4 -3/-6
50’ SC-400/SC-240 -3/-6 -4/-8
100’ SC-400/SC-240 -4/-8 -7/-14
SC-222W omni dome +3 +3
SC-223 omni dome +3 +3
SC-248 Directional panel +7 +10
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 en-
sure 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 qualied installer, the reseller from whom
you purchased the booster, or SureCall.
CAUTION: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING
THAT THE INSTALLATION MEETS ALL APPLICABLE
CODES.
14
Installation
Chapter 4.
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 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 (SC-100-L, SC-100-S, 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
BOOSTER INSTALLATION CAN CAUSE SIGNAL
OSCILLATION AND/OR OTHER EQUIPMENT
MALFUNCTION.
Installation
CAUTION: MOUNT THE EXTERIOR ANTENNA ON A
FIXED STRUCTURE.
WARNING: FAILURE TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN
WORKING IN HIGH AREAS COULD CAUSE A FALL
AND PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH ANY LIVE ELECTRICAL
WIRES OR ALLOW THE ANTENNA OR CABLING TO
TOUCH ANY LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES.
CAUTION: AVOID AIMING A YAGI ANTENNA TOWARD
ANY INTERIOR ANTENNA.
1. Mount the antenna.
2. Connect a length of SC-400 cable to the
3. Run the cable along the planned route.
4. Install a properly grounded CMLP lightning protector.
5. Seal any holes you make in the outside of the building with appropriate caulking or sealant.
16
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 (SC-222W, SC-223, 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.
Installation
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 the booster to the wall using appropriate screws and/or wall anchors. The top side of the
booster with the lights and DIP switches should be facing away from the wall and be plainly visible
when 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
18
Conguration & Testing
CHAPTER 5: Conguration & Testing
This chapter describes how to power on, congure, and test the booster.
5.1 - DIP Switches and Lights
The CM2020 Industrial booster has the following indicators and controls:
• PCS Uplink Warning light/DIP switches (1):
These DIP switches control the PCS communications with the cellular tower.
• PCS Downlink Warning light/DIP switches (2):
These DIP switches control the PCS amplication within the building.
• Power light (3): This light should be illuminated or blinking green at all times while the booster is
powered on.
• Cellular Downlink Warning light/DIP switches 4): These DIP switches control the cellular amplica-
tion within the building.
• Cellular Uplink Warning light/DIP switches (5): These switches control the cellular communications
with the tower.
Conguration & Testing
When the booster is powered on:
• The green Power light (3) should illuminate.
• The red Warning lights (1, 2, 4, 5) should remain OFF. If one or more Warning lights illuminates,
power o the booster immediately.
Each bank of DIP switches contains ve switches.
• Moving a switch down (away from the indicator lights) turns that switch OFF and increases booster
gain for the selected channel.
• Moving a switch up (toward the indicator lights) turns that switch ON and
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 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 (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 a 68dB booster, this means that the selected channel would be reduced to 47dB (68db-
21db).
• Turning ON all switches in a bank = 1+2+4+8+16dB attenuation = 31dB attenuation. For example,
in a 68dB booster, that means that the selected channel would be reduced to 37dB (68dB-31dB).
5.2 - Initial Conguration
By default, your booster ships with all DIP switches turned ON to provide maximum gain in all chan-
nels. 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 snugly 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.
6. If any red Warning light(s) illuminate, immediately power o the booster by either unplugging
the DC power supply from the surge suppressor or by turning o the switch on the surge
suppressor. Increase the attenuation (reduce gain) to the aected channel(s) and try again.
If you are at maximum attenuation and still receiving a warning, then you must verify that all
antennas have been placed according to these instructions and relocate antennas as needed
to eliminate the oscillation. See Section 5.6 for more information.
7. Once the booster is powered on and no red Warning lights are illuminated, you may proceed
to adjust the booster.
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.
Conguration & Testing
Other manuals for CM2020
1
Table of contents
Other SureCall Signal Booster manuals
