Visonic MCX-600 User manual

DE4044 MCX-600 Installation Instructions 1
MCX
MCXMCX
MCX-
--
-600
600600
600
Wireless Repeater for PowerCode Communications
Installation Instructions
1. INTRODUCTION
1. INTRODUCTION1. INTRODUCTION
1. INTRODUCTION
The MCX-600 is a microprocessor controlled wireless repeater,
designed to relay digital data between wireless PowerCode
transmitters and a target PowerCode receiver. Repeater links are
required when the target receiver is beyond the range of at least
some of the wireless transmitters and is therefore incapable of
receiving transmissions directly (see Figure 1).
If the distance between the transmitters and the target receiver is
too large to be covered with one repeater, several auxiliary
repeaters may be added along the communication path. This
way, a multi-level network is created (see Figure 2).
Up to 16 auxiliary repeaters can be positioned between the
farthest group of transmitters and the target receiver. Each
repeater must be assigned a correct LEVEL TAG for the system
to operate properly.
The repeater closest to the receiver is LEVEL 0. As repeaters are
added, the level number increases, up to LEVEL 15 (maximum).
Figure 1. Single-Level Repeater Configuration
A receiver module, a transmitter module and a
controller motherboard are the building blocks
of the MCX-600. All 3 units are packaged in
a small-size, easy-to-install plastic housing.
Both receiver and transmitter use short, down-
hanging wire antennas. The MCX-600 is
powered by 13 to 20 VDC supply or 11-16 VAC.
A 9-Volt nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery
provides backup in case of power failure. The
battery is recharged by a built-in charger.
A fully charged 120 mAh battery allows emergency operation for 2
to 5 hours at 1:1 receive/transmit ratio (see Section 2 for details).
The MCX-600 is not compatible with CodeSecure™ devices.
Figure 2. Multi-Level Repeater Configuration
2. SPECIFIC
2. SPECIFIC2. SPECIFIC
2. SPECIFICATIONS
ATIONSATIONS
ATIONS
Operating Frequencies: 315, 433.9, 868.95 and 869.2625 MHz,
or other frequencies in accordance with local requirements.
Receiver Type: Super-regenerative.
Modulation Type: 100% ASK.
PowerCode ID: One of 16,000,000 possible 24-bit codes
Power Input Ranges: 13 - 20 VDC, or 11 - 16 VAC, 100 mA min.
Backup Battery: 9 V-style rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH.
Current drain at 14 VDC:
Frequency (MHz) ∧
∧∧
∧
315 & 433
868.95 869.2625
With rechargeable battery
17.5 mA 30 mA 40 mA
Without rechargeable battery 5.5 mA 17.5 mA 27.5 mA
Note: Current drain is equal in the receive and transmit modes.
Battery Backup Duration (with fully charged 120 mA/h battery and
1:1 standby/transmit ratio):
5 hours (315 and 433.92 MHz units)
2.5 hours (868.95 MHz units)
2 hours (869.2625 MHz units)
LED indicator: Lights during transmission.
Compliance with Standards: Meets FCC Part 15, MPT 1340
and directive 1999/5/EC
Operating Temperature: 0¡°C to 49°C (32°¡F to 120°¡F).
Dimensions (H xWxD): 110 x63 x 25 mm (4-5/16 x 2-1/2 x 1 in.).
Weight: 73 g (2.6 oz).
3. CONFIGURATIONS AND FUNCTION
3. CONFIGURATIONS AND FUNCTION3. CONFIGURATIONS AND FUNCTION
3. CONFIGURATIONS AND FUNCTION
3.1 Repeater IDs
PowerCode transmitters use 24-bit ID codes, randomly selected
in the factory from over 16 million available combinations. When
a PowerCode transmitter is keyed on, its code is received by the
repeater and retransmitted to the target receiver.
Each MCX-600 repeater has its own unique, factory determined
24-bit PowerCode ID, that is only utilized for reporting the
repeater's own service messages (see Para. 3.4).
3.2 Si gle Repeater Li ks
In many cases, a single repeater is enough to bridge the communi-
cation gap between the deployed transmitters and the target
receiver. In a single repeater setup, all 4 levers of the on-board
DIP switch level selector must be set to OFF - i.e. LEVEL 0.
A repeater at LEVEL 0 will simply re-transmit any received
message, without adding its own level tag (which is only
significant in multi-repeater networks - see Para. 3.3). Refer to
Section 4 for detailed communication routine.
3.3 Multi Repeater Networks
A. The Multi-Level Concept
An auxiliary repeater positioned somewhere along the communi-
cation path retransmits data received from any higher level
repeater to any lower level repeater, but may also be used to
retransmit data received from transmitters deployed near it, in its
local coverage area (see Figure 2).
Data flows from the highest level repeater through intermediate
repeater links to the lowest level repeater (LEVEL 0) and finally
reaches the target receiver.
By virtue of differences in message format and the level tag (see
Figure 3), each repeater in a multi-level network can distinguish
between signals coming from nearby transmitters and signals
coming from higher or lower level repeaters. The repeater's
response is based on this distinction.

2 DE4044 MCX-600 Installation Instructions
At all levels except for level 0, messages are retained in the
repeater's memory until taken care of by the next repeater.
B. Selecting Level Tags
The 4-position DIP switch on the repeater's PCB allows the
installer to select the desired level by setting its 4 switch levers to
16 different combinations, as shown in Figure 3.
All repeaters leave the factory with the 4 level selection switches
set to OFF (Level 0 is selected).
3.4 Service Messages
Three kinds of event codes are automatically included in a
service transmission in addition to the repeater’s own 24-bit ID:
•Power Failure/Low Battery •Tamper •Hourly test report.
The power failure/low battery message is transmitted 30 minutes
after loss of power (AC or DC) at the voltage input terminals. Upon
power failure, recharging stops and the backup battery takes over.
It is therefore correct to assume that without power input, the
battery is gradually weakening and may be reported as “low”.
Switch
Settings
LEVEL
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4
LEVEL 5
LEVEL 6
LEVEL 7
LEVEL 0
Switch
Settings
LEVEL Switch
Settings
L EV EL Switch
Settings
L EV EL
4321
ON
4321
ON
4321
ON
4321
ON
LEVEL 9
LEVEL 10
LEVEL 11
LEVEL 8 LEVEL 12
LEVEL 13
LEVEL 14
LEVEL 15
4321
O N
4321
O N
4321
O N
4321
O N
4321
O N
4321
O N
4321
O N
4321
O N
4321
ON
4321
ON
4321
ON
4321
ON
Figure 3. Selecting Level Numbers
Power / battery restore is reported only in the following test report.
Tamper restore is reported immediately upon occurrence.
If the tamper or power failure condition persists long enough,
the respective alerts will be sent out again with each test report.
The repeater ID in the outgoing service message identifies the
message origin (the specific repeater) to the receiver. Service
personnel will therefore know exactly where the problem lies.
4. THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS
4. THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS4. THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS
4. THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS
Once the repeater is powered up, its receiver section stands by for
incoming messages, whereas its transmitter section is inactive.
A. Repeaters at any level collect and save messages received
from transmitters deployed in their respective coverage areas
and also from repeaters in higher levels. Messages are rejected
if they do not include the proper 24-bit ID format and/or do not
pass the checksum test.
B. Valid messages are saved in the message buffer, for
retransmission as soon as transmission is allowed.
Note: Before retransmission, the repeater checks whether the
RF channel is free - it is programmed to transmit on a free
channel only. However, in case of continuous interference or
uninterrupted stream of incoming messages, a 3-second time-
out will cause the repeater to stop receiving, retransmit the
contents of its message buffer and revert to the receive mode.
C. Once transmission is allowed, the repeater retransmits all
messages stored in its buffer, "first in, first out".
Note: To prevent collision of messages transmitted by repeaters
at various levels, a different REPEAT INTERVAL (inter-message
interval) is programmed for each level. This interval is
determined automatically as a function of the repeater's LEVEL.
D. Upon retransmission, messages are picked up by the target
receiver (if the system includes only a single repeater) or by a
lower level repeater for further transmission towards the target
receiver.
E. If a repeater (Level 1 and up) receives a message transmitted
by a lower level repeater and identifies it as one it had already
retransmitted, it will stop repeating the message and will delete
the message from its buffer.
F. Without acknowledgement from a lower level repeater, the
higher level repeater will transmit the message again after the
"repeat interval" (which depends on the repeater's level). A
maximum of 8 repetitions is allowed before the repeater "gives
up" and passes on to the next message.
5. INSTALLATION
5. INSTALLATION5. INSTALLATION
5. INSTALLATION
5.1 Repeater's Locatio Selectio
A. In a single repeater setup, install the repeater where good
communication is assured with the target receiver and with
the transmitters deployed in the repeater's coverage area. In
multi-repeater networks, good communication must be assured
with the deployed transmitters and the repeaters at the next
higher and next lower levels.
B. Do not stretch the coverage area to its utmost limit, because
this can disrupt your communication link. It is better to add
repeaters than to rely on marginal reception.
C. Mount the repeater as high
as possible above the floor
and well away from metal
chimneys, large metal
cabinets, metal doors and
reinforced concrete walls,
all of which may reduce the
communication range.
Figure 4. Front cover Assembly
5.2 Mou ti g Procedure
A. Remove the screw and the front cover (see Fig. 4). The round
plastic cap is supplied separately in a small nylon bag.
B. Mount the base (equipped with the printed circuit board) in the
selected location, using the mounting knockouts (see Fig. 5).
C. Make sure the antenna wires hang down vertically (do not
allow them to bend close together). Tape them to the wall if
necessary.
D. Snap the battery clip onto the battery and place the battery in
the vacant space above the P.C. board.
E. Plug the AC adapter into an uninterruptible AC outlet and
connect the low voltage wires to the repeater's 14 V terminals.
Note: Any standard DC power supply or AC step-down
transformer would do, if it delivers 12V AC or DC / 100 mA.
(Refer to Section 2 for input voltage limits.)
Figure 5. MCX-600, Cover Removed

DE4044 MCX-600 Installation Instructions 3
6. PREPARATION FOR US
6. PREPARATION FOR US6. PREPARATION FOR US
6. PREPARATION FOR USE
EE
E
6.1 E rolli g the Repeater’s ID i to the
Target Receiver’s Memory
Messages received from deployed transmitters are retransmitted
by the MCX-600 “as is” with the original transmitter’s ID, but
service messages initiated by the repeater use the repeater’s
own ID. The receiver must therefore learn the ID codes of all
transmitters used in the system, including the repeaters (which
have built-in transmitter modules).
Refer to the particular receiver’s installation manual for “learning
procedure”. At a certain stage of this procedure, a transmission
must be made from the wireless transmitter in order for the ID to
be enrolled.
CAUTION! Make sure the repeater’s level selector is set to
“LEVEL 0” (the factory default setting - see Figure 3) during the
learning session. If this is not so, the repeater’s ID will not be
enrolled. You can set each repeater to the desired level later
(see Para. 6.2).
Initiating a transmission from the MCX-600 is quite simple - you
may cause it to transmit any message such as tamper, or
tamper restore, or a supervision message.
- A tamper message will be transmitted as soon as the front
cover is removed.
- A tamper restore message will be transmitted if the MCX-600
tamper switch is pressed shut.
A Supervision message will be transmitted if you power up the
repeater and wait 5 minutes.
6.2 Level Taggi g
Select the repeater's level with the 4-position LEVEL SELECTOR
(see Figures 3 and 5):
•If your MCX-600 is the only repeater in the system, verify that
all switch levers remain OFF, thus selecting LEVEL 0.
•If your MCX-600 is part of a multi-repeater network, select the
level at which the repeater will operate, as instructed in
Paragraph 3.3 B.
6.3 Testi g
A. Position the front cover hole over the LED. Secure the front
cover with the screw and mount the plastic cap (see Figure 4).
B. Refer to the operating instructions for the transmitter(s) and
receiver being used. Test the receiver with each transmitter in
the system for range and proper reception.
C. Verify that the receiver reacts properly to messages received
via the repeater (or via a chain of repeaters).
D. Should you have a problem with signal reception, change the
location of the transmitter(s), repeater(s) and/or receiver to
improve reception.
E. Disconnect the power supply and verify that the repeater
functions correctly on battery power only.
F. Reconnect the power supply, remove the battery and verify
that the repeater functions correctly.
G. Reinstall the battery.
7. NOTES AND WARNINGS
7. NOTES AND WARNINGS7. NOTES AND WARNINGS
7. NOTES AND WARNINGS
7.1 Product Limitatio s
Visonic Ltd. wireless systems are very reliable and are tested to
high standards. However, due to their low transmitting power and
limited range (required by FCC and other regulatory authorities),
there are some limitations to be considered:
A. Receivers may be blocked by radio signals occurring on or near
their operating frequencies, regardless of the code selected.
B. A repeater can only respond to one transmitter signal at a time.
C. Wireless equipment should be tested regularly to determine
whether there are sources of interference and to protect
against faults.
7.2 Complia ce with Sta dards
The 315 MHz version of this device complies with FCC Rules
Part 15. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may be received or that may cause
undesired operation.
WARNING! Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
The digital circuitry of 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 residential installations. 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 and television reception.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this device does cause such interference,
which can be verified by turning the device off and on, the user is
encouraged to eliminate the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
– Re-orient or re-locate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the distance between the device and the receiver.
– Connect the device to an outlet on a circuit different from the one
which supplies power to the receiver.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
This device complies with the essential requirements and provisions of
Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of
9March 1999 on radio and telecommunications terminal equipment.
7.3 Freque cy Allocatio s for Wireless
Devices i Europea (EU) Cou tries
•433.92 MHz has no restriction in any EU member state.
•315 MHz is not allowed in any EU member state
•868.95 MHz (wide band) is allowed in all EU member states.
•869.2625 MHz (narrow band) is not restricted in any EU
member state.

4 DE4044 MCX-600 Installation Instructions
WARRANTY
Visonic Limited (the “Manufacturer") warrants this product only (the "Product") to the original purchaser only (the
“Purchaser”) against defective workmanship and materials under normal use of the Product for a period of twelve
(12) months from the date of shipment by the Manufacturer.
This Warranty is absolutely conditional upon the Product having been properly installed, maintained and operated
under conditions of normal use in accordance with the Manufacturers recommended installation and operation
instructions. Products which have become defective for any other reason, according to the Manufacturers
discretion, such as improper installation, failure to follow recommended installation and operational instructions,
neglect, willful damage, misuse or vandalism, accidental damage, alteration or tampering, or repair by anyone
other than the manufacturer, are not covered by this Warranty.
The Manufacturer does not represent that this Product may not be compromised and/or circumvented or that the
Product will prevent any death and/or personal injury and/or damage to property resulting from burglary, robbery,
fire or otherwise, or that the Product will in all cases provide adequate warning or protection. The Product,
properly installed and maintained, only reduces the risk of such events without warning and it is not a guarantee
or insurance that such events will not occur.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS
OR LIABILITIES, WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OTHERWISE. IN NO CASE SHALL
THE MANUFACTURER BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, AS AFORESAID.
THE MANUFACTURER SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR FOR LOSS, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE, INCLUDING LOSS
OF USE, PROFITS, REVENUE, OR GOODWILL, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING FROM
PURCHASER’S USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT, OR FOR LOSS OR DESTRUCTION OF
OTHER PROPERTY OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE, EVEN IF MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
THE MANUFACTURER SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY DEATH, PERSONAL AND/OR BODILY
INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR OTHER LOSS WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHERWISE, BASED ON A CLAIM THAT THE PRODUCT FAILED TO FUNCTION.
However, if the Manufacturer is held liable, whether directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage arising under this
limited warranty, THE MANUFACTURER'S MAXIMUM LIABILITY (IF ANY) SHALL NOT IN ANY CASE
EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT, which shall be fixed as liquidated damages and not as a
penalty, and shall be the complete and exclusive remedy against the Manufacturer.
When accepting the delivery of the Product, the Purchaser agrees to the said conditions of sale and warranty and
he recognizes having been informed of.
Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so these
limitations may not apply under certain circumstances.
The Manufacturer shall be under no liability whatsoever arising out of the corruption and/or malfunctioning of any
telecommunication or electronic equipment or any programs.
The Manufacturers obligations under this Warranty are limited solely to repair and/or replace at the
Manufacturer’s discretion any Product or part thereof that may prove defective. Any repair and/or replacement
shall not extend the original Warranty period. The Manufacturer shall not be responsible for dismantling and/or
reinstallation costs. To exercise this Warranty the Product must be returned to the Manufacturer freight pre-paid
and insured. All freight and insurance costs are the responsibility of the Purchaser and are not included in this
Warranty.
This warranty shall not be modified, varied or extended, and the Manufacturer does not authorize any person to
act on its behalf in the modification, variation or extension of this warranty. This warranty shall apply to the
Product only. All products, accessories or attachments of others used in conjunction with the Product, including
batteries, shall be covered solely by their own warranty, if any. The Manufacturer shall not be liable for any
damage or loss whatsoever, whether directly, indirectly, incidentally, consequentially or otherwise, caused by the
malfunction of the Product due to products, accessories, or attachments of others, including batteries, used in
conjunction with the Products. This Warranty is exclusive to the original Purchaser and is not assignable.
This Warranty is in addition to and does not affect your legal rights. Any provision in this warranty which is
contrary to the Law in the state or country were the Product is supplied shall not apply.
Warning: The user must follow the Manufacturer’s installation and operational instructions including testing the
Product and its whole system at least once a week and to take all necessary precautions for his/her safety and
the protection of his/her property.
1/08
W.E.E.E. Product Recycling Declaration
For information regarding the recycling of this product you must contact the company from which you orignially purchased it. If you are discarding this product and not
returning it for repair then you must ensure that it is returned as identified by your supplier. This product is not to be thrown away with everyday waste.
Directive 2002/96/EC Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
The technical documentation as required by the European Conformity Assessment procedure is kept at:
UNIT 6 MADINGLEY COURT CHIPPENHAM DRIVE KINGSTON MILTON KEYNES MK10 0BZ. Telephone number: 0870 7300800, Fax number: 0870 7300801
VISONIC LTD. (ISRAEL): P.O.B 22020 TEL-AVIV 61220 ISRAEL. PHONE: [phone], FAX: [phone]
VISONIC INC. (U.S.A.): 65 WEST DUDLEY TOWN ROAD, BLOOMFIELD CT. 06002-1376. PHONE: [phone]. FAX: [phone]
VISONIC LTD. (UK): UNIT 6 MADINGLEY COURT CHIPPENHAM DRIVE KINGSTON MILTON KEYNES MK10 0BZ. Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Product Support: [phone]
VISONIC GmbH (D-A-CH): KIRCHFELDSTR. 118, D-40215 DÜSSELDORF, TEL.: [phone], FAX: [phone]
VISONIC IBERICA: ISLA DE PALMA, 32 NAVE 7, POLÍGONO INDUSTRIAL NORTE, 28700 SAN SEBASTIÁN DE LOS REYES, (MADRID), ESPAÑA.
TEL [phone], FAX [phone]. www.visonic-iberica.es
INTERNET: www.visonic.com

VISONIC LTD. 20
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