Westell ProtectLink VHF-UHF User manual

Software version 1.0
© Westell Technologies
Part # 030-102000 Rev A January 2022
WESTELL.COM
PRODUCT MANUAL
Installation and Users Guide
ProtectLink
VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier

VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier Installation and Users Guide
:
WESTELL.COM
1-800-377-8766
All information and statements contained herein are accurate to the best of Westell Technologies’
knowledge. Westell makes no warranty with respect thereto, including without limitation any
results that may be obtained from the products described herein or the infringement by such
products of any property rights of any persons. Use or application of such information or
statements is at the users’ sole risk, without any liability on the part of Westell. Nothing herein
shall be construed as license or recommendation for use, which infringes upon any propriety
rights of any person. Product material and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Westell standard terms of sale and the specific terms of any particular sale apply.
Westell, Inc.
750 North Commons Drive
Aurora, IL 60504 USA
Toll Free: [phone]
International: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Product Registration Form
Westell recommends retaining a permanent record of your purchase with the following product
information and proof of purchase. Refer to 1.3 Product Registration Information on page 1-2.
NOTICE TO USERS, INSTALLERS, AUTHORITIES HAVING
JURISDICTION, AND OTHER INVOLVED PARTIES
Thisproductincorporatesfield‐programmablesoftware.Inorderfortheproducttocomplywiththe
requirementsintheStandardforIn‐building2‐WayEmergencyRadioCommunicationEnhancement
Systems,UL2524certainprogrammingfeaturesoroptionsmustbelimitedtospecificvaluesornot
usedatallasindicatedbelow.
Program feature or
option
Permitted in UL
2524? (Y/N)
Possible settings Settings permitted
in UL 2524
ALARM TEST screen
DISABLE AUDIBLE
HORN option
N DISABLE and
ENABLE
ENABLE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter LOF: List of Figures LOF-1
About this Preface Preface-i
Preface Preface-i
Document Purpose, Scope, Audience, and References Preface-ii
Document Conventions Preface-iii
Customer Assistance Preface-v
Chapter 1: General Information 1-1
1.1 Document Purpose and Intended Users 1-2
1.2 Product Application 1-2
1.3 Product Registration Information 1-2
1.4 Safety Guidelines 1-3
1.5 Important Antenna Safety Information 1-5
1.6 FCC Part 90 Signal Boosters Warnings 1-6
1.7 Product Labels 1-7
Chapter 2: Product Overview 2-1
2.1 Product Information 2-2
2.2 Product Features 2-3
2.3 Included Accessories 2-4
2.4 Optional Accessories 2-5
Chapter 3: Specifications and Product Appearance 3-1
3.1 RF Specifications 3-2
Table of Contents

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3.2 Power and Fuse Specifications 3-5
3.3 Mechanical Specifications 3-6
3.4 Environmental Specifications 3-7
3.5 Trouble Status 3-8
3.6 Product Appearance 3-9
Chapter 4: Installation Guidelines 4-1
4.1 Important Installation Guidelines 4-2
4.2 Donor Antenna Installation Guidelines 4-4
4.3 Indoor Antenna Installation Guidelines 4-5
4.4 Determining cable entry selection 4-6
4.5 Mounting and Grounding the ProtectLink BDA 4-7
4.6 Connecting the Antennas 4-8
4.7 Verifying the Physical System Setup 4-9
4.8 Controlling the VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier 4-10
4.9 Connecting the Emergency Power Off Button 4-11
4.10 Connecting to the Alarm Relay Panel 4-12
4.11 Connecting the Power Cable 4-14
4.12 Connecting the Battery Cable 4-16
4.13 Battery Specifications 4-17
4.14 Connecting the Remote Annunciator 4-18
Chapter 5: System Operation 5-1
5.1 Controls Inside the ProtectLink BDA 5-2
5.2 Accessing the ProtectLink BDA GUI 5-4
5.3 Web GUI System Status Display 5-6
5.4 BDA Alarms Page 5-9
5.5 RF Configuration 5-15
5.6 System Settings Page 5-21
5.7 Backup, Restore, and Print Configuration Tools 5-25
5.8 SNMP Trap Receivers 5-26
5.9 Alarm Tests 5-29
5.10 Fuse Replacement 5-31
Chapter 6: System Software Upgrade 6-1
6.1 Upgrading the System Software 6-2
6.2 System Reboot and Factory Reset 6-3
Appendix A: Important Product Information A-1

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A.1 Important Product Information A-2
Appendix B: Acronyms and Abbreviations B-1
B.1 Acronyms and Abbreviations B-2

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Page LOF-1
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LIST OF FIGURES
FCC and Product labels on right side of ProtectLink BDA 1-7
FCC warning labels on signal booster 1-8
ProtectLink VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier labels for UHF model 1-8
ProtectLink VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier labels for VHF model 1-8
BDA Remote Annunciator product label 1-9
External configuration of the VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier 3-9
Bottom views of the VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier 3-10
View of the open ProtectLink BDA cabinet 3-11
Signal Booster Mounting brackets (circled) 4-7
Antenna ports on a 4-port model 4-8
Ethernet Cable 4-10
GUI port for Ethernet connection 4-10
Emergency Power Off connections 4-11
Stripped alarm wire 4-12
Conduit fittings and plugged cable ports 4-12
BDA Alarm Relay terminals 4-13
Bottom ports with conduit fittings 4-14
AC Power Connections 4-14
Battery cable connections to signal booster 4-16
Connections to the Remote Annunciator 4-18
ProtectLink BDA interior features 5-2
Network Connection Set-up 5-4
List of Figures

VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier Installation and Users Guide
List of Figures:
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Sign In screen 5-5
Web GUI System Status Screen 5-6
CONTACT and HELP popups with QR codes 5-8
Alarm Page 5-9
Popups revealing more alarm detail and/or multiple alarm sources 5-10
Second click reveals alarm settings 5-10
Accessing alarm configuration tools 5-12
BDA Alarms page with all alarms masked 5-13
Alarm History page 5-14
RF Configuration window 5-15
RF Configuration window with Mode wideband selected 5-15
Conducting an isolation test 5-16
RF Configuration page open for editing 5-17
Band Displays and Settings on RF Configuration Page 5-17
Filter settings display on RF Configuration page. 5-19
Filter settings open for editing 5-19
System Settings page 5-21
System Settings page opened for editing 5-22
Date picker popup for setting date and time 5-22
SNMP Trap Receivers page 5-26
Adding new SNMP trap receiver 5-27
SNMP Trap Receivers page opened for editing 5-27
Alarm Test window 5-29

Page Preface-i
WESTELL.COM
PREFACE
About this Preface
This preface includes the following information about this ProtectLink VHF-UHF
Bi-Directional Amplifier Users Guide.
Guide to this Preface
Document Purpose, Scope, Audience, and References
Document Conventions
Customer Assistance
Preface

VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier Installation and Users Guide
Preface: Document Purpose, Scope, Audience, and References
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Document Purpose, Scope, Audience, and References
Purpose
This manual contains information and procedures for the operation of the Westell’s
ProtectLink VHF and UHF band Bi-Directional Amplifier.
Changes that occur after the publishing date may be incorporated by a complete
manual revision or as additions.
Scope
Reference this manual when there is a need to add enhanced signal capability to a
new or existing system, to monitor a system, make maintenance adjustments, or
address alarms.
Audience
This manual is intended for installers and users who are familiar with similar types of
equipment.
References
UL 2524 Firmware 3.2
FCC Part 90

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Document Conventions
Table 1 describes the text conventions used in this document.
Table 1 Document Conventions
Convention Meaning
DANGER:
Danger messages describe an imminent hazard that, if not
avoided, may result in severe personal injury or death.
Before you work on equipment, be aware of the hazards
involved with electrical and RF circuitry and be familiar with
standard practices for preventing accidents.
WARNING:
Warning messages describe an imminent hazard that, if not
avoided, may result in severe personal injury or serious
equipment damage.
CAUTION:
Caution messages describe conditions or practices that
could cause damage to equipment or property.
Communicates information that is crucial to preventing loss
of data or damage to hardware or software, and actions that
could result in equipment failure.
Important: Important messages contain must-have information essential
to the completion of a task, unrelated to a hazard.
Note:

Note messages emphasize or supplement important points
of the main text. Notes provide beneficial information
unrelated to hazards.
Tip: Tip messages provide information that assists users in
operating equipment more effectively.
Menus and Menu
Commands
This style indicates menu and menu commands. A right
arrow ( > ) separates the menus from the submenus or menu
commands. The right arrow also indicates the order in which
you should click the menus, submenus, and menu
commands.
Dialog Boxes, Tabs, Fields,
Check Boxes, Command
Buttons
This bold style indicates GUI features, dialog boxes, tabs,
fields, check boxes, and command buttons.
KEYS Uppercase body text indicates keys on a keyboard, such as
the TAB or ENTER keys. Keys used in combination are
connected with a plus symbol (+).

VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier Installation and Users Guide
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Page Preface-iv
Bold text indicates an action or provides emphasis.
Labels Designates physical components on Westell products such
as jumpers, switches, and cable connectors.
Click Instructs the user to press the primary (typically left) mouse
button while the pointer is over the specified location.
Right-click Instructs the user to press the secondary (typically right)
mouse button while the pointer is over the specified location.
Double-click Instructs the user to press the primary (typically left) mouse
button twice, rapidly, while the pointer is over the specified
location.
Select Instructs the user to perform a selection on the screen by
clicking an active object.
Enter Instructs the user to type text using the keyboard.
Table 1 Document Conventions (Continued)

VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier Installation and Users Guide
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Page Preface-v
Customer Assistance
Pre-sales Support
Westell offers pre-sales technical support from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday
- Friday. Representatives are standing by to assist with customer account information
and product ordering and answer questions regarding Westell products and solutions.
Phone number: 800-377-8766, option 1
Before you call or email
Before you contact Westell for assistance, please have the following information
available:
The versions of hardware and software you are currently running
What happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred
How you tried to solve the problem
Email Technical Support
Email support is available. To contact Technical Support, send email to:
[email protected]
Telephone Technical Support
Telephone technical support is available to Westell customers or partners who have
not been able to resolve their technical issue by using our online services.
Phone number: 800-377-8766, option 2, then option 3
Normal Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday
Product Documentation
You can also access and view the most current versions of Westell product
documentation on our Web site at:
http://www.westell.com

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Page 1-1
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CHAPTER 1
This chapter provides general information about your Westell ProtectLink VHF-
UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier.
Guide to this Chapter
1.1 Document Purpose and Intended Users
1.2 Product Application
1.3 Product Registration Information
1.4 Safety Guidelines
1.5 Important Antenna Safety Information
1.6 FCC Part 90 Signal Boosters Warnings
1.7 Product Labels
General Information

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Page 1-2
1.1 Document Purpose and Intended Users
The purpose of this document is to provide a step-by-step procedure to help
experienced technicians or engineers install and commission an in-building Passive
Wireless Distributed Antenna System (DAS) using Westell’s ProtectLink VHF-UHF Bi-
Directional Amplifier. Follow the instructions in this guide to minimize risks associated
with modifying a live system and preclude service interruptions. This document
assumes the technician or engineer understands the basic principles and functionality
involved with an RF Signal Booster and in-building wireless systems. This guide has
been written to address the practical concerns of the installer.
Note: In this and other sections, the ProtectLink VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier is
also referred to as the ProtectLink BDA or the Signal Booster.
1.2 Product Application
Use this guide whenever there is a need to add enhanced signal capability to an
existing system or when a Signal Booster is included in a new installation.
1.3 Product Registration Information
Westell recommends retaining a permanent record of your purchase with product
information and proof of purchase. Complete the Product Registration Form inside the
front cover page of this document.
The ProtectLink BDA model and serial numbers are on the Westell labels on the right
side of the enclosure (see Figure 1-1 on page 1-7). Record these numbers on the
Product Registration Form. Retain this information, along with proof of purchase, to
serve as a permanent record of your purchase.

VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier Installation and Users Guide
General Information: 1.4 Safety Guidelines
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Page 1-3
1.4 Safety Guidelines
The general safety information in this guideline applies to both operations and service
personnel. Specific warnings and cautions are located in the applicable manual
sections, but may not appear in this summary. Failure to comply with these
precautions or specific warnings elsewhere in the manual violates safety standards of
design, manufacture, and intended use of equipment. Westell assumes no liability for
the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements:
CAUTION: Grounding
This Signal Booster is designed to operate at 100-240V~, 50/60Hz, 2.0A
power and must always be operated with the ground wire properly
connected. The ground wire must be at least 14 AWG and must be
connected to the building ground.
CAUTION: Explosive atmospheres
To avoid explosion or fire, do not operate this product in the presence of
flammable gases or fumes.
WARNING: Lightning danger
Do not install or adjust this unit during an electrical storm.
No user-serviceable parts are inside the unit. Hazardous voltages are present when
the cover is removed. Removing the internal protective covers will void your warranty.
If you suspect a malfunction with this product, call your dealer or Westell’s technical
support line at 1-800-377-8766.
CAUTION: Turn the signal booster off when connecting or disconnecting cables or
replacing fuses.
External Ethernet Port
WARNING: The RJ45 Ethernet port on the external surface of the enclosure is for
maintenance use only. This port cannot be used as a permanent
connector.
Remote Annunciator Location
The remote annunciator unit is for installation in

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a locked room such as a fire control room
a locked enclosure, or
an equivalent enclosure that requires a tool to open.
UL2524 Alarm Silencing Limit
Permanent alarm silencing via the web interface is not permitted for installations
requiring full compliance with UL 2524. Refer to the NOTICE TO USERS,
INSTALLERS, AUTHORITIES HAVING JURISDICTION, AND OTHER INVOLVED
PARTIES inside the front cover.
Battery Safety
CAUTION: Do not wear conductive jewelry or use conductive tools while
cleaning and working near battery terminals.
Replacement Fuses
As stated in 5.10 Fuse Replacement on page 5-31, replace fuses F1 and F2 only with
fuses specified in 3.2 Power and Fuse Specifications on page 3-5.

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General Information: 1.5 Important Antenna Safety Information
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1.5 Important Antenna Safety Information
Antennas used for the purpose of radiating signals indoors are limited to a maximum
gain of 7 dBi for VHF and 3 dBi for UHF. Each antenna must be positioned to observe
minimum separation requirements from all users and bystanders.
The following guidelines must be used when considering separation distances:
Indoor antennas must be placed so that under normal conditions, personnel
cannot come within:
60 cm (~24 in) of any indoor VHF antenna, or
80 cm (~32 in) of any indoor UHF antenna.
Adhering to this minimum separation will ensure that the employee or
bystander cannot exceed RF exposures beyond the maximum permissible
limit as defined by FCC Regulations section 1.1310 Limits for general
population/uncontrolled exposure.
Outdoor antenna must be positioned so that under normal conditions,
personnel cannot approach closer than 120 cm (~4 ft.). If a directional antenna
having a maximum gain of 11 dBi is used, precautions should be taken to prevent
personnel from routinely passing through the main radiation beam at a distance
closer than specified.

VHF-UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier Installation and Users Guide
General Information: 1.6 FCC Part 90 Signal Boosters Warnings
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1.6 FCC Part 90 Signal Boosters Warnings
Class B Device Warning
WARNING: THIS IS A 90.219 CLASS B CAPABLE DEVICE
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 License to operate this device. When
commissioned with filters wider than 75KHz you must register class B
signal boosters (as defined in 47 CFR 90.219) online at
https://signalboosters.fcc.gov/signal-boosters/. Unauthorized use may
result in significant forfeiture penalties, including penalties in excess of
$100,000 for each continuing violation.
FCC Contact Information
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington DC 20554
Phone [phone]
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
Fax: [phone]
FCC Labels
Refer to FCC Warning Labels on page 1-8.