Installation and operating instructions Version 0.7 (draft) Document history Version V0.8 Date 23.11.99 V0.7 V0.6 V0.5 V0.4 V3 V2 DRAFT 15.11.
Contents Introduction Regulatory Notice FCC Compliance Requirements Label Requirements Safety Warning Warranty Planning the CellTrackIT Site Installing the CellTrackIT System Operating the CellTrackIT system Troubleshooting Glossary of Terms Appendix 1 Installation Check List Appendix 2 Repeater & Node Receiver Antenna Mounting Appendix 3 Recommended Parts List & Suppliers Appendix 4 Lesson Plan for CellTrackIT Installation Training CellTrackIT user manual Version 0.
Introduction. The CellTrackIT Manual is designed to provide both the "Trainer" and the "Installer" a basis from which a CellTrackIT system can be effectively and efficiently planned and installed. It is assumed that the end user has limited to no knowledge of radio frequency application. The Manual covers all the essential and basic procedures that a system designer/installer must follow to design an efficient system. It also provides the basis from which the installer can implement the design plan.
Operation. The complete system is modeled as a self-contained cell network adaptable to a variety of submetering applications. The number of units and the terrain makeup of area covered determine the size of the network. The CellTrackIT is a two tier, one way radio system based on an improved transponder technology and Spread Spectrum methodology for radio wave propagation.
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
should the unit be opened for inspection or troubleshooting. The power cord receptacle is designed for standard AC power of 110-125 VAC at 10 amps. It is strongly recommended that the power source outlet be protected against overloads, short circuits, or surges in accordance with local and national wiring code regulations. Warranty. Opening the CellTrackIT voids the warranty and may result in the user paying for all costs normally covered under warranty. CellTrackIT user manual Version 0.
Planning and designing the CellTrackIT Site. The CellTrackIT system installation consists of two phases: PHASE 1: Planning where the network is conceptualized and designed prior to an actual visit on site PHASE 2: Installation phase where CellTrackIT components are installed in the site according to the plan. Both phases are essential in ensuring proper installation of the RAMAR CellTrackIT system.
1. Gathering Information. It is critical to gather pertinent data to properly design the system. The data gathered will be used for determining typical radio range. It will also be used for determining potential locations for repeaters and node receiver. Without the correct site characterization, the whole design process is compromised and the installation of the CellTrackIT will be less efficient. Poor efficiency translates to an increase to overhead costs.
meters Repeater materials materials materials 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Figure 2. Data Gathering Input Form Planning Factors. Certain factors influence the range of the CellTrackIT. These factors effects st are discussed and illustrated in this section. The 1 tier range is particularly sensitive to these factors. The effects are then illustrated in a suggested range table at the end of the section. Height.
reduced (obstructions). However, this could be compensated for, as the reduced range will include more apartments and more transponders than a less dense site. Landscaping. Trees and shrubs when blocking the line of sight to the transponder can cause scattering of radio signals and therefore must be included when planning the network. The terrain plays an important part in determining how many repeaters are needed.
Repeater site Apartment A Apartment B Apartment C A. Illustration of roof mounted antenna, arrows indicate strongest signal path (In reverse) Antenna Repeater site Apartment A Apartment B Apartment C B. Illustration of below roof mounted antenna, arrows indicate strongest signal path (In reverse) The advantage of high mounted antennas is shown in case A above.
This typical range can be reduced according to several factors, (only use the worst two factors), it assumes a 20ft, ½ inch diameter, cable to the antenna: Planning factors Landscape Dense vegetation (trees, shrubs) Relief (hilly, ridges, valleys) Antenna location Lower than average roof height Inside building RF environment Paging transmitter within 1500m (If antenna inside building) 60ft cable to antenna Typical range reduction -5 % -10% to 20% - 30% - 30% -20% -10% -25% First tier range for a site wil
Figure 5. Repeater to Node Receiver Ranges 3. Determine location of Node Receiver and Repeaters Node Location. Network designing on the site map requires that the designer first identify the node receiver location. Ideally, the node receiver will be centrally placed on the site. This would allow for more site area coverage which will ensure more transponders will be within range. However, in some cases placing the node receiver in a central location may not be feasible.
Sketch with only a circle around the node. The node will receive all transponders inside the circle. Transponders outside the circle will need repeaters to be received. Repeater Location. Repeaters must be located in attic/loft space in buildings. Repeater location specification: Accessible, dry Length of cable to externally mounted antenna at roof height < 20 feet Permanent mains point available or can be installed Determining Repeater Location.
NOTE: A transponder signal may repeated by several repeaters without diminishing the efficiency of the network. The system is designed to handle simultaneous reads. 4. Optimize for Network Efficiency It is critical to verify at this stage that repeaters can actually be placed where they have been located on the map. Checking in information gathered or calling the site manager would be helpful at this stage to avoid having to cancel the plan at arrival on site for installation.
The antennas also should be wired against lightning strikes, which would require grounding wire. Electrical Costs. The cost of installing power conduit in attics or along walls per repeater has to be factored into the cost per point determination. The installation of the AC power must comply with standard building codes. Normally, a licensed electrician will be required to install the electrical wiring.
• The installer needs to procure all parts not included in the CellTrackIT system. This means that a certain amount of lead-time is needed to ensure that parts arrive prior to the actual on site installation. • External subcontract work such as the AC power conduit installation for the repeaters and the telephone line installation for the PC needs to be scheduled and completed. • Proper tools need to be identified so that there will not be on site delays due to improper or missing tools.
COMMS Port VAC Power Figure 12. Node Receiver Connections. Installing the Node Receiver Antenna. The coaxial cable that connects the antenna to the Node Receiver is in the Node accessories box. It is 60 feet long. One end of the cable requires an N type Male connector that is then screwed on the antenna. The other end requires a male TNC connector that attaches to the RX/TX connection on the CellTrackIT unit. Appendix 2 covers in detail the cable assembly and antenna mounting procedures.
flickering in an on-off mode. If either malfunction check the AC power source for the POWER LED and the antenna for the DATA LED. The best approach would be to replace the CellTrackIT transceiver with another. If that doesn’t solve the problem then check the power source by simply turning the PC on and checking operation. The antenna check will require attaching the HandTrackIT to determine if transponder transmissions are being received. Configuring the Node Receiver.
Figure 15. Proper Mounting of CellTrackIT Repeater. Plug in the power cord and attach the antenna coaxial cable with the male TNC connector end to the RX/TX TNC hookup. Do not connect the antenna to the RX connector. Only the RX/TX connector must be used. The other end of the cable should have a male N Type connector that screws to the antenna (Appendix 2). Figure 16. CellTrackIT Repeater Connections.
The POWER LED should be on. Check the power cord is properly connected. Check the power source by simply plugging in any AC device (plug in light or power drill) and checking operation. If the power source is working, try a new power cord or replace the CellTrackIT transceiver. The DATA LED should be flickering in an on-off mode. Check that the antenna cable is properly connected. Then check the antenna.
GLOSSARY CellTrackIT user manual Version 0.
Recommended Parts List & Suppliers Appendix 3 The following parts (with asterisk) have been determined to comply with the necessary FCC 15 Rule and have been approved by RAMAR for use in the CellTrackIT system. Use of any other component may result in an FCC violation and could result in the CellTrackIT system being permanently disconnected or its operation temporarily suspended. Using components other then those specified by RAMAR voids the system warranty.
CellTrackIT user manual Version 0.
