SFFR-6 User Manual SFFR-6 Small Form Factor Tactical Repeater and Base Station USER MANUAL Version 5.
SFFR-6 User Manual Contents 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 5 1.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2 Document Conventions...............................................................................................................................................
SFFR-6 User Manual Contents 3.3.3.2 Network Mixed Mode .................................................................................................................................... 28 3.3.4 Profile Field Descriptions .................................................................................................................................... 29 3.3.4.1 Common Profile Fields .........................................................................................................................
SFFR-6 User Manual Contents 5.2 Network Status icon displays REG ERR ...................................................................................................................... 56 5.3 Network Status icons displays PSWD ........................................................................................................................ 56 5.4 Network Status icon WWW does not turn solid ....................................................................................................... 56 5.
SFFR-6 User Manual Contents Important Safety Information/Consignes de sécurité importantes CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. FCC Class B This equipment 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 a residential installation.
SFFR-6 User Manual Contents Approved Transmit Antennas The radio transmitter FCC ID: 2ADAKSFFR6V2/IC: 9487A-SFFR6V2 has been approved by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below (Table 2), with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
SFFR-6 User Manual Contents ISED Product Identification To enable identification of the products within the Radio Equipment Listing (REL) and as per the labelling requirements of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
SFFR-6 User Manual 1 Introduction
SFFR-6 User Manual Introduction 1.1 Overview The SFFR-6, also known as the GoBox, is a small form factor, highly portable, self-powered, APCO P25 standalone repeater and base station capable of delivering Analog and P25 conventional networked and standalone functionality. The GoBox weighs in at just over 9.0Kgs, and can deliver up to 28W of RF output power from its 2 hot swappable Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries.
SFFR-6 User Manual Introduction 1.
SFFR-6 User Manual Introduction User Interface Power Button Standard Function Buttons Standard Rotary Dial / Button Standard Status Indicators Power On Standard Receive Signal Detected Standard Transmit Enabled Standard AC Power Detected Standard DC Power Detected Standard Battery 1 Detected Standard Battery 1 Power Level Standard Battery 1 Charging Status Standard Battery 2 Detected Standard Battery 2 Power Level Standard Battery 2 Charging Status Standard Active Profile Stand
SFFR-6 User Manual Introduction 1.4 Technical Specifications General Dimensions 259 mm (D) x 216 mm (W) x 198 mm (H) (10.2 in (D) x 8.5 in (W) x 7.8 in (H)) Weight1 9.0 kgs (19.8 lbs) External Casing Aluminium Alloy Certifications FCC Parts 90, 80, 74, 22 IC RSS-119 AS/NZS 4295 Input Power AC 100 – 250 VAC DC 10.8 - 15.6 VDC / 10Amps Batteries 2 x Lithium Ion 11.
SFFR-6 User Manual 2 Getting Started
SFFR-6 User Manual Getting Started 2.1 Package Contents 1 GoBox The GoBox will be in the carry mode with its lid closed and both locking clamps engaged. The GoBox will be pre-fitted with a GoBox control module, GoBox radio modules, GoBox duplexer (in the band/frequency requested at time of order), 28W power amplifier and dual hot swappable battery module.
SFFR-6 User Manual Getting Started 2.2 Overview 2.2.1 Locking Clamps The GoBox has two locking clamps on either side of the carry handle to lock the lid firmly against the chassis. To disengage the locking clamps, place your finger behind the clamps and pull away and up towards the lid. Lift the curved section of the locking clamp up and out of the channel in the top of the lid and repeat for the other clamp to release the GoBox lid. ! Both locking clamps must be fully engaged to ensure a correct seal.
SFFR-6 User Manual Getting Started 2.2.3 External Interfaces The External Interfaces will vary based on the options purchased when your GoBox was ordered. The interface module presents both AC and DC connectors, Ethernet port for use in Network mode, and RF Connector(s). The standard option is a transmit and receive RF connector. There is an option for a 2nd receive RF Connector. 2.2.3.1 AC Power Connector The AC Power Connector interfaces to the AC Power Cable. The GoBox supports 100 – 250 VAC. 2.2.3.
SFFR-6 User Manual Getting Started ! Do not attach an Ethernet cable to both Ethernet ports on the GoBox at the same time to a switch/router as it may cause some network switches/routers to fail. 2.2.3.4 RF Connectors The standard RF Connector option is for one Tx/Rx RF Connector. There is an option for a 2nd RF Connector which can function as a Rx only RF Connector. The function of each RF Connectors will change depending upon the type of duplexer module fitted.
SFFR-6 User Manual Getting Started 2.2.4 Internal Modules 2.2.5 Battery Compartment The battery compartment supports two lithium ion batteries and while only one battery is required to operate the GoBox it is recommended to install two batteries to maximise run time when no AC or DC power is connected. To open the battery compartment, turn the locking dial on the battery compartment 90 degrees counter clockwise and pull up to access the battery compartment.
SFFR-6 User Manual Getting Started 2.2.6 Control Module 2.2.6.1 Ethernet Connector The Ethernet port is used to access the GoBox’s internal programming menu and/or to connect multiple GoBoxes via Etherstack’s optional RNC switch. Attach a standard Ethernet cable to this port with the other end connected directly to a laptop/PC or to other network equipment. See Section 3.2 below for details on how to program you GoBox.
SFFR-6 User Manual Getting Started 2.2.6.3 Status Display The status display shows the currently selected operational profile or other status messages, the power level of each battery, the status of the on-board battery charger and external power source mode if AC and/or DC power is connected. The status display’s backlight turns on for several seconds whenever a button or rotary dial is rotated/pressed, so the display can be more easily viewed if external lighting conditions are poor.
SFFR-6 User Manual Getting Started ! The GoBox when first unpacked will not have any operational profiles to execute. Until the GoBox has been configured, the power/status LED will continue to flash, indicating it is in the programming state. 2.2.7 Radio Module The radio module houses two high performance radio transmitters and receivers. These modules are specific to either the VHF or UHF bands and will be pre fitted based on the band of the GoBox ordered.
SFFR-6 User Manual Getting Started 2.2.9 Power Amplifier The GoBox will be fitted with a power amplifier specific to the band selected. ! Power amplifiers should not be removed and used in to other GoBoxes. ! The GoBox power amplifier has been designed to run at high temperatures in order to support the power output and high duty cycles typical of a heavy use repeater/base station. Care must be taken if the GoBox has been running for several hours supporting a large volume of calls.
SFFR-6 User Manual 3 Configuration
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration 3.1 Before you begin 3.1.1 About GoBox Configuration The GoBox stores its configuration in a file that can be downloaded via the programming interface for the purposes of backup and centralized management. For users that maintain several GoBoxes, the configuration data can be shared and it is recommended that a single configuration be used to simplify GoBox administration.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration 3.1.4 What you need to program and test your GoBox 3.1.4.1 Laptop or PC with an Ethernet Interface The GoBox does not require any external programming application to be installed on your laptop/PC and does not require a special programming cable. A laptop or PC with a web browser and standard Ethernet cable is all that will be required to configure the GoBox. Once configured the laptop is no longer required for GoBox operation. 3.1.4.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration The configuration page above will display showing a navigation pane on the left and a content pane on the right. ! If you see this page you have successfully connected to the GoBox configuration page. If you cannot see this page contact your IT support department to check your IP configuration.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration 3.3 Managing Operational Profiles GoBox profiles are managed under the Profiles heading in the navigation pane. The types of profiles which can be configured depend on the installed options. ! If the user enters an invalid value in any form field, the GoBox will reject the profile, and the reason will be displayed on the form in red. ! Hovering over any form field name that has a dotted underline will display a popup tip to assist completing the form. 3.3.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration ! Once Save is pressed and all fields contain valid values, the profile is written to the GoBox. 3.3.1.2 Networked Mode To create a new P25 Conventional Networked Repeat Profile, click the P25 Networked menu item in the navigation pane and click on + Add Profile button on the content pane. The following fields will be required to be completed.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration ! Once a P25 Networked profile is selected, the IP address of the GoBox Web Interface will change to the new IP address. To re-connect to the GoBox Web Interface at http://172.16.10.1 turn the rotary dial on the control interface until “Standby” is displayed in the Status Window. 3.3.2 Adding an Analog Conventional Repeating Profile 3.3.2.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration 3.3.2.2 Networked Mode To create a new Analog Networked Profile, click the Analog Networked menu item in the navigation pane and click on + Add Profile button on the content pane. The following fields will be required to be completed. Profile Name Duplexer Group Tag Rx Frequency Rx Subaudible Rx RSSI Tx Frequency Tx Subaudible Tx Power Tx Hang Time Network (reference to a Network setup, see section 4.5.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration ! Once an Analog Networked profile is selected, the IP address of the GoBox Web Interface will change to the new IP address. To re-connect to the GoBox Web Interface at http://172.16.10.1 turn the rotary dial on the control interface until “Standby” is displayed in the Status Window. 3.3.3 Adding a Mixed Mode Conventional Repeating Profile 3.3.3.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration 3.3.4 Profile Field Descriptions 3.3.4.1 Common Profile Fields Field Description Profile Name Create a unique profile name that will appear in the status window of the GoBox control interface. This name is what your operational profile will be called. The Profile Name is limited to 8 characters and may only include letters, numbers or a hyphen '-'. The names “Standby” and “None” cannot be used.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration Field Description CDCSS Use DCS digital subaudible signalling. Two options fields are available: the first allows selecting inverted DCS, the second selects the code. All codes are shown in octal notation. Rx RSSI Minimum receive signal strength, measured in approximate equivalent SINAD dB units. Tx Hang Time The GoBox may be configured with an additional duration that is included at the end of every voice transmission.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration 3.3.5 Setting the Operational Profile Order If you have created a large number of profiles, it may be useful to set the order in which they appear on the GoBox control interface. To change the display order, select the page All Profiles from the Profiles section of the navigation pane, and click Change Order. The stored profiles are initially all shown in the left column, and can be sorted there either in the current order or alphabetically by name.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration 3.4 Managing Duplexers 3.4.1 Writing a Duplexer Group Tag Before the GoBox will recognise a duplexer and allow operational profiles to be associated with it, you must write a duplexer group tag to the duplexer’s internal memory. To do this use the following steps: Click on the Duplexer menu item on the navigation pane and press the Edit button on the content pane to show the Edit Duplexer form. The following fields will be required to be completed.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration 3.4.2 Setting the start-up profile for a Duplexer To define different start-up profiles for different duplexers use the following steps: ! At least one operational profile is required. Click on the Duplexer Group Tags menu item on the navigation pane and press the + Add Duplexer Group Tag button on the content pane to show the Add Duplexer Group Tag form. The following fields will be required to be completed.
SFFR-6 User Manual Configuration Create or edit each operational profile, and link it to a specific duplexer by setting the Duplexer Group Tag field. Back in the Duplexer Group Tag menu item, select a start-up profile for each duplexer.
SFFR-6 User Manual 4 Using the GoBox
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.1 Turning your GoBox On The GoBox will automatically turn on when AC or DC power is first applied or a battery is inserted with sufficient charge. If a power source has already been connected and the GoBox was previously turned off via the GoBox Power Button, pressing and holding down the Power button will turn the GoBox on. ! The power button must be held down for at least three seconds to turn the GoBox on and off. This is a feature to avoid accidental power-on/off.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox The profiles which can be selected this way are the same as on the GoBox front panel. I.e. only profiles which have a duplexer group tag of All or match the installed duplexer have a Select action. 4.3 Stopping Repeater Operation The GoBox can be returned to a standby state whereby it does not repeat according to any operational profile, but can be programmed using the web interface. 4.3.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox The GoBox will continue to display “Standby” and the power/status LED will blink green, until an operational profile is selected. 4.3.2 Web Interface Select Active Profile under the heading Status of the navigation pane, and click on the Stop button. 4.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.4.1.2 Checking External Power Source The letters AC and/or DC will appear in the bottom right hand corner of the status window to indicate if any external power source is detected. ! Both power sources can be connected at the same time.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.4.1.3 Checking the current operational profile The GoBox will display the current operational mode in the status window after power up. If the GoBox displays “Standby” in the status window, the GoBox is in programming mode and awaiting a connection from a laptop or PC otherwise the GoBox will display the current operational profile. 4.4.2 Web configuration interface 4.4.2.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.4.2.2 Checking Duplexer Status To access this page, click on the Duplexer menu item on the navigation pane. The duplexer status page will show the duplexer serial number, receive centre frequency, transmit centre frequency, date last calibrated and the duplexer group tag used to link a duplexer to a start-up operational profile. ! To update the page with the latest information, press the Refresh button. 4.4.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox The active profile status page will show: Active Profile: The active profile name. This will match what is shown on the GoBox status window. Status: Loading whilst the profile is being loaded Operational once the profile is ready For network profiles additional status information is available depending upon the type of connection: RNC: Displays whether or not the GoBox has successfully connected to the RNC.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.5 Administration 4.5.1 Backing up GoBox Configuration Data To back-up your GoBox configuration to your local computer, click the Backup menu item on the left hand navigation pane and click on the Download GoBox Profiles button in the content pane. A specially constructed zip file containing all GoBox profiles will be downloaded to the Download folder of your local computer. This file should be archived and stored in a safe place.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.5.3 Downloading GoBox Log Files To download the GoBox log files to your local computer, click the Logs menu item on the left hand navigation pane and click on the Download button in the content pane. A zip file containing all GoBox profiles will be downloaded to the Download folder of your local computer. When reporting an issue with the GoBox, support staff may request a copy of the log files to help diagnose the issue. 4.5.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.5.5 Settings ! Changes made on the Settings page will apply globally to all GoBox operational profiles. 4.5.5.1 GoBox Name The GoBox can be assigned a name to help identify it when accessed via the web interface. The name will appear in the top right corner of all pages visited on the web interface. The user may adopt any naming convention and uniqueness is not enforced. 4.5.5.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.5.5.4 NTP and DNS Servers When using the GoBox in VPN mode, the network time must align with the VPN server time. In order to ensure time accuracy, the GoBox requires one or more NTP servers which are designated Primary and Secondary. Enter the hostnames or IP addresses of reliable NTP servers in these fields, e.g. time.nist.gov. A DNS server is also required to resolve the NTP server hostnames. The DNS server must be entered as an IP address, e.g. 8.8.8.8.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.5.6 Network Configurations When an operational profile is using Network mode, it references a number of common settings that are defined by the Network Configurations Administrative page. This page provides settings including the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway that can be combined into a network configuration.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.5.6.1 Network Configuration Fields Field Description Network Name Create a unique network name that will be referenced during creation of any networked profile. The Network Name is limited to 8 characters and may only include letters, numbers or a hyphen '-'. VPN Certificate A reference to a VPN configuration. Upload VPN certificates from the VPN certificate tab. If no VPN is to be used select None.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox To add a new VPN certificate, click the Choose File button. Your VPN administrator should have provided you with a filename with the suffix .ovpn which is the format for OpenVPN client certificates and also contains other VPN settings specific to each client. Once selected, click the Upload button to copy the file to the GoBox, the new certificate should appear in the certificate listings and can then be used by network configurations.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.5.7 Firmware Versions The GoBox consists of several hardware and firmware sub systems. Since the behaviour will vary slightly between versions, it will be necessary to provide details of the installed firmware versions with any problem reports or support queries. To view the installed versions, select Firmware from the navigation pane. The Firmware Update tab lists the currently installed firmware versions under the Installed Version column.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox The Features tab lists the options licensed for this GoBox.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox 4.5.8 Upgrading Firmware The GoBox supports updating of the firmware components listed on the Firmware Update tab of the Firmware page. Upgrading the GoBox firmware consists of two steps, which can be done at different times: 1. 2. Uploading a firmware distribution file, which has previously been copied to the PC/laptop, to the GoBox. Installing the firmware. 4.5.8.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox Once a firmware distribution file has been uploaded to the GoBox, its contents are listed alongside the installed component versions. During a typical firmware update, all components are brought up to date with the versions contained in the uploaded distribution file. Components which already contain the same firmware version as the available one are skipped. Click on Apply to proceed. An estimate of the time required for the update is calculated and shown at this time.
SFFR-6 User Manual Using the GoBox A progress screen is shown for the duration of the installation process, and is updated approximately once a second. If the web interface itself is being updated, progress screen updates may be suspended for up to 20 seconds. ! If the progress page stops refreshing during an update, e.g. because the network connection was interrupted, or the user navigates away in the browser, the update will nevertheless continue. Open http://172.16.10.
SFFR-6 User Manual 5 Troubleshooting
SFFR-6 User Manual Troubleshooting 5.1 Cannot connect to the GoBox web interface Ensure a functioning Ethernet cable is connected to the GoBox from your PC/Laptop and check the Ethernet activity lights are on or flashing on the GoBox Ethernet connector. Ensure that the GoBox LCD displays the "Standby" string. This ensures that the IP address configuration will be set to the default of 172.16.10.1.
SFFR-6 User Manual Troubleshooting Power-cycle the GoBox and if the problem persists turn the GoBox off and remove and reinsert the radio module. If the error still is present when power is reapplied, contact support. 5.9 There are no profiles to select on the GoBox control panel You need to have at least one profile programmed in your GoBox and if a duplexer tag is configured, at least one of the profiles must have the same tag or the tag “All”, otherwise it will be hidden.
SFFR-6 User Manual 6 Glossary
SFFR-6 User Manual Glossary Term Definition APCO Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials AVL Automatic Vehicle Location DFSI Digital Fixed Station Interface ISSI Inter Sub-System Interface MMI Man Machine Interface NAC Network Access Code OTAR Over the Air Rekeying PTT Push-To-Talk P25 Project 25 RFSS Radio Frequency Sub-System RNC RFSS Network Controller SFFR Small Form Factor Repeater VPN Virtual Private Network WACN Wide Area Communications Network Doc ID: ES1
SFFR-6 User Manual Glossary Powered By Asia Pacific Headquarters Etherstack Pty Ltd Level 1, 80 Abercrombie Street Sydney NSW 2008 AUSTRALIA Ph: +61 2 8399 7500 Fax: +61 2 8399 7507 info.au@etherstack.com Etherstack Japan Etherstack Japan 12F Daiwa Jisho Building 74-1 Yamashita-cho Naka-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 231-0023 JAPAN Ph: +81 45 342 9050 Fax: +81 45 342 9053 info.jp@etherstack.
