Draft 6525 Multimode Digital Radio User Documentation
Draft Errata Any errors found in this handbook are promulgated through the Park Air FTP network. Any user can access this information by logging on to: ftp.parkairsystems.com When logged on, select the public (Pub) folder, then the Handbook Errata Sheets folder, and then select the required equipment model.
Draft Health and Safety Warnings A warning is used to indicate possible danger to personnel. Throughout Park Air handbooks, warnings are indicated by the following symbols: WARNING Indicates electrical danger to personnel. WARNING Indicates a hazardous material. WARNING Indicates a non-ionizing radiation hazard. WARNING Indicates a specified danger to personnel. Cautions A caution is used to indicate possible danger to the equipment.
Draft Health and Safety (Continued) Specific Warnings Applicable to the MDR WARNING Dangerous Voltage The instructions given in this documentation involve connecting dangerous voltage to the MDR. Installation must be carried out only by suitably qualified personnel. WARNING Earth Connection This equipment must be earthed. The earth terminal of the ac connector must be used as the safety earth.
Draft Disposal This product is covered by the European Directive 2002/96/EC. It must not be disposed of in domestic waste. Disposal should be made using designated collection facilities appointed by the government or local authority in your area.
Draft List of Abbreviations A amp ac alternating current ACARS aircraft communications, addressing and reporting system AM amplitude modulation BIT built-in test C celsius dB decibel dBm power ratio in decibel (dB) referenced to one milliwatt (mW) dc direct current ESD electrostatic sensitive devices Fig figure Hz hertz kg kilogramme kHz kilohertz LCD liquid crystal display m metre mA milliamp MDR multimode digital radio MHz megahertz mm millimetre ms milli-second m
Draft Approvals and Standards 6525 Multimode Digital Radio The equipment is designed to meet the following requirements: RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC ICAO Annex 10 Vol lll Part 1 Chapter 6 EN 301 841-1 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); VHF air-ground Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2; Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for ground-based equipment; Part 1: Physical layer and MAC sub-layer EN 300 676 Electromagnetic compatibility and
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Draft Contents Page Overview Introduction Operating Modes MDR Applications Hardware Configuration Software Configuration 11 12 12 13 13 13 Specification MDR Operating Characteristics Dimensions and Weight Input Supply Requirement Environmental 15 16 16 16 16 Operation Controls and Indicators Introduction Controls and Indicators Ready Indicator Alarm Indicator Receive Indicator Transmit Indicator Scroll/Select Switch and LCD Connectors Reference Connector Headset/Microphone/Diagnostics Connector Switchin
Draft Contents (continued) Page Maintenance Maintenance Policy Unscheduled Maintenance Scheduled Maintenance Cleaning the Equipment Security of External Connections Checking the MDR’s Internal Reference Frequency Initiating an Interruptive BIT Test Removing and Refitting the Cooling Fan 31-3MDR00HB Page 10 49 50 50 50 50 50 51 52 54
Draft Overview
Draft Introduction This documentation describes the Park Air 6525 Multimode Digital Radio (MDR). The MDR is a VHF transceiver operating in the aeronautical frequency band between 118 and 136.975 MHz. The maximum transmit output power is 25 watts. The MDR can be used as a conventional AM-Voice transceiver, or can operate as a subsystem of the Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) and the VHF Data Link (VDL) air-ground communication systems.
Draft MDR Applications In addition to operating in a conventional AM-Voice mode, the MDR can operate in two VHF air-ground data link services: ACARS and VDL mode 2. ACARS is a low-speed data link in wide use throughout the world, operating at 2.4 kbits per second using MSK modulation. VDL mode 2 is a higher bandwidth, connection orientated service, operating at 31.5 kbits per second using D8PSK modulation. Hardware Configuration The product model is: 6525 MDR. The part number is: B6525.
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Draft Specification
Draft MDR Operating Characteristics Frequency range Between 118 and 136.975 MHz Number of channels 100 Channel spacing 25 kHz (all modes) 8.33 kHz (Am-Voice mode only) Modulation modes ACARS 13K0A2D VDL Mode 2 14K0G1D AM-Voice (25 kHz) 6K00A3E AM-Voice (8.33 kHz) 5K00A3E Frequency stability Better than 1 ppm within permissible environmental conditions Dimensions and Weight The dimensions and weight of the MDR are: Width 483 mm (19 inches) Depth 450 mm (17.8 inches) Height 88.9 mm (3.
Draft Operation
Draft Controls and Indicators Introduction This topic describes the MDR’s front panel (see Fig 5) controls, indicators and connectors. Fig 5 MDR Front Panel Controls and Indicators Ready Indicator A green indicator that lights when the MDR is ready for use and no BIT faults have been detected. Alarm Indicator A red indicator that either flashes, or lights, when a BIT fault has been detected. BIT indications are classified as either Alerts or Alarms.
Draft Scroll/Select Switch and LCD The Scroll/Select switch is used in conjunction with the LCD to select most of the MDR's operational settings. During normal operation, the LCD displays the Main screen. Detailed information regarding the Scroll/Select switch and LCD is given on page 21. Connectors Reference Connector An SMB jack socket that allows a frequency counter to monitor the MDR's reference frequency. This connector is used only for maintenance purposes.
Draft Table 2 Headset/Microphone/Diagnostics Connector - PC Connections Pin Number Input or Output Signal Description 2 Transmit data Output RS232, 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no handshaking. 4 Receive data Input RS232, 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no handshaking. 7 Ground - 0 V. Note: PC connections are used for maintenance at Park Air. No instructions in this documentation require the use of this port.
Draft Switching On and Setting the Operating Parameters Using the Scroll/Select Switch The Scroll/Select switch (referred to throughout this topic as the ‘Switch’) is used to leave the Main screen and display the Control screen. Further use of the Switch displays various selection menus and allows the required parameters to be set. The switch has three actions: it can be turned clockwise, anticlockwise, or momentarily pushed in.
Draft Switching On The MDR is switched on by setting the rear panel AC Supply switch to On. The LCD should light and show the following displays. When switched on, the MDR initialises which takes approximately five seconds. When the MDR is initialised a Main screen is displayed. Four Main screens are available that reflect the MDR’s four possible operating modes. The screen displayed after switch on reflects the last selected operating mode.
Draft Selecting an Operating Mode To select the MDR’s operating mode, use the following procedure: With the Main screen displayed, press the Switch to display the Control screen. F r e q 1 1 8 M o d e V D L . 0 0 0 M H z M O D E 2 Main Screen (example shown for VDL Mode 2) Turn the Switch until Settings is highlighted. Then press the Switch to display the Settings screen.
Draft Selecting the Operating Frequency The MDR’s frequency can be changed in two ways: either from the frequency screen, or by recalling a preset channel. This procedure details using the Frequency screen. Storing and recalling channel frequencies is detailed on page 25. With the Main screen displayed, press the Switch to display the Control screen. F r e q 1 1 8 M o d e V D L .
Draft Storing and Recalling Frequency Channels As an alternative to setting an individual operating frequency, up to 100 preset frequency channels can be stored in the MDR; any stored channel can be recalled for immediate use. To store a frequency channel: With the Main screen displayed, press the Switch to display the Control screen. F r e C h q 2 M o d V o l 1 1 8 .
Draft To recall a previously stored channel: With the Main screen displayed, press the Switch to display the Control screen. F r e C h q 2 M o d V o l 1 1 8 . 0 0 0 M H z A / A C A R S l l l 3 e A M l l l l l l l Main Screen (example shown for AM Analogue ACARS) Turn the Switch until Channel is highlighted. Then press the Switch to display the Channel screen.
Draft Setting Band Edges The frequency range of the MDR is 118 to 136.975 MHz. If required, operation can be limited to either one or two smaller parts of the frequency band by setting the band edges BE1 to BE4. Operation is possible between BE1 and BE2 frequencies, and frequencies between BE3 and BE4. Examples are shown in Table 3. Table 3 Band Edge Values BE1 BE2 BE3 BE4 MDR set so that the full frequency range can be received. 118.000 136.975 118.000 136.
Draft Using the Switch, highlight the band edge values to be altered, pressing the switch after each alteration. When all values are correct, select Exit to return to the Main page. B E 1 1 2 0 . 0 0 0 M H z B E 2 1 2 5 . 0 0 0 M H z B E 3 1 3 0 . 0 0 0 M H z E x i t > > Band Edge Screen (First Page) Note that band edge frequencies can be set only in increments of 25 kHz. B E 4 1 B a c k E x i t 3 5 .
Draft Setting Parameters The MDR’s parameters listed in the following tables can be set by the user. Not all parameters can be set from the MDR’s front panel. The applicable tables are: Analogue ACARS mode, Table 4 Digital ACARS mode, Table 5 VDL mode 2, Table 6 AM-Voice mode, Table 7. Mode specific parameters are set by selecting Mode Settings as follows: With the Main screen displayed, press the Switch to display the Control screen. F r e q 1 1 8 M o d e V D L .
Draft Table 4 Analogue ACARS Functions and Parameters Function Adjustment Range Factory Default Step Size Frequency 118 to 136.975 MHz 118.000 MHz 25 kHz Band edges BE1 and BE3 118 to 136.975 MHz 118.000 MHz 25 kHz Band edges BE2 and BE4 118 to 136.975 MHz 136.975 MHz 25 kHz Channel 1 to 100 – 1 RF power 3 to 25 W 25 W 1W Reference frequency 0 to 100% – 0.
Draft Table 5 Digital ACARS Functions and Parameters Function Adjustment Range Factory Default Step Size Frequency 118 to 136.975 MHz 118.000 MHz 25 kHz Band edges BE1 and BE3 118 to 136.975 MHz 118.000 MHz 25 kHz Band edges BE2 and BE4 118 to 136.975 MHz 136.975 MHz 25 kHz Channel 1 to 100 – 1 RF power 3 to 25 W 25 W 1W Reference frequency 0 to 100% – 0.
Draft Table 6 VDL Mode 2 Functions and Parameters Function Adjustment Range Factory Default Step Size Frequency 118 to 136.975 MHz 118.000 MHz 25 kHz Band edges BE1 and BE3 118 to 136.975 MHz 118.000 MHz 25 kHz Band edges BE2 and BE4 118 to 136.975 MHz 136.975 MHz 25 kHz Channel 1 to 100 – 1 RF power 3 to 25 W 25 W 1W Reference frequency 0 to 100% – 0.
Draft Table 7 AM-Voice Functions and Parameters Function Adjustment Range Factory Default Step Size Frequency 118 to 136.975 MHz 118.000 MHz 25 or 8.33 kHz Band edges BE1 and BE3 118 to 136.975 MHz 118.000 MHz 25 kHz Band edges BE2 and BE4 118 to 136.975 MHz 136.975 MHz 25 kHz Front panel step size 25, 8.33 kHz, or both 25 kHz 25 or 8.33 kHz Channel 1 to 100 – 1 Channel spacing 25 or 8.33 kHz 25 kHz - Offset carrier 2 offset, ±5 kHz 3 offset, 0 and ±7.5 kHz 4 offset, ±2.
Draft Table 7 AM-Voice Functions and Parameters (Continued) Function Adjustment Range Factory Default Step Size STD - Squelch polarity STD (n/o) or INV (n/c) Squelch noise compensation On or Off On - Squelch carrier override On or Off Off - Squelch defeat On or Off Off - RF pre-attenuator On or Off Off – Audio line output -20 to +10 dBm -13dBm 1 dB Loudspeaker/Headset volume 0 to 100% 30% 5% Self-receive transmit audio on line output On or Off Off Initiate BIT interruptiv
Draft Downloading Software Fills Four software fills are available as detailed in Fig 4 on page 13. Any two fills can be stored in the MDR at any one time. All software fills are available on the user’s network and can be downloaded via the MDR’s Ethernet port.
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Installation
Draft Introduction WARNING Dangerous Voltage The instructions given in this topic involve connecting dangerous voltage to the MDR. Installation must be carried out only by suitably qualified personnel. WARNING Antenna Radiation The antenna used with the MDR must be installed such that the resultant radiated field strength is below 10 W/m² in areas normally accessible to personnel. The RF field strength from the antenna can be predicted from the equation S=1.
Draft The procedures in this document describe how to install an MDR. The procedures necessary during installation are listed in Table 8. Table 8 Installation Procedures Procedure Reference 1 Perform an initial inspection of the MDR. page 39 3 Fit the MDR into an equipment cabinet. page 40 4 Connect the remote signals (as required). page 41 5 Connect the chassis stud to the cabinet or system earth.
Draft Fitting an MDR into an Equipment Cabinet WARNING Heavy Item During installation an MDR may have to be lifted, possibly to head height, to fit onto telescopic slides. At least two people should be used to lift the equipment. Failure to use sufficient people when lifting equipment can result in personal injury. Caution Mechanical Support It is essential that the chosen mechanical installation provides adequate support along the depth (front to rear) of the unit.
Draft Rear Panel Interfaces The rear panel Ethernet, Facilities and Auxiliary interfaces (Fig 8) are used to connect remote signals as follows: For AM-Voice The line, PTT and squelch inputs and outputs connect via the Facilities interface. For AM Analogue ACARS The analogue ACARS waveform connects between an external modem and the line inputs and outputs via the Facilities interface. For AM Digital ACARS The digital ACARS data connects via the Ethernet interface.
Draft Ethernet Connector The Ethernet RJ socket connects to a 10/100Base-T Ethernet network. The connector is shown in Fig 9 and the pin-out listed in Table 10. RJ45 Plug Numbering is shown looking from the top of the connector. The top is being viewed with the lever at the bottom.
Draft Facilities Connector A 25-way D-type filtered socket providing analogue and HDLC interfaces. The connector is shown in Fig 10 and the pin-out listed in Table 11. A suitable 25-way D-type plug to connect to this interface is listed in Table 9 on page 39. 13 1 25 14 Fig 10 Facilities Connector Pin-out Table 11 Facilities Connector Pin Signal Name Characteristic 1 Ground 0 V. 2 Line in – Balanced 600 ohm, -20 to +10 dBm.
Draft Table 11 Facilities Connector (Continued) Pin Signal Name Characteristic Input or Output 11 HDLC 1 CL B RS422 differential synchronous data at 128 kbits per second. Output 12 Squelch Solid state relay configurable to be normally open or normally closed. Between +60 and -60 V ac or dc may be applied drawing 100 mA maximum. Output 13 Ground 0 V. 14 Line in + Pair to pin 2. 15 Ground 0 V. 16 Ground 0 V. – 17 Line out – Pair to pin 4. Output 18 HDLC 0 TX A Pair to pin 6.
Draft Auxiliary Connector A 9-way D-type filtered socket for future interface expansion. The connector is shown in Fig 11 and the pin-out listed in Table 12. A suitable 25-way D-type plug to connect to this interface is listed in Table 9 on page 39. Pin-out of Auxiliary connector looking into the mating face of the chassis mounted socket. 5 4 3 2 1 A suitable free socket is detailed in Table 9 on page 39.
Draft Connecting the Chassis Stud WARNING Chassis Earth A chassis stud is fitted to the MDR's rear panel. This stud is used to connect the equipment to the equipment rack, or to the user's system earth point. The stud must not be used as the safety earth. In order not to compromise the MDR’s Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) the chassis stud, marked and fitted to the rear panel must be connected to the equipment cabinet (if a cabinet is being used) or to the user's system earth point.
Draft Checking the ac Input Fuse Caution Fuse Rating For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with the same type and rating of fuse. The ac input fuse is located in a pull-out holder that is an integral part of the ac connector. Check that the fuse type is of the correct rating: 100 - 240V T4AH 250V IEC (Park Air part number, 29E01120108S) AC Supply Connection WARNING Dangerous Voltage The equipment is permanently connected to the mains supply when the mains connector is attached.
Draft The MDR is a Class 1 equipment. The ac supply cable should have a green-and-yellow protective earthing conductor electrically connected to the protective earthing terminal of the equipment connector and the mains plug. Park Air recommends the ac supply cable is colour coded in accordance with the electrical appliance (colour code) regulations for the UK.
Draft Maintenance
Draft Maintenance Policy Apart from the scheduled maintenance detailed in this topic, and replacing a faulty cooling fan, the maintenance policy for the MDR is to return faulty units to Park Air. There are no user serviceable parts within the MDR. Breaking the seals on the top and bottom covers voids the MDR’s warranty. Unscheduled Maintenance Unscheduled maintenance is limited to replacing a faulty cooling fan (see page 54).
Draft Checking the MDR’s Internal Reference Frequency To set the MDR’s internal reference frequency, use the following procedure. Note that references to the switch in the procedure mean the Scroll/Select switch. (1) If the MDR is used in AM-Voice mode with a frequency offset, reset the offset to 0 kHz. (2) Connect a high impedance frequency counter to the front panel Reference connector. (3) From the Main screen, press the switch F r e q u e n c y to display the Control screen.
Draft Initiating an Interruptive BIT Test An interruptive BIT test is available only in AM-Voice and AM analogue ACARS modes. Use the following procedure to initiate an interruptive BIT test from the MDR's front panel. A BIT test cannot be initiated while the MDR is keyed. During an interruptive BIT test, the MDR radiates modulated carrier waves at the set power. Users should therefore obtain the necessary authority before initiating a test.
Draft (3) During the test, which takes approximately two seconds, the Testing screen is displayed. T e s t l e a s e T e s t P (4) When the test is complete, either Pass or Fail is displayed.
Draft Removing and Refitting the Cooling Fan The cooling fan is at the rear of the MDR as shown in Fig 13. The part number of the fan is: 69J1208314H Power Connector Finger Guard Fig 13 Cooling Fan Removal Removal Before attempting to remove the fan, ensure that the MDR is isolated from the ac input supply. Then proceed as follows: (1) Disconnect the two-pin power connector. (2) Remove the fan's finger guard.
