M7X Transceiver and M7R Receiver User Documentation
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. [Adobe Acrobat™ must be loaded on your PC to use this facility] Handbook Title: M7X Transceiver and M7R Receiver User Documentation Handbook Part Number: 31-370000M7 Handbook Version: 1.
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.
Approvals and Regulations The following approvals and regulations apply to the M7X Transceiver and M7R Receiver: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regulations This transceiver complies with Part 15 and Part 87 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the condition that the transceiver does not cause harmful interference. You are required to obtain a station license before transmitting from your transceiver.
List of Abbreviations A The following list gives the standard abbreviations used in Park Air user documentation.
VOGAD voice-operated gain adjusting device W watt WB wideband WP waveform profile M7X and M7R Page vi
Contents Page Health and Safety Approvals and Regulations List of Abbreviations iii iv v Overview Introduction 1-2 Models and Part Numbers 1-3 Options 1-3 What’s In the Box 1-3 Accessories 1-3 Radio Operation 1-4 Local Operation 1-4 Local Operation Using an Extended Control Head 1-4 Remote Operation Using an M7 Controller 1-5 Remote Operation Using Compatible Control Equipment 1-5 Waveform Profiles and Frequency Presets 1-5 Security Profiles 1-5 Built-In Test 1-6 Power Supply 1-
Contents (continued) Page Operation Introduction 3-2 Switching On 3-3 Control Head Key Functions 3-4 Tuning the Radio 3-7 Waveform Profiles 3-8 Frequency Presets 3-9 Log In if Security is Applied 3-10 Tuning Using the Current Waveform Profile 3-12 Tuning by Recalling a Stored Waveform Profile 3-14 Tuning by Recalling a Stored Frequency Preset 3-17 Front Panel Display for 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing 3-19 Front Panel Display for 25 kHz and 12.
Contents (continued) Page External Signal Connections 4-18 Audio – Narrow-band (A) Connector 4-19 Audio – Narrow-band (B) Connector 4-21 Audio – Wideband (A) Connector 4-22 Audio – Wideband (B) Connector 4-23 Facilities Connector 4-24 BIT Connector 4-25 Serial 1 Connector 4-26 Audio – Tape/External Speaker Connector 4-27 RCU Connector 4-28 Serial 2 Connector 4-29 E1 Connector 4-30 T1 Connector 4-31 Ethernet Connector 4-32 10 MHz Reference Frequency 4-33 Maintenance Introduction
Contents (continued) Page Refitting the RF PA 5-32 Replacing the PSU Module 5-33 PSU Module 5-33 Removing the PSU Module 5-34 Refitting the PSU Module 5-36 Replacing Faulty Cables 5-38 Data Loader Application 5-39 Loading the Software 5-39 Radio Config Settings Page 5-40 Frequency Bands 5-41 IP Configuration 5-42 Build State Page 5-43 Waveform Profiles Page 5-44 Frequency Preset Page 5-45 Download Page 5-46 Setting the Carrier Power Trim 5-47 M7X and M7R Page x
Back to Menu Overview
Back to Menu Introduction The Park Air M7 range of software driven multimode radios provide transmission and reception between 100 MHz and 399.975 MHz in a number of normal and secure modes. Fig 1-1 shows an M7 radio. Fig 1-1 M7 Radio M7 radios are designed for civil, maritime and military applications (see Fig 1-2) and are available in co-site or split-site configurations. Functionality is determined by the combination of installed hardware, and software defined waveforms.
Back to Menu Models and Part Numbers Table 1-1 shows the M7 models covered in this user documentation and lists the order part numbers. Table 1-1 Models and Part Numbers Model Number Description Order Part Number M7X M7 transceiver BM7X M7R M7 receiver BM7R Notes The transceiver can be configured as a transceiver, transmitter, or as a receiver. Options The following options are available: Guard receiver Custom interface module Radio supplied without control head.
Back to Menu Radio Operation The radio can be operated in the following ways: Locally using the front panel controls and indicators Locally using an extended control head Remotely using an M7 series controller Remotely using compatible control equipment. Local Operation Local operation of the M7 is effected from a front panel mounted Control Head (Fig 1-3). The control head contains a high visibility electroluminescent display, tactile soft keys and a numeric keypad.
Back to Menu Remote Operation Using an M7 Controller Available as a desktop or rack mount unit, the Park Air M7 Controller integrates directly with the M7 radio via an E1 link as shown in Fig 1-5. The controller has the same Control Head as the radio to provide identical operator activity. For reduced cost or additional security, the radio can operate without a Control Head being fitted.
Back to Menu Built-In Test The M7 radio has a comprehensive Built-In Test (BIT) system that continuously monitors key parameters and reports status information. Should a fault be detected, the BIT screen indicates the faulty module or component. The BIT system also detects external environmental conditions that could lead to degraded performance of the radio, such as high temperature and high VSWR. The BIT system is described in the Maintenance topic.
Back to Menu Specification
Back to Menu General Specification Frequency Range All models operate between 100 and 399.975 MHz (subject to waveform limitations). Pre-Selectable Frequency Bands Four pre-selectable frequency bands are available to limit the radio's user selectable frequencies. Modulation Waveforms All models are capable of multiple modulation waveforms. Different waveforms are available by including the appropriate software fills. Each radio can hold all the software fills simultaneously.
Back to Menu Reference Frequency Internal or external reference frequency sources can be selected. The factory default is internal. Internal The internal reference frequency is generated by a 10 MHz oscillator having a frequency accuracy better than 0.15 ppm and an adjustment range to allow for 20 years ageing. An output is provided suitable for driving an external frequency counter.
Back to Menu Dimensions and Weight Dimensions The radio fits into a 19 inch wide equipment cabinet occupying 4U of space. Dimensions are shown in Fig 2-1. 429 549 593 All dimensions in mm 483 169 177 Fig 2-1 M7X and M7R Dimensions Weight M7X 25 kg (26 kg with guard receiver fitted). M7R 23 kg (24 kg with guard receiver fitted).
Back to Menu Environmental Ambient Temperature Range All models operate with an ambient temperature between -20oC and +55oC. Storage Temperature Range All models can be stored at temperatures between -40oC and +70oC without damage. Humidity Range All models operate at relative humidities between 5 and 95% non-condensing. Altitude All models operate at altitudes up to 5000 m and can be transported at altitudes of up to 15000 m without damage.
Back to Menu Transmit Characteristics RF power output AM: Adjustable between 1 W and 50 W in 1 W steps FM, Link 11 and Maritime: Adjustable between 1 W and 100 W in 1 W steps Power control < ±1 dB with frequency < ±1 dB with temperature < ±1 dB with VSWR up to 2:1 < ±3 dB with VSWR up to 3:1. No damage is caused when operating into any load. Duty cycle Continuous.
Back to Menu ALC The ALC has an operational range from a threshold level set at 10 dB below the average speech line level setting, to the maximum line input level of +10 dB average speech. Within the ALC range, the modulation remains at 85% (±5%) The attack time is <20 ms and the decay time is > 2 s (both measured with a 10 dB step to 15 dB into ALC). Transmit timeout Adjustable between 5 seconds and 10 minutes or can be set to Off. [Note that Off is when 0 seconds is selected.
Back to Menu RF AGC <3 dB change in output from reference sensitivity to +10 dBm At least 10 dB SINAD with input up to +17 dBm. Audio AGC <1 dB change in output for 30% to 90% change in modulation depth. Squelch Carrier operated squelch (with noise compensation and carrier override). Threshold adjustable from -110 dBm to -60 dBm in 1 dB steps. Carrier override 10 dB above threshold setting Attack time <20 ms Carrier override and noise compensation can be turned off.
Back to Menu Interfaces Front Panel Microphone/Headset/ Loudspeaker Connector A 10-way Lemo socket that provides the following functions: Active (powered) or passive microphone Headset connection. Receiver and sidetone levels independently adjustable. 0 to 3 V from 33 ohm source Local loudspeaker USB port for software installation and maintenance using the Data Loader Application (DLA). Ref BNC socket for monitoring the internal reference frequency accuracy.
Back to Menu Intentionally Blank M7X and M7R Page 2-10 Specification
Back to Menu Operation
Back to Menu Introduction This topic details the operation of the M7 radio. Operation is divided into sub-sections as follows: Switching on. See page 3-3 Control head key functions. See page 3-4 and Fig 3-2 on page 3-3 Tuning the radio. Procedures start on page 3-7 Tuning the radio involves an understanding of Waveform Profiles and Frequency Presets. These functions are explained on page 3-8 and page 3-9 respectively A Security facility may be applied to the radio.
Back to Menu Switching On Do not attempt to operate the radio until the installation and radio configuration has been completed. (1) At the rear of the radio, identify the ac and dc supply switches (Fig 3-1). (2) If an ac supply is connected to the radio, set the ac supply switch to the On position. Similarly, if a dc supply is connected, set the dc supply switch to the On position.
Back to Menu Control Head Key Functions The control head is normally fitted to the radio’s front panel, but can be removed and fitted in any convenient location up to 10 metres from the radio. Fig 3-2 on page 3-3 shows the control head that is fitted with a high visibility electroluminescent display, tactile soft keys and a numeric keypad. A complete operator audio interface incorporating loudspeaker, headset and microphone facilities is included.
Back to Menu A 12 button keypad used for numeric or alphanumeric entries. Most buttons are multi-function with each press cycling through the characters. For example button 2 cycles through: a b c A B C 2. When a different button is pressed, the last character selected is accepted and the new button is treated as the next character. If two sequential characters from the same button are required, the Arrow keys (Key 7 and Key 8) must be used. The Arrow keys are shown in Fig 3-4 on page 3-6.
Back to Menu Key 7 and Key 8 move the data entry cursor left and right respectively. The Arrow key function is displayed only when a data entry is required. When entering data using the keypad, each button cycles through the associated characters. For example button 2 cycles through: a b c A B C 2. When a different button is pressed, the last character selected is accepted and the new button is treated as the next character.
Back to Menu Tuning the Radio Tuning the radio makes it ready to operate using the required waveform, the required settings for the selected waveform, and at the required frequency. There are three methods of tuning the radio: (1) Tuning using the current waveform profile. This involves selecting a new operating frequency while retaining the current operating waveform and radio settings. See page 3-12. (2) Tuning by recalling a stored waveform profile.
Back to Menu Waveform Profiles A waveform profile is a set of instructions stored in the radio that define a mode of operation and certain parameters associated with the mode. Up to 20 waveform profiles can be created and stored in the radio. When a waveform profile is recalled, the user is prompted to enter an operating frequency (or a channel number if in Maritime mode). Fig 3-6 and Fig 3-7 show example waveform profiles. The default waveform profile designations are WP1 to WP20.
Back to Menu Frequency Presets A frequency preset is a set of instructions stored in the radio that define an operating frequency and an associated waveform profile. Up to 400 frequency presets can be created and stored in the radio. Fig 3-8 shows an example frequency preset. The default frequency preset designations are FP1 to FP400. When created and stored in the radio, the designation can be changed to any name containing up to eight alphanumeric characters.
Back to Menu Log In if Security is Applied M7 radios have a security feature that restricts non-authorized personnel from retuning and reconfiguring the radio’s settings. Security is explained on page 3-40. Fig 3-10 and Fig 3-11 show the Home screen with and without security applied. Note that in Fig 3-11, the Security label (Key 6) shows Security Log In; additionally the Frequency Preset, Waveform Profile, Frequency and Radio Config labels have dotted surrounds.
Back to Menu Fig 3-12 Enter PIN Number Screen (4) When the correct PIN is entered, you are returned to the Home screen. The screen indicates your security profile as shown in Fig 3-13 and the actions you may perform. In the example shown in Fig 3-13, you may recall a frequency preset, but cannot edit the frequency, waveform profile, or radio configuration (they are ‘greyed out’).
Back to Menu Tuning Using the Current Waveform Profile Use this procedure only when sure that the current waveform profile, including the radio parameters associated with the profile, is appropriate for the new operating frequency. (1) At the Home screen (Fig 3-14) press Key 7 to display either the Enter Frequency screen (Fig 3-15) or if in Maritime mode, the Enter Channel screen (Fig 3-16).
Back to Menu Fig 3-16 Enter Channel Screen (Maritime Mode Only) Notes: If using an offset carrier system, enter the channel frequency, not the actual frequency. The offset information is stored in the Waveform Profile If using 8.33 kHz channel spacing, see the notes on page 3-19 and enter the appropriate Displayed Frequency, not the actual frequency If using 12.
Back to Menu Tuning by Recalling a Stored Waveform Profile Waveform profiles are explained on page 3-8. To recall any one of the 20 available profiles: (1) From the Home screen (Fig 3-17) press Key 3 to display the list of Waveform Profiles. Press Key 3 to display the Waveform Profile list Fig 3-17 Select Waveform Profiles from the Home Screen (2) The Waveform Profiles list screen (Fig 3-18) makes the 20 stored profiles available for selection by scrolling through the list using Key 9 and Key 10.
Back to Menu (4) If a profile applicable to Maritime mode is selected the Enter Channel screen (Fig 3-20) is displayed; for all other modes the Enter Frequency screen (Fig 3-19) is displayed. See the Notes below and then, at the Enter Frequency screen (Fig 3-19) enter the required frequency using the alphanumeric keys, or if Maritime mode is selected enter the required channel at the Enter Channel screen (Fig 3-20).
Back to Menu Fig 3-20 Enter Channel Screen (Maritime Mode Only) (6) If an invalid frequency (or channel in Maritime mode) was entered during this procedure, the radio remains tuned to the previous settings; neither the Waveform Profile, or frequency are altered. An invalid frequency may be due to: Entering a frequency outside the range of the radio Entering a frequency outside of the Selectable Frequency Bands (see page 3-29) Entering an 8.
Back to Menu Tuning by Recalling a Stored Frequency Preset Frequency presets are explained on page 3-9. To recall any one of the 400 available presets: (1) From the Home screen (Fig 3-21) press Key 2 to display the list of Frequency Presets. Press Key 2 to display the Frequency Preset list Fig 3-21 Select Frequency Presets from the Home Screen (2) The Frequency Presets list screen (Fig 3-22) makes the 400 stored presets available for selection by scrolling through the list using Key 9 and Key 10.
Back to Menu (4) The radio is now ready to operate on the selected frequency and waveform profile as shown on the Home screen (Fig 3-23). In this example, the radio now operates in AM-Voice on the International VHF Distress frequency 121.500 MHz; the power output (M7X only) is 50 watt.
Back to Menu Front Panel Display for 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing When setting the operating frequency of the radio and 8.33 kHz channel spacing is required, the frequency that must be entered differs from the actual channel frequency. Table 3-1 shows the pattern used for 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz spaced channel frequencies from 118.000 MHz to 118.141 MHz. The pattern is the same for any frequency. The display conforms to ICAO convention for 8.33 kHz operation. Table 3-1 25 kHz and 8.
Back to Menu Front Panel Display for 25 kHz and 12.5 kHz Channel Spacing When setting the operating frequency of the radio for 12.5 kHz channel spacing, the frequency that must be entered differs from the actual channel frequency. Table 3-2 shows the pattern used for 25 kHz and 12.5 kHz spaced channel frequencies from 225.0000 MHz to 225.1125 MHz. The pattern is the same for any frequency. Table 3-2 25 kHz and 12.
Back to Menu Maritime Channels The channels listed below show Maritime channels/frequencies. The shaded channels denote that in American format, the Ship Tx Frequency is used for both Ship and Shore working: that is, simplex working. Channels 75 and 76 are guard channels for channel 16. Channel 70 is used as an emergency channel for semi/automatic operation. Channel Number Ship Tx Frequency (MHz) Shore Tx Frequency (MHz) Channel Number Ship Tx Frequency (MHz) Shore Tx Frequency (MHz) 60 156.
Back to Menu Configuring the Radio After all procedures given in the Installation topic have been completed, the radio settings should be configured. This involves scrolling through the settings listed in Table 3-3 and setting the required values. Some configuration settings must be correctly set to match the physical installation; for example, the polarities of the PTT signals and whether a transceiver has been configured as a transceiver, transmitter or receiver.
Back to Menu Radio Configuration Procedure To configure the radio settings: (1) From the Home screen (Fig 3-24) press Key 8 – Radio Config. Press Key 8 to configure the radio Fig 3-24 Home Screen (2) Ensure the Edit Radio Config Settings screen (Fig 3-25) is displayed. In this figure, Selectable Frequency Bands is highlighted; this is Radio Config Setting 1 of 44 in the List. The Up and Down keys allow scrolling through all Radio Config Settings that can be edited.
Back to Menu Table 3-3 List of Edit Radio Config Settings Setting Edit Range Notes Selectable Frequency Bands Depends on waveform IP Configuration DHCP, IP address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, TCP port number Build State Shows hardware and software build state Radio Name Any name containing up to 8 alphanumeric characters Radio Type M7X or M7R The radio type must be selected Configured As Transceiver, Transmitter or Receiver See procedure on page 3-27.
Back to Menu Table 3-3 List of Edit Radio Config Settings (Continued) Setting Edit Range Notes Microphone Type Passive or Active Set to Passive for the standard Park Air supplied hand microhone. Mic Input Sensitivity Low or High Set to High for the standard Park Air supplied hand microhone. USB Interface On or Off Set to On when using a maintenance computer connected to the Control Head’s Microphone/Headset/Maintenance interface.
Back to Menu Table 3-3 List of Edit Radio Config Settings (Continued) Setting Edit Range Notes WB(B) Line Input Level +10 dBm to -10 dBm (1 dB steps) WB(B) Line Output Level +10 dBm to -10 dBm (1 dB steps) M7X and M7R Page 3-26 Operation
Back to Menu Select Between Transceiver, Transmitter or Receiver Operation An M7X radio can be configured to operate as a transceiver, transmitter or a receiver. Configuration should be limited to ‘transmitter’ or ‘receiver’ when operating as part of a split-site transmitter/receiver pair connected to a controller. To select the required configuration: (1) From the Home screen (Fig 3-26) press Key 8 – Radio Config.
Back to Menu (4) Press Key 9 or Key 10 to scroll through ‘Transceiver’, ‘Transmitter’ and ‘Receiver’. When the required configuration is shown, press Key 13 – Store; see Fig 3-28.
Back to Menu Restricting the Radio’s Frequency Range M7 radios operate between 100 and 399.975 MHz. If required, the frequency range can be restricted by setting up to four pass bands. Table 3-4 shows example restrictions by using two of the pass bands. In addition to four user settable pass bands, the radio’s frequency range can also be restricted by ‘Stop Bands’. For example, to stop transmissions on commercial broadcasting frequencies, a radio may have a stop band between 100 and 110 MHz.
Back to Menu (2) Ensure the Edit Radio Config Settings screen is displayed (Fig 3-30). Fig 3-30 Edit Radio Config Settings Screen – Selectable Frequency Bands (3) To view the pass bands, press Key 13 – Change. The pass bands are listed as shown in Fig 3-31. [Stop Bands, if applicable, are listed here.] Fig 3-31 List of Pass Bands (4) To change the configuration, press Key 9 or Key 10 to select a pass band then press Key 13 – Change.
Back to Menu (5) Using the numeric keypad, enter the required pass band frequencies. Press Key 13 – Next after the low frequency entry to move the cursor to the high frequency. [To delete an existing pass band, enter 000.000 as the frequency.] Fig 3-32 Selectable Frequency Bands (6) When the required pass bands are displayed, press Key 13 – Store.
Back to Menu Creating and Storing a Waveform Profile A waveform profile is a set of instructions stored in the radio to define a mode of operation and certain parameters associated with the mode as described on page 3-8. Up to 20 different waveform profiles can be stored in the radio. The factory default profiles are designated ‘WP1’ to ‘WP20’. To create and store a waveform profile: (1) From the Home screen (Fig 3-33) press Key 3 to display the list of waveform profiles (Fig 3-34).
Back to Menu Note: The waveform cannot be changed if the waveform profile is currently selected. In this case, the waveform change key is greyed out as shown in this illustration. Fig 3-35 Waveform Profile Edit Screen (3) The first parameter that can be changed is the Name. A waveform profile can have any name up to eight characters long. In this example, the default designation WP1 is being changed to ‘AMV50W’ as shown in Fig 3-36 (AMV50W meaning AM-Voice with 50 watt output).
Back to Menu Fig 3-37 Select Waveform (6) Pressing Key 9 to scroll up, or Key 10 to scroll down, highlight the required waveform, then press Key 13 – Select. You are returned to the Waveform Profile Edit screen (Fig 3-35). (7) The radio settings that are stored as part of the waveform profile should now be set. This is achieved by pressing Key 4 – Change to display the Waveform Profile Edit Settings screen (Fig 3-38).
