Technical Support The SpotCell 100 serial number must be available to authorize technical support and/or to establish a return authorization for defective units. The serial number is located on the back of the SCU and DDU as well as the box in which they were delivered. Additional support information may be obtained by accessing the SpotwaveWireless Inc. website at www.spotwave.com.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: 1. What is Covered and for How Long? Spotwave Wireless Inc. ("Spotwave") warrants to the original Purchaser that the Spotwave SpotCell System (the "System") is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of 12 months from the date of shipment from Spotwave (the "Limited Warranty Period"). 2. What is not covered? This Limited Warranty is conditioned upon proper use of the System by the Purchaser.
5. This Limited Warranty allocates risk between Purchaser and Spotwave, and the Spotwave System pricing reflects this allocation of risk and the limitations of liability contained in this Limited Warranty. The agents, employees, distributors, dealers or representative of Spotwave are not authorized to make modifications to this Limited Warranty, or make additional warranties binding on Spotwave.
iv SpotCell 100, Release 1.
Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 This manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side window frame mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Pipe mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 DDU Outdoor mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mounting to a wood structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mounting to a brick or concrete structure: . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mounting to a pipe or tubing: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Attaching the cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 – Introduction 1.1 This manual The contents of this manual complements the Quick Install Guide, and provides specific details that may be referred to if necessary during installation of the SpotCell 100 ™ system. 1.2 About Installation Installation of the SpotCell 100 does not require any specialized technical knowledge. The SpotCell 100 can be installed by any person(s) with the ability to use a screwdriver, and in some situations may require the use of a ladder, drill, and additional related tools. 1.
INTRODUCTION The SpotCell 100 system receives signals from one or more cellular base stations and re-transmits the signal to areas where cell phones do not work or work poorly due to obstructions or the remoteness of the location. Figure 1.1: Signal from base station does reach cellular subscriber Figure 1.2: SpotCell 100 improves cellular communications 2 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
2 – Getting Started 2.1 Packing list - SpotCell 100 The SpotCell 100 is shipped in a single box containing: Directional Donor Unit (DDU) - this is the outward facing part of the assembly. Subscriber Coverage Unit (SCU) - this is the indoor part of the assembly. Power Adapter - to be plugged into an electrical outlet, and connected to the SCU. Cable - used to connect the SCU and DDU together.
GETTING STARTED cable loop strap (10) cable tie, black outdoor (10) cable tie, natural outdoor (10) screw anchors, plastic (10) screw anchors, concrete (10) drwwall anchor (1) 1/4” screw anchor, concrete (2) caulking cord (1) Note: Parts are provided for the majority of installation options, but do not cover all possibilities. You may need to purchase additional hardware specific to your mounting environment before you begin the installation.
2.2 Unpacking and inspecting Physically inspect the box for shipping damage before unpacking the SpotCell 100. 1. Remove the SpotCell 100 components from the box. 2. Remove all packing material from the Directional Donor Unit (DDU) and the Subscriber Coverage Unit (SCU). Save the packaging in case the SpotCell 100 is ever stored or shipped to SpotWave for service. 3.
GETTING STARTED 6 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
3 – Installation 3.1 Preparing for installation The following are general considerations and preparations that should be looked at before installing the SpotCell 100. 3.1.1 Signal Strength The SpotCell 100 system brings signals from an area of adequate coverage to an area with poor or non-existent coverage. It is the DDU which captures a good signal, and the SCU that provides the signal to the area with poor cell phone coverage.
INSTALLATION 3.1.3 Avoid obstructions General placement of the DDU and SCU must be in unobstructed areas. For example, the SCU should not be placed on a wall behind any type of furniture (behind items such as metal filing cabinets would be a particularly poor location). Similarly for the DDU, the front of the unit should not be directly facing any type of metal structures, which are often found on building rooftops. 3.1.
3.2.8 Installing the DDU Three methods of positioning the DDU (based on location) are outlined in the following procedure. Specifically they refer to installing inside buildings, on external walls, and on rooftops. 1. Position the DDU (but do not mount it) as close to the final desired mounting location as possible. The SCU does not have to be in its final location while positioning the DDU and it is usually helpful to have the SCU near the DDU.
INSTALLATION 4. Plug the power supply adapter into a wall socket 5. Ensure the switch on the SCU is in the ‘Install’ position. SCU switch Figure 3.2: SCU switch location 6. To align, hold the DDU upright and: Indoors Roof External wall Rotate the face of the DDU from left to right in front of the window. Rotate it in a full circle. A time of 10 seconds is appropriate to fully complete the rotation. Rotate the face of the unit from left to right within the constraints allowed by the wall.
8. Again, rotate the DDU as in step 6, this time stopping each time the LED is green and note the direction the DDU is facing (the LED may turn green once or multiple times). This is an indication of the signal strength the DDU is receiving from the cellular phone tower. The DDU should be mounted facing the direction the DDU was pointed for the longest period of time the LED was green during its rotation. 9.
INSTALLATION 3.3 Choosing a location for the SpotCell 100 SCU (indoor unit) The SCU should be optimized and mounted, after the DDU has been optimized and mounted. Generally, the SCU should be mounted in a location as far as possible from the DDU, while being within the area to have improved coverage. If mounted on a ceiling, the unit should be downward facing, and in the center of the area requiring cell phone coverage.
display. Place the SCU in the location showing maximum number of bars (see Figure 3.5:“Displayed Signal Strength”). In the event the number of bars is not changing, which is very possible, choose a location that is most convenient. Figure 3.5: Displayed Signal Strength 4. Refer to page 15 for mounting instructions. Spotwave Wireless Inc.
INSTALLATION 14 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
4 – Mounting All necessary hardware required for mounting on internal/external walls, or pipes is included in the mounting kit. 4.1 Running the cable through a wall If it is necessary to run a cable through a wall, use a masonry or wood drill bit to drill a 5/8-inch diameter hole. After passing the cable through, use the putty in the installation kit to fill the hole around the cable. 4.2 Mounting the DDU The DDU may be indoor or outdoor mounted.
MOUNTING 4.2.1 Wall mounting Figure 4.1: Wall mounting arrangement This mounting allows for rotation and some upward tilt but mainly downward tilt. 4.2.2 Overhead mounting Figure 4.2: Overhead mounting arrangement This mounting allows for rotation and some upward tilt but mainly downward tilt 16 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
4.2.3 Horizontal surface mounting Figure 4.3: Horizontal mounting arrangements These mountings allow for rotation and some downward tilt but mainly upward tilt. 4.2.4 Side wall mounting Figure 4.4: Side wall mounting arrangement This mounting allows for rotation and up and down tilt. Spotwave Wireless Inc.
MOUNTING 4.2.5 Side window frame mounting Figure 4.5: Side window frame mounting arrangement Limited rotation and tilt depending on how close the unit is to the window glass. 4.2.6 Pipe mounting Figure 4.6: Pipe mounted DDU Use hose clamps to mount the unit to a pipe. The hose clamp range is 2" to 5". This mounting allows for rotation and limited up and down tilt. 18 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
4.3 DDU Outdoor mounting 4.3.7 Mounting to a wood structure 1. Use the holes in mounting bracket as a template and mark the hole locations. Mark two regular holes if no motion is required and the hole and the slot if motion is required. 2. Drill two .125" diameter holes approximately. 2.5" deep. 3. Install the DDU using the two 1/4" lag bolts. 4.3.4 Mounting to a brick or concrete structure: 1. Use the holes in mounting bracket as a template and mark the hole locations.
MOUNTING 4.3.3 Attaching the cable While securing the cable, ensure that a drip loop is fashioned near the DDU (to prevent water from collecting around the cable where it attaches to the DDU) and secured in place as shown in Figure 4.7:“Drip loop” below. Figure 4.7: Drip loop Fashion the drip loop and fasten a black tie wrap around the loop to keep the loop fastened. To attach the cable to an existing pipe or cable run: Use tie-wraps to attach the cable to an existing pipe or cable run.
To attach the cable to a brick or concrete wall: 1. Drill a 3/16 diameter x 1 1/4 inch deep hole using a masonry drill bit. 2. Insert the anchor flush with the mounting surface. 3. Use cable clamps and screws to attach cable to the wall. 4.3.4 Bringing the cable indoors To bring the cable indoors, it may be necessary to drill a hole through the wall. To bring the cable through an exterior wall: 1.
MOUNTING 4.5 Mounting the SCU The SCU has a bracket attached as illustrated below. The bracket can be rotated to allow mounting to a ceiling or wall such that the face of the unit is parallel to the floor or ceiling, or positioned at approximately 45 degrees. SCU bracket Figure 4.9: SCU mounting bracket. Mounting the SCU 1. Find a suitable location to mount the unit that will provide good signal coverage. 2.
4.5.4 Grounding: Ensure there is a connection to earth ground. Use an appropriate conductor connected from the stud on the DDU to earth ground. ground stud Figure 4.10: DDU ground stud Spotwave Wireless Inc.
MOUNTING 24 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
5 – Displayed Information 5.1 DDU (outward facing unit) DDU LED Figure 5.1: DDU LED location LED is RED: the DDU is not capturing an adequate enough signal for the system to operate. LED is YELLOW: the captured signal is within range and the system will function, but the DDU is not properly positioned to capture the strongest signal available in its current location. LED is GREEN: after one complete rotation of the DDU this indicates the DDU is optimally positioned in this location.
DISPLAYED INFORMATION 5.2 SCU The SCU displays system status and signal strength. The following table shows the various messages displayed and if necklaces, what action should be taken. Display with alternating display (if present) Action (if required) System OK OUT OF SERVICE System Fault xxx CHECK CABLE CONNECTIONS Check the RF cable and verify that it is connected properly. Make sure the length of the RF cable is less than 50 meters. Call product support.
Display with alternating display (if present) Action (if required) Y ..:|| CHxxx O..:|| IN SERVICE Turn the DDU to another appropriate position. Poor Signal xxx INSTALL MODE Poor Signal xxx Try turning DDU Turn the DDU to another appropriate position. Y ..: CHxxx INSTALL MODE Weak Signal xxx Try turning DDU Y..:|| CHxxx INSTALL MODE Table 1: SCU Display States Spotwave Wireless Inc.
DISPLAYED INFORMATION 28 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
6 – Trouble Shooting Information 1. Status: The display on the bottom of the SCU dynamically displays information regarding the SpotCell system and environment during installation and operation. Action: Look at the information display to determine if the SpotCell system is indicating a fault. 2. Status: The LED on the DDU is not illuminating during the installation. Action: Ensure the following: The provided white cable is connected to the SCU and DDU. The power supply is connected to the SCU.
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION 4. Status: While optimizing the DDU for installation, you found that the LED turned green in multiple locations, indicating each had adequate signal strength. How do you determine which location is optimal for the DDU? Action: Look at the signal level indicated on the display on the bottom of the SCU each time the green light appears on the DDU during alignment. Mount the DDU in the location as indicated having the highest signal level. Figure 6.1:“Displayed signal strength.
6. Status: The coverage area around the SCU suddenly shrinks after a long period of reliable operation. Action: This is most likely due to man made environmental influences such as a large building being erected somewhere in between the DDU and the location the DDU is receiving a signal from. Going through the install procedure with the DDU in its current position may improve system performance (i.e.
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION 9. Information: Residential (or building) installations that do not provide for brick, concrete, metal, or other dense material between the DDU and SCU. Action: In this situation it is possible that the signal emitted by the DDU will be received by the SCU. This will result in the system lowering the power of the signal it is emitting; and therefore the area around the SCU in which a cell phone will function will become smaller.
Appendix A – Applications overview SpotCell 100 operates in the 800 MHz cellular frequency band, is A or B sub-band specific, installed in a location where a cellular handset has poor or non-existent coverage. Poor coverage may be a result of signal degradation due to terrain or urban environmental influences such as buildings, tunnels or underground garages. It may also be a result of the user being in a fringe area or outside of the known existing cellular coverage area.
APPLICATIONS OVERVIEW SpotCell 100 is a complete out-of-the-box solution consisting of four physical components: A donor component called a DDU (Directional Donor Unit), which is 14.00 inches (35 centimeters) wide, 10.50 inches (27 centimeters) high and 3.50 inches (9 centimeters) deep. An indoor component called a SCU (Subscriber Coverage Unit), which is 8.25 inches (21 centimeters) wide, 6.50 inches (17 centimeters) high and 2.50 inches (6 centimeters) deep.
To complete an installation, the DDU will be installed in a location where it can capture a good cellular signal. The SCU will be installed indoors, within the area to be provided with coverage. The power supply will be connected to the SCU, and the coaxial cable will connect the DDU and SCU. Figure A.2: Typical building installation Typical installations for building and home/ cottage environments are depicted in Figure A.1:“Typical home installation” and Figure A.2:“Typical building installation”.
APPLICATIONS OVERVIEW A.2 Operation SpotCell 100 will be used in existing cellular networks, and will function transparently to both the end user and the operator in terms of the services provided by the cellular network. The adaptive algorithms employed in SpotCell 100 allow it to be a non-engineered solution – i.e., installed and operated without engineering intervention or support.
The third algorithm works to maintain adequate isolation to unconditionally ensure system stability at all times and therefore preserve the integrity of the cellular network. Spotwave Wireless Inc.
APPLICATIONS OVERVIEW 38 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
Appendix B – System Specifications B.1 DDU LED signal indications: RED YELLOW GREEN BS signal too low BS signal present and within range BS signal is at maximum B.2 Antenna beam width: B.2.1 SCU Antenna Summary Gain 2.5 dBi Azimuth Beamwidth ±75° F/B 15 dB Elevation ±105° Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS B.2.2 DDU Antenna Summary Gain 10 dBi Elevation Beamwidth ±32° F/B 20 dB Azimuth ±27° B.
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS B.3.3 Physical Operating Temperature Outdoor unit: -40° to +55° C Indoor unit: 0° to +40° C Size Outdoor unit: 14"w 10.5" h 3.5" d Indoor unit: 8.25"w 6.5" h 2.5" d Weight Outdoor unit: 2 lb Indoor unit: 1.5 lb RF Connectors Type F, outdoor unit supplied with weather proof boot RF Cable RG6 Quad shielded 80’ or 25 meters supplied (System supports up to 50 meters) B.3.
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS 42 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
Appendix C – Safety Hints Customer safety is a concern we would like to address in a sensible and proactive manner. To this end, the following notes have been provided as a reference to help installers remain safe and think about safety in all aspects of the installation. The following notes are to be considered as informational only, and not exhaustive or complete. C.1 Lightning Never attempt to install the DDU outdoors while a lightning storm is in progress in your immediate or neighboring vicinity.
SAFETY HINTS C.2.1 Power Tools Proper eye protection should be worn when using a drill or any other type of power tool. C.2.2 Working with Ladders Properly secure your ladder and work in pairs. Make sure the ladder is properly tied off and use an insulated ladder when working around power lines. C.2.3 Grounding Ensuring the DDU is properly grounded in external installations will help to prevent property damage and personal injury during lightening storms. C.
Glossary Cellular Handset typical output power Ranges between approximately 50 to 600 mwatts dB The difference (or ratio) between two signal levels. Named after Alexander Graham Bell. (That is why the "B" is capitalized. ) Used to describe the effect of system devices on signal strength. For example, a cable has 6 dB loss or an amplifier has 15 dB of gai n.
Glossary dBm A signal strength or power level. 0 dBm is defined as 1 mW (milliWatt) of power into a 50 ohm load such as an ante nna.Small signals are negative numbers. This is useful since dB shows values in a logarithmic scale, not linear. RULE OF THUMB: Every time you double (or halve) the power level; you add (or subtract) 3 dB. For example, 125 mW is 21 dBm and 250 mW is 24 dBm.
Glossary SpotCell 100 The purpose of the Adaptive Personal Repeater is to enable personal cellular communications in specific locations within a service area where high path loss would normally prevent the use of a mobile phone, for example inside a building, or at the cell boundary. Subscriber Coverage Unit SCU This is the SpotCell 100 system element that is installed to provide service by creating a Personal Wireless Space for the subscriber. This unit is intended for indoor operation.
Glossary 48 SpotCell 100, Release 1.
