SpotCell™ 100 SERIES USER MANUAL Affordable, reliable In-building wireless coverage solutions.
Technical Support The SpotCellTM 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 Coverage Unit (CU) and Donor Unit (DU) 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.
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Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 This manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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™ system. 1.2 About Installation Installation of the SpotCell does not require any specialized technical knowledge. The SpotCell 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 system receives signals from one or more wireless 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: Base station signal does not reach wireless subscriber Figure 1.
2 – Getting Started 2.1 Packing list - SpotCell The SpotCell is shipped in a single box containing: Donor Unit (DU) - this is the outward facing part of the system. Coverage Unit (CU) - this is the indoor part of the system. Power Adapter - to be plugged into an electrical outlet, and connected to the CU. Cable - used to connect the CU and DU together. Mounting Kit which includes: angled brackets (3) for DU 1/4” x 3/4” pan head screws (6) 1/4” x 2” hex screws (2) No. 10 x 2.5” wood screws (2) No. 6 x 1.
GETTING STARTED screw anchors, plastic (10) screw anchors, concrete (10) drywall 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. A tripod and mast would be typical additional equipment purchased for mounting the SpotCell DU on a rooftop. DU CU Cable Power Adapter Figure 2.
2.2 Unpacking and inspecting Physically inspect the box for shipping damage before unpacking the SpotCell. 1. Remove the SpotCell components from the box. 2. Remove all packing material from the Donor Unit (DU) and the Coverage Unit (CU). Save the packaging in case the SpotCell is ever stored or shipped to SpotWave for service. 3. Check the contents of the package to make sure you have received everything ordered and verify that the mounting kit contains all the listed parts. 4.
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3 – Installation 3.1 Preparing for installation The following are general considerations and preparations that should be looked at before installing the SpotCell. 3.1.1 Signal Strength The SpotCell system brings signals from an area of adequate coverage to an area with poor or non-existent coverage. It is the DU which captures a good signal, and the CU that provides the signal to the area with poor cell phone coverage.
INSTALLATION 3.1.3 Avoid obstructions General placement of the DU and CU must be in unobstructed areas. For example, the CU 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 DU, the front of the unit should not be directly facing any type of metal structures, which are often found on building rooftops. 3.1.
3.2.1 Installing the DU Three methods of positioning the DU (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 DU (but do not mount it) as close to the final desired mounting location as possible. The CU does not have to be in its final location while positioning the DU and it is helpful to have the CU near the DU.
INSTALLATION 4. Ensure the switch on the CU is in the ‘Install’ (1) position. CU switch Figure 3.2: CU switch location 5. Plug the power supply adapter into a wall socket. 6. To align, hold the DU upright and: Indoors Roof External wall Rotate the face of the DU 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 DU as in step 6, this time stopping each time the LED is green and note the direction the DU is facing (the LED may turn green once or multiple times). This is an indication of the signal strength the DU is receiving from the wireless phone tower. The DU should be mounted facing the direction the DU was pointed when the LED was green for the longest period of time during its rotation. 9.
INSTALLATION If mounted on a ceiling, the unit should be downward facing, and in the center of the area requiring cell phone coverage. If mounted on a wall, the unit should be positioned in the middle of the area to be covered side-to-side, and off-centered slightly front-to-back, approximately as shown below in Figure 3.4:“CU position and signal coverage”. The unit should be mounted as high on the wall as possible. Figure 3.4: CU position and signal coverage 3.3.1 Positioning the CU 1.
Note: Each time the CU is moved, wait approximately 25 seconds for the coverage area bars ( ) to stabilize. Figure 3.5: Displayed Signal Strength and Coverage Area 4. Refer to page 15 for mounting instructions. 3.4 Auxilliary Antenna The SpotCell Coverage Extension kit (purchased seperately) can extend coverage into hard to reach places that are blocked by obstructions such as dense walls or shadowed by elevator shafts or ductwork .
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4 – Mounting the DU 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 DU The DU may be indoor or outdoor mounted.
MOUNTING THE DU Note: Mount the angle bracket on the flanged side of the mounting bracket and use the two mounting holes if no horizontal movement is required. 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.
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 Pipe mounting Figure 4.4: Pipe mounted DU 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. Spotwave Wireless Inc.
MOUNTING THE DU 4.3 DU outdoor mounting 4.3.1 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 or the hole and the slot if motion is required. 2. Drill two .125" diameter holes approximately. 2.5" deep. 3. Install the DU using the two 1/4" lag bolts. 4.3.2 Mounting to a brick or concrete structure: 1. Use the holes in mounting bracket as a template and mark the hole locations.
4.3.4 Attaching the cable While securing the cable, ensure that a drip loop is fashioned near the DU (to prevent water from collecting around the cable where it attaches to the DU) and secured in place as shown in Figure 4.5:“Drip loop” below. Figure 4.5: 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.
MOUNTING THE DU 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. 4.3.5 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.
4.4 DU indoor mounting To mount the DU indoors: 1. Use the mounting bracket as a template and mark the hole locations. Mark the two regular holes if no motion is required or mark the hole and the slot if motion is required. 2. If the mounting is in a solid wood surface, or a stud covered by drywall, drill a 5/32 inch diameter hole. Mount the unit with 2 inch wood screws. or If the mounting is in drywall, drill a ¼ diameter hole and insert an anchor. Mount the unit with 1/2 inch pan head screws. 3.
MOUNTING THE DU Mounting the CU 1. Find a suitable location to mount the unit that will provide good signal coverage. Refer to section 3.3“Choosing a location for the SpotCell CU”. 2. If mounting on a solid wood surface, or stud covered by drywall, drill a 1/8th inch diameter hole and mount with #6 x 1.5” screws. or If mounting in drywall, drill a ¼ inch diameter hole, insert the nylon screw anchor, and then mount with a 1/2” pan head screw. 3.
5 – Display Information 5.1 DU (Donor Unit) DU LED Figure 5.1: DU LED location LED is RED: the DU 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 DU is not properly positioned to capture the strongest signal available in its current location. LED is GREEN: after one complete rotation of the DU this indicates the DU is optimally positioned in this location. Spotwave Wireless Inc.
DISPLAY INFORMATION 5.2 CU 5.2.1 LED The CU LED indicates three conditions: OFF = no DC power supply present RED = power present + system alarm condition GREEN = power present + no alarm condition CU LED 5.2.2 LCD The CU LCD displays system status and signal strength. The signal strength is indicated by the signal strength bars ( ) and the coverage strength is indicated by the coverage bars ( ). The following table shows the various messages displayed and if necessary, what action should be taken.
Display with alternating display (if present) Action (if required) System is not optimally positioned. Turn the DU to another appropriate position. System will not function. Turn the DU to another appropriate position. Turn the DU to another appropriate position. Check the RF cable and verify that it is connected properly. Make sure the length of the RF cable is less than 75 meters. Call product support. Telephone #: 1-877-610-9586 All OK. No action required.
DISPLAY INFORMATION Display with alternating display (if present) Action (if required) Signal weak, but working. No action required. Turn the DU to another appropriate position. Move the CU to an alternate location, preferable farther away from the DU. Move the CU to an alternate location, preferable farther away from the DU. Temporary loss of service. No action required Loss of service for more than 24 hours. Turn the DU to another appropriate position.
6 – Trouble Shooting Information 1. Status: The display and LED on the bottom of the CU dynamically displays information regarding the SpotCell system and environment during installation and operation. Action: A red LED on the CU indicates a system alarm condition. Look at the information display to determine if the SpotCell system is indicating a fault. 2. Status: The LED on the DU is not illuminating during the installation. Action: Ensure the following: The provided cable is connected to the CU and DU.
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION 3. Status: My cell phone does not work around the location I would like to install the SpotCell DU. Action: Try positioning the DU externally as high as possible. 4. Status: While optimizing the DU for installation, you found that the LED turned green in multiple locations, indicating each had adequate signal strength.
check with your vendor that your SpotCell product is compatible with your cell phone service. 6. Status: The coverage area around the CU 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 DU and the location the DU is receiving a signal from. Repeating the install procedure with the DU in its current position may improve system performance (i.e.
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION 8. Information: Residential (or building) installations that do not provide for brick, concrete, metal, or other dense material between the DU and CU. Action: In this situation it is possible that the signal emitted by the DU will be received by the CU. This will result in the system lowering the power of the signal it is emitting; and therefore the area around the CU in which a cell phone will function will become smaller.
Appendix A – SpotCell 100 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. A.1 DU LED signal indications: RED YELLOW GREEN BS signal too low BS signal present and within range BS signal is at maximum A.2 Antenna beam width: A.2.1 CU Antenna Summary Gain +3 dBi Elevation Beamwidth 180° Azimuth Beamwidth 175° Front-to-Back 12 dB Horizontally Polarized Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 100 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS A.2.2 DU Antenna Summary Gain 10 dBi Elevation Beamwidth 62° Azimuth Beamwidth 50° Front-to-Back 20 dB Vertical Polarization A.
SPOTCELL 100 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS A.3.3 Physical Operating Temperature Donor unit: -40° to +55° C Coverage unit: 0° to +40° C Size Donor unit: 15"w 12" h 4" d Coverage unit: 9"w 7.25" h 2.5" d Weight Donor unit: 4 lb (2 kg) Coverage unit: 2 lb (1 kg) RF Connectors Type F, outdoor unit supplied with weather proof boot RF Cable RG6 Quad shielded 82’ or 25 meters supplied (System supports up to 164 ft. or 50 m) A.3.
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Appendix B – SpotCell 111 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. B.1 DU 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 CU Antenna Summary Gain +3 dBi Azimuth Beamwidth 145° Front-to-back 15 dB Elevation 160° Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 111 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS B.2.2 DU Antenna Summary Gain 12 dBi (13 dB nominal directivity) Elevation Beamwidth 36° F/B 26 dB Azimuth 46° B.3 Architecture Frequency Band Full A, D, B, E, F, C band and sub-band (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) selectivity Passband Bandwidth 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 MHz *Start/stop receive band frequency must be specified at time of order. Formats Supported GSM/TDMA Coverage Area Fully adaptive, supports multiple simultaneous users Up to 20,000 Sq feet (50,000 sq.ft.
SPOTCELL 111 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS B.3.3 Physical Operating Temperature Donor unit: -40° to +55° C Coverage unit: 0° to +40° C Size Donor unit: 15"w 12" h 4" d Coverage unit: 9"w 7.25" h 2.5" d Weight Donor unit: 4 lb (2 kg) Coverage unit: 2 lb (1 kg) RF Connectors Type F; weatherproof RF Cable RG6 quad-shield 82’ or 25 m supplied (System supports 164 ft. or 50 m) B.3.
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Appendix C – SpotCell 112 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. C.1 DU LED signal indications: RED YELLOW GREEN BS signal too low BS signal present and within range BS signal is at maximum C.2 Antenna beam width: C.2.1 CU Antenna Summary Gain +3 dBi Azimuth Beamwidth 145° Elevation Beamwidth 160° Front-to-Back 15 dB Horizontally Polarized Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 112 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS C.2.2 DU Antenna Summary Gain 11.5 dBi Azimuth Beamwidth 46° Elevation Beamwidth 36° Front-to-Back 25 dB Vertically Polarized C.3 Architecture Frequency Band Full A, D, B, E, F, C band and sub-band (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) selectivity Passband Bandwidth 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 MHz *Start/stop receive band frequency must be specified at time of order. Formats Supported CDMA Coverage Area Fully adaptive, supports multiple simultaneous users Up to 20,000 Sq feet (50,000 sq.
SPOTCELL 112 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS C.3.3 Physical Operating Temperature Donor unit: -40° to +55° C Coverage unit: 0° to +40° C Size Donor unit: 15"w 12" h 4" d Coverage unit: 9"w 7.25" h 2.5" d Weight Donor unit: 4 lb (2 kg) Coverage unit: 2 lb (1 kg) RF Connectors Type F; weatherproof RF Cable RG6 quad-shield 82’ or 25 m supplied (System supports 164 ft. or 50 m) C.3.
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Appendix A – 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. A.1 Lightning Never attempt to install the DU outdoors while a lightning storm is in progress in your immediate or neighboring vicinity.
SAFETY HINTS A.2.1 Power Tools Proper eye protection should be worn when using a drill or any other type of power tool. A.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. A.2.3 Grounding Ensuring the DU is properly grounded in external installations will help to prevent property damage and personal injury during lightening storms. A.
www.spotwave.com Spotwave Wireless Inc. 1 Hines Road, Ottawa ON K2K 3C7 Canada © 2003 Spotwave Wireless Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada Spotwave and SpotCell are trademarks of Spotwave Wireless Inc. Patents pending.
