® SpotCell 100 Series User Manual SpotCell 100, 111, 112, 141, 142, 163, & 167
Technical Support SpotCellTM serial numbers must be available to authorize technical support and/or to establish a return authorization for defective units. The serial numbers are located on the back of the Coverage Unit (CU) and the Donor Unit (DU), as well as on the box in which they were delivered. Additional support information may be obtained by accessing the Spotwave Wireless Inc. website at www.spotwave.com.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: will be warranted for a period equal to the remainder of the original Limited Warranty Period for the original System or for 90 days, whichever is longer. All replaced parts, components, boards or equipment shall become the property of Spotwave. If Spotwave determines that any System is not covered by this Limited Warranty, Purchaser must pay the costs for all parts, shipping, and labor charges for the repair or return of such System. 4.
Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Positioning the DU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iv SpotCell 100 Series
1 – Introduction 1.1 This Manual The contents of this manual complements the Quick Install Guide. It provides specific details that may be referred to if necessary during installation of a SpotCell™ 100 Series adaptive coverage system. 1.2 No Special Knowledge Installation of a SpotCell solution does not require any specialized technical knowledge.
INTRODUCTION Figure 1.1: Base station signal does not reach wireless subscriber Figure 1.2: SpotCell improves wireless communications The SpotCell™ 100 Series adaptive coverage system provides band-selective, onfrequency, in-building coverage in the cellular, PCS or SMR bands. It uses proprietary, patent-pending, adaptive techniques that allow a SpotCell solution to be installed and operated without engineering intervention or support.
2 – Getting Started 2.1 Packing List The SpotCell solution 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 SpotCell 141/142 : The SpotCell 141 and SpotCell 142 Dual Band systems include a second DU and extra cables to connect the two DUs.
GETTING STARTED 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. Cables DUs CU Figure 2.2: Components of SpotCell 141/142 Dual Band package 2.
3 – Installation 3.1 Preparation The following are general considerations and preparations that should be looked at before installing the SpotCell system. 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 3.1.5 Distance between DU and CU Although you should separate the DU and CU as much as possible, there are only 82 feet (25 meters) of cable (see following note) provided to connect the two units. Make sure the general location of the two units is within this limit. The standard cable is quadshield RG-6. Use only Spotwave Wireless supplied cable. Note: 1. For greater DU to CU separations RG-11 quad shield cable can be ordered. This extends the DU to CU distance to 164 feet (50 meters). 2.
INSTALLATION 3.2.1 Installing the DU The following outlines the procedure for locating a DU inside a building, on a rooftop, and on the outside surface of an external wall. 1. Position the DU (but do not mount it) as close to the final desired mounting location as possible. It is helpful to have the CU near the DU. The CU does not have to be in its final location at this time. Indoors While not a requirement, it is highly recommended the DU be installed facing a windowa when installed indoors.
INSTALLATION d) Use the remaining RG6 cable to connect the PCS DU to the Cell DU. Figure 3.2: Connecting SC141/142 PCS DU to Cell DU For all other (non dual band) systems: a) Connect the DU and CU with the enclosed cable. Figure 3.3: Connecting CU to DU 3. Tighten all cable connections to the DUs and CU with a wrench (a 1/4 of a turn tighter than finger tight) to ensure moisture does not penetrate. 4. Connect the power supply as shown below. Figure 3.
INSTALLATION Note: Only use the power supply provided with the SpotCell system. Connecting a power supply from another SpotCell system may damage the unit and cause it to fail. 5. Ensure the mode switch on the CU is in the ‘Install’ (1) position. For dual band systems (SC141/SC142) set the band select switch to 800 MHZ. mode switch band select switch Figure 3.5: CU witch locations 6. Plug the power supply adapter into a wall socket. 7. Alignment Step 1. Hold the DU upright and pointing away from you.
INSTALLATION 8. Alignment Step 2. Repeat the above rotation a second time. This time monitor the color of the LED. The LED color is an indication of the signal strength the DU is receiving from the wireless basestation tower. Stop the rotation each time the LED is green and note the direction the DU is facing when it is GREEN (the LED may turn green once or multiple times). The GREEN direction is the direction the DU must face when installed for best system performance.
INSTALLATION 3.3 Choosing a location for the SpotCell CU The CU location is optimized, after the DU location and orientation has been optimized and the DU has been mounted. Generally, the CU should be mounted in a location as far as possible from the DU, while being within the area where you require improved coverage. If mounted on a ceiling, the unit should be facing downward, and in the center of the area requiring coverage.
INSTALLATION 3.4 Positioning the CU 1. Ensure that the DU position has been optimized and has been mounted in place. 2. Move the mode switch on the CU from ‘Install’ to ‘Active’. 3. Hold the CU in the position it is to be mounted. Ideally the display on the CU will show 5 bars for coverage area. If it is not showing 5 bars for coverage area and there are alternate mounting locations, move the CU to the alternate locations and check the display. Place the CU in the location showing maximum number of bars.
4 – Mounting the DU and CU 4.1 Running Cable Through Walls If it is necessary to run a cable through a wall, use a masonry or wood drill bit to drill a 3/4-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 (or two DUs for dual band SC141/142 systems) may be indoor or outdoor mounted. Based on the direction the DU will point, consider possible mounting locations.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU 4.2.2 Overhead Mount Figure 4.2: Overhead Mount The mounting shown in Figure 4.2: provides left to right rotation, and a wide range of down-tilt using the upper circular slot or a small amount of up-tilt and down-tilt when the bottom circular slot is used. 4.2.3 Horizontal Surface Mount Figure 4.3: Horizontal Surface Mount The mounting shown in Figure 4.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU 4.3 DU Outdoor Mounting The mounting bracket has 4 mounting holes for 1/4-in lag bolts. Three are in a triangular pattern, the fourth is a circular slot. Only the circular slot and one other hole is shown in the previously given figures. 4.3.1 Mounting to a wood structure 1. Use the holes in mounting bracket as a template and mark the hole locations.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU shows drip loops secured for both cables near the dual band (SC141/142) PCS DU. Figure 4.6: Drip Loops for dual band PCS DU When routing the cable on a roof be sure to locate it where it will not be tripped over. Use tie-wraps to attach the cable to an existing pipe or cable run. Figure 4.7: Cable Strap Secure the cable to wood or siding walls using #6 x 1.5-in. wood screws and cable loop straps as shown in Figure 4.7:. To attach the cable to a brick or concrete wall: 1.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU 4.3.6 DU Grounding (outside DU only) When the DU is installed outside electrical (or building) code calls for the DU to be grounded. A ground-stud is provided on the back of the DU for this - see Figure 4.8:. Ensure there is a connection to earth ground. Figure 4.8: DU Ground Stud When grounding the DU, use #10-AWG solid-copper wire (minimum). Green insulation is preferred. Ground Stud Alternatively uninsulated #8-AWG aluminum may be permitted.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU 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.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU Mounting the dual band (SC14x) 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. Fasten the mounting bracket insert to the back of the CU. Figure 4.12: Fasten mounting bracket insert to SC141/142 CU 3. If mounting on a solid wood surface, or stud covered by drywall, drill a 1/8th inch diameter hole at least 4.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU 20 SpotCell® 100 Series
5 – Display Information 5.1 DU LED Color - 2nd Rotation Figure 5.1: LED on back of DU DU LED LED is RED: The DU is either not capturing an adequate signal for the system to operate, or capturing one that is too strong for the system (rarely the case). LED is YELLOW: The captured signal is within range and the system will function, but it is not the strongest signal available at the present location.
DISPLAY INFORMATION 5.2.1 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) Initializing. No action required. System is not optimally positioned. Turn the DU to another appropriate position.
DISPLAY INFORMATION Display with alternating display (if present) Action (if required) All OK. No action 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.
DISPLAY INFORMATION The following table shows how dual band (SC141/142) differs from the other SpotCell systems. Display with alternating display (if present) Action (if required) All OK. The C or P in the upper right indicates the position of the band select switch on the dual band CU. No action required.
6 – Trouble-Shooting 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 5. Status: The DU and CU are installed properly, but your cell phone only works in close proximity to the CU. Action: There are three factors that may be affecting coverage as described below: Visually inspect the area around the CU. Ensure that there are not any large metallic objects directly between the CU and the area where cell phone coverage is not adequate. Remount the CU so that it is out in the open.
TROUBLE-SHOOTING 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.
TROUBLE-SHOOTING 28 SpotCell® 100 Series
Appendix A – SpotCell 100 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. 1.1 DU LED signal indications: RED BS signal too low, or too high YELLOW BS signal is 5 dB or more below highest level but within operational range GREEN BS signal is within 5 dB of highest level 1.2 Antenna Specifications: DU Antenna CU Antenna 10.0 0 ± 3.
1.
1.3.2 Installation Installation Time Less than one hour typical Outdoor Unit Alignment No prior knowledge of base station location required. Built in alignment algorithm (LED Indicator on outdoor unit). Test Equipment None required. No RF knowledge required for installation. Easy to read LCD display and LED indicators guide the installation. User Controls None, setup and operation is fully automatic. 1.3.
32 SpotCell 100
Appendix B – SpotCell 111/112 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. 2.1 DU LED signal indications: RED BS signal too low, or too high YELLOW BS signal is 5 dB or more below highest level but within operational range GREEN BS signal is within 5 dB of highest level 2.2 Antenna Specifications: DU Antenna CU Antenna 12.0 0 ± 3.
2.3 Architecture Frequency Bands Uplink: 1850-1910 MHz Downlink: 1930-1990 MHz Sub-Bands Full (or partial) A, D, B, E, F & C bands BW of 5, 7.5, 10, 15 or 20-MHz Formats Supported SP111 - GSM, TDMA, GPRS, EDGE SP112 - CDMA/1xRTT/EVDO Coverage Area Fully adaptive, supports multiple simultaneous users Up to 25,000 ft 2 (2300 m 2 ) System Gain Automatic, fully adaptive, Maximum 92 dB downlink, 82 dB uplink Downlink Operating Range -106 to -44 dBm (receive isotropic power).
2.3.2 Installation Installation Time Less than one hour typical Outdoor Unit Alignment No prior knowledge of base station location required. Built in alignment algorithm (LED Indicator on outdoor unit). Test Equipment None required. No RF knowledge required for installation. Easy to read LCD display and LED indicators guide the installation. User Controls None, setup and operation is fully automatic. 2.3.
36 SpotCell 111/112
Appendix C – SpotCell 163 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. 3.1 DU LED signal indications: RED (flashing) BS signal too low, or too high. Adjacent band power may also be too high. YELLOW (flashing) BS signal is 5 dB or more below highest level but within operational range GREEN (flashing) BS signal is within 5 dB of highest level 3.
3.3 Architecture Frequency Bands Uplink: 806-821 MHz Downlink: 851-866 MHz Formats Supported iDEN Coverage Area Fully adaptive, supports multiple simultaneous users Up to 25,000 ft 2 (2300 m 2 ) System Gain Uplink: 0 to 90 dB (under control of adaptive algorithm) Downlink: 0 to 90 dB (under control of adaptive algorithm) Downlink Operating Range -95 to -25 dBm (receive isotropic power). Overload Protection Uplink: Fully adaptive Downlink: Fully adaptive Typical 20 dB BW Uplink: 18.
3.3.2 Installation Installation Time Less than one hour typical Outdoor Unit Alignment No prior knowledge of base station location required. Built in alignment algorithm (LED Indicator on DU). Test Equipment None required. No RF knowledge required for installation. Easy to read LCD display and LED indicators guide the installation. User Controls None, setup and operation is fully automatic. 3.3.
40 SpotCell 163
Appendix D – SpotCell 167 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. 4.1 DU LED signal indications: RED (flashing) BS signal too low, or too high. No acceptable signals at “preferred channel” frequencies. Adjacent band power may also be too high. YELLOW (flashing) BS signal is 5 dB or more below highest level but within operational range GREEN (flashing) BS signal is locked onto an acceptable “preferred channel” 4.
4.3 Architecture Frequency Bands Uplink: 806-821 MHz Downlink: 851-866 MHz Formats Supported SMR (Specialized Mobile Radio) Coverage Area Fully adaptive, supports multiple simultaneous users Up to 25,000 ft 2 (2300 m 2 ) System Gain Uplink: 0 to 90 dB (under control of adaptive algorithm) Downlink: 0 to 90 dB (under control of adaptive algorithm) Downlink Operating Range -95 to -25 dBm (receive isotropic power).
4.3.2 Installation Installation Time Less than one hour typical Outdoor Unit Alignment No prior knowledge of base station location required. Built in alignment algorithm (LED Indicator on DU). Test Equipment None required. No RF knowledge required for installation. Easy to read LCD display and LED indicators guide the installation. User Controls None, setup and operation is fully automatic. 4.3.
44 SpotCell 167
Appendix E – SpotCell 141/142 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. 5.1 DU LED signal indications: RED BS signal too low, or too high YELLOW BS signal is 5 dB or more below highest level but within operational range GREEN BS signal is within 5 dB of highest level 5.2 Antenna Specifications: DU Antenna CU Antenna 12.0 0 ± 3.
5.3 Architecture Frequency Bands PCS Uplink: 1850-1910 MHz Downlink: 1930-1990 MHz Cell Uplink: 824-849 MHz Downlink: 869-894 MHz Sub-Bands Full (or partial) A, D, B, E, F & C bands BW of 5, 7.5, 10, 15 or 20-MHz Formats Supported SP141 supports dual band PCS & Cellular GSM SP142 supports dual band PCS & Cellular CDMA Coverage Area Fully adaptive, supports multiple simultaneous users. Up to 25,000 ft 2 (2300 m 2 ) Max. System Gain Automatic, fully adaptive.
5.3.2 Physical Operating Temperature Size Weight DONOR UNIT COVERAGE UNIT -40° to 130 F° (-40° to +55° C) 32° to +104° F (0° to +40° C) 14 x 11 x 4 in. (35 x 28 x 10 cm) 7.5 x 5.5 x 5 in. (19 x 14 x 12 cm) 4 lb. (2 kg) 3.2 lb. (1.5 kg) RF Connectors CU Port: Type F weatherproof DU Port: Type F Coverage Extension Port: MCX RF Cable Standard: RG11 Quad shielded 82 ft (25 m) Standard: RG6 Quad shielded 6 ft. (2 m) x 2 Other: RG11 Plenum rated 5.3.
48 SpotCell 141/142
Appendix F – 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. F.1 Lightning Never attempt to install the DU outdoors while a lightning storm is in progress in your immediate or neighboring vicinity.
SAFETY HINTS F.3 Overhead Power Lines While overhead power lines may appear to be insulated, they most likely are not insulated. Always thoroughly investigate your surroundings prior to installing masts or the DU in an outdoor location. Never attempt installation without adequate lighting, as shadows and trees can obscure power lines.
Notes
Notes
Notes
www.spotwave.com Spotwave Wireless Inc. 1 Hines Road, Ottawa ON K2K 3C7 Canada © 2006 Spotwave Wireless Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada Spotwave and SpotCell are trademarks of Spotwave Wireless Inc. Patents pending.
