® SpotCell 2500 Xe User Manual
Technical Support SpotCell® 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.
RETURN POLICY Return Policy Prior to purchasing a SpotCell Enterprise system you agree to the terms indicating that your cell phone or other wireless device does work within 50ft of the coverage problem spot. If this requirement is met, you have the option to return the system for a refund once we provide you with a Return Materials Authorization Number (RMA Number). You (the customer) are responsible for shipping costs incurred for a return for refund.
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Table of Contents Technical Support/ Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Choosing a location for the DU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Choosing a location for the CU . .
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1 – Introduction 1.1 This Manual The contents of this manual complements the SpotCell 2500Xe Quick Install Guide. It provides specific details that may be referred to if necessary during installation of a SpotCell® 2500Xe adaptive coverage system. 1.2 No Special Knowledge Installation of the SpotCell 2500Xe does not require any specialized technical knowledge.
INTRODUCTION The SpotCell 2500Xe 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. DU CUs Figure 1.1: SpotCell 2500Xe in-building coverage The basic SpotCell 2500Xe system is comprised of a Donor Unit (DU), a Coverage Unit (CU) and a power supply. The DU is the outward facing part of the system that communicates with the base station.
INTRODUCTION 1.3.1 The Donor Unit (DU) The DU has an F-type coaxial port on the bottom and indicators for showing received signal strength and system status on the back. F connector Figure 1.2: Bottom view of DU and connectors Note: The SpotCell 2500Xe system includes a 2 meter (6 foot) RG6 cable which is shipped already attached to the coaxial connector on the bottom of the DU. Signal strength Status light Figure 1.
INTRODUCTION 1.3.2 The Coverage Unit The CU has two F-type coaxial ports, a power adapter port and indicators for showing coverage level and system status. CU cover CU Status light Coverage level Figure 1.4: CU with cover removed Power adapter port F connector to DU F connector to auxiliary CU Figure 1.
INTRODUCTION The SpotCell 2500Xe is generally format specific - CDMA/1xRTT/1xEVDO and TDMA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE formats. When ordering a SpotCell solution be sure to specify the format, frequency band and sub-band. For PCS band equipment it is helpful if the start and stop frequencies for the operational sub-band are provided. 1.3.
INTRODUCTION To expand the coverage area, a second CU can also be added to the system. Figure 1.8: SpotCell 2500Xe configured with second Coverage Unit WIth a second CU in the system, one or two BIAS-T (power inserters) from the Hidden Cable kit can be used. The BIAS-T can be located between the DU and CU, between the two CUs, or both. Figure 1.9: BIAS-T installed between DU and CU Figure 1.
2 – Installation 2.1 Preparation The following are general considerations and preparations that should be looked at before installing the SpotCell 2500Xe system. 2.1.1 Signal Strength The SpotCell 2500Xe 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 2.1.4 Proximity to power source The indoor unit (CU) must be located within 20 feet (6 meters) of a power source, unless the Hidden Cable kit is used. This kit includes a BIAS-T (power inserter) that allows the system to be powered from a AC outlet located within 20 feet (6 meters) anywhere along the coaxial cable. 2.1.
INSTALLATION 2.1.8 Barrier between DU and CU The greater the physical obstruction between the DU and CU, the better the performance. Dense obstructions such as brick, concrete or metal walls are better than wooden or plaster walls. 2.2 Packing List This section describes the components that ship with the SpotCell 2500Xe system and the available options. 2.2.
INSTALLATION 2.2.2 SpotCell 2500Xe Auxiliary CU The SpotCell 2500Xe Auxiliary CU kit is shipped with the following components: Auxiliary CU - this is the second indoor part of the system. Power Adapter - to be plugged into an electrical outlet and connected to the CU. Mounting kit CU Power Supply Figure 2.2: SpotCell 2500Xe Auxiliary CU kit Note: The coaxial cable needed to connect the CU to the DU can either be ordered from Spotwave Wireless or can be supplied by the installer. 2.2.
INSTALLATION Note: You may also need to purchase additional hardware specific to your mounting environment (such as a non-penetrating roof mount) before you begin the installation. 2.2.5 Unpacking the Equipment Physically inspect the box for shipping damage before unpacking the SpotCell System. 1. Remove the SpotCell 2500Xe components from the box. 2. Remove all packing material from the Donor Unit (DU) and the Coverage Unit (CU).
INSTALLATION 2. Temporarily connect the DU to the port labeled on the top of the CU with copper core coax cable. The 6 ft (2 m) cable already attached to the DU can used to make this temporary connection. Figure 2.4: Temporarily connect CU to DU 3. Connect the power supply to the CU and plug the power supply adapter into a wall socket. Figure 2.5: Connect power to CU Note: Only use the power supply provided with the SpotCell 2500Xe system.
INSTALLATION 4. Alignment. Hold the DU upright and pointing away from you, while: Indoor DU Outdoor DU On a Roof Outdoor DU on an External Wall Rotating the DU left to right with the DU facing to the outside through the window or exterior wall. Rotating the DU in a complete 360° circle. Rotating the DU left to right with the DU facing away from the exterior wall. Exterior Wall Window or Exterior Wall If not in front of a window, rotate the DU in a complete 360° circle.
INSTALLATION show the same greatest number of bars, mount the DU facing in the direction where the number of bars was displayed for the longest period of time during rotation. 5. It is recommended that various outside roof and exterior wall locations, and locations within the building be tested to identify the best DU location. On the upper floors of tall buildings, it may be necessary to tilt the DU down to get the strongest signal.
INSTALLATION 2.4 Choosing a location for the CU The CU location is optimized, after the DU location and orientation have been optimized, the DU has been mounted, and the copper core coaxial cable has been pulled from the DU to the location requiring improved coverage.
INSTALLATION The unit should be mounted as high on the wall as possible. Note: The CU is designed to be mounted only in a vertical orientation. Do not mount the CU horizontally as this may cause the unit to exceed its normal operating temperature. 2.4.1 Positioning the CU Before positioning the CU, ensure that the DU position has been optimized and the DU has been mounted in place. To position the CU 1. Place the CU in the area needing coverage, but do not physically mount at this time. 2.
INSTALLATION 4. Hold the CU in the position it is to be mounted. Ideally the display on the back of the CU will show 5 bars for coverage area. Figure 2.10: Coverage display on CU 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. See CU indicators on page 33 for more information on the CU Coverage Indicator. 5.
INSTALLATION 2.5 Positioning the Auxiliary CU The Auxiliary CU should be optimized and mounted after the MAIN CU has been optimized and mounted. The guidelines for positioning the Auxiliary CU are the same as those for mounting the MAIN CU. mount the Auxiliary CU in a location as far as possible from the DU, while being within the area where you require improved coverage.
3 – Mounting the DU and CU Mount the DU and CU only after the optimal locations for each unit has been determined (see 2.3“Choosing a location for the DU” and 2.4“Choosing a location for the CU”). 3.1 Mounting the DU The DU may be indoor or outdoor mounted. Based on the direction the DU will point, consider possible mounting locations. The basic hardware required for mounting the DU on internal walls is included in the SpotCell 2500Xe mounting kit.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU Wall Mount The wall mount configuration allows for some left to right rotation, but no up or down tilt. The second bracket required for this mounting configuration is provided with the optional Outdoor Mounting kit. Side Surface Mount (indoor only) The side surface mount allows for some up and down tilt, but no left to right rotation. There are two important concerns with this mounting configuration: 1.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU Extended Vertical Surface Mount This configuration can be used to mount the DU from an overhead vertical surface (such as a beam or truss) and allows for full rotation either left to right or up and down, depending on how the mount is fastened to the DU. The second bracket required for this mounting configuration is provided with the optional Outdoor Mounting kit. 3.1.2 DU Outdoor Mounting The mounting bracket has holes, keyhole slots, and rounded slots for 1/4-in lag bolts.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU Mounting to a pipe: 1. Fasten the bracket to the DU before mounting to the pipe. 2. Feed the u-bolts (from the Outdoor Install kit) through the rounded rectangular slots as shown in “Use U-bolts to mount the unit to a 2-in pipe.”. 3. Aim the DU at the signal source and tighten the u-bolts. Note: DO NOT use cable ties to mount the DU. Routing the cable When routing the cable on a roof be sure to locate it where it will not be tripped over.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU Grounding the DU When the DU is installed outside, electrical (or building) code calls for the outer conductor of the coaxial cable to be grounded at or near the point of entrance of the cable into the building. A ground-block is provided with the option outdoor installation kit. DU CU Ground block Figure 3.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU Ideally the ground block should be bonded to the roof ground network, a metal cold water pipe, structural steel, or metal electrical conduit. Use #10-AWG solid-copper wire (minimum). Green insulation is preferred. Alternatively uninsulated #8-AWG aluminum may be permitted. Be sure to check national and local code requirements. Connect the ground wire to the cold water pipe or alternative using an appropriate crimp-on ring or lug connector.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU 3.2 Mounting the CU Find a suitable location to mount the unit that will provide good signal coverage. Refer to section 2.4“Choosing a location for the CU”. The SpotCell 2500Xe CU is surface mounted using the provided bracket and can be either mounted to a wall or hung from a ceiling. To mount the CU 1. Fasten the mounting bracket to the wall or ceiling.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU 2. Position the bottom of the CU into the hole at the bottom of the mounting bracket and push the top of the CU onto the bracket. You should feel the CU snap securely into place. Figure 3.6: Inserting the CU into the bracket 3. Position the CU cover such that the four pins align with the holes on the CU and push the cover securely into place. Figure 3.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU Figure 3.8: CU mounted with cover 4. Secure the cables to the wall using tie wraps and mount directly to the wall where possible (using 1/2 inch pan head screws). If an anchor is required drill a 3/16 inch diameter hole, insert the anchor, and fasten with 1/2 inch screws. 3.3 Using the Hidden Cable kit The Hidden Cable kit includes a BIAS-T (power inserter) and two F-90 connectors that make it easier to hide the power and RF cables that are normally connected directly to the CU. 3.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU 2. If the AC adapter can reach the end of the 6 ft (2m) cable (that ships already attached to the DU) then simply attach the BIAS-T to the DU cable and the cable coming from the CU. Figure 3.9: BIAS-T inserted near DU or If the DU is too far from the AC outlet, cut the coaxial cable at the chosen location, properly terminate both ends with Spotwave approved connectors, and attach the the BIAS to the two new connectors. Figure 3.10: BIAS-T inserted far from DU 3.
MOUNTING THE DU AND CU 3.3.2 F-90 connectors to BIAS-T The 90 degree F connectors included in the kit, allow the coaxial cables to be run through the CU mounting bracket and directly into the wall opening. Figure 3.11:“F-90 connector used to hide coaxial cable” shows how the cable runs from the hole in the wall, through the mounting bracket and connects to the F-90 connector on the CU. F-90 connector Figure 3.
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4 – Trouble-Shooting 1. Status: The LED on the back of the DU and CU display information regarding the SpotCell system during operation. Action: A red LED indicates a fault condition, a yellow LED indicates an overdrive condition, and blue indicates power on, no faults. A green LED on the CU indicates reduced coverage due to a signal isolation condition. 2. Status: The LED on the DU is not illuminating. Action: Ensure the following: The cable from the DU is connected to the CU port labelled .
TROUBLE-SHOOTING 5. 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. re-aligning it in the direction that provides greater signal strength).
Appendix A – 2500Xe System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. A.1 CU indicators The SpotCell 2500Xe CU has two indicators on the front, a mult-color LED for status and a 5 bar indicator for coverage. Status and Coverage indicators CU CU Status LED The status of the SpotCell system is indicated by the single multi-color LED located on the front of the CU. The meaning of each status LED color is listed below. Color Spotwave Wireless Inc.
CU Coverage bars The graduated blue bars on the CU indicate the level of coverage which is determined by the CAS back-off (isolation required to generate optimum output power at the CU). 0 bars indicate either a >20dB back-off or that the power is off. System will not operate. 1 bar indicates a back-off between 15 and 20dB. Very small coverage area. Operation may be intermittent. 2 bars indicate a back-off between 10 and 15dB. Small coverage area that is likely to vary in size.
A.2 DU signal level indicators: The SpotCell 2500Xe DU has two indicators on the back, a mult-color LED for status and a 5 bar indicator for received signal level. Note: Both indicators automatically shut off after the system has been powered for 20 minutes. To re-activate the display, either cycle the system power off/on or disconnect and then re-connect the DU’s coaxial cable. DU Status LED The status of the SpotCell system is indicated by the single multi-color LED located on the back of the DU.
DU Signal Level Indicator The graduated blue bars on the back of the DU indicate the signal level received by the DU 0 bars indicates either the display has timed-out (normally after 20 minutes) or that the power is off. 1 bar indicates the received signal level from the base station is very low (less than -95 dBm). Operation may be intermittent. 2 bars indicate the received signal is just within operational range (between -90 and -95 dBm). 3 bars indicate the received signal is between -85 and -90 dBm.
A.4 Architecture (Dual Band 850/1900 Coverage System) Frequency Bands PCS Uplink: 1850-1910 MHz Downlink: 1930-1990 MHz Cell Uplink: 824-849 MHz Downlink: 869-884 MHz Sub-Bands Operator sub-bands: Operator Specific Primary sub-band: Cell (A+A'+A'' or B+B') PCS (5, 10, 15 MHz) Secondary PCS (split-band) options: 5 or 15 MHz Formats Supported GSM / GPRS / EDGE / UMTS and IS-95 / CDMA / 1XRTT / 1XEVDO / TDMA Typical Coverage Area 25,000 sq. ft (2,300 m2) Open Coverage Area 50,000 sq.
A.4.2 BW Measurements Uplink = 22.4MHz Cell Band A bandwidth measurement at 20dB down Downlink = 23.36MHz Uplink = 14.70MHz Cell Band B bandwidth measurement at 20dB down Downlink = 14.40MHz Uplink = 16.16MHz PCS 15MHz bandwidth measurement at 20dB down Downlink = 16.24MHz A.4.3 Installation Installation Time Less than one hour typical Donor (outward facing) Unit Alignment No prior knowledge of base station location required. Built in alignment algorithm (LED Indicator on Donor Unit).
FCC Declaration of Conformity Health and Authorization for Use This equipment complies with CFR 47, Part 15.19 of the FCC rules. Operation of the equipment is subject to the following conditions: SpotCell 2500Xe emits radio frequency electromagnetic energy to enhance signals received by mobile devices for in-building coverage. However, the energy level of these emissions is by far much less than the electromagnetic energy emitted by other wireless devices.
www.spotwave.com Spotwave Wireless Inc. 1 Hines Road, Ottawa ON K2K 3C7 Canada © 2005 Spotwave Wireless Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada Spotwave and SpotCell are trademarks of Spotwave Wireless Inc. Patents pending.
