PCI Race Radios Satcomm Instructions

PCI Race Radios Satcomm

OVERVIEW

• POWERING ON & OFF
  To turn power on or off, press the power key for three seconds. You will hear antenna moving. Ihe handset may take up to one minute to light up. When unit is ready to use, the display screen will indicate the beam (ie: B3) and signal strength (ie: S99).

• VOLUME
  Adjust volume on the handset by pressing the Scroll keys while on a call. To adjust the volume to your intercom, go to Menu>Admin>Volume>Earpiece Volume.

• PUSH TO TALK
  Use the PTT key to initiate a call. Before speaking, wait for the “go ahead’ tones and “user on” message to appear on the display.

• SAT PHONE
  When the unit is idle, key in the 10-digit telephone number and press send.

• CHANGING TALK GROUPS
  When the unit is in the idle state, select the Group” soft key and use the scroll keys to change talk groups. If private calling has been enabled, select talk-group 00, then enter the device number of the unit you wish to call and press the PTT key.

• LOCKING
  You may lock the unit to the current talk group (channel) using the Up Arrow. When locked the “lock” label in the illustration changed “Unlock”. To unlock when in locked mode, press the Up Arrow. Default Code to unlock is “0000”.

GENERAL FAQ

1. Only one person can talk at a time on dispatch radio. You cannot key over another person if their mic is keyed.
2. If your unit powers off after 30-60 seconds, usually the orange wire is not connected to power. This ignition wire needs constant power to operate. (Make sure red and orange are powered)
3. We recommend using the Satcomm External Speaker for chase vehicles. The handset volume is not very loud. This gets connected into the splitter and handset port.
4. There may be times you need to cycle power during a race. It can be very difficult to access power when belted in. We recommend using a toggle switch for the power so you can tell when power is on and power is off (Do not use a push button switch without an indicator light). To cycle the power on the Satcomm, you need to turn it off for 30 seconds then turn it back on.
5. If your power drops too low when turning the vehicle on, it may power off the Satcomm. Turn the power off, wait 30 seconds and then power back on.
6. TEST YOUR SYSTEM before the race. We strongly recommend testing 7 days before the race, 1 O days if you had previously suspended your service. This will give us plenty of time to help you troubleshoot during a busy race week. Keep in mind service providers are on Eastern Time and no one is available to help us after hours if you forgot to turn your service on.
7. Satcomm has a 12-month warranty. Warranty returns and repairs can take up to 30 days. If you have an issue, do not wait to bring itM to us at the next race, we will not be able to handle warranty onsite, these parts must go back to the manufacturer. If you need parts to get through your race, you will have to purchase new parts.
8. The TU/Brain of the Satcomm cannot get wet. This will void the warranty. Make sure you have a drip loop going into the Pelican case. (Chase vehicle can spontaneous PTT if crossband mode is enabled!)
9. Satcomm systems are optimized for the Gentex noise cancelling microphone. We strongly recommend this helmet microphone upgrade when using Satcomm.
10. Satcomm draws 3 amps under normal conditions. During power on, it requires 5 amps. Make sure your PDM/Motec is programmed for this.
11. The Satcomm input into the intercom uses the cell phone audio input. The Driver Isolation (black button on intercom) feature on your PCI Intercom will not isolate the Satcomm Audio. If you wish to have your co-driver only hear the Satcomm Audio and Beep, send your intercom into PCI for modification

HANDSET FAQ

1. To keep the screen on at all times, go to Menu, Up arrow key 2x to ADMI N, Select, Down arrow key 5x to Backlight. Press Select to scroll through options. Change to “CONSTANT”.
2. Mount the handset where the Co-Driver can see the screen to make sure it is on.
3. If your device says “83 or 84 searching” it is still searching for satellites in a different part of North America. Turn the system off for 30 seconds and power back on. If the power cycle does not solve the problem, call us. The carrier may need to reset on their end.
4. If you get an error “PTT Fail” it usually means no one else in your talkgroup is currently connected. Ensure another unit is on line and try again. Sometimes we see this issue when service is suspended and reconnected. 611 Send will re download your talkgroup information and may solve the issue.
5.  Never plug anything into the Ethernet port. It has no function but can damage your handset if plugged in.
6. The small audio pin on the bottom of the handset is very fragile. Make sure it is plugged in completely. If you remove the handset during a race to make a call, take caution not to damage this cable when removing and replacing into the case.
7. All Satcomm Race packages come with a Ground Isolator (Part #5765) that connects inline with the 9-pin white molex on the back of your PCI Intercom. You must use this connector, or you will pick up ignition noise in your intercom system.
8. If the remote/external white PTT function is not working in the Race vehicle, check that this setting is enabled: Menu, Admin, Serial, Crossband Mode, Enabled. Do not enable Crossband mode in a chase vehicle.

ANTENNA FAQ

1. The Antenna must have a view of the South Eastern sky at all times. Do not mount to the side of any metal ( especially a roof rack).
   The Antenna will need to be mounted on top of a roof rack.

2. Mount your antenna as close to the center of the vehicle as possible. Antennas mounted too far forward or aft of the vehicle have greater movement and can lose signal easier. Mounting in the center greatly helps reception.

3. If you would like a short coax cable, we have connectors available to help you shorten the cable.

4. You should quickly acquire a satellite signal if you are outdoors and have a South Eastern view of the sky. Buildings, Trees or even a big chase truck can block the signal.

5. The coax cable has a 90-degree connector on one end. This end must be installed on the Antenna side. It will not fit into the TU/Brain housing properly.

6. We offer a magnetic antenna mount for chase trucks. For aluminum body trucks, we recommend this item:
   https://www.amazon.com/Woods-Rubber-Suction-Polycarbonate- Accessory/dp/BOOBMDY30C

7. We recommend leaving the antenna white. Painting a dark color can cause the antenna to overheat.

PCI RACE RADIOS • www.pciraceradios.com • (800)-869-5636

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