RITRON DTXM-260-0BS6I Programmable Wireless FM Modem Transceiver Instruction Manual
- June 6, 2024
- RITRON
Table of Contents
RITRON DTXM-260-0BS6I Programmable Wireless FM Modem Transceiver
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL
The DTX Plus Series II Modem is a wireless modem designed to operate on the frequency bands at VHF, UHF, and 220 MHz. It supports over-the-air data rates of 4800 bps in a 5.0/6.25/7.5 kHz channel, 9600 bps in a 12.5/15 kHz channel, and 19.2 kbps in a 25/30 kHz channel. The modem supports three protocols, the legacy packet protocol of the DTXM-X54 series, a small-packet streaming protocol, and a no-overhead streaming protocol with no error detection/correction. Besides offering data communications, the DTX Plus modem includes voice transceiver audio input and outputs. The complete modem transceiver is housed in the standard DTX Plus case, resulting in a light, compact package.
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
The DTX Plus modem has a part number in the form of “DTXM-A60-BCDEF”
Where:
A is the major frequency band designator:
1=VHF (136-174 MHz)
2=217-245 MHz
3=340-400 MHz
4=UHF (400-520 MHz)
B is the sub-band designator:
G=340-360 and 400-420
A=420-440
B=430-450
0=136-174, 217-245, 360-380, and 450-470
M=380-400
C=470-490
T=490-512
C is the connector designator:
B=BNC connector
M= MCX connector
S=SMA connector
D designates the channel bandwidth:
S=6.25 kHz
N=12.5 kHz
W=25 kHz
E designates the maximum power level:
3=3 watts
6=6 watts
9=10 watts
F designates the regulator option
I=Internal regulator (10-16 VDC operation with regulated RF power amplifier)
D=No regulator (7.5 VDC operation)
L=RF PA is unregulated, but the remainder of the modem is regulated (10-watt
versions)
Example: A DTXM-460-OBN6I would be a UHF module for operation between 450 and 470 MHz with a BNC RF connector, narrow (12.5 kHz channel spacing) IF bandwidth, 6 watts maximum output power, and an internal regulator to allow operation from 10 to 15 volts.
FCC/IC REGULATIONS
LICENSING
For those frequency bands governed by FCC rules, the FCC requires that the radio owner obtain a station license for his radio before using the equipment to transmit, but does not require an operating license or permit. The station licensee is responsible for proper operation and maintenance of his radio equipment, and for ensuring that transmitter power, frequency and deviation are within the limits specified by the station license. This includes checking the transmitter frequency and deviation periodically using appropriate methods. Note also, that wideband operation (25/30 kHz channel bandwidth) may not be permitted.
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION
The DTXM modules are certified by the FCC for operation in the United States and by Industry Canada for operation in Canada on certain frequency bands and sub-bands for transmission of either voice or data signals when aligned according to the alignment procedure for the proper bandwidth and when operated as a complete unit in the metal case. Operation of the RF board as a stand-alone unit or in combination with any other equipment, in any mode outside the alignment procedure, or with the clipper filter electronically disabled will require the filing of a new type acceptance application with the FCC by the user.
SAFETY STANDARDS-RF
EXPOSURE RF ENERGY EXPOSURE AWARENESS AND CONTROL INFORMATION, AND OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FCC OCCUPATIONAL USE REQUIREMENTS:
BEFORE USING THIS 2-WAY RADIO, READ THIS IMPORTANT RF ENERGY AWARENESS AND CONTROL INFORMATION AND OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FCC’S AND IC’S RF EXPOSURE GUIDELINES.
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
NOTE: THE GRANTEE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
NOTICE: This radio is intended for use in general population/uncontrolled conditions, where users do not have full knowledge of their exposure and cannot exercise control over their exposure to meet FCC/IC limits.
This 2-way radio uses electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to provide communications between two or more users over a distance. It uses radio frequency (RF) energy or radio waves to send and receive calls. RF energy is one form of electromagnetic energy. Other forms include, but are not limited to, electric power, sunlight and x-rays. RF energy, however, should not be confused with these other forms of electromagnetic energy, which when used improperly can cause biological damage. Very high levels of x-rays, for example, can damage tissues and genetic material.
Experts in science, engineering, medicine, health and industry work with
organizations to develop standards for exposure to RF energy. These standards
provide recommended levels of RF exposure for both workers and the general
public. These recommended RF exposure levels include substantial margins of
protection. All 2-way radios marketed in North America are designed,
manufactured and tested to ensure they meet government established RF exposure
levels. In addition, manufacturers also recommend specific operating
instructions to users of 2way radios. These instructions are important because
they inform users about RF energy exposure and provide simple procedures on
how to control it. Please refer to the following websites for more information
on what RF energy exposure is and how to control your exposure to assure
compliance with established RF exposure limits.
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/index.html
Federal Communications Commission Regulations:
The FCC rules require manufacturers to comply with the FCC RF energy exposure
limits for mobile 2-way radios before they can be marketed in the U.S. When
2-way radios are used as a consequence of employment, the FCC requires users
to be fully aware of and able to control their exposure to meet occupational
requirements. Exposure awareness can be facilitated by the use of a label
directing users to specific user awareness information.
The DTXM 2-way radio has an RF exposure product label. Also, this DTXM manual includes information and operating instructions required to control your RF exposure and to satisfy compliance requirements.
Compliance with RF Exposure Standards:
The DTXM two-way radio is designed and tested to comply with a number of
national and international standards and guidelines (listed below) regarding
human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy. This radio complies
with the IEEE and ICNIRP exposure limits for occupational/controlled RF
exposure environment at duty factors of up to 50% talk and 50% listen and is
authorized by the FCC for occupational use. In terms of measuring RF energy
for compliance with the FCC exposure guidelines, your radio antenna radiates
measurable RF energy only while it is transmitting (during talking), not when
it is receiving (listening) or in standby mode.
The DTXM two-way radio complies with the following RF energy exposure standards and guidelines, and when used as directed, the DTXM radio is designed to comply with ISED RSS102 Exposure Limits. In addition, the DTXM radio is designed to comply with the following Standards and Guidelines:
- United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations; 47 CFR JJ 1.1307, 1.1310, 2.1091 and 2.1093.
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI) / Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 3-2003.
- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95.3-2003 Edition.
Copyright Telecommunications Industry Association
To control exposure to yourself and others and ensure compliance with the general population/uncontrolled environment exposure limits always adhere to the following procedures: Guidelines:
- User awareness instructions should accompany device when transferred to other users.
- Do not use this device if the operational requirements described herein are not met.
Instructions:
- Transmit no more than the rated duty factor of 50% of the time. To transmit (talk or send data), assert the PTT input pin.
To receive calls, un-assert the PTT input. Transmitting 50% of the time, or less, is important because this radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting (in terms of measuring for standards compliance).
- Transmit only when people are at least the recommended minimum lateral distance away, as shown in Table 1, from a properly installed according to installation instructions, externallymounted antenna.
NOTE – Table 1 lists the recommended minimum lateral distance for bystanders in an uncontrolled environment from transmitting types of antennas (i.e., monopoles over a ground plane, or dipoles) at several different ranges of rated radio power for mobile radios installed on a vehicle.
Rated Power of DTXM-260-0BS6I Radio 6 watts
Recommended Minimum Lateral Distance from Transmitting Antenna 11 inches (28 cm)
Antennas
- Install antennas taking into account the recommended minimum lateral distances listed above. These antenna installation guidelines are limited to antennas with appropriate ground planes. The antenna installation should additionally be in accordance with:
a.) The requirements of the antenna manufacturer/supplier.
b.) Instructions in this manual including minimum antenna cable lengths.
c.) Antennas other than those shown in Table 1 must be tested with the DTXM
module for RF exposure compliance in the environment in which it is to be used
per the FCC’s OET Bulletin 65, Edition 97-01 or Industry Canada RSS-102.
- Use only a VHF quarterwave antenna or equivalent antenna or other antennas as described above. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the radio and may violate FCC regulations.
Approved Accessories
- This radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines when used with the Ritron accessories supplied or designated for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guidelines, and may violate FCC regulations.
- For a list of Ritron approved accessories see this user manual, or visit the following website which lists approved accessories: www.ritron.com
Contact Information:
For additional information on exposure requirements or other information, contact Ritron at 317-846-1201 or at www.ritron.com.
INFORMATIONS DE SENSIBILISATION ET DE CONTRÔLE À L’EXPOSITION AUX ÉNERGIES RF, ET INSTRUCTIONS OPÉRATIONNELLES POUR LES EXIGENCES D’UTILISATION PROFESSIONNELLE DE LA FCC:
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
Model | DTXM-260-0BS6I |
---|---|
FCC Rule Parts | 90 |
IC Rule Parts | RSS-119 |
Data rate (bps) 5 kHz channel | 4800 bps |
Modulation Data | 4FSK |
Over-the-Air Protocols | Ritron Proprietary |
Number of Channels | 2 |
Operating Bandwidth 220-222 MHz | 2 MHz |
Synthesizer Step Size 220-222 MHz | 2.5/3.125 kHz |
Emissions Bandwidth Data 5 kHz channels | 4.0 kHz |
Frequency Stability
-30°C to +60°C
– 30°C to +75°C| +/- 1.0 ppm
+/- 1.5 ppm
Supply Voltage
D-version
I, L-versions| 7.5+/-0.5 VDC
11-16 VDC
TRANSMITTER
RF Output Power VHF 220-222 MHz | 1-6 watts |
---|---|
RF Load Impedance | 50 ohms resistive, VSWR 1.5:1 or less |
PTT attack time | 10 ms max. |
Spurious and Harmonics | -25 dBm max. |
FM Hum and Noise 5 kHz channel | 35 dB min. |
Current Drain
1 watt
2 watts
6 watts| 1.1 A max
1.6 A max.
2.2 A max.
RECEIVER
Sensitivity. Data (10-3 BER) | 0.30 uV max. |
---|---|
Adjacent Channel Selectivity 5 kHz channel | 50 dB min. |
Spurious and Image Rejection | 70 dB min. |
IMD Rejection | 67 dB min. |
FM Hum and Noise 5 kHz channel | 35 dB min. |
Conducted Emissions
Squelch Attack Time
Receive Current Drain| -57 dBm max
15 ms max.
120 mA max.
DTXM I/O CONNECTOR AND INDICATORS
15-PIN I/O CONNECTOR
Connector Pinout
Pin | Name | Description | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
1 | AUDIO_IN | Input | Input for Audio to be transmitted in Voice mode |
2 | AUDIO_OUT | Output | Line level receiver audio output |
3 | SPEAKER | Output | Receiver audio output to drive a speaker |
4 | A/B | Input | Channel 1/2 or High/Low power |
5 | NC | Output | Not Used |
6 | Supply | Input | DC Power + input connects here to power unit |
7 | NC | Output | Receiver Alignment-Do NOT CONNECT |
8 | RD | Output | RS-232 data output from modem |
9 | TD | Input | RS-232 data input to the modem |
10 | CTS | Output | RS-232 clear to send output from modem |
11 | DSR | Output | RS-232 data set ready output from modem |
12 | TEST | Input | Used for PTT in voice mode |
13 | CD | Output | Carrier detect |
14 | RTS | Input | RS-232 request to send input to modem |
15 | GND | System ground, – power supply input connects here |
Pinout Description
Pin 1 – AUDIO_IN
This is the input for signals to be transmitted when the unit to be operated
in the voice/analog mode. The actual transmission is initiated by asserting
the TEST pin (pin 12). The polarity and modulation sensitivity for signals at
this pin can be set via the programmer. The input resistance at this pin is
greater than 10 kΩ and is AC coupled. Note that this pin is only active on the
12.5 kHz channel bandwidth models, NOT on the 6.25 kHz channel bandwidth
models.
Input for Audio to be transmitted in Voice mode Line level receiver audio output Receiver audio output to drive a speaker Channel 1/2 or High/Low power Not Used DC Power + input connects here to power unit Receiver Alignment-Do NOT CONNECT RS-232 data output from modem RS-232 data input to the modem RS-232 clear to send output from modem RS-232 data set ready output from modem Used for PTT in voice mode Carrier detect RS-232 request to send input to modem System ground, – power supply input connects here
Pin 2 – AUDIO_OUT
Amplified, buffered, and filtered receiver audio is present at this output.
The audio level can be adjusted via the programmer as well as the choice of a
flat vs de-emphasized frequency response. The presence of audio at this pin is
controlled by the squelch (carrier detect) settings, also adjustable via the
programmer.
Pin 3 – SPEAKER
This output is similar to the AUDIO_OUT signal above except that it is always
de-emphasized and is able to drive an 8-ohm speaker load. The level is
adjustable via the programmer with the same setting as that which sets the
AUDIO_OUT level.
Pin 4 – A/B
Depending on how it is programmed via the programmer, this pin can either be a
channel A/channel B selection pin or a high/low transmit power selection pin.
This pin has an internal pullup resistor to +5 volts and assumes a high
(channel A or high power) state when left unconnected.
Pin 5 – Not Used
Pin 6 SUPPLY
This is the positive power supply input for the modem.
Pin 7 – Receiver Alginment
This pin is the output pin of the modem IC’s input operational amplifier. It
is used during alignment to set the receiver gain and DC offset for proper
modem IC receiver decoding. This pin must be left unconnected by the user!
Pin 8 – RD (Receive Data)
RS-232 data to be received from the modem is available at this pin. The data
are at normal RS232 levels and are transmitted from the modem to be received
by the host computer or other device connected to the modem.
Pin 9 – TD (Transmit Data)
RS-232 data to be transmitted to the modem should be presented to this pin.
The data should be at normal RS-232 levels and are transmitted from the host
computer or other device to the modem.
Pin 10 – CTS (Clear to Send)
This RS-232 output pin is asserted by the modem as a response to an assertion
of the RTS pin when it is ready and able to receive data from the host
computer or device.
Pin 11 – DSR (Data Set Ready)
This RS-232 output pin is asserted by the modem when it is powered-up. It
indicates that the modem is actually connected, although not necessarily ready
to receive data. The polarity (active low/active high) is programmable via the
programmer.
Pin 12 – TEST (Voice mode PTT)
This pin in used to key the transmitter. When asserted (taken low), this pin
activates the voice/analog transmit audio path and keys the transmitter, or
transmits data test patterns.
Pin 13 – CD (Carrier Detect)
This pin is asserted by the modem when the receiver has detected a carrier.
The RF level for CD assertion is set via the programmer. Note that the modem
demodulation circuitry does not actually use this signal to determine that a
valid data packet has been received. The polarity (active low/active high) is
programmable via the programmer
Pin 14 – RTS (Request to Send)
This RS-232 input pin is asserted by the host computer or device to indicate
that it has data to be transmitted by the modem. If the modem is able to
accept the data, the CTS pin will be asserted in response.
Pin 15 – GND (Ground)
The system ground common point and negative connection for the power supply
input.
INDICATORS
The DTXM Modem has two indicators on the side of the unit, one green RX LED and one red TX LED. They function as follows:
GREEN RX LED-This LED can be programmed to be illuminated under a variety of conditions. The choices are: Never (Off), whenever power is applied (Power On), when receiving, whether or not an actual signal is on the frequency (RX Synthesizer Lock), and when receiving and an actual data packet is being received (RX Data). In typical applications, either RX Synthesizer Lock or RX Data is selected.
RED TX LED-This indicator can be programmed to be illuminated when the modem is transmitting, regardless of whether the unit is transmitting data or voice or to be never illuminated.
OPERATION
CHANNEL SELECTION
Via the 15-pin connector, the DTXM supports one channel if the A/B pin (pin 4) is programmed for high/low power and two channels if the A/B pin is programmed as a channel select input. Channel A is set when the A/B pin is activated and the A/B pin is in the logic high state i.e. above 2.0 volts DC or left unconnected (There is an internal pullup resistor on the A/B pin). Channel B is set when the A/B pin is activated and the A/B pin is in the logic low state i.e. below 0.5 volts DC. If the A/B pin is programmed for high/low power, channel A is always selected.
A change in the channel selection in receive will cause the receiver to operate on the new channel. In transmit, however, the channel selection is only checked only at the beginning of a transmission. Changes in channel during transmit will not change the transmit operating channel of the unit until the unit is cycled from transmit to receive and back to transmit.
POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE
The DTXM-260 units use 7.5 volt RF power modules. Two supply voltage options are available for these units depending upon whether the control/loader board has a regulator installed. If a regulator is not installed, the voltage should be 7.5 volts +/-10 %. This voltage should be “clean” and preferably regulated since the RF power module is powered directly from this source. Variations in voltage will cause variations in transmitted output power. Conversely, if the control/loader board has a regulator installed, the supply voltage can be at any voltage between 11 and 16 volts. Switching power supplies can be used, but in models without the internal regulator, care must be taken that the output waveform is low noise. Also, the module antenna should never be placed near an unshielded switching power supply.
CURRENT DRAIN VS SUPPLY VOLTAGE
The current drain of the module is a function of the supply voltage, the RF output in transmit and the regulator option. The internal 7.5-volt regulator is a switching type such that the current drain actually decreases with an increase in supply voltage. Typical current drain values are shown in the table below:
Receive Mode
Supply Voltage | Internal Regulator | Current Drain |
---|---|---|
7.5 V | No | 130 mA |
11.0 V | Yes | 100 mA |
12.5 V | Yes | 90 mA |
16.0 V | Yes | 75 mA |
Transmit Mode – 1 watt output power
Supply Voltage | Internal Regulator | Current Drain |
---|---|---|
7.5 V | No | 1.2 A |
11.0 V | Yes | 0.9 A |
12.5 V | Yes | 0.7 A |
16.0 V | Yes | 0.5 A |
Warning: Although the output power can be set as low as 1 watt, and the module is certified as low as 1 watt, operation below 2.5 watts output power is not recommended. At low power levels, the output power can vary by 50% or more with variations in ambient temperature.
Transmit Mode – 3 watt output power
Supply Voltage | Internal Regulator | Current Drain |
---|---|---|
7.5 V | No | 1.8 A |
11.0 V | Yes | 1.4 A |
12.5 V | Yes | 1.2 A |
16.0 V | Yes | 0.9 A |
Transmit Mode – 6 watt output power
Supply Voltage | Internal Regulator | Current Drain |
---|---|---|
7.5 V | No | 2.5 A |
11.0 V | Yes | 2.1 A |
12.5 V | Yes | 2.0 A |
16.0 V | Yes | 1.5 A |
DUTY CYCLE/KEY-DOWN LIMITATIONS
The major heat generating component within the modules is the RF power amplifier which has a maximum temperature limit that should not be exceeded. In addition, the temperature within the module itself must be kept below the maximum temperature of the reference oscillator to ensure that regulatory frequency stability limits are observed. As a result, depending upon the RF output power, the supply voltage, and the ambient temperature, limits upon the average transmit duty cycle and the maximum continuous transmitter on time exist. These limits are summarized below for operation in still air:
Ambient Temperature (°C) | Duty Cycle (%) | Key-Down Time (s) |
---|
3 watts RF output
| 25
50| 30
5| 45
10
6 watts RF output| 25
50| 20
3|
30
5
Blowing air across the unit and/or adding a heat sink to the rear of the unit where the PA module is located can significantly improve the duty cycle/key- down times. Ritron offers an option where the case screws at the rear of the module are longer allowing heat sinks to be attached. Also, a fan option is available from Ritron which can significantly increase the duty cycle, up to 100% at room temperature in some cases. Contact Ritron for additional information on these options and special instructions on attaching heat sinks without compromising the mechanical integrity of the RF PA module.
INSTALLATION
The DTXM modem has two connectors, a BNC for the RF (Antenna) connection and a 15-pin Dsubminiature for the data/programming interconnection. The BNC connector should be connected to a suitable antenna or RF dummy load or attenuator, depending upon the installation. If an antenna is connected, it should be placed at least 10 ft. away from the radio itself to prevent RF interference. Also, any antenna must present a good 50-ohm RF load (low VSWR) at the operating frequency. The 15-pin connector is usually used with a Ritron programming cable which provides for DC power connections and a serial connection for programming and for the data to transmitted and received.
PROGRAMMING THE MODEM
The operating parameters of the DTXM modem can be set and adjusted via the Ritron DTXMX60 series programmer, DTXM2-PCPS. Note that the programmer for the previous Ritron wireless modem, i.e. the DTXM-X54 series will NOT work with this product.
The programming software should be loaded on a host computer by loading the CD-ROM disc into the host computer’s appropriate drive. The programming software itself should be selfextracting. If it does not load automatically, it can be manually loaded by running “Setup.exe” on the CD Rom
The Ritron modem should be connected to the host computer by the 9-pin
connector. The red wire in the cable should be connected to positive supply
voltage for the modem while the black should be connected to the negative
side. The voltage itself should be compatible with that required by the modem.
In programming mode, the current required by the modem is about 150 mA and the
power supply should be capable of supplying that current. Note that in
transmit, it can be much, much higher, 2 to 3 amperes is not unusual. It is
possible to transmit with the programmer program running, but the power supply
must be able to supply the necessary current and a suitable RF load must be
provided on the BNC connector. Once the modem is connected to the host
computer and a power supply is connected, the programming software program can
be opened and the power supply turned on.The first screen to become visible is
the “welcome” screen shown below:
The button at the upper right is the Programmer Configuration button and is
used to set the serial communications baud rate for communications between the
programmer and the host computer. It defaults to 38400 baud, but can be set to
other common serial rates. In addition, if the host computer baud rate is
unknown, the Test Configuration button can be selected to auto-detect the baud
rate. Selecting OK confirms the choice of baud rate.
The other button is used to read the contents of the radio into the programmer
so that the current configuration of the radio can be observed and edited.
FREQUENCY TAB
Upon selecting the Read Radio button, the Frequency tab is opened as shown below.
This page shows the frequencies programmed into the modem. Depending upon how the A/B pin is programmed either one or two pairs of frequencies will be displayed. Frequencies can be programmed into the device by clicking on the appropriate field and typing in the desired frequencies. The frequencies must be within the operating range of the radio and must be divisible by the synthesizer step size for the particular model use. In addition, there are five other tabs and five buttons that can be selected. These are summarized below:
PAGE TABS
The page tabs show up on all of the pages. Clicking on a tab moves one to that
page.
Frequency- as explained above, this page allows the observing and
entering of operating frequencies.
The other tabs are shown below and their contents will be detailed in later
sections.
General- shows the general operating parameters of the modem.
Modem- shows the modem parameters such as protocol, etc.
Analog- shows the parameters of the analog/voice path.
Summary- shows all of the parameters of the modem on one page.
Restore EE- allows the configuration of the programmed radio modem to be
saved.
BUTTONS
There are five buttons which show up on all of the pages. These are:
Receiving- This is a software (programmer) PTT selection. Selecting this
button will put the radio modem in transmit mode, regardless of the state of
the PTT pin. Selecting this button again will return the radio back to
receive.
Monitor- This is a software (programmer) Monitor selection. Selecting
this button will unmute theanalog/voice receiving path of the radio modem.
Selecting this button again will return the radio back to normal squelched
operation. Note that if unsquelched operation is selected on the Analog page,
this button will have no effect.
Clone Radio- This allows the radio parameters to be copied into another
radio.
Update Radio- Loads the programmer’s parameters into the radio. Note that
changes made via the programmer are NOT permanently saved into the radio
until this button is selected. The radio’s behavior will change as changes
are made via the programmer, but will be lost on power-down unless, and until,
this selection is made.
Read Radio- Reads the radio modem’s parameters into the programmer for
observation and editing.
GENERAL TAB PAGE
The General Page is shown below:
The selections are:
A/B Input One or Two Channel- Determines the function of the A/B pin.
This pin can be used to control the power selection, high or low, for one
channel, channel A or it can be used to choose between channel A and channel
B, in which case, the output power is high for both.
Comm Port Baud Rate- Determines the baud rate for communications between the data device and the radio modem. This number should match that shown on the Programmer Configuration screen.
Test Pin Input Logic Level (PTT)- Determines the polarity of the test pin. The test pin is used to put the radio in transmit in analog/voice mode or to send test patterns in modem mode. This pin has an internal pullup resistor and thus, assumes a logic high state when not connected. Therefore, active low is the normal, default setting.
Red LED- Determines the behavior of the Red LED indicator. The choices are that it can be set to never be illuminated or illuminated when the radio is transmitting.
CD Output Logic Level- Determines the polarity of the CD (Carrier Detect) output pin.
Green LED- Determines the behavior of the Red LED indicator. The choices are for it to never be illuminated (off), be illuminated whenever the radio is powered (Power On), when the receiver is locked and receiving (RX Synthesizer Lock), or data/analog information is being received (RX Data). In the latter mode, the indicator would come on whenever one of two conditions is met, the squelch level (carrier detect level) is exceeded, even when Squelch is never muted, or when the receive data has detected a valid data stream.
TX Low Power/TX High Power- This allows setting the RF output power for
the two states of the low/high power pin. The low-power selection corresponds
to the low logic level of the pin while the high-power selection corresponds
to the high logic level. Note that the high-power selection does not
necessarily have to be greater than the low-power selection. Each is
independent of the other and only corresponds to a state of the power select
pin.
Per Channel Values- Summarizes the high and low power settings for the
channels used by the radio.
MODEM TAB PAGE
The modem page allows selecting the parameters of the modem mode operation and
is shown below:
The selections are:
Modem Protocol-This selects the over-the-air protocol. The three choices are
detailed below:
Low Latency Protocol with no CRC- This is as close to a bit in/bit out
protocol which can be supported by the Ritron radio modem. A synchronization
pattern is affixed to the beginning of the transmitted stream, but after that,
each symbol transmitted directly corresponds to two input bits. No error
detection or correction is used within the protocol itself. This protocol
provides for the fastest overall data rate, but sacrifices data accuracy.
Virtual Streaming Protocol- This is similar to the low latency protocol,
but the data is divided into blocks and an error detecting CRC word is added
to each block. This word is removed before the data is passed to the data
device on the receiving end. Blocks with errors are not passed on to the data
device.
Protocol 2.00 (Legacy)- This is the protocol used by the DTXM-X54 family.
This is a very robust, packet protocol useful for large data blocks, but not
for fast streaming or fast polling. This protocol is useful when interfacing a
system with the legacy Ritron DTXMX54 family and/or when data errors cannot be
tolerated.
Test Patterns (via Test Pin)- Selecting any of the selections in this box
will cause a test pattern to be transmitted when the Test Pin (PTT) is active.
If no selection is made, activating the Test Pin will cause the radio to
transmit in analog/voice mode. The choices are:
Bit Error Rate (BER)- A pn pattern is generated which allows for the
computation of bit error rate, setting deviation, or observing an eye pattern.
The pattern is 511 symbols long with no synchronization symbols and repeats
continually. It is a maximal length pattern with feedback taps at the 5 and 9
bit positions.
Send Test Pattern- A packet which transmit over and over with a constant
data structure. This pattern can be used to test the system in the low latency
and streaming modes.
Square Wave Generator- Transmits a 400 Hz square wave. Used to set the
deviation and modulation balance during alignment or to hear the transmitted
400 Hz tone on a receiver or radio modem in analog/voice mode.
TX Carrier Mode -An unmodulated carrier is transmitted.
Protocol 2.00-The items is this box select the identification parameters used
in the legacy 2.00 protocol.
Source Station ID- Source Station ID-Sets the address of the modem
itself. It is made up of 4 parts, from most general to most specific: System
ID, Group ID, Unit ID, and Subunit ID.
Default Destination ID- Sets the destination ID of the intended
recipient.
Protocol Mask- The protocol mask determines how close a mask must exist
between the modem’s ID and the destination ID in the message before accepting
and outputting to the host the message. A 1′ for any location in the mask requires a perfect match, while a
0′ means a don’t care’ situation. This is useful for
broadcast’ i.e. one unit transmitting to more than one unit
situation. Note: In broadcast applications, the `Acknowledgement after TX’
selection should NOT be selected to prevent multiple units from responding and
interfering with each other. See below.
Configuration Acknowledgement required after transmit-When checked, the
modem requires an acknowledgement after each transmission or the transmission
will be repeated. Message Retry Limit and Timeout Time-The amount of time in
ms that the modem will wait for an acknowledgement and the number of times it
will repeat a message can be set in the Message Retry Limits box and the Time
Out Time boxes Dead Carrier before Symbol Sync-The amount of time in ms that
an unmodulated carrier will exist before the beginning of the symbol sync
pattern. Partial Packet Timeout-The amount of time in ms of no data from the
data device that must exist before a packet is formed and transmitted.
ANALOG TAB PAGE
The analog page allows selection of the analog/voice mode parameters and is
shown below:
The selections are:
TX pre-emphasis- Selects whether the external audio signal is pre-
emphasized i.e. had its highfrequency audio content boosted or whether the
signal is sent with a flat audio response. Voice signals typically use pre-
emphasis.
RX de-emphasis- Selects whether the external audio output signal is de-
emphasized i.e. had its high-frequency content attenuated or whether the
signal is outputted with a flat frequency response. Pre-emphasis and de-
emphasis are normally used together.
Busy Channel TX Lockout- This selection will allow a transmission to be
inhibited if there is activity on the receive frequency. This would normally
be used when the transmitter and receiver operate on the same frequency and is
used to avoid interference to a transmission already in progress. The presence
of activity of the channel is determined by signals which exceed the Carrier
Detect On setting (see below).
CD Output Level- Sets the logic level of the Carrier Detect Output pin.
Squelch Enable-Selects whether signals below the Carrier Detect Off level will
be muted (squelched) or whether all signals are allowed to pass to the audio
output pins.
TX Timeout Timer- Selects whether the transmitter in limited in the
maximum time that it is allowed to transmit continuously and how long that
time would be. This is designed to avoid overheating the transmitter when the
Test (PTT) pin is taken active for a long time.
Aux Out (RX) Gain- Sets the audio output level for the audio output pins.
Aux In (TX) Gain- Sets the gain, not the maximum deviation, for signals
at the audio input pins.
Carrier Detect On (dBm)- Sets the RF signal level in dBm such that the
carrier detect pin will go active and the output audio, if squelch is
selected, will go unmute.
Carrier Detect Off (dBm)- Sets the RF signal level in dBm such that the
carrier detect pin will go inactive and the output audio, if squelch is
selected, will be muted.
Note: The Carrier Detect On level must be set to be higher (less
negative) than the Carrier Detect Off level.
SUMMARY TAB PAGE
The summary page summarizes all of the selections from the previous pages and
is shown below:
RESTORE EE PAGE
This page allows the configuration of the radio to be saved for loading into
other DTX Series II radio modems. This page is shown below:
If it is desired to save the current configuration, one of the three boxes should be checked. Besides not saving a configuration by not checking any option, there are three options: Saving all parameters, saving all except the squelch and RF power level (useful is the a radio modem already has power and squelch settings with are to be retained), and an option to convert older DTXM-X54 series products to the configuration of the Series II modems.
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