Q) What configurations are Daniels Electronics Radio Systems capable of providing?

A) Daniels Radio Systems can be configured in a multitude of ways. The following lists the more frequent configurations:

• Base Stations - Daniels radios can be connected to microwave or land line interfaces to operate as a base station with multiple function capability (channel switching, subtone selection, etc.).
• Crossband Repeaters - Daniels radios can be configured in many different crossband configurations. Typical crossband systems consist of two interconnected systems, however, Daniels radios can be connected to accommodate triple or quadruple crossband systems.
• Hot / Cold Standby Radios - Daniels systems can be configured as redundant radio systems for extremely reliable radio requirements.
• Linked Repeaters - A crossband repeater consisting of a standard repeater with a link radio connected to the repeater.
• Paging Systems - Daniels systems can be configured for most 2-level and 4-level paging formats as paging stations or paging repeaters.
• Simulcast Systems - Daniels radios can be configured for simulcast operation by adding external delay and high frequency reference oscillators.
• Slow Speed Data Repeaters - Daniels radios can be used to repeat slow speed data (1200 / 2400 baud FSK).
• Transportable Repeaters - Daniels Radios can be mounted in custom designed transportable cases for use in individual incidents, to provide additional coverage, as spare repeaters, etc.
• Trunking Systems - Multiple transmitter and receiver systems can be configured by Daniels for use in LTR and MPT1327 trunking systems.
• Voice Repeaters - Daniels radios can be configured as standard voice repeater systems with a variety of power outputs and tone signaling requirements.
• Voting Systems - Daniels receivers can be connected to voting comparators and used in receiver voting systems.

Q) I would like to purchase a Daniels Radio system. How do I go about this?

A) Contact either Sales at Daniels directly sales@danelec.com (800) 664 – 4066 or your local representative. Daniels typically requires the following information in order to quote:

• Frequency band (low band, VHF, UHF, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, AM, etc.)
• RF power output (8 Watts, 30 Watts, 100 Watts, etc.)
• Frequencies and Bandwidth (Optional for Quote, Required for Order)
• Tone Signaling (CTCSS, DTMF, DCS)
• Cabinets or Racks
• Duplexers or Relays
• Detailed Configurations

Q) What do I require to install a Daniels radio system?

A) Installing a Daniels radio system can require the following equipment:

Q) What is the channel switching range of a Daniels MT-3 synthesized transmitter or receiver module?

A) The transmitter or receiver channel switching range is the range that you can switch frequencies from the center tuned frequency in a synthesized module, without re-tuning, or alignment procedures. If the transmitter or receiver switches frequencies outside of that range, the module may operate, but it will require re-tuning to operate within specifications.

The re-tuning and alignment procedures may consist of ensuring the synthesizer remains in lock, re-tuning the receiver front end helical filter, re-tuning the transmitter audio processor deviation and compression level settings and resetting the transmitter RF power output. These factors determine the channel switching range of each module.

Each transmitter and receiver module has a different channel switching range that is specified in the instruction manual for that module. Even though the synthesizer is capable of being tuned to any frequency in its sub-band you should not program frequencies outside of the module’s channel switching range as it will not operate within specifications, and may not operate at all outside of this range.

Example: A VHF transmitter has a channel switching range of +/- 2 MHz. If the center-tuned frequency is 155.000 MHz, the other channels can only be programmed between 153.000 MHz and 157.000 MHz in order to allow the transmitter to change frequency and still operate within specifications. All frequencies programmed into this transmitter must be within a 4 MHz band.

Typically, a transmitter or receiver is center-tuned at the factory for the frequency on Channel 1; however, this does not have to be the case if the frequency on Channel 1 is not in the center of all programmed frequencies.

Q) What frequencies can I program into the Daniels MT-3 synthesized transmitter and receiver modules?

A) The transmitter or receiver modules can be programmed with any frequency in the Channel Designation Table in its sub-band. Each receiver or transmitter has a specific sub-band:

Example: A VHF 140 Transmitter can be programmed to any frequency between 132 – 150 MHz by entering the four-digit code from the Channel Designation Table.

The Channel Designation Table is designed to increment frequencies in channel steps depending on the frequency band used:

VHF Channel Designation Tables are available in both 5.0 kHz increments and 6.25 kHz increments. If a frequency is in both tables, either four-digit code can be used to enter that frequency (this is NOT bandwidth dependant).

Even though a Daniels MT-3 transmitter or receiver module can be programmed with any frequency in the sub-band, all of the programmed frequencies must be within the channel switching range specification of that particular module. If the frequencies are not within the channel switching range of that module, the transmitter or receiver will need to be re-aligned when the frequency is changed beyond the channel switching range.

Q) How do I change channels in the Daniels MT-3 synthesized transmitter and receiver modules?

A) The transmitter and receiver synthesizer monitors four channel select lines (CSEL3 to CSEL0) that are connected at the rear of the motherboard. The states of these channel select lines will determine the channel that the transmitter or receiver will operate on. The channel select lines operate in a binary fashion, where a high (+9.5Vdc) is a ‘1’ and a low (ground) is a ‘0’. The channel select lines are read from Most Significant Digit (CSEL3) to Least Significant Digit (CSEL0) and form a four digit binary code.

A binary code of 0000 (all four channel select lines grounded) will result in transmitter or receiver operation on channel 1. A binary code of 0001 will result in transmitter or receiver operation on channel 2, and so forth. A binary code of 1111 (all four channel select lines at +9.5 Vdc) will result in transmitter or receiver operation on channel 16.

Control of the channel select lines can be done by three different methods:

Q) How do I program frequencies in the Daniels MT-3 synthesized transmitter and receiver modules?

A) Daniels MT-3 synthesized transmitter and receiver modules are capable of being programmed with up to 16 channels of frequency information. Four BCD rotary switches mounted on the transmitter or receiver main circuit board program the frequency of channel 1. The frequencies of channels 2 through 16 are programmed in the E²PROM (internal memory) of the transmitter or receiver synthesizer module.

The operating frequency is programmed into these locations as a four-digit code corresponding to the transmitter or receiver operating frequency. Channel 1 frequency can be set at any time by dialing the four-digit code into the BCD rotary switches. Channel 2 through 16 frequencies can be set only at the factory, or by the use of a Synthesizer Channel Programmer module. There is no software available for programming channels 2 through 16.

Please note: The low current synthesizer needs to be re-booted in order to operate on the new frequency, to re-boot, toggle the front panel switch on the transmitter or receiver module from NORM to OFF and back to NORM.

The Synthesizer Channel Programmer is used to field and bench program channels 2 through 16 of the synthesized transmitter or receiver modules. The programmer allows the four-digit code corresponding to the transmitter or receiver operating frequency to be programmed into the E²PROM of the synthesizer module. The programmer plugs into any standard Daniels subrack and connects to the transmitters or receivers by a Type F to DB-9 interconnect cable. See TN820 in the Technical Notes section for more information on the Synthesizer Channel Programmer.

The four-digit code used to program the frequency of the transmitter or receiver module can be found in the Channel Designation Tables at the back of the transmitter and receiver instruction manuals.

VT-3/140 Channel Designation Table: 132 - 150 MHz, 5 kHz Increments

Examples:

Q) What are the two different types of Daniels receiver modules and what are their features?

A) Daniels offers 2 types of receivers:

1.) MT-3 Synthesized Receivers - These receivers are controlled by a Low Current Synthesized Oscillator, giving them low current standby drain characteristics and synthesized frequency switching. These receivers are typically used in portable repeater systems or solar powered sites where low current drain and frequency switching is desirable. Typical standby current drain of a low current synthesized receiver is approximately 50 mA. The receiver is capable of being programmed with up to 16 channels. The receiver is field programmable and tunable to any frequency in its band.

2.) MT-3 Enhanced Synthesized Receivers - These receivers are controlled by an Enhanced Synthesized Oscillator and have an Enhanced Front End module giving them high performance intermodulation and selectivity specifications and synthesized frequency switching. These receivers are typically used in sites with high RF ambient fields causing interference, or any AC powered site where current drain is not a factor. Typical standby current drain of an enhanced synthesized receiver is approximately 400 – 500 mA. The receiver is capable of being programmed with up to 16 channels. The receiver is field programmable and tunable to any frequency in its band.

Q) What does a Tone Remote Adapter do?

A) A tone remote adapter connects the radio to a console in another location via a wireline connection, usually a telephone line.

The tone remote decodes function tones sent from the console to manipulate the operation of the radio. (e.g. change channels.) The tone remote will also send the audio to and from the radio and console so the operator’s voice will be broadcast out the radio and incoming signals will be heard back at the console. The tone remote can also generate signals to be broadcast. (e.g. CTCSS tones) It is usually used in a base station configuration, but can also be used to key a repeater remotely.

Q) What does an Antenna Relay do?

A) Antenna relays are an option for the system regulator. An antenna relay provides a connection between the antenna and either the TX when the radio is transmitting or the RX whenever the radio is not transmitting.

It is used in a simplex configuration with 1 antenna, i.e. when you do not need to transmit and receive at the same time. (If you wanted to do that, you would not use an antenna relay; instead, you would need either a duplexer or two antennas)

The antenna relay is connected to the Transmitter, Receiver and antenna via RF cables. The receiver is on the normally closed side of the relay and when the PTT on the microphone or console is keyed, it switches to the transmitter port.

Q) What does a System Regulator do?

A) The system regulator provides several functions to the radio. It contains a voltage regulator for the incoming DC power. It contains an amplifier and speaker so you can hear the audio from the receiver. It has jacks and a rotary switch to regulator different test points through the radio.

Finally, it is a place to mount an antenna relay or optional meter.

Q) What does an Audio Control Card do?

A) An audio control card is used to route all the signals in the radio and send them to their proper destination. All PTT (Push to talk) COR (Carrier operated relay) and audio signals are sent through it as well as optional signals like CTCSS and DTMF. It is also where these optional modules are mounted.

Q) I need to return equipment to the factory for repair or assessment. What do I need to do in order to send the equipment back?

A) Contact Daniels service.

While Daniels products are known for their extraordinarily high level of reliability, if you should encounter any problems, Daniels’ Service Department service@danelec.com will help to quickly resolve them.

Phone: 1-800-664-4066 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM PST Monday to Friday.

To return equipment to Daniels factory, the Daniels service department must first issue an RMA ( Return Materials Authorization) number to you. This RMA number needs to be written on the outside of the box when returned to the factory.