Comba RX14V3-B Digital Band Selective Repeater
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
SAFETY NOTICES AND ADMONISHMENTS
This document contains safety notices by appropriate standards. The equivalent territorial admonishments are also shown in the interests of conformity with the territory standards for the country concerned. Any installation, adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the equipment must only be carried out by trained, authorized personnel. At all times, personnel must comply with any safety notices and instructions. Specific hazards are indicated by symbol labels on or near the affected parts of the equipment. The labels conform to international standards, are triangular, and are colored black on a yellow background. An informative text label may accompany the symbol label. Safety notices supplement hazard labeling in the appropriate equipment manual. These notices contain additional information on the nature of the hazard and may also specify precautions. 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. For compliance with the general population RF exposure limits, each antenna used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance during normal operation and must not be co-located with any other antenna that meets RF exposure requirements.
Warning Notices:
This is a part 90.219 class B device These draw the attention of personnel to hazards that may cause death or injury to the operator or others. Examples of use are cases of high voltage, laser emission, toxic substances, pointss of high temperature, etc. WARNING. This is NOT a CONSUMER device. It is designed for installation by FCC LICENSEES and QUALIFIED INSTALLERS. You MUST have an FCC LICENSE or express consent of an FCC Licensee to operate this device. The PS BDA can be configured as a Class A or Class B Signal Booster. You MUST register Class B signal boosters (as defined in 47 CFR 90.219) online at www.fcc.gov/signal-boosters/registration. Unauthorized use may result in significant forfeiture penalties, including penalties over $100,000 for each continuing violation. 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. Alert: These draw the attention of personnel to hazards that may cause damage to the equipment. An example of use is the case of static electricity hazard. Caution notices may also be used in the handbook to draw attention to matters that do not constitute a risk of causing damage to the equipment but where there is a possibility of seriously impairing its performance, e.g. by mishandling or gross maladjustment. Warnings and Cautions within the main text do not incorporate labels and may be in shortened form. Disconnection of the 2 RF connectors may cause damage to the equipment when power is on.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Public Safety Critical Point NG VHF/UHF BDA is a new digital dual-band public safety repeater (hereafter referred to as PS BDA) designed to protect the lives of first responders and building occupants. Through the use of digital filtering technology, the Public Safety Critical Point NG VHF/UHF BDA helps eliminate adjacent channel interference to allow band selectivity and support UHF and VHF rebranding. Up to two non-contiguous frequency bands can be simultaneously supported in each of the UHF and VHF Public Safety frequencies via a web-based GUI, which provides versatility and total control to the user.
Specifications
- Product Name: CriticalPoint Public Safety BDA – DIGITAL BAND SELECTIVE REPEATER
- Frequency: 150/450MHz
- Manufacturer: Comba Telecom Network Systems Ltd.
- Model: VHF/UHF Dual Band BDA QE
- Status: ENU STATUS – 1-0-0
Main Features
- Supports P25 P1/P2, digital and conventional analog communications simultaneously
- Built-in cavity filtering to protect the unit from interference
- Up to 64 narrow band filters share by VHF and UHF band (Class A)
- Channelized Auto Level Control (ALC) supported (Class A)
- Channelized uplink squelch supported (Class A)
- Uplink PA shutdown during-traffic periods to minimize noise being introduced to the network (Class A)
- Built-in mandatory isolation test to prevent BDA oscillation
- Auto shutdown with alarm upon oscillation detection
- Web-based GUI for intelligent configuration, SNMP supported
- Integrated Battery Charger Unit, Comba BBU V3 supported
- NFPA / IFC / UL 2524 compliant dry contact alarms, with LED displays
- External Comba Annunciator Panel supported
The following figure shows the enclosure of the PS BDA. 
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM
In the downlink path, the BTS signals are received by the donor antenna of the repeater. After the duplexer, the signals are sent to the LNA module for pre-amplification and to the digital RF integrated module for digital filtering and frequency conversion. Then the DL signals will be sent to the downlink PA to amplify power and filter via the duplexer. After amplification, the signals are transmitted at the MT port to the service antenna. In the uplink path, the mobile signals are received by the service antenna. After the MT port integrated duplexer, the signals are sent to the LNA, integrated module for digital filtering, then to the PA for power amplification, and to the duplexer. After that, the uplink signals are sent to the donor antenna for transmission back to the BTS.
EQUIPMENT LAYOUT
Shown below is the internal layout of the PS BDA.
EQUIPMENT CONSTITUTION
The typical PS BDA unit consists of the following components:
Master Digital Board and Slave Digital Board: The MCU is used to monitor and control the operation of the repeater. It also provides the communication interface for remote control and status indication. LED indicators provide the operation status of the MCU.
UHF+VHF Digital Integrated Module and Power Amplifier: Consists of the Power Conversion module, RF module, digital process module, and monitoring modules. The Power Conversion module converts +28V DC voltage into +9VJK and +9VRF. +9VJK and +9VRF are supplied to the monitoring unit, and the RF unit in the integrated module separately. The RF module amplifies and converts the RF signal to an IF signal. The Digital process module converts the IF signal into a baseband signal via AD conversion extraction, and filtering. After that, the IF signal will be amplified and converted to an RF signal by the RF module for RF filtering and amplification. The Monitoring module monitors and controls the system parameters and is the interface for both remote monitoring and local commissioning.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): The PSU converts the input voltage into a stable DC supply to provide power for the internal functional modules.
INSTALLATION
WARNINGS AND ALERTS
Radio Frequency Energies
There may be situations, particularly for workplace environments near high-powered RF sources, where recommended limits for safe exposure of human beings to RF energy could be exceeded. In such cases, restrictive measures or actions may be necessary to ensure the safe use of RF energy.
High Voltage
The equipment has been designed and constructed to prevent, as far as reasonably practicable danger. Any work activity on or near equipment involving installation, operation, or maintenance must be, as far as reasonable, free from danger. Where there is a risk of damage to electrical systems involving adverse weather, extreme temperatures, wet, corrosive,e or dirty conditions, and flammable or explosive atmospheres, the system must be suitably installed to prevent danger.
Protective Earthing
Equipment provided to protect individuals from electrical risk must be suitable for the purpose and properly maintained and used.
Handling Precautions
This covers a range of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding, or restraining an object, anima,l or person from the equipment. It also covers activities that require the use of force or effort, such as pulling a lever, or operating power tools. Where some of the abovementioned activities are required, the equipment must be handled with care to avoid being damaged.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Observe standard precautions for handling ESD-sensitive devices. Assume that all solid-state electronic devices are ESD-sensitive. Ensure the use of a grounded wrist strap or equivalent while working with sensitive devices. Transport, store, and handle ESD-sensitive devices in static-safe environments.
SITE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
SITE PLANNING
Site Considerations
Outdoor equipment is designed to be waterproof, rainproof, and with snow protection. Temporary protection should be taken when the equipment enclosure is opened for installation or maintenance in an outdoor environment. The equipment must not be opened for installation or maintenance in bad weather (e.g. gale, storm rainfall, extreme temperature,res and high humidity)
Installation Location
The mounting surface shall be capable of supporting the weight of the equipment. To avoid electromagnetic interference, a proper mounting location must be selected to minimize interference from electromagnetic sources such as large electrical equipment.
Environmental
Humidity hurts the reliability of the equipment. It is recommended to install the equipment in locations having stable temperatures and unrestricted air flow. The installation location for the product should be well-ventilated. The equipment has been designed to operate at the temperature range and humidity level as stated in the product specifications in the datasheet. Direct sunlight exposure to the equipment should be avoided. Provide additional shelter if necessary.
Power Supply
The power supply unit (PSU) provides power to all modules within the equipment. Depending on the product variant, it is recommended that the PSU be operated on a dedicated circuit breaker or fused circuit.
Grounding Requirement
Verify that the equipment has been well grounded. This includes antennas and all cables connected to the system. Ensure lightning protection for the antennas is properly grounded.
Cable Routing
Depending on equipment configuration, a variety of types of cables are required. Where applicable, ensure cables are properly routed and secured so that they are not damaged.
Manual Handling
During transportation and installation, take necessary handling precautions to avoid potential physical injury to the installation personnel and the equipment.
INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
- Working space available for installation and maintenance for each mounting arrangement. Ensure unrestricted airflow.
- Ensure ethe arth ground point is within reach of the ground wire.
- Ensure a power source is within reach of the power cord and the power source has sufficient capacity.
- Where appropriate, ensure unused RF connectors are terminated.
- Do not locate the equipment near large transformers or motors that may cause electromagnetic interference.
- Reduce signal loss in feeder cable by minimizing the length and number of RF connections.
- Ensure VSWR of antenna system < 1.5:1.
- Ensure equipment will be operated within the stated environment (see datasheet)
- Observe the handling of all cables to prevent damage.
- The donor antenna should have a narrow beamwidth and be positioned in line-of-sight (LOS) to the donor BTS site so that the donor signal level is maximized. This allows the use of minimum gain to achieve the maximum DL output power. The UL gain is typically set lower than or equal to the DL gain to minimize noise interference to the donor BTS.
- Service antennas should be selected based on the type of service area, e.g., indoor antenna for indoor application, and panel antenna for outdoor application.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
GOODS INWARDS INSPECTION
- Verify the number of packages received against the packing list.
- Check all packages for external damage; report any external damage to the shipping courier. If there is damage, a shipping agent should be present before unpacking and inspecting the contents because damage during transit is the responsibility of the agent.
- Open and check each package against the packing list. If any items are missing, contact Comba.
- Do not remove items from anti-static packing until ready for installation. If damage is discovered at the time of installation, contact the shipping agent.
TOOLS
See Appendix A for a list of the recommended installation and routine maintenance tools.
PREPARATION
Wall mounting with the masonry bolts supplied, which make use of the outer hole.
WALL MOUNTING
- Drill four holes on the wall using the position of four holes on the mounting rack as a guide. Fix the mounting rack to the wall using four masonry bolts (M10x110mm).
- Install the Mounting Rack to the wall.
- Hang the equipment and secure the enclosure to the mounting rack.
DRIP-LOOP
Comba recommends that every horizontal cable entry to the equipment forms a ‘U’ before it enters the equipment. Water on the cable will drip down at the bottom of the loop and will not accumulate at the equipment connectors.
EQUIPMENT CONNECTORS
PS BDA
CONNECTORS The PS BDA is designed for all cable entries from the right or left of the enclosure, as shown in the following figure.
PS BDA LED
INDICATORS The LED indicators help the user to check the equipment status easily.
GROUNDING CONNECTION
Ground Connection
To ensure the safe operation of the product, a ground (earth) connection is required. For a single phase AC power source, the product must be grounded by connecting the “earth wire” of the power cord to the ground terminal of the AC supply. For operating this product with a DC power system (such as rectifiers), the product should not be connected to power systems that switch open the return lead because the return lead could function as the ground (earth) connection for the equipment.
Protective Ground Connection
The enclosure must be grounded securely by connecting a copper wire (CSA 16mm2) to the grounding terminal on the equipment/rack, and the other end to a protective ground (i.e. building earth point). An internationally acceptable color code for the ground connection wire is green/yellow. Such a ground connection implements the “Protective Ground Connection”, and must be connected to the equipment at the designated ground point. In general, do not connect the supply before establishing an adequate ground (earth) connection. Construct the ground wire, and use appropriate crimp connectors where necessary. Locate and connect the equipment grounding terminal to a protective ground (i.e. building earth point).
RF CABLE CONNECTION
PS BDA RF cables connection is as follows:
- PS BDA MT/DL OUT1 and MT/DL OUT2 port → Connects to the feeder cable from service antennas.
- PS BDA DT1/DL IN1 and DT2/IN2 port → Connects to the feeder cable from donor antennas.
ETHERNET CONNECTION
Connect Ethernet withthe ‘LAN’ port in the panel.
DRY CONTACT CABLE CONNECTION
Below please find the pin definitions of dry contact cables.
COMMISSIONING
PRE-COMMISSIONING TASKS
After equipment installation, perform the following steps before equipment powering and commissioning:
- Verify that the expected voltage, current, and power levels do not violate any ratings.
- Visually inspect the power connection within the equipment. Ensure that the power cable is correctly and securely connected, including the grounding wire, RF cable,e, and other cables.
- Check the grounding connection and verify that the ground resistance is less than 5Ω.
- Test the antenna system and ensure that the echo loss within the working frequency is less than -14dB (VSWR<1.5).
COMMISSIONING PROCEDURE
Perform the following procedures for system commissioning.
Commissioning Task Explanation 
WEB GUI
The PS BDA can be monitored and controlled via the WEB GUI; use the following guide to finish system parameter setting and commissioning.
WEB GUI CONNECTION
Step 1: Connect the OMT port to the PC RJ45 port with the supplied RJ45 cable to set up a physical connection.
Step 2: Open a browser (browser IE7.0, IE8.0, Chrome or Firefox, suggested display resolution is 1024×768), input Web GUI IP address: 192.168.8.101, click [Enter].
NOTE: DHCP and DNS are also available to login to the Web GUI. The domain name is: www.combaomt.com.
Input IP Address 
Input Domain Name 
Step 3: Input User Name: admin; Password (default password: admin). Click [Log in].
WEB GUI INTRODUCTION
After logging in, the Web GUI main screen will appear.
1, First, confirm if the carrier mode is correct. See carrier mode (Class A or Class B)
2, and then confirm whether the RF switch is turned on and whether the device parameter settings are in line with the usage scenario.
MAINTENANCE
The PS BDA is designed for trouble-free operation and generally does not need maintenance. Maintenance activities should only be carried out by trained personnel. Periodic inspection of the repeater equipment(s) is recommended, the recommended tasks include:
- Verify the direction and position of antennas. Re-align if necessary.
- Make sure the cable connector and sealing on the RF cable connectors are not damaged.
- Verify lightning and grounding protection iarein good condition.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: TOOLS
The following is the recommended list of tools for new installation and routine maintenance.
- Slotted Screwdriver
- Philips Screwdriver
- Ring Spanner (Assorted size: 12~20mm)
- Electrically operated drill and masonry drill bits 12mm
- Anti-static Wrist Strap
- Side Cutter
- Frequency Counter (e.g. FLUKE PM6685R)
- RF Power Meter (e.g. Bird 5000)
APPENDIX B: DECLARATION OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES AND CONTENT
HThe harmfulsubstance and content of this product as below table shown:
APPENDIX C: TROUBLESHOOTING QUICK GUIDE
Troubleshooting
Reset PA: The Downlink PA will try to automatically reboot during the first 2 hours after alarms occur and then may shut down permanently if alarms still exist. Users need to manually reset the PA in WEBOMT after fixing the alarm. Go to Management -> Device Reset: Click the Reset button at the lower table to reset DL PA for UHF or VHF band.
Power detection:
- The power detection can be done from the reading number in WEBOMT, available in:
- Downlink input power (per channel)
- Downlink output power (composite)
- Uplink input power (per channel)
- Or from the test ports for DT/MT, which are 27dB lower than the DT/MT port respectively, the test portscano detect both DL and UL signals
Isolation: The system doesn’t allow users to set a gain higher than isolation-20dB. The PS BDA has a mandatory process to check the isolation during commissioning, when isolation is not good (lower than 120dB, even though the PS BDA passes the commissioning process), a check on isolation (between donor and service antennas) is always recommended. The maximum system gain that can be set must be 20dB lower than the isolation. (For example, if the isolation is 110dB, then the maximum gain that can be set is 90 dB.) The PS BDA has an automatic process that prevents the gainfrom being set to a value that does not follow this parameter. If this gain is insufficient, then the isolation situation must be corrected to provide a higher isolation value.
Safety operation to protect the LNA (low noise amplifier):
- Connect RF cables before powering on.
- Any changes or handling of the RF connection requires the user to switch off RF power (RF switch off in WEBOMT) or power off the unit first.
APPENDIX D: DEVICE REPORT EXAMPLE
Device Report
Basic Info
Overview RF Info
Sub Band RF Info
APPENDIX E: RMA (RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION)
Comba Telecom Inc.
568 Gibraltar Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035
Tel: +1 866 802 7961
Fax: +1 408 526 0181
Email: customer.nam@comba-telecom.com.
FAQs
Q: How do I reset the BDA to factory settings?
A: To reset the BDA to factory settings, locate the reset button on the device and press and hold it for 10 seconds until the status LEDs indicate a successful reset.
Q: What is the recommended antenna type for optimal performance?
A: For optimal performance, use high-gain directional antennas designed for VHF/UHF frequencies and ensure proper alignment for maximum signal reception.
Documents / Resources
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Comba RX14V3-B Digital Band Selective Repeater [pdf] User Manual PX8RX14V3-B, PX8RX14V3B, RX14V3-B Digital Band Selective Repeater, RX14V3-B, Digital Band Selective Repeater, Band Selective Repeater, Selective Repeater, Repeater |