Manual

YOU'RE HEARD, LOUD AND CLEAR. Number

7-9500-2

Design Guide
for the 428B TTA System

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 1

8625 Industrial Parkway, Angola, NY 14006 Tel: 716-549-4700 Fax: 716-549-4772 sales@birdrf.com www.bird-technologies.com
 Table of Contents
Tower Top Amplifier (DS428B83H01T) .............................................................. 3
Multicoupler Control Unit (DS428B83H01M) ..................................................... 4
Control Management Unit (DS428B83H01C)..................................................... 6
Optional Narrowband Filter ................................................................................ 8
MCU Expansion Deck (75-83H-428B)................................................................. 8
Design Considerations .......................................................................................... 9
Compatibility between 428 and 428B TTA System Components ........................ 10
General Discussion ........................................................................................... 10
Identifying Your Tower Box ............................................................................. 13
Identifying your Base Deck .............................................................................. 13
Interchangeability .............................................................................................. 13
Tower Top Boxes ............................................................................................ 14
428B Deck connected to a 428 Tower Box ..................................................... 14
428 Deck connected to a 428B Tower Box ..................................................... 14
428 Expansion Deck Conversion ..................................................................... 15
Kit Contents ....................................................................................................... 15
Installation Procedure ........................................................................................ 15
Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................ 17
Background material and other resources ..................................................... 18

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 2

Design Components
Tower Top Amplifier (DS428B83H01T) - The Tower Top Amplifier (TTA) uses a
quad-amplifier design to overcome the losses of a long transmission line. A pair of
quad-amplifiers (A and B) are used in the tower box to provide redundancy. The 428B
Tower Top Amplifier box (Figure 1) is constructed of a polyester material to reduce
weight while maintaining environmental integrity. A preselector is included in the tower
top box with a 32 MHz bandwidth (792 to 824 MHz).

428B
TTA Assembly Antenna

792-824 Surge
Filter

Amp
Select
A Term Switch B Term
Switch Switch

50 50

3 dB

Control
LNA +12VDC Board +12VDC LNA
A CPU B

Amp
Select RS-485
Switch +12VDC

Surge
RS-485 Tap
DC Tap

Main Test

Figure 1: Picture and block diagram of the 428B TTA.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 3

Multicoupler Control Unit (DS428B83H01M) - The Multicoupler Control Unit
(MCU) provides additional amplification to overcome the distribution loss of the multi-
coupler (see Figure 2 and 3). The multicoupler has the ability to distribute to 16 receiv-
ers and can be expanded to 32 with an additional shelf. The unit has adjustable
attenuators for both reserve gain and distribution. Each amplifier assembly within the
system is monitored to provide alarm indications. Form-C relay outputs are provided
to interface to supervisory alarm systems. The standard unit is designed for 120 VAC
operation but by adding 48 to the end of the part number (DS428B83H01M48) the
unit will be designed for -48 VDC operation.

428B
MCU Assembly Main Test

+12VDC

RS-485
Power Modem
DC Inject +12VDC
Supply
CPU
792-824 MHz
Filter

A Alarm
NC Variable
NO Attenuator
Front
COM
Panel
B Alarm LNA Assembly
NC
NO
COM
Variable
Attenuator

Expansion Port
2 Way Divider

16 Way Divider

Test Port

Figure 2: MCU Picture and Block Diagram.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 4

 Tower Top Box

Test Main
Port Transmission
Antenna

Test Main
Port Trans MCU

Station
Receivers

RX TX
WARNING
2 2 Failure to ground the TTA System properly can result
4 4 in equipment failure caused by electrical surges.

2
Tower Top GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS
1 Amplifier 1
Surge protectors 6, 7, and 11 must be grounded
* to the Master Ground Buss.
MCU ground stud must be connected to the
** Equipment Rack Master Ground Bar.

NOTE Building entry-point ground plate and

Equipment Rack Master Ground Bar
must be grounded to Master Ground Buss.

Internal Perimeter Ground (Halo)

Master Ground Buss

To Electrical
Ant Test Main Service Ground
2 2 2
From
1 1
Repeaters
4 5 Transmit
1 Combiner
2
6

8 Equipment Rack
1 Master Ground Bar
**
1 7 * 10 13
Test BNC
Test
Port
Main (RF In)
1

11 5
*

Entry-Point
Ground Buss MCU

Copper Building
Ground Entry-Point
Strap Ground
Plate

Figure 3: Physical and Electrical Installation of MCU.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 5

Control Management Unit (DS428B83H01C) - The Control Management Unit
(CMU) interfaces the TTA to the ESS GTR8000 radio system. The CMU provides a single RF
output for interface to the ESS. There are no receive ports or expansion ports provided since
receive distribution is included in the ESS. The unit has an adjustable attenuator for reserve
gain settings. Each amplifier assembly within the system is monitored to provide alarm indica-
tions. Form-C relay outputs are provided to interface to supervisory alarm systems. The stan-
dard unit is designed for 120 VAC operation but by adding 48 to the end of the part number
(DS428B83H01C48) the unit will be designed for -48 VDC operation.

428B
CMU Assembly Main Test

+12VDC

RS-485
Power Modem
DC Inject +12VDC
Supply
CPU

792-824 MHz
A Alarm Filter
NC
NO
COM Front
B Alarm Variable Panel
NC Attenuator Assembly
NO
COM

RF Output Test Port

Figure 4: CMU Picture and Block Diagram.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 6

 Tower Top Box

Test Main
Port Transmission
Antenna

Test Main
Port Trans CMU

RX TX
WARNING
2 2 Failure to ground the TTA System properly can result
in equipment failure caused by electrical surges.
4
4
2
Tower Top GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS
1 Amplifier 1
Surge protectors 6, 7, and 11 must be grounded
* to the Master Ground Buss.
CMU ground stud must be connected to the
** Equipment Rack Master Ground Bar.

NOTE Building entry-point ground plate and

Equipment Rack Master Ground Bar
must be grounded to Master Ground Buss.

Internal Perimeter Ground (Halo)

Master Ground Buss

To Electrical
Ant Test Main Service Ground
2 2 2
From
1 1
Repeaters
4 5 Transmit
1 Combiner
2
6

8 Equipment Rack
1 Master Ground Bar
**
1 7 * 10 13
Test
BNC
Test
Port
RF Out
1
Main (RF In)
11 5
*

Entry-Point
Ground Buss

CMU
Copper Building
Ground Entry-Point
Strap Ground
Plate

Figure 5: Physical and Electrical Installation of CMU.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 7

 Optional Narrowband Filter - The nar-
rowband filter is designed to help limit the
bandwidth of the MCU style system. The
filter is not used in CMU style systems.
The option is shipped from the factory as
Remove Existing shown in Figure 6 ready to be intercon-
Cable 3-19152
nected to the MCU deck. It is recom-
mended that the optional filter be mounted
in the same rack just above the MCU deck.
There are a total of 9 different narrowband
filters available as shown in the table
below.

Optional Operating Band-

Filter Range width
Model # (MHz) (MHz)
89-83F-02-03 792 to 806 3
Figure 6: Optional Narrowband Filter.
89-83F-02-06 792 to 806 6
89-83F-02-09 792 to 806 9
89-83F-02-14 792 to 806 14
89-86A-02-03 806 to 824 3
89-86A-02-05 806 to 824 5
89-86A-02-10 806 to 824 10
89-86A-02-15 806 to 824 15
89-86A-02-18 806 to 824 18
Optional Narrowband Filters.

MCU Expansion Deck (75-83H-428B) -

The multicoupler expansion deck will
increase the total multicoupler outputs of
the MCU style system to 32. The expan-
sion deck is not used with the CMU style
system. The optional deck is shipped with
the required interconnect cables (as
Figure 7: Optional Expansion Deck. shown in Figure 7) and is designed to be
installed in the same rack but below the
MCU deck.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 8

 Design Considerations
Surge Protectors – The 428B TTA system utilizes standard receive DC Pass surge protectors.
These surge protectors must be provided by the engineer. The recommended surge arres-
tors ( see Figure 8) from PolyPhaser are shown in Figure 3 and Figure 5 above and designated as
item 6, 7, and 11. Torquing specification obtained with proper Torque Wrenches is required to
properly tighten all connectors. See Torquing Initiative document for more information. The 109
is an optimized arrestor with improved performance. The TSX protector is not only an optimized
protector but also complies with our 150 dBc PIM and 25kW PIP requirements. All transmit pro-
tectors will utilize 7-16 DIN connectors. The DSXL provides DC blocking and is only used in
special cases where a 428 style tower top box is connected to a 428B style base deck. The use
of this polyphaser is described on page 14.

DS1090501WA (N male to antenna)

(N female to equipment)
DS1090501WB (N female to antenna)
(N female to equipment) DSTSXDFMBF (DIN female / male) DSDSXL (N female to antenna)
DSTSXDFFBF (DIN female / female) (N female to equipment)
DSDSXLMA (N male to antenna)
(N female to equipment)
DSDSXLME (N female to antenna)
(N male to equipment)
Receive Cable and
Test Port Protector Transmit Protector DC Block for Test Line
Special Cases Only (see page 14)

Figure 8: PolyPhaser Surge Arrester Part Number and Picture.

Test Cable – The test cable connects the Control Unit with the TTA. This allows the TTA to be
tested from the bottom of the tower but emulates a signal at the input to the TTA. The
Test Cable should be constructed with LDF4 or equivalent ½” Heliax. Superflex cable is
never recommended for outside use. A surge protector must be installed at the exit to
the building.

Testing and Alignment – Testing the TTA system involves following the 5-Step procedure.
The Reserve gain is adjusted according to the procedure. In the case of the MCU style
system the Distribution gain is also adjusted.

Standalone or interface to other radios – The MCU was designed to allow individual radios to
be connected to the TTA system. The ESS can also be utilized to interface external
receivers and allow radio expansion outside the ESS.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 9

Compatibility Between 428 and 428B TTA System Components

GENERAL DISCUSSION - The serial communications between the base

The purpose of these instructions is to serve as a deck and tower box are coupled to/from the
guide to the inter-compatibility of the 428 and 428B main transmission line on the deck itself by a
Series TTA systems. The 428B Series TTA system modem assembly. In the older 428 Series the
was designed as an upgraded replacement for the data communications coupling took place at the
original 428 Series. And the 428B components are main transmission lines building entry-point
backward compatible with 428 systems. Although lightning arrester. The 428 system also required
the new 428B Series is a functional replacement a double-shielded data cable running between
for the original 428 Series there are design differ- the lightning arrester and the deck.
ences and improvements which you should be
aware of. The major changes of the 428B Series - The 428B Series uses a lighter weight polyester
include; tower box which has a different mounting foot-
print. The footprint for both styles of tower box
are shown later in this document.

Front
view Front
view

Bottom
Bottom view
view

Figure 9: 428 style tower box. Figure 10: 428B style tower box.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 10

 4-Way 8-Way
Divider Divider
Assembly Assemblies

Figure 11: Top down view of the 428 MCU deck.

Modem Assembly

16-Way
Divider
Assembly

If using DC Block
(BLK -6+)
add here
Figure 12: Top down view of the 428B MCU deck.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 11

 Figure 13: Top down view of the 428 CMU deck.

Modem Assembly

If using DC Block
(BLK -6+)
add here
Figure 14: Top down view of the 428B CMU deck.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 12

 - The test line coupling loss has been reduced in The front panels of both the 428 and 428B look
the 428B Series down to 33.5 dB. This needs to very similar so in order to tell the difference you will
be taken into consideration when performing need to look at the deck from a top down angle.
sensitivity tests as outlined in the installation Figure 11 shows the 428 MCU deck and Figure
and operation manual for your system. 12 shows the 428B MCU deck. The 428B MCU
deck will have a modem assembly and a 16-way
- 428 series expansion decks (part# DDX1002A) divider. The 428 MCU deck will not have a modem
need to be modified with a conversion kit when assembly and instead of a 16-way divider it will
connecting them to a 428B deck. have a pair of 8-way dividers along with a 4-way
divider.
Identifying Your Tower Box
It’s easy to identify whether you have the 428 or Figure 13 shows the 428 CMU deck and Figure
428B tower box by a simple examination of the 14 shows the 428B CMU deck. The 428B CMU
box. The 428 system uses a tall stainless steel box deck will have a modem assembly and the 428
(see Figure 9) while the 428B uses a rectangular CMU deck will not. Notice that neither of the CMU
polyester box as shown in Figure 10. style decks have any receiver multicoupler subas-
semblies and therefore the decks are physically
Identifying Your Base Deck smaller than the MCU style decks.
Base decks for both the 428 and 428B systems are
available in two styles; either an MCU style or a INTERCHANGEABILITY
CMU style. The difference between the MCU and Although there are some physical differences
CMU style is that the MCU style incorporates a between the 428B and 428 Series TTA systems
receiver multicoupler on the deck and the CMU they are functionally compatible. This compatibility
version does not. allows the tower box and deck from the two sys-
tems to be interchanged. The instructions listed
below will discuss in detail the interchangeability of
the decks and tower boxes.

Mounting Tabs 1.0 2.667 2.667 2.667 .453 thru

8 places
1.0

12.00"

16.0

7.125" .312 Dia Thru

Mount Holes
4 Places

428 style box

428B style box

Figure 15: Tower top box mechanical details.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 13

Tower Top Boxes number DS1090501W-A (Male/Female) or part
The tower top boxes are the easiest components of number DS1090501W-B (Female/Female).
your TTA system to interchange. You simply need
to move the three RF cables from your existing box - The 428 tower box places a DC voltage on the
and re-connect them to similarly labeled connec- test transmission line. On the 428B deck the front
tors on the new box. Keep in mind that there are panel test connector is straight-through connected
considerable differences in the mounting hole to the rear panel test connector. So when a 428B
dimensions between the 428 and 428B series deck is connected to a 428 tower top box the test
tower boxes. Refer to Figure 15 which shows the line DC voltage will now be present on the decks
mechanical details of each box style and Figure 16 front panel BNC test connector. To block this DC
which shows the main transmission line connec- voltage you can install a DC Block on the decks
tions of both 428 and 428B series systems. rear panel test connector or you can change the
building entry-point surge suppressor to a DC
428B Deck connected to a 428 Tower Box blocking type. If you use a DC Block on the rear of
When connecting a 428B deck to a 428 tower box the deck use Mini-Circuits part number “BLK-6+”
the following notes apply; (see figures 12 or 14). If you use a DC blocking
type surge arrester at the building entry-point use
- T h e r e i s n o n e e d t o u s e t h e s p e c i a l i ze d Motorola part number “DSDSXL” (female/female)
polyphaser/modem (TXRX part number 8-21550). or “DSDSXLMA” (male/female).
Also, there is no need to use the data protectors
(Polyphaser part # NX3-05) or the data cable that 428 Deck connected to a 428B Tower Box
runs between the polyphaser and the deck. When connecting a 428 deck to a 428B tower box
the following notes apply;
- The customer must supply and install a serial
pass and DC pass polyphaser at the main trans- - The 428B tower box does not place a DC voltage
mission line building-entry point. Use Motorola part on the test transmission line. The 428 deck will

Tower Box Tower Box

428 428B

Main Main
Transmission Transmission
Line Line
Building Entry Point

Lightning Lightning
Arrester Arrester
8-21550 DS1090501W-A
Data Protector or
DSNX305 DS1090501W-B

428 428B
Base Deck Base Deck

Figure 16: Main Transmission Line connections of the 428 and 428B series systems.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 14

interpret this as a fault and will display a “test cable Installation Procedure
not connected” message on the LCD display. The installation procedure is very straight forward
and consists of mounting a 2-way divider on the
If you have an older version of firm- deck and connecting cables between the sub-
NOTE ware in your 428 deck you will also assemblies. Follow the procedure below in a step-
see the front panel BASE LED turn by step fashion to complete the conversion.
red. You should update your 428 deck
firmware to version 1.72 or later. This 1) Place the supplied 2-way divider on the deck in
software upgrade will eliminate the “test cable not between the existing 8-way dividers with the
connected” message and the red LED. BNC connectors facing inwards towards the
deck (see Figure 18).
428 EXPANSION DECK CONVERSION
The DDX1002A is an expansion deck designed to 2) While holding the 2-way divider in place stand
expand the number of RF output ports on the 428 the deck up on its edge and install two 4-40
series TTA deck (see Figure 17). These instruc- screws in the mounting holes shown in Figure
tions describe the installation of a conversion kit for 19.
the DDX1002A expansion deck. The purpose of
the conversion is to allow the DDX1002A to be 3) Lay the deck down flat and install the three
used as an expansion deck for the model 428B cables to the individual dividers as shown in
series TTA deck. Figure 20.

The kit (TXRX part # 75-90-428) contains all the 4) The free end of the cable attached to the center
necessary parts as listed below. connector on the 2-way divider will be used to
connect to the expansion port on the 428B con-
Kit Contents trol unit deck.
(2) 4-40 x 1/4” screws (TXRX part # 8-6003)
(1) BNC-BNC cable (TXRX part # 3-14536)
(1) 2-way Power Divider (TXRX part # 3-17107)

Figure 17: The DDX1002A Expansion Deck.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 15

 Figure 18: Placing the 2-way divider.

Figure 19: Install the 2-way mounting screws.

Figure 20: DDX1002A Expansion Deck with conversion kit installed.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 16

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q – Can the ESS supply distribution to other radios outside the ESS cabinet?
A – Yes. The signal is taken from one of the unused ports on the Site RMC and distributed to
other radios. Careful adjustment of gain must be considered and balanced sensitivity must be veri-
fied after installation. Distribution power splitting must be done with separate Power splitting.

Q – Can an ESS cabinet be fed from an MCU?

A – Yes. When the ESS is connected to the MCU there must be an additional 3 dB attenuator
installed between the MCU and ESS to balance the extra amplification in the ESS.

Q – Should the unused ports on the MCU be terminated?

A – No. Internal splitters maintain isolation without the need for external termination. However,
unused expansion ports must be externally terminated.

Q – Can the 428B TTA, MCU, or CMU be ordered and used on a 428 TTA receive system?
A – Yes. Review the compatibility section of this guide for changes and modifications that are
required.

Q – Is the PolyPhaser for the main receive line the same as the one used on the current 428 TTA?
A – No. The PolyPhaser surge protector used in the 428 contains a data modem to combine
telemetry data on the RF line. The new TTA does not require a separate data line because the data
is applied directly to the RF cable.

Q – Is the Surge Protector used on the receive line included with the TTA?
A – No. The new TTA combines the data within the Control Unit and does not require a data
modem. For this reason the responsibility of supplying the surge protector falls on Motorola. The
engineer must include the receive line surge protector in their design.

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 17

Background Material and other resources
428B Design Guide
http://compass.mot.com/doc/351239875/Design_Guide_of_ 428B_TTA_System_version_1.0.pdf
Design Guide for the 428B Family of receive amplifier components. This guide is aimed at answering most
questions during the design phase.

428B TTA marketing sheet

http://compass.mot.com/doc/351239876/428B_Marketing_Sheet_4142010_.pdf
BTG (TxRx) marketing sheet containing the detailed technical specifications on the 428B.

428B TTA Manual

http://compass.mot.com/doc/351239874/428B_Manual_7-9487.pdf
BTG (TxRx) manual detailing all of the information required to install, optimize, and troubleshoot the 428B
TTA.

5 Step Program for Receiver Multicoupler verification

http://compass.mot.com/doc/351187695/Five_Step_Program_v7_0.pdf
This document describes the test procedure for testing, aligning, and troubleshooting TTA systems. This
document should be used for every TTA acceptance test plan.

For more information or for additional assistance please contact:

B ryan C orley

M otorola,Inc
12515 Saracen
C ypress,TX 77429 U.S.A. Motorola Contact

+1 281 469 0762 office

Bryan Corley +1 281 703 5666 m obile
PrincipalStaff Engineer B .Corley@ M otorola.com

Don Huston
Bird Technologies Group
Motorola Account Manager
& Technical Trainer

(440) 519-2228 (work)

(216) 276-2938 (mobile)
TXRX Systems Contact

DHuston@bird-technologies.com
30303 Aurora Road
Solon, Ohio 44139

TX RX Systems Inc. Manual 7-9500-2 08/31/10 Page 18