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M/A-Com Orion Operator's Manual

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Operator's Manual
LBI-38888
Rev. N, Mar-05
Orion
™
Mobile Radio

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Summary of Contents for M/A-Com Orion

  • Page 1 Operator’s Manual LBI-38888 Rev. N, Mar-05 Orion ™ Mobile Radio...
  • Page 2 Not Applicable SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: At this time, the Orion mobile radio may not be operated while in a desktop station in the European Community since it does not meet immunity requirements when operated in this mode. The Orion mobile radio may be used in both trunked and conventional applications.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Page SAFETY INFORMATION ..............5 INTRODUCTION ................6 USER INTERFACE ................7 CONTROLS ..................8 POWER ON-OFF VOLUME KNOB............ 8 SYSTEM/GROUP CHANNEL KNOB..........8 RAMP CONTROL ................8 SCAN ON/OFF ..................9 SCAN ADD/DELETE................9 INDICATORS ..................9 KEYPAD .....................
  • Page 4 KEYPAD REMAPPING ..............72 OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS ........ 73 GLOSSARY..................74 M/A-COM Technical Publications would particularly appreciate feedback on any errors found in this document and suggestions on how the document could be improved. Submit your comments and suggestions to:...

  • Page 5: Safety Information

    SAFETY INFORMATION The operator of any mobile radio should be aware of certain hazards common to the operation of vehicular radio transmissions. A list of the possible hazards are: Explosive Atmospheres Just as it is dangerous to fuel a vehicle with the motor running, be sure to turn the radio OFF while fueling the vehicle.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION This manual describes how to use the Orion Mobile Radio. The Orion is a synthesized, microprocessor-based, high performance mobile FM radio providing reliable two-way communications in both the Enhanced Digital Access Communications System (EDACS) trunking environment and conventional communication systems.

  • Page 7: User Interface

    USER INTERFACE The Orion operating controls are located on the radio's front panel (See Figures 1 & 2). A keypad, vacuum florescent display for radio status information, and a microphone jack are on the front panel. The front panel also provides a rotary SYSTEM/GROUP/CHANNEL knob, POWER ON- OFF/VOLUME control, a ramp up/ramp down control, Scan add/delete control, and a SCAN ON-OFF control for scan operation.

  • Page 8: Controls

    CONTROLS This section describes the buttons, keys and rotary knobs used to control the Orion Scan and System Model radios. All functions and controls of the Scan radio operate the same as the corresponding functions and controls on the System radio. The Scan radio is equipped with a 4-button keypad and the System radio is equipped with a 16-button keypad.

  • Page 9: Scan On/Off

    Channel Guard (CG), Digital Channel Guard (DCG) or Type 99 (T99) tone decode operation, the radio will not un-squelch if a valid tone or code is not received; the BSY indicator will be on. Figure 3 - Orion System Model Keypad...

  • Page 10: Keypad

    Figure 4 - Orion Scan Model Keypad KEYPAD The keypad is similar to a telephone keypad but with four (4) additional buttons on the side for a total of 16 keys. In addition to numbers (1-9, *, 0 and #), which is a secondary function, most of the keys have or can be programmed to have a primary function.
  • Page 11 Figure 5 - Standard Orion Keycaps Configuration Optional Keycap Configuration The Optional keycap package for the System radio includes sixty (60) additional keycaps (shown in the Key Description section), which can be placed on any key location desired. Keep in mind, the keycap represents the primary function programmed for that key location.
  • Page 12 SELECT Secondary function - activates a selected item within a list. After the menus list is accessed, select a menu item from the list via RAMP control , or . and activate it with this key. Once activated, MENU continues its secondary function for activating a selected parameter setting until the radio returns to its normal receive state.
  • Page 13 STO-ST9 The status 0-9 keys are used to send pre-programmed status message to the EDACS site. Enables or disables Private Mode for the System/Group displayed. See the PRIVATE OPERATION section. Displays the Encrypted Keys. This selects the DISP KEY operation from the menu functions. This key function is used in Conventional Mode to send G-STAR™...

  • Page 14: Display

    Each line contains eight alphanumeric character blocks. See Figure 2 for a typical display. Figure 6 - Orion Display RADIO STATUS ICONS Status icons are indicators, which show the various operating characteristics of the radio.

  • Page 15: Messages

    MESSAGES During radio operation, various messages are displayed on either line one or line two. Typical messages include control channel status information, such as system busy or call denied, or messages associated with the radio's operation, (i.e. volume adjust). These messages are described as follows: MESSAGE NAME DESCRIPTION...
  • Page 16 MESSAGE NAME DESCRIPTION DATA ON Data On Trunked mode only. Indicates radio has been toggled to the data enable state. Displayed for two seconds on line 1 when toggled to enable state. SYSC ON System Scan Features Trunked mode only. Indicates the System Scan features are enabled.
  • Page 17 MESSAGE NAME DESCRIPTION WHC=1 Who Has Called This display indicates the number from the Who Has Called list. Individual calls received but not responded to are stored in a Who Has Called list. This list is accessible by pressing the # key and then the INDV key after the Individual call has timed out or the Clear button is pressed.
  • Page 18 FIXED P1 changed using add and delete keys. This is displayed in line 2 when the message (c) 2004 "M/A-COM" is displayed in line 1 of the display while displaying different items under menu when `REVISION' is selected by the operator.
  • Page 19 2 at the same time. M/A-COM, Inc. This is displayed on line 1 of the display under the revision selection of menu. The copyright year is shown in line 2 of display at...

  • Page 20: Alert Tones

    ALERT TONES The Orion radio also provides audible alert tones or "beeps" to indicate the various operating conditions. These alert tones can be enabled or disabled through programming. CALL ORIGINATE A short mid-pitched alert tone sounds after keying the radio (Push-To-Talk button is pressed).

  • Page 21: Carrier Control Timer

    CARRIER CONTROL TIMER If the programmed time for continuous transmission is exceeded, five short high-pitched warning tones followed by a long low-pitched tone will be heard. The transmitter will shut down shortly after hearing the alert, interrupting communications. Release and re-key the PTT button to maintain communications.

  • Page 22: Operation

    OPERATION The Orion mobile radio unit can be programmed to operate in either a trunked system or a conventional system or both. Operating features and functions have been grouped according to the type of system the radio is operational. This first section contains general operating procedures (e.g., Turning On The Radio).
  • Page 23 The following example systems list is used to explain the process: SYSTEM NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST After entering a selection mode, the following generic display format will appear. X X X X X X X X Y Y Y = Z Z Z Line one shows the currently selected item’s name (XXXXXXXX) from the list.

  • Page 24: Direct Access

    DIRECT ACCESS To directly access a selection, enter the corresponding number (i.e. 4) followed by SEL to activate the selection. The entered number is displayed on line two as shown below. Line one shows the current list being used for selection.
  • Page 25 After entering the menu selection mode, the following generic display format will appear. M E N U Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Line one indicates the radio is in the menu selection mode. Line two indicates the menu item (YYYYYYYY) that is to be viewed or changed (some menu items provide radio information and do not have changeable parameters).
  • Page 26 Table 1 - Menu Item Information FEATURE DISPLAY PARAMETER COMMENT SETTINGS Backlight Adjust Menu Item: OFF, 1, 2, 3, 4 Selects the light level BCKLIGHT for backlighting. Once selected: BCKL= Radio Revision Menu item: Informational Selects the Information REVISION displays only information display (see radio);...
  • Page 27 FEATURE DISPLAY PARAMETER COMMENT SETTINGS Front Panel Menu item: 1-16 Allows setting of Squelch Adjust SQUELCH squelch. (Conventional Only) Once selected: SQLCH=xx Scan Menu item: SCAN ON, OFF Toggles scan function on or OFF. Private Mode Menu Item: PRIVATE ON, OFF Toggles private Once selected: PVT or function on or OFF.
  • Page 28 FEATURE DISPLAY PARAMETER COMMENT SETTINGS Mute #2 Menu item: MUTE 2 ON, OFF Toggles the mute 2 function on or OFF on radio #2. Multiple radio Menu item: RADIO ON, OFF Toggles the currently operation selected radio. Radio selection Menu item: RADIO 1 ON, OFF Changes to radio #1.

  • Page 29: Feature Encryption Display

    Features enabled - displays bit fields of enabled features Serial Number ROM (12 Hex Digits) Example: To enable a feature in the radio, contact M/A-COM and provide the ROM serial number. The serial number shown here is for example only. Feature Encryption Data Stream...
  • Page 30 Number Fields Example: These number fields show the set limits of the of the user's radio as: • SG# XXX - Maximum number of system/groups combination available • SY# XXX - EDACS maximum trunked system limit • CH# XXX - Maximum number of conventional channels available The user needs to know the limits of the radio before attempting to enable other features.
  • Page 31 The following numbers indicate features available in the user's radio. BIT FIELDS POSSIBLE FEATURES Conventional mode Priority Scan EDACS 3 Site System Scan Public Address operation EDACS Group Scan operation EDACS Priority System Scan ProSound™/ProScan™ EDACS Dynamic Regroup operation EDACS Emergency Operation Type 99 Encode Conventional mode Emergency operation RF Pre-amp enable...

  • Page 32: System/Group/Channel Selection

    SYSTEM/GROUP/CHANNEL SELECTION, the term group is used for both group and channel. The ORION SYSTEM/GROUP/CHANNEL knob and the RAMP control ,, . pair are programmable for maximum flexibility. If the SYSTEM/GROUP/CHANNEL knob is assigned to select groups, then the RAMP control ,, .

  • Page 33: Last System/Group Or Channel Recall (Supervisory Radio Units Only)

    Group And Channel Selection Several methods, some of which depend on programming, can be used to select a new group or channel. These procedures are presumed to be starting from the normal receive display. If group selection is programmed to the SYSTEM/GROUP/ METHOD 1 CHANNEL knob, select a group by turning the SYSTEM/ GROUP/CHANNEL knob to the desired group.

  • Page 34: Trunked Mode Operation

    TRUNKED MODE OPERATION Digital trunking provides fast communication access at all times, even during busy hours. In this mode the operator selects a communications system and group and the audio communication or working channel (WC) is allocated through digital signaling with the site. RECEIVING A CALL 1.

  • Page 35: Conventional Failsoft

    CONVENTIONAL FAILSOFT In the unlikely event of a failure of the EDACS System, communications may take place in conventional Failsoft mode. The radio will be automatically directed to a communications channel set up for this purpose. During this mode of operation, the control unit will display CONV FS in the alphanumeric display.

  • Page 36: System Scan Operation

    ON at power up. Wide Area System Scan The Orion radio may be programmed for wide area system scan operation for multi-site applications. Upon the loss of the currently selected system's control channel, radios may be programmed to automatically scan the control channels of other systems.

  • Page 37: Priority System Scan

    The radio may be programmed for ProScan system scan operation for multi- site applications depending on the version of radio flash code. (The ProScan algorithm is available on the Orion Platform with Group 32 or higher radio flash code). ProScan is an improved multi-site system scanning algorithm designed to replace the ProSound algorithm.

  • Page 38: Group Scan Operation

    This scan list may be changed by the user from the keypad unless programmed otherwise. Each system's group scan list is retained in memory when the radio is turned OFF. The Orion mobile radio may also be programmed to provide Trunked Priority Group Scan capability, which operates similar to priority scan in Conventional mode.

  • Page 39: Adding Groups To A Scan List

    Adding Groups To A Scan List 1. With scan operation turned OFF, select the desired group to add to the selected Trunked system group scan list. 2. Press < or > on the SCAN add/delete control. The current priority status of the group will be displayed in column 1 of line one for a time-out period.

  • Page 40: Turning Scan On

    Turning Scan ON 1. Toggle scan operation by pressing . The SCAN indicator will turn on when the radio is scanning. key light will blink when temporarily disabled. Scanning will stop while microphone is OFF-hook if NOTE hook switch feature is enabled through programming. 2.

  • Page 41: Individual Calls

    INDIVIDUAL CALLS Receiving and Responding To An Individual Call When the radio receives an individual call (a call directed only to the user's radio), it un-mutes on the assigned working channel and turns on the BSY indicator. Line one shows ID followed by the logical ID number of the unit sending the message, or the associated name if the ID number is found in the individual call list.

  • Page 42: Call Storage Lists

    To access the list, press the key twice. Use the keys to scroll through the list. Pressing the key will display the time elapsed since the call was received. Call Storage Lists There are two lists available for call storage in the radio, the calls received list (1-10) and the personality list (1-99 as defined by the user).

  • Page 43: Scat Operation

    stored in this list but the individual's unit ID is known, it can be entered directly from the keypad. 2. Press the PTT button; the radio performs the necessary signaling to obtain a communication channel. When the signaling is complete and the radio is clear to transmit, TX indicator turns ON and the channel access tone sounds.
  • Page 44 4. To terminate the call, momentarily press the button. The Orion radio is capable of simplex (one-way) conversation only. The caller can only hear the radio if the PTT button is pressed (the radio is transmitting)

  • Page 45: Programmable Entries

    2. Overdial numbers are transmitted using either method as follows: METHOD 1: Press and hold PTT while entering the overdial number sequence from the keypad. This method sends DTMF tones during individual, telephone interconnect, trunked group or conventional channel calls. Anytime the PTT button is pressed and held, the keypad is enabled for DTMF entry.

  • Page 46: Mobile Data

    MOBILE DATA The Orion radios when operating in the EDACS configuration permit either voice or data calls to be transmitted or received. The radio can handle only one type of call at a time; however, selection of either data or voice is selected transparently by the operator through normal usage of the radio.

  • Page 47: Data On Operation

    • Declaring an emergency (not to be used unless an actual emergency condition exists). Alert tone will sound. Pressing the o button (System Model) or O(Scan Model) • (pre-programmed). Alert tone will sound. • Selecting the function using the m button (pre-programmed). •...

  • Page 48: Data Lockout Mode

    The c (System Model) or C (Scan Model) button is • pressed. • PTT is pressed. • A group or system change. • Entering phone call mode • Entering individual call mode. • A new emergency assignment has been received. •...

  • Page 49: Status/Message Operation

    STATUS/MESSAGE OPERATION Status and message operation is possible with either the Scan or System version of the Orion radio unit. The following procedure is applicable for the System version. For operation with the Scan version the four primary keycaps must be reconfigured and pre-programmed for status/message operation.

  • Page 50: Edacs Conventional P1 Scan

    Message Operation Message operation permits the transmission of a pre-programmed message text to an EDACS site. To send a message, press the button (key light comes on) then press one of the number buttons (0-9) to select the pre-programmed message text. If no message text has been programmed for the selected number button, the radio will display NO ENTRY and a low-pitched tone sounds.
  • Page 51 Pressing and holding the (Scan Model) or (System Model) button for 2.5 seconds toggles the user into and out of the dynamic regroup group set. A double beep will sound for entry or exit. The display will indicate REGR_0x where "x" is a digit of 1 to 8 indicating the group when dynamic regroups has been enabled by the user.

  • Page 52: Conventional Mode Operation

    CONVENTIONAL MODE OPERATION The radio functions in the conventional mode when using conventional communications channels (non-trunked). Each channel consists of a preset frequency pair for transmit and receive during repeater operation, or a single frequency for both transmit and receive during talk-around (no repeater) operation.

  • Page 53: Emergency Operation

    5. Release the PTT button when the transmission is complete and listen for a reply. EMERGENCY OPERATION If enabled, G-STAR emergency signaling can be transmitted when operating in the conventional mode. This G-STAR signaling will transmit 5 times with a delay between each transmission.

  • Page 54: Scanning Conventional Channels

    Tone Encode Transmission In conventional mode two keys can be defined to be tone encode triggers. If either one of the pre-programmed tone encode triggers is pressed, a pre- programmed tone sequence will be transmitted on the current system and channel.

  • Page 55: Adding Channels To A Scan List

    Adding Channels To A Scan List 1. With scan operation turned OFF select the desired channel to add to the selected conventional system channel scan list. 2. Press < or > on the SCAN add/delete control. The current status will be displayed in column 1 of line one for a time-out period.

  • Page 56: Turning Scan On

    Pressing, < twice when the radio is actively receiving or three times when the radio is not receiving. The selected channel will change to the last scanned channel from the conventional system’s scan list. Orion requires Flashcode OG44400 or Group R44 version or higher to support this feature. NOTE TURNING SCAN ON 1.

  • Page 57: Squelch Adjust

    SQUELCH ADJUST In the conventional mode of operation, the squelch may be re-adjusted in the MENU selection mode or from a front panel key on the keypad that has been pre-programmed by the PC programming software. A default value of 9 or any user level between 1 and 16 can be selected by the PC programming software.

  • Page 58: Noise Blanker Operation

    NOISE BLANKER OPERATION A noise blanker feature is available in the low band (29-50 MHz) version of the Orion radio, which provides ignition noise filtering. The feature can be enabled through either the pre-programmed menu selection or a pre- programmed key on the control unit. The noise blanker state is remembered through a power cycle and its state will be displayed at power-up (i.e., NB...

  • Page 59: Direct Mode Operation (Conventional System Only)

    Type 99 decode will continue to be active while the radio's button is pressed. This allows the user to monitor calls and still be alerted when a call is directed to the user. While the user continues to press , the user will hear both calls and all Type 99 tone signals.
  • Page 60 3. Ensure that the channel is not busy by pressing the (Scan Version) to momentarily disable any channel decoding and un-mute the receiver or observe the unlit BSY indicator. If the Channel Busy Lockout feature is programmed for the selected channel, the radio will not transmit when the channel is busy.

  • Page 61: Trunked Or Conventional Mode Operation

    TRUNKED OR CONVENTIONAL MODE OPERATION SIREN/LIGHT OPERATION Each siren/light key is designed to control an optional siren/light package. Pressing a siren/light key will light the key indicator. Each siren/light key (except RESET) can be programmed for either CANCEL or ADDITIVE operation.

  • Page 62: Clear Modes

    TRANSMIT/RECEIVE MODE COMPATIBILITY FOR AEGIS/PROVOICE OPERATION GROUP/CHANNEL CLEAR DIGITAL PRIVATE PROGRAMMING RECEIVE RECEIVE RECEIVE (TRANSMIT) CLEAR DIGITAL PRIVATE Yes* TRANSMIT/RECEIVE MODE COMPATIBILITY FOR VOICE GUARD OPERATION GROUP/CHANNEL CLEAR PRIVATE PROGRAMMING RECEIVE RECEIVE (TRANSMIT) CLEAR PRIVATE Yes* *assumes the proper cryptographic key is loaded Conventional Aegis or encrypted channels require Channel Guard on the channel to operate correctly.
  • Page 63 when the radio is in the Aegis or ProVoice digital mode because the radio does not know the cryptographic key used. Message trunked group calls and individual calls will be answered back in the mode they were received, assuming the call or hang time is still active. Individual, phone, all and emergency calls will be transmitted clear if digital mode is disabled or inoperative.
  • Page 64 radio will transmit private if the group/channel is programmed for private operation and forced operation is pre-programmed. If the radio was pre-programmed for auto select, the radio will transmit in the following modes; • Private mode enabled, transmission always in private mode. •...
  • Page 65 4. Connect the Keyloader cable to the Keyloader level converter and then to the extended options cable DB25 on the rear of the radio. 5. Press the PWR button on the Keyloader and wait for the Keyloader to display "MASTER MODE." 6.

  • Page 66: Private Operation

    Key Zero All cryptographic keys can be zeroed (erased from radio memory) by pressing button (System Model) or (Scan Model) and while still pressing this button, press and hold the button (System Model) or (Scan Model). Press both buttons for 2 seconds. A series of warning beeps will begin at the start of this 2 second period and then switch to a solid tone after the keys have been zeroed.

  • Page 67: Dual Control Operation

    DUAL CONTROL OPERATION The Orion mobile radio may be programmed to operate from two separate Control Units. This permits radio operation from two separate locations in the vehicle. Dual control operation is available in both trunked and conventional modes.
  • Page 68 Switching Control Control can be switched to the idle controller by pressing the push-to-talk (PTT) on the microphone associated with the idle controller. Once PTT is pressed, the radio will switch control to the idle controller unless the active controller is currently transmitting (i.e., PTT pressed on active controller), in which case the switch will not occur.

  • Page 69: Multiple Radio Operation

    Default operation routes audio only to the active controller. MULTIPLE RADIO OPERATION Orion mobile radio may be configured to operate in a multiple radio mode that permits more than one radio to be controlled from a single control unit or control location.
  • Page 70 Shared Control Unit Display Modes Radios in the multiple radio operation share the control unit display. Pre- programming the radios determines what the control unit displays. There are two modes of display: alternating radio display or first come first serve display.

  • Page 71: Macro Key Operation

    Multiple Radio And Siren & Light Operation For siren and lights to function correctly, both the master and slave radios must be programmed with the same siren and light information. Multiple Radio And Data Operation Only the master radio supports mobile data operation. MACRO KEY OPERATION Macro key operation permits the user to accomplish a series of key strokes with a single "macro"...

  • Page 72: Keypad Remapping

    KEYPAD REMAPPING If the keys have been remapped to provide new functions, please fill in the following for future reference. Orion System Model Keypad Orion Scan Model Keypad...

  • Page 73: Operating Rules And Regulations

    OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS Two way FM radio systems must be operated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As an operator of two way radio equipment, the user must be thoroughly familiar with the rules that apply to the intended type of radio operation. Following these rules will help to eliminate confusion, assure the most efficient use of existing radio channels, and result in a smoothly functioning radio network.

  • Page 74: Glossary

    GLOSSARY Agency An agency is composed of multiple fleets. Units can be programmed to initiate agency calls to access multiple fleets. (Trunked Mode Only) Base/Unit A programmed option used in some fleets so units can Operation only hear and talk to a base dispatch unit, not to other mobiles or personals in the group.
  • Page 75 ends, and the pre-programmed time has expired, the radio returns to monitoring multiple groups. (Trunked Mode Only) Individual Every radio in the system is programmed with a Call unique individual identification code. A mobile or personal unit can be programmed to call another particular unit by selecting the individual by name or ID number.
  • Page 76 Type 99 - a method of opening mute for selective page operations using sequential tones. Wide Area A programmed option, which ensures all system Encode scanning mobile and personal radios have time to lock onto the call before the initiating unit is allowed to talk.
  • Page 77 OPERATOR'S RADIO SETUP RADIO TYPE: FREQUENCY BAND: OPERATOR'S NAME: EMERGENCY GROUP: SYSTEM SYSTEM TRK/CNV GRP/CHN GRP/CHN NUMBER NAME NUMBER NAME...

  • Page 78: Jefferson Ridge Parkway Lynchburg, Va

    Equipment covered under Paragraph B.3 and B.4. To be eligible for no-charge labor, service must be performed at a M/A-COM factory , by an Authorized Service Center (ASC) or other Servicer approved for these purposes either at its place of business during normal business hours, for mobile or personal equipment, or at the Buyer’s location, for fixed...
  • Page 79 NOTES...

  • Page 80: Emergency Numbers

    (particularly if a glass mount antenna is used). Moving a few yards in another direction or moving to a higher elevation may also improve communications. M/A-COM Wireless Systems 221 Jefferson Ridge Parkway Lynchburg, Virginia 24501 (Outside USA, 434-385-2400) Toll Free 800-528-7711 www.macom-wireless.com...

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