Arcom RC-210 Operation And Programming Manual
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Arcom RC-210 Operation And Programming Manual

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Arcom Communications
24035 NE Butteville Rd
Aurora, Oregon 97002
(503) 678-6182
arcom@ah6le.net
http://www.ah6le.net/arcom/rc210/rc210.html
RC-210 Repeater Controller
Operations and Programming Manual
Firmware version 4.22
April 15, 2004
Reproduction or translation of any part of this manual beyond that permitted by sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act (or its legal successor) without the
express written permission of Arcom Communications is unlawful as noted below. Requests for permission to copy or for further information should be addressed to Arcom
Communications. Except as noted above, permission is hereby granted for any non-profit group or individual to reproduce any portion of this document provided that: the
reproduction is not sold for profit; the intent of reproduction is to further disseminate information on the RC-210 Repeater Controller kit; the reproduction is not used for advertising
or otherwise promoting any specific commercial product other than the RC-210; and full credit is given to Arcom Communications as the original source of information.
The information contained in the manual has been carefully checked for accuracy and is believed to be entirely reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies.
Arcom Communications reserves the right to make changes in the RC-210 Repeater Controller kit to improve reliability, function or design without obligation to purchasers of
previous equipment. Arcom Communications does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit described herein; neither does it convey
license under its patent rights or the rights of others.

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  • Page 1 Communications. Except as noted above, permission is hereby granted for any non-profit group or individual to reproduce any portion of this document provided that: the reproduction is not sold for profit; the intent of reproduction is to further disseminate information on the RC-210 Repeater Controller kit; the reproduction is not used for advertising or otherwise promoting any specific commercial product other than the RC-210;...
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  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Message Macros ..........................................13 ID Extras............................................13 Custom Command Prefix.........................................13 Meter Alarms ............................................14 Real Time Clock And Calendar ......................................14 PROGRAMMING THE RC-210 ......................................15 General Programming Overview......................................15 Unlock Code Programming......................................15 Locking (leaving Program Mode) ....................................16 Programming A Custom Lock Code ....................................16 Programming A Custom Terminator Digit .................................16 A Word Of Caution Regarding The Terminator Digit............................16...
  • Page 4 Year Readback..........................................20 Adding A Correction Factor To The Real Time Clock............................20 Remote Base Programming ......................................21 Remote Base Prefix .........................................21 Programming The RC-210 Command Macros.................................22 Command Macros ..........................................22 Using Command Macros To Remap Controller Functions ............................23 Command Macro Priority .......................................23 Message Macros ..........................................24 Tail Messages ...........................................24...
  • Page 5 CTCSS Codes .............................................51 Appendix C ..............................................52 Default Factory Command Codes ....................................52 Programming Commands Quick Reference ................................53 Vocabulary List............................................54 Audio Spectrum Analyzer Software....................................57 The RC-210 Development And Testing Team................................57 ARCOM COMMUNICATIONS NO-NONSENSE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR THE OPERATING FIRMWARE OF THE RC-210 REPEATER CONTROLLER........................................58...

  • Page 6: Command Reference

    As it arrives from the factory, all commands in the RC-210 are protected behind the unlock commands. This means that no commands will be accepted by the RC-210 unless one of its 3 ports is first unlocked. Not to worry however, as you can easily assign any function in the RC-210 ("re-map") to be accessible without first unlocking the RC-210 (this is explained in the Macro section of this manual).

  • Page 7: Default Commands Accessible When Unlocked

    Each port has its own filtering command to prevent users from "kerchunking" that port. When turned on, these filters require that users key up for a period of at least the setting of the Kerchunk Timer before the RC-210 will recognize it as a valid signal.

  • Page 8: Half/Full Duplex Operation

    Monitoring A Port from Other Ports Any port may be selectively monitored by any other port. In the RC-210, with multiple monitor commands you can create any combination of monitoring from port to port. This provides considerable flexibility in audio routing. Each of these monitoring commands is a one-way connection.

  • Page 9: Linking Ports Quickly

    Linking Ports Quickly You may also establish two-way connections (linking) between ports quickly and easily by using only one command. Likewise, you can also disconnect (unlink) ports using these commands. Note: Even if you established port monitoring using the Monitor Commands above, you may use the Linking Commands to turn them off or modify them.

  • Page 10: Require/Not Require Ctcss For Dtmf

    Require/Not Require CTCSS for DTMF Each port may be configured to either require a user's signal to contain CTCSS or not require it, in order to enter DTMF commands. This selection controls DTMF access regardless of the state of the access required for repeater access on that port. In other words, it is possible to have a port configured for carrier squelch access, yet require CTCSS for DTMF commands to work.

  • Page 11: Aborting Id's On Dtmf

    Any of the 3 ports may be used to connect a remote base radio. See Appendix A for a list of supported radios. The type radio you plan to use with the RC-210 is selected by programming commands. Because of the different formats used with radios within the Yaesu line, you must also select which model you wish to use.

  • Page 12: Using The Doug Hall Rbi-1 Remote Base Interface

    User Function Outputs The RBI-1 provides 7 User Function outputs that can be used (in addition to Logic Outputs of the RC-210) to control hardware at the repeater site. Refer to the Doug Hall manual for details on making connections.

  • Page 13: Command Macros

    For example, IRLP© uses 4 digit commands and it may try to interpret commands destined for the RC-210 and give an error. To avoid this, you may program up to a 6 digit Command Prefix, which must then be used ahead of all RC-210 non-programming command but only when the RC-210 is unlocked.

  • Page 14: Meter Alarms

    Analog Meter Inputs Analog measurement capability consists of an 8 channel 10 bit analog to digital converter capable of measuring 8 input voltages between 0 and a voltage called “Vref.” Signals may be provided from the receiver s meter and deviation metering circuits, from wattmeters, temperature sensors and other transducers.

  • Page 15: Programming The Rc-210

    In addition, by prefacing any Macro Command with "* *", you can recall any previously programmed Macro. Unlock Code Programming The RC-210 comes programmed with a default unlock codes for each port. To unlock any port for the first time, enter the default code. 15281...

  • Page 16: Locking (Leaving Program Mode)

    Programming A Custom Lock Code Perhaps # conflicts with your intended code scheme, so the RC-210 allows you to reprogram the Lock Code to be up to 4 digits long. This code is not unique to any port and will be used to lock the controller regardless of which port is unlocked at the time.

  • Page 17: Port Unique Versus Global Programming

    Port Unique Versus Global Programming There are two types of programming commands: Those that affect only the port you currently have unlocked. These are referred to as Port Unique Programming Commands, which may be done from any radio port. In other words, you can program Port 2 while actually using a radio connected to Port 1. Those commands which are shared between all ports or don't apply to a specific port.

  • Page 18: Fan Timer

    Fan Timer The RC-210 provides a convenient method of controlling a cooling fan, while eliminating unnecessary wear and tear. When any Port is keyed, the fan is started and will remain on for a period determined by the Fan Timer. It will then automatically shut off.

  • Page 19: Auxiliary Audio Timers

    Pending ID Speech Timer The RC-210 normally uses a spoken ID for its Initial ID (this is selectable with a programming command). The Pending ID may be done is speech or in CW, depending on the setting of this timer. This timer looks for activity on its respective port for the past X seconds. If there has been activity, the Pending ID will be done in CW, otherwise it will be made with the next Voice ID in rotation.

  • Page 20: Setting The Real Time Clock And Calendar

    Adding A Correction Factor To The Real Time Clock As is the case with any clock that is not referenced to standard such as WWV, the RC-210's Real Time Clock may gain (or lose) a few seconds over time. This is unavoidable due to temperature changes, crystal tolerances, etc. Fortunately, the RC-210 allows you to "bump"...

  • Page 21: Remote Base Programming

    • Yaesu - FT-100D, FT-847, FT-817, FT-897 The RC-210 also supports the Doug Hall RBI-1 Remote Base Controller. Please refer to its respective manual when connecting the RC-210. You select which radio type you want to use by programming: *2083x where "x" is the radio type 1 = Kenwood *For Kenwood radios that have a comport, the RC-210 uses a baud rate of 9600.

  • Page 22: Programming The Rc-210 Command Macros

    Control Operators. Only some commands will be given to each group, with the Owner reserving programming commands and other deemed critical functions only for themselves. Again, this is totally up to you and how you wish to organize your system. The RC-210 gives you the flexibility to do it any way you want.

  • Page 23: Using Command Macros To Remap Controller Functions

    RC-210. Let's say you want your users to be able to read the RC-210's real time clock easily and you want them to enter "1111" with their radios in order to do so.

  • Page 24: Message Macros

    Message Macros The RC-210 provides 40 Message Macros that can be used to store custom responses to user entered commands, scheduler events, Alarm events and so on. Each Message Macro can store up to 9 vocabulary words, DVR tracks or any combination of the two.

  • Page 25: Some Practical Examples Of Tail Message Programming

    Some Practical Examples of Tail Message Programming In this example, we will program Tail Message 1 to play Message Macro 1 every 10 tails: We've recorded DVR Track 1 which says "The ARC will hold its meeting tonight at 7 PM" and store this into Message Macro 1: *2103 1 236 Now we program Tail Message 1 to use Message Macro 1 *2110 1 1...

  • Page 26: Speech Control Within Command Macros

    Ports 1 & 2, entering the command from Port 1, the command acknowledgment will only be sent to Port 1. And in the case of Scheduler called Command Macros, we need a way to tell the RC-210 which port(s) should be used when sending a speech announcement.

  • Page 27: List Of Port Direction Commands For Use In Macros

    Macro 1 is a special case in that it is run every time the controller is powered up or otherwise resets. This allows you to define a known startup state of your RC-210.You may include any command within Macro 1, including calling other macros.

  • Page 28: Special Features

    When the special event is over, you use another Command Macro to re-enable the IDs and timer. And if you combine these powerful features with the scheduler, you can set up the RC-210 to completely handle most of the tasks associated with this usually cumbersome chore.

  • Page 29: Macro Function Number List

    Macro Function Number List Description Description Port 1 Carrier Access Port 2 Courtesy Tone 3 Port 1 CTCSS Access Port 2 Courtesy Tone 4 Port 2 Carrier Access Port 2 Courtesy Tone 5 Port 2 CTCSS Access Port 2 Courtesy Tone 6 Port 3 Carrier Access Port 2 Courtesy Tone 7 Port 3 CTCSS Access...

  • Page 30: Macro Function Number List (Continued)

    Macro Function Number List (continued) Description Description Link Port 1 to Port 3 Force Next Voice ID In Rotation On Port 1 Link Port 2 to Port 3 Force Next Voice ID In Rotation On Port 2 Link All Ports Force Next Voice ID In Rotation On Port 3 Unlink Port 1 from Port 2 Force Next CW ID In Rotation On Port 1...

  • Page 31: Macro Function Number List (Continued)

    Macro Function Number List (continued) Description Description Speech ID Override OFF Port 1 Enable Meter 1 Alarm Speech ID Override OFF Port 2 Enable Meter 2 Alarm Speech ID Override OFF Port 3 Enable Meter 3 Alarm Speech ID Override ON Port 1 Enable Meter 4 Alarm Speech ID Override ON Port 2 Enable Meter 5 Alarm...

  • Page 32: The Scheduler

    Easy enough, we'll just program a setpoint to recall a macro that calls function 116 (Say Time), speak on Port 1 and call that macro with a scheduler setpoint to run every hour, starting at 6 AM. The RC-210 will now speak the time every hour, on the hour. But we have a problem now - there is no way to stop the hourly announcements without actually reprogramming that setpoint so that it doesn't announce the time any more.

  • Page 33: Plan! Plan! Plan

    Call Macro 7 at midnight on weekends *4001 07 9 07 00 08 Call Macro 8 at 7 AM on weekends. As you can see, if you take the time to plan your setpoints, the RC-210 will handle many tedious chores for you, automatically.

  • Page 34: Erasing Setpoints

    Erasing SetPoints You can erase any setpoint by simply programming a time that will never occur, i.e 2500 hours. However there may be times that you want to clear all setpoints and start "fresh". This command allows you to do so *400799 Clear all setpoints Voice Message Editing And IDs Command...

  • Page 35: Using The Digital Voice Recorder (Dvr)

    Rarely will a recorded track be perfect, especially at the end of that recording. The DVR will faithfully record (and playback) whatever it is asked to - squelch bursts and other noise may appear at the end of your recording. The RC-210 gives you 2 commands with which to remove (or add) the last 200 milliseconds of a recording, which is very effective at editing those noises from the end of your recordings.

  • Page 36: Finding Out How Much Recording Time You Have Left

    = 13 Ports 1 & 3 y = 123 Ports 1, 2 & 3 Resetting The RC-210 At times it may be advantageous to reset the controller. Doing this does two things. Firstly, it verifies the operation of the hardware watchdog timer.

  • Page 37: Cw Speed Programming

    CW Speed Programming *8000x where "x" is the speed of up to 2 digits. The allowable range is 5 - 50 wpm. Examples: *8000 5 Program CW speed to 5 wpm *8000 22 Program CW speed to 22 wpm CW Tone Programming Each Port's CW tone may be programmed to be a single or dual tone.

  • Page 38: Courtesy Tone Programming

    Courtesy Tone Programming There are 10 sets of courtesy tones for each port that you can custom program. Each Courtesy Tone can be defined with up to 4 tone segments, duration of those segments and delays between segments. Courtesy tones consist of: Delay time from the end of a user transmission (when the squelch on a port closes) The 1 tone segment...

  • Page 39: Courtesy Tone Behavior When Ports Are Linked

    Courtesy Tone Behavior When Ports Are Linked When one or more ports are linked together, additional courtesy tones are sent to allow easy identification of the signal heard. For example, if you have Ports 1 and 2 linked and you're currently talking on Port 1, you'll hear an additional courtesy tone whenever someone unkeys on Port 2.

  • Page 40: Programming Meter Faces - 10-Bit A/D Converters

    Programming Meter Faces - 10-bit A/D Converters The command syntax is: *2064 C# M# X1# Y1# X2# Y2# C= Channel 1 to 8 M=Meter Type 0 to 6 X1, Y1, X2, Y2 represent two calibration points. There must be 6 parameters entered to define a meter face, each value ending with #. There are 8 meter faces corresponding to the 8 Analog inputs, with each meter face programmed with 1 of 6 values.

  • Page 41: Programming Meter Alarms

    Programming Meter Alarms Each of the Meters has a high and low alarm trippoint. Once programmed, when a meter reading reaches either of these points, a Command Macro will be run. For example, a meterface can be defined to read temperature from an external sensor. If the measured temperature exceeds the programmed high level, a Macro will be run.

  • Page 42: The Differences Between Accuracy And Precision

    How to measure the Vref: Using a high impedance, precision voltmeter (a digital, not an analog one is recommended) and with power applied to the RC-210, carefully measure the voltage at pin 21 of the I/O connector, J1. Write this voltage down - it is only necessary to include two decimal places).

  • Page 43: Measuring Voltages Higher Than Vref - A Practical Example

    Suppose the Low end of expected actual voltage 10 volts, and the High end of the expected actual voltage is 18 volts Since we realize that applying a voltage to the RC-210 higher than the programmed reference voltage will "pin" the meter face, we need to “scale”...

  • Page 44: Alarm Programming

    Alarm Programming The RC-210 incorporates 5 alarm inputs that can be used to remotely monitor such things as a door open, high temperature of the repeater PA, etc. All you need do is supply a signal that goes to ground when active. When enabled (and triggered), each alarm will call a macro to execute.

  • Page 45: Updating The Firmware

    Updating The Firmware The RC-210 was designed with ease of firmware upgrades in mind. This allows it to be easily upgraded in the field as new firmware versions are released. All that is needed to upload updates to the RC210 is a computer running Windows© Win98/NT/XP/2000 and a serial cable (and adapter).
  • Page 46 Running Updater For The First Time The first time you run Updater, you need to select which comport on your computer you wish to use. Simply make your selection from the drop down menu. After you select this, Updater will remember which port you selected.
  • Page 47 Chose the path and filename where you unzipped the update file and click Open You are now ready to actually upload the update into your RC210. Make sure one end of your serial cable is plugged into the correct com port on your computer and the other end is plugged into the RC210's serial connect (via the adapter cable).
  • Page 48 You'll notice the Status Line will inform you of the current status. You should now remove power from your RC210 and reapply it to start the upload. Updater will now automatically start the upload. You can watch the progress of the upload in the Status Line...
  • Page 49 When the upload is complete, Updater will inform you and the the RC210 should start, running the update you just installed. Click OK, then Exit to close Updater. You are all done!

  • Page 50: Frequency Agile Radios Supported (Firmware Version 4.1)

    Yaesu - FT-817, FT-847, FT100D Icom - IC706MKIIg, IC-746 Doug Hall RBI-1 Remote Base Radio Interface Factory Default Programming Values When you first receive your RC-210, the following values are programmed as default: Port Specific Carrier/PL Access Carrier squelch All Ports Hang time Port 1 - 5 seconds.

  • Page 51: Ctcss Codes

    Appendix B CTCSS Codes Kenwood Yaesu (not a typo. There is no "02" Code) Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq 67.0 97.4 136.5 192.8 67.0 114.8 162.2 233.6 71.9 100.0 141.3 203.5 118.8 167.9 241.8 74.4 103.5 146.2 210.7 77.0 123.0...

  • Page 52: Default Factory Command Codes

    Appendix C Default Factory Command Codes These are the “Factory default” codes when the RC-210 is unlocked: 2160 Port 2 DTMF Disable 3300 Port 3 To Port 1 Off 15281 Port 1 Unlock 3160 Port 3 DTMF Disable 3301 Port 3 To Port 1 On...

  • Page 53: Programming Commands Quick Reference

    Programming Commands Quick Reference Code What It Programs What It Means *1000 Program Transmitter Hang Timer Programs the xmtr Hang Timer for the currently unlocked Port *1001 Program Time Out Time Programs the Timeout Timer for the currently unlocked Port *1002 Program Initial ID Period Programs the Initial ID Timer for the currently unlocked Port...

  • Page 54: Vocabulary List

    Vocabulary List ZERO ACTIVE FAILURE AFTERNOON FEBRUARY ALERT FEET THREE FREQUENCY FOUR AMATEUR FRIDAY FIVE AMPS FROM FULL SEVEN ANSWER EIGHT APRIL NINE ASSOCIATION GOOD ELEVEN AUGUST HELLO TWELVE AUTO HELP THIRTEEN AUTOMATIC HERTZ FOURTEEN AUXILARY HIGH FIFTEEN AVERAGE HOLD SIXTEEN A.M.
  • Page 55 WATTS WEATHER OPERATOR WEDNESDAY WELCOME OVER WEST PATCH YESTERDAY PERCENT ZULU PHONE S (makes plural) PLEASE SILENCE (pause) PLUS POINT DVR TRACK 1 PORT DVR TRACK 2 POWER DVR TRACK 3 PROGRAM DVR TRACK 4 P.M. DVR TRACK 5 RADIO DVR TRACK 6 READY DVR TRACK 7...

  • Page 57: Audio Spectrum Analyzer Software

    Arcom Communications has arranged with InterFlex Systems Design Corporation of California to make their software available to owners of any ARCOM product, either the RC110 or RC210. You can view some details about the program at http://www.interflex.com/arcom/...

  • Page 58: Arcom Communications No-Nonsense License Agreement For The Operating Firmware Of The Rc-210 Repeater Controller

    BY DOWNLOADING OR OTHERWISE USING THE FIRMWARE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT. Upon your acceptance of the terms and conditions of the License Agreement, Arcom Communications grants you the right to use the Firmware in the manner provided below.

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