Introduction; System Overview - Toro OSMAC User Manual

INTRODUCTION

System Overview

The OSMAC Base Station is a desktop system that provides paging and wireless two-way communications. The base
station is equipped with a 32-bit Intel processor and 4 megabytes of flash memory. With such specification, the OSMAC
Base Station is capable of handling all the wireless paging and communication needs of a small field or a large golf
course.
OSMAC Base Station Features:
• Stand-alone operation with built-in keypad and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
• Built-in RS-232 serial port for central control applications
• Built-in telephone interface for remote access
• Internal two-way radio for monitoring the channel and two-way voice communication
• POCSAG paging encoder at 512 baud
• 1000 satellite database
• Group paging
• 8 external alarm inputs for automatic generation of pre-programmed commands
• Command codes may be initiated from DTMF equipped two-way radios
• Built-in speaker and microphone with provisions for external connections
The OSMAC Base Station is the command center for the E-OSMAC and current OSMAC Control Systems. Whether the
satellite commands are initiated automatically by the central computer or manually keyed by the user, all irrigation controls
are transmitted from the base station to the irrigation satellite by wireless paging system.
The OSMAC Base Station operates in one of two basic modes: Page Mode and Program Mode. The Page Mode is used
to send command codes to a selected satellite controller or group of satellites. The base station can also be used with a
two-way radio to communicate and send satellite commands. The Program Mode is used to program each individual
satellite information, group information, automatic paging information and some system-level features. Under normal cir-
cumstances, the system will be properly configured by the Toro distributor or field service representative during installa-
tion. Therefore, the user should not need to use the Program Mode.
Although the user can enter command codes using the built-in keypad, satellite commands can also be generated in a
variety of other ways. Satellite commands can be initiated from a computer using the base station's built-in RS-232 serial
port located at the rear of the unit. A two-way radio with a DTMF keypad can also be used to transmit commands to
satellites. Another way to send satellite commands is to use a touch-tone phone which is connected to the built-in tele-
phone interface. In addition, the base station can be configured to automatically generate command codes based upon
an electrical input from special an ALARMS port. The OSMAC Base Station is clearly one of the most versatile wireless
controllers on the market.
Note: Although the OSMAC Base Station is a functional replacement for the Motorola "People Finder," it can not be used
as a direct substitute for the "People Finder." The "People Finder" communicates in a language called "GOLAY", which is
proprietary to Motorola. The new base station communicates in a similar language called "POCSAG", but it is not recog-
nized by current RDR-type field satellites. To utilize the new OSMAC Base Station with satellites from the old wide band
system, a new narrow band retrofit card and EPROM are required to be installed in each field satellite.
The OSMAC Base Station can be ordered in two receiving modes for hand-held communication. For current RDR sites
using Motorola GM-300 hand-held radios, wideband radio receiving can be ordered. For sites that are using Motorola
P1225 hand-held radios, narrow band receiving is recommended. Both base station models transmit commands to satel-
lite controllers in narrow band to comply with the FCC regulations governing low-power users of the UHF band-width. If
you are uncertain about the type of base station needed, please contact your local Toro distributor or direct factory Field
Service Manager.
Caution: The FCC states that licensure of frequencies used by the base station and hand-held radios are the
responsibility of end-user. Unlicensed sites are subject to fines and prosecution under federal law.
2
RELEASED Version ©Toro 2005-2005