Link Communications RLC-1 Manual

Link Communications RLC-1 Manual

Repeater link controller
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Repeater Link Controller 1
Copyright Link Communications 1993
Link Communications, Inc.
P.O. Box 1071
Sidney, MT 59270
(406) 482-7515
Version 1.01 06/25/1993
Copyright 1993 Link Communications
All Rights Reserved

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  • Page 1 Repeater Link Controller 1 Copyright Link Communications 1993 Link Communications, Inc. P.O. Box 1071 Sidney, MT 59270 (406) 482-7515 Version 1.01 06/25/1993 Copyright 1993 Link Communications All Rights Reserved...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Connecting Your Transmitters to the RLC-1 ........
  • Page 3 In Depth Command Description: C000..C002 Link Port RX / TX Control on Main Port ........24 In Depth Command Description: C003 and C004 Main and Link Port Loop-Back Enable/Disable .
  • Page 4 Initializing and Resetting the RLC-1 ........
  • Page 5: Introduction

    This will save you a lot of confusion and frustration, as it should answer most of your questions. The RLC-1 repeater controller consists of one repeater port, one linking port, four analog voltage inputs, four logical (dry contact) inputs, and five MOSFET output drivers. The repeater and linking ports can be configured to require combinations of COR and PL inputs for access.
  • Page 6: Limited Warranty

    Contact Link Communications for more information. What Link Communications will not cover: 1. Too much voltage to the controller. The RLC-1 operates at +11V to +15V, negative ground. 2. Damage to the controller by lightning, accident, or incorrect power hook-up.
  • Page 7: User Survey

    A knowledge of the user base will allow us to better serve you in the future by helping us develop more specialized software and hardware. Please take a few minutes and fill out this questionnaire. RLC-1 Serial Number ....________________ RLC-1 Purchase Date ....________________...
  • Page 8: Setup And Interfacing

    The numbered steps cover the basics, through connecting your radios and adjusting the RLC-1. After that there is information concerning the other input and output features of the RLC-1: the serial interface, the logical output and input lines, and the analog input lines.
  • Page 9: Connecting Your Receivers To The Rlc-1

    4 volts, or open), or an Active low COR (Goes from a voltage greater than 4 volts, to a ground, or goes from an open to a ground). The input impedance of the RLC-1 COR input is 10KS and it is diode clamped with internal pull-up resistors. This allows it to handle input voltages of up to 40 volts without damage to the controller.
  • Page 10: Connecting Your Transmitters To The Rlc-1

    Step #5: Connecting Your Transmitters to the RLC-1 Transmitter PTT: - The RLC-1 produces an active low PTT signal (ground when PTT is active). This output is buffered with an open drain type driver capable of sinking 150mA. There is a built in 30V zener clamping diode to protect the PTT MOSFET from the high voltage spikes that can be caused by interfacing to a PTT relay coil.
  • Page 11: Adjusting The Rlc-1 Controller

    Locate connector J10 on the RLC-1 (it is above the 2 voltage regulators). This test bus will provide the signals that we need to adjust the inputs on the RLC-1. In order to maintain audio deviation during channel switching, all of the receiver inputs must be set to the same level. These signals can be measured with an oscilloscope or an AC voltmeter.
  • Page 12: Serial Port Interfacing

    Serial Port Interfacing The RLC-1 has a serial terminal port for interfacing to any serial device, i.e. packet and serial terminal. This allows the user to monitor, control, and program all facets of the controller. The serial terminal carries highest priority for access and programming of the RLC-1. There is an 8 digit password needed to log on to the serial port of the controller, ensuring the security of the system.
  • Page 13: Operation And Programming Over The Serial Port

    The RLC-1's serial port gives the controller the ability to communicate with the world over a digital radio link. The RLC-1 has a security key of 10 characters that must be entered properly in order to have the RLC-1 communicate with your computer terminal. The syntax of...
  • Page 14: Serial Commands Entry Format

    3 - Actual Dump of programmed Value 4 - Actual Dump of programmed Value S02 - Dump of Selected Macro Position Example: Two output lines turned on with one command Macro 1: C017 Plus 01:01 C017 Plus 02:00 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 15 <---> Indicates Communication both Directions S05 - Serial System Log OFF This command logs the serial server off the RLC-1 Controller. The Serial Port Log-Off Message will appear when you Log-Off. If you do not Log-Off, the RLC-1 will automatically Log-Off after 1 Minute of Non-Activity.
  • Page 16: Logical Latched Output Lines

    Logical Latched Output Lines The RLC-1 offers 5 logical control lines for site control. These 5 latched control lines are power MOSFETs in "open drain" configuration. Because the output lines are open drain, the user will not measure any voltage on the output lines, only an open or a ground. In order to check the condition of the control lines, a meter set to resistance will be needed.
  • Page 17: Logical Input Line

    Logical Input Line The RLC-1 offers the user 4 logical input lines. These lines recognize an open/ground input change. These lines are internally pulled up to +5 Volts and zener diode clamped to 5 Volts. This allows direct interface to higher voltage inputs that do not exceed +40 Volts. The application to site users is great: door open/closed magnetic contacts (See Figure #3a), local site controlled switches, and site power monitoring relays (See Figure #3b).
  • Page 18: Analog Input Telemetry Lines

    3 - Celsius Temperature † 4 - Fahrenheit Temperature † It is important not to apply over 10 volts to the RLC-1 analog inputs*. If this voltage level is exceeded, damage to the analog opamp will occur. Pin-Out Analog Inputs P5 Connector...
  • Page 19: Other Analog Input Examples

    Other Analog Input Examples Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 20: Programming And Commands

    Command C039. Programming Messages Link, and ID messages in the RLC-1 can be changed to a message more specific to your controller. This is done with command C036, "Message Program Utility." These messages are composed of CW characters, the codes for which are found in the CW Table (Appendix A).
  • Page 21: Receiver Access Commands

    - Programs Main and Link Port Time-Out Timers: -- COMMAND C011* ## $$ (in 1 Minute Steps) - Programs Main and Link Port ID Timer (When Port is in Loop Back) -- COMMAND C013* ## $$ (in 1 Minute Steps) Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 22: Command Name And Enter Key Name Change

    Command Name and Enter Key Name Change: - Changes the Current Command Name to a New Command Name -- COMMAND C038*#### $$$$ (#-Old, $-New) - Changes the Current <EOF> Digit to a New Name -- COMMAND C039*# (*-Old, #-New) Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 23: Analog Lines Reading

    - Programs Analog Input #4 Offset Value -- COMMAND C023*4 $$ ($$-00..19 Offset Value, 10=No Offset) Keypad Test: - Allows the User to Key in up to 20 DTMF Pad Tones -- COMMAND C041* ###...### (DTMF Keys) Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 24: Input Lines Reading

    -- COMMAND C018*2 ('H' if High, 'L' if Low) Input Line #3: - Read Input Line #3 -- COMMAND C018*3 ('H' if High, 'L' if Low) Input Line #4: - Read Input Line #4 -- COMMAND C018*4 ('H' if High, 'L' if Low) Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 25: Output Lines Control, And Reading

    - Output Line #4 Interrogate -- COMMAND C017*4 - Output Line #5 'ON' (LOW) -- COMMAND C017*5 1 - Output Line #5 'OFF' (OPEN) -- COMMAND C017*5 0 - Output Line #5 Interrogate -- COMMAND C017*5 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 26: Macros

    Macros 1 .. 7 are 30 Keystroke Sequences (See Command C032 for more Information) DTMF Tone Muting Mutes DTMF Transmitters: - Toggles Mute Function for Main and Link Port Transmitters -- COMMAND C009* # $ (#-1/0 Main, $-1/0 Link) Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 27: Command Listing (By Name)

    Send Port ID (Port Dependent) C036 Program CW Message Utility C037 Recall CW Message Utility C038 Command Name Change Utility C039 <EOF> Key Rename Utility C040 Interrogate Main and Link System C041 DTMF Keypad Test C042 RLC-1 Remote Reset Utility Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 28: In Depth Command Description: C000

    The CW responses can be changed with Command C036. Description Command CW Response Link RX & TX C000* LINK ON RX Only CO01* LINK M O N CO02* LINK OFF Parameters: None Defaults: - Link Port Off of Main Port No Error Messages: Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 29: In Depth Command Description: C003 And C004

    Main transmitter is disconnected. When the Link port is converted to a repeater port, the COR-PTT loop-back from the Link receiver to the Link transmitter is connected. Both ports on the RLC-1 can be converted to links or repeaters, or any combination between the two systems. Description...
  • Page 30: Main And Link Access Mode

    The RLC-1 offers the user the ability to select from three modes. These conditions are based on the state of the COR and PL (CTCSS) inputs. The RLC-1 will accept either an Active High COR (COR goes from ground, or 0 Volts to a point above 4 Volts), or an Active Low COR (COR goes from a voltage above 4 Volts, to ground, or 0 Volts).
  • Page 31: In Depth Command Description: C007 And C008

    Set Main and Link Courtesy Beep Type The RLC-1 offers the user the ability to program a specialized courtesy beep for the link. The link beep will go out the main port when the link is enabled (C000 and C001) and the main port is in loop-back mode (C003*1).
  • Page 32: In Depth Command Description: C009

    The RLC-1 has the ability to mute the audio when DTMF digits are being entered. When muting is enabled, the RLC-1 will begin muting as soon as a valid DTMF digit is detected (a short "bleep" is inevitable) and continue muting as long as at least one digit is entered each second. This allows multiple tones to be muted without each one causing a "bleep."...
  • Page 33: In Depth Command Description: C010

    Defaults: - Both Hang Timers: 2.00 Seconds Error Message: If the format is not correct, the RLC-1 will send an "E" error code. ER1 - Too Few or too Many Digits Entered ER2 - Entered Number is too Large Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 34: In Depth Command Description: C011

    After a specified time of being continuously active, the RLC-1 will disable the port's PTT circuit, turning the transmitter off. Using this feature is only needed with full duplex links and is rarely used. When using the port as a repeater port the user should conform to FCC regulations concerning timing for "automated control"...
  • Page 35: In Depth Command Description: C012

    - 1.0 Second Courtesy Timer - The value entered must not be 00 Error Messages: If the format is not correct, the RLC-1 will send a "E" error code. ER1 - Too Many Digits Entered ER2 - Number larger that 99...
  • Page 36: In Depth Command Description: C013

    - 10 Minute ID Timer - The value entered must not be 00 Error Messages: If the format is not correct, the RLC-1 will send a "E" error code. ER1 - Too Many Digits Entered ER2 - Number larger that 99...
  • Page 37: In Depth Command Description: C014 And C015

    This command allows the user to vary each port's CW frequency. This frequency is seperate for each port because the RLC-1 has seperate tone generators for each port. The frequency will not effect courtesy beep frequency, but will effect the CW ID's, CW BEEP RSP response, and ERROR messages.
  • Page 38: In Depth Command Description: C016

    15 WPM 20 WPM 25 WPM Defaults: - 20 WPM Error Message: If the format is not correct, the RLC-1 will send a "E" error code. ER1 - Not a Valid CW Speed Code 1..6 Only Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 39: In Depth Command Description: C017

    (will sink current) and off means that the output is in a high impedance state and will not sink any current. Interrogation is accomplished by entering only the line requested. The RLC-1 will return either a 'F' if the line is off, or 'N' if the line is on. Description...
  • Page 40: In Depth Command Description: C018

    This commands allow the user to interrogate Logical Input Lines 1..4. When executed, the RLC-1 will check the status of the selected line and respond with the selected line's "H" if the line is High or Open, or "L" if the line is Low or Grounded.
  • Page 41: In Depth Command Description: C019

    C020* ##.# V Faceplate 2 C021* ### C Faceplate 3 C022* ### F Faceplate 4 Parameters: None Default: - All Voltage Faceplates: 0.00V Faceplate #1 - All Offsets set to '10', No Offset No Error Messages: Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 42: In Depth Command Description: C023

    This command allows for offset adjustment of the analog lines. This command is used to calibrate the information read in by the RLC-1. If a known voltage or current is not read correctly by the RLC-1 (is off by a few degrees or volts), that input can be calibrated by changing the offset associated with that analog line.
  • Page 43: In Depth Command Description: C024

    In Depth Command Description: C024 Select Analog Input Scale The RLC-1 has the ability to interpret the readings from the Analog Input Lines on several different scales with a variety of resolutions and ranges. This command allows the user to select which of several preprogrammed scales is attached to each of the analog input lines.
  • Page 44: In Depth Command Description: C025-C031

    Command CW Response Macro Recall C025* - C031* CW BEEP RSP See Serial Command S02 for Macro Sequence Recall See Command C032 for Macro Sequence Program See Appendix #D for Macro Recording Sheets No Error Messages: Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 45: In Depth Command Description: C032

    2) There are no <EOF> keys used within the Macro 3) Commands are entered with the additional data in each group 4) Command sequences are sepearted by the DTMF Digit 'A' 5) The CW Response "CW BEEP RSP" indicates Macro Sequence stored Macro #1 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 46 - Finally an 'A' if more commands are to follow, otherwise an <EOF> to end the sequence. Error Messages: If the format is not correct, the RLC-1 will send a "E" error code. ER1 - Too Many Digits Entered ER2 - No Such Macro Position...
  • Page 47: In Depth Command Description: C033

    Output #5 ..Clock to RBI-1 When using the RBI-1 features, the RLC-1 will change the way these lines are set. All data must be entered correctly in order to control the RBI-1. The RLC-1 will respond only after data has been shifted out correctly.
  • Page 48 - 0 PL Encoder Disabled - 1 PL Encoder Enabled Once all the variables are entered, the RLC-1 will send them to the RBI-1 using Out#4, and Out #5. When programming in the parameters, the RLC-1 will send s BEEP response.
  • Page 49 #3. To remotely reset the RBI-1, using either a macro, or individual keystrokes, turn output line #3 on, and then off. This will cause a reset of the interface. If you still can not control it, contact Link Communications. No Error Messages:...
  • Page 50: Doug Hall Rbi-1 Information

    Mobile you can control Frequency,CTCSS encode On/Off, RF power level, Offset, Power On/Off, and Band. This is all still accomplished thru the microphone jack. The RLC-1 Format supports the following functions: Full frequency control, 4 ports/radios, and 4 bands. Transmitter power HI/MED/LOW CTCSS Frequency select, Encode on/off, Decode on/off.
  • Page 51 8 outputs, ground active, Sink 500mA each, 1A maximum total. Power Requirements: +10 to +14 Vdc @ 23mA. Size: 1.5" X 5.1" X 5.5" Copyright (c) 1991 Doug Hall Electronics. All Rights reserved Specifications subject to change without notice. Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 52 6 Kenwood RX Audio (R Pot) 5 RLC-1 Link Connector Port 7 COS from Kenwood RX 7 RLC-1 COR Input (Must be Inverted to Active Low) 8 PTT to Kenwood TX 3 RLC-1 PTT Output Link Connector Port 9 Ground 1 RLC-1 Ground Connection Audio receive level from the Kenwood to the Controller is controlled by VR2 (R).
  • Page 53 SUPPORT CROSS REFERENCE CTCSS CTCSS CTCSS MULTI RF PWR FUNCTION ENCODE SELECT DECODE BAND POWER GENERIC KENWOOD TM-X21 TM-X31 TM-X41 TM-621/721 TM-631/731 TM-701 Copyright (c) 1991 Doug Hall Electronics. All Rights reserved Specifications subject to change without notice. Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 54: In Depth Command Description: C034

    This command allows the user to clear Input #4 High-Low and Low-High command names. These commands are called when Input #4 goes from one state to another. The RLC-1 will recognize the change once every 30 Seconds. This time will filter out contact bounce.
  • Page 55: In Depth Command Description: C035

    This command allows recall of the calling port's "ID" message. This lets the user recall the ID that is programmed to the port. Operation of this command is similar to the Message recall command (C037*1 or C037*2). The RLC-1 looks where the DTMF tones came from and then routes the appropriate message to the port.
  • Page 56: In Depth Command Description: C036

    In Depth Command Description: C036 Message Program Utility This command allows programming of the many messages on the RLC-1. Messages 1..6 are be CW (Morse Code), 7..8 execute the specified command. Refer C037 for the message numbers and maximum lengths.
  • Page 57: In Depth Command Description: C037

    Input #4 High-Low Command 1 Four Digit Command Input #4 Low-High Message 1 Four Digit Command Error Messages: If the format is not correct, the RLC-1 will send a "E" error code. ER1 - No Such Message Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 58: In Depth Command Description: C038

    C038 * C000 0150 * CW Response: CW BEEP RSP Error Messages: If the format is not correct, the RLC-1 will send a "E" error code. ER1 - Too Many Digits Entered ER2 - Number too Large Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 59: In Depth Command Description: C039

    (except when programming a macro). Second, it can be used to tell the RLC-1 to execute a command that has been entered into the controller, as an alternative to letting the COR drop. The <EOF> key can not be used in any command names.
  • Page 60: In Depth Command Description: C040

    In Depth Command Description: C040 Interrogate Main and Link Systems This command allows the user to check the configuration of the "other port". When using this command, the RLC-1 will indicate what the port communication condition is in. Description Command...
  • Page 61: In Depth Command Description: C041

    DTMF Tone Test C041*$$$$..$$$$* Keys Entered Parameters: $ is any key on the DTMF Tone Pad Error Message: If the format is not correct, the RLC-1 will send a "E" error code. ER1 - Too Many Digits Entered Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 62: In Depth Command Description: C042

    In Depth Command Description: C042 Remote Controller Reset This command allows the user to remotely reset the RLC-1 Controller. This command acts like pushing the external reset switch or turning the power off and back on. It will not erase any of the messages you have programmed, etc.
  • Page 63: Cw (Morse Code) Table

    Appendix A - CW (Morse Code) Table SPACE PAUSE See Commands C036, and C037 for more information on message programming, and C014, C015 and C016 for CW frequency and speed. Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 64: Tone Look-Up Table

    Appendix B - Tone Look-Up Table The frequency of the RLC-1 tone generator can be determined by applying the following formula or the table. Counts = 1,000,000 ) -1 Frequency Tone Table, (100Hz to 2900Hz in 5Hz Steps) FREQ COUNTS...
  • Page 65 FREQ COUNTS FREQ COUNTS FREQ COUNTS FREQ COUNTS 1135 1135 1390 1645 1128 1140 1395 1650 1122 1145 1400 1655 1116 1150 1405 1660 1110 1155 1410 1665 1103 1160 1415 1670 1097 1165 1420 1675 1091 1170 1425 1680 1085 1175 1430...
  • Page 66 FREQ COUNTS FREQ COUNTS FREQ COUNTS FREQ COUNTS 1900 2155 2410 2665 1905 2160 2415 2670 1910 2165 2420 2675 1915 2170 2425 2680 1920 2175 2430 2685 1925 2180 2435 2690 1930 2185 2440 2695 1935 2190 2445 2700 1940 2195 2450...
  • Page 67: Command Name Change Chart

    C007 C008 C009 C010 C011 C012 C013 C014 C015 C016 C017 C018 C019 C020 C021 C022 C023 C024 C025 C026 C027 C028 C029 C030 C031 C032 C033 C034 C035 C036 C037 C038 C039 C040 C041 C042 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 68: Macro Recording Sheets

    Appendix D - Macro Recording Sheets Macro #1 Macro #2 Macro #3 Macro #4 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 69 Appendix D - Macro Recording Sheets Macro #5 Macro #6 Macro #7 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 70: Additional Macro Recording Sheets

    Appendix D - Additional Macro Recording Sheets Macro #1 Macro #2 Macro #3 Macro #4 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 71 Appendix D - Additional Macro Recording Sheets Macro #5 Macro #6 Macro #7 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 72: Initializing And Resetting The Rlc-1

    Appendix E - Initializing and Resetting the RLC-1 When the RLC-1 powers up or the reset button is pressed, a warm reset is processed. This reset will load the most recently programmed variables into the controller. The variables are stored in the nonvolatile EEPROM cell located inside the microprocessor.
  • Page 73: Troubleshooting

    - You should use a straight-through (not null-modem) cable in most cases. DTMF Valid LED flashes, but nothing happens - Is there a valid COR present? - Is the transmitter hooked up? - Is the RLC-1 in the Proper Access Mode (COR or COR and PL)? Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 74: Glossary

    It is also used to separate command names from the parameters. Kerchunk - Quickly keying up and unkeying a receiver. Macro - The RLC-1 supports macros that consist of a string of commands that can be repeated by executing the macro command.
  • Page 75: Schematic Diagrams

    Schematic Diagrams: Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 76 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 77 Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 78: Board Layout

    Board Layout Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 79: Bill Of Materials

    Bill of Materials Link Communications RLC-1 Revision: A Item Quantity Reference Part ___________________________________________________________ C1,C2,C3,C5,C6,C7,C15,C16,C26,C27,C28 0.01uF C29,C30,C31,C32,C33,C34,C35 C4,C8,C9,C10,C11,C12,C17 0.1uF C13,C14 4.7uF C19,C18 33pF C21,C20 22pF C24,C22 10uF 100uF D3,D4,D5,D6,D15,D16,D17,D18 1N750A D8,D9,D10,D11,D12,D13,D14 1N4754 1N4000 LED Red J1,J2,J4,J5,J6,J7,J8,J9 Header 2 Pin J1,J2,J4,J5,J6,J7,J8,J9 Jumper 2 Pin 2.50 mm Power...
  • Page 80 Bill of Materials Cont...Link Communications RLC-1 Revision: A Item Quantity Reference Part ___________________________________________________________ DB25 RA/F Q1,Q2,Q3,Q4,Q5,Q6,Q7,Q9 2N7000 LM7805T LM317T 22K DIP Res. R21,R22,R27,R28 47K,.25W,1% R39,R43 47K SIP Res. 10K DIP Res. R23,R31,R61 10K,.25W,1% R11,R15,R19,R25 200K Variable R12,R13,R16,R17,R33,R34 5.1K,.25W,1% R14,R18,R20,R26,R35,R36,R37,R38,R44 1K,.25W,1%...
  • Page 81 Bill of Materials Cont...Link Communications RLC-1 Revision: A Item Quantity Reference Part ___________________________________________________________ R50,R51,R52,R53 2.5K,.25W,1% 15K,.25W,1% S1,S2 Key Switch U1,U3 Nat. LMC660 Moto CD4066 U4, 8 Pin Socket Dallas DS1275 U6, 8 Pin Socket Dallas DS1232 U7, 52 Pin Socket...
  • Page 82: Condor Software Differences

    DTMF mute function will be disabled only on the link port, for that sequence of tones. When a COR drop occurs, the mute function will be re-enabled. 7) Doug Hall RBI-1 support is disabled when using the Condor Software. Copyright 1993 Link Communications...
  • Page 83: In Depth Command Description: C033

    CW BEEP RSP Parameters: ## is the New Pre-Access Name Default: Error Messages: If the format is not correct, the RLC-1 will send a "E" error code. ER1 - Too many or too few Digits Entered Copyright 1993 Link Communications...

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