TriCom TCR-U/L-25 User manual
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
TCR-U/L-25 - UHF/L-BAND
RF AMPLIFIER
DOCUMENT # 90400-01178
Tricom Research, Inc. http://www.tricomresearch.com
17791 Sky Park Circle, Suite J, Irvine, CA 92614
Ph: (949) 250-6024 fax: (949) 250-6023
TCR-U/L-25 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
i
Revision History - Document 90400-01178
Revision Description Date
P1 Preliminar
y
Release 18 Oct 2013
P2 Updated size and power output specifications, updated
outline fi
g
ures and drawin
g
s
18 Jun 2014
P3 Updatin
g
for automatic mode detection 10 Nov 2014
P4 Reformatted Fi
g
ures 3-1 and 3-6 11 Dec 2014
A Updated for current production Release 6 Mar 2015
B Reconcile with data sheets 2 Apr 2018
TCR-U/L-25 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Information .......................................................................................1
1.2 Abbreviations and Glossary ...........................................................................2
1.3 Equipment Description ..................................................................................3-6
1.4 Features ..........................................................................................................6
1.5 TCR-U/L-25 System ......................................................................................6
1.5.1 Amplifier Components...................................................................................6
1.5.2 Power Cable ...................................................................................................7
1.6 Specifications .................................................................................................7-8
2.0 OPERATION
2.1 General Information .......................................................................................9
2.2 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors .............................................................9-10
2.3 Operation........................................................................................................11
2.3.1 General Information .......................................................................................11
2.3.2 Equipment Set-up...........................................................................................11
2.3.3 Operating Procedures .....................................................................................11
2.3.3.1 Push Button Switch Operation .......................................................................11-12
2.3.3.2 LNA Operation Precautions ...........................................................................12
2.3.3.3 Remote Control Operation .............................................................................12
2.3.3.4 Out of Band Operation ...................................................................................12
2.3.3.5 Bypass Operation ...........................................................................................12
2.3.3.6 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................12
3.0 INSTALLATION
3.1 General Information .......................................................................................14
3.2 Preparation for Use ........................................................................................14
3.3 Mounting Provisions ......................................................................................14
3.4 DC Input Power .............................................................................................15
3.5 RF Interconnections .......................................................................................15
3.6 Remote Control Interface ...............................................................................19
3.7 Remote Control Command Set ......................................................................21
TCR-U/L-25 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
iii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Nominal Performance Specifications ......................................................7
Table 1-2 Interconnect Characteristics .....................................................................8
Table 2-1 Mode Indicators .......................................................................................10
Table 2-2 Front Panel Controls ................................................................................10
Table 2-3 I/O Connectors .........................................................................................10
Table 2-4 Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................11
Table 3-1 DC Input Power Connector Pinout ..........................................................17
Table 3-2 Auxiliary Connector Pinout .....................................................................19
Table 3-3 Remote Control Command Set ................................................................21
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 TCR-U/L-25 .............................................................................................1
Figure 2-1 Amplifier Controls & Indicators ..............................................................9
Figure 2-2 Amplifier Connections .............................................................................9
Figure 3-1 TCR-U/L-25 Outline Drawing (1 of 2) ....................................................15
Figure 3-2 TCR-U/L-25 Outline Drawing (2 of 2) ....................................................16
Figure 3-3 Amplifier DC Input Connector ................................................................17
Figure 3-4 Military Vehicle DC Power Cable ...........................................................18
Figure 3-5 Auxiliary Connector Pinout .....................................................................19
Figure 3-6 USB Remote Control Cable .....................................................................20
Figure 3-7 RS-232 Remote Control Cable ................................................................20
Appendix A MS Windows Serial Comm Port Reassignment ......................................22
Note: The information contained herein is for reference only and does not constitute a warranty
of performance.
1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
This manual provides operating instructions for the TCR-U/L-25 Multiband Amplifiers
shown in Figure 1-1. The TCR-U/L-25 amplifier is designed to provide transmit and
receive gain for the following modes of operation:
SRW and ANW2 Wideband Networking Waveforms in the 225-450 MHz band
(UHF band)
SRW and ANW2 Wideband Networking Waveforms in the 1250-1390 MHz band
(L1 band)
SRW and ANW2 Wideband Networking Waveforms in the 1750-1850 MHz band
(L2 band)
L3 is for future use and consideration
Part number: 11000-00794
Figure 1-1 TCR-U/L-25
2
1.2 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY
AGC Automatic gain control
ALC Automatic level control
AM Amplitude modulation
ANT Antenna
ANW2 Advanced Networking Wideband Waveform
BPS Bits per second
CT Cipher text
CW Continuous wave
COMSEC Communications security
dB Decibel
dBm Decibel referenced to 1 milliwatt (0 dBm = 1 mW)
FM Frequency modulation
Hz Hertz
IW Integrated Waveform
JITC Joint Interoperability Test Center (DISA)
kHz Kilohertz
LED Light emitting diode
LNA Low Noise Amplifier
LOS Line of sight
MHz Megahertz
mW Milliwatt
PT Plain text
PTT Push to Talk
RCV Receive
SATCOM Satellite Communications
SF Single Frequency
SRW Soldier Radio Waveform
UHF Ultra-high frequency
VDC Volts, direct current
VSWR Voltage standing wave ratio
W Watt
WB Wideband
XMT Transmit
3
1.3 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
The TCR-U/L-25 is a bi-directional half duplex RF Power Amplifier that uses the same form
factor as the TCR-MBA-50 WB. It provides transmit amplification for 225-450 MHz, 1250-
1390 MHz and 1750-1850 MHz for ANW2 and SRW Wideband Networking operation. A low
noise amplifier provides receive gain for all three bands. The TCR-U/L-25 is suitable for
vehicular, airborne, man-portable or fixed-station applications and is compatible with most
military radios operating in the UHF and L-Band frequency spectrum for Wideband Networking
operation. The amplifier can be controlled locally via the front panel switches or from USB and
RS-232 interfaces for remote control operation. The amplifier is also set up for automatic
frequency and mode detection (user interface with front panel buttons is not necessary but is
available). The amplifier has a DC input connection; a radio RF input port and two mode specific
antenna ports. The UHF mode port is for operation from 225-450MHz. The L-BND mode port
is band limited to 1250-1390 MHz and 1750-1850 MHz.
1.3.1 USER SET MODES.
The following modes are available to the user via the front panel push buttons or with the remote
interface (and through Tx automatic mode detection):
UHF MODE BUTTON
225-450 MHz ANW2/SRW WB (Wideband Networking Waveforms) LNA ON
LNA is always on in this system and mode
L-BND MODE BUTTON
L1 ANW2/SRW WB (Wideband Networking Waveforms) LNA ON
L2 ANW2/SRW WB (Wideband Networking Waveforms) LNA ON
L3 Not used
LNA is always on in this system and in these modes
The mode button selection determines which output antenna port is active. If the UHF button is
pressed while the amplifier is in an L-band mode, the amplifier will return to the last used UHF
mode. The next UHF button press will sequence to the next available UHF mode. The same is
true for the L-BND button when pressed while in UHF mode. This way, the user may toggle
between set UHF and L-band modes by alternately pressing the two mode control buttons,
without having to cycle through the entire menu structure. Also, the amplifier is set up to
automatically detect what Tx mode it should be in when it receives an RF signal. If no buttons
are pressed, the amplifier will detect the proper mode to transmit in, and then remain in that
mode until either a button is pressed, or a frequency in a different mode is transmitted.
1.3.2 TRANSMIT POWER LEVELS.
The PA has only one output power level of 25 Watts average.
4
1.3.3 POWER ON, INITITALIZATION AND MODE CHANGES.
A single pushbutton switch provides power ON/OFF control and LED intensity control. Holding
the button down longer than 2 seconds will dim the LEDs in 4 steps at 1 second intervals before
the PA shuts down; releasing the PWR button before the PA shuts down will set the LED
intensity at one of 4 levels (high, medium, medium low, low). The UHF and L-BND mode
buttons will cycle through the operational modes described in Section 1.3.1. Non-volatile
memory will remember the last operational state and the PA will return to that state when power
is restored. See Section 1.3.1 for automatic mode detection as well.
If PIN E (auto-start) on the DC input power connector is unconnected (open) and the DC supply
is disconnected and re-connected the PA will remain in the OFF state until the PWR button is
used to turn the PA back on. After turning on, the PA will return to the last operating mode. If
power is shut off using the PWR button and the DC supply is then disconnected and
re-connected, the PA will likewise remain in the OFF state.
If PIN E on the DC input power connector is tied to Electrical GROUND (auto start
configuration) and the DC power is disconnected and re-connected, the amplifier will
automatically power ON into the last operational mode. This feature is useful in installations
where the front panel is not accessible and DC power is controlled remotely.
1.3.4 MODE OF OPERATION INDICATORS.
There are ten front panel LED's used to indicate the different modes of operation and power
amplifier operational status. Table 2-1 describes the LED indicators for the different modes of
operation.
1.3.4.1 UHF MODE INDICATOR (UHF).
The UHF LED will illuminate whenever UHF mode is selected (UHF LNA ON).
1.3.4.2 LOW NOISE AMPLIFIER MODE INDICATOR (LNA).
The LNA LED will illuminate at all times. The LNA is always on when the amp is in receive
mode. There is no LNA bypass in this system.
1.3.4.3 L-band 1 MODE INDICATOR (L1).
The L1 LED will illuminate whenever L1 mode is selected (L1 LNA ON).
5
1.3.4.4 L-band 2 MODE INDICATOR (L2).
The L2 LED will illuminate whenever L2 mode is selected (L2 LNA ON).
1.3.4.5 L-band 3 MODE INDICATOR (L3).
The L3 LED is not functional as of the writing of this manual and is reserved for future
enhancements to the PA.
1.3.4.6 SP1 INDICATOR (SP1).
The SP1 LED is not functional as of the writing of this manual and is reserved for future
enhancements to the PA.
1.3.4.7 OVER TEMPERATURE INDICATOR (TMP).
The TMP LED indicates an over temperature condition.
1.3.4.8 TX STATUS INDICATOR (TX).
The TX LED will illuminate during a good transmit condition. Depending on the duty cycle of
some data transmission waveforms such as ANW2 and SRW, the TX LED may flicker. This is
due to the fast switching time between transmit and receive and DOES NOT indicate a system
malfunction.
1.3.4.9 FAULT STATUS INDICATORS (FLT).
The FLT LED will illuminate to indicate a fault condition, such as attempting to transmit at a
frequency that is not valid in the selected mode or over temperature conditions.
1.3.4.10 REMOTE OPERATION STATUS INDICATOR (RMT).
The REMOTE LED will illuminate when the PA has received a REMOTE ON command from
an external terminal and will stay on until the REMOTE OFF command has been received.
Note that the front panel UHF and L-BND buttons are ignored during remote operation. (Page 12
and section 3 offer additional information on remote operation)
1.3.5 REMOTE CONTROL INTERFACE.
USB (+5, GND, D+ and D-) and RS-232 interfaces (GND, TXD and RXD only) will provide
remote control of the amplifier’s modes of operation and power levels. When a terminal has
been connected to the remote interface and the proper escape sequence has been sent by the
terminal (refer to sections 3.5 and 3.6 for remote control operation) the PA will start
communications with the terminal and will illuminate the RMT LED on the front panel. At this
point the TCR-U/L-25 front panel buttons will become inactive, except to power the amplifier
6
off. The PA will NOT detect the removal of the remote interface connection and will remain in
remote mode until the power is cycled OFF, if the remote control cable is unexpectedly removed.
1.4 FEATURES
The TCR-U/L-25 has the following features:
ANW2 and SRW Wideband Networking Waveforms compatible in the 225-450
MHz, 1250-1390 MHz and 1750-1850 MHz bands
Connections for UHF and L-band antennas
Pre-amplification of received RF signals from antennas connected to the UHF and L-
band ports
Power amplification of transmit signals to 25 Watts
Transmit and receive band filtering to suppress interference from
co-located radios and amplifiers in UHF and L-band modes
Amplifier front panel indication of system status
Automatic frequency/mode detection and selection of proper mode (UHF, L1, L2)
1.5 TCR-U/L-25 SYSTEM
The TCR-U/L-25 is pictured in Figure 1-1.
1.5.1 Amplifier Components
The Amplifier consists of several printed circuit board assemblies, a filtering and switching
network, and RF connectors housed in a water resistant aluminum housing. With normal care
and maintenance, the assembly is highly resistant to corrosion from the elements. The RF
connections to the RF radio input, UHF antenna and L-BND antenna are BNC female. Power to
the amplifier is applied via a cable connected to a six pin circular DC input connector.
Table of contents
Other TriCom Amplifier manuals
