EMS EkoMini Installation guide

Brand: EMS

Model: EkoMini

Type: Installation guide

Installation Guide

EkoMini

Repeater

2850 Colonnades Court

Norcross, GA 30071 U. S. A.

+1.770.582.0555

Fax: +1.770.729.0075

900-1100-017 Rev. A

1.0 Unpacking:

Remove the EkoMini

repeater and the external power supply from the box. If an

EkoMini repeater kit was purchased, donor and server antennas should have been

received in separate shipping containers.

2.0 Additional Parts Needed for Installation:

Since every installation is different, other parts may need to be provided by the

installer:

• Donor antenna, unless an EkoMini

kit was purchased.

• Server antenna(s), unless an EkoMini

kit was purchased.

• 50 ohm Coaxial power splitter, if more than one server antenna is

needed.

• 50 ohm ½” flexible coaxial cable, plenum rated if required by building

code.

• Type N male connectors (or DIN 7-16, depending on the antenna

connector option)

• Mounting hardware for the donor antenna

• Weatherproofing compound

• Other miscellaneous installation items

3.0 Pre-setting the Configuration Switches:

The EkoMini

is shown in Figure 1. It has a set of eight configuration “DIP” switches

located under a small removable panel. See Figure 2. For many installations, these

switches are set properly at the factory. However, they can be verified or changed

using this procedure:

• Remove the small switch panel with a Phillips head screwdriver.

• The switches are numbered 1 through 8, as shown in Figure 2

below. They can be turned “on” or “off” using a small screwdriver or

a bent paper clip. Note that each switch is “off” when it is pushed

“up” toward the repeater mounting flange.

• Position each of the eight switches as described below.

Figure 1: EkoMini

Repeater Illustration

Reset

Mounting Flange

OFF

Rerad Connector

Donor Connector

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Figure 2: EkoMini

Configuration Switches

3.1 Switches 1 and 2: Uplink Gain Offset

Pre-set these switches to “off”. After initial power on tests, these switches can be

adjusted if necessary. See Appendix A for full details.

Model

Number

Sticker

Configuration

Switch Removable

Panel

Reset

Button

DC Power

Connector

Signal

Level LEDs

Telephone

Connector

Donor

Antenna

Connector

Power "ON" Indictor

(Green)

Alarm Indicator (Red)

Re-Rad (Server) Antenna

Port (rear panel)

3.2 Switches 3 and 4: Bandpass Filter Position (800 MHz Models),

Band Selection (1900 MHz Models)

The function of these switches depends on the frequency band of operation. For

proper set-up, follow the guidelines in the chart below:

If Your Repeater Model is: Go to Section:

800 MHz Cellular A Band Series

(EkoMini 8-11-CA*-*)

3.2.1

800 MHz Cellular B Band Series

(EkoMini8-14CB*-*)

3.2.2

All other 800 MHz Models

(Cellular Full Band, SMR,

Public Safety Band, etc.)

Skip to Section 3.3

EkoMini 1.9 – 15: 1900 MHz 15

MHz

3.2.3

EkoMini 1.9 – 5: 1900 MHz 5

MHz

3.2.4

3.2.1 800 MHz Cellular A Band Series (EkoMini 8-11 CA*-*):

See Figure 3 below.

If the donor BTS

uses control

channels:

Switch 3 Position Switch 4 Position

In AMPS channel 317

– 333 region (Zone 1)

(879.500 – 880.000

MHz)

On On

Other area(s) of the A

Band spectrum

Off Off

Cellular Channel A (DL)

Cellular Channel B (DL)

Control Channel Zone 1:

879.500 - 880.000 MHz

AMPS Channel 317 - 333

Figure 3: Control Channels in Zone 1 (879.500 – 880.000 MHz)

3.2.2 800 MHz Cellular B Band Series (EkoMini 8-14 CB*-*):

See Figure 4 below.

If the donor BTS

uses control

channels:

Switch 3 Position Switch 4 Position

In AMPS channel 334

– 350 region (Zone 2)

(880.000 – 880.500

MHz)

On On

Other area(s) of the B

Band spectrum

Off Off

Cellular Channel A (DL)

Cellular Channel B (DL)

Control Channel Zone 2:

880.000 - 880.500 MHz

AMPS Channel 334 - 350

Figure 4: Control Channels in Zone 2 (880.000 – 880.500 MHz)

3.2.4 EkoMini 1.9 – 5: 1900 MHz 5 MHz Bandwidth (Bands D, E, or F)

Model:

To properly set the PCS band, see Table 3 below.

Band Selection Switch 3 Position Switch 4 Position

D On On

E On Off

F Off On

Error – Fault

indicated by the DC

LED indicator

flashing green.

Off Off

Table 3: Switches 3 and 4 set-up for PCS 5 MHz models

3.2.3 EkoMini 1.9

–

15: 1900 MHz

MHz Bandwidth (

nds A, B, or

C) Model:

To properly set the PCS band, see Table 2 below.

Band Selection Switch 3

Position

Switch 4 Position

A On On

B On Off

C Off On

Error – Fault indicated

by the DC LED indicator

flashing green.

Off Off

Table 2: Switches 3 and 4 set-up for PCS 15 MHz models

3.3 Switch 5: CDMA Modulation

A different calibration table is needed for CDMA operation. Turn on switch 5 for

CDMA use.

Modulation Switch 5 Position

CDMA On

All other Off

3.4 Switch 6, 7, and 8: Downlink Peak Power Limit

For initial power-up, turn all these switches “off”. See Appendix B for full details.

This completes the configuration switch settings. Leave the cover off so adjustments

can be made later if needed.

4.0 Installing the EkoMini

Only qualified technicians should perform the installation. The user is cautioned that

modification or changes to this device not expressly approved by EMS Wireless

could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

The EkoMini

is designed for indoor use only. It should not be mounted outside.

• Determine the donor and server antenna(s) locations. Choose a

location for the EkoMini

that will minimize coaxial cable lengths to

these antennas, while maintaining adequate isolation. Also choose

a protected area such as an electrical or telephone room so the

EkoMini

will not be physically damaged. The location must also

be near a 100 - 240 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz outlet. See Figures 3 and 4

below – do not apply AC power without the coaxial cables and

antennas installed! If this is done, disconnect and then

reconnect the DC power cable after the antennas are

connected. This will initiate a software reset.

Figure 3: Do not apply power with the coaxial connectors disconnected!

Figure 4: AC power OK – coaxial cables are connected

• Four mounting holes are provided to mount the EkoMini

to a wall

or ceiling. Allow access clearance to the small removable panel on

the side of the repeater near the model number sticker (for access

to the configuration switches), the reset button, the telephone

connector jack (if remote alarming will be used), and both coaxial

Reset

Mounting Flange

Rerad Connector

Donor Connector

Reset

Mounting Flange

Rerad Connector

Donor Connector

connectors. Also, make sure you can see the front panel LED

indictors, as shown in Figure 1.

• Select a location for the external power supply, such as a protected

shelf, etc. Plug the power supply into the AC outlet, but do not plug

the power supply into the EkoMini

at this time. Only apply power

to the repeater after the donor and server antennas are installed

and connected.

5.0 Installing the Donor and Server antennas:

• Choose a donor antenna location that gives line-of-sight coverage

back to the donor base station, and install it according to the

manufacturer’s installation procedure.

• Install ½” flexible coaxial cable from the donor antenna to the

“Donor” port of the EkoMini

repeater.

• Install the server antenna per the antenna manufacturer’s

installation procedure.

• Install ½” flexible coaxial cable from the server antenna pigtail to the

“Rerad” port of the EkoMini

repeater.

• Most common installations will provide enough electrical isolation

between the donor and server antennas. In general, keep the donor

and server antennas separated by more than 75 feet. If there is any

question whether the isolation is adequate in a particular

installation, contact EMS Wireless Technical Support for

assistance.

6.0 Installing the Remote Alarming Telephone Cable (optional):

If the optional remote alarming is installed in the repeater, install a standard

telephone cable to the EkoMini

repeater using an RJ-11 connector. This should be

a dedicated telephone line. Remote alarming details are detailed in Appendix C.

7.0 Initial Power-up:

• Be sure the donor and server antennas and coax cables are

connected to the EkoMini

. Then, plug the power supply into the

AC outlet, and the DC power cord into the EkoMini

• Allow several seconds for the EkoMini

automatic software

sequence to adjust the internal attenuators for proper operation.

• The EkoMini

should now be in proper operation. UL and DL

signal levels can be checked by watching the front panel LED

indicators. Each successive LED indicates 5 dB increase in signal

level, from –10 dBm to +20 dBm. If the signal is greater than +20

dBm, the “Overdrive” LED will light.

• Use a test phone to place a call. If there is excessive noise in the

uplink BTS receiver when using the repeater, see Appendix A to

reduce the UL gain of the repeater.

• If you want to manually reduce the repeater DL power output (i.e. to

deliberately limit coverage area, etc.), see Appendix B.

• For remote log-in procedures using a computer, see Appendix C.

Complete details are found in the Operator’s Manual.

Note: If any of the DIP configuration switches are changed after the repeater is

turned on, the unit must be reset for the new switch configuration to take

effect. This is done by using a bent paperclip. Press and hold the reset button

until the front panel LEDs “flash” (generally a few seconds). Release the

switch and allow the unit to re-start. Alternatively, the DC power cable can be

unplugged from the repeater and then plugged in again. This will initiate a

reset sequence.

8.0 Troubleshooting

The EkoMini

has no field replaceable parts. Repair is limited to correcting improper

set-up conditions or resetting the unit. Other problems require repair of the unit at

EMS Wireless.

Whenever an unexpected operating condition is encountered, the unit should be reset

using the following two step procedure:

• Step 1 – “Soft Reset”: Be sure that power is applied to the repeater

using the provided power supply. Using a bent paper clip, press and

hold the reset button found in the small hole in the repeater housing

(see Figure 3 to locate this hole). Watch for the front panel LED

indicators to “flash” after a few seconds, and then release the reset

button. Normal operation should occur. If it does not, perform a “hard

reset” described in step 2.

• Step 2 – “Hard Reset”: Again using a bent paperclip, press and hold

the reset button. While the button is held down, remove the DC power

cable from the repeater, and then plug the cable back in. Continue to

hold the reset button for approximately 45 seconds, and then release

it. This procedure completely resets the repeater’s microprocessor

and other software settings. Normal operation should occur. Note: If

the remote alarming option is installed, this “hard reset” will reset all

user names and passwords back to the factory default settings

described in the Operator’s Manual.

Other troubleshooting procedures are described in the table below.

Problem Probable Cause Corrective Action

No Power (Green

power LED is off)

Power Supply

problem

Reconnect power

supply to repeater.

Verify AC power

source; plug in power

supply if necessary.

Alarm Light is On No Downlink Signal Check downlink

signal level with a

spectrum analyzer.

Check band switches

3 and 4 on PCS

models.

Low Downlink Signal,

possibly with alarm

issued

Donor antenna is

mis-aligned, DL cable

is faulty, BTS is not

line of sight, BTS is

excessively far from

repeater site, etc.

Measure downlink

signal level with a

spectrum analyzer.

Improve DL signal by

raising the donor

antenna, re-orienting

the donor antenna,

re-orienting unit to

shorten cable runs,

etc.

Uplink –10 dBm

signal level is on

Normal condition if no

mobile phones are in

use near the repeater

Activate a mobile

phone and move it

close to the server

antenna. UL signal

level should increase.

Unit issues alarm and

shuts down after 5

minutes

Excessive DL or UL

signal is overdriving

repeater

Lower signal levels

by moving phone

away from server

antenna, etc.

Flashing green Power

LED

Configuration

switches 3 and 4 are

both turned “off” on

PCS models.

Toggle switches to

correct frequency

band; then reset unit.

Unable to log in with

HyperTerminal, etc.

Remote alarm option

not installed.

Check unit model

number – “N”

indicates remote

alarming is not

installed.

Appendix A: Manually Reducing the Uplink Gain

If excessive noise is received in the BTS uplink receiver during repeater use, the

repeater uplink signal may be too strong. Up to 6 dB attenuation of the repeater UL

signal may be inserted by toggling switches 1 and 2 according to the table below.

Note: This manual control overrides the automatic set-up software. It also

unbalances the UL gain relative to the DL gain.

UL Gain Offset

Relative to DL

Switch 1 Position Switch 2 Position

0 dB Off Off

-2 dB On Off

-4 dB Off On

-6 dB On On

Be sure to press the “reset” button to make these changes effective.

Appendix B: Manually Reducing the Downlink Power Output Limit:

The downlink peak power output limit may be manually controlled over a 14 dB range

using switches 6, 7, and 8. Note: This manual control overrides the automatic set-up

software.

DL Peak Power

Limit (dBm)

Switch 6

Position

Switch 7

Position

Switch 8

Position

+20 Off Off Off

+18 On Off Off

+16 Off On Off

+14 On On Off

+12 Off Off On

+10 On Off On

+8 Off On On

+6 On On On

Be sure to press the “reset” button to make these changes effective.

Appendix C: Summary of Remote Log-in Procedure:

• Connect the EkoMini

repeater to a telephone line using the front

panel RJ-11 connector.

• Connect a computer (laptop preferred) with a modem to a telephone

line. Configure a HyperTerminal session for 2400, 8, 1, None,

None.

• Dial the appropriate telephone number. The repeater should

answer after approximately two rings.

• Press the ENTER key. The prompt “Password?” will appear. Enter

the default password of ‘11111’ followed by the ‘Enter’ key.

• After a few seconds, the following screen should appear, shown in

Figure C-1 below.

Figure C-1: EkoMini

Remote Login Session

Repeater Serial

Number

System Date

and Time

Software

Version #

DL and UL RF

Power Output

Levels, dBm

DL RF Peak

Output Level, dBm

UL RF Offset Relative

to DL, dB

Alarm Condition

This screen can be used to see most of the important repeater details, and to

diagnose performance problems, if needed. It should be noted that the power

sensors in the repeater cannot register an accurate level at less than –10 dBm. If –

10 dBm is listed for any parameter, it is likely the level is lower than that. In the case

of Figure C-1 above, the DL RF output is shown as –10 dBm because no downlink

signal was connected.

Complete details of the available remote software commands are shown in the

Operator’s Manual.

EMS EkoMini Installation guide

EMS EkoMini Installation guide

EMS EkoMini Installation guide

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