General Features:
The UltraCom IP Radio Console System is a fully digital radio dispatch communication console. It integrates radio control functions, telephone system audio, external outputs, and alarm inputs into a manageable central control point for the dispatcher. The dispatcher operates the console position with a touch screen monitor or a mouse. The UltraCom console system is based on the Microsoft Window operating system for reliability and performance. All screen organization, appearance, button operations, system levels, and features are fully user configurable. This allows system changes to be made on-site quickly by the customer without lengthy and expensive manufacturer software costs. Changes can be made on any Windows® PC using the exclusive Screenmaker and Customizer programs provided. Extensive on-board and remote diagnostic capabilities provided by the Medic Diagnostic System ensure system functionality and reduce maintenance costs. The system has a maximum capacity of 247 simultaneous sources of audio.
Ultra-Com IP Radio Dispatch System Features:
The following are some of the features standard on the UltraCom system. All features are programmable by the customer technical staff on-site. A typical site uses approximately 40% of the available features.
The user interface is based on screens and buttons. A typical customer screen set consists of a main screen with several auxiliary screens. The main screen contains the buttons used for day to day operations. This includes radio channels, volume controls, alert, mute, select, and simu-select buttons. The auxiliary screens contain less often used functions.
This may include, recorder control, door control, paging encoder, position intercom, channel patch, public address, timer, and preset volume memory buttons.
Auxiliary screens may be full size or partial pop-up screens which may be stationary or movable by the dispatcher. All aspects of the screen design are definable by the customer administrative staff. The Screenmaker software provided allows for screen and button design.
The Screenmaker's graphical user interface makes it easy to create and modify screens and buttons. Once created, buttons can be dragged or resized anywhere on a screen or copied to another screen..
The following parameters are programmable for each button:
Placement on the screen, size, text, background color, text color, border color, border flashing or steady , border width, bevel width (3D effect), and operation.
Below is a partial list of the button operations:
Alert Tone, All Mute, Assignable Channels, EIP Alert, Audio Distribution, Auxiliary Alarm Inputs, Auxiliary Outputs, Base Intercom, Burst Tone Key, Change Screen, Channel/Position Takeover, Channel Frequency, Channel Mute, Channel Patch, Channel Volume, Date Time Set, DTMF Burst Tone, Encoder Entry Keypad, Encoder Single Buttons, Button Press Macros, Monitor, On Key Help, Phone Hold, Phone Patch, Position Intercom, Public Address, R2 Mute, On-Screen Recorder Controls, Repeater Disable, Select, Select Group, Self Repeat, Serial CAD Interface, Serial Port Output, Simul Select, Speaker Volume, Statistics Clear, Statistics Print, Transmit, Volume Macro, Voter Indications and Control, Multiple Timers, Phone Book directory.
The Customizer software provided allows for system level setting and feature options. There is extensive on-line help for all parameters. The help system also includes a tutorial on screen design. Features programmable by the Customizer software include the following:.
System Parameters:
Total system card cages, Card cage slot assignments, Diagnostic printer port selection, Statistics print interval, and Alert/paging side tone level. Any system card may be assigned to any slot..
Operator Position Parameters:
Headset Mic sensitivity, Dynamic Mic sensitivity, Telephone talk-in level, Telephone talk-out level, Phone Patch VOX level, Local recorder output levels, Speaker min and max levels, Speaker control method (pot or on-screen), 12 or 24 Hour clock display..
Channel Card Parameters:
Number of frequencies (up to 16), 2-wire or 4-wire operation, Duplex, Tone or DC Current Line Operated Transmit Light, Mute level, Receive level, Transmit level, Tone keying levels, Auto-mute level, Call light sensitivity, Patch VOX sensitivity, Logging recorder level, Call light delay, Alert/encoder pre-tone delay, Inter-page delay, Redundant card selection, Burst tone level and duration, Guard Tone frequency, Tone keying duration, Automatic Morse ID, Terminate or bridging, Assigned speaker, External mute or busy inputs, Min and max user volume levels, Keying method (any combination of tone, DC, or Mux keying), Mute and Busy matrix..
Diagnostics
The Medic Diagnostic System included monitors all system cards and runs periodic diagnostics. If a problem is detected, the Medic system issues an audible and visual diagnostic message and attempts to correct or work around the problem. Extensive on-line help text describe in detail what each diagnostic message means and a recommended course of action. The Medic system contains extensive manual diagnostic testing features.
This allows the technician to quickly diagnose and faults. These tests are so comprehensive that factory personnel use them to locate problems down to the component level..
Statistics
The included statistics system reports channel and position usage. For each position it reports total transmissions and total on-the-air time. For each channel it reports number of calls, call light duration, total transmissions, total-on-the air time. A statistics report can be printed at predefined intervals (hour, shift, day, week, month) or on request. Statistic reports are sent to a serial printer or a computer system. .
System Architecture
The UltraCom's architecture is designed using the concept of multiple Operator Positions sharing common control electronics. The architectural design of the UltraCom consists of one Main Electronics Package II (MEP II) and a number of individual Operator Positions (OP). These are described below. .
Main Electronics Package II (MEP II)
The basic MEP II can be housed in a standard open rack or enclosed equipment rack. If space is a problem, the electronics can also be mounted in the console furniture. The MEP II consists of one or more MEP II card cage assemblies and one or more MEP II power supply assemblies. Each MEP II card cage assembly contains 16 card slots. Each slot can contain a Transmit Receive Card (TRC), Position Interface Card (PIC), or a TRI-Receive Card (TRI). Each MEP II power supply assembly can supply power to five card cages. A MEP II power supply and five card cages fit within a standard six foot rack. A fully loaded MEP II with five cages and eighty cards consumes less than 500 watts. All cards and power supplies in the MEP II are connectorized plug-in units and can be replaced without disconnecting any cables. All cards and power supplies in the MEP II are designed to be inserted or removed with power applied (hot insertion). All power and bus cables are shielded. Military type connectors are used for reliability. The major components of the MEP II are the MEP II card cage assembly, power supply assembly, Transmit Receive Card or Tri-Receive card (TRC), Position Interface Card (PIC), and DC Keying card (DCC). The MEP II card cage assembly contains slots for the TRC, PIC, and DCC cards. The MEP II power supply assembly provides basic power for the cards in the MEP II. Each card has its own DC-DC switching power supply to provide the various voltages required by the card. The Transmit/Receive card (TRC) serves as an audio interface between a radio base station (transmitter/receiver) and the MEP II it also may serve as an interface between up to three audio sources (typically radio receivers) and the MEP II. The Position Interface card (PIC) provides a digital interface between a dispatcher Operator Position (OP) and the MEP II. The DC Keying Card (DCC) generates DC Keying current or a MUX relay closure to activate a base station transmitter. .
Operator Position (OP)
The Operator Position is the interface between the dispatcher and the console system. In its most basic form it provides status information to the dispatcher. Additionally, it allows the dispatcher to control and route audio in order to communicate with field radio units. The Operator Position is also used to configure the system. Each Operator Position is connected to the MEP II with a digital T1 link. This 4-wire digital link passes all audio and control data for up to twelve speakers (Select, Unselect, Monitor1 - Monitor 10). Each position can be remoted approximately 6000 feet from the MEP II without the need of modems or repeaters. The T1 link is transformer isolated at each end to eliminate ground loop noise problems.. The major components of the Operator Position are the Operator Position Computer, and the Computer Audio Module (CAM). The Operator Position Computer provide a graphical user interface to the console operator. It is a 100 MHz Intel Pentium (or better) PC platform running the Microsoft Windows® operating system.. It includes a color monitor (touch screen optional), and a mouse. The USB Port serves as the interface between the PC, Position Interface Card (PIC), and the Computer Audio Modules (CAM). The Computer Audio Module Box has the connectors used for all console peripherals connected to the Operator Position. It contains 12 audio modules. The Computer Audio Modules convert analog audio to digital TDM audio and vice versa. They also contain up to 12 speaker amplifiers, digital level controls for the analog audio, twelve analog to digital converters for reading volume control pots, and digital I/O (relay) ports..
Ultra-Com IP Radio Dispatch System Performance Specifications
General:
System Capacity
The maximum capacity is 247 simultaneous audio sources (non-blocking). Each audio (radio) channel uses one audio source. Each operator position uses two.
Information/Status
A computer monitor screen with both a touch screen and a mouse/trackball input system. The dispatcher interface is based on a screen button
System Programming
Available at any Operator Position or stand alone 486/Pentium computer. using the UltraCom software. The Customer's technical staff has complete control of screen and button layout, button functions, and all level adjustments. A graphical user interface is used for all programming features.
Level Adjustments
All system level adjustments are software programmable. There are no pot adjustments or jumper switches on the system cards (except for a single on-board power supply adjust). All cards of the same type are interchangeable without adjustment. Levels and functionality are provided by software.
Diagnostics System
The Medic Diagnostic System continuously monitors the system operations. The technician interface includes extensive on-line help and detailed error reports. Remote diagnostics mirror all local diagnostic features.
Operating System
Microsoft Windows®. The programming and operational demo software also run under Microsoft Windows XP Pro® or newer. System and card software versions can be upgraded without requiring a card removal or a system shutdown.
Transmitter Control
Two-wire or four-wire control with any combination of tone, DC or MUX relay keying control is standard. DTMF and single burst tones are supported.
Telephone Interface
A single telephone instrument interface is available at each Operator Position Telephone as standard. Telephone line interface cards are available at the Main Electronics Package II for shared access to telephone lines.
Recorder Interface
Multiple instant recall recorders can be connected to the system at each operator's position. On-screen controls are supported for ATIS® and Exacom® brand instant recall recorders.
Public Address Output
Any operator position can talk over a separately supplied public address system, using their headset or desk microphone.
Relay Outputs, Position
Fourteen relay outputs are available at each operator's position to operate door locks, alarms, and other external equipment.
Relay Outputs, MEP
Six relay outputs are available from each TRC (Transmit-Receive Card), and each TRI (Tri-monitor card).
FCC Requirements
The system is in compliance with FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Class A
Operating Temperature
Ambient temperature ranging from 0 C to 40 C
Console Response Time
As measured at the point of demarcation, the console response time is on average, fifty milliseconds and does not exceed seventy milliseconds for any single transmit operation.
Screen Rewrite Time
The screen rewrite time does not exceed two hundred milliseconds for any screen input that causes a console operation.
Redundancy
The Operator Positions are independent. Each position is capable of initializing and running the entire system. Failure of one position will not affect other positions or the rest of the system. Radio channel and monitor cards in the system can be programmed as redundant cards. Eight digital audio busses are provided. Two data communication busses are used, Main and Backup. Change over is automatic if a card detects data bus failure. Two separate power supplies are provided for each rack. Power is distributed on separate shielded power cables. There are two separate power busses on the back plane of each card cage. All cards attach to the two power busses through diode coupled power delivery systems. Power supplies are "hot pluggable" There is no down time to change power supplies.
System Power
The system operates from 85 to 132 volts or from 170 to 264 volts with an input frequency of 47 to 63 Hz
Each power supply has over voltage protection.
Each card is protected by a self-resetting solid-state fuse.
Power Consumption
250 watts max. per Operator Position.
150 watts max. per MEP II card cage.
100 watts max. per system printer.
MEP to Position Interface
Each position is connected to the MEP II with a dedicated T1 digital link. This two pair connection accommodates data communications and up to twelve speakers for the position. The two-pair connection choices are; a dedicated shielded cable, existing twisted phone cable, or existing category 5 LAN wiring.. Positions may be remoted up to 6000 feet without the use of repeaters. The Operator Position is DC isolated from the MEP II to prevent ground loop problems.
System Reconfiguration
The User is able to change the configuration of the console independent of the manufacturer by software programming. Some of the changes that can be made by the customer include:
Change Channel configuration
Assignment of system card in the card cages.
(2 Wire/ 4 Wire, Bridging/Terminating, Simplex/Duplex)
Change channel labeling
Change function tones associated with a channel.
Change keying method. (Tone keying, DC keying, MUX)
Change the number of keying controls defined for a channel. (e.g. change from single frequency operation to two frequency operation)
Change Cross Muting, Local Muting, Cross Busy, and Local Busy settings for a channel.
Add or delete channels.
Change the labels, locations and functions of buttons not associated with the channels.
Change the screen layout and organization including pop-up screens.
Plus many more features described in the Programming Manual.
Transmit:
Line Output Level
From -35 to +10 dBm into a 600 ohm load.
Tone Control
All standard tones and timing. Adjustable Guard Tone frequency and timings.
DC Control
The constant current generator is adjustable in one half milliampere steps from zero to plus or minus fifteen milliamperes into a ten thousand ohm load.
MUX Control
A relay closure (SPST)during transmit.
Termination (non Xmit)
600 ohms or 10K bridging, software selectable.
Frequency Response
- 3 dB to +1 dB from 300 Hz to 3200 Hz, referenced to 1000 Hz. Notch filter at 2175 Hz is excepted.
Distortion
Typically less than 2% at 1000 Hz.
Hum and Noise
Overall hum and noise level generated in the audio circuits of the console are a minimum of -47 dBm into a six hundred ohm load.
Receive:
Frequency Response
- 3 dB to +1 dB from 300 Hz to 3200 Hz, referenced to 1000 Hz. Notch filter at 2175 Hz is excepted.
Hum and Noise
Overall hum and noise level generated in the audio circuits of the console are a minimum of 50 dB below the maximum output into the reference speaker.
Distortion
Typically less than 2% at 1000 Hz
Level Control
An increase in input level of 30 dB above the knee of compression does not change the output more than 3 dB.
Termination
600 ohms or 10K bridging, software selectable.
Audio
Pops and clicks heard in a speaker are a minimum of 50 dB below the maximum output of the speaker.
Pops and clicks heard in the headset are a minimum of 55 dB below the maximum output of the headset.
Crosstalk between select and Unselect speakers is less than -45 dB.
Crosstalk between Unselect speaker and the headset ear piece is less than -55 dB.
Crosstalk between any two console system positions is less than -55 dB
Crosstalk between any two selected transmit lines is less than -55 dB.
Total Harmonic Distortion in both transmit and receive modes is less than 3%.
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