WAVE Transmitter USER GUIDE

Transcription

1 WAVE Transmitter USER GUIDE December 2012

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...3 SITE SELECTION...4 INSTALLATION...6 TRANSMITTER FEATURES...9 OPERATING THE TRANSMITTER...11 MAINTENANCE...30 THEORY OF OPERATION...32 TROUBLESHOOTING...37 SPECIFICATIONS...42 List of Diagrams ILLUSTRATION 1: WAVE TRANSMITTER WITHOUT TOP COVER...7 ILLUSTRATION 2: POWER SUPPLY FOR WAVE TRANSMITTER...8 ILLUSTRATION 3: RADIO TRANSMITTER PWB...33 ILLUSTRATION 4: RADIO RECEIVER PWB

3 WARRANTY SUMMARY Wxline, LLC warrants that the products it distributes and sells will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of receipt by the end-user. If a product proves defective within the respective period, Wxline, LLC will provide timely repair or replacement of the product. An Extended Warranty / Advance Exchange Service Agreement is available through Wxline, LLC. Please complete the end-user information (if applicable) on the Quality Control Check / Warranty Registration form and fax or mail a copy to Wxline, LLC to register you warranty. Retain a copy for your records. 2

4 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The WAVE Transmitter is part of a notification and control system that communicates to remote WAVE equipment via 27 MHz, digitally encoded radio messages. The remote WAVE equipment responds to Transmitter messages by controlling audio and visual warnings, or by isolating connections to sensitive equipment. The remote WAVE equipment consists of a combination of Siren Stations, Strobe Stations and Sequencers. The Siren Stations are configurable to control up to four horns and an optional strobe lamp. The Strobe Station controls a strobe lamp, only. The Sequencer isolates connections to equipment to mitigate damage during electrical storms. The Transmitter is typically connected to a lightning detection system to provide automated warning of electrical storms and automated shutdown of vulnerable equipment in the field. A pair of lead-acid batteries provide auxiliary power for the WAVE Transmitter to ensure continued operation through typical power outages during electrical storms. The battery is recharged automatically when primary power is restored. Primary power is VAC, or optionally from a solar panel. The WAVE Transmitter is designed for use in an office environment. The design of the wall mount plate and connectors allow for a simple, straightforward installation. The optional Wxline Equipment Indoor Bulkhead (WxEIB) provides electrical and environmental protection for the WAVE Transmitter and allows operation in a non-office environment. 3

5 CHAPTER 2 SITE SELECTION There are three main elements to the WAVE Transmitter to consider during site selection: Antenna Antenna Cable Transmitter Unit line-of-sight transmission and reception connects the Transmitter and antenna accessible and electrically grounded ANTENNA The standard WAVE Transmitter antenna is a three foot whip with stainless steel mounting hardware. An optional 18 foot model is also available when controlling distant or obstructed remote equipment. The antenna is typically mounted on a rooftop, with the Transmitter located inside the building, below. The antenna operates more efficiently with a radius of nine or more feet of rooftop surface beneath it and should therefore be mounted at least 9 feet from the edge of the roof, if possible. Radio messages from the Transmitter are output via the antenna in a nearly omnidirectional pattern and are received by the remote equipment in the field. The WAVE Transmitter outputs a 10 Watt signal with a maximum range of 10 miles under ideal conditions. However, the terrain and environment of most sites reduce the range to about 3 miles. Radio transmission is line-of-sight, so the signal may be blocked or attenuated by buildings, hills, groves of trees, etc. The antenna should be mounted such that minimal blocking or attenuation of the radio signal occurs. ANTENNA CABLE The standard antenna cable is type RG58-U coax. Each cable is prepared and tested at Wxline prior to shipment. Cables are terminated with a UHF (PL- 259) connector at the antenna end and either a BNC or UHF connector at the Transmitter end. The cable is typically routed from the antenna to the service entrance of the building where it is grounded and protected with an RF surge arrestor. From there the cable is routed to the Transmitter. Routing channels must be large enough to accommodate one of the cable connectors. Note: the outside diameters of the cable connectors are 0.571, and for the BNC, BNC-elbow and UHF versions, respectively. 4

6 The Transmitter cable comes in optional lengths of 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet, with the standard length being 50 feet. Longer custom cable lengths are available, with a recommended maximum of 150 feet to minimize signal loss. The RG-58 cable can be substituted with RG-8 for lengths of up to 300 feet. If after routing the cable there is slack or extra length, it is recommended to coil the extra cable, rather than cutting the cable for cosmetic purposes. Each antenna cable is cut to length to minimize signal reflection and is built and tested at Wxline prior to shipment. Cutting the cable and installing a new connector may either degrade signal transmission or create a point of failure. Note: coil the excess cable into a figure-8 pattern with 6-inch diameter loops, then lay or hang the coiled section. This will minimize mechanical stress on the cable and nearby equipment, as well as minimize the magnetic effect of coiling the cable into a loop. WAVE TRANSMITTER UNIT The Transmitter is normally mounted on a wall in an office environment and is often co-located with lightning detection equipment, with cable connections between the two pieces of equipment. It is important to bond the Wave Transmitter chassis to the chassis of the Strike Guard Lightning Data Receiver to minimize the potential difference between these enclosures in the event of close lightning. At a minimum, a cable serving as a ground strap ties the two chassis together, electrically. The optional Wxline Equipment Interface Bulkhead (WxEIB) addresses the grounding issue elegantly by mounting all of the equipment to a grounded aluminum panel inside a fiberglass enclosure. In addition, the WxEIB includes surge protection for the AC input to the power supplies, as well as the Transmitter antenna input. 5

7 CHAPTER 3 INSTALLATION The WAVE Transmitter is designed for a wall mount installation. The installation location requires a connection between the Transmitter chassis and the electrical ground at the service entrance of the building. NECESSARY TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Cordless Drill: Phillips #2 Screwdriver: Small Screwdriver: Digital Voltmeter: ORDER OF INSTALLATION make pilot holes for wall anchors and for cable routing, as needed secure Transmitter Wall Plate and mounting antenna change DIP switch settings, as necessary to verify connections, as necessary 1. Route the antenna cable 2. Mount the antenna and connect the cable 3. Mount the Transmitter 4. Configure Address Switches, if necessary 5. Connect the antenna cable to the Transmitter 6. Connect the control cable to the Transmitter 7. Install the Transmitter batteries and top cover 8. Connect power and turn on RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ADDRESS SETTING The RF system address is configurable to avoid conflict with other systems using WAVE equipment operating in the vicinity. Address configuration is set via DIP switches, which are accessible by removing the top cover of the WAVE Transmitter. There are two, 8-position DIP switches to configure the RF address labeled SWITCH A and SWITCH B. These are accessible through a cut out in the Transmitter PC board. This switch setting is typically set and tested at the factory prior to shipment. However, these switches are reconfigurable by the customer. Note that the RF address switch settings of the Transmitter must agree with the corresponding switches of the remote WAVE equipment in the field. Two other banks of DIP switches on the Transmitter radio: S4 and S5, are set at the factory and should not be changed by the user. These switches are accessible by removing the Transmitter main circuit board and should only be done by qualified service personnel. 6

8 Illustration 1: WAVE Transmitter without top cover. ANTENNA INPUT On a standard mount, the antenna cable at the Transmitter end is terminated with a BNC connector. After the cable is properly routed through RF surge arrestors it is attached to the Transmitter's Antenna Input. Ideally, the RF surge arrestor is located at the utility service entrance to safely shunt transient currents to ground and away from the WAVE Transmitter. Note: this scheme requires two sections of antenna cable. When sold with the WxEIB option, all of the cables within the enclosure are installed with the Transmitter and all connections are tested and verified at Wxline prior to shipment. In this case, the antenna cable is terminated at both ends with UHF connectors. Attach the antenna cable to the WxEIB after the cable is properly routed. CONTROL CABLE The Transmitter's Control Input senses dry relay contact transitions to interpret when an alarm state is initiated or expired. These transitions notify the Transmitter to control the remote WAVE equipment in the field. The Control Cable is a CAT5e pigtail with an RJ45 plug for the Transmitter and stripped and tinned conductors to mate with a screw terminal block at the Strike Guard Lightning Data Receiver. The Transmitter is configurable to work with either single-pole, single-throw (SPST) or single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) contacts. 7

9 BATTERY INSTALLATION For battery backup, a pair of 6 Volt, 3.5 Amp-Hour, lead-acid batteries are installed in their respective compartments on each side of the Transmitter, under the Main PWB. With the top cover removed, position each battery such that the label installed at Wxline is facing up and that each battery's terminals face the center of the Transmitter. If batteries are obtained from another vendor, orient the battery such that the terminals are closer to the top circuit board when entering the battery channel. Once the batteries are in place, carefully install the Transmitter top cover and secure it with the four brass thumb nuts, supplied. CONNECT POWER The Transmitter power supply output is rated for 15 VDC at 2.5 Amps with a (+) positive center pin and runs on either 120 VAC or 240 VAC, single phase at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Connect the power supply output to the DC input of the Transmitter, then connect the power supply input to AC power. Illustration 2: Power Supply for WAVE Transmitter. 8

10 CHAPTER 4 TRANSMITTER FEATURES LCD DISPLAY When the Transmitter is in its normal state, the LCD displays the system clock in HH:MM, 24 hour format. The display allows the user to view the Transmitter status, configuration and user menus. Configuration via user menus is described in detail in Chapter 5, Operating the Transmitter. MULTI-PURPOSE BUTTONS Under the LCD display is a row of four, multi-purpose buttons that allow the user to navigate through menus and to modify settings that are accessible via the user menus. The functions of these buttons vary depending on the screen or menu that is viewed. ON-OFF BUTTON The On-Off Button provides a means of powering the Transmitter ON and OFF. Assuming that external power or batteries are connected, a momentary press on the button will power ON a unit which is OFF. However, when powering OFF a unit which is running, the button must be pressed continuously for 5 or more seconds before releasing it. Once the backlit portion of the LCD goes dim, release the button to complete the Transmitter's power-off routine. KEY SWITCH The Key-switch gives the user a convenient means to manually sound the WAVE Siren Stations in the field. Turning the key-switch a quarter, clockwise turn causes the Transmitter to send a radio command to activate the horns in the Siren Stations. For best results, hold the key-switch in the turned position for about one second and then release it to send the Siren message. The key-switch is spring-loaded and will return to its normal position when released. Note: the key-switch does not activate strobes or Sequencers. 4-POSITION SELECTOR SWITCH The Select Switch determines which horn command is sent to the Sirens during a manual key-switch operation. There are 4 commands available: Alarm, Tone 2, Tone 3 and All Clear. Note: DIP switch settings in the Siren Station determine the tones that sound when Transmitter commands are received. The rotational knob on the Selector Switch has a mark that roughly aligns with one of the 4 commands labeled on the Transmitter cover. Each switch position has a distinct, mechanical stop. 9

11 LED INDICATORS There are 3 LEDs on the Main circuit board that are visible with the top cover in place: Status Power Transmit The Status LED illuminates green during normal operation and illuminates red when there is an error detected. For more information on viewing detected errors, see Chapter 5, Operating the Transmitter. The Power LED illuminates green during normal operation and illuminates red when running on battery power. The batteries are rated for 6 Volt, 3.5 Amp- Hours. The maximum discharge time for a fresh set of batteries is 24 hours. However, discharge time is reduced by the age of the batteries and the number of radio messages that are sent while running on battery power. Note: the back-light of the LCD display goes dim when the Transmitter operates on battery-backup. The Transmit LED is normally off and briefly flashes red during transmission of a radio message. RADIO ADDRESS SWITCHES The Radio Board, which is mounted beneath the Main Circuit Board, has two banks of 8-position DIP switches. The switch setting is a binary pattern that translates to an integer value and functions as the radio address for a given system. Address values range from 0 65,535. A cutout on the Main Circuit Board permits user access to the DIP switches. Note: an corresponding pair of 8-position DIP switches reside in each WAVE Sequencer and Siren. The switch setting for each Sequencer or Siren must agree with that of the Transmitter in order to receive messages, properly. 10

12 CHAPTER 5 OPERATING THE TRANSMITTER The Transmitter is designed to control WAVE Sirens, Strobes and Sequencers remotely via radio commands. Therefore, functional tests of the Transmitter should include the WAVE Sirens or Sequencers in the system. POWER-UP With external power connected, briefly press the ON-OFF key to power-up the Transmitter. During the power-up sequence, the LCD screen briefly shows the firmware revision of the Transmitter and then displays the system clock to begin normal operation. After a normal power-up the Status and Power LEDs illuminate green. A red Power LED indicates that the Transmitter is running on battery power. External power is either not connected correctly, or is unavailable. A red Status LED indicates that the unit has failed an internal diagnostic test. A general description of the error can be obtained on the View Errors screen. Navigate to View Errors via the multi-purpose keys beneath the system clock, as follows: [Menu] [View Errors] [Enter] After being viewed, the Transmitter clears the error. An error that frequently reoccurs requires attention. Note: occasionally, an error during initial power up indicates that the input voltage is either too high or too low. If this is not repeatable after power cycling the Transmitter, it may be ignored as a nuisance error. Note: when the Transmitter has been powered-down for a few minutes, it will typically generate a Test RF message upon power-up. POWER-DOWN To power off the Transmitter, press the ON-OFF button continuously for five or more seconds and release it after the backlit panel goes dim. Note: with a good set of batteries installed, disconnecting external power while the Transmitter is powered-on will NOT power the unit off, but will continue to run on the batteries, until they are discharged. 11

13 CONTROL INPUT The Transmitter Control Input connects to a set of relay contacts via the control cable. Relay transitions provide notification to the Transmitter of alarm state changes. In the Strike Guard Lightning Data Receiver, this relay changes state when either entering or exiting an alarm state. The Transmitter interprets the relay contact transitions, as follows: open to closed - Alarm closed to open - All Clear Upon entering an alarm state, the Transmitter LCD screen momentarily displays the radio messages that are generated for the remote WAVE equipment. The top of the LCD screen then displays an ALARM notice for the remainder of the alarm state. When the alarm state expires, the Transmitter again momentarily displays the radio messages that are generated for the remote WAVE equipment, then removes the ALARM notice from the LCD screen. The Transmitter configuration determines which radio messages are sent to the remote WAVE equipment upon entering or exiting an alarm state. For detailed information on configuration, see the subsections on Hours of Operation and Setup and Tests that appear later in this Section. MANUAL KEY-SWITCH OPERATION Siren horns are activated manually by use of the Transmit Key switch. A 1/4 clockwise turn of the key-switch generates a radio command to the Siren Station to sound the horns. The Manual Select switch selects one of four optional messages for activating the Siren horns: Alarm Tone 2 Tone 3 All Clear Note: the key-switch only activates horns; strobes and sequencers are never affected by this switch. 12

14 MENU OPTIONS AND NAVIGATION Access to Transmitter configuration is made by navigating through user menus while viewing the LCD screen. Navigation is facilitated via a set of four, multi-purpose keys under the LCD screen. The functions of these keys vary, depending on the screen or menu being viewed and are redefined as necessary while the user navigates through the menu tree. Sun 12:48 Menu View The View key brings the user to the System Configuration screen, providing a summary of how the Transmitter is configured to: activate the Strobe Lamp activate the Siren Horns activate the Sequencer interpret the Control Interface cable. System Config. STROBE OP HRS SIREN OP HRS SEQ 24 / 7 INTFAC CUSTOM ESC The System Configuration screen is for viewing, only. When finished viewing, press the ESC key to return to the main screen. Pressing the Menu key brings the user to the Main Menu, with a list of options. The functions of the multi-purpose keys change as necessary while navigating through the menu and sub-menus. 13

15 MENUS Main Menu Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC The first three entries provide a means to set the Transmitter calender-clock. In each case, the user is taken to a sub-menu to change or accept the current setting. Examples for the minutes, hours and day of the week sub-menus are as follows: Minutes Adjust Hours Adjust Tue Day Adjust 12:48 12:48 12:48 UP ENT UP ENT UP ENT Strike the UP key once for each increment that the clock or day of the week must advance. When the desired value is shown, press the ENT key to enter the value. Please note that pressing and holding the UP key does not advance the setting, continuously. The value will increment just once for each time the UP key is pressed within each of these sub-menus. Also note that the clock displays the hours in military format. Each day begins at 0:00 and ends at 23:59. 14

16 Hours of Operation Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC These are the hours when audio or visual warnings are desired during an alarm state. Selecting Hours of Operation from the Main Menu brings the user to the sub-menu, above. Selecting the first option displays the operating hours, currently set. Mon 07:00 19:00 Tue 07:00 19:00 Wed 07:00 19:00 Thu 07:00 19:00 Fri 07:00 19:00 Sat 07:00 19:00 Sun 07:00 19:00 ESC The factory default values are shown, above. When finished viewing the operating hours, press the ESC push-button to return to the normal display. 15

17 Set Daily Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC Display Operating Hours Set Daily Set Weekly Set Weekend Set All Set Xmit Delay UP Enter DWN ESC Each day of the week can be configured with distinct hours of operation via the Set Daily sub-menus. In the first sub-menu, the day of the week is selected, which then advances the user to the sub-menu to set the start time. Setting the start time advances the user to the sub-menu to set the stop time. After setting the stop time, the user is returned to the normal screen. Sunday UP selects day ENT edits time ESC exits menu UP ESC ENT Sunday Start Time 7:00 Hrs Min UP UP ENT Sunday Stop Time 19:00 Hrs Min UP UP ENT Strike the UP key once for each increment that the clock must advance. When the desired value is shown, press the ENT key to enter the value. Please note that pressing and holding the UP key does not advance the setting, continuously. The value will increment just once for each time the UP key is pressed within each of these sub-menus. Also note that the clock displays the hours in military format. Each day begins at 0:00 and ends at 23:59. 16

18 Set Weekly Set Hours of Operation for weekdays: Monday - Friday When the hours of operation are the same for all weekdays, Monday through Friday, the hours of operation can be conveniently set via the Set Weekday sub-menus. Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC In the first sub-menu, the start time is selected. Setting the start time advances the user to the sub-menu to set the stop time. After setting the stop time, the user is returned to the normal screen. Weekday Start Time 7:00 Hrs Min UP UP ENT Weekday Stop Time 19:00 Hrs Min UP UP ENT Strike the UP key once for each increment that the clock must advance. When the desired value is shown, press the ENT key to enter the value. Please note that pressing and holding the UP key does not advance the setting, continuously. The value will increment just once for each time the UP key is pressed within each of these sub-menus. Also note that the clock displays the hours in military format. Each day begins at 0:00 and ends at 23:59. 17

19 Set Weekend Set Hours of Operation for weekends: Monday - Friday When the hours of operation are the same for the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, the hours can be conveniently set via the Set Weekend sub-menus. Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC Display Operating Hours Set Daily Set Weekly Set Weekend Set All Set Xmit Delay UP Enter DWN ESC In the first sub-menu, the start time is selected. Setting the start time advances the user to the sub-menu to set the stop time. After setting the stop time, the user is returned to the normal screen. Weekend Start Time 7:00 Hrs Min UP UP ENT Weekend Stop Time 19:00 Hrs Min UP UP ENT Strike the UP key once for each increment that the clock must advance. When the desired value is shown, press the ENT key to enter the value. Please note that pressing and holding the UP key does not advance the setting, continuously. The value will increment just once for each time the UP key is pressed within each of these sub-menus. Also note that the clock displays the hours in military format. Each day begins at 0:00 and ends at 23:59. 18

20 Set All Set Hours of Operation for all days: Sunday - Saturday When the hours of operation are the same for the entire week, Sunday through Saturday, the hours can be conveniently set via the Set All submenus. Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC Display Operating Hours Set Daily Set Weekly Set Weekend Set All Set Xmit Delay UP Enter DWN ESC In the first sub-menu, the start time is selected. Setting the start time advances the user to the sub-menu to set the stop time. After setting the stop time, the user is returned to the normal screen. All Days Start Time 7:00 Hrs Min UP UP ENT All Days Stop Time 19:00 Hrs Min UP UP ENT Strike the UP key once for each increment that the clock must advance. When the desired value is shown, press the ENT key to enter the value. Please note that pressing and holding the UP key does not advance the setting, continuously. The value will increment just once for each time the UP key is pressed within each of these sub-menus. Also note that the clock displays the hours in military format. Each day begins at 0:00 and ends at 23:59. 19

21 Set Transmit Delay For facilities with more than one audible warning system, it s recommended that the transmitters from each system not be activated in unison. The transmitting antennas for each system will likely be mounted in relatively close proximity to each other; activating both in unison may cause the radio signals to interfere with each other, preventing the activation of Sirens in the field. The WAVE Transmitter resolves this problem with a programmable Transmit Delay of 0, 5, 10 or 15 seconds. The Transmitter uses this delay to allow the other system to activate, first. Then, the WAVE Transmitter follows with its delayed commands to the remote WAVE equipment. Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC Display Operating Hours Set Daily Set Weekly Set Weekend Set All Set Xmit Delay UP Enter DWN ESC When selecting the 'Xmit Delay' the user is taken to a sub-menu to set and select the delay in seconds. Each press of the UP key increments the delay value. The maximum value is 15 seconds; incrementing the delay value beyond 15 seconds resets the value to 0. Set Transmit Delay 0 Seconds Set Transmit Delay 5 Seconds UP ESC ENT UP ESC ENT Set Transmit Delay 10 Seconds Set Transmit Delay 15 Seconds UP ESC ENT UP ESC ENT 20

22 Set-up & Tests Transmitter menus may also be used for: controlling strobe lamps at Siren Stations controlling horns at Siren Stations controlling Sequencers selecting the interface type for the Transmitter Control the manual control of Strobe lamps and Sequencers confirmation of radio reception at Sirens and Sequencers In addition, RF test messages are available to verify control of remote devices such as the WAVE Siren Station and WAVE Sequencer. Selecting Set-up & Tests in the Main Menu brings the user to the sub-menu to configure and test the Transmitter, as necessary. Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC Strobe Setup Siren Setup Sequencer Setup Interface type Send Code Test Mode UP Enter DWN ESC Strobe Setup When using WAVE Siren Stations with the Strobe Lamp option, the Transmitter must be configured to control the strobe lamps, as desired. There are four strobe lamp configuration options. Select Strobe Operation Disabled Select Strobe Operation On During Hours Of Operation Only UP ENT UP ENT Select Strobe Operation Starts with Hours of Operation Select Strobe Operation Functions 24/7 UP ENT UP ENT 21

23 Selecting the Strobe Setup option takes the user to the Select Strobe Operation sub-menu. Striking the UP key increments the user through the four available options. Striking the ENT key selects the option displayed. A brief description of each follows. Disabled: Functions 24/7: the strobe is never activated via transitions sensed in the control cable. the strobe will always be activated via transitions sensed in the control cable. The other two Strobe options relate to Hours of Operation: Option 1: On During Hours of Operation, Only Option 2: Starts with Hours of Operation A typical scenario is an Alarm interval that both begins and ends within the Hours of Operation. In this case, the Transmitter sends messages to control the Strobes at the entry and exit of the Alarm interval: a Strobe ON at the beginning and an Strobe OFF at the end of the interval. When the alarm interval begins prior to, then terminates within the hours of operation, the Strobe ON message is delayed to coincide with the start of hours of operation, while the Strobe OFF messages are sent at the end of the Alarm Interval. The relative time line below helps describe this response. Alarm Interval Operating Hours Strobe On during Operating Hours Strobe starts with Operating Hours 22

24 When the alarm interval begins within the hours of operation and terminates after them, the Strobe ON message is sent at the beginning of the alarm interval for both options. However, for Option 1 the Transmitter sends the Strobe OFF messages at the end of hours of operation. While for Option 2, the Transmitter waits until the end of the alarm interval before sending Strobe OFF message. Alarm Interval Operating Hours Strobe On during Operating Hours Strobe starts with Operating Hours If Hours of Operation are short, it's possible during a lengthy storm for an Alarm interval to begin prior to Hours of Operation and then, terminate after Hours of Operation. Both options will cause the Transmitter to send a Strobe ON message at the start of operating hours. However, for Option 1, the Strobe OFF messages are sent at the end of operating hours, while for Option 2 the Strobe OFF messages are sent when the Alarm Interval expires. Alarm Interval Operating Hours Strobe On during Operating Hours Strobe starts with Operating Hours In the case where the Alarm Interval falls completely outside the hours of operation, neither the Strobe ON, nor Strobe OFF messages are generated. 23

25 Siren Setup The Transmitter can be configured to activate or deactivate the horns: Disabled - never Hours of Operation, only 24 / 7, independent of the Hours of Operation Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC Strobe Setup Siren Setup Sequencer Setup Interface type Send Code Test Mode UP Enter DWN ESC Select Siren Operation Disabled Select Siren Operation On During Hours Of Operation Only Select Siren Operation Functions 24/7 UP ENT UP ENT UP ENT Selecting the Siren Setup option takes the user to the Siren Setup sub-menus. Striking the UP key increments the user through the three available options. Striking the ENT key selects the option displayed. Disabled: Functions 24/7: Hours of Operation: horn messages are never activated via transitions sensed in the control cable. horns messages are always be activated via transitions sensed in the control cable. horn messages are activated via transitions sensed in the control cable within user-defined hours. When using the Hours of Operation option, a typical scenario is an Alarm period that both begins and ends within the Hours of Operation. In this case, the Transmitter sends an Alarm message at the beginning of an alarm interval and an All Clear message is sent at its end. Alarm Interval Operating Hours Horns On during Operating Hours 24

26 When the Alarm interval begins prior to Hours of Operation and terminates within them, the horns do not sound at the beginning of the Alarm interval, but will sound an All Clear at the end of the interval. Alarm Interval Operating Hours Horns On during Operating Hours When the Alarm interval begins within Hours of Operation and terminates after them, the horns sound at the beginning of the Alarm interval, but do NOT sound an All Clear at the end of the interval. Alarm Interval Operating Hours Horns On during Operating Hours If Hours of Operation are short, it's possible during a lengthy storm for an Alarm interval to begin prior to Hours of Operation and then, terminate after Hours of Operation. In this case, the horns will not sound at either the beginning, nor the end of the Alarm interval. 25

27 For the case of where the Alarm Interval falls completely outside the hours of operation, neither the Alarm, nor All Clear messages are generated. Sequencer Setup The Transmitter can be configured to activate or deactivate the Sequencer: 24 / 7, independent of the Hours of Operation Disabled never activated Striking the UP key increments the user through the two available options. Striking the ENT key selects the option displayed. After selecting an option, the user is returned to the normal screen. Interface Type The Transmitter Control Input interprets dry relay contact transitions to detect the entry and exit of alarm states. Configuration allows for two general types of relay contacts: Custom: Form A, normally open SPST relay contact Strike Guard: Form C, SPDT relay contacts Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC In the Strike Guard configuration, the Transmitter expects to sense either the normally open or the normally closed contacts at any point in time. If either is not sensed, the Transmitter posts an error. When connected to a Strike Guard Data Receiver, this configuration readily identifies an open or missing connection in the Control Cable. When in the sub-menu, striking the UP key increments the user through the two available options. Striking the ENT key selects the option displayed. After selecting an option, the user is returned to the normal screen. 26

28 Send Code Four radio commands can be sent manually via the user menus to conveniently test the Sequencer and Strobe functions in the field. After entering the Send Code sub-menu, the four commands can be scrolled through the Choose Radio Code sub-menu: Sequence OFF Sequence ON Strobe ON Strobe OFF Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC Use the UP key to scroll through the sub-menu. Press SEND when the desired radio code is displayed to send the radio command. Press the ESC key to escape from the sub-menu without sending any commands. After selecting an option, the selected command is sent and the user is returned to the normal screen. 27

29 Test Mode When placed in Test Mode, the Transmitter will send out an RF test message, at the top of the minute of its system clock, for a period of 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the Transmitter automatically returns to normal mode. Transmitting the test message is a non-intrusive way to verify that the WAVE Sequencers and WAVE Siren Stations, are receiving RF messages from the Transmitter. That is, no horns or strobe lamps are activated in the WAVE Sirens, nor do the outputs of the WAVE Sequencers change the state of their outputs. Upon reception of a test message, the Radio PWB receiver in the Sequencers and Sirens momentarily close all four, integral relays. At this time, the Status LED in all remote equipment momentarily changes color: Sirens to yellow, Sequencers to either yellow or blue, depending on the vintage. Note: the test mode provides a convenient means to visit each Siren Station and Sequencer to verify radio reception from the Transmitter. It should be noted that each Transmitter is configured at the Wxline factory to output one test message per hour during normal operation. And all remote equipment is configured to expect test messages. Should a remote device miss four consecutive test messages, it generates a communication error. From the Setup & Tests sub-menu, select Test Mode to begin this test: Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC Press ESC to escape from this test and return to normal operation. Otherwise the test will run for 30 minutes, then terminate automatically and resume normal operation. Note: The Control Input is disabled during this test; relay contact closures are ignored and no Alarm, nor All Clear radio messages will be sent. 28

30 View Errors If the Transmitter detects a problem, it flags a status error and changes the Status LED from green to red. A general description of the error can be obtained through the View Errors screen. View Errors is a Main Menu item. Scroll to the View Errors selection using the UP and DWN keys, then press Enter to view a flagged error. Set Minutes Set Hour Set Day Hours of Operation Setup & Test View Errors UP Enter DWN ESC A typical error is a failed battery test, as shown above. The error is displayed for about 5 seconds and then is cleared from memory. The Transmitter automatically returns to the normal screen after displaying the error. After viewing the error, the Transmitter exits the sub-menu and returns to the normal screen, showing the system clock. Note: When the Transmitter is configured for a Strike Guard interface, an error is flagged when the Control Cable is unplugged or poorly connected. In this case, the error is not cleared when it is viewed. The only way to clear this error is either properly connect the Control Cable, or change the interface type to Custom. 29

31 CHAPTER 6 MAINTENANCE General maintenance and inspection should be done, annually. BATTERIES The WAVE Transmitter provides long-term, battery back-up capability to insure continuity of operation during thunderstorms when commercial AC power reliability is often compromised. For longest battery life and ease of use, the WAVE Transmitter uses a pair of lead-acid gel cell batteries rated at 6 Volt, 3.5 Amp-Hours. The Transmitter performs a daily set of tests to determine the health of the batteries. A status error is flagged when the tests determine that the batteries no longer hold an adequate charge. A Transmitter that is powered-down for a month or more, may fail the battery test and flag a status error. In this case, allow the batteries to first recharge for two days. Then, replace the batteries if they continue to fail the daily tests. To access the batteries, remove the top cover of the Transmitter by removing the four thumbscrews at each corner. Note: old or defective batteries can quickly corrode battery contacts. Always inspect the spring battery contacts of the Transmitter when replacing batteries and clean, as necessary. Contacts that are heavily corroded may need to be replaced. Note: when maintaining a Transmitter mounted in a WxEIB enclosure, remove external power to the WxEIB prior to removing the DC power connector from the Transmitter. This will prevent shorting the DC power supply to the grounded chassis of the WxEIB. CHASSIS GROUND CONNECTION To prevent damage from local electrical disturbances typically associated with a thunderstorm, a bond wire should connect the WAVE Transmitter s chassis with the metal chassis (or ground) of the connected equipment. This is usually a Strike Guard Receiver. The earth ground connections should be inspected, annually. Verify that the wire has a snug, mechanical connection. Inspect the wire and terminals for oxidation or damage and replace as necessary. 30

32 ANTENNA AND ANTENNA CABLE Radio messages are coupled to the Transmitter antenna via RG-58 coax cable and broadcast to the remote equipment. Damage to either the antenna or cable will degrade the radio signal strength at the WAVE Sirens and Sequencers in the field. Therefore, both the antenna and its cable should be periodically inspected to ensure reliable Transmitter operation. A damaged cable or antenna should be repaired or replaced. TRANSMITTER OPERATION Manual signals can be sent to the remote field equipment by either a manual key-switch operation, or by navigating through the user menu to send radio or test codes. This should be done annually to verify the operation of both the Transmitter and Sirens, Strobes or Sequencers in the field. See Sections 4 on Features and Section 5 on Operation for specific information. Note: the Transmitter output can be measured using a dummy antenna / peak detector and a voltmeter. See the procedures in Section 8 on Troubleshooting for more details. 31

33 CHAPTER 7 THEORY OF OPERATION The WAVE Transmitter consists of four subsystems: Radio PWB Processor PWB Battery Antenna & cable encodes and transmits radio messages for remote WAVE Sirens and Sequencers. provides the user interface for configuration, manages the battery charger and battery-backup operation and internal diagnostics. provides backup power for the Transmitter. broadcasts radio messages to the remote equipment. RADIO PWB The Radio PWB broadcasts messages to remote WAVE equipment. The output is a digitally encoded 10 watt signal at MHz. Messages are briefly transmitted, as necessary and since radio transmission is not continuous, no FCC license nor registration is required. The Radio PWB is interfaced to the Processor Board via a straight, 10-pin connector. This connection supplies power to the Radio Receiver and ties Processor Board outputs to Radio PWB inputs. Four Radio PWB input channels read transitions from four, respective Processor Board outputs and respond by broadcasting a RF message to the remote equipment. The Radio Receivers in the remote equipment respond to each RF message by activating a set of four, Form C relays in a binary pattern that duplicate the Transmitter Processor Board outputs. The Radio PWB is connected to an external antenna via a BNC connector and a length of RG-58 coax cable. The standard antenna is a 3 foot whip that mounts to the roof of a building. The standard cable is 50 feet of RG-58, terminated at one end with a BNC connector and a UHF connector at the other. For installations with marginal radio reception at the Sirens and Sequencers, an 18-foot whip antenna is available for an improved Transmitter signal. Each Radio PWB has a configurable radio address, set to agree with that of the WAVE Sirens and Sequencers in a given system. Two banks of 8-position DIP switches allow for 65,536 unique address settings. Therefore, several WAVE systems may operate in close proximity to one other without conflict, provided that each Transmitter is set to a unique address. 32

34 Illustration 3: Radio Transmitter PWB. The Radio PWB is configured at the Wxline factory to broadcast hourly test messages. A complementary configuration at each Siren and Sequencer allows them to signal a communication error when they fail to register a valid Transmitter message within four hours. PROCESSOR BOARD The Processor Board is the master control of the Transmitter, managing the major functions: user interface sensing contact transitions at the Control Input battery charger and backup power internal diagnostics User Interface: The user interface provides the status of the Transmitter and a means to configure and manually operate the unit. Status is provided via the LCD display and three LEDs: Status, Power and Transmit. Manual activation of radio messages are accomplished via the key-switch or navigating through the user menus. Powering the Transmitter ON and OFF is accomplished via the ON-OFF Button. See Sections 4 and 5 for details of these functions. 33

35 Control Input: Normally, the Transmitter Control Input is connected to a relay in the Strike Guard Receiver via the control cable. This relay changes state when either entering or exiting a lightning alarm state. The relay transition provides notification to the Transmitter of the alarm state change. The Control Input produces a current-limited 12 ma signal, so that when connected to a pair of normally open, dry relay contacts the Transmitter senses the contact transitions as being either: open to closed closed to open A relay transition triggers the Transmitter to send a set of radio messages to remote WAVE equipment to control Siren horns and strobes and Sequencer outputs. The set of messages that are sent are determined by the Transmitter configuration. For detailed information on configuration, see the subsections for Hours of Operation and Setup and Tests in Section 5, Operating the Transmitter. Note: the Transmitter LCD display indicates an alarm notice when an alarm state is detected, regardless of the Transmitter configuration. Whenever there is doubt regarding the proper activation of remote WAVE equipment, please view the Transmitter display to determine if an alarm state exists. The WAVE Transmitter Control Input is typically connected to the integral relays in the Strike Guard Data Receiver. The table below reflects the Control Cable connections to the screw terminal block in the Data Receiver. Battery-backup: Under the Processor Board are battery channels that house a pair of 6 Volt, 3.5 Amp-Hour lead-acid batteries. During normal operation, an external supply powers the Processor Board and charges the batteries, as necessary. When external power is removed, the batteries serve as backup power for the Transmitter. To conserve battery life, the Processor Board will turn itself off when the combined battery levels are discharged to 11.0 VDC. If external power is restored after the Transmitter has turned itself off, the Transmitter remains off until the ON-OFF Button is pressed, momentarily. Internal Diagnostics: 34

36 When an error is detected, the microprocessor changes the color of the Status LED from green to red. Additional details about a given error can be obtained by navigating to the View Errors screen via the user menu. Some common errors are: Battery Low Strike Guard Interface Wiring Error Power Supply Voltage out of tolerance (High or Low) The Strike Guard Interface Wiring Error indicates that the Transmitter is configured to connect to a Strike Guard Receiver at the Control Input and that one or more of the wires are not making good contact. Repairing the cable connections to the Strike Guard Receiver will clear this error. With the exception of the Strike Guard Interface Wiring Error, errors are cleared when they are viewed via the View Errors screen. Errors that persistently reoccur indicate a problem that should be corrected. For example, the batteries are tested once per day. A Battery Low error that occurs frequently is an indication that the batteries should be replaced. Battery life varies and depends on how frequently they are discharged and the ambient operating temperature. Elevated ambient temperatures tend to reduce battery life. BATTERY As described in the above subsection on the Processor PWB, the batteries serve primarily as battery-backup power for the Transmitter when external power is absent. Run time on battery power is affected by the age of the batteries and the number of radio messages transmitted. Maximum battery run time is approximately 24 hours with a fresh set of charged batteries and minimal radio transmissions. Batteries that are discharged to the point that an automatic shutdown has occurred should be recharged for at least 24 hours before being considered fully charged. During radio transmission with external power present, the batteries deliver a portion of the current delivered to the Radio PWB and antenna. Thus, when charged the batteries assist the external power supply during radio transmission. However, batteries that are weak or discharged may actually diminish or attenuate a radio transmission, since they are recharging. Batteries will normally last from one to three years in the WAVE Transmitter. As mentioned in the above section, the Transmitter tests the batteries once per day and will generate a Low Battery error when this test fails. The Low Battery error is a good indication that the batteries need to be replaced. 35

37 WxEIB, solar option: When mounted within a Wxline Equipment Indoor Bulkhead (WxEIB), with a solar power option, an additional battery is used for backup power for both the WAVE Transmitter and the Strike Guard Receiver. A 12 Volt, 12 Amp-Hour battery typically provides five days of battery run time when fully charged. The solar power option uses a 55 Watt solar panel that outputs Volts DC to the WxEIB. The WxEIB power supply regulates the solar panel voltage for the Transmitter and Strike Guard Receiver, as well as charge the 12 Volt, 12 Amp-Hour battery, as necessary. ANTENNA AND CABLE The standard antenna is a three-foot whip that is typically mounted on the rooftop of the building where the WAVE Transmitter is installed. The antenna is sufficient for most installations where the remote equipment is one to three miles distant from the Transmitter. For installations where the reception is marginal, an 18 foot extended range model is available. The standard antenna cable is RG-58 coax in a length of approximately 50 feet. All cables are cut to length and terminated with connectors at Wxline. And all cables are tested for functionality prior to shipment. Standard lengths of cable are available in approximately 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet. Custom lengths are also available, although it is recommended that lengths of RG-58 do not exceed 150 feet, due to cable losses. If longer lengths of cable are needed, RG-8 may be used for up to approximately 300 feet. 36

38 CHAPTER 8 TROUBLESHOOTING The WAVE Transmitter sends radio messages to remote WAVE Sirens, Strobes and Sequencers. This section assumes that manual tests with the Transmitter failed to produce the corresponding behavior in some or all of the remote equipment. NO AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION OF REMOTE EQUIPMENT Control Input Cable Poor cable connections cause the majority of field failures. Check if the cable connections are loose or broken. Check the condition of the cable, itself for damage. Transmitter Configuration The Transmitter LCD display indicates an alarm notice when an alarm state is detected, regardless of the Transmitter configuration. Whenever there is doubt regarding the proper activation of remote WAVE equipment, please view the Transmitter display to determine if an alarm state exists. A configuration change can prevent the Transmitter from sending radio messages. For example, a Transmitter with a calender-clock that is out of adjustment when using hours of operation may fail to activate remote WAVE equipment. NO RESPONSE IN REMOTE EQUIPMENT Radio Configuration Each WAVE Siren and Sequencer has a Radio Receiver PWB and each Radio Receiver PWB has a configurable RF address. This address must be set to agree with that of the WAVE Transmitter in order to recognize Transmitter messages. Verify the address switch settings of the WAVE Transmitter and the remote equipment agree with each other. The Radio Receiver PWB is shown in the following figure. 37

39 Radio Signal Reception Illustration 4: Radio Receiver PWB. Weak radio signal strength may cause the Siren to miss messages from the Transmitter. The Transmitter and remote equipment are configured at Wxline to utilize hourly confidence messages. Should any of the remote units miss four consecutive messages, they will flag a communications error. The Status LED of both the Siren and the Sequencer will flash red for any error they encounter. A bank of internal LEDs in both the Siren and the Sequencer can be viewed for further detail of the error. In the Siren, a communication error causes D3 to illuminate on the Main PWB. This is the LED located closest to the large, external LED. In the Sequencer, a communication error causes D9 to illuminate. This is the LED closest to the key-switch. Radio Signal Transmission If there are communication errors in multiple remote locations, there is reason to suspect the Transmitter has a weak output signal. In this case, the Transmitter antenna and antenna cable should be inspected for physical damage, since these are both exposed to the elements of weather and climate. Replace or repair these, as necessary if visible damage is found. Even if no visible damage is evident, the antenna cable can be verified using either a DMM or VOM. The following two procedures test the integrity of the antenna cable. 38

40 - Procedure 1: check for short between inner and outer conductors 1. Disconnect the antenna cable from the Transmitter and set the DMM or VOM to read the highest resistance scale, possible. 2. Connect one test probe to the center conductor of the cable and connect the other to the outer conductor. The meter should indicate an open, or infinite resistance. Any resistance measured is a problem; the lower the resistance the greater the problem. - Procedure 2: check for a broken or open conductor 1. Disconnect the antenna cable from the antenna and jumper a test wire between the inside and outside conductors of the cable, creating a temporary short between the conductors. 2. Using the meter at the Transmitter end of the cable, connect one test probe to the center conductor of the cable and connect the other to the outer conductor. The meter should indicate a short, or a low resistance. Any resistance above 10 ohms suggests a compromised cable. The Transmitter radio output can be tested using a dummy antenna, available from Wxline. The 50 ohm dummy antenna has a built-in peak detector, making it possible to measure the output with either a VOM, or a DMM with a Min/Max capture function. The dummy antenna has a pair of terminals with their polarity marked for connecting a either a VOM or DMM, correctly. It is fitted with a male BNC adapter to provide a connection to the antenna port of the WAVE Transmitter. If a DMM is used, it should have a MAX capture function in order to make an accurate measurement. The following procedure tests the Transmitter output to confirm there is adequate power delivered to the antenna. - Procedure 3: check the Radio PWB output Remove the standard antenna from the WAVE Transmitter, which should be left powered on and running. 1. Connect the Dummy Antenna to the WAVE Transmitter antenna port. 2. Connect a hand-held meter to the Dummy Antenna's terminals, observing the polarity. 3. Configure the hand-held meter to measure 50 VDC, as an approximate maximum. for a DMM, it should be configured to capture the MAX value for a VOM, the user must make a visual reading of the peak value 4. Configure the WAVE Transmitter to generate Test Mode messages. 39

41 5. Monitor the hand-held meter, while watching for a peak measurement. 6. After a reading has been obtained: exit the WAVE Transmitter from its Test Mode remove the Dummy Antenna from the WAVE Transmitter restore the antenna cable to the WAVE Transmitter Interpreting the Measurements: The WAVE Transmitter is rated for 10 W using a 50 ohm load. Normally, an output that measures no more than 10% below its rating, or 9 W will not noticeably affect system performance. This works out to be a 29.4 Vpk measurement, using the peak detector and accounting for internal losses. As a general rule of thumb, units measuring below this value should be repaired. A first order approximation from field measurements can be made using the formula: P = (Vpk * Vpk) / (2 * R) where: R = 50 ohms and: P = Watts RMS As an example, a 30 Vpk measurement in the above formula would yield: P = [(30 * 30) / (2 * 50)] W = (900 / 100) W = 9 W Note that the above equation does not account for small, internal losses in the dummy antenna and therefore, produced a slightly different value than was mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Revising the calculation to account for the 0.6 V diode drop, is as follows: P = [(30.6 * 30.6) / (2 * 50)] W = (936 / 100) W = 9.36 W 40

42 The following table is a guide to interpreting measurements made at the peak detector. The resultant values in the table have been rounded to the nearest 0.1 Watts. Note, the values in the above table have been adjusted to account for the 0.6V drop or, loss across the diode in the peak detector, which was not considered in the initial equation. INCORRECT RESPONSE IN REMOTE EQUIPMENT If the remote equipment is responding incorrectly to the Transmitter messages, there are two general possibilities: problem in the Transmitter problem in the remote equipment The problem can be localized by observing the remote equipment in the system respond to Transmitter commands. A problem at the Transmitter generally causes the same, incorrect behavior at multiple remote locations. Conversely, an incorrect response at a single remote site points to the equipment at the remote site as faulty. 41