ST-965 VX/D SMARTRUNK II & SMARTRUNK XPRESS Logic board Programming Software 2.9e User s Guide Revision R2.9 10/10/2008
INDEX INDEX...2 INTRODUCTION...3 IMPORTANT NOTES...3 INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE...3 ST-965 PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE...6 SOFTWARE SECTIONS OVERVIEW... 6 Configuring the software... 6 SMARTRUNK II OPERATION CONFIGURATION...9 PAGING CODES PROGRAMMING... 9 FLEET DISPATCH GROUP CODES... 11 SIGNALING PARAMETERS... 11 TAGS... 12 OPTIONS BOX... 13 ALPHA TAG... 14 MEMORY SPEED DIAL... 14 APPENDIX I LOGIC BOARD AUDIO LEVEL ALIGNMENT... 15 COMMANDING THE RADIO TO ENTER INTO ALIGNMENT MODE... 15 ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE... 17 Quick Alignment (default parameters)... 17 Custom Alignment... 17 APENDIX II FIRMWARE UPDATE... 19 APPENDIX III ST-965VX/VXD INTALLATION ON VX-2200... 21 APPENDIX IV RADIO PROGRAMMING TIPS FOR VERTEX VX-2200... 22
INTRODUCTION The new SmarTrunk Systems ST-965 Logic Board Programmer (available for download at our web site) is used to configure and program the new ST-965 Logic Boards for ICOM, Kenwood, Vertex, Motorola, and HYT radios as specified below. This software makes customize the product for specific SmarTrunk II trunking protocol for boards to be used in Vertex radios possible. This Software also allows the dealer to upgrade the Logic Board s firmware when a new update is available. For features not covered in this document, or for custom requirements and applications, please contact SmarTrunk Systems for more information (techsupport@smartrunk.com). On appendix II you will find instructions on how to install the logic board in most of Vertex radios. IMPORTANT NOTES Logic Boards with Firmware version v2.9.8 and below are not capable of encoding or decoding different sub tone for each channel. Future firmware versions will enable this option. Logic Boards with firmware version v2.9.8 and below are not capable of switching to conventional channels. In future firmware versions this option will be implemented by switching with rotary button or Group Up/Down key, and commanding the board to switch to conventional mode by pressing 5*, selecting the option from a menu, or if the bank has only one set of frequencies. Newer firmware versions, accompanied by a software upgrade, will allow the end user to customize the boot up message, currently fixed as WELCOME TO SMARTRUNK ST-965. INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE NOTE: The ST-965 Multi-Logic Board Programmer software is supported only by Windows XP and Vista 1. Download the ST-965_Logic_Board_Programmer_Setup_v2.9.0.zip software from our website (click here) This compressed package includes, the programming software, sample templates for most common radios used in the market, and sample files with common parameters to be uploaded to the logic board installed in most Vertex radio models. 2. Open the zip archive, and then extract the files in a temporary folder. (Some operative systems does not run a program from a compressed file) P a g e 3
3. Run Setup_ST965_v290.EXE software. The wizard will help you install the SmarTrunk Logic board programming software plus template files. 4. The welcome screen will appear 5. Click Next to go to the Additional Tab Selection screen NOTE: The ST-965 Multi-Logic Board Programmer software is supported only by Windows XP and Vista Enable Create a desktop icon checkbox if you want to create a desktop shortcut, or you can leave it unchecked or you can leave it unchecked if you rather look it up into Start Menu/Programs/ST-965 to run the software. 6. Now the software is ready to be installed on your computer. P a g e 4 Press Install to proceed with software installation
7. The wizard will proceed installing all software packages, and you will see the finalization warning screen: P a g e 5
ST-965 PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE SOFTWARE SECTIONS OVERVIEW As soon as you click on finish the software will starts, showing the following image Logic Board ID Box Shows Firmware Version and Serial number of each ST-965 Logic board v2.7.0 2008 Connection Status Box Transferring and connection status bar display, COM port used, and complete file name route info. Menu Bar Find all tasks to configure the software, connect to the logic board, program logic board s parameters, and upgrade firmware Tools Bar Most of ST-965 Logic Board Programmer programming shortcuts and operational functionalities are found here Configuring the software Before to continue, please verify the radio has been programmed with the proper Vertex Programming software, including channel frequencies and push buttons attributes, as it is programmed in the template installed by default in your ST-965 installation folder (usually located in C:\Program Files\SmarTrunk\ST-965\Template Radio Programming) e.g.: TEMPLATE_VX_2200.C82 (please check for additional radio programming on Appendix IV) 1. Connect the Radio Programming Cable between the computer serial port and radio transceiver. At this moment Vertex USB programming adaptor (FIF-10) is not supported due to an incompatibility library addressing to open the communication port. If your computer has not serial COM port, please use any USB to RS232 converter then use the common serial programmer from Vertex radios. 2. Go to File menu in the menu bar and select the Config option, or press Ctrl+C on the computer keyboard then select the appropriate communication port and language (as seen in the below picture). Then click on the Exit button. If the all the COM ports in your computers are busy, please release any of them in order to lets the software use it. If your USB adaptor uses a different Com port than the listed, please assign it a new one in range before continue. P a g e 6
3. To start with programming definitions for the logic board, please open the Create a new file by clicking on the New button at the tool bar, pressing Ctrl+N on the computer keyboard, or selecting File/New menu on the menu bar as seen below The Create New File menu will pop up Enter the new file name here Enter the new file name in the File Name field and click on Start button. Extension.965 is completed automatically by the software as default extension for your files. After naming the new file, all the functionalities of the main window will be unlocked and you will be able to configure and program the logic board for SmarTrunk II protocol. Conventional applications and SmarTrunk Express are not supported by this software release. 4. Radio Model: Select the radio model by clicking on the Radio Model button in the tool bar. Then click on the arrow down to open the compatible model radio list. Please select the right one where your board is installed, e.g. VX-2200 Series. P a g e 7
As soon as you make click on the right model, the list will close automatically. Click on save button to store the selection in memory then the following message will be popped up. Press OK to continue P a g e 8
SMARTRUNK II OPERATION CONFIGURATION ST-965 Logic boards are backwards compatible with existing SmarTrunk II systems with basic functionalities for SmarTrunk II operation as individual calling, telephone calls, group dispatch, speed dial, turbo dial, and turbo redial. In addition, a few extra functionalities were added to the product, i.e. ST-965 boards can send alpha caller ID to other SmarTrunk radios equipped with ST-965 boards. ST-965 boards are able to encode or decode different CTCSS tones (this feature may not be available for some radio models). In order to start configuring the SmarTrunk II operation for ST-965 boards, click on SmarTrunk II button, located at the tools bar. The below screen will pop up. Enable Activate SmarTrunk II checkbox, and all parameters configuration will be enabled. PAGING CODES PROGRAMMING Primary Code P a g e 9
The Primary Code is programmed with an individual Paging Code that is unique to each subscriber unit. The Primary paging Code identifies the subscriber unit to the ST-852/ST- 853 as an Electronic Serial Number within the radio system. This number must be agreeing to the assigned code for an individual user into the controller database as Page code. It identifies the radio for individual mobile to mobile calls and it is also the signature to be stamped each time the radio starts an individual call or phone call looking for call authorization. It is important you have a clear idea about the differences between Page code and user ID numbers. We recommend reading carefully the ST-853 user guide Chapter 2.3. Complete this field with a page code number previously assigned in the ST-852/ST-853 Controller as Half Duplex. This field supports up to 4 digits numeric characters only. E.g.: Page code 1001. Secondary Code RX List The Secondary Code is used to receive group calls. The subscriber unit will receive calls placed to the Paging Code programmed in the Secondary Code field. The Secondary Code must have the Type field set for Group in the ST-852/ST-853. This code is used for incoming calls only. A common application is to program the Paging Code of a main group or all call group in the Secondary Code of all subscriber who must be involved into a call at the same time (instant conference) e.g. Secondary Page code 1000 The RX List feature is a list of paging codes the radio is scanning all the time. If the system sends a call request to one of these paging codes, the radio will merge into such a call. On this way, the ST-965 board can share instant conference calls into 15 different talk groups or sub-groups. These codes are used for incoming calls only and should be disabled (blank) if they are not used. You must be careful to fill this list using only page codes assigned to Group Type on the controller database in order to make the system work properly. P a g e 10
FLEET DISPATCH GROUP CODES Fleet Dispatch Group Codes are used to place and receive group calls when the Fleet Dispatch is enabled. When the subscriber presses PTT, a call is placed to the current Group Code selected by the user from the fleet dispatch menu. In addition, the subscriber unit will receive calls placed to the appointed Paging Code programmed in the current Group Code. Up to 20 Group Codes may be programmed in each subscriber unit. Group codes which are not focused on the dispatch menu, is not monitored to receive a call, except if be listed on the RX list. Group Codes allow the subscriber to place calls to up to 16 different groups or sub-groups without having a keypad equipped transceiver. A common application is to allow a field worker to use a transceiver without a keypad to call various different sub-groups within a larger group. Another application is to allow a field worker to switch between different sub-groups on different days depending on the job assignment. In order to switch groups, ST-965 logic boards use the side buttons of handheld radios, and the programmable front buttons of mobile radios. These buttons must be previously programmed using the radio s programming software accordingly to each radio model key functions. Please check the particular way and functions for your radio model on Appendix III SIGNALING PARAMETERS System Tone This program code sets the sub audible System Tone that is used in a trunking system (CTCSS). The subscriber units in the trunking system use this tone to detect busy channel. In case System tone is not used, the busy channel detection should be done by carrier only, in such a case. System Tone must be assigned as NONE When a Busy Channel Detect is set to System Tone, all subscriber units MUST be programmed with the same system tone that is programmed in the ST-852/ST-853/ST-858. In addition, some SmarTrunk trunking systems use two different sub audio tones in order to prevent radio units from other radio systems occupy the SmarTrunk channels. For these cases, ST-965 boards are able to encode a different CTCSS than the SmarTrunk Controller s system tone. Some radio models may not allow ST-965 boards transmit a system tone, and the CTCSS to encoding must be programmed in the radio s programming software. P a g e 11
If your system is set to open channel squelch at carrier presence only, then the System Tone in the logic board must be set as None. System ID The Trunking System ID Number is a number between 0 and 31. In an ST-852 system, all subscriber units on a trunking system MUST be programmed with the same Trunking System ID Number. In an ST-853 system, all subscriber units in the same group must have the same Trunking System ID Number. Refer to the ST-852/ST-853 SmarTrunk II Controller Manual for complete details. TAGS Enable PTT ANI Enable this feature to transmit Alpha ID or Numeric Alias, previously to the voice modulation begins. This feature must be accompanied by setting up the PTT Warm Up Delay parameter, depending on the radio model. Alpha ID/Numeric Alias All ST-965 boards are able to transmit and decode an eight characters alphanumeric ANI, which we are going to call Alpha ID. As some radio models are not compatible with this feature due to they do not allow the logic board to write the display with alphanumeric characters, for these brands and/or models is used the Numeric Alias (4 numeric characters). Both, AID and Alias are transmitted if PTT ANI is enabled. So if there were radios within the system that do not display alphanumeric characters, they will be able to receive and decode the Alias in a group conversation anyway. Alpha ID is sent over the air in a data burst prior to open the audio path. The receiving radio decodes the AID, and shows it in the radio display. Alpha/Alias is not related to the caller ID. Caller ID is sent by the controller at the time the call starts. Alpha/Alias is sent each time the user press PTT in a group call. This way, it becomes very easy to identify the individual user in a group modulation. PTT Warm Up Delay For PTT ANI application, the transmitting radio uses an 80~230ms as transmit warm up time frame after PTT button is pressed before the data burst is sent over the air. The warm up delay could be different for each radio model, Hi Tech radios uses as low as 80 ms, old technology radios needs around 200 ms of PTT delay. P a g e 12
After the PTT ANI is sent, the radio generates a beep to advice the user that the channel is ready for voice modulation. If a particular system does not need PTT ANI, then warm up delay is overridden by the radio and the PTT action will be instantaneous, with no delays. Some radio models may not allow ST-965 boards to send the channel ready tone after the Alpha ID has been sent over the air. Please check compatibility for your model. OPTIONS BOX Special audio control should be managed from this option box Enable Scrambler Switch When this option is activated, the voice inversion encryption can be activated or deactivated during the call using the right button on your radio. If during the call it is not deactivated, next call established will be placed with Secure Speech on. Power on sets the encryption mode off. When this option is not activated, the secure speech option will not be available. Note: All ST-965 logic boards have the Secure Speech option available. Some radio brands may not support this kind of operation.vx-2200 supports voice inversion encryption. Compander ON. Compander option enhances audio quality for certain radio models. Both, transmitting radio, as receiving radio must have the compander on or off, due to the Compander is a TX compressor and RX expander, and otherwise the audio would be distorted. Check this box if you want to turn this feature on. Pre/De emphasis. If radio is programmed to send/receive flat audio, this feature must be enabled to emphasize the audio to be transmitted and to de-emphasize the received audio before amplify it. Narrow band. Activate this check box for 12.5 KHz of bandwidth modulation operation. P a g e 13
ALPHA TAG This section is used to program the display message during idle mode. You can type on the Tag field a custom message of 8 alphanumeric characters length words to be displayed when the radio is out of any call. This feature only operates if Show TX group tag box is unchecked. In case Show TX group tag check box is marked, the display will show the Alpha name of the group the radio is ready to call when PTT is keyed and receiving as additional group. Note: Alphanumeric characters may not be available for some radio brands or models. After you completed all required fields to configure the logic board functioning, click on SAVE button to save the configuration and go back to the main menu, or click on CANCEL button to exit without saving. MEMORY SPEED DIAL This section is used to program actions to be executed when instant touch button is pressed (A, B, C or D hotkeys) or when memory redial process is executed (vg *5 to retrieve the action programmed on position 5 of the gird). To enable this feature, please check the ENABLE box. On Speed Dial number, you must fill the number to be dialed without route code or * The Route Dropdown menu lets you choose the route code for such number (Group, Individual, Line 1 or Line 2) Alpha tag field must be filled with the name to be associated to such number. E.g. RICHARD, POLICE, ETC. Alpha tag will be shown when the selected memory speed dial is executed. P a g e 14
APPENDIX I LOGIC BOARD AUDIO LEVEL ALIGNMENT As every radio model has different audio levels settings, by selecting the correct radio model while programming the logic board with the ST-965 Logic Board Programmer, the software will load appropriate audio gain parameters from an internal memory template. Each radio model displayed in the radio model menu has been studied and the set of levels has been included into the programming software. Out of that, if for some reason, a different alignment is required for any specific application, then a digital alignment should be executed. At the first boot up, if the logic board was never programmed before, it will automatically enter into alignment mode, once it is programmed with the correct model number (matching the radio model number) the default values for that model are activated. Notes: If for any reason the logic board is moved to a different radio model, it is mandatory to force the radio to go into Alignment Mode after programming the logic board with the correct model number for the new radio. When the radio boots up, there are two valid options for alignment which are explained below under ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE. COMMANDING THE RADIO TO ENTER INTO ALIGNMENT MODE 1. Make sure that the radio is connected to the computer, and Clone mode has been activated. 2. Go to the Alignment menu in the Menu bar, and select the radio brand (on which the logic board was installed) from the list. P a g e 15
3. The below dialogue menu will show up. Tick the selection and click ok, or press Enter key in the computer. 4. Follow the instructions of the next window (different for each radio brand). P a g e 16
ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE If the logic board was moved from one radio to another different radio model, in order to set up the logic board with proper audio levels, after programming the logic board parameters (including radio model) it is necessary to command the board to go into Alignment mode. If this procedure is not performed, the board will keep the levels as for the earlier radio model, which may cause a logic board bad functioning. Once the radio user configuration and the command to go to alignment mode were loaded to the radio, on next radio boot up, there are two valid options to set the proper audio levels for the new radio model: Quick Alignment (default parameters for the selected radio model) When the three short high frequency beep tones indicate that the board booted up in Alignment Mode, you can skip the alignment procedure and load the default levels for the radio model the logic board is installed on by pressing the mobile s radio down arrow or Handheld s side button 2 (key used for Call End/Leave Call). This procedure will load internal memory template for the radio model which has been selected in the radio model menu for logic board configuration and parameters programming. Remember If the logic board was moved from one radio model to another different one, and the board was never re-programmed with the new radio model number information, the Quick Alignment procedure will not take effect Custom Alignment Materials: For the alignment procedure is needed: 1 Service Monitor 1 Desktop/Laptop PC with serial port, or USB to Serial adapter Radio s programming interface Note: Once the logic board has been aligned, unless the board is moved to another radio, the alignment procedure should not be required. RX Audio Alignment 1. When the board boots up into alignment mode, three short high frequency beep tones will alert you the board has boot up in Alignment Mode. You can see RX ADJ in radio display. 2. Set the service monitor to generate a full quieting signal on the receive frequency of the first set of frequencies programmed in the radio (Channel 1) modulated with a 1400 Hz sine wave set for 3.3 KHz of deviation for wide band channels (2/3 system deviation) or 1.7 KHz of deviation for system using 12.5 KHz channel bandwidth. P a g e 17
3. Press PTT while the service monitor is generating the audio tone over the air, and the radio will automatically adjust the RX audio. 4. Once the RX Audio is adjusted, the logic board will go to the next alignment step. TX Audio and Data Alignment 1. Set the service monitor to receive the radio s first TX frequency of the channel bank on which the alignment procedure will be performed. 2. By pressing and Hold the radio s PTT button, adjust the TX audio until the service monitor indicates the signal is set for 3.3 KHz transmitter deviation (2/3 system deviation) or 1.7 KHz transmitter deviation for system using 12.5 KHz channel bandwidth. Additionally you will see a value number increasing from 0 ~ 31 on the radio s display. Note: If you quickly release and press again PTT button, the value number will start decreasing. Each time you release and press PTT again the count on radio display will be reverted and so the associated deviation over the channel. 3. Once the radio transmitter deviation is set to the proper level, release PTT button, and after 5 seconds of inactivity, the board will move to the next alignment step. TX CTCSS Alignment 1. By holding pressed the radio s PTT button, adjust the CTCSS until the service monitor indicates the signal is set for 600 Hz (300 Hz for system using 12.5 KHz channel bandwidth) transmitter deviation. Additionally you will see a value number increasing from 0 ~ 31 on the radio s display. After 31 is over, it starts back from 0. 2. Once the CTCSS level is properly adjusted, release PTT button, wait for 5 seconds, and recycle power. This time the board will boot up fully operational, and ready for programming the necessary parameters. P a g e 18
APENDIX II FIRMWARE UPDATE The ST-965 family has been designed to be updated on the way, so we have included a special process to update the firmware board without removing the board from the radio. Each radio has its own firmware update procedure, but the step by step menu will guide though the correct procedure for each radio brand. If you are downloading the file from the web site, please verify it contains the services you are looking for. Some features should change after the board is re-flashed Radio must be connected to the computer using the right programming adaptor for the desired radio model before start the process. 1. In order to start the firmware update process you must download the latest release available at our website: http://www.smartrunk.com/en/download/software/software.html 2. Once you have downloaded the firmware, and extracted into the folder on which the ST-965 Logic Board Programmer is installed (usually C:\ST-965), please proceed to click on Update Firmware on menu bar. A new menu will drop down: Please focus you the mouse pointer into the brand you are using, and click on the correct model. 3. The firmware file selection screen will show up. Select the recently downloaded or received from SmarTrunk Tech Support Department STF file. P a g e 19
After selected, please press Open to reach to the next step. 4. A new confirmation screen asks you to confirm you have selected the right file If the firmware file is the right one, please press on YES; if not, cancel the updating process by pressing NO. 5. Once you have confirmed, the software will guide you for the next step. As example: Please pay attention to the instructions set, and carefully proceed as it is explained. The progress bar will start moving. As soon as the file is fully downloaded, the software let you now then it will go back to the main screen. After the update is done, please cycle the radio power. Please read the tips for the new firmware release. Some functionality should be changed P a g e 20
Make sure that the radio is powered off. APPENDIX III ST-965VX/VXD INTALLATION ON VX-2200 1. Remove the radio cover and find the option board connector socket (as seen in the picture below). 2. Plug the ST-965VX/VXD logic board into the radio s option board socket: Take care of the board positioning (see picture on the right). 3. Put the cover back on. Put the top cover back onto the radio and fix the screws (see picture below). P a g e 21
APPENDIX IV RADIO PROGRAMMING TIPS FOR VERTEX VX-2200 Even when the ST-965.exe software will decompress many radio templates, here is a basic guide on how to configure the radio buttons. Make sure that FLAT AF option is disabled 1. Run the CE82 Programming Software for VX-2200 radio series. 2. Load the template installed by the ST-965 Logic Board Programmer, it is located in C:\ST- 965\Templates Vertex 3. Set the frequencies and/or channel banks required for the system. 4. Write the radio programming to the radio. If you decide to set up the radio programming by yourself, in order to achieve the best radio performance, please have in mind the tips described below. 1. Set the correct Key Function for SmarTrunk Functionalities and Menus. Go to Common menu, and select Key Function option. The Key function menu will be shown. P a g e 22
Please set the key assignment as seen in the above figure. The functionalities achieved with this configuration will be as described below: Standby mode: Up Key (Short Press): Trunking Group Switch scroll up Down Key (Short Press): Trunking Group Switch scroll down Online Mode (connected to the network): Up Key (Short Press): Pick up incoming calls (* function) Down Key (Short Press): End Call (# function) Up Key (Long Press): Scrambler ON/OFF Down Key (Long Press): Leave call, leaves the call without sending the End Call signaling. You may set all other keys as you wish, but make sure Option SW and MON options are selected, that will ensure you the proper SmarTrunk operation on the radio. P a g e 23