Argent Data Systems ADS-SR1 Manuel utilisateur
Argent Data Systems
ADS-SR1 Simplex Repeater
User’s Manual
Revised 12-22-2012
Firmware revision O
Argent Data Systems
PO Box 579
Santa aria, CA 93455
(800) 274-4076
Fax (866) 302-6890
www.argentdata.com
Copyright © 2008-2012 Argent Data Systems
All Rights Reserved
1
Warranty
If this product fails due to defects in materials or workmanship during the
period of one year from the date of purchase, or if the flash memory in this
device fails through normal usage during the period of five years from the date
of purchase, Argent Data Systems will repair or replace the device, at our option.
This warranty covers defects in manufacturing discovered while using the
product as recommended by the manufacturer. The warranty does not cover
loss or theft, nor does coverage extend to damage caused by misuse, abuse,
unauthori ed modification, improper storage conditions, lightning, or natural
disasters.
Should the product fail, your sole recourse shall be repair or replacement, as
described in the preceding paragraphs. We will not be held liable to you or any
other party for any damages that result from the failure of this product.
Damages excluded include, but are not limited to, the following: lost profits, lost
savings, lost data, damage to other equipment, and incidental or consequential
damages arising from the use, or inability to use this product. In no event will
Argent Data Systems be liable for more than the amount of your purchase price,
not to exceed the current list price of the product, and excluding tax, shipping
and handling charges.
Argent Data Systems disclaims any other warranties, expressed or implied. By
installing or using the product, the user accepts all terms described herein.
To obtain service under this warranty, contact us at support@argentdata.com or
at 1-800-274-4076.
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Introduction
The ADS-SR1 is a multi-function simplex repeater, voice mailbox, and voice
announcement system. It can be used with almost any radio (handheld, base
station, or mobile) and is equally suitable for permanent installation or
temporary use for emergencies and special events. Features of the ADS-SR1
include:
-218 seconds total recording time (867 with upgrade)
-19.2 kH sample rate for excellent voice clarity
-10 voice announcements with independent timers
-Up to 20 voicemail messages
-Programmable maximum message length setting
-Messages and settings retained for 20 years with no power
-Optional Morse code or voice identification
-DTMF remote control for all functions
-Operates from two AA batteries or external 4-28 V DC supply
-Runs for weeks on alkaline or lithium batteries
-‘Say again’ function repeats last received transmission on command
-‘Stand by’ tone or message option lets users know repeater is in use
-Selectable courtesy tones
-Audio output adjustable in hardware and by remote command
-PTT modes for handheld and mobile radios
-Upgradeable software for future enhancements
-Programmable security code with auto-lock feature
-Unit remains controllable even with stuck receiver squelch
-1 year warranty on complete unit, 5 years on flash memory
What is a Simplex Repeater?
Most radio operators are familiar with the concept of a duplex repeater, where a
separate receiver and transmitter operate at the same time, listening on one
frequency and retransmitting on another. Duplex repeaters allow natural
conversation, but they’re typically bulky and expensive because of the elaborate
filters required.
A simplex repeater, on the other hand, is a store-and-forward device. It records
incoming transmissions and re-sends them on the same channel. It can provide
the same extension of coverage and range as a duplex repeater, with the obvious
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drawback of requiring twice as much air time to carry out a conversation, as each
transmission is repeated back. However, its simplicity and low cost makes it
perfect for temporary or emergency use, and to provide coverage in areas where
the cost of a duplex repeater can’t be justified.
For many radio clubs and emergency response organi ations, a single semi-
portable duplex repeater is a major investment. Simplex repeaters like the ADS-
SR1, on the other hand, are inexpensive enough to be kept as individual
equipment for each member, making it more likely that they’ll be available for
rapid deployment when needed. An emergency repeater station can be set up
with nothing more than a handheld radio, a cable, and the repeater unit itself.
The ADS-SR1 has additional features that make it useful as more than just a
simplex repeater. For example, the ‘say again’ feature can be used to repeat a
single missed message on demand, even with the normal repeater function
disabled. This is particularly useful in situations where most stations are close
enough to hear each other directly and normal operation of the repeater would
be distracting.
The voice announcement features of the ADS-SR1 can be used independently of
the repeater functions, and can be used for such things as club activity reminders
or foxhunt beacons, or even a slow-scan TV beacon. The voicemail feature
functions like an answering machine for your radio, recording up to 20 incoming
messages and allowing them to be retrieved with a separate access code,
independent of the main security code.
Legal Issues
Legal restrictions on the operation of a simplex repeater depend on the radio
service used (i.e., amateur, commercial, FRS, MURS, etc) and vary from country
to country. Interpretations of specific rules vary as well, and their applicability
to operation of the ADS-SR1 may depend on which specific features are used. It
is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that they operate within applicable
regulations.
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Hardware Description
The ADS-SR1 measures 3.6” by 2.6” by 1.1” (92mm by 66mm by 28 mm). Its
front panel has a pushbutton power switch, 2.1x5.5mm center-positive DC power
jack, and an RJ45 jack for all radio connections. Two LEDs (one red and one
green) on the RJ45 jack indicate activity. A removable panel on the back of the
unit provides access to the battery compartment and DIP switches. Setting the
DIP switches may require a small object like a paperclip or pin. These switches
select the PTT mode and audio output range, and allow the device to be reset to
its default settings.
Power is supplied by internal batteries, through the DC power jack, or through
the RJ45 jack.
Installing Batteries
The ADS-SR1 accepts two AA (LR6) si e batteries. Use fresh alkaline or lithium
batteries, and pay close attention to battery polarity. Do not install batteries if
the unit is being powered through the RJ45 jack!
Do not store the unit for long periods with alkaline batteries installed. If long-
term storage is required, use premium grade lithium batteries (e.g., Energi er
Lithium) and inspect them periodically. Lithium batteries provide significantly
longer operating life for the unit and can be stored for longer periods of time.
Because the ADS-SR1 may be stored in your emergency kit for years without
being used, lithium batteries are highly recommended to ensure that the unit will
work when it’s needed.
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Radio Interfacing
The RJ45 jack on the front panel provides all radio interface
connections. Looking into the front of the connector, the pin
functions, from left to right, are as follows:
8- Power in (typically used with radios that provide a +8v output)
7- Unused
6 - Audio in (from radio’s speaker output)
5- Push-to-talk output
4- Ground
3- Audio out (to radio’s microphone input)
2- Ground
1- Squelch / COR input
The Squelch / COR input is optional. When this signal is available from the radio
(usually from an accessory or data connector) it allows the repeater to be
operated with the VOX delay.
The PTT mode must be set appropriately for the radio being used. Most base
station and mobile radios use a separate PTT input. Many handheld radios, with
the notable exception of most Kenwood models, combine the microphone and
PTT signals. For combined PTT models, DIP switch 4 in the ADS-SR1’s battery
compartment must be set to the ON position. All other radios should have
switch 4 set to OFF.
Do not install batteries when using the optional RJ45 power input pin. The
DC jack, however, may be used while batteries are installed.
Audio Levels
For good performance, it is important to set both receive and transmit audio
levels correctly. The receive audio level is set using the radio’s volume control.
To set it correctly, use another radio for testing. Transmit a test message in an
ordinary speaking voice and observe the red and green LEDs on the front of the
ADS-SR1.
The green LED will turn on when the audio level is about 75% of full scale. The
red LED is normally on and will switch off when the level exceeds 100%. Set the
volume of the radio connected to the ADS-SR1 so that the green LED flickers in
response to your voice, without the red LED dimming noticeably.
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If you are unable to get the receive audio level high enough, the solder jumper
marked SJ1, located on the circuit board near the DIP switch, may be cut to
increase gain. This jumper is present only on hardware revision 1.3 and above.
Setting the transmit audio level is a two-step process. First, the range can be set
roughly using DIP switches 1 and 2. The audio level will be lowest with both
switches off, and highest with both switches on.
When set properly, the transmitted audio should sound natural and not distorted
or ‘clipped’, without being excessively quiet. The ##98 command will cause the
unit to transmit a 1 kH tone at full amplitude for several seconds, to help with
adjustment. If you can’t find a combination of DIP switch settings that yields a
comfortable audio level, it can be further adjusted using a DTMF command,
detailed below.
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Operation
When repeater mode is enabled (as it is by default), the ADS-SR1 listens for
activity and automatically starts recording when audio is detected. If the red
light does not come on in response to radio activity, check that the volume level
of the radio is set correctly.
A period of silence (initially set to two seconds) tells the ADS-SR1 that the
transmission is finished, and it then keys the radio and retransmits the message.
Many mobile radios provide a squelch, COR/COS, or ‘busy’ signal that can be
used with the ADS-SR1’s squelch input. This allows the VOX delay to be
eliminated. See the section on the squelch input function for more information.
If no time limit has been set, the repeater will record until its memory is full.
Remember that the voice memory is shared between the current message being
recorded, the previous transmission (if ‘say again’ mode is enabled) and any
stored voicemail messages and announcements. If the unit runs out of space, it
will wait until the current transmission ends before repeating as much as it was
able to record.
If a time limit is set, the repeater will record only to this limit and will then
immediately transmit what it recorded, even if the sender is still talking. If the
cool-down timer is enabled, the unit will stop repeating until the timer expires.
This helps prevent transmitter overheating, and allows a repeater with a stuck
squelch to be controlled, as it will still respond to commands even while the cool-
down timer is active.
The ADS-SR1 responds to a number of DTMF commands. Normal commands
start with ‘##’; access to these commands can be restricted through the use of a 3-
digit security code.
A few commands can be used without a security code. Pressing ‘0’ activates the
‘say again’ function (if enabled) and causes the repeater to retransmit the last
transmission heard, even if hours or days have passed. However, the ‘say again’
memory is not retained when the unit is powered off.
The record voicemail command, ‘1’, can also be entered without a security code.
See below for more information on voicemail functions.
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Entering ‘*’ at any time during a transmission causes the repeater to ignore the
current transmission, and aborts any commands being entered. This can be used
to prevent the unit from retransmitting your message, or to correct a mistake
while entering a command. Pressing ‘*’ followed by the 3-digit voicemail access
code enters voicemail retrieval mode, detailed below.
If the repeater auto-off timer is enabled, pressing ‘3’ will turn on the repeater
function. The repeater function will shut off again after the unit has been idle for
the specified time or when the ‘6’ command is received. This allows users
without the access code to turn the repeater on and off as needed.
The ‘stand by’ tone or message option, when enabled, alerts users of the repeater
that a transmission is being recorded. This helps to prevent doubling, but results
in the first portion of the incoming transmission being dropped. When this
option is enabled, allow an extra second or so after keying the microphone before
talking.
essages
The ADS-SR1 has 10 message slots, numbered 0 through 9. These messages can
be configured as timed announcements (each with a selectable interval and time
offset), automatic responses to incoming transmissions (often for ID or operating
instructions), or they may be triggered manually by DTMF command. Message
rotation and preamble settings are described in the command reference below.
9
Command Reference
All normal commands start with ‘##’, followed by at least two digits. If the unit
is locked (either because the lock command ‘##00’ was entered or because the
auto-lock function was enabled and the timer expired), no commands will be
accepted until ‘##’ and the 3-digit security code have been received. For
example, if the code is ‘123’, entering ‘##123’ unlocks the unit.
If the repeater has trouble receiving commands, try adjusting the audio input
level. Each time a valid DTMF tone is received, the red LED will momentarily
turn off. When entering long commands, watch the LED to ensure each key
press is received properly.
The ADS-SR1 responds to commands with four distinct tone sequences:
High triple-beep – ‘Ok - Command was accepted.
High-high-low – ‘Negative’ - Command was accepted, with negative results.
High-low – ‘Error’ - Unknown command, or invalid entry.
Low-low – ‘Locked’ - The security code must be entered first.
ntering Times
For most commands requiring units of time, you can use one of three entry
modes:
MM – Two digit value in minutes (e.g., ‘10’ = 10 minutes)
SSS – Three digit value in seconds (e.g., ‘030’ = 30 seconds)
HHMM – Hours and minutes, up to 12 hours (e.g., ‘0130’ = 1 hour 30 minutes)
A quick reference sheet is included at the end of this manual. We strongly
recommend cutting out this sheet, folding it, and storing it in the ADS-SR1’s
battery compartment. If you plan to store the unit for long periods with lithium
batteries installed, use the back of the sheet to track battery replacement dates.
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