ARMA-C125-CRM
22
6.
OPERATION
6.1
I
NTRODUCTION
The amplifier may be operated via the RS-485 serial interface, discrete interface or from the
front panel controls and display. All methods provide full access to the unit functions including
system monitoring of all key operating parameters, control of output power and of amplifier
operational status.
In LOCAL mode, through the aid of the keypad and the LCD display, the operator can navigate
through a series of menus on the front panel which allow the setting of key parameters and digital
display of critical performance indicators. A series of LED indicators provides a summary of the
operational status of the amplifier, see
TABLE 10
at page 20 &
TABLE 11
at page 20. In
REMOTE mode, using the software supplied with this product or a similar communications
software, the same monitor and control functions can be accessed via the RS-485 interface (see
Section 7.4
Select Local Control Mode
at page 32 for more information).
Similarly, the front panel and the discrete interface provide the user with alarm and fault
conditions, amplifier status, output attenuation setting, redundant system operation and remote
RF enable capability.
Important Notice:
Providing a contact between pins 8 & 15 of the Discrete Interface
connector permits amplifier operation. When these pins are not in contact, the amplifier is
considered to be in hardware shutdown mode and cannot be started by any means.
In the 1:1 redundant system, one amplifier is considered to be ON-LINE (i.e. its output is
directed to the antenna) while the second is in STAND-BY (output directed to the high power
load). The operator can designate an amplifier as MUTE effectively preventing it from being
either ON-LINE or STAND-BY, thus disabling the automatic switching system.
6.2
F
RONT
P
ANEL
C
ONTROLS
Six keys on the front panel provide access to various display functions and allow for local control
of the amplifier. The display operates via a menu system that provides quick access to all available
monitor and control features.
In general, the
[
é
é
]
and
[
ê
ê
]
keys are the primary means by which the operator moves between
different displays and menu options. The
[Enter]
key is used to select a menu item and to confirm
changes made to various operating parameters. The
[Clear]
key is used to reset the FAULT status
on an amplifier, once the condition that caused the fault has been corrected. For specific
instructions on the functionality of each sub-menu refer to the appropriate section of this manual.
