CHAPTER 8: ALIGNMENT
Overview
The BCR Repeater is designed to operate in a wide range of the RF spectrum and the repeater is factory
aligned to work at any frequency within that spectrum. However, because the repeater operates on a single
transmit frequency at a time, you will likely want to optimize performance for that frequency. The BCR
Repeater is equipped with the ability to fine-tune the repeater’s operation at a specific transmit frequency.
If you ordered the BCR Repeater with custom programming, then it should already be aligned to operate at its
programmed frequency. If you ordered the BCR Repeater without custom programming, then it is advised
that you follow the alignment procedures in this section.
Parameters
During the alignment process, you will have the opportunity to fine-tune all of the listed parameters below.
The heading of each bullet is the name of the parameter that you will see in the BCR Repeater’s display during
the alignment process.
•
SQUELCH:
1-9 (Approx 0.22
µ
V
-0.30
µ
V)
•
RF POWER:
(0-400) – This value is representation of the RF Output Power – 0 being least
power and 400 being max power.
•
TX SUB DEV:
(0-7) This parameter controls the TX sub-audible tone/code output devation. 0
being < 40dB, 1-7 in 2dB increments from –12dB to 0dB.
•
TX VOICE DEV:
(0-7) This parameter controls the TX Voice deviation. 0 being < 40dB, 1-7
adjusts in 2dB increments from –12dB to 0dB.
•
TX FREQ:
This parameter controls the temperature-controlled crystal oscillator (TCXO) voltage.
The TCXO is adjusted at the factory to work across the repeater’s RF operating range. You can
adjust the TX FREQ parameter to fine-tune the TCXO voltage for the selected frequency.
Alignment Procedure
For this process, a service monitor capable of duplex operation and a hand held two-way radio.
Follow the steps below:
1)
Start the alignment procedure
Once the repeater has powered up select the channel to adjust. Press-and-hold the RPTR button
for approximately two seconds. The LCD will display SQUELCH and squelch value below. To cycle
through the available alignment parameters, rotate the SELECT knob.
2)
Set up the service monitor and adjust SQUELCH
Program the service monitor to generate on the RX frequency at a signal strength ranging from
approximately 0.30uV to 0.22uV. To adjust the squelch, press-and-release the SELECT knob.
Rotate the SELECT knob until RX light goes out. When comfortable with the setting, press-and-
release the SELECT knob to store the value. Repeat and adjust accordingly until results are
satisfactory for the environment.
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