ARA-1 Operations Manual
1-6
INTEROPERABILITY NOW
This concept applies to both trunked and conventional repeater systems. Note that no changes to
the repeater system are required, hence there is no installation or other downtime involved with
using the ARA-1 to create a single SIP network connection to the system, or to use multiple
ARA-1s to conference two or more radio systems together.
1.5
Connection to Devices Other Than a Radio
The ARA-1 contains all of the interface features necessary for a competent interface between a
radio and a SIP network. These features also provide a seamless interface of other four-wire
devices such as an audio console.
1.6
Initiating Connections via the ARA-1 and Associated Radio
So far calls to a radio through the ARA-1 have been described. There are three methods for
initiating a call from the radio/ARA-1 end of the connection. Each of these methods is described
in full detail in Section 4,
Operation
.
1.6.1
Using a Web Browser
Simply browse to the ARA-1’s IP address, select the
Call Management
page, enter the SIP
address or extension, and click
Connect
.
1.6.2
Using DTMF
If your radio has a DTMF keypad, there are two options that can be used to initiate connections
to an IP address or a PBX extension. DTMF input not terminated by a pound (#) digit invokes an
internal “speed dial” calling guide that is set up within the ARA-1; this calling guide associates
incoming DTMF sequences with the destination IP address or extension.
Whenever the DTMF input is terminated by the pound digit, the ARA-1’s
Pound Terminated
Dialing
feature dials the received DTMF sequence (except for the pound digit). This allows a
radio user with a DTMF keypad to dial any number or extension just as the user would dial a
regular telephone.
1.6.3
Using Squelch Breaks
The ARA-1 can use the COR (unsquelched condition) input from its associated radio as a signal
from radio system users that they want to make or end a call. The radio users in the field key and
unkey their radios at a specific cadence (user-programmable). For example, the required cadence
may be four key/unkey sequences at the specified rate (three or five will not trigger a response).
The radio associated with the ARA-1 unsquelches and re-squelches at the same cadence, and
passes this cadence on to the ARA-1. When the required cadence is detected, the ARA-1 initiates
a call to a pre-defined SIP address or extension. A COR Cadence can also be used to terminate
the call.
1.7
SIP Instructions
This manual does not attempt to familiarize the reader with SIP fundamentals. SIP is an open
protocol and there are many references that explain how to best make use of it. The ARA-1 is
fully compliant with the SIP protocol.