15
installations where either Omni-directional SATCOM antennas are used or when there are long
runs of RF cable loss to overcome.
WB Mode (TCR-MBA-50 WB only)
- Press the LOS mode button repeatedly until the WB
LED is turned ON (refer to Table 2-1). This indicates that the PA is ready for WB operation and
the RF is routed to the WB Antenna port. WB Frequency Hopping is selected when both the WB
and FH LEDs are turned on (refer to Table 2-1). This mode is disabled on the TCR-MBA-50.
2.3.3.2
LNA Operation Precautions
There may be an interoperability issue when operating certain radios with amplifiers that have a
receive Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). Using the LNA ON setting with certain radios may cause
intermittent squelch break on the radio. To resolve this possible issue, simply turn the LNA
operation off via the front panel SAT push button switch by selecting SAT LNA OFF.
2.3.3.3
Remote Control Operation
The TCR-MBA-50 (both versions) can be controlled remotely via a USB or asynchronous RS-
232 interface (refer to section 3 for a functional description of these interfaces).
2.3.3.4
Out of band operation
Operating outside the frequency band for the selected mode of operation (30-88 MHz FM
SINCGARS Frequency Hopping, 225MHz - 400MHz AM HAVEQUICK Frequency Hopping,
225MHz - 450MHz WB and 292MHz - 318 MHz UHF SATCOM) will cause the FLT light to
flash. The amplifier will go into a “failsafe” LOS bypass mode. The fault will be cleared when
the transmit signal is removed. The amplifier will then return to its previous operating mode.
Operating on SATCOM frequencies while in the LOS mode with an antenna connected to the
LOS port will not cause an alarm and it will operate properly, however, the amplifier will not
comply with the timing requirements for DAMA/IW operation. Also note that the PA cannot be
“swept” across the 30-512 LOS or 225-450 WB frequency bands as this will cause a frequency
fault.
2.3.3.5 Bypass Operation
When DC power is removed or when the AMP Bypass mode is selected (pressing the PWR
button for more than 6 seconds) the radio port is directly connected to the LOS antenna port.
2.3.3.6 Troubleshooting
If the communications system seems to be operating improperly, check to make sure that the
equipment is configured in accordance with Section 3. If the problem persists follow the
instructions below.