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Alligator Communications Model 1888A
Remote Station
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The Model 1888A frequency-synthesized remote
radio provides maximum performance and reliability in a multiple
address communications network. The radio utilizes an onboard
microprocessor to control all operational parameters and diagnostic
functions, including self-adjustments to compensate for long-term
level and frequency drifts, resulting in a truly
"maintenance-free" transceiver radio.
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Key features of the Model 1888A
include:
Over The Air Control
All Model 1888A radios are available with Advanced Diagnostics that
provide a comprehensive analysis of the radio's status and performance
when interfaced by Alligator software. Monitoring and changing a radio's
parameters can be performed at the remote site or "over-the-air"
via the remote's master station. Available
Alligator Interface modules allow connection by telephone line or
microwave link to the master station. It is possible to monitor and
reconfigure an entire network of Alligator radios from your office or any
location with land line or cellular telephone services. Changing
frequencies, alarm limits, power levels, deviation, sleep timers, and
operating parameters can all be performed without dispatching a technician
to the remote site.
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Programmable Alarm Limits
Also available on the Model 1888A are several user-programmable alarm
limits. These limits monitor the performance of several diagnostic
parameters and generate an alarm condition, should any parameter exceed
its limits. With the RTU monitoring the alarm status output of the radio,
alarm conditions can be quickly noted, and corrective action can be taken
to prevent further degradation of radio performance. With early detection
and Alligator's "Over-the-Air" capabilities, most corrections
can be performed without visiting the remote site. This convenience
greatly reduces trips to remote radio locations and saves you time and
money.
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Event Counters
The Model 1888A radio also comes with event coounters. These counters
keep track of several different events such as PTT (Push To Talk) keying,
receiver squelch, and transmit time-out. Tracking these variables helps
pinpoint the source of nagging data errors.
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Radio Upgrades via Telephone
Any optional features or future enhancements can be added to a remote
radio without having to send the radio back to the factory. An Alligator
technician can dial-up and access the radio through its associated master
station and upload the selected features directly to the remote unit.
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Automatic Global Frequency
Calibration (AGFC)
Not only does this option eliminate the need to calibrate the
frequency for each remote radio individually, it also allows the entire
network of remote radios to operate at close to zero frequency offset with
the master radio. With AGFC each remote radio is constantly comparing its
frequency to the master radio. The built-in microprocessor will adjust the
TCXO frequency to match the master's TCXO. With close to zero frequency
offset between the master and all the remotes, the
MAS radio system is always at peak performance. Routine maintenance is now
extremely simply; a single adjustment of the master will automatically
calibrate all the remote radio frequencies.
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Automatic Deviation Control (ADC)
The remote radio has a built-in ADC circuit which, when activated, will
hold the deviation constant. The ADC automatically compensates for spikes
or long-term variations. The operator can set the deviation as high as the
FCC permits without risking violation of FCC rules.
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Automatic Level Control (ALC)
A radio with VF or analog interface requires adjusting the input levels to
precisely match the output level of the RTU in order to obtain a desired
modulation of the RF carrier. The ALC circuit can accommodate an input
level of -20 dBm to +10 dBm without adjusting the radio.
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Worry-Free Maintenance Alert
All other manufacturers' radios require frequent diagnostics to be
performed to each and every remote radio to insure that the radios are in
good working condition. With the Model 1888A remote radio, the alarm
status flag (Pin 25) in the radio will be raised when the preprogrammed
operating alarm limit is exceeded. With one of the digital/status inputs
of the RTU monitoring this pin, the radio alarm is instantaneously
reported back to the operator. This will eliminate the need for an
operator to take the SCADA offline to routinely look for potential
problems. There is no need to perform routine diagnostics that not only
waste the operator's time, but will also interrupt SCADA polling.
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Advanced Diagnostic Software
Alligator's Diagnostic Software is the most advanced in the industry. Its
menu oriented design simplifies the ask of radio configuration and
maintenance. The user no longer has to memorize cryptic command codes or
refer to manuals for dip switch and jumper settings. The software displays
all radio information both textually and graphically. Changing and/or
reading any parameter is as simple as selecting a command from the
appropriate menu and pressing.
The software runs on any PC compatible computer with a parallel printer
port. This means the technician will never be without his best diagnostic
tool, either in the field or at the office.
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