The steps below provide the instructions to perform 72MHz RF signal field testing with a ICOM R6 Handheld Communications Receiver. Testing may be performed during a pre-install coverage test or when troubleshooting areas experiencing weak signal coverage.
Insert batteries. Open the battery housing on the back of the R6, insert 2 AA batteries, and set the battery housing cover back in place.
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Attach SMA to BNC adapter.
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Attach attenuator for the Primex device being tested.
Clocks: 30 dB annenuator
Repeater Transmitter & Wireless Tone Generator (WTG): both the 30 dB + 6 dB annenuators
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Attach rubber antenna to attenuator.
For a Transmitter with an external antenna, power cycle the Transmitter to set it into an 8 hour continuous broadcast mode. Transmitter with an internal antenna broadcasts continuously.
From the Transmitter front LCD display verify:
Either the GPS (
tower symbol) or NTP (
symbol) is displayed, which indicates it's receiving time.Green LED is illuminated, which indicates it's broadcasting.
Power on device - hold down power button for 1 second.
From the right side of the screen, verify the MR icon is displayed. If not displayed, press and release V/M button and verify the MR icon is displayed.
Hold down MODE/SCAN for 1 second or until the device beeps. Verify XR 72 is displayed. If M-ALL, B-ALL, or B-LINK is displayed, rotate the Control Dial until XR 72 is displayed.
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Push MODE/SCAN to start the scan. Receiver continuously scans for a XR frequency channel. Once connected to the channel, it emits a constant high pitch tone. If you choose to manually go through the channels, rotate the Control Dial to select a frequency.
Note
ICOM receiver continuously scans for a channel every 10 seconds. If a Repeater Transmitter is on-site, continuous scanning allows you to hear the repeater transmissions, as well as the main Transmitter transmissions. To turn off the continuous scan, push MODE/SCAN.
To clearly hear the Transmitter signal and get proper signal strength, the ICOM receiver is required to be in FM mode. If AM or WFM is displayed, press and release MODE/SCAN until FM is displayed,
To measure the RF signal strength and obtain an accurate reading, place the ICOM receiver on the walls where the Primex devices will be or are currently located at.
If you hear heavy static overwhelming the tone emitting from the Transmitter, it's likely the Primex device will not obtain adequate signal to operate. It's recommended to either move the device to another location in the room or add additional devices to resolve the coverage gap.
At the bottom of the ICOM receiver screen is a signal strength indicator. Although, the best method to verify uninterrupted signal is by listening for static interruptions.
