softradio virtual control heads - testadvance€¦ · • dm4600/01 (xpr5550, dgm8000, xir m8660,...

Rev. A.01 6/08/2015

SoftRadio Virtual Control Heads Radio Control Head functionality via IP

Testadvance pty/ltd

SoftRadio Virtual Control Heads

Copyright © testadvance pty/ltd 2010-15 Page 1 of 12

Contents

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 2

2. Motorola TETRA................................................................................................................................ 2

MTM800E & MTM5200/5400/5500 ................................................................................................. 2

MTM700/800 (non-E-type) ............................................................................................................... 3

3. Motorola MotoTrbo DM4600/01 and DM3600/01 .......................................................................... 4

4. Motorola GM/CDM-Series ................................................................................................................ 5

GM360 (GM160/338/338LS/339/660, MCX760, CDM1550/1550LS+; PRO7100/7200) ................... 5

CDM1250 (PRO5100) ........................................................................................................................ 5

GM1280 ............................................................................................................................................ 6

GM380 (GM398/399) ....................................................................................................................... 6

5. Kenwood........................................................................................................................................... 6

Nexedge NX720/820 & TK-7360/8360 .............................................................................................. 6

TK-7180/8180/7189/8189 ................................................................................................................ 7

6. Hytera MD785/788 DMR .................................................................................................................. 8

7. ICOM IC-M423/M424 Marine Radio ................................................................................................. 8

8. Sepura SRM2000, SRM3500, SRG3500, SRG3900 ............................................................................. 9

9. Basic Settings for VCH Display .......................................................................................................... 9

10. Overview of VCH supported radios................................................................................................. 11



1. Introduction

‘Virtual Control Heads’ (VCH) provide the ability to control a radio remotely using the same functionality and ‘look & feel’ of the radio itself. The RoIP Interface Unit (RIU) incorporates the additional functionality needed to interact with a compatible radio via its control-head/control-bus, such as a PEI or data-extension adaptor. The SoftRadio console in turn provides the user with a functional, interactive replica of the radio’s control head. The operator can control the radio using either the mouse, a touchscreen or keyboard shortcuts to activate functions on the VCH – just as if the operator is using the radio itself.

Radios can be programmed according to the relevant manufacturer’s specifications and the model’s capabilities. The standard console device panel and the VCH operate in parallel. Control and behaviour is fully transparent and integrated. Tasks executed on either are represented on both. For example an operator can keep the VCHs of key radios in the foreground, and maintain secondary radios for monitoring on the standard device panel.

2. Motorola TETRA

MTM800E & MTM5200/5400/5500

Settings on the VCH mimic the physical front panel. The VCH omits the front-panel control-knob as the volume of the audio on the console is adjusted using the Windows volume control, or using the volume controls in the SoftRadio device panel. The VCH provides two additional keys to directly access SDS messages. The VCH omits features that are not required on the SoftRadio console, e.g. display brightness, screen saver, etc.

Figure 1 SoftRadio Virtual Control Heads



Due to limitations of the PEI bus, the VCH cannot operate fully in parallel to the radio’s physical control head. For example a menu accessed on the physical control head is not replicated on the VCH, but a change made to the talk group will be shown.

The VCH provides the following functions:

• TalkGroup list and selection • Scanning, list edit and scan on/off • Short dial list and calls • SDS send/receive • Change of TMO/DMO • Radio Info menu • Further functions are being added in upcoming revisions

The default interconnect uses the PEI connector on the rear of the transceiver. In the case of the MTM5500 the PEI port is interfaced via the DB9 connector on the front of the radio. Similarly when using a PMLN4908 Data Expansion Head with the MTM5400, the PEI is also on the front of the radio.

MTM700/800 (non-E-type)

The VCH replicates the Motorcycle Control Head of the MTM700/800. The VCH omits the front-panel control-knob as the volume of the audio on the console is adjusted using the Windows volume control, or using the volume controls in the SoftRadio device panel.

• Supported radio types for MTM700: M47xCC6TZ5, M47xCW6TZ2 • Supported radio types for MTM800: M80xCC6TZ5, M80xCW6TZ2 with (x=P/R/U frequency bands)

To connect a Motorola MTM700/800 radio, the standard control head is replaced with the suitable Expansion/Data Head. Audio and data is interfaced via the front 25-pin connector on the extension head, only the external alarm is connected on the rear connector of the transceiver. Default programming for ‘Pin 4’ is external alarm low output, allowing the RIU to recognise that a selective call has been received.

Figure 2 Motorola TETRA MTM5400/MTM800E and MTM5200/5400/5500/800E



3. Motorola MotoTrbo DM4600/01 and DM3600/01

The VCH replicates a standard MotoTrbo DM4600/01 and DM3600/01. Settings on the VCH are made as on the physical front panel. A keypad is included to make selective calls easier. The VCH for the DM46xx series allows to set the keyboard to Channel Select as default. This simplifies operation in systems with many channels, such as Marine VHF radio.

All connections are made from the rear connector on the radio. The standard control head should be left in place and operates in parallel with the VCH. The radio shall be programmed for:

• Cable Type on the Accessories Page, set to: "Rear Data Accy" • GPIO Pin #17 shall be set to Ext Mic PTT, active low • GPIO Pin #26 shall be set to "Ext Alarm; High" • Alarm to "Permanent Ext Alarm"

Supported radio-models:

• DM4600/01 (XPR5550, DGM8000, XiR M8660, XiR M8668), recommend firmware 2.30.01 or higher • DM3600/01 VCH (XPR4500, XPR4550, XPR4580, XiR M8260, M8268, DGM6100)

Figure 3 Motorola TETRA MTM700/800

Figure 4 Motorola MotoTrbo DM4600/01 and DM3600/01



4. Motorola GM/CDM-Series

Settings on the VCH are made as on the physical front panel. The VCH omits the front-panel control-knob as the volume of the audio on the console is adjusted using the Windows volume control, or using the volume controls in the SoftRadio device panel.

To connect a Motorola GM/CDM-series radio, the standard control head is replaced with the corresponding remote or extension head. (The VCH connection does not function via the microphone connector on the control head). Audio and data is interfaced via the front connector on the extension head, only the external alarm is connected on the rear connector of the transceiver. Default programming for ‘Pin 4’ is external alarm low output, allowing the RIU to recognise that a selective call has been received. The radio shall not be wired for ‘ignition sense’.

GM360 (GM160/338/338LS/339/660, MCX760, CDM1550/1550LS+; PRO7100/7200)

The keys displayed on the VCH can be configured with different symbols to suit different markets. Requires Expansion/Data head RLN4802.

CDM1250 (PRO5100)

Requires Expansion/Data head RLN4802.

Figure 5 GM360 (GM160/ 338/339/338LS/660, MCX760, CDM1550/1550LS+, PRO7100/7200)

Figure 6 CDM1250 (PRO5100)



GM1280

While the GM1280 is no longer in production, the RIU is available. Requires Expansion/Data head RLN4780.

GM380 (GM398/399)

While the GM380 is no longer in production, the RIU is available. Requires Expansion/Data head RLN4780.

5. Kenwood

Nexedge NX720/820 & TK-7360/8360

The VCH replicates a Nexedge NX720/820 or Analogue TK-7360/8360 model. Settings on the VCH are made as on the physical front panel and an option is provided to activate a numeric keyboard.

Supported radio-models:

• Nexedge NX-720: E/GE/HK/HGK/HGK2; NX-820: E/GE/HK/HGK/HGK2 • Analogue TK-7360: E/M/HM/M2/HM2/HV; TK-8360: E/M/HM/M2/HM2/HU

The radio’s original control-head, microphone and speaker can be used in parallel with the SoftRadio VCH. All connections are made from the rear 15 pin connector on the radio. The radio shall be programmed with GPIO Pin 10 set to external PTT active low (Extended function, AUX-Tab).

Figure 7 Motorola GM1280 full keypad MPT1327 version, also known as MCX780

Figure 8 Motorola GM380 full keypad 5-tone version, also known as GM398, GM399



External PTT (voice) shall be connected to the MI2 line (Extended function, Modulation Line-Tab). To provide audio In/Out on the back connector, two jumpers need to be set in the radio (see the installation manual for details).

TK-7180/8180/7189/8189

The VCH replicates a TK-7180/8180/7189/8189 model. Settings on the VCH are made as on the physical front panel with the option to include a numeric keyboard in the VCH. Valid radio-models:

• TK-7180: E/E MPT/H; TK-8180: E/E MPT/H • TK-7189: E/E MPT; TK-8189: E/E MPT

The radio’s original control-head, microphone and speaker can be used in parallel. All connections are made from the rear 25 pin connector. The radio shall be programmed with External PTT on GPIO Pin 13. External PTT (voice) shall be connected to the MI2 line (Extended function, Modulation Line-Tab).

Figure 9 Kenwood Nexedge NX720/820 or TK-7360/8360

Figure 10 Kenwood TK-7180/8180/7189/8189



6. Hytera MD785/788 DMR

The VCH replicates a Hytera MD785/788 DMR radio. Settings on the VCH are made as on the physical front panel. The radio’s original control-head, microphone and speaker can be used in parallel with the VCH. All connections are made from the rear 26 pin connector on the radio.

VCH capability currently includes the following functions:

• Remote audio and PTT; Keys P1-P4 with short and long press • Channel/TalkGroup change; Presentation of channel/TalkGroup alias name • Presentation of the radio ID of the transmitting radio in a DMR group (Radio ID number not alias) • Icons for; receiving, transmitting, scanning, H/L-power • More functions are in development/testing

7. ICOM IC-M423/M424 Marine Radio

The VCH replicates an ICOM IC-M423/M424 Marine radio. Settings on the VCH are made as on the physical front panel. The radio’s original control-head, microphone and speaker can be used in parallel with the SoftRadio VCH. The VCH provides a fast key to CH16.

Figure 11 Hytera MD785/788 DMR

Figure 12 ICOM IC-M423/M424 Marine



8. Sepura SRM2000, SRM3500, SRG3500, SRG3900

The VCH replicates a standard Sepura Tetra radio SRM2000, SRM3500, SRG3500 or, SRG39001. Settings on the VCH are made as on the physical front panel. All connections are made from one of the control head connectors on the radio. The physical control head can be left connected to the other port and can be used in parallel with the SoftRadio VCH.

9. Basic Settings for VCH Display

A radio’s VCH can be opened manually by ‘clicking’ on the channel number field or caption bar of the radio’s device panel. SoftRadio can also be set to automatically open the VCH when a selective call is detected. (SoftRadio device panel <Settings>).

The VCH is closed by again clicking the Channel No field or the Caption bar used to open it. It can also closed using the File-menu on the VCH or by closing the Window using the close control on the frame.

Various settings can be made on the individual VCH to suit the operator’s preferences and work-process. The settings are access from the Settings menu on the VCH itself.

1 * SRG3900 using display of the SRG3500

Figure 13 Sepura SRM2000, SRM3500, SRG3500, SRG3900

Figure 14 Opening a VCH



• Glue windows together allows an operator to move the VCH, or multiple VCH panels together with the SoftRadio device panel as one. The panels in effect ‘stick’ together when placed close to each other. The setting can be overridden without needing to make a change in <Settings> by holding the [Ctrl]-key prior to moving the panels.

• Background colour on the VCH can be selected as either light or dark (dark is shown above). • The speaker can be turned on automatically at an incoming selective call • The information displayed in the Channel field can be configured (subject to the type of radio)

Figure 15 Display settings for the VCH

Figure 16 Channel No field settings



10.Overview of VCH supported radios

Motorola Model

Motorola TETRA MTM800E & MTM5200/5400/5500

MTM700: M47xCC6TZ5, M47xCW6TZ2

M80xCC6TZ5, M80xCW6TZ2 with (x=P/R/U frequency bands)

MotoTrbo DM4600/01 (XPR5550, DGM8000, XiR M8660, XiR M8668), recommend firmware 2.30.01 or higher

DM3600/01 VCH (XPR4500, XPR4550, XPR4580, XiR M8260, M8268, DGM6100)

Motorola GM-Series GM1280, full keypad MPT1327 version; requires remote kit RLN4780 Note: No longer in production, RIU and VCH continue to be available.

GM380, GM398, GM399, full keypad MPT1327 version, requires remote kit RLN4780 Note: No longer in production, RIU and VCH continue to be available.

GM360, (GM160, GM660, MCX760, CDM1550, GM338, GM339, PRO7100, PRO7200, GM338LS, CDM1550LS+), requires remote kit RLN4802

CDM1250 CDM1250, (PRO5100), requires remote kit RLN4802

Kenwood Model

Nexedge NX720/820 NX-720 E/GE/HK/HGK/HGK2

NX-820 E/GE/HK/HGK/HGK2

Analogue TK-7360/8360 TK-7360 E/M/HM/M2/HM2/HV

TK-8360 E/M/HM/M2/HM2/HU

TK-7180/8180/7189/8189 TK-7180 E/E MPT/H TK-8180 E/E MPT/H TK-7189 E/E MPT TK-8189 E/E MPT

Hytera Model

MD785/788 DMR MD785 MD 788

ICOM Model

ICOM Marine IC-M423 IC-M424

Sepura Model

SRM/SRG SRM2000 SRM3500 SRG3500 SRG3900 (using display of the SRG3500)

Table 1 Overview of radio models available with Virtual Control Head



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Disclaimer

The information herein is provided solely for the purpose of concept or product description and is not to be deemed as a statement of guaranteed properties. This document is subject to change without notice. While this document and

all the information contained herein and/or referred to have been carefully checked by testadvance, deviations cannot be completely ruled out. In the case errors are detected, the reader is kindly requested to notify testadvance.

In no event shall testadvance be responsible or liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of the information provided herein or the application of the equipment.

© 2010 – 2015 by testadvance pty/ltd.

All rights reserved. Where materials and other related content are provided by, sourced from or referenced to our OEM partner LS Elektronik AB, the associated copyrights of LS Elektronik AB are recognised.

We kindly thank LS Elektronik AB for their support in creating this handbook.

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softradio virtual control heads - testadvance€¦ · • dm4600/01 (xpr5550, dgm8000, xir m8660,...

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