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Frequently Asked Questions

Trailblazer Family

Application and Use:
What is the interface to the switch?
How many systems can be installed in the same area?
Can someone operate a PBX or digital phone from the PE's FXS?

Technical:
What technology does the Trailblazer system use?
Does the Trailblazer system support CLASS services?
What is the audio frequency response of the Trailblazer?
How many REN does the Trailblazer PE support?
What frequencies are available in the US?
What about possible interference?
With the sub unit, can I use a cordless phone?
Will weather events such as torrential rain cause any interference with link?
What can one do if there is no line-of-sight access?
Will trees block the signal?
Can the repeaters be chained together to increase the range?
How is the repeater configured?
Does the Trailblazer support fax traffic?
Does the Trailblazer PE support voice band data modems?
Does the Trailblazer PE support all standard modem functions?
The documentation states that the data rate for the Trailblazer PE is 64 kbps. Can you explain this?

Installation:
Does the Trailblazer require power at the subscriber?
What DC power options are available?
What is the maximum distance between the subscriber box/antenna and the phone?
What materials are needed to install the Trailblazer?

Pricing and Warranty:
How can I get pricing for your products?
Is there separate information available for dealers?
What is the warranty on the Trailblazer?


Application and Use

Q: What is the interface to the switch?
A: A barrier strip with four connections is available for termination of UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cabling. Standard RJ11 modular jacks are available for local testing.

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Q: How many systems can be installed in the same area?
A: Using Carlson proprietary CDMA technology, up to 16 base units can be co-located. Co-location requires synchronization of the transmitters, using a pair of wires between each base unit. You must also use proper installation techniques to avoid overload interference.

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Q: Can someone operate a PBX or digital phone from the Trailblazer PE's FXS?
A: Yes, provided it is configured to work with a 2 wire loop start.

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Q: Can this system be used by an ISP?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer series digital radios have an Ethernet option available.

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Technical

Q: What technology does the Trailblazer system use?
A: The Trailblazer utilizes a channel access method known as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). This Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology allows multiple links to operate on the same physical channel. Time Divison Duplexing (TDD) allows the Trailblazer to emulate a full-duplex signal while operating on one physical channel. In addition, the Trailblazer Star system utilizes a channel access method known as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). This multiplexing scheme allows multiple (up to four) CPE units to communicate with one base unit, while continuing to operate on the same physical channel.

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Q: Does the Trailblazer system support CLASS services?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer provides toll quality service including CLASS features.

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Q: What is the audio frequency response of the Trailblazer?
A: The Trailblazer supports all in-band telephone transmission, which is limited to 300-3400Hz.

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Q: How many REN does the Trailblazer PE support?
A: Five REN on each line.

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Q: What frequencies are available in the US?
A: The Trailblazer and LongHaul wireless systems are available in the 2.4 Ghz and 5 GHz ISM bands, including the U-NII 5.15 - 5.25 GHz, 5.25 - 5.35 GHz, 5.47 - 5.725 GHz and 5.725 - 5.825 GHz bands. Trailblazer radios are also available in the 4.9 GHz public safety band and the 5.9 GHz traffic control band.

The LongHaul ST model is also available in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 3.65 GHz and 4.4 GHz bands.

The 3.65 GHz, 4.4 GHz, 4.9 GHz and 5.9 GHz bands are licensed US bands. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain the corresponding operating license from the FCC.

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Q: What about possible interference?
A: Because the 2.4 GHz ISM band is unlicensed there is a possibility for interference. Devices known to interfere include microwave ovens, wireless Local Area Networks (LANs) and 2.4 GHz cordless phones.

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Q: With the sub unit, can I use a cordless phone?
A: Yes, but because of the potential for interference from models using 2.4 GHz we recommend that you use one of the 900 MHz or 5.8GHz cordless phone models available at stores everywhere.

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Q: Will weather events such as torrential rain cause any interference with the system?
A: At 2.4 GHz the weather causing the most attenuation of signal is a light mist. This worse case situation has been measured at 0.4 dB per mile. Thus in a 10 mile path this could contribute up to 4 dB of path loss.

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Q: What can one do if there is no line of sight access?
A: CWT offers a repeater, which can help with these situations. Line-of-sight is still required between each link.

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Q: Will trees block the signal?
A: Yes, trees can completely block a 2.4GHz signal.

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Q: Can the repeaters be chained together to increase the range?
A: Yes, up to five repeater hops are possible for a maximum link distance of 200 mi/320 km.

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Q: How is the repeater configured?
A: Hardware must be factory configured. Software and associated cabling must be configured at either the factory or authorized dealer locations.

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Q: Does the Trailblazer support fax traffic?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer PE fully supports fax traffic (including Group 3) in all configurations.

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Q: Does the Trailblazer PE support voice band data modems?
A: Yes, including v.90.

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Q: Does the Trailblazer PE support all standard modem functions?
A: Yes.

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Q: The documentation states that the data rate for the Trailblazer PE is 64 kbps. Can you explain this?
A: Each voice channel uses uncompressed 64 kbps PCM audio. Data connect rate with modems is typically from 20k to 30k.

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Installation

Q: Does the Trailblazer require power at the subscriber?
A: Yes, our equipment requires DC power to operate. The input can be at any voltage between 12 and 24 VDC. CWT offers a subscriber power unit that uses standard 110v AC power at the subscriber's location to power the system.

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Q: What DC power options are available?
A: We sell a standard international voltage power supply (accepting 100-200v AC) and also offer an option that integrates battery back-up (8 hours standby, 1 hour talk). We also offer an isolator that will allow the use of -48v DC as well as 32 Watt and 96 Watt solar power options.

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Q: What is the maximum distance between the subscriber box/antenna and the phone?
A: Actual distance will vary with type of cable but up to 3.1 miles (5.0 km) is supported with standard 22 GA UTP cabling.

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Q: What materials are needed to install the Trailblazer?
A: Cabling from the telco demarcation to the Trailblazer, cabling from the Trailblazer to the subscriber telephone network, an extension cord or power cabling, and suitable mounting structure (pole between 1" to 2" in diameter).

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Pricing and Warranty

Q: How can I get pricing for your products?
A: Please contact our sales department for a price list or the name of an authorized reseller near you.

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Q: Is there separate information available for resellers?
A: Yes, if you are interested in becoming an authorized Carlson agent, please contact our sales department.

 

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Q: What is the warranty on the Trailblazer?
A: All Trailblazer systems and spare cards have a full 1-year warranty. 

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Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc.
2700 Foster Avenue, Arcata, CA 95521
Contact Us by Email

Tel: (707) 822-7000
Toll Free: (800) 834-2076
Fax: (707) 822-7010

Made in the USA
USDA, RUS/RDUP Accepted
GSA Schedule #GS-35F-0454S