ASMxxxx Series User’s Manual
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Channel Alarm Modules (CAMs) and Site Alarm Modules (SAMs)
If desired, optional Channel Alarm Modules (CAMs) or Site Alarm Modules (SAMs) may be added to the ASM at any time.
CAMs/SAMs are connected using a daisy chained cabling approach using two cables - “DC power” and “Comms”.
The CAM is no longer manufactured and the SAM is a direct (and enhanced) replacement. Any mixture of up to ten (10)
Channel Alarm Modules (CAMs) or Site Alarm Modules (SAMs) may be added to a single ASM unit.
When connected, CAMs and SAMs are automatically recognised by an ASM, and menu selections for them will then
automatically appear in the ASM GUI. Each CAM/SAM has an “ID address” which is easily set via the rotary switch on the rear
of each CAM/SAM unit. Each CAM/SAM connected to an ASM should have a different ID address selected to prevent address
contention in the ASM GUI.
Each CAM/SAM provides ten (10) separate alarm output relays which may be individually user-assigned, on an ad-hoc basis, to
specific monitored channels alarms in the ASM. This capability allows specific channels’ alarm conditions to be accessible via
discrete alarm outputs – allowing faulty equipment to be individually identified, reported, and action to be initiated as required.
SNMP, SMTP (Email) and Manager Message UDP data packets are also available for alarm and status reporting.
A logic input on each of the CAM’s/SAM’s channels allows additional monitoring functionality – such as monitoring base station
Tx PTT or RX UNSQ lines – to enable the determination of “conditional” repeater RF output failure states. Various equipment
operational configurations can be monitored using these logic inputs – such as hot/standby conditions (and the change-over
actioned), using this functionality.
In addition to the ten (10) separate alarm channels, each CAM also has four (4) user-programmable and configurable general-
purpose logic inputs that may be used for monitoring external equipment – such as site or cabinet door opening, generator fuel
level low, UPS, solar, or other alarm conditions. This functionality has been further enhanced in the SAM, with Input #1 being
able to be configured to measure temperature, an analogue voltage range, or a digital logic input level – and inputs #2, #3, and
#4 being able to be configured to measure an analogue voltage range, or a digital logic input level respectively.
The CAM and the SAM modules provide enhanced monitoring functionality for the ASM, allowing a range of PTT, temperature,
voltages and digital inputs to be monitored as part of Antenna Change-Over (ACO), base station hot/standby, equipment and
site monitoring, and auxiliary control capabilities.
Receive Systems Module (RSM)
An optional Receive Systems Module (RSM) may be fitted to an ASM to support networks using two receive antennas, such as
systems using dual diversity or redundant Rx antennas.
The RSM may be added to an ASM at any time – providing a network technology upgrade path if required.
The RSM also improves the ASM’s receive sensitivity capability and provides an enhanced ability to monitor frequencies in
other applications – such as off-air monitoring of adjacent network sites’ coverage propagation or the monitoring of a Distributed
Antenna System (DAS).
The RSM adds two receiver paths (RA, RB) and a third ‘External’ antenna (RE) that are configurable in the ASM GUI, on a per-
channel basis. Rx level measurements for all three receive paths are available in the Status, System Isolation Tests and
Channel Diagnostics pages of the ASM GUI. The RSM also features a unique “RF Peak Level Detector” capability that can
measure high levels of RF, even of very short burst duration, that may be overloading the network’s base station receivers and
degrading network performance. Alarm thresholds can be configured for these received signal level peaks so that alarms can
be actioned when they occur, and these events are measured, logged and may be viewed in the ASM GUI to assist fault-finding
activities.
Hardware Versions
There are several hardware variants of the ASM. These can be identified by the communications ports on the rear of the unit.
The earlier “K1” variant has one USB and one TCPIP port. The limited memory capacity of the K1 may restrict its compatibility
with future firmware features. Where this occurs, the webserver GUI and/or CLI interface may not display incompatible features
to prevent uncertainty in unit capabilities. The K1 unit’s memory capacity may also limit the available storage space for data
such as alarm history and log files.
The later variant of ASM is identified as the “K2”. The K2 has deleted the USB port and substituted a second TCPIP port in its
place. The memory capacity of K2 units is significantly increased to support more extensive alarm history and log file storage
capability. Communications with the ASM via a USB interface is still possible utilising a (user-supplied) USB-to-TCPIP adapter.
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General