Sine Systems RFC-1/B Instruction Book

Technologies is the only company we know of that makes aftermarket adaptors that can
completely emulate all characteristics of a telephone line. Spectrum makes adaptors for
many types of cellular phones. However, if your RFC-1 has a software version earlier than
5.07 you will need to use their adaptor for Audiovox cellular telephones because it is the only
one compatible with pulse dialing . RFC-Is with software version 5.07 and later have DTMF
dialing. These adaptors cost about $400.00. The cellular-telephone approach is often
attractive for broadcast stations because they can usually "trade out" a cell phone and air
time. Spectrum Technologies ’ phone number is (800) 233-2119.
It is reported that Fujitsu, Motorola, NEC and OKI make cellular-to-RJl 1 adaptors for their
cell phones. Check with your local dealer for information. Radio Shack makes an inexpensive
RJ-11 adapter (part number 17-504 CMC) for one model of their cellular telephones, however.
t his de vic e does not generate ring voltage and is not suitable for use with the RFC- 1.
Fixed-Location Cellular Telephones:
An alternative to using a regular (mobile) cell phone with a cellular-to-RJl 1 adaptor is to use
a cell phone designed specifically for fixed locations. These phones can be powered directly
from 120 volts AC. These phones have a built-in cellular-to-RJl 1 adaptor and provide a little
“ cleaner ” solution than the “ adaptor" approach. With adaptors and cell phones made by two
different companies it is usually the case where one company blames the other if there is a
problem. When you get the whole thing in one box, made by the same company, it avoids
this problem. One manufacturer is Telular, Inc. (708 256-8000) whose prices start at around
$1400. Another is Cellabs (818 700-1300) who makes a similar unit for about $900.
Lightning Protection Tips
In many installations the RFC-1 is connected to both a telephone line and a transmitter
which is in turn connected to a tower. Any equipment in this situation is subject to severe
abuse from lighting and in some installations this happens on a fairly frequent basis.
Lighting can not only come in on the phone line and exit through the device to the station
ground system, but it can also hit the station's tower, cause the entire ground system to be
elevated above "ground" (up to several kilovolts) for a few microseconds and can partially exit
through the device to the telephone line. This is called a "ground surge." In other words, the
telephone line can hit the RFC-1 or the RFC-1 can hit the telephone line, depending on the
circumstances. The same thing can happen with the power line.
The first step in any protection scheme is to install and maintain a high quality ground
system. This will serve two purposes. First, the intensity of the ground surge will be lowered
because of the lower resistance to earth ground and second, if everything is "tied together"
with low impedance conductors, all equipment will stay closer to the same electrical potential
when the system ground takes a hit. All protection devices, equipment racks and
transmitters should be tied together with low impedance conductors, preferably copper strap,
as short and as free from bends as possible. Do not depend on metal conduit for ground
connections. A properly designed and installed ground system will pay for itself many times
over in the damage it prevents.
Be sure your local telephone company has installed gas surge protectors on your incoming
telephone lines. Old installations may contain carbon protectors which tend to provide less
reliable protection. Be sure the ground connection used by the telephone company is an
integral part of your station ground system. Sometimes the telephone company will use a
3.00.2
Installation
page 5.10

Sine Systems RFC-1/B Specifications

General

Brand	Sine Systems
Model	RFC-1/B
Category	Remote Control
Language	English