Frequently Asked Questions
Trailblazer™ Family
Application and Use:
• Are the two lines for two independent phone numbers?
• 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?
• Can this system be used by an ISP?
• What is the fundamental difference between the T-PE and the T-LL?
• Do you support Basic Rate or Primary Rate ISDN?
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?
• Is full line-of-sight required?
• What can one do if there is no line-of-site access?
• Will trees block the signal?
• What is the range of the Trailblazer PE?
• What antennas are available?
• 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?
• What data speeds can be achieved using the Trailblazer PE?
• 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?
• How big is the antenna mounted at the subscriber's location?
• What is the maximum distance between the subscriber box/antenna and the phone?
• What materials are needed to install the Trailblazer?
Pricing and Warranty:
• Can an individual afford to buy this kind of system or just corporations?
• How can I get pricing for your products?
• Is there separate information available for dealers?
• What is the warranty on the Trailblazer?
Q: Are the two lines for two independent phone numbers?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer PE extends 2 separate and independent phone lines over the same link.
Q: What is the interface to the switch?
A: A barrier strip with four connections are available for termination of UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cabling. Standard RJ11 modular jacks are available for local testing.
Q: How many systems can be installed in the same area?
A: Four: Co-location of multiple units on a single mast requires synchronization of the transmitters (using a DB-25 connector, factory supplied). We can assure the functioning of 4 units co-located on the same mast, however, more than 3 units require special programming at our factory (or in the field using a programming cable and a "hex" file supplied by our engineering department).
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.
Q: Can this system be used by an ISP?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer EB product would be compatible in an ISP application.
Q: What is the fundamental difference between the T-PE and the T-LL?
A: The difference between the Phone Line Extender (PE) and the Leased Line Emulator (LL) is that the LL provides a continuous radio link and is configured for 2 or 4 wire audio only circuits. The Phone Line Extender (PE) is used to emulate a telephone link and includes loop signaling and ring circuitry. The PELL has one phone line and one leased line circuit.
Q: Do you support Basic Rate or Primary Rate ISDN?
A: No, the Trailblazer does not support ISDN.
Q: What technology does the Trailblazer system use?
A: The Trailblazer is a "spread spectrum" Direct Sequence-CDMA system.
Q: Does the Trailblazer system support CLASS services?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer provides toll quality service including CLASS features.
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.
Q: How many REN does the Trailblazer PE support?
A: Five REN on each line.
Q: What frequencies are available in the US?
A: Trailblazer wireless systems are available in the 2.4GHz ISM band,
5.8GHz ISM band and the licensed 4.9GHz public safety band. The 4.9GHz
band is an FCC licensed band. It is the responsibility of the user to
obtain the corresponding operating license from the FCC.
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.
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.
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.
Q: Is full line-of-sight required?
A: In almost all cases, Yes. There has to be clear line-of-sight between the two ends for the system to operate unless the path distance is less than 2 miles. Under certain conditions, we have found metal buildings or hillsides will act as a passive reflector. In addition to line-of-sight clearance, the Fresnel zone clearance must be considered. The transmitted beam spreads as it travels and clearance needs to be greater than strictly line-of-sight, particularly for long paths.
Q: What can one do if there is no line of site access?
A: CWT offers a repeater, which can help with these situations. Line-of-sight is still required between each link.
Q: Will trees block the signal?
A: Yes, trees can completely block a 2.4GHz signal.
Q: What is the range of the Trailblazer PE?
A: Using the internal antenna with full line-of-site, the PE can supply a coverage range of up to 14 miles/22 km. Using the optional external antenna, the range can be extended to 40 miles/64 km.
Q: What antennas are available?
A:
· Internal 14 dBi gain planar antenna (14 mi/22 km). Standard
· External high gain 24 dBi gain parabolic antenna (40
mi/64 km). Optional
· External 10 dBi omni-directional. Optional
· External 26 dBi 5.8 GHz parabolic external antenna. Optional
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.
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.
Q: Does the Trailblazer support fax traffic?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer PE fully supports fax traffic (including Group 3) in all configurations.
Q: Does the Trailblazer PE support voice band data modems?
A: Yes, including v.90.
Q: What data speeds can be achieved using the Trailblazer PE?
A: Data speed is dependent on many factors, not just our system. Users of our systems typically connect between 20k and 30k when using a v.90 modem.
Q: Does the Trailblazer PE support all standard modem functions?
A: Yes.
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.
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 betweeen 12 and 48 VDC. CWT offers a subscriber power unit that uses standard 110v AC power at the subscriber's location to power the system.
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.
Q: How big is the antenna mounted at the subscriber's location?
A: The subscriber unit is 8.5"x10.5"x5", weighs 7 lbs, and contains an internal antenna.
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.
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).
Q: Can an individual afford to buy this kind of system or just corporations?
A: With a list price of just $4,000 for the system, individuals can now afford to extend their phone service to areas that the phone company doesn't provide service.
Q: How can I get pricing for your products?
A: Customers are encouraged to contact one of our authorized dealers or our Sales Department. A list of dealers is available though the website.
Q: Is there separate information available for dealers?
A: Yes, if you are interested in becoming an authorized agent for CWT please contact our sales team at sales@carlsonwireless.com
Q: What is the warranty on the Trailblazer?
A: All Trailblazer systems and spare cards have a full 1 year warranty. See our warranty for additional information.