Rural Telephony Frequently Asked Questions

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Sun, 22 Dec 24 11:58 am EST

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Our Coordinates: Lat 42.75 N, Long 71.85 W

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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 base 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?
• 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?

Application and Use:

Q1: 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.

Q2: 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.

Q3: 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 25 D pin 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 programming cable and a "hex" file supplied by our engineering department).

Q4: 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.

Q5: Can this system be used by an ISP?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer EB product would be compatible in an ISP application.

Q6: 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.

Q7: Do you support Basic Rate or Primary Rate ISDN?
A: No, the Trailblazer does not support ISDN.

Technical:

Q8: What technology does the Trailblazer system use?
A: The Trailblazer is a "spread spectrum" Direct Sequence-CDMA system.

Q9: Does the Trailblazer system support CLASS services?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer provides toll quality service including CLASS features.

Q10: What is the audio frequency response of the Trailblazer?
A: The Trailblazer supports all in-band telephone transmission, which is limited to 300-3400Hz.

Q11: How many REN does the Trailblazer PE support?
A: Five REN on each line.

Q12: What frequencies are available in the US?
A: Trailblazer wireless systems are available in the 2.4GHz ISM band.

Q13: What about possible interference?
A: Because the 2.4 GHz ISM band is unlicensed there is a possibility for interference. Known interferes include microwave ovens and cordless phones.

Q14: With the base 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 cordless phone models available at stores everywhere.

Q15: Will weather events such as torrential rain cause any interference with link?
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.

Q16: Is full line-of-sight required?
A: In almost all cases, Yes. There has to be clear line-of-sight between the 2 ends for the system to operate unless the path distance is less than 2 miles. Then, under certain conditions, we have found metal buildings or hillsides will act as a passive reflector.

Q17: 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.

Q18: 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.

Q19: 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 15 dBi gain planar antenna (14 mi/22 km). Optional

Q20: 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).

Q21: 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.

Q22: Does the Trailblazer support fax traffic?
A: Yes, the Trailblazer PE fully supports fax traffic (including Group 3) in all configurations.

Q23: Does the Trailblazer PE support voice band data modems?
A: Yes, including the latest v.90 standard.

Q24: 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 at between 20k and 30k when using a v.90 modem.

Q25: Does the Trailblazer PE support all standard modem functions?
A: Yes.

Q26: 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.

Installation:

Q27: Does the Trailblazer require power at the subscriber?
A: Yes, our equipment requires DC voltage to operate. The input can be at any voltage in the range 12 to 48 VDC. We offer a subscriber power unit that uses standard 110 VAC power at the subscriber's location to power the system.

Q28: What DC power options are available?
A: We sell a standard international voltage power supply (accepting 100-200 VAC) 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 -48 VDC.

Q29: 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.

Q30: 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.

Q31: 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).

Pricing and Warranty:

Q32: 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.

Q33: How can I get pricing for your products?
A: Customers are encouraged to contact one of our authorized dealers or our Sales Department. Anyone may contact us though the website at any time.

Q34: Is there separate information available for dealers?
A: Yes, if you are interested in becoming an authorized agent please contact our sales team at sales@airlinx.com.

Q35: What is the warranty on the Trailblazer?
A: Phone Line Extenders and Leased Line Emulators have a full 2 year warranty and FT-512s and Optional Plug-in Cards have a full 1 year warranty. Contact us for warranty details.