Gmdss Tester Mrts-7 User Manual
Gmdss Tester Mrts-7 User Manual
Gmdss Tester Mrts-7 User Manual
MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
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page 1 22.01.2007
MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
Item
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Date
Item
Page
Date
Changes indication page Actual content pages Contents Item 1 Purpose Item 2 Main features and characteristics Item 3 Complete set Item 4 Operation Item 5 Preparation for operation and operation procedures
1 2 3 4
Item 6 Operation guideline Item 7 Testers calibration Item 8 Maintenance guideline Item 9 Storage rules Appendix 1. Controller software update manual
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12.10.07
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22.01.07
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
CONTENTS
Item name Changes indication page Actual content pages Contents Purpose Main features and characteristics Complete set Operation Preparation for operation and operation procedures Operation guideline Testers calibration Maintenance guideline Storage rules
Controller software update manual
Item
Page 1 2 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Appendix 1
Contents
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
1. PURPOSE The MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System MRTS-7 (further tester) is intended to carry out the efficiency, maintenance and servicing tests of the following equipment (under IMO A.948(23) resolution): VHF receiver-transmitters: - efficiency tests on 6, 13 and 16 channels; - test of frequency and output power; VHF receiver-transmitters with DSC: - test confirming the correctness of the MMSI code programmed in equipment without any broadcast emission; - test of correct transmission/reception of DSC messages by means of transmission/ reception of test message; MF/HF radiotelephone equipment : - test of frequency tolerance in range (1600 30000) kHz; - efficiency tests by means of transmission line quality and transmitter output power measurements; - efficiency test in all frequency range (1600 30000) kHz; MF/HF DSC controllers: - test confirming the correctness of the MMSI code programmed in equipment; - test of presence of emergency signal on MF/HF with DSC by means of transmission of DSC Distress message; MF/HF receivers monitoring the DSC: - efficiency test by means of transmission of test call; NAVTEX equipment : - efficiency test by means of transmission of test message; VHF duplex radiotelephony equipment: - efficiency tests on 6, 13 and 16 channels; - frequency tolerance test and frequency deviation estimation; VHF equipment of duplex radiotelephony with airplanes including operating on 121.5MHz and 123,1MHz: - frequency and power measurements; carried radiophone stations operating in range (300,025-300,225) MHz (intended for river-sea vessels): - frequency and power measurements. The tester is capable to receive the MF/HF/VHF radios emission working in normal mode without any connections by means of telescopic antenna, and transmit the DSC message both by means of telescopic antenna and direct HF cable connection to DSC receiver input. Besides the tester allows to: generate the HF signals in range of 0,5 200 MHz; measure the signals frequency in range 0,1 640 MHz. The main view of tester is shown on figure 1-1.
Item 1. Purpose
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
Figure 1-1. MRTS-7 1.1 1.2 The tester is designed to operate in range of + 0 + 45 external environments and 95% relative humidity which is connected with LCD display implementation. The tester is power supplied by external 7-10VDC power supply unit, not less 600mA load current. Attention!!! While using exterior power supply unit be careful to pay attention to its right polarity. The power supply units of different manufacturers have opposite polarity of external signal! The polarity of power supply unit should be the same as shown below or indicated on the bottom of testers case!
9V DC
Item 1. Purpose 22.01.2007 Page 5
MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
2. MAIN FEATURES AND CHARACTERISTICS. 2.1 Operational frequencies 2.1.1 DSC operational frequencies in SEND DSC and RECEIVE DSC modes. 2.1.1.1 MF range: 2187,5 kHz Distress frequency; 2177,0 kHz Traffic frequency; 2189,5 kHz Traffic frequency. 2.1.1.2 HF range: Distress frequencies: 4207,5 6312,0 8414,5 12577,0 16804,5 2.1.1.3 VHF range: 2.1.2 kHz kHz kHz kHz kHz Traffic frequencies: 4219,5 6331,0 8436,5 12657,0 16903,0 kHz kHz kHz kHz kHz
0.5 -
25
2.1.3 Stability of output frequencies: Frequency setup accuracy at +20: not less 1,0 ppm ; Temperature stability of frequency in range of +5 +45: not less 1,0 ppm ; Aging rate : not more 1,0 ppm/year for first year at +20. 2.2 Levels of output signals.
2.2.1 Levels of output signals in SEND DSC mode. 2.2.1.1 NORM. POW mode: VHF range : 96 dBmkV 1 dB ; MF/HF range : 96 dBmkV 1 dB . 2.2.1.2 LOW.POW mode: VHF range : 40 dBmkV 3 dB ; MF/HF range : 40 dBmkV 3 dB .
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
2.2.2
25
Signal (strength) depression range: 0 - 70 dB Signal (strength) depression setup step: 2 dB Attenuation characteristic deviation* in frequency range of 2-200 MHz: not less 1 dB . *) deviation from rating value.
2.3 Input and output resistances 2.3.1 Resistance of Tx_DSC / OSC output: 2.3.2 Resistance of Rx_DSC input: 2.3.3 Resistance of Freq.Counter input: for 0,1 45 MHz range : for 45 - 640 MHz range :
2.4 Max and min Level in RECEIVE DSC mode 2.4.1 Maximum signals level applied to Rx_DSC input: +20 dBmW /126 dBmkV. 2.4.2 Minimal signals level can be determined by DSC decoder : for VHF range - 40 dBmW / 66 dBmkV. for MH/HF range - 30 dBmW / 77 dBmkV. 2.4.3 linear range of logarithmic measuring instrument of received signal: (28 100) dBmkV at 1,5 dB accuracy 2.5 Testers parameters in F_COUNTER frequency counter mode. 2.5.1 Ranges of frequencies: 0,1 45 MHz with accuracy 90 Hz 45 - 640 MHz with accuracy 900 Hz 2.5.2 Sensitivity: in range ( 0,1 50) MHz : -17 dBmW / 31,6 mV / 90 dBmkV ; in range ( 50 200) MHz : + 2.5 dBmW / 300 mV / 109.5 dBmkV ; in range ( 200 640) MHz : -7 dBmW / 100 mV / 100 dBmkV;
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
3. 3.1.
COMPLETE SET. The complete set of tester includes the items in accordance with table 3-1. Table 3-1 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 Item name MF/HF/VHF Marine Radio Test System (MRTS 7) Power supply unit Antenna Computer cable, software Technical description and user manual Package Qty 1 1 1 1 1 1 Notes
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
4.
OPERATION.
Tester consists of three main units: receiver unit, generator unit, and controller unit. Receiver unit is intended to receive and demodulate the HF signals of MF/HF/VHF frequency ranges, and also is intended to provide the other units with stabilized voltage and connection to PC. Receiver unit consists of : superheterodyne MF/HF range with frequency adjustment 8814 and demodulator of FSK signal by means of phase-locked-loop frequency control ; superheterodyne VHF range with frequency adjustment 455 kHZ and FM-detector of counting type ; linear voltage stabilizer +10 V main primary voltage ; linear voltage stabilizer +5 V - for controller unit ; converter of negative voltage (- 4 V) to switch the pin diodes; UART USB bridge. Generator unit is intended to form the output frequency range in SEND DSC , RF OSC modes and heterodyne frequency for MF/HF/VHF receivers. The unit consists of following main subunits: temperature-compensated reference generator 16384 kHz ; phase-locked-loop frequency control circuit including the DDS former of reference frequency; 4 VCO that cover (100 200) MHz frequency range; set of 8 scalers with dev = 2 ; set of 13 semiactive filters of 7th order with pin- diode commutators ; output wide-range amplifier; resistance attenuator with relay commutator; serial-parallel counters instruction receivers from Controller unit. Controller unit is intended to control all tester operation, its connection to PC procedure, to measure the frequency. Controller units consists of: main controller, clock calendar with lithium battery power supply, FSK modem for DSC modulation/ demodulation in VHF range, frequency counter, negative voltage converter for LCD, LCD and keyboard.
Item 4. Operation
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
5. 5.1
PREPARING FOR OPERATION AND OPERATION PROCEDURES General The tester has user-friendly interface. The tester is controlled by means of MENU and 5 independent navigation keys: , , , , Ent and 3 context-dependent keys : MAIN, OK and ESC. The vertical menu navigation is carried out by means of and keys; Confirm/choose something by means of Ent and OK, and escape, cancel or move up menu level by means of ESC key. Use the MAIN key to go directly to main menu. After the tester is turned on it displays the devices model, its serial number, software version and manufacturer. After that it is necessary to push Ent or OK key to enter the main menu. The main menu allows to choose one of following operating modes: SEND DSC RECEIVE DSC NAVTEX LAB KIT SET UP Send the DSC messages Receive the DSC messages NAVTEX test message transmission mini-lab: HF-generator, frequency counter; testers settings.
5.2 LCD Hightlight The level of LCD highlight can be changed by help of Backlight button, but it can be done only on MAIN menu. There are four levels of LCD highlight (the first highlight is turned off). The default highlight level is third. 5.3 The SEND DSC - send the DSC messages In SEND DSC menu user can choose on of following DSC message type to send: 5.3.1 TEST TRAFFIC DISTRESS CUSTOM (optional)
Menu SEND DSC > DISTRESS DISTRESS - DSC message with format specifier 112 (DISTRESS), which will be sent on specially dedicated frequencies. This message can be accepted by any maritime and coastal radio stations. Thus it is recommended to send this DSC message inly by means of cable with reduced level taking into account all safety measures to avoid false DISTRESS signal. In this menu the user can choose the operating frequency at first: VHF 156,525 MHz ( CH 70 ) MF/HF 2 187,5 kHz 4 207,5 kHz
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
6 312,0 kHz 8 414,5 kHz 12 577,0 kHz 16 804,5 kHz Then the user can set up the power of output signal: NORM.POW - The normal (high) level of output signal recommended while sending by means of antenna. LOW .POW - the reduced level of output signal recommended while sending by means of cable. Menu SEND DSC > TRAFFIC TRAFFIC - DSC message with format specifier 120 (Individual call) and Category ID 100 ( Routine ) intended for exact addressee with exact MMSI number on frequencies dedicated for daily radio usage. 5.3.2 First choice the choice of range and operating frequency: MF - 2 177,0 kHz 2 189,5 kHz HF - 4 219,5 kHz 6 331,0 kHz 8 436,5 kHz 12 657,0 kHz 16 903,0 kHz Then - the choice of power level of output signal: NORM.POW - The normal (high) level of output signal recommended while sending by means of antenna. LOW .POW - the reduced level of output signal recommended while sending by means of cable. After that the message with chosen parameters and radio-addressee MMSI number are shown on LCD. The MMSI number can be changed in SET UP menu if its required. ATTENTION: It is necessary to specify (input) the correct MMSI number of tested radio station to provide the reception of the DSC message of Individual call format. Otherwise the message will sent but will not be received by this station! Menu SEND DSC > TEST TEST - DSC message with format specifier 120 (Individual call) Category ID 108 (Safety), intended for exact addressee with exact MMSI number on DISTRESS frequencies. Thus this message is very useful to test the DSC radio stations on DISTRESS frequencies without any risks of false emergency alerts. 5.3.3 As in previous cases the have to choose the operating frequency: VHF 156,525 MHz ( CH 70 ) MF/HF 2 187,5 kHz 4 207,5 kHz 6 312,0 kHz
Item 5. Preparation for operation and operating procedures page 11 22.01.2007
MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
8 414,5 kHz 12 577,0 kHz 16 804,5 kHz Then - to choose the power level of output signal:: NORM.POW - The normal (high) level of output signal recommended while sending by means of antenna. LOW .POW - the reduced level of output signal recommended while sending by means of cable. ATTENTION: It is necessary to specify (input) the correct MMSI number of tested radio station to provide the reception of the DSC message of Individual call format. Otherwise the message will sent but will not be received by this station! 5.4 Menu RECEIVE DSC - Receive the DSC messages In RECEIVE DSC mode tester receive and decode DSC message in DISTRESS ( 112 ) INDIVIDUAL CALL ( 120 ) formats; the messages of other formats are not to be decoded as the tester is not the DSC receiver station and intended only to check the operation of DSC equipment. First of all it is necessary to set up (choose) the range and operating frequency from the set or the DISTRESS frequency. VHF - 156,525 MHz ( CH 70 ) HF - DISTRESS : 4 207,5 kHz 6 312,0 kHz 8 414,5 kHz 12 577,0 kHz 16 804,5 kHz TRAFIC :. 4 219,5 kHz 6 331,0 kHz 8 436,5 kHz 12 657,0 kHz 16 903,0 kHz MF - DISTRESS : 2 187,5 kHz TRAFIC : 2 177,0 kHz 2 189,5 kHz After the frequency is chosen tester goes to received mode (waiting for message) and displays: WAITING FOR A SIGNAL . When the tester detects coming DSC message it gives the sound alert. After the message is received the tester will display on LCD the decoded information, also the received and calculated checksum (ECC) and power level are displayed too. The received data such as the signal power level, operating frequency, date and time of tests, message contents can be saved by pressing the SAVE key of contextual menu. If you would like to escape the waiting mode manually just press one of the Ent, OK, MAIN or ESC keys.
Item 5. Preparation for operation and operating procedures
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
5.5 Menu LAB-KIT - mini-laboratory In LAB-KIT mode the following instrument can be chosen: RF OSC - HF signal generator ; F COUNTER - Frequency counter. DEVIATION - frequency deviation measurement on 6, 13, 16 and 70th channels of VHF range. 5.5.1 Menu LAB-KIT > RF OSC In LAB-KIT > RF OSC mode the tester becomes the multi-purpose HF generato. The first user choice frequency range setup: 100 200 MHz - frequency tuning step 1 kHz ; 25 100 MHz - frequency tuning step 1 kHz ; 2 25 MHz . - frequency tuning step 125 ; Then the operating frequency can be setup by means of digital keypad: the number position can be changes by moving of the lower cursor by means of and keys. Use the context-dependent keys - DF and +DF (Delta Frequency) to change up or down the frequency by minimal allowed frequency tuning step for this range. The last used frequency will be saved in memory after leaving the range to other menu and will be setup automatically when this range is chosen again. The last used frequency meanings of all three ranges will be saved in memory until the tester is turned on. The level of output signal can be setup by means of (Up) or (Down) keays in range of minimal ( 0 dB ) and maximal (-70 dB) meaning by step of 2 dB . 5.5.2 Menu LAB-KIT > F-COUNTER The LAB-KIT > F-COUNTER mode is the multi-purpose frequency counter which is capable to measure the frequency in range of 100 kHz to 640 MHz from separate input: Freq. Counter. Two frequency ranges can be chosen: 0,1 - 45 MHz 45 - 640 MHz Or self-test SELF TEST mode which is intended to measure the frequency of built-in high-stable temperature-compensated TCXO oscillator. The meaning of (16 384 000 2) Hz is correct and indicates normal conditions. After the frequency range is chosen press the Ent key to start the measurements; each further key will show the next new measurement. Measurement interval time - 0,1 second. 5.5.3 Menu LAB-KIT > DEVIATION This mode allows to measure the frequency deviation in VHF range on following channels: : CH-06 156,300 MHz
Item 5. Preparation for operation and operating procedures page 13 22.01.2007
MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
CH-13 156,650 MHz CH-16 156,800 MHz CH-70 156,525 MHz. The measurements are carried out in automatic mode; the deviation meaning (DEV) and received signal level (RSSI) are displayed on LCD. The deviation measurement range is limited by pass band of phase-locked-loop frequency control and can not be more then 7kHz. At signal level of 100* mkV / 40 dBuV the frequency detector is overloaded by noises and the deviation meaning tends to maximum (6,97.0 kHz), this should be taken into account during measurements. 5.6 Menu SET UP - testers setting In SET UP menu the following parameters can be setup: SELF TEST - self-test of tester; EDIT MMSI - edit the MMSI number of radio station addressee. It is important that this number is equal to MMSI number of radio station to be checked by sending of DSC messages of Individual call ( TEST TRAFIC) format; PC LINK - provides the connection to PC. 5.6.1 Menu SET UP > PC LINK The tester can be connected to PC USB port by means of integral bridge USB UART (USB Serial Converter) FTDI - FT232R. The freeware soft distributed by FTDI will create virtual COM-port to establish the connection with device. Thus it is necessary to install the software and FT232R drivers on your computer. Attention: All drivers etc can be found at our website: www.gmdsstesters.com in Download section. Software includes: MRTS7_software ZIP archive of original developer software distributive. CDM 2.00.00 folder with FT232R drivers; Windows_XP_Installation_Guide the detailes step-by-step drivers installation manual. The recommended installation order as follows: 1. Unzip the archive to any folder on a hard disk. 2. Run the MRTS-7 software vX.X. 3. Connect the tester and the PC by means of USB cable available in standard compete set and turn on the power. 4. PC will show the message that new USB device was and will to setup the drivers. Choose the exact folder and set the path to CDM 2.00.00 folder 5. Enter the testers menu SET UP > PC LINK and press the button Download data in MRTS-7 software . 6. In the appeared Download data window choose the Init Port and then - COMX,
where X- is number of emulated COM-port (usually in range of 3.11). The push the
Download button. The data transfer will be started. 7. After the data is received it can be viewed by means of green arrows at the right top of software window.
Item 5. Preparation for operation and operating procedures page 14 22.01.2007
MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
5.7
First of all, it necessary to choose the one of three frequencies intended for usage by NAVTEX system: 518,0 kHz 490,0 kHz 4209,5 kHz Then choose the signals power and transmit the message: DD HH MM UTC SEP 07 (DD-current date, HH MM current time) TEST FROM MRTS-7 NNNN The message is transmitted with ID = CDXX identifier, where the XX number from 00 to 99, increased every time the message transmitted. After the tester is powered off the number is set to 00.
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
6. 6.1 6.2
Operation guideline Testers self-test Send the DSC message of DISTRESS format on MF/HF/VHF See picture 6.1. Attention ! During the tests of DSC radio station be careful and pay attention to avoid the false emergency alert signals emission! Thus in SEND DSC > DISTRESS mode it is strongly recommended to connect the tester by means of cable and choose the minimal power level of transmitted signal (LOW.POW).
7 4 1 0
8 5 2
9 6 3
Ent
Rx DSC Tx DSC / Osc
F1 F2 F3
COAX
ANT
GMDSS Transceiver
<
<
<
Freq. Counter
Picture 6.1
6.3 Send the DSC messages of Individual call format See picture 6.2. During the tests by Individual call format message it is important that correct MMSI number of addressee station is specified. Use the EDIT MMSI menu SET UP to specify the required number. Then choose the SEND DSC, TEST or TRAFIC, required frequency and normal power level of signal. Be sure that the whip antenna of tester is in direct visibility of vessel receiver antenna before send the HF-message. It is recommended to connect the counterpoise earth in MF/HF ranges, for example ground connection, or use the antenna in the form of wire circle connected between HFoutput (Tx DSC/OSC) and testers case.
Item 6. Operation guideline 22.01.2007
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
7 4 1 0
8 5 2
9 6 3
Ent
Rx DSC Tx DSC / Osc
F1 F2 F3
ANT
GMDSS Transceiver
6.4
Receive the DSC messages. See picture 6.3. In RECEIVE DSC mode tester receives messages from any MMSI number. Thus it is recommended to use the MMSI number of sending radio station or one of follows MMSI numbers: 999 999 999 or 201 999 999 (201 Albania) to avoid the disturbing of any GMDSS system participants. Be sure the RECEIVE DSC mode is chosen and required frequency is setup before send the signal from test station. Be sure that the whip antenna of tester is in direct visibility of vessel receiver antenna before send the HF-message. ATTENTION ! The tester can receive the DSC messages of DISTRESS format, but use message format to test the station only in absolute necessity cases as it is very difficult to avoid the reception of false emergency signal by other stations. Even equivalent load will not help taking into account the hundred watt power level of emitted signal and mkV stations receiver sensitivity!
<
<
<
Freq. Counter
Picture 6.2
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
7 4 1 0
8 5 2
9 6 3
Ent
Rx DSC Tx DSC / Osc
F1 F2 F3
ANT
GMDSS Transceiver
6.5 Testers operation in HF-generator mode / RF - OSC The output of HF generator is - Tx DSC / OSC . The own output frequency and heterodynes frequencies in DSC receive mode can be measured by FREQUENCY COUNTER. It is due to the last frequency and output level are saved after escaping the FR-OSC menu. They saved until the next change of frequency in SEND DSC or RECEIVE DSC modes.
6.6 Testers operation in FREQUENCY COUNTER mode / F - Counter The input of Frequency counter is Freq.Counter . The input resistances of frequency counter: 0,1 45 MHz range: 1000 Ohm, 45 512 MHz range: 50 Ohm.
<
<
<
Freq. Counter
Picture 6.3
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
7.
Testers calibration The tester is a complex special-use electric device. Thus it is should be calibrated only by manufacturer by means of corresponding equipment.
The tester should be calibrated every two years Date of next calibration: _____________________________________
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
8.
Maintenance guideline It is necessary to keep the device in package not less then for two hours at normal conditions when it was at high temperature deviation. Keep it the package in at normal condition within 12 hours after storage of the tester in conditions of high humidity.
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
9.
Storage rules. The device should be stored in package in warehouse locations defending it from effect of atmospheric precipitation.
Temperature in warehouse should be ensured from 278 K (5 ) up to 313K (40 about ) and relative humidity of air no more than 80%.
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MF/HF/VHF DSC Marine Radio Test System (MRTS-7) Technical description and user manual
Appendix 1.
Attention: All drivers etc can be found at our website: www.gmdsstesters.com in Download section.
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