Together, the DVLD and Davicom units can be used to detect approaching lightning storms, to send alarms when the storm reaches a certain minimum distance, to de-activate or disconnect sensitive equipment and even to log the storm’s track.

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If the storm keeps approaching however, the DVLD will continue to update its output to the Davicom with shorter and shorter distances.

This is where the “Distance Trigger” setting on the Davicom comes into play. Although the DVLD is continuously monitoring and outputting any distances to approaching lightning activity, a user can decide to ignore any strikes that occur too far away by setting the Davicom’s distance threshold to a smaller distance. The closer this distance is to the site, the fewer nuisance alarms will be caused by tangentially moving storms. On the other hand it is up to the user to decide how comfortable he is with the risk that a fast-approaching storm could zoom-in to his site with little or no forewarning. A display of 63 km indicates that no lightning has been detected.

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The BPS Bidirectional RF Power Sensor can continuously monitor forward and reflected power and can be permanently installed between the transmitter and the antenna. The sensor output voltages are proportional to the forward and reflected powers, and two internal trimmer potentiometers allow field calibration of the voltages.

The sensor comes in two versions. The Model BPS1050 has a 100-500 MHz frequency range while the Model BPS5095 has a 500-950 MHz frequency range. Detailed specifications are available on the Davicom web site in the product accessories section.

Connections

The sensor terminal block on the side of the unit has three screw-terminals, which are labelled FORWARD, GROUND (center terminal), and REFLECTED. Signal connections to the terminals should be made using a three-conductor shielded cable. The center ground-return terminal must also be connected to the cable shield in environments where RF interference may be present. The two other signal wires are to be connected to the FORWARD and REFLECTED terminals.

Calibration

The BPS1050/5090 units are factory calibrated. However, if they require recalibration, carefully follow the instructions below. An RF power source, an in-line power meter (BIRD, or equivalent), and a suitable low-VSWR load are required for proper calibration. Note that you must remove the covers (silver plugs) on the side of the unit to access the trimmer potentiometers.

Step 1: Connect the in-line power meter to the power source.

Step 2: Connect the TRANSMITTER end of the BPS to the power meter.

Step 3: Connect the load to the ANTENNA end of the BPS.

Step 4: Turn on the RF power, adjust to your operation frequency (100-500 MHz for the BPS1050, or 500-900 MHz for the BPS5090, and then set the output level to 35 W.

Step 5: Measure the output voltage between the FORWARD and GROUND terminals.

Step 6: Adjust the FORWARD trimmer pot to read 1.25 V.

Step 7: Turn off the RF power.

Step 8: Reverse the power sensor. The TRANSMITTER end should now be connected to the load and the ANTENNA end to the in-line power meter.

Step 9: Turn on the RF power.

Step 10: Adjust the REFLECTED trimmer pot to read 1.25 V between the REFLECTED and GROUND terminals.

Step 11: Turn of the RF power. The sensor is now calibrated.

The post Bidirectional RF Power Sensor Calibration (Technical Bulletin) appeared first on Davicom Exchange Support Portal (DEX).

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Install the DTPI unit at a convenient location inside the building, close to a 120VAC power outlet. Install the temperature probes at the selected measurement points and run the cables to the DTPI unit.

Connect the probe wires to the DTPI probe inputs according to the following table:

The temperature probe wires can be connected directly to the terminal block on the left side of the DTPI unit or, alternatively, to the corresponding 1/8 stereo jack probe inputs located on the right side. Never use both connection types simultaneously for the same probe input (terminal block and stereo jack).

When using a 1/8 stereo plug for probe connection, refer to the following contact pinout for connector installation:

Operation

• Connect the AC/DC adapter cable to the power connector on the right side of the unit.

• During start-up, the top PROBE-1 display will briefly show the firmware version (ex. “100” means version 1.0.0).

• The PROBE-3 display will show the currently selected temperature scale, either °F or °C.

• After start-up, the unit will display the temperatures read by the probes. If no probe is connected to a probe input, or if the probe is defective, the corresponding display will show three dashes: “- – -“.

• Pressing on the °F/°C button will switch between the °F and °C scales. When releasing the °F/°C button, PROBE-3 display will show the selected temperature scale for approximately 1 second.

• An IP reset button restores the device IP address to its default value [192.168.1.210]. To reset the IP address, press the IP reset button and hold it until blinking dashes are seen on all displays.

• To change the default IP address, both a PC and an SNMP manager app are required. Free SNMP manager apps are available online.

• Connect to the unit using the default address and locate the following OIDs: dtpiIpAddr, dtpiIpNetMask and dtpiIpGateway. Default values are show in the table below:

• Change the values to those recommended by your IT specialist.

• To make the changes effective, remove power from the unit for a few seconds and then turn it back on again.

The post DTPI Installation and Operation appeared first on Davicom Exchange Support Portal (DEX).

PART 1: Using the DTPI Toolbox

1– Power up the DTPI device using the included AC/DC power adapter.

2– Connect the Ethernet port on the DTPI device to a PC using an Ethernet cable

3– Note that depending on your computer, a cross-connect cable may be necessary.

4– Set the IP parameters in your PC to allow access to the 192.168.1.210 subnet.

5– Click the Detect button at the top of the DTPI window.

6– If the IP settings in your PC are correct, the DTPI information details will be displayed as shown below.

7– Clicking the Read button will display the temperature measured by the connected probes.

PART 2: Setting the DTPI device to your network parameters

1– In the bottom part of the DTPI window, enter the IP Parameters assigned by your IT department. Refer to the example below.

2– Click the Apply button and the following message will appear. Click Yes.

3– Wait until the DTPI device reboots (approx. 30 seconds), enter the new IP address in the Configuration window at the top, and then click Detect.

4– The updated screen will now show the same device details as before, but will display the new IP parameters.

PART 3: Firmware upgrading of the DTPI device

1– To perform a firmware upgrade, click on the Firmware Upgrade tab.

2– Enter the IP address of the DTPI device, and click Detect.

3– Next, click Choose File to browse your computer to find and select the firmware file.

4– Click Upload, and after the file has been uploaded, the confirmation message below appears.

IMPORTANT: If you set the SNMP Mode of the DTPI device to Read Only (GET) for security purposes, you will be unable to change any DTPI parameters. To regain access to SNMP SET functionality, the DTPI must be reset to default parameters by clicking the IP Reset button on the device

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VERY IMPORTANT: When manipulating the optical fiber, be very careful not to bend it too much as permanent damage could occur.

One end of the FOC has a removable metal wire to be used as a fisher attachment for fishing the FOC through plastic conduit. Once the fiber is in place, this attachment can be removed, along with the zip ties.

Also, depending from which end of the conduit the FOC is started, you may also have to remove the strain relief. It is NOT needed at the DVLC end, but IS needed at the DVOR end.

I/O Board and Optical receiver wiring

1- Remove the cover from the DVOR.

2- Using the 3 hookup wires provided in the kit, connect the Optical Receiver (DVOR) to the I/O Interconnect board (MIOBU) such that:

One wire goes from the MIOBU +12V terminal to the DVOR +12V terminal (use the red wire)

One wire goes from the MIOBU AGND terminal to the DVOR GND terminal (use the black wire)

One wire goes from the MIOBU Status Input #8 terminal to the DVOR K_out terminal (use the white wire)

At this time, do not yet reinstall the cover on the Optical receiver.

3- Plug the I/O Interconnect board into the rear of the DV-Micro unit.

Lightning Strike Counter internal battery installation

1- Remove the cover from the Lightning Strike Counter module.

2- Remove the side screw of the internal shielding cover and remove the cover.

3- Insert the CR123A battery into the socket as shown in the figure below.

4- Gently reinstall the internal metal cover of the DVLC-1 module and its retaining screw. Do not overtighten the screw. At this time, do not yet reinstall the main cover on the DVLC-1.

Apply only a very light torque as stripping might occur (screw inserts into plastic part).

5- You can verify that the battery is good and properly installed by pressing on the Test button. If the green LED lights-up, everything is OK.

Optical fiber connection

VERY IMPORTANT

• When manipulating the optical fiber, be very careful not to bend it too much as permanent damage could occur.
• When inserting the fiber ends into optical receptacles, some pushing force may be required, but if you find that it does want to fit, verify polarization and try again. DO NOT OVERPUSH. Also, some pull strength may be required for removal.

Before connecting the optical fiber to any of the two modules, you will need to remove the protective rubber boots. Also, take note of the polarization found on each of the optical fiber connectors.

DVLC Optical Fiber connection

As seen in the image below (left side), on the DVLC-1, insert one end of the optical fiber through the entry hole, then form a gentle “strain relief” loop, and delicately insert the optical fiber tip into the optical receptacle (right image), making sure to match the polarization of the FOC tip with the polarization of the optical receptacle.

Do not yet install the cover on the DVLC-1 as we will later need to access its Test button.

DVOR Optical Fiber connection

1- Before connecting the optical fibre to the DVOR, take note that here too the optical receptacle is polarized.

2- On the DVOR, while still taking care of the optical fiber receptacle polarization, insert the other end of the optical fiber into the optical receptacle.

3- Carefully slide the long strain relief of the FOC over to the DVOR.

4- Reinstall the cover on the DVOR. Make sure to tighten the screws enough because a good electrical contact is required between the cover and the case – however, be careful to not overtighten and strip the threads.

Powering-up the DV-Mini and connecting to it

1- Using the provided 12 VDC power supply, apply power to the DV-Micro.

2- Once the DV-Micro is connected to power, give it 2 minutes to boot up. The unit will be ready once the DC POWER LED is ON solid, and the ACTIVITY LED is blinking at a rate of about 1 pulse per second.

3- Lastly, connect a USB cable between the DV-Micro’s front panel USB port and a USB port on your PC.

4- This completes the hook-up steps. We will now move on to software installation and use.

Software installation & setup

Refer to this article for instructions on how to install DavLink and the Davicom USB driver.

Connecting to a unit

Refer to this article for instructions on how to connect to a DV-200 unit.

Setting up the DavLink Workspace

1- First, we need to close any open workspace. Go in DavLink’s top menu and click on File, then Close Workspace. If a Workspace is still present, close it also.

2- Insert the provided Flash drive into a USB port of the PC.

3- Still in DavLink’s top menu, click on File, then click on Open Workspace, browse to the Flash drive location and follow this path: Drive:\DVLC-1 Lightning Strike Counter Files\Workspace file for DavLink\ and select the Workspace for DVLC file.

4- The following workspace will load:

5- If you wish, you can set this workspace to be the default one so it that it opens automatically every time you connect to the Davicom unit. To do so, in DavLink’s menu, click on File, then select “Set Current Workspace As Default”.

6- Now go in DavLink’s top menu and click on Setup, then click on Options.

7- In the Logon window, enter SUPER in the Username box, and enter SSSSSSSS in the Password box.

8- An Options – Properties box will appear, double click on the Quick Commands line and select 2 – Double Click. Click on OK to exit. This setting will allow to manually reset the counter using the double-click action from a mouse.

Loading the configuration file into the DV-Micro

NOTES:

• If you just went through all the previous steps, you are already connected to the DV-Micro. Otherwise, go to Section 10 in order to get connected, then come back here.
• At this step, a configuration file is required. You should already have it, either on the Flash drive that came with this kit, or from a download. If you don’t have this configuration, please contact us.

1- In DavLink’s top menu, click on Unit, then Unit Utility, then Configuration Transfer.

2- The window shown below will open. Click on Browse, and navigate to the Flash drive location and follow this path: Drive:\DVLC-1 Lightning Strike Counter Files\Configuration file for Davicom unit\ and select the DVLC-1 configuration file for Davicom DV-Micro file.

3- Next click on Upload (PC to Unit).

4- The configuration file will be loaded into the unit. Progress messages will be shown during and after the data transfer. Wait to see Success before moving on to next step. Click OK when completed.

5- Now back in the DavLink workspace, after the Config file upload, if the value displayed in the Lightning Strike Hits Count box is not 0, double-click on the RESET button in order to reset it to 0.

Lightning Strike Counter setup test

1- On the Lightning Strike Counter module, a test button is provided (see Figure 34) in order to verify if everything is working properly. Pushing the test button generates an electric impulse which is picked-up by the detector coil, exactly as if a real lightning strike had occurred.

2- When pushing the test button, a battery voltage test is also performed to verify the state of the internal battery. If the battery is ok, the green LED will come on; if the battery is too low, the LED will not light, meaning that the battery (CR123A) will need to be replaced.

3- You are now ready to test the setup. If you push the test button, you should see incrementing values in the Lightning Strike Hits Count box in the DavLink workspace.

4- To reset the hits count, double-click on the RESET button in the screen.

5- Once testing is completed, you can put the cover back on the DVLC-1. The Lightning Strike Counter kit is now ready for use.

6- You can now disconnect from the DV-Micro unit by clicking on the File-Disconnect drop down menu.

Note that you do NOT need to be continuously connected to the DV-Micro for the lightning counts to be recorded and maintained in the unit. If you wish, the DV-Micro can be connected to a phone line or Network and it can be accessed remotely to check on the lightning strike counts.

Additional notes

Your Lightning Strike Counter kit provides you with much more capability than simply counting lightning strikes at your remote site. It can send you alerts automatically by telephone, email or text message whenever something happens at your site. It can start up backup equipment, monitor doors, temperature, humidity, line voltage, power outage, tower lights and much more.

The post DVLC-1 Setup & Connection appeared first on Davicom Exchange Support Portal (DEX).

Operation & Sources of Interference

The unit’s maximum detection range is about 40 km. At these distances, the electromagnetic fields generated by lightning are often difficult to detect because they are so weak. These low-level signals can therefore be masked or overwhelmed by nearby strong interfering signals. Typical sources of interference can be such things as electric motors, electrical switching apparatus, high-voltage transmission lines and non-incandescent lighting devices (among others). There have also been cases reported of interference from electric vehicles such as models from Tesla. 

Location for Installation

The DVLD should be installed outdoors on a short pole that is as far away as possible from:

• Electrical transmission and distribution lines
• AM broadcast antennas
• Electric motors, such as HVAC units, elevator lift motors and the like
• Spaces where electric vehicles are likely to park or pass through

Ideally, it should not be installed directly on an antenna tower or structure that is likely to be hit by lightning as it could be damaged by a direct lightning strike. 

Note that Davicom’s DVLC-1 Lightning Counter (a different product) is designed to be installed directly on a tower or pole that can be hit by lightning. The DVLC is built to count current pulses that are induced when a metallic structure is hit by lightning. 

Grounding

Another factor that can greatly influence the DVLD’s operation & sensitivity is grounding of the corresponding Davicom CORTEX Unit. The Davicom CORTEX unit’s back-panel ground screw should be directly connected to an on-site ground with a length of wire that is as short possible. Leaving this terminal disconnected has been known to increase the incidence of disturber detections by the DVLD. 

Preliminary Tests

The DVLD-1 and Davicom CORTEX units have built-in noise and interference detection and display features. 

Once your DVLD is installed and your Davicom Cortex properly grounded, the noise and interference detectors can give you an indication of the electromagnetic environment in which your unit is operating.

The figure below shows the DVLD Actions window in the Device/DVLD drop down menu. 

The Parameters section allows the following parameters to be adjusted:

• Gain (receiver gain)
• Noise floor (squelch)
• Watchdog threshold (lightning detection level)
• Spike rejection (disturber muting)
• Minimum number of detections (counts required before lightning is detected) 

The default values are shown in the screen shot. If the DVLD is installed indoors (not usually recommended) the Gain should be set to level 18-Sensor Indoor for higher gain. If outdoor, the Gain should be set to 14. The 4 other parameters shouldn’t need any adjustments. 

The bottom Information section displays the Noise (1LD2), Disturber (1LD3) and Lightning (1LD4) Flags.  

Once one (or more) of these 3 Flags becomes active, they must be manually reset by pressing the RESET button. This allows interference events to be latched for easier visualisation over longer periods. You can also have the Flags automatically reset by using a Virtual Logic Gate or Virtual Relay in your Davicom Cortex unit. Simply feed the 1LD3 Flag into a VLG and enter that VLG number into the Reset Trigger field on the right side of the screen. 

If disturbers are repeatedly detected, then check for proper grounding of the Davicom Cortex and also for nearby sources of interference. A few disturbers occurring a few times a day is normal and will not cause any problems with proper lightning detection. 

Faraway lightning can sometimes be detected as Disturbers because it doesn’t produce the exact signal signature expected from nearby lightning. If these Disturbers disappear after a certain time, they are probably caused by distant lightning pulses.  

Best Practice Installation

The following photos show and example of a DVLD installation at a broadcast radio site in the state of Wisconsin, USA.

This device has been in operation since 2015 and is still reliably sending lightning data to this day.

Given the nearly infinite variation of locations, site configurations and electrical environments with potentially interfering devices, Davicom cannot guarantee that the DVLD will be able to detect lightning at any location and in every installation. Electrical interference can impede operation of the DVLD.

If you are experiencing lightning detection issues with your DVLD, please contact Davicom Support at dvsupport@davicom.com 

The post DVLD-1 Application Note appeared first on Davicom Exchange Support Portal (DEX).

System Set Up

1- Connect the transmitter end of the BPS to your transmitter.

2- Attach the antenna end of the BPS to either an inline power meter (to verify power output) or directly to the load if the transmitter power is already known.

3- Connect the forward power and reflected power voltage terminals of the BPS to separate metering inputs on your Davicom RTU.

Metering Inputs Configuration Using the Web Interface

Configure the metering inputs for Forward Power and Reflected Power through the RTU’s web interface:

1- Open a web browser and connect to the Davicom RTU’s web interface using its IP address.

2- Navigate to Inputs > Metering Inputs.

3- For each metering input:

• Select the input connected to the Forward Power terminal of the BPS.
• Configure the following parameters:
  • Description: Forward Power
  • Measurement Unit: Watts (or as applicable)
  • Normal Value: Enter the typical forward power value for your setup.
  • Calibration Coefficients: Input the specific coefficients (A, B, C) from the BPS documentation based on the operational frequency:
    • BPS1050 at 170 MHz: A = 8.9053, B = 4.4987, C = 0
    • BPS5095 at 870 MHz: A = 4.5311, B = 3.0904, C = 0
• Repeat this process for the metering input connected to the Reflected Power terminal, adjusting the description accordingly.

BPS Calibration

Accurate calibration ensures the Davicom RTU’s forward power reading matches the actual transmitter output:

1- Use a Reference Meter: Set up an inline power meter between the BPS and the load to act as your reference.

2- Turn On the Transmitter: Power up the transmitter and stabilize its output.

3- Adjust the Calibration Trimmer:

• Locate the forward voltage calibration trimmer on the BPS sensor.
• Using a small insulated screwdriver, gently adjust the trimmer while monitoring the forward power reading on the Davicom RTU.
• Continue adjusting until the forward power reading displayed by the Davicom RTU matches the reference value shown on the inline power meter.

Automatic VSWR Calculation Configuration

Once the metering inputs are calibrated, you can set up automatic VSWR calculation:

1- Navigate to Inputs > Math Functions in the RTU’s web interface.

2- Choose an available math function slot.

3- In the Operator dropdown menu, select the SWR function.

4- In the fields provided for the SWR operator:

• Field A (Reflected Power): Enter the ID for the metering input connected to the reflected power terminal of the BPS.
  For example, if Reflected Power is connected to Metering Input 8, the ID will typically be 1A8.
• Field B (Forward Power): Enter the ID for the metering input connected to the forward power terminal of the BPS.
  For example, if Forward Power is connected to Metering Input 7, the ID will typically be 1A7.

5- Assign a description to the math function, such as “VSWR Calculation.”

6- Save the settings to activate the VSWR calculation.

Displaying VSWR Reading

1- Navigate to the monitoring panel in the web interface.

2- Add the configured math function to a dashboard or display panel for real-time VSWR monitoring.

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For safety reasons, tower owners or users are required by government authorities to have proper lighting on their tower. They must also replace any defective lights quickly or actions could be taken against them by the regulatory authorities.

Unless you or other personnel have constant direct eye-contact with the tower, it is almost impossible to know whether or not its lights are on or off.

By having an on-site remote control like a Davicom along with a proper current sensor, it is very easy to monitor tower light status and be advised if a light is on or off depending on your specific tower lighting schedule (always on, off during daytime, flashing, etc.)

A clamp-on style current-inducing sensor similar to the one shown in figure 1 that converts current into a voltage output can easily and quickly be installed and connected to one of the Davicom unit’s analog inputs. By monitoring the maximum current draw of the lighting circuit, any drop of current caused by a light defect would be detected and could trigger an alarm.

Davicom SACCS-1 120 VAC Current Sensor and typical application circuit

The Davicom unit also has a built-in sunset/sunrise algorithm that can be used to turn obstruction lights off during daytime or to switch to high power daytime lights.

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