Technical information

OUTPOST Wireless Callbox Installation Instructions
A PPLYING P OWER TO THE O UTPOST ™ C ALLBOX .......................
The OUTPOST Callbox may be powered by six D-cell
batteries, through an external source of +12 VDC, or
by a combination of both. Powering the unit from in-
ternal batteries will allow for an installation that does
not require wiring to an external source of power. To
provide a useful amount of battery life, one of two bat-
tery saver options should also be used.
Internal Batteries
Six D-cell batteries may be installed in the internal bat-
tery holder for a no-wire installation. If internal batter-
ies are used, a low battery alert signal will be transmit-
ted when the battery voltage drops below a pro-
grammed value. When the low battery alert is sent
from the Callbox the batteries should be replaced.
SPECIAL NOTE: We recommend not operating the
UHF model set to High Power when using Alkaline
batteries. Due to the nature of alkaline batteries
your transmit power output will decrease rapidly
as the batteries are depleted.
* External +12 VDC
The unit may be powered by an external source of
+12 VDC. This source should be filtered, with mini-
mum noise and hum, and capable of supplying at least
1 Ampere. Refer to optional RPS-EXPO 110 VAC to
12 VDC cube power supply.
* External +12 VDC with Battery Back-up
It is recommended that if an external source of power
is used, that the internal batteries be installed as a
back-up against loss of power. If this option is chosen,
the Callbox should be PC programmed for “External
+12 VDC”. If external +12 VDC is lost the Callbox will
send a low battery alert signal at the end of each
transmission to notify the listeners that the unit is no
longer operating on external power.
!
* If either of these options is used, an additional hole and
strain relief or conduit will need to be installed into the call-
box.
P OWER M ANAGEMENT O PTIONS ............................................
There are three power management options available
the OUTPOST™ Callbox:
Automatic Turn-Off
In this mode, the unit will automatically turn itself off
after a programmed period of inactivity (no transmis-
sions made and no calls received) has occurred.
Once the unit has turned itself off, it can only be
turned back on by depressing the On/PTT Button. The
programmed period of no activity necessary before the
unit turns itself off is called the RQX Reset Time. RQX
Reset Time and Automatic Turn-Off can both be pro-
grammed via the RITRON RQX Series PC Program-
mer. Automatic Turn-Off mode is the factory default
mode for power management with an RQX Reset
Time of 10 seconds.
Battery Saver
This mode is similar to the Automatic Turn-Off mode
except that the unit does not turn itself off after the
RQX Rest Time has passed with no activity. Instead it
reverts to a mode where the unit goes to sleep and
periodically wakes up to test for receive activity on the
channel. The time between wake up states can be set
using the RITRON RQX Series Programmer to be-
tween 0.5 and 8 seconds. Longer times result in better
battery life, but increase the chances that activity on
the channel may be missed. The unit will come out of
this mode when activity is detected during the wake-
up state or the On/PTT button is depressed. The
Automatic Turn-Off and Battery Saver modes cannot
be used together.
Neither Automatic Turn-Off nor Battery Saver
Used
If neither Automatic Turn-Off nor Battery Saver are
used the unit will consume the largest amount of cur-
rent, but is always ready to instantly receive mes-
sages. This mode should only be considered if an ex-
ternal source of +12 VDC is available (see above).
Have questions? Call 800-USA-1-USA (800-872-1872) or visit our website at www.ritron.com 3