What kind of signals can be used to activate the RXC controllers?
The decoders can detect two standard types of communications signals.
1 – DTMF:
This type of signaling is commonly referred to as “Touch-Tone” and is the same type as used on most telephones. The RXC decoders allow you to use up to sixteen different telephone numbers to control it. You can use a particular number to turn something on, another to turn it off, and still have fourteen other number slots available to perform other control actions.
To send the DTMF control code to the RXC you can use a normal encoder such as a dispatch console, a dedicated encoder or a portable radio with a DTMF keypad.
2 – Two-tone:
With the optional two-tone decoder, an RXC can detect and act upon normal two-tone and single-tone paging codes. Two-tone signals are often used to activate pagers for firemen, ambulance crews and public works employees, as well as to control outdoor and indoor warning sirens and equipment. The RXC has twenty programmable slots available for tone decoding. You can program it to respond to existing paging signals to activate with other equipment (for example when the fire department gets called out), or give it several unique new codes which only it understands.
How do I find the activation codes needed to control the RXC’s ?
If you are starting with a new system you can develop your own paging and activation code scheme. Feel free to contact us if you would like some assistance in working it out.
If you intend to add an RXC into an existing code plan, you will need the tone frequencies and timings if using tone paging, or the DTMF code strings if the system employs DTMF signaling. If may be necessary for you to work with the activation agency or local radio service shop to coordinate the codes and pages to ensure there is no overlap.
The RXC-3000 also has features which let you verify and program the signals you receive over-the-air. The “Learn” mode detects the Two-tone or DTMF command and assign it to a particular action. In addition, the “Live TTS” and “Live DTMF” menu items let you verify the signals and optionally record them to the log memory, or send the data to your computer screen for further analysis.
Can I change the paging or DTMF codes myself ?
Yes. There are two ways to do this.
1) Without a computer.
- Use the Twist-n-Touch™ knob inside the RXC and jump to the DTMF Code menu. There you can edit existing codes, add new functions or delete unused codes.
2) Use your laptop.
- Optional ComStarG4 programming software allows you to change activation codes, as well as most timings and other parameters, using your computer. The software works on computers running Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system. Connection is made with via USB.
Controlling high power loads.
Each relay on the RXC can switch devices and equipment which draw up to 10 amps of power.
Controlling lights, motors or other devices which need more than 10 amps is very easy. You just install a relay which can handle the necessary power, and wire the RXC to turn on and off the relay. In heavy duty applications, the relays are called “Contactors” or “Motor Starters”.
Wiring diagram example to control heavy loads with the RXC-3000.
Depending on your application, you may need to consult a qualified electrician to determine the correct size for the contactor. Your local electrician or electrical supply house may also have the contactor you need, or you may want to check www.AutomationDirect.com as a source for contactors and cabinets for heavy loads.
Will it work with Whelen “Fast DTMF” signals?
Yes. Encoders from Whelen Electronics transmit DTMF signals at a faster than normal rate. RXC decoders have no problem understanding signals even at this faster speed. Click Here for additional DTMF timing information.
What type of voltage do I need to power the RXC??
The processor, radio and all the parts of the RXC operate on 12 Volts DC voltage. Since the RXC is usually installed where dc voltage is not available, a high efficiency voltage converter is installed which changes AC voltage to DC voltage. The converter will accept any AC voltage between 95 Vac to 240 Vac, and automatically change it to the necessary 12 Vdc. The converter also accepts either 50 Hz or 60 Hz power. The RXC can be “hard wired” by an electrician using conduit or flexible raceway, or many users simply attach a flexible cord to the RXC so it can be plugged directly into a standard receptacle.
Here is additional information on wiring the RXC to various AC power sources.
Other types of power converters are also available including wide voltage DC-DC converters, isolated DC converters for railroad applications, and solar power converters.
Do you ship to Canada?
Our radios are FCC and Canadian type accepted and registered. We welcome orders from Canada as well as other countries around the world.