Installation Requirements

Using This Manual

Chapters 1 through 8 describe FastPAD Hardware and installation procedures.
Chapters 9 through 13 describes FastPAD Software, including configuration and operation.
Reference information on both hardware and software is included in the Appendices.
Chapter 1: FastPAD installation requirements.
Chapter 2: components of the FastPAD Base Unit; jumpers and other hardware options that may be required for your particular installation.
Chapter 3: FlashPAK personality modules and how to install a FlashPAK in an FastPAD base unit, if required.
Chapter 4: Composite Link, including control signals, cabling, and attached devices.
Chapter 5: Interface Cards and considerations for using an interface adapter on the composite link or high speed data channel
Chapter 6: Base Unit Data Channels including the High Speed and NMS ports.
Chapter 7: Voice/Fax Expansion Modules and how to connect user equipment to these modules.
Chapter 8: Front Panel operation.
Chapter 9: Base Unit Configuration.
Chapter 10: VFC-01 Configuration.
Chapter 11: VFC-03 Configuration.
Chapter 12: FRAM-01 Configuration.
Chapter 13: Configuration for FastPAD/IPX networking.
Chapter 14: Status indications during operation.
Chapter 15: Events.
Chapter 16: Tests.

There are also 11 appendices (see Table of Contents) providing additional information. Note that there is also a FastPAD StrataView manual that provides a description of the StrataCom network node commands (i.e., IPX) used to interconnect FastPADs to a network.

Installation Precautions

Installation must be performed by qualified technical personnel.
Always turn the power switch to OFF and disconnect power cord before removing top cover.
Do not apply power to the unit until all option cards are properly installed, all cables connected, and the DIP switches are correctly set.
Installing telephone wiring during a lightning storm is a bad idea.
Do not install telephone jacks in a wet location unless the telephone jack is specifically designed for wet locations.
Do not install uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line is disconnected at the network interface.
Installation operations with telephone lines are only permitted to be carried by the Public Telephone Operators (PTO).

Unpacking, Inspection and Installation

Check for damage to the outside and the inside of the shipping container. If any damage is noted, contact both StrataCom and the shipping carrier to report damage.

Unpacking

Use the following unpacking and repackaging guidelines:

1. The FastPAD shipping container is designed to withstand vibration and impact associated with long-distance shipment. The original StrataCom packing box and foam are the only suitable type of packing that should be used for shipping the equipment.

2. During unpacking, observe how the equipment is packed. In order to avoid damage, it must be repacked in exactly the same manner if you need to ship the unit to another location or return it to the factory. Please retain packing items for future use.

Inventory

Take inventory of the complete package to ensure that all necessary parts are present. In addition to the base unit, an accessory box containing power and telephone cords, EMI filters, and a data cable is included. A quick review of your pre-installation site survey form, purchase order, and shipping list should reveal any discrepancies.

Site Considerations

The installation site should be compatible with the location used for other electronic equipment. That is, the building should be free from excessive dust and moisture. The room should not exceed the recommended temperature range and should provide ready access to PTT/telco and data cabling. The installation location should allow for ample air flow and room for service access to cables and wiring.

Power Requirements

Please verify that the power system used at the installation site provides a proper earth ground. A 3-pin grounding power cord is supplied with the FastPAD. A grounding-type receptacle should be in the vicinity of the FastPAD; do NOT operate the FastPAD with the ground conductor disconnected. Additionally, verify that the FastPAD voltage setting matches the voltage provided by the facility where it will be installed.

Telephone Equipment Connection

In most cases, telephone equipment is connected to the FastPAD with RJ11 and RJ45 modular connectors. To connect bulk telephone wiring, PTT/telco-type spay lug lock blocks should be used. The facilities must be pre-wired with the appropriate type of cabling. In addition, proper grounding between the PBX and the equipment is essential for telephone circuits that use E&M signalling. See Appendix B (E&M Signaling Interface) for additional information.

Data Connections

Appropriate digital transmission facilities should be available at the premises prior to the installation of the FastPAD. Because the composite connection is typically higher than 19.2 kbps, cabling between the composite port and the network termination device (modem, DSU, etc.) should use suitable twisted pair wiring.

The FastPAD provides five low speed (19.2 kbps and lower) RS-232 data channels. RS-232 specifications recommend the length of the cable be less than 50 feet. The sixth channel, the High Speed Data Channel, supports synchronous data only, with the capability of much higher speeds than the other five channels.

The recommended maximum cable length for other interfaces is defined in Chapter 5, Interface Adapters. Data cables provided by StrataCom conform to the unit product specifications. Data cable wiring is described in Appendix D.

Installation

Place the equipment in the location where it will be installed. Do not block the air holes along the sides and top of the unit or the fan at the rear of the unit. These openings must be kept clear for proper cooling of the equipment.

Label each cable that will be attached to the FastPAD to help ensure proper connections. Specific hardware installation procedures are described in Chapters 2 through 7 with the description of each hardware component. In general, the installation should be done in the following sequence:

1. Use the information provided in Chapter 4 to attach a device (IPX, NTU, CSU, or modem) to the composite link.

2. If necessary, install an Interface Adapter in the Base Unit as described in Chapter 5.

3. Use the installation procedures in Chapter 6 to attach devices to the Data Channels.

4. Use the installation procedures in Chapter 7 to attach devices to the Expansion Channels.

EMI Filters

To comply with FCC requirements, EMI filters must be installed on each telephone cable connected to the FastPAD. See Appendix E for details.