Configuring MLC 8000 Devices with the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool

Prerequisites:

Ensure both the MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converters and MLC 8000 Analog Comparators are cabled to switches. So, configuration can only be performed AFTER going to each remote site to cable the MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converters to switches and base radios.

When and where to use:

Follow these tasks to configure the MLC 8000 devices using a service laptop with the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool with Analog Display and Control.

Procedure:

  1. You have three options to configure the MLC 8000s:
    If… Then…
    Option 1: IF the system is prestaged off-site (not at the RF site), and IP address and channel cluster information is available When off-site, perform 2- 12 When on site, retrieve the saved configuration, skip to 13 and finish the configuration.
    Option 2: IF the system is prestaged off-site (not at the RF site), and IP address and channel cluster information is not available On site, use these steps to update the configuration and provide the actual IP addresses and channel cluster information, and then set up associations.
    Option 3: IF the system is not prestaged off-site Perform all the steps here.
  2. Configure the MLC 8000 device IP addresses in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool (if modification is needed).
    See “Provisioning the Initial IP Address for an MLC 8000 Device” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
  3. Create and define a channel cluster in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool.
    NotePrerequisite: IP addresses have been assigned to the MLC 8000 Analog Comparators and MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converters.
    See “Creating a Conventional Channel Cluster” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
  4. Define the Site ID and Site Name for the new channel cluster.
    See “Entering Site ID and Site Name for a Conventional Channel Cluster” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
  5. Provide the name and type for the channel cluster.
    See “Defining a Conventional Channel Cluster” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
  6. Define subsites in the subsite list. The Subsite ID and associated name are required for the system to work.
    See “Modifying the Conventional Channel Cluster Subsite List” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
  7. Add the Mixed Mode MLC 8000 Comparator (VGU) to the channel cluster.
    See “Adding an MLC 8000 Analog or Mixed Mode Comparator to a Conventional Channel Cluster” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
    NoteYou can complete the configuration now or download the software now, then configure after the software upgrade is complete. In either case, save the changes by clicking Write to Device. Result: The device restarts. After the restart, you can upgrade the software if necessary.
  8. (Optional) Download the MLC 8000 device software if available (if you are unsure that you have the latest version or it was not downloaded in off-site prestaging). Perform this task if your Motorola Solutions representative recommends a newer software version. New software is available at Motorola Online (http://businessonline.motorolasolutions.com).
    Note The software download must be performed separately for each MLC 8000 device in the channel cluster.

    See “Downloading a Specific Software Update to an MLC 8000 Device” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.

  9. Configure the Mixed Mode MLC 8000 Comparator (VGU).
    See “Configuring an MLC 8000 Analog Comparator for Mixed Mode Non IP Simulcast Voting” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
  10. Add an MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converter to a conventional channel cluster.
    See “Adding an MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converter to a Conventional Channel Cluster” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
    NoteYou can complete the configuration now or download the software now, then configure after the software upgrade is complete. In either case, save the changes by clicking Write to Device. Result: The device restarts. After the restart, you can upgrade the software if necessary.
  11. (Optional) Download the MLC 8000 device software if available (if you are unsure that you have the latest version or it was not downloaded in off-site prestaging). Perform this task if your Motorola Solutions representative recommends a newer software version. New software is available at Motorola Online (http://businessonline.motorola.com).
    Note The software download must be performed separately for each MLC 8000 device in the channel cluster.

    See “Downloading a Specific Software Update to an MLC 8000 Device” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.

  12. Configure the MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converter (and associated AGU ports).
    1. Within the procedure to configure the MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converter, you configure the ports associated with the VGU (select the AGU in the Configuration Tool).
      See “Configuring an MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converter for a Non IP Simulcast System” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
      NoteWhen you configure the MLC 8000 Analog Comparator (VGU) ports, you can repeat this step for as many BR locations as your system has.
      NoteBase Radio Properties Tab, Link Type = Hybrid Link (internal or external TX clock). This field is enabled for Non IP simulcast systems.
  13. Configure the channel (set up associations). Associate base radios with each MLC 8000 Analog Comparator (VGU).
    See “Associating a Base Radio with an MLC 8000 Analog Comparator” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
    NoteThis loop can be repeated up to four times.
  14. Set channel cluster parameters for all MLC 8000s (including G.711, NTP, and timeout parameters).
    See “Setting Channel Cluster Parameters” in the MLC 8000 Configuration Tool User Guide.
    NotePrerequisite: All devices of the channel cluster have been added and configured, so that MLC 8000 Configuration Tool downloads the channel cluster parameters to all these devices.
The MLC 8000 devices are configured.

Postrequisites:

See Verifying the Installation and Configuration.