TC-1520E Equipment Case Users Manual

NT12-5042, 1.0, 4/10/2012, Item Number: ISI-4421-0059-PRINT REV A

 Ascom 2012. All rights reserved.

TEMS is a trademark of Ascom. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
NT12-5042, 1.0, 4/10/2012, Item Number: ISI-4421-0059-PRINT REV A

Contents
1

Introduction
1.1

Overview of the TC-1520E

Overview of Function .......................................................................................................... 3

2.2

Devices Compatible with the TC-1520E ............................................................................. 3

Phones ..............................................................................................................................3

2.3

TC-1520E Compatibility with TEMS Investigation .............................................................. 3

2.4

Using the TC-1520E with TEMS Investigation ................................................................... 4

Unpacking the TC-1520E System

3.1

TC-1520E System Contents ............................................................................................... 4

3.2

Charging the Internal Battery .............................................................................................. 4

TC-1520E Component Details and Functionality

4.1

2.1

2.2.1

Safety instructions ............................................................................................................... 2

Input Power ......................................................................................................................... 5

4.1.1

Main Input Power Connector ............................................................................................5

4.1.2

Auxiliary Power Socket .....................................................................................................5

4.2

Internal USB Hubs............................................................................................................... 6

4.3

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) .................................................................................... 6

4.4

UPS Output Protection Fuse ............................................................................................... 7

4.5

Internal Power Panel (12 V DC).......................................................................................... 7

4.6

Phone Power Panel ............................................................................................................ 7

4.7

USB to RS-232 Port ............................................................................................................ 7

4.8

Power Distribution Board Fuse ........................................................................................... 8

4.9

System Power Indicator ...................................................................................................... 8

4.10

Power Connector Pin Assignments .................................................................................... 9

4.10.1

Main Input Power Receptacle ...........................................................................................9

4.10.2

Internal Device Power (12 V DC) ......................................................................................9

4.10.3

Phone Power Connectors .................................................................................................9

4.10.4

Legacy 12 V DC Power Connectors ...............................................................................10

4.10.5

Cigarette Lighter Socket .................................................................................................10

4.11

Phone Cradle Mounting Patterns ...................................................................................... 10

4.12

Locking the TC-1520E Case ............................................................................................. 10

Vehicle Installation
5.1

11

Seat Mounting Kit .............................................................................................................. 11

5.1.1

Adaptation for Right-Hand Driven Vehicles ....................................................................12

5.2

System Power Cable ......................................................................................................... 13

5.3

TC-1520E USB Interface .................................................................................................. 13

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Shipping the TC-1520E System

14

TC-1520E Specifications

14

Regulatory Qualifications

15

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Introduction

This manual describes the contents, installation, and functionality of the TC-1520E
equipment case.
Note: The product warranty is void if the TC-1520E equipment case and its
components are opened in any way other than mentioned in this Installation Guide,
or if any seal or label is disturbed.
Warning: The system contains batteries. There is a risk of explosion if battery is
replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of batteries according to the manufacturers
instructions.
Only trained technicians may open and service the TC-1520E equipment case
components. For maintenance or repairs please contact Ascom Customer Service
at:
Phone: +1 855-323-5755
Email: customercare.tems@ascom.com
Web address: http://www.ascom.com

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1.1

Safety instructions
Minimum distance from antennas
To ensure personal safety and to limit the exposure to
electromagnetic fields, follow recommendations stated in NT
11-20071 Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Exposure. As
an example, please keep a minimum distance of 10 cm from
GSM 900 MHz antennas and 7 cm from GSM 1800 MHz
antennas in free sight. If obstacles are present, the minimum
distance is reduced.
Local regulations
Local regulations are used in some countries for general
public and also for persons using medical devices in-vitro or
implanted. They have to be followed if they impose stricter
limits than stated above.
Internal regulations
Internal regulations used within a company or a service
provider and having stricter safety limits than stated above
have to be followed
Protection from loose equipment inside the vehicle
In the interest of the safety of the occupants, the TEMS
Investigations systems must be installed in such a way that
they cannot present a risk of injury even in case of abrupt
braking maneuver or an accident. Please strictly follow
installation stated in this manual.
Please follow the restrictions stated by the car
manufacturer with regard to installation of electronic
equipment in the vehicle.
Do not damage the vehicles safety systems
Take the airbags and other vehicle installations into account
when installing.
Prevent vehicle fires caused by short-circuits
Follow the installation instructions with utmost care.

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Overview of the TC-1520E

2.1

Overview of Function

The TC-1520E equipment case makes drive testing with TEMS Investigation practical.
The case keeps external devices securely in place, while greatly simplifying the task of
connecting them to the PC.
The TC-1520E accommodates up to eight mobile phones as well as one audio quality
measurement (AQM) module.
The TC-1520E is powered with 12 V DC from the vehicle cigarette lighter outlet. The
TC-1520E input power connector is internally bridged to one auxiliary power cigarette
lighter receptacle on the main panel (next to the XLR-type power inlet). This auxiliary
power receptacle can be used with any device that accepts an automotive 12 V DC
system.
Internally, the uninterrupted power supply unit (UPS) provides power to all devices
installed in the TC-1520E. The UPS has a built-in battery that can provide temporary
power to all devices when the main input power is removed. However, this time is
limited and is dependent on the number of devices connected to the TC-1520E case.
The UPS does not provide power to the auxiliary power receptacle mentioned above.
The internal power distribution module provides five 3-pin connectors for distributing
power, four 6-pin power connections for providing power to the phone devices, and one
USB-to-RS-232 interface.
Two 7-port USB hubs are used for connecting all internal and external devices to the
PC running TEMS Investigation. Devices requiring an RS-232 interface are connected
to the USB hub through the USB-to-RS-232 converter integrated into the power
distribution board.
Note: No phone device accessories are delivered with the TC-1520E. All of these
items must be purchased separately.

2.2
2.2.1

Devices Compatible with the TC-1520E

Phones

The TC-1520E is primarily intended to be used with phone models supported by TEMS
Investigation 11.0 and later.
For information on what phones are supported by TEMS Investigation, please refer to
the web page www.ascom.com/en/index/support/support-tems/technical-support/temsinvestigation.htm.

2.3

TC-1520E Compatibility with TEMS Investigation

The TC-1520E case as such is compatible with all versions of TEMS Investigation. On
the other hand, each device installed in the case requires the TEMS Investigation
version in which it was introduced, or a later version.

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Again, for information on device support in specific TEMS Investigation versions,

please refer to the web page www.ascom.com/en/index/support/supporttems/technical-support/tems-investigation.htm.

2.4

Using the TC-1520E with TEMS Investigation

Drivers need to be installed on the PC for the USB-to-RS-232 serial converter. These
drivers are always delivered along with the TC-1520E, and they are also supplied with
TEMS Investigation. Regarding driver installation, see the TEMS Investigation Getting
Started Manual.
The autodetect function in TEMS Investigation will detect the external devices
regardless of when the equipment case is connected. It is however still
recommendable to connect the case to the PC before starting TEMS Investigation.

Unpacking the TC-1520E System

The TC-1520E system has a specially designed shipping container. Do not discard the
shipping materials; these must be used when shipping the TC-1520E case in order to
prevent damage due to shipping and handling.

3.1

TC-1520E System Contents

The TC-1520E system package should contain:

TC-1520E case

Accessory pouch

Car seat installation belts (five belts in total)

Replacement fuses

TC-1520E Users Manual (this document)

Cigarette lighter input power cable

Case combination lock

USB Type A to Type B cable for connecting the TC-1520E to a PC

3.2

Charging the Internal Battery

The TC-1520E case comes with an internal battery. This battery provides temporary
power to the TC-1520E system when the main power is interrupted. It is recommended
that you allow time for this battery to charge, although this is not required for running
the TC-1520E system.
To charge the internal battery, plug the main power cable into the TC-1520E and an
external 12 V DC power source. Allow approximately two hours of charge time to fully
charge the battery. Do not turn on the TC-1520E case during the initial charging, as
this will increase the charging time. (The system battery will not be damaged if the case
is turned on during charging.)

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TC-1520E Component Details and

Functionality

The following pages describe the functionality of every connector and component
within the TC-1520E case.

4.1

Input Power

Power connectors

4.1.1

Main Input Power Connector

The input power rating is 12 V DC with a maximum current capacity of 15 A. The

system is protected by a 15 A fuse embedded inside the cigarette lighter cable plug,
which is described in section 5.2. The TC-1520E case is not designed for 24 V DC
systems.

4.1.2

Auxiliary Power Socket

This cigarette lighter socket can provide a maximum of 10 A at 12 V DC to any

connected device. The outlet is not controlled by the internal UPS.

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4.2

Internal USB Hubs

The internal USB hub provides seven USB ports. The hub supports USB 1.1 and
USB 2.0. Each port can provide 5 V DC at 0.5 A.

Front panel of internal USB hub

4.3

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)

The UPS is used to turn on and off the installed TC-1520E components and to provide
temporary power to the modules and phones if the main power is lost. Note that the
UPS can power the TC-1520E system only for a short period of time.
The UPS ON/OFF momentary rocker switch is located to the left of the USB hub (see
the drawing in section 4.4). It is recommended to turn off the UPS when the case is not
in use. Leaving the UPS powered on will drain the internal battery.
On top of the power distribution module is a green LED. This LED will be lit if the UPS
is providing power.
The UPS will provide approximately 100 W/10 minutes of backup power when the main
power is lost.
WARNING: The UPS contains a lithium-ion battery pack (rated 14.8 V, 3800 mAh).
Do not store or operate the UPS in temperatures beyond the
specifications of the TC-1520E case (see chapter 7).
Do not ship the TC-1520E case with a charged battery. See Appendix
A for battery draining instructions.
If the battery fails to hold a charge, you need to return the TC-1520E
for service. Do not attempt to replace or remove the UPS battery.

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4.4

UPS Output Protection Fuse

Beside the USB hub is a 7.5 A fuse. This fuse protects all internal components.
Recommended replacement: ATO Blade Fuse 32 V DC 7.5 A, Littelfuse,
025707.5PXPV

UPS on/off switch and system fuse

4.5

Internal Power Panel (12 V DC)

All internal devices are powered via the 12 V DC power panel. All five connectors are
provided power via the UPS.

Internal device power panel

4.6

Phone Power Panel

Some phones require more charging power than the USB hub can provide. The 6-pin
connectors marked MOBILE/EU will be used to provide this extra power to the
phones. These connectors in turn are powered via the UPS.

4.7

USB to RS-232 Port

The task of the USB-to-RS-232 serial converter is to convert data and transfer it
between the USB hub and a scanner or an external GPS device equipped with an RS232 port.

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In order for the PC to detect the COM port of the converter, some driver files (delivered
with TEMS Investigation) must be installed on the PC. See section 2.4.
Once the serial converter is correctly installed, the PC operating system will detect one
additional COM port. The port will be assigned the next available COM number; what
number is used depends on what ports have already been defined and so cannot be
predicted. It is possible to inspect and to change the COM number using the Windows
Device Manager.
The COM port will always be detected by the PC, whether or not any equipment is
connected to it. In other words, disconnecting the device connected to the converter
port does not affect port detection.

4.8

Power Distribution Board Fuse

The 5 A fuse protects the phone power connectors and the 12 V DC Out connectors
only.
Replacement fuse: Mini-blade 32 V DC 5 A, Littelfuse, 0297005.WXNV

4.9

System Power Indicator

On top of the power distribution module is a green LED. This LED will be lit whenever
the UPS is providing power to the system. If the LED does not light up, troubleshoot as
follows:
1. Push the UPS momentary on/off power switch.
2. Check the main 15 A input power cable fuse.
3. Check the 7.5 A system fuse.
4. Check the power distribution board 5 A fuse.
5. Push the UPS momentary on/off power switch again.
6. If the LED is still not lit, there is a fault in the system. Please contact Technical
Support and have the TC-1520E returned for repair.

Power distribution module

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4.10

Power Connector Pin Assignments

4.10.1 Main Input Power Receptacle

1. Ground
2. +12 V DC at 15 A
3. No connection

4.10.2 Internal Device Power (12 V DC)

1. +12 V DC
2. No connection
3. Ground

4.10.3 Phone Power Connectors

1. +5 V DC
2. No connection
3. No connection
4. Ground
5. No connection
6. No connection

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4.10.4 Legacy 12 V DC Power Connectors

1. +12 V DC
2. Ground

4.10.5 Cigarette Lighter Socket

Center +12 V DC at 10 A

Shell ground

4.11

Phone Cradle Mounting Patterns

This image shows the bolt patterns for mounting the phone cradles.

4.12

Locking the TC-1520E Case

A padlock (4-digit combination lock) is provided in the accessory kit for locking the
case.
WARNING: The TC-1520E is designed to have the lid open during operation.
Closing the lid will trap the heat generated by the devices and may
cause devices to shut down or be damaged.

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Vehicle Installation

5.1

Seat Mounting Kit

For installation in a vehicle, please use the belts provided in the accessory kit. The
belts will secure the TC-1520E to the seat and hold the lid open. Failure to use the
belts could result in bodily injuries or damage to the TC-1520E in the event of a sudden
stop.
The mounting kit consists of:

Two (2) short belts with buckle receptacle and clasp

Two (2) long belts with buckle tongue and clasp

One (1) lid retainer belt with clasps on each end

All belts must be used in order for the securing system to function properly. If any belts
are missing, please contact customer support.
The recommended installation procedure is as follows:
1. One pair of belts (short + long) is used to strap the case to the seat on each side.
Perform steps 25 for each pair of belts.
2. Clasp the short belt with buckle receptacle to the front mounting hole of the case.
3. Clasp the long belt with buckle tongue to the rear mounting hole of the case.
4. Pass the long belt between the seat and the back rest, then wrap the belt around
the seat from back to front.
5. Plug the buckle together and pull the belt tail firmly until the case sinks into the seat
and does not move. You may need to apply pressure to the top of the closed case
to assist in this tightening.
6. Next, open the lid and clasp the lid retainer belt to one of the lids locking holes.
7. Wrap the belt around the back rest and clasp the other end to the other locking
hole in the lid.
8. Pull the belt tail firmly until the lid sinks into the back rest.
9. If the case has free movement, continue to tighten the belts until no free movement
exists.

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TC-1520E case strapped to vehicle seat

Long belt inserted between seat and back rest

5.1.1

Adaptation for Right-Hand Driven Vehicles

The mounting of the interior of the TC-1520E is adapted for left-hand driven vehicles. It
is easy to adapt the case to right-hand driven vehicles:
1. Remove the four screws located on the bottom of the case. This will release the
internal chassis.
2. Rotate the internal chassis 180 degrees and replace it back into the case.
3. Align the four holes between the outer case and internal chassis and reinstall the
four screws.

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Detaching the internal chassis of the TC-1520E

5.2

System Power Cable

The power cable provided is specifically designed to handle the 15 A current required
to operate the TC-1520E system. Only the supplied power cable should be used with
the TC-1520E.
The cigarette lighter plug can be plugged into any automotive cigarette lighter
receptacle with a minimum current capacity of 15 Amps.
The 3-pin right angle XLR connector plugs into the power receptacle on the connector
panel.

TC-1520E power cable

The cigarette lighter plug has an integrated LED indicator. If this LED is not lit, the fuse
may be blown.
Recommended fuse: Fast-acting 3AG cartridge fuse, 32 V DC 15 A, Littelfuse,
0312015.HXP.

5.3

TC-1520E USB Interface

Connect to the TC-1520E hub using the USB cable provided. Plug the Type B
connector into the hub and the Type A connector into your PC.

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13

Shipping the TC-1520E System

The internal components of the TC-1520E cannot withstand the shock and vibration
forces that typically arise during commercial shipping. Therefore the TC-1520E may be
commercially shipped only in its original shipping container.
Preparations for shipping:
1. Drain the UPS battery as described in Appendix A.
2. Pack the TC-1520E in its original shipping materials.
3. Do not pack any loose components inside the TC-1520E. This includes the
phones, power cable, and accessory pouch. Pack these items separately in the
shipping container. All fixed modules such as receivers and AQM modules may
remain installed inside the TC-1520E case.
Failure to follow these instructions may damage the internal components of the TC1520E case during shipment.

TC-1520E Specifications

Operating temperature: 0C ... 40C

Storage temperature: 20C ... 50C

Weight or case with no scanners or AQM modules installed: 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs)

Input voltage: 9 ... 18 V DC (12 V DC nominal 15 A)

Auxiliary power receptacle: 12 V DC nominal 10 A

UPS controlled internal power: 12 V DC at 7.5 A

Internal USB hub: 7 ports supporting USB 1.1 or 2.0, 5 V DC at 0.5 A per port.

Up to 8 phone cradles supported

Case dimensions: See the drawing below.

500

400

190

Physical dimensions of TC-1520E (all measurements in mm)

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Regulatory Qualifications
RoHS compliant

Appendix A. Procedure for Discharging the UPS

Battery
1. Do not connect the TC-1520E power cable.
2. Power on the TC-1520E. The UPS unit will consume power over time. When the
battery is completely drained, the green LED on top of the power distribution
module will go out. It will take approximately 14 hours for a fully charged battery to
drain.
To speed up the process, leave all internal devices connected. The external auxiliary
cigarette lighter plug will not affect the battery discharge time.

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15