DMR Repeater Back-to-Back

Application Notes
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 Application Notes Contents

Contents
Preface ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Overview ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Principle ........................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1.1 Working Principle ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1.2 Accessory Pin of the Repeater .............................................................................................................. 3
1.1.3 Accessory Pin of the Mobile Radio ...................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Versions ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
2. Device Requirements ........................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Connection ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
3.1 Connecting Two Repeaters .............................................................................................................................. 7
3.2 Connecting the repeater and mobile radio ....................................................................................................... 9
4. Configuration ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Tools .............................................................................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Back-to-back via the repeaters....................................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Back-to-back via the mobile radio and repeater ............................................................................................ 13
5. Application Scenarios ........................................................................................................................................ 16
5.1 Analog-digital Communication ..................................................................................................................... 16
5.2 Digital-digital Communication ...................................................................................................................... 18
5.3 Analog-analog communication ...................................................................................................................... 20
6. FAQ ..................................................................................................................................................................... 22
6.1 How many repeaters and mobile radios can be connected in the back-to-back way? ................................... 22
6.2 7.2 Can the repeater use the same frequency to realize A/D communication? .............................................. 22
6.3 Is there any suggestion for configuring the frequency? ................................................................................. 22
6.4 Is there any requirement on the bandwidth? .................................................................................................. 22
6.5 7.5 How long is the accessory pin cable? ...................................................................................................... 22
6.6 7.6 Why does the prompt “Service rejected” appear frequently when the radio is transmitting?.................. 22
6.7 How to deal with back-to-back function failure? .......................................................................................... 22

i
 Application Notes Preface

Preface
This section describes the conventions and revision history of this document.

Conventions
Icons

Icon Description

Tip Indicates information that can help you make better use of your product.

Note Indicates references that can further describe the related topics.

Caution Indicates situations that could cause data loss or equipment damage.

Warning Indicates situations that could cause minor personal injury.

Danger Indicates situations that could cause major personal injury or even death.

Notations

Item Description

The quotation marks enclose the name of a software interface element. For example, click
""
"OK".

The text in boldface denotes the name of a hardware button. For example, press the PTT
Boldface
key.

The symbol directs you to access a multi-level menu. For example, to select "New" from the
->
"File" menu, we will describe it as follows: "File -> New".

Revision History
Version Date Description

 Updated document outline.

R2.0 September 2018  Add application scenario that repeater connects with
mobile radio to realize Back-to-Back feature.

R1.0 January 2011 Initial release.

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 Overview Release Notes

1. Overview
The Back-to-Back is a feature based on accessory pin. Two repeaters or one repeater and one mobile radio are
connected through a pin cable to realize cross-band communication among analog and digital radios.

This document introduces how two repeaters or one repeater and one mobile radio perform the Back-to-Back
feature.

1.1 Principle
1.1.1 Working Principle
The Back-to-Back is realized through accessory pin features. For definition about involved accessory pin, see
1.1.2 and 1.1.3.

The following takes connection between the two repeaters for example to describe working principle.

 R1, R2, and R3 are digital portable radios. They work in the communication coverage of the digital repeater.

 R4, R5, and R6 are analog portable radios. They work within communication coverage of the analog repeater.

 The digital repeater and analog repeater are connected through the accessory pin cable

R2
TX=f1 RX=f2 R4
Group Call 1 TX=f3 RX=f4
Group Call 1
R1
TX=f1 RX=f2 Activation PTT
Group Call 1 Ground cable
Audio output R5
TX=f3 RX=f4
Digital repeater Analog repeater
Group Call 1
TX=f2 RX=f1 TX=f4 RX=f3
Group Call 1 Group Call 1
R3 R6
TX=f1 RX=f2 TX=f3 RX=f4
Group Call 1 Group Call 1

The following process describes communication from R1 to R4, R5, and R6.

Step 1 R1 makes a group call.

Step 2 The digital repeater repeats the audio signal to R2 and R3, transmits this signal to the analog repeater
through the accessory pin, and activates the external Mic PTT of the analog repeater.

Because the digital repeater and analog repeater are connected through the cable, the audio
transmission is not affected by operation mode (e.g. digital or analog mode) and frequency band.

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 Release Notes Overview

Step 3 The analog repeater starts transmission.

R4, R5, and R6 receives audio signal from the analog repeater. Finally, R1 can communicate with R4,
R5, and R6.

The analog repeater also can transmit audio signal to the digital repeater through the accessory pin. In this case,
portable radios within communication coverage of the two repeaters can communicate with each other.

1.1.2 Accessory Pin of the Repeater

On either analog channel or digital channel, the repeater starts or stops transmission through accessory pin, and
samples the audio signals to be transmitted through the corresponding input pin.

Input

Item Type Applicable Mode Definition

When a valid level is input, the repeater will

EXT Mic PTT trigger its transmission circuitry, activate its
Programmable
(through external Analog and digital external MIC PTT, and transmit the audio
function
Mic PTT) signal sampled from Codec. If the input level is
invalid, the repeater will stop transmission.

TX Audio
When the external MIC PTT is enabled, the
(for MIC signal Fixed function Analog and digital
repeater will transmit the audio signals
input)

Output

On either analog channel or digital channel, the repeater can output (in level form) the repeating request and its
receiving status through accessory pin. The following table describes the pin definition.

Item Type Applicable Mode Definition

Carrier Detect Programmable Analog When an analog radio makes a call request, the
function repeater will output a valid level if detecting the
matched carrier. When the analog radio stops
transmission, the repeater will output an invalid
level if no matched carrier is detected.

Note: this feature is not applicable to repeaters

with CTCSS/CDCSS enabled. The level
indicates whether the repeater is working.

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 Overview Release Notes

Item Type Applicable Mode Definition

CTCSS/CDCSS Programmable Analog When an analog radio makes a call request, the
Detect function repeater will output a valid level if the matched
CTCSS/CDCSS signaling is detected. When
the analog radio stops transmission, the
repeater will output an invalid level if no
matched CTCSS/CDCSS signaling is detected.

Note: this feature is applicable to repeaters with

CTCSS/CDCSS enabled. The level indicates
whether the repeater is working.

Rx Audio Output Fixed function Analog When the repeater repeats audio signal, it will
output such signal through accessory pin.

Voice Detect Programmable Digital When a digital radio makes a call request, the
function repeater will output a valid level if detecting the
matched digital signaling. When the radio stops
transmission, the repeater will output an invalid
level.

This level indicates whether the repeater is

working.

Audio Playback Fixed function Digital When the repeater repeats the audio signal, it
Slot-A, Audio will output such signal through accessory pin.
Playback Slot-B

1.1.3 Accessory Pin of the Mobile Radio

Input

On either analog channel or digital channel, the mobile radio starts or stops transmission through accessory pin,
and samples the audio signals to be transmitted through the corresponding input pin.

Item Type Applicable Mode Definition

When a valid level is input, the mobile radio

Programmable
EXT Mic PTT Analog and digital will trigger its transmission circuitry, activate
function
its external PTT, and transmit the audio signal

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 Release Notes Overview

Item Type Applicable Mode Definition

sampled from Codec. If the input level is

invalid, the mobile radio will stop transmission.

TX Audio When the external MIC PTT is enabled, the

Fixed function Analog and digital
mobile radio will transmit the audio signals.

Output

On either analog channel or digital channel, the mobile radio can output (in level form) the audio signal and its
receiving status through accessory pin. The following table describes the pin definition.

Item Type Applicable Mode Definition

Speaker Open Programmable Analog and digital When the mobile radio detects that the speaker
Detect function unmutes, the mobile radio will output a valid
level. After the speaker is muted, the mobile
radio will output an invalid level.

Rx Audio Output Fixed function Analog and digital When the mobile radio receives audio signal, it
will output such signal through accessory pin.

Carrier Detect Programmable Analog and digital When the mobile radio detects matched carrier
function signal, it will output a valid level.

1.2 Versions
 R9.0: realized Back-to-Back via the mobile radio and repeater.

 R3.0: realized Back-to-Back via repeaters.

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 Device Requirements Release Notes

2. Device Requirements
 Back-to-back via the repeater: The firmware version of the repeater is V3.0 or later.

 Back-to-back via the mobile radio and repeater:

 Repeater firmware: V9.00.09.002 or later.

 Mobile radio firmware: V9.00.05.001 or later

 Accessory pin cable

 Back-to-back via the repeater: PC49

 Back-to-back via the repeater and mobile radio: POA147

Note
For specific accessories about the repeater and mobile radio, refer to the related User Manual. For specific
radio model, consult your dealer.

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 Release Notes Connection

3. Connection
You can connect two repeaters or one repeater and one mobile radio through the accessory pin cable. For
customized or expansion design, refer to the following pin position and features.

3.1 Connecting Two Repeaters

Analog repeater and digital repeater

You can connect the analog repeater to the digital repeater according to the following figure.

Both Pin 3 and Pin 16 are programmable ports. Pin 3 can be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, and Pin 22. Pin 16 can
be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, Pin 22, and Pin 23.

Audio output
Analog repeater Mic
Digital repeater
Slot A Slot B

19 26 19 26
10 18 10 18
1 9 1 9

Carrier detect Analog PTT Voice detect Digital PTT Mic

Audio output

Ground cable

 Ground cable

Connects the Pin 2 of the analog repeater to the Pin 2 of the digital repeater.

 Activation of digital repeater transmission

Connects the Pin 3 of the analog repeater to the Pin 16 of the digital repeater.

 Audio signal output of analog repeater

 For analog repeater RD98XS: connects the Pin 24 to Pin 7 of the digital repeater.

 For other repeaters: connects Pin 8 to Pin 7 of the digital repeater.

 Activation of analog repeater transmission

Connects the Pin 3 of the digital repeater to Pin 16 of the analog repeater.

 Audio signal output of digital repeater

Connects the Pin 24 or Pin 25 of the digital repeater to the Pin 7 of the analog repeater.

Analog repeater and analog repeater

You can connect the two analog repeaters according to the following figure.

Both Pin 3 and Pin 16 are programmable ports. Pin 3 can be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, and Pin 22. Pin 16 can

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 Connection Release Notes

be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, Pin 22, and Pin 23.

Analog repeater 1 Analog PTT

Analog repeater 2

19 26 19 26
10 18 10 18

1 9 1 9

Mic Audio output Carrier detect Mic Audio output

Carrier detect Analog PTT

Ground cable

 Ground cable

Connects Pin 2 of the analog repeater 1 and Pin 2 of the analog repeater 2.

 Activation of analog repeater transmission

 Connects the Pin 3 of the analog repeater 1 to the Pin 16 of the analog repeater 2.

 Connects the Pin 3 of the analog repeater 2 to the Pin 16 of the analog repeater 1.

 Audio signal output

 Connects the Pin 8 of the analog repeater 1 to the Pin 7 of the analog repeater 2.

 Connects the Pin 8 of the analog repeater 2 to the Pin 7 of the analog repeater 1.

For the analog repeater RD98XS, connect the Pin 24 to the Pin 7 of the analog repeater.

Digital repeater and digital repeater

You can connect the two digital repeaters according to the following figure.

Both Pin 3 and Pin 16 are programmable ports. Pin 3 can be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, and Pin 22. Pin 16 can
be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, Pin 22, and Pin 23.

Digital repeater 1 Digital repeater 2

Slot A Slot B Slot A Slot B

19 26 19 26
10 18 10 18
Mic
1 9 1 9
Digital PTT Voice detect Mic
Voice detect Digital PTT

Ground cable

 Ground cable

Connects the Pin 2 of the digital repeater 1 to the Pin 2 of the digital repeater 2.

 Activation of repeater transmission

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 Release Notes Connection

 Connects the Pin 3 of the digital repeater 1 to the Pin 16 of the digital repeater 2.

 Connects the Pin 3 of the digital repeater 2 to the Pin 16 of the digital repeater 1.

 Audio signal output

 Connects the Pin 24 or Pin 25 of the digital repeater 1 to the Pin 7 of the digital repeater 2.

 Connects the Pin 24 or Pin 25 of the digital repeater 2 to the Pin 7 of the digital repeater 1.

3.2 Connecting the repeater and mobile radio

Digital repeater and mobile radio

You can connect either the analog mobile radio or digital mobile radio to the digital repeater according to the
following figure.

Both Pin 3 and Pin 16 on the digital repeater radio are programmable ports. Pin 3 can be replaced by Pin 12, Pin
20, and Pin 22. Pin 16 can be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, Pin 22, and Pin 23.

Both Pin 3 and Pin 16 on the mobile radio are programmable ports. They can be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, Pin
22, and Pin 23.

Audio output
Mobile radio Mic Digital repeater Slot A Slot B

19 26 19 26
10 18 10 18
1 9 1 9
External
Voice detect Mic
Carrier detect PTT Audio output Digital PTT

Ground cable

 Ground cable

Connects the Pin 6 of the digital repeater to the Pin 6 of the mobile radio.

 Activation of digital repeater transmission

Connects the Pin 3 of the mobile radio to the Pin 16 of the digital repeater.

 Audio signal output of mobile radio

Connects the Pin 8 of the mobile radio to the Pin 7 of the digital repeater.

 Activation of mobile radio transmission

Connects the Pin 3 of the digital repeater to the Pin 16 of the mobile radio.

 Audio signal output of digital repeater

Connects the Pin 24 or Pin 25 of the digital repeater to the Pin 7 of the mobile radio.

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 Connection Release Notes

Analog repeater and mobile radio

You can connect either the analog mobile radio or digital mobile radio to the analog repeater according to the
following figure.

Both Pin 3 and Pin 16 on the analog repeater are programmable ports. Pin 3 can be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20,
and Pin 22. Pin 16 can be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, Pin 22, and Pin 23.

Both Pin 3 and Pin 16 on the mobile radio are programmable ports. They can be replaced by Pin 12, Pin 20, Pin
22, and Pin 23.

Mobile radio Analog repeater

19 External 26 19 26
PTT 18 18
10 10
Mic
1 9 1 9
Carrier Audio
Audio output detect Mic
Carrier detect Analog PTT output

Ground cable

 Ground cable

Connects the Pin 6 of the analog repeater to the Pin 6 of the mobile radio.

 Activation of analog repeater transmission

Connects the Pin 3 of the mobile radio to the Pin 16 of the analog repeater.

 Audio signal output of mobile radio

Connects the Pin 8 of the mobile radio to the Pin 7 of the analog repeater.

 Activation of mobile radio transmission

Connects the Pin 3 of the analog repeater to the Pin 16 of the mobile radio.

 Activation of analog repeater transmission

 For the analog repeater RD98XS: connects the Pin 24 to Pin 7 of the mobile radio

 For other analog repeaters: connects Pin 8 to Pin 7 of the mobile radio.

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 Release Notes Configuration

4. Configuration
This chapter describes how to configure the Pin port and other parameters of the digital and analog channel
through the customer programming software (CPS).

4.1 Tools
 CPS V3.0 or later: applicable to back-to-back via the two repeaters.

 CPS V9.0 (9.00.07.015 or later): applicable to back-to-back via the mobile radio and repeater.

4.2 Back-to-back via the repeaters

The section describes how to configure the repeaters through the CPS.

For an analog repeater

Step 1 Open the CPS and read the existing configuration data from the analog repeater.

Step 2 Go to "Conventional > General Setting > Accessories".

Step 3 In the "GPIO Pins" box, set Pin 3 and Pin 16.

 Pin 3: If the repeater repeats the voice with CTCSS or CDCSS signaling, you must select
"CTCSS/CDCSS Detect" from the "Feature" drop-down list. Otherwise, select "Carrier Detect" from
the "Feature" drop-down list.

 Pin 16: select "Ext Mic PTT" from the "Feature" drop-down list

For details, refer to the CPS Help.

Step 4 In the "Priority control" box, set "Path Priority" to "PTT Request", and set "PTT Priority" to "External
PTT".

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 Configuration Release Notes

Step 5 Go to "Conventional > Channel > Analog Channel".

Step 6 Select the analog channel, set "Repeat Path" to "Repeater Mode", and set other parameters.

For details, refer to the CPS Help.

The parameters in "Rx" and "Tx" box can specify the conditions for receiving and transmitting.

Note
Do not select "Flat Audio". Otherwise, the audio signal will be interrupted during repeating.

For a digital repeater

Step 1 Go to "Conventional > General Setting > Accessories".

Step 2 In the "GPIO Pins" box, set "Slot1 Audio Output" and "Slot2 Audio Output".

For details, refer to the CPS Help.

 To output the audio signal from Pin 24, select "Slot1 Audio Output".

 To output the audio signal from Pin 25, select "Slot2 Audio Output".

Note
The digital repeater can use only one Pin to output audio signal. If you select "Slot1 Audio
Output" and "Slot1 Audio Output" at the same time, only the Pin (e.g. Pin 24 or Pin 25) connected
to Pin 7 on the mobile radio can output audio signal.

Step 3 In the "GPIO Pins" box, select "Voice Detect" from the "Feature" drop-down list for Pin#3, and select
"Ext Mic PTT" from the "Feature" drop-down list for Pin#16.
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 Release Notes Configuration

For details, refer to the CPS Help.

Step 4 Go to "Conventional > Channel > Digital Channel".

Step 5 Select the digital channel on which the digital repeater works, and set "Slot Operation" and other
parameters in "Rx" and "Tx" box.

For details, refer to the CPS Help.

 To output the audio signal from Pin 24, set "Slot Operation" to "Slot 1".

 To output the audio signal from Pin 25, set "Slot Operation" to "Slot 2".

Note
The "Tx Contact Name" in the "Tx" box can be a group call contact or an all call contact. This
contact will be used for repeater reception and transmission.

4.3 Back-to-back via the mobile radio and repeater

This section describes how to configure the mobile radio and repeater through the CPS.

For repeaters

 For details about configuring an analog repeater, see For an analog repeater.

 For details about configuring a digital repeater, see For a digital repeater.

For an analog mobile radio

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 Configuration Release Notes

Step 1 Go to "Conventional > General Setting > Accessories". In the "GPIO Pins" box, select "Speaker Open
Detect" from the "Feature" drop-down list for "Pin#3", and select "Ext Mic PTT" from the "Feature"
drop-down list for "Pin#16".

For details, refer to the CPS Help.

Step 2 Go to "Conventional > Channel > Analog Channel".

Step 3 Select the analog channel on which the analog mobile radio works, and set the signaling type and other
parameters.

For details, refer to the CPS Help.

The parameters in "Rx" and "Tx" box can specify the conditions for receiving and transmitting.

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 Release Notes Configuration

For a digital mobile radio

Step 1 Select "Speaker Open Detect" from the "Feature" drop-down list for "Pin#3".

For details, see Step 1.

Step 2 Go to "Conventional > Channel > Digital Channel".

Step 3 Select the digital channel on which the digital mobile radio works, and set other parameters.

For details, refer to the CPS Help.

The “Rx Group List” defines the groups that can be responded (not required for private call and all
call), and the “Tx Contact Name” defines the destination address.

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 Application Scenarios Release Notes

5. Application Scenarios
This chapter describes how the back-to-back feature realizes cross-band communication among analog and
digital repeater.

In addition, the Back-to-Back feature (via repeater and mobile radio) can work with IP Multi-site Connect
feature to further expand the communication range.

5.1 Analog-digital Communication

This section takes communication between the analog portable radios and digital portable radios through the
back-to-back feature for example.

Analog repeater and digital repeater

Analog repeater
TX=f2 RX=f1
Group Call 1
Carrier
output
Audio

detect
Digital
PTT
Mic

Digital repeater
TX=f4 RX=f3
Group Call 1

Figure 5.1-1 Analog-Digital Communication 1

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 Release Notes Application Scenarios

Analog repeater and digital mobile radio

Analog repeater
TX=f2 RX=f1
Group Call 1

Carrier
output
Audio

detect
Digital
PTT
Mic

Digital mobile
radio
TX=RX=f3
Group Call 1

Figure 5.1-2 Analog-Digital Communication 2

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 Application Scenarios Release Notes

5.2 Digital-digital Communication

Digital repeater and digital repeater

Digital repeater 1
TX=f2 RX=f1
Group Call 1

Carrier
output
Audio

detect
Digital
PTT
Mic

Digital repeater 2
TX=f4 RX=f3
Group Call 1

Figure 5.2-1 Digital-digital Communication 1

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 Release Notes Application Scenarios

Digital repeater and digital mobile radio

Digital repeater
TX=f2 RX=f1
Group Call 1

Carrier
output
Audio

detect
Digital
PTT
Mic

Digital mobile
radio
TX=RX=f3
Group Call 1

Figure 5.2-2 Digital-digital Communication 2

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 Application Scenarios Release Notes

5.3 Analog-analog communication

Analog repeater and analog repeater

Analog repeater 1
TX=f2 RX=f1
Group Call 1

Carrier
output
Audio

detect
Analog
PTT
Mic

Analog repeater 2
TX=f4 RX=f3
Group Call 1

Figure 5.3-1 Analog-Analog Communication 1

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 Release Notes Application Scenarios

Analog repeater and analog mobile radio

Analog repeater
TX=f2 RX=f1
Group Call 1

Carrier
output
Audio

detect
Digital
PTT
Mic

Analog mobile
radio
TX=RX=f3
Group Call 1

Figure 5.3-2 Analog-Analog Communication 2

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 FAQ Release Notes

6. FAQ

6.1 How many repeaters and mobile radios can be connected in the

back-to-back way?

Only two repeaters or one repeater and one mobile radio. This ensures an optimal performance.

6.2 Can the repeater use the same frequency to realize A/D communication?
No. It is recommended to use different frequencies to avoid signal interference.

6.3 Is there any suggestion for configuring the frequency?

To ensure better communication, it is suggested to maintain the frequency space at 100 kHz or more.

6.4 Is there any requirement on the bandwidth?

The bandwidths of two repeaters can be different. For example, the bandwidth of a digital repeater is12.5 kHz
and the bandwidth of an analog repeater is 12.5 kHz, 20 kHz, or 25 kHz. The bandwidth difference does not
affect the back-to-back performance.

6.5 How long is the accessory pin cable?

One meter at most.

6.6 Why does the prompt “Service rejected” appear frequently when the

radio is transmitting?

The reason is that the mobile radio or repeater is transmitting through the external Mic PTT. However, the
mobile radio or repeater will not receive such prompt if the option “Tx Admit” is set to “Always Allow”.
Therefore, it is recommended to set the option “Tx Admit” to “Channel Free”. In this case, the mobile radio will
alert “Channel Busy!” instead when transmitting through the external Mic PTT.

6.7 How to deal with back-to-back function failure?

To solve the back-to-back failure, do as follows:
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 Release Notes FAQ

1. Check whether the accessory pin cable is connected properly;

2. If the cable gets loose, reconnect it;

3. Restart the repeater or mobile radio;

4. If the above steps do not help, please contact your dealer.

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