1. Training Module
Introduction to the TB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Customer Service Software (CSS)
Describes Release 3.95 for Trunked TB9100 and P25 TAG Release 3.82 for Conventional TB9100 and P25 CG
© Copyright Tait Limited - 01/2016
TRP P

2. Learning Outcomes
List the functions that can be carried out by the CSS.
Explain how the CSS can be connected to a TaitNet network.
Explain how the security features of the CSS can be used to restrict access.
Demonstrate how to connect to a TB9100 using the CSS.
Demonstrate how to read out a TB9100 configuration.
Demonstrate how to create a channel configuration
Explain the purpose of the Task Manager and show what tasks have been defined.
Show how to display the currently enabled features of a TB9100.
Demonstrate how to view and download logs using the CSS and explain their importance.
Demonstrate how to find the software version in each TB9100 module.

3. More Information TB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG CSS User’s Manual (MBA-00003) 1
TB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG CSS Help (press F1 for context-sensitive Help)
TB9100/P25 CG/P25 TAG Installation and Operation Manual (MBC-00001) 1
1 available from the Support website (support.taitradio.com)
CSS
I+O
Document symbol in this presentation refers to the page number of the CSS User’s Manual.
The content of the CSS User’s Manual is identical to the CSS Help.

4. Introduction CSS is a Windows application
Common to TB9100 Base Station, P25 CG Console Gateway and P25 TAG Trunked Analog Gateway
Different releases for trunked and conventional
Can connect locally or remotely
Can run multiple instances for multiple devices
Privileges for different access levels
The Customer Service Software (CSS) is a Windows application that makes it easy to monitor and configure a Tait TB9100 base station, P25 CG Console Gateway or P25 TAG Trunked Analog Gateway.
Running on a standard PC, the CSS can be connected locally or remotely to provide a variety of services.
A single CSS is capable of servicing any base station or gateway in the P25 system.

5. Main Functions Monitoring Alarms Data logs Configuration Diagnostics
Task Manager
Feature upgrades
Remote software downloads

6. Connecting Connecting enables CSS and network element to communicate
Connect to monitor, or read and view configuration settings
Can work with a configuration file without connecting
Optionally set a password that CSS remembers
Connecting for the first time?
Forgotten network element IP address?
Troubleshooting connection problems
I+O 48
I+O 49
CSS 44

7. How to Connect
Run the CSS (preferably same version as network element).
On the toolbar, select Product and choose Base station or P25 Console Gateway.
On toolbar, click Connect.
From the list, select the network element. (Add to list if necessary.)
Click Connect.
The status bar displays Connected.

8. Monitoring Provides operational information on interfaces and modules
CSS 67
Provides operational information on interfaces and modules
Available while base station or gateway is operating (Run mode)
Allows the viewing of data logs and monitoring of simulcast timing
The CSS lets you monitor the base station or gateway.
It can provide operational information about the various interfaces and modules.
The CSS can also display data logs and details about the hardware and software of installed modules.
Monitoring can take place while the base station or gateway is in use; it has no effect on its operation.

9. Alarms Large number of alarms available
CSS 209
Large number of alarms available
View current alarm status (Monitor > Alarms > Status)
View recent alarms (Monitor > Data Logging > System log)
The base station or gateway monitors a large number of alarm conditions.
When a condition rises above or falls below a defined threshold, the base station generates an alarm and stores it in its log.
Using the CSS, you can view the current status of all alarms (Monitor > Alarms > Status) and a log containing recent alarms (Monitor > Data Logging > System Log).

10. Data Logs
CSS 120
Logging of alarms, calls, Task Manager actions, and signaling events in Syslog format.
System log stores events at Notice level and above (up to records).
Logs can be viewed and saved to file.
Syslog messages can be sent to Syslog collector (seven levels).
Alarms can be sent to an SNMP manager such as EnableMonitor.
Page 120: Data Logs
Page 224: Logging to a Syslog Collector
The TB9100 logs events such as alarms, calls, Task Manager actions, and signaling events in syslog format.
The system log (up to 1000 records) stores events at level Notice and above.
The trace log (up to 1000 records) stores events at Information level.
Using the CSS, you can view these logs and save them to a file.
If the TaitNet P25 network is set up with a PC running syslog collector software, you can configure the base station to send syslog messages to it.
In the CSS (Configure > Alarms > Logging), you specify the IP address of that PC and select a logging level. The logging level defines which messages are sent to the syslog collector.
There are 7 logging levels ranging from messages that indicate a critical system failure to messages that indicate the current state of the network. Messages with the selected logging level or higher are sent and messages below that level are not.
Selecting the correct logging level is important if network bandwidth is limited.

11. Call Record Log

12. System Log

13. Configuration View, change and program settings.
CSS 133
View, change and program settings.
Click Read to read the configuration.
Click Standby and then Program to program settings.
Base stations are programmed with many configuration settings. Using the CSS, you can view these settings, change them, and then program them into the base station.
Configuration works differently from other CSS functions. Once you are connected, you can monitor the base station, but you can’t yet view its configuration.
First you must click the Read button, which instructs the base station to supply its configuration information.
Programming the base station with a new configuration can only be done when the base station is in Standby mode.

14. Diagnostics
CSS 229
Carries out diagnostics tests on the base station or gateway, and its modules
View any diagnostic form in Run mode (some tests require Standby mode)
Monitor status before, during and after test
Combination of tests possible
Facilitates setting up or troubleshooting the interface to external equipment
Using the CSS, you can carry out diagnostic tests on the base station and its modules.
For some tests, the base station or gateway must be in Standby mode. However, you can view any diagnostic form in Run mode.
Generally, a diagnostic form displays relevant information, so that you can monitor base station or gateway status before, during, and after the test. Often you can combine different tests.
Some diagnostic tests check aspects of the base station. Others provide you with a simple function that facilitates setting up or troubleshooting the base station or gateway interface to external equipment (for example, looping back the analog line).

15. Carrying out a Diagnostic Test
On the toolbar, click Diagnose.
Select a test from the menu.
Some tests can be carried out in Run mode ( ), but some tests require the base station to be set to Standby mode ( ).
If required, click Standby.
Click Start Test.
If necessary, click Stop Test to end the test.

16. Task Manager
CSS 255
Task Manager is a powerful processing engine that adds intelligence to each base station, enhancing its flexibility and configurability
Part of the firmware running on the reciter’s digital board, Task Manager is able to respond to various inputs or operating parameters
If a parameter changes, Task Manager can take appropriate action, for example by changing channel, setting the digital output, or locking a function
Task Manager sets the default operating channel number
A locked function cannot operate.
40 pages in the CSS User’s Manual, including examples
Example:
If you had two repeaters at a site, one VHF and one UHF, it would be possible for a subscriber to send a NAC that would cause the VHF TB9100 to change from operating as a local repeater to instead act as a crossband-repeater with the UHF TB9100 over the IP network. A second NAC code could be used to change it back to local repeat-only mode.

17. Task Manager
Select Configure > Task Manager > Task List to view the list of tasks. .

18. Listing Current Features
Select Tools > Software Feature Enabler.

19. Practical Exercise CSS Operation Install the CSS Connect to repeater
View alarms
Check the system log for past alarms
View temperatures
Measure forward and reverse power
Measure transmitted and received RSSI
Measure transmitted and received BER