SPS Troubleshooting Guide
Start here for any issue with SPS Paging Systems.
Power Supply Interference
There are many issues that can cause this which will be detailed in other problem areas and issues. One possible problem is the system's power supply is too close to the paging system itself and is causing interference. Move the power supply 'Brick' away from the paging system as far as the cord will let you to rule this issue out before you continue troubleshooting.
Checking for power issues
When the WaveWare v9 Series Paging System is assembled and power is applied, you should be able to see a GREEN POWER LED illuminated on the side of the transmitter unit.
If not, verify that all connections are tight and that 110-120v AC power is available at the power outlet.
If all connections are tight, power is available, and the GREEN POWER LED doesn't illuminate, determine if the power supply is at fault by trying another power supply.
If the transmitter unit still does not respond, the transmitter unit is most likely in need of repair or replacement.
NOTE: At power-up, the transmitter unit will send a status message through the serial port to the host PC.
Checking COM port settings
You may be required to configure the COM port in the paging transmitter to establish the appropriate operating mode and serial communication parameters. See the SPS-5v9S or the SPS-5v9E Programming Guide on how to configure the COM ports and for more information.
Checking for carrier detect/interference issues
If the carrier detect mode is activated, and you find that paging transmissions are delayed for significant periods of time due to interference on the channel, you should temporarily inactivate the carrier detect mode. This would allow transmissions to occur regardless of their transmissions on the channel.
You may find that you get excellent paging reception even with carrier detect inactivated.
Please Note: the typical WaveWare paging system installation uses a 2 to 5 watt system that operates subservient to other operators on the same frequency.
If you find that the 'unwanted transmissions' are legal and if you find that your paging reception is suffering due to the unwanted transmissions from that source, you may have to change your paging system to another frequency. A frequency change is a costly process and should be avoided if possible.
If you have multiple WaveWare paging systems installed in the same facility, and all are set at the same operating frequency, you should activate the carrier detect mode on all paging systems in order to help ensure paging messages are being properly transmitted to paging receivers.
Checking for pager issues
When you send a paging message command to the WaveWare SPS system from the PC or the paging terminal, the GREEN RF TX LED on the side of the transmitter should illuminate solid for a few seconds (3-5 seconds) to indicate that transmission is occurring.
If you don't receive a message on the selected paging receiver, follow the checklist below to troubleshoot paging reception:
Pager has power and is active.
Pager is properly defined in the paging control application software on the host PC or in the paging terminal.
Pager is located at least an arms length away from the transmitter unit during transmission. NOTE: Some paging receivers do not properly decode paging messages when the receivers are located in close proximity to the transmitter antenna, due to the radio signal being too strong.
The antenna is attached to the transmitter.
Pager is set for the same frequency as the WaveWare paging system.
Pager uses the correct paging protocol listed in your SPS-5 settings.
Pager and paging system are both set to the same Baud Rate (512, 1200, 2400).
Hand programming pagers with incorrect settings
The Apollo 924, Apollo Gold/Gold XP, Apollo Pilot/Pilot XP, Apollo TP-200 and Spok. 7950 can all be hand programmed to change the frequency, capcodes, and baud rate. Any other specialized programming will require the correct programming dock accompanied with the necessary software. Alternatively, WaveWare provides customized programming services (free if pagers are new).
SPS-5 Series Troubleshooting Flowchart
If you would like to see a more step-by-step troubleshooting process, you can find the SPS Troubleshooting Flow Chart Here.
