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RET System Field Guide

Use the RET System Field Guide for fast answers to common questions.  Select one of the RET System Conditions below to expand troubleshooting information.

Select a RET System Condition

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

N/A

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • The RET/MDCU/MDDU does not communicate with the motors.
  • If the RET Actuator is External or a Cassette type RETU, the cable connertor(s) may have been tightened with a wrench. Should only be hand
    tightened.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • If the unit is an External or a Cassette type RETU, check to see if the connector alignment slots are twisted/skewed. If so, retrun the RETU via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the RET unit is an MDCU/MDDU, disconnect the AISG cable(s), remove the unit, clean the edge connector with a Q-tip (or cloth) and alcohol (if available), re-inert the unit, and reconnect the cable(s).
  • If cleaning the connector doesn’t clear the condition, swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU with a known good unit.
  • If the swap out clears the condition, return the RET/MDCU/MDDU in question via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the swap out does not clear the condition, check cabling and connection path to the RET/MDCU/MDDU for continuity.
  • If connection path is good, try using another controller (preferably and amphenol PCU-4) to scan the antenna for RET devices.
  • If none of the above actions clear the condition, then return the RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x02

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • If the RET is internal with an MDCU/MDDU, the transparent tube over the tilt indicator may have detached itself during a motor movement, or the connector isn’t properly seated.
  • The maximum time to perform the tilt command (set tilt, calibration) may have elapsed (1min 30sec max), while the targeted tilt is not reached.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette type, the white plastic guide on the tilt indicator may be flipped or misaligned.
  • The motor cannot move.
  • The tilt indicator may be stuck.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • If a non-Amphenol controller is being used, use an Amphenol PCU-4 controller, if available, and a homerun cable to retest the RET system.
  • If the RET is an MDCU/MDDU, remove clear tubes, check tilt indicator for manual adjustment, then check if the clear tube tabs are broken off.
    If tilt & tabs are good, reinsert the tube securely, then disconnect the AISG cable, remove unit, clean the conector contacts with a Q-tip or cloth and alcohol, and reinsert the MDCU/MDDU and retest.
  • If the unit is an External RETU, remove the unit and check if the tilt indicator can be adjusted manually, returning it to its original tilt if working.
    Also, test the RETU actuator for proper operation while removed. If the actuator doesn’t work, return it via RMA for evaluation/repair/replacement.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette, remove the casette, realign the plastic guide, reinsert the cassette and retest.
  • If the above actions don’t clear the condition, swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If the swap out clears the condition, return the RET/MDCU/MDDU in question via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the swap out doesn’t clear the condition, change the antenna, and return the antenna and RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x02

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • If the RET is internal with an MDCU/MDDU, the transparent tube over the tilt indicator may have detached itself during a motor movement, or the connector isn’t properly seated.
  • The maximum time to perform the tilt command (set tilt, calibration) may have elapsed (1min 30sec max), while the targeted tilt is not reached.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette type, the white plastic guide on the tilt indicator may be flipped or misaligned.
  • The motor cannot move.
  • The tilt indicator may be stuck.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • If a non-Amphenol controller is being used, use an Amphenol PCU-4 controller, if available, and a homerun cable to retest the RET system.
  • If the RET is an MDCU/MDDU, remove clear tubes, check tilt indicator for manual adjustment, then check if the clear tube tabs are broken off. If tilt & tabs are good, reinsert the tube securely, then disconnect the AISG cable, remove unit, clean the conector contacts with a Q-tip or cloth and alcohol, and reinsert the MDCU/MDDU and retest.
  • If the unit is an External RETU, remove the unit and check if the tilt indicator can be adjusted manually, returning it to its original tilt if working. Also, test the RETU actuator for proper operation while removed. If the actuator doesn’t work, return it via RMA for evalution/repair/replacement.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette, remove the cassette, realign the plastic guide, reinsert the cassette and retest.
  • If the above actions don’t clear the condition, swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If the swap out clears the condition, return the RET/MDCU/MDDU in question via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the swap out doesn’t clear the condition, change the antenna, and return the antenna and RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x02

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • If the RET is internal with an MDCU/MDDU, the transparent tube over the tilt indicator may have detached itself during a motor movement, or the connector isn’t properly seated.
  • The maximum time to perform the tilt command (set tilt, calibration) may have elapsed (1min 30sec max), while the targeted tilt is not reached.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette type, the white plastic guide on the tilt indicator may be flipped or misaligned.
  • The motor cannot move.
  • The tilt indicator may be stuck.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • If the RET is internal with an MDCU/MDDU, the transparent tube over the tilt indicator may have detached itself during a motor movement, or the connector isn’t properly seated.
  • The maximum time to perform the tilt command (set tilt, calibration) may have elapsed (1min 30sec max), while the targeted tilt is not reached.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette type, the white plastic guide on the tilt indicator may be flipped or misaligned.
  • The motor cannot move.
  • The tilt indicator may be stuck.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x03

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • If the RET is internal with an MDCU/MDDU, the transparent tube of the tilt indicator may have detached before a motor movement has occurred.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette type, the white plastic guide on the tilt indicator may be flipped or misaligned.
  • The motor cannot move.
  • The tilt indicator may be stuck.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • If a non-Amphenol controller is being used, use an Amphenol PCU-4 controller, if available, and a homerun cable to retest the RET system.
  • If the RET is an MDCU/MDDU, remove clear tubes, check tilt indicator for manual adjustment, then check if the clear tube tabs are broken off. If tilt & tabs are good, reinsert the tube securely, then disconnect the AISG cable, remove unit, clean the connector contacts with a Q-tip or cloth and alcohol, and reinsert the MDCU/MDDU and retest.
  • If the unit is an External RETU, remove the unit and check if the tilt indicator can be adjusted manually, returning it to its original tilt if working. Also, test the RETU actuator for proper operation while removed. If the actuator doesn’t work, return it via RMA for evaluation/repair/replacement.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette, remove the cassette, realign the plastic guide, and reinsert the cassette.
  • If the above actions don’t clear the condition, swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If the swap out clears the condition, return the RET/MDUC/MDDU in question via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the swap out doesn’t clear the condition, change the antenna, and return the antenna and RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x03

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • If the RET is internal with an MDCU/MDDU, the transparent tube of the tilt indicator may have detached before a motor movement has occurred.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette type, the white plastic guide on the tilt indicator may be flipped or misaligned.
  • The motor cannot move.
  • The tilt indicator may be stuck.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • If a non-Amphenol controller is being used, use an Amphenol PCU-4 controller, if available, and a homerun cable to retest the RET system.
  • If the RET is an MDCU/MDDU, remove clear tubes, check tilt indicator for manual adjustment, then check if the clear tube tabs are broken off. If tilt & tabs are good, reinsert the tube securely, then disconnect the AISG cable, remove unit, clean the connector contacts with a Q-tip or cloth and alcohol, and reinsert the MDCU/MDDU and retest.
  • If the unit is an External RETU, remove the unit and check if the tilt indicator can be adjusted manually, returning it to its original tilt if working. Also, test the RETU actuator for proper operation while removed. If the actuator doesn’t work, return it via RMA for evaluation/repair/replacement.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette, remove the cassette, realign the plastic guide, and reinsert the cassette.
  • If the above actions don’t clear the condition, swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If the swap out clears the condition, return the RET/MDUC/MDDU in question via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the swap out doesn’t clear the condition, change the antenna, and return the antenna and RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x03

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • If the RET is internal with an MDCU/MDDU, the transparent tube of the tilt indicator may have detached before a motor movement has occurred.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette type, the white plastic guide on the tilt indicator may be flipped or misaligned.
  • The motor cannot move.
  • The tilt indicator may be stuck.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • If a non-Amphenol controller is being used, use an Amphenol PCU-4 controller, if available, and a homerun cable to retest the RET system.
  • If the RET is an MDCU/MDDU, remove clear tubes, check tilt indicator for manual adjustment, then check if the clear tube tabs are broken off. If tilt & tabs are good, reinsert the tube securely and retest.
  • If the unit is an External RETU, remove the unit and check if the tilt indicator can be adjusted manually, returning it to its original tilt if working. Also, test the RETU actuator for proper operation while removed. If the actuator doesn’t work, return it via RMA for evaluation/repair/replacement.
  • If the RET is an internal Cassette, remove the cassette, realign the plastic guide, and reinsert the cassette.
  • If the above actions don’t clear the condition, swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If the swap out clears the condition, return the RET/MDUC/MDDU in question via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the swap out doesn’t clear the condition, change the antenna, and return the antenna and RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x05

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • A time consuming command is in progress (example: Calibration, Set Tilt).

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Wait until the command is complete.
  • If the problem persists longer than 3 minutes and no command is in progress, do a hard reset (disconnect the AISG cable, reset the BTS, etc.).
  • If the hard reset doesn’t clear the condition, swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If the swap out clears the condition, return the RET/MDUC/MDDU in question via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the swap out doesn’t clear the condition, change the antenna.
  • If none of the above actions clear the condition, return the antenna and  RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA for analysis.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x06

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • During a download, the checksum of a line of the file being downloaded is potentially incorrect.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Get the latest version of firmware from Amphenol Antenna Solutions.
  • Reload the firmware using the PCU-4. (SPECIAL NOTE: Non-Amphenol Controllers do not always support this capability).
  • If none of the above actions clear the condition, contact Amphenol Technical Support.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x0F

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • The RET may not have been correctly programmed in production. It needs to be returned for reprogramming.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • Return the RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA for analysis/reprogramming.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x11

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • The MDCU is not fully inserted into the antenna.
  • The Unique ID / Serial Number becomes:    « RET_MAINTENANCE00 »
  • The current temperature is out of range.
  • The potentiometer is not detected.
  • The motor is missing, or the RET cannot detect it.
  • The configuration data file is corrupted.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • In order to ensure a RET/MDCU/MDDU is fully inserted, follow these steps in order:
    1. Disconnect the AISG cable from the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
    2. Untighten the mounting screws and remove the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
    3. If possible, on an MDCU/MDDU, clean the edge tab connector with a Q-tip or cloth and alcohol.
    4. Reinsert the RET/MDCU/MDDU into the antenna.
    5. Tighten the screws mounting the RET/MDCU/MDDU to the antenna.
    6. Connect the AISG cable to the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If this doesn’t clear the condition, change the configuration data file (available on the Amphenol website along with instructions). This is best done using an Amphenol AISG controller.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x13

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • The targeted tilt is out of range.
  • The read tilt during a motor movement is out of range.
  • Alarm set in response to a “Set Device Data” command if the new minimum tilt is lower the configured minimum tilt (set by Amphenol).
  • Alarm set in response to a “Set Device Data” command if the new maximum tilt is above the configured maximum tilt (set by Amphenol).

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Check the values that you requested.
  • If all values seem to be good, swap the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If the swap out doesn’t clear the condition, return the RET/MDCU/MDDU in question via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x19

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • The command sent by the BTS is unknown.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Inform Amphenol Technical Support.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x1E

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • Alarm set in response to a “Set Device Data” command if the parameter is unknown.
  • Alarm set in response to a “Get Device Data” command if the parameter is unknown.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Inform Amphenol Technical Support.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x21

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • When the download of a new firmware file is in progress.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Wait for the download to complete.
  • If download doesn’t complete, contact Amphenol Technical Support.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x22

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • When the download of a new firmware file is in progress.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Get the latest version of our firmware from the Amphenol Technical Support site and reinstall.
  • If the above action doesn’t clear the condition, get the latest version of the configuration data file for your antenna from the Amphenol Technical Support site and reinstall.
  • Contact Amphenol Technical Support if the above actions do not clear the condition.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x24

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • During a Set Device Data command, the data size is incorrect.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Inform Amphenol Technical Support.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x25

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • Alarm is sent when a vendor specific command is sent. Amphenol RETs do not support Non-Amphenol vendor specific commands.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Inform Amphenol Technical Support.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

0x26

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

  • A command related to download is sent when the RET is not in the Download State.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Inform Amphenol Technical Support.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

N/A

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

This is not an alarm. Only One RET is displayed by the BTS with this Unique ID

  • After supplying power by connecting the AISG bus, the MDCU/MDDU has found no motor.
  • Example: The MDCU/MDDU has been connected to the AISG bus before it has been inserted into the antenna.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • Reconnect the RET/MDCU/MDDU in the proper way:
    • Disconnect (mandatory) the AISG cable from the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
    • Make sure the RET/MDCU/MDDU is well inserted into the antenna and its contacts are clean. If possible, use alcohol and a Q-tip or cloth for cleaning.
    • Reconnect the AISG cable to RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If the above actions don’t clear the condition, swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU.
  • If none of the above actions clear the condition, change the antenna, and return the antenna with RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA to Amphenol for
    analysis/repair/replacement.

AISG 2.0/3GPP ALARM CODE:

N/A

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR ON AMPHENOL RET SYSTEMS?

The HMI of the BTS indicates this alarm.

  • The RET/MDCU/MDDU does not communicate with the motors.
  • If the RET Actuator is External or a Cassette type RETU, the cable connertor(s) may have been tightened with a wrench.  Should only be hand tightened.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS/CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

  • If the unit is an External or a Cassette type RETU, check to see if the connector alignment slots are twisted/skewed. If so, retrun the RETU via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the RET unit is an MDCU/MDDU, disconnect the AISG cable(s), remove the unit, clean the edge connector with a Q-tip (or cloth) and alcohol (if available), re-inert the unit, and reconnect the cable(s).
  • If cleaning the connector doesn’t clear the condition, swap out the RET/MDCU/MDDU with a known good unit.
  • If the swap out clears the condition, return the RET/MDCU/MDDU in question via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.
  • If the swap out does not clear the condition, check cabling and connection path to the RET/MDCU/MDDU for continuity.
  • If connection path is good, try using another controller (preferably and amphenol PCU-4) to scan the antenna for RET devices.
  • If none of the above actions clear the condition, then return the RET/MDCU/MDDU via RMA for analysis/repair/replacement.

Need More Help?

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