DCS-5020
Digital Console System
FEATURES
• One to six operators
• Wireless connection to TETRA infrastructure
• Screen based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Configurable console screen presentation
• Wide variety of audio interface options
INTRODUCTION
The DCS-5020 is Zetron’s new Digital Console
System to meet the needs of the smaller operations
control room. Combining telephony and both digital
and analogue radio control, the DCS-5020 system
supports up to 30 ports and 6 screen-based
operator consoles. The DCS-5020 meets a range of
professional applications in the emergency services,
transportation, utilities and private industry. Although
offering many of the features of a traditional console
system, the DCS-5020 is based on an architecture
of distributed processing which removes the
requirement for a central switch, even with multiple
operator positions. This ensures a fully scalable
solution, even down to a single operator position and
provides a high level of system resilience for
mission-critical applications.
DESCRIPTION
The DCS-5020 integrates telephony and radio,
call handling, monitoring and logging functions into a
single operator interface. The system supports
between 24 and 30 ports, depending on
configuration, each assignable to telephone or radio
circuits. There are up to 6 inter-linked operator
positions each comprising a host PC and video
monitor, with Audio Interface Unit (AIU) and optional
accessories such as headset, gooseneck
microphone, PTT footswitch, and keyboard.
The host PC runs Zetron’s Windows®-based
IntegratorDCSTM software, providing a graphical user
interface (GUI) presenting the telephone/radio
channels and system functions available to the
operator. The video monitor can be full-size SVGA/
LCD, or compact LCD to fit control room
requirements. Touchscreen and/or mouse/trackball
control is available. The operator screen presentation
is extensively configurable.
The AIU has two speakers and a microphone
socket. The speakers each have a volume control -
one for active conversation (select) audio and one
for monitored (unselect) audio. There are four
buttons which can parallel or override the on-screen
controls. The AIU is typically mounted under the
video monitor but it is suitable for desk or rack
mounting and positioning is flexible. The desktop
speakers option and headset can be used in place of
the AIU to minimize desktop space requirements.
The digital switching and interface to the
telephone and radio channels is through the compact
DCS-5020 Digital Switch. Each Digital Switch
supports up to 6 interface ports which can be
allocated to console audio, telephone, or radio
circuits. Additional ports are provided with additional
Digital Switches linked together using the E1
Interconnect cable. Each interconnected Digital
Switch and the interface ports on the switch are
accessible from any other Digital Switch on the E1
loop. In multiple position systems the radio and
telephone resources on each switch may be shared
in common with all positions in the system. In the
unlikely event that a single Digital Switch fails, the
only impact is on those operator, telephone and radio
resources connected to that switch. All other shared
resources continue to be available to the remaining
positions.
 Figure 1: Sample 3 console, 24 channel system in a distributed loop

DIGITAL SWITCH – MODULAR DESIGN

The required interfaces determine the choice

of plug-in modules in the digital switch.
Modules are currently available for the
following:
• PABX analogue extension level or
subscriber line
• Direct telephone connection or ring-
down circuit
• Fixed channel conventional radio
• Digital trunked TETRA radio

System installation and configuration is

through the Digital Console Management
System (DCMS) software. DCMS is used to set
levels, download new firmware, and monitor the
health of the system. Full time connection is
required only if continuous monitoring is
desired.
OPERATOR FUNCTIONS
Operator screen layouts can be configured to
individual requirements, with on-screen graphics
presenting line, function and status keys.
1. Line keys assigned to individual ports –
telephone, PABX, radio, intercom or pre-
programmed working groups. Examples are:
• Analogue telephone line
• Telephone hunt group
• Conventional radio
• TETRA radio
• Direct Intercom line
2. Function keys allow the operator to select the
specific operation, and include:
• Dial and Memory dial
• Answer next
• Clear
• Hold
• Multiline call
• Call transfer
• Radio/Radio and Radio/Telephone patch
• Monitor/unselect
• Radio selcall 5/6 tone
• Radio priority/busy channel marker
• Radio self repeat
• Digital input/output monitor and control
• Group call (TETRA)
• Emergency call (TETRA)
• Direct mode (TETRA)
• Status mode (TETRA)
3. The status area displays information about the
console such as:
• Communications with the Digital Switch
• Audio mode – speakers/headset
• Date and Time
APPLICATIONS
The combination of telephony, conventional radio and
TETRA supports a range of console applications. In
particular, the wireless TETRA configuration offers
innovative solutions for the growing TETRA community.
TETRA Wireless Console
The DCS-5020 connects to the TETRA system
through a number of fixed Motorola® TETRA radios,
rather than through a direct connection to the TETRA
infrastructure. A wireless console is normally preferred
where direct connection to the infrastructure is not
suitable for the application – or not possible due to the
location of the control room.
The operator can manage and monitor a number of
separate TETRA talkgroups, access the telephone lines
and provide telephone patching as required. The
integrated radio and telephone functionality allows the
operator to perform both call taking and dispatch
functions. For the operator who is out of the network
area or wants access to a network in another region, the
DCS-5020 can be fitted with the Model 232 Data/Voice
Multiplexer to give true remote access over dial-up
telephone line, private wire, microwave, or ISDN. Use of
the dial-up line or ISDN means connection costs are only
incurred when the particular circuit is in use.
Organisations with remote offices in different cities or
even countries can access a distant regional TETRA
network and have the same functionality as a local radio.
For public network operators this is a revenue
opportunity, bringing in organisations which otherwise
may not subscribed because their offices are out of the
coverage area.
For private networks, the DCS-5020 extends the
effective range of the network and allows personnel in
one region to have direct access to a network in another
region. This is valuable to organisations – such as
utilities – with personnel in different regions.
Organisations such as emergency services can also
obtain access to each other’s regional networks
including direct access to an isolated site when the
network is in fallback mode.
Mobile Command Centre
Mobile command centres can be established for
special events, accidents or other major incidents by
deploying the DCS-5020 in a vehicle or transportable
package. The operator can have access to multiple
TETRA working groups, conventional radio channels or
telephone circuits to manage incident personnel. For
truly mobile applications, the telephone ports may be
fitted with GSM terminals for cellular telephony service.
(See Zetron Application Note : Mobile/Transportable Control Centres).
Fallback Control Centres
The DCS-5020 has a specific application for TETRA
operators to ensure basic communications are
maintained in the event of failure of key elements of the
infrastructure. Failures of the network controller, links to
repeater sites, or the primary control room are addressed
by the DCS-5020 fallback solution which maintains
critical communications between control room and field
personnel. Based on customer requirements Zetron has
configured a range of solutions for fallback applications –
combining the DCS-5020 with the Model 390 TETRA
Controller and Model 232 Data/Voice Multiplexer.
(See Zetron Application Note : Enhanced Fallback Applications).
Small Control Rooms
The DCS-5020 is an economic solution for small
control rooms such as regional fire control, sports
grounds, industry, ports and harbours. The combination
of TETRA and conventional radio, and scalable
architecture meets many requirements. It can be
employed as a major incident control room without
impacting on the role of the primary control centre.
(See Zetron Application Note : Small Control Rooms).
Combined CONTROL Centres
For operators migrating from conventional to TETRA
radio, DCS-5020 provides a bridge enabling operators to
manage both networks from a single position.
Additionally, the operator can set up an interconnection
or “patch” between the two networks so field personnel
on one network can speak directly with the other.
RELATED PRODUCTS
Model 232 Data/Voice Multiplexer
The Model 232 works in conjunction with the DCS-
5020 when used with TETRA radios, by enabling the
fixed TETRA radio to be remoted from the Digital Switch.
The Model 232 combines voice, audio and digital control
signals from the operator position, or fixed radio so that
the fixed radio can be linked to the switch over a
telephone grade circuit. Using a telephone circuit –
PSTN, leased line, ISDN, microwave, high data rate
GSM – means the fixed radio can be accessed from a
remote operator position.
CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT
There is an extensive future development programme
which further extends voice and data functionality in
analogue and digital, telephony and radio interfaces.
Future enhancements and new releases will be
available as upgrades to existing systems, making the
DCS-5020 a future-proof platform for evolving
requirements. Contact Zetron for details.

SPECIFICATIONS

PHYSICAL Memory 256 MB of RAM or more.

Digital Switch 45 mm (1.75”) High (excluding 13 mm Hard disk 4 GB or more.
rubber feet), Removable disk 3.5” 1.44 MB floppy drive & 4x or
430 mm (17”) Wide (excluding 19” better CDROM drive.
rackmount brackets),
Comm ports One 9-pin RS-232 port for Integrator
240 mm (9.5”) Deep (excluding
DCS plus One 9-pin port for DCMS (2
cable exits).
total if the same host PC runs both sets
Audio Interface - AIU 90 mm (3.5”) High of software). Touchscreen monitors
(excluding 13 mm rubber feet), may require additional RS-232 ports.
430 mm (17”) Wide
Video card/monitor Super VGA (1024 x 768 pixel) or
(excluding 19” rackmount brackets),
better. 256 colour or more.
240 mm (9.5”) Deep
17” or larger CRT or 15” or larger LCD
(excluding cable exits). monitor recommended.
ENVIRONMENTAL Pointer Mouse, trackball and/or
touch-screen required.
Operating 0 to 50 degrees C
Temperature Keyboard Keyboard required for setup and for
supervisor access privileges.
Storage -10 to 60 degrees C
Temperature Sound Sound card recommended for
aural prompts.
Humidity 95% RH at 45 degrees C,
non-condensing Compliance Hardware platform must appear in the
Microsoft® Hardware Compatibility List
Power 85 to 260 Vac, 47 to 63 Hz. for Windows® 2000 Professional.
96 VA max per device.

HOST PC REQUIREMENTS FOR INTEGRATOR DCS

AND DCMS
Processor Intel® Pentium® or equivalent, or better.
250 MHz or better.
Operating system Microsoft Windows® 2000 For more information on this and other Zetron products, contact:
Professional, latest service pack.
Database Microsoft® MSDE 2000 or
later when required.
Multi-tasking To maximize up-time only Zetron
authorized software should be used at
the same time as Integrator DCS.
Other Zetron authorized software may
have additional PC requirements.

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PO Box 97004 27-29 Campbell Court PO Box 3045 for option pricing.
Redmond Bramley TADLEY Stafford Mail Centre
WA 98073-9704 Basingstoke RG26 5EG Stafford QLD 4053 Specifications subject to
USA UK Australia change without notice.
Phone: (425) 820-6363 Phone: +44 (0)1256 880663 Phone: +61 7 3856 4888
Fax: (425) 820-7031 Fax: +44 (0)1256 880491 Fax: +61 7 3356 6877
Email: zetron@zetron.com Email: uk@zetron.com Email: ausales@zetron.com 005-1343A February 2004

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