3RD QUARTER 2013 - Primus Electronics Corporation

3 RD QUARTER 2013

VÉÇzÜtàâÄtà|ÉÇáSTEP BROTHERS CELEBRATE 30 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRYPrimus congratulates two step brothers who are celebrating their 30thyear in the tower industry.Billy Joe Guthrie and Billie Scott Robinson erected their first tower 30years ago, completing over 8 towers in Central Texas that first year together.“We were both green as they come and knew nothing aboutwhat we were doing,” says Guthrie. “We never left the tower until itwas topped out. We were on the tower when they were pulling theguy wires out to the anchors and I vividly remember a few times whenthe cable grips slipped and we rode out the sway of the tower... yes wewere scared, but loved it.”Today both brothers hold management positions for tower companiesand have since helped construct almost every type of communicationsapplication that has come along. Both have workeddomestically and worldwide, leaving their footprints and contributionsto the industry to be known around the world.“Over the past 30 years, we have watched this industry growsafer and evolve with the ever-changing times and demands,” saysGuthrie. “We would like to pass our knowledge to the newcomers andnext generation of tower professionals, and thank all the experts andfriends we have met over the years. We would also like to thank all theemployees of Primus for supporting the tower industry field personnel.We look forward to another 30 years!”2013: Celebrating 30 years inWirelessEXTENDED: Now throughSeptember 30, 2013on FallTech’sComforTech(model 7084)HarnessesSPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFERAs a special introductory offer, buy three FallTech ComforTech harnesseslisted below (model 7084) at Primus and get a fourth harness free fromApril 1 through Sept. 30, 2013. The ComforTech offers a perfect balance ofseat and back support with a full-range adjustability throughout the rig.- 6 D-rings at back, chest, side, and seat- Tongue-buckle legs and quick-connect at chest- Lumbar-supporting waist pad- Padded work seatBUY 3 GET 1Mfr Part # Size7084S Small7084M Medium7084L Large7084XL X-LargeFallTechFREETake advantage of this incredible savings offer!Call Primus today at (800) 435-1636.Offer valid on FallTech ComforTech harness (model 7084) sizes small through extra-large purchased April1 through Sept. 30, 2013. The savings will be discounted at the time of purchase. Offer not valid on purchasesmade before April 1, 2013. No limit on the quantity of harnesses purchased during the offer.2 PrimeConnection | 3 RD QUARTER 2013

PRIMUS ELECTRONICS4180 E Sand Ridge Road | Morris, IL 60450(800) 435-1636 tel | (800) 767-7605 faxPRESIDENTMichael JohnsonOUTSIDE SALESChris PleibelRegional Sales Manager - Northeast Region(610) 745-4491cpleibel@primuselectronics.comRob MeneesRegional Sales Manager - Midwest Region(217) 840-1887site-specific@comcast.netGerry FritzkeRegional Sales Manager - Northwest Region(360) 921-5945gerryfritzke@comcast.netDiane Mueller - Tower Sales Representative(815) 351-0355dmueller72@aol.comGordon Nelson - Territory Manager NE(301) 785-7740gnelson@primuselectronics.comDoug Melander - Territory Manager Midwest(765) 721-5580dougmelander@gmail.comGabe Dixon - Business DevelopmentManager National Programs(847) 732-5885gabe@primuselectronics.comAdam SeveranceTerritory Manager - Midwest/Plains Division(612)232-2326adam.severance@gmail.comSALES AND MARKETINGDoug Salvatori - Product Development ManagerRyan Dixon - Inside Sales ManagerShannon O’Connor - Marketing ManagerEDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORSPolyPhaser, Lindapter, EXFO, CommScope,Spectracom, ESTeem, and John Moe, GerryFritzke, Steven Larson, and Shannon O’Connorwith PrimusEDITORSShannon O’Connor, Marketing Manager andSteven Larson, Marketing AssistantON THE FRONT AND BACK COVERBilly Joe Guthrie and Bilie Scott Robinson,step brothers and tower professionalscelebrating 30 years working in the towerindustryWANT A FREE PRIMUS T-SHIRT and aCHANCE TO APPEAR ON OUR COVER?Now available: Primus’ new 2013 exclusivelydesigned t-shirt honoring tower climbers’hard work and contributions to wireless communications.Get yours today by calling uswith your company name, address, and sizerequested. If you have additional questionsor comments, call (815) 267-7402 or emailshannon@primuselectronics.com.The Difference in Wireless DistributionINSIDE THIS ISSUE71241314Meeting the DASChallenge Head Onwith CommScopePIM: Causes and SolutionsPIM is an emergent phenomenon experienced in the DAS environment. Learn allabout PIM and its causes, acceptable levels, how to avoid it, and protective solutions.By PolyPhaserSpectracom’s Path Align-R is Climb ReadyPrimus is excited to announce availability of Spectracom’s Path Align-R Climb Readypackage which is a convenient combination of the test unit and most popular accessoriesto make one “climb ready.”By SpectracomRailroad: Next Generation Wireless Modems Available at PrimusRead about ESTeem’s 195Eg which is designed for the rigors of many industries thatprovides wireless networking and greater bandwidth for all control, video, and VoIPneeds on one radio channel.By ESTeem and Gerry Fritzke, Railroad Regional Sales ManagerWORTHREPEATING“Protect yourhands, youneed them topick up yourpaycheck”PrimeConnection is published as a corporate communications magazine for customers and friends of Primus Electronics. Themagazine is published four times a year in January, April, July, and October by Shannon O’Connor, Marketing Manager, PrimusElectronics, at 4180 E Sand Ridge Road in Morris, IL. To change your mailing address or request additional copies, please call(800) 435-1636 or email shannon@primuselectronics.com.8New Product Line’s SolutionsProving Successful for WirelessFiber-Based NetworksNEW SAFETY CATALOGPrimus can help! Check out Primus’entire line of safety gloves from leadingmanufacturers in their newSafety Catalog now available.Request your free copy today bycalling (800) 435-1636 or visitingwww.primuselectronics.com3

PIM: Causes and SolutionsBy PolyPhaser, part of Protection Technology GroupWhat is PIMPIM is an emergent phenomenon experienced in theDAS environment. PIM, which stands for Passive Intermodulation,is an undesired effect caused by a non-linearmixing of two or more frequencies at signal pathjunctions and in ferrous materials. PIM produces signalsat unwanted frequencies that can interfere with RF signalreception and lead to dropped calls, reduction in cellcapacity, or limited coverage resulting in loss of mobileconnection and consequently revenue.What causes PIMProduction of PIM involves physical features and materialsthat cause passive components to become mixers,modulators, and frequency multipliers. Examples ofsuch features are loose metal-to-metal contacts, use offerromagnetic materials, contamination, surface oxidation,insufficiently thick metal plating, or contact betweendissimilar metals.The frequencies of the signals produced by theseelements can be calculated as 3rd, 5th, or higher orderintermod products, and if they fall into the receiver’spassband, can raise the noise floor of a system substantially.PIM is often encountered because operators aretransmitting on multiple frequency bands. Ensuring lowPIM becomes especially relevant when the intermodulation-causingproducts fall into the receiving band, thuschanging the signal to interference ratio and generatingproblems such as reduction in cell/sector coverageand/or capacity.At times, one or more of the frequencies causingthe intermod products may be coming from a nearbytransmitter. Since PIM effects increase significantly asthe average transmit power level increases, PIM interferencebecomes an increasingly disruptive problem as thebase station becomes further loaded. Nevertheless, thecoverage or reach of only lightly loaded base stationscan still be affected by PIM.Is there an acceptable level of PIM?Acceptable levels of PIM vary depending on the locationof a given RF device.Located in transmit/receiving paths, the RF device’sPIM characteristics are particularly important becausethe bands are so closely spaced. Load levels offrequency bands and base stations are further determiningthe level of acceptable PIM. Common specificationsgenerally allow levels of up to -110 dBm (with two +43dBm per carrier tone). However, ultimately WirelessService Companies specify values that they deem acceptableunder all conditions considered. The premisewill always be to avoid adding more equipment or installingnew cell sites to cope with the reduction in cellcapacity or coverage caused by the interfering signal.How to avoid PIMTo adequately address the question of how to avoid or ata minimum reach an acceptable level of PIM, three aspectshave to be considered:Low PIM product designProducts designed specifically with a low or ultra-lowPIM quality generally adhere to the following designprinciples:• Avoidance of ferrous material• Minimal number of contact junctions• Any contact junctions are precise and maintain goodcontact under pressure• Avoidance of dissimilar metals in direct contact• Surfaces are plated to avoid oxidationQuality ManufacturingA well-designed product can still become a major PIMgenerator if the manufacturing process did not ensurehighest quality standards. Poorly aligned parts, inadequatelytorqued screws and fasteners, bad solder joints,insufficiently cleaned parts prior to plating, or poor platingadhesion can render the product ineffective for itsPIM avoidance features.4PrimeConnection | 3 RD QUARTER 2013Continued on page 6 >>>

6Tower Talkwith John MoeFor the better partof my young adultlife, I had thetoughest job inthe industry: I wasa tower climber,the guy in need ofsolutions. I cut myteeth as a towerhand at CrossCommunications and later moved into a Foreman positionwith SBA Network Services where I spent a few years workingalongside some of the most innovative minds in the industry.I was knee-deep in this dynamic industry of WirelessTelecom where new requirements surface daily and tend toprecede the “how-to” conversation. I remember sitting in ashelter with my first roll of wax lacing string, longingly staringat my bag of zip ties, wondering how in the world thisroll of string was supposed to neatly support anything!After a day and a half was wasted browsing YouTube videosand trial and error, we finally lashed down to our jumpers.I share this story as an example of the need for a cohesive“think tank” or library of tips-and-tricks for WirelessTelecom professionals. This experience, along with manyothers, has allowed me to transition into what I believe tobe among the most fulfilling positions in the industry: I amnow an Inside Sales Representative at Primus for almost twoyears.Day in and day out, I have the incredible opportunityto take these all-too-familiar issues and facilitate solutions.I can blend my field experience with the industry’s topmanufacturers and professionals who have access to technical information, new products, and innovative design applications.My fulfillment can be summed up quickly: I takea problem, and provide a solution.That being said, we will be running a catch-all columnin our quarterly newsletter discussing industry trends,tricks-of-the-trade, and other topics that are of importanceto you. Please send your submissions to towertalk@primuselectronics.com.I personally look forward to further discussionand feedback from you!Thanks,John MoeInside Sales RepresentativePrimeConnection | 3 RD QUARTER 2013PIM Continued from page 4Proper Installation and MaintenanceDuring the installation phase, the main source of problems arises at connectionpoints where bent cables, over- or under-torqued connectors, andtorsional loads on connector junctions may cause unwanted signal interference.Since some PIM producing elements are not easily visually detectable,strict adherence to manufacturer’s installation guidelines isimportant.Having a well-designed product that is flawlessly built and properlyinstalled may not, however, ensure low PIM performance over time.Natural elements, such as temperature variations, moisture, wind-inducedvibrations and air-borne dirt continuously work to break down anderode exposed parts of the component, weakening joints, separating connections,oxidating materials and allowing moisture and dust to enter.Visually check your components regularly and consider varioustesting instruments to certify continuous low PIM performance.PIM Protection SolutionsLeading the market with its proprietary coaxial RF surge protection,PolyPhaser, part of the Protection Technology Group, has developed severalhigh-performance ultra-low PIM products enabling carriers to furtheroptimize their networks.The TSX Series offers significantly lower PIM – 155 dBC at a frequencyrange of 698 MHz to 2.7 GHz at -26dB return loss. It also providesDC pass and DC block options and is weatherproof with abulkhead mount bidirectional broadband filter.The product offering covers the 700 MHz extended frequency bandused in LTE. Its bidirectional capabilities provide strong support for bothdomestic and international applications.For information on PolyPhaser’s TSX Series, specific products or generalinquiries, please contact Primus at (800) 435-1636.VÉÇzÜtàâÄtà|ÉÇáAdorable baby Mason Levi Moe, son of employee John andJennifer Moe, was born March 22, 2013 weighing 7 lbs,8 ounces and 20" in length. He is pictured above with bigsister Autumn (age 2). Congratulations John and Jennifer!

product spotlight: faster upgrades on cell towers with lindapterBy Lindaptersteel clamping solutions alsoavailableResponding to the recent trend of cell tower operators increasing thenumber of antennas on existing towers, Lindapter developed a connectionsolution to facilitate the reinforcement of existing structures andalso the attachment of new communication modules. Lindapter’s connectionconcept is simple: instead of welding in the field, contractorscan quickly clamp steel components together for a faster and safer installation.Lindapter invented a range of products for maintenance and upgradeworks on cell sites, for example, their patented Hollo-Bolt ® is frequentlyused on tower-strengthening applications. This expansion bolt for steel allowsreinforcement components to be directly bolted to monopoles, without requiring access tothe inside of the tower. This cost efficient process maximizes the capacity of older mastsand avoids the need to erect new towers. Other applications in the telecommunication industryinclude securing maintenance ladders, fall arrest systems, signage, cables, dishesand antennas.Primus is proud to announce the availability of Lindapter’s premium quality line ofproducts available from its distribution center in Morris, IL.Primus has built a strong reputation of being a service-oriented company and is supportedby Lindapter’s Technical Sales Engineer, Ken Hansen, P.E., to offer a free connectiondesign service and local technical assistance. For more information, call Primustoday at (800) 435-1636.7

NEw TEST SoLuTioNS foR wiRELESS fibER-bASED NETwoRkSEXFO’s Test Solutions Proving Successfulfor Wireless Fiber-Based NetworksBy EXFOEven with additional spectrum and the introduction of long-term evolution (LTE) networks,there are geographical areas in mobile networks where demand is projected toexceed the capacity provided by the macro layer. To expand their networks to otherhard-to-reach locations, wireless providers are turning to the deployment of alternativeinfrastructures, like remote radio heads (RRH), distributed antenna systems (DAS)and other small-cell alternatives, most of which are fiber-based.Continued on page 10 >>>9

EXFO Continued from page 9Remote Radio Head and FTTATo bring bandwidth connection to cell towers, operators mustnow rely on fibers to connect the base station to the backhaul,and the RRH to thebase station. In mostcases, they will usecontractors specializingin installationand maintenance tocomplete these jobs.Key Considerations and Challenges:- Dispatching a “tower climber” technician for repairs canbe very expensive, making it critical to find the fault on thefirst try.- Use of technicians with a background in copper or RF, new tofiber testing, requires some training to avoid basic errors, incorrectresults interpretation, and other problems.- Neutral host concept: Towers are frequently operated by companiesthat rent wireless spectrum to telcos. Towers that are offlineare very costly (SLAs must be delivered).Distributed Antenna SystemA Distributed Antenna System, or DAS, is a network of spatially-separatedantenna nodes connected to a common sourcevia a transport medium (fiber) that provides wireless servicewithin a geographic area or structure.DAS networks can be found indoors; for instance, in highrisebuildings, airports, hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, andarenas. They can also be found outdoors in stadiums, downtowncores, shopping districts, big events, and festivals.Key Considerations and Challenges:- Very short deadlines: Telcos and operators are in the race toget this extra coverage as fast as possible. Contractors have verylimited time to deliver quality networks.- Requires an agreement with the landlords and building owners,and requires flawless installation (e.g., esthetic considerations,efficiency, minimum disruption, and reduced access to thebuilding).- Requires a high level of standardization in terms of deploymentand processes, as a DAS can support multiple carriers andmultiservice platforms (e.g., GSM, CDMA, and HSDPA).The importance of testing your networks during constructionSince physical and transport layers remain the foundation of anetwork, they require proper testing to:- Qualify the system and document it for future reference- Ensure that the network meets transmission-system requirements(standards)- Avoid delays and costly repairs when the system is turned upContinued next page >>>10

Meeting the DAS ChallengeHead On with CommScopeBy CommScopePrimus is excited to announce the addition ofCommScope’s ION®-B solution to their portfolio ofdistributed antenna system (DAS) options. It is asignificant step forward in their strong partnershipwith CommScope — an important new offering that willhelp customers meet their capacity and budgetary demands.ION-B is an essential component of CommScope’s industry-leadingAndrew® portfolio of wireless solutions. Designed tosimplify and accelerate DAS deployments in a wide variety ofenvironments, the ION-B remote is a highly-integrated solutionthat can handle up to seven bands in one remote unit.ION-B is a key element of this portfolio — a Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) DAS system that transports frequencies from 400 to2700 MHz, regardless of protocol or modulation. This flexibilitymakes it an ideal choice for any complex multi-operator DAS environment.The point-of-interface module cards at the headend can accommodatesingle-, dual-, or tri-band configurationsfrom the base station. Sincethe system and its modular cards provideso many band and power combinations,it can support nearly any type ofapplication. It also drops easily into a rack, making it the perfectchoice for fast upgrades or infrastructure expansion.ION-B features two main components: the master unit andremote units. The master unit is co-located with the base stationor repeater and connected via a coaxial RF interface. It transportssignals to the remote units over singlemode fiber up to 3 km. Theplatform is managed via a powerful, intuitive web-based utilityfor easy on-site or remote administration.These capabilities make ION-B an important new DAS offeringfor Primus. For more information on CommScope’s ION-Bsolution, call Primus at (800) 435-1636.12

Spectracom Path Align-R is Climb ReadyPrimus is excited to offer customersSpectracom’s Path Align-R ClimbReady Package. The Climb Readypackage is a combination of the PathAlign-R test unit and the most popularaccessories that will make you “climbready.”This unit provides non-technicallytrained personnel the ability tomake highly accurate alignmentswhile carrying an affordable price.The Climb Ready Packagemodel 2241 CR contains a PathAlign-R set with Record-R for GPSdata logging, all four extended frequencybands, and its standard accessories.Additional accessories includetwo of each: case, extra spare battery,and SMA to N connector; and twoeach of four different waveguide-tocoaxadaptors.The Path Align-R test set is ahigh-performance, complete test unitthat was created to quickly and accuratelyoptimize the transmission pathbetween two microwave antenna sites.The Path Align-R directly drivesthe site’s antennas, allowing the optimizationprocess to be done withoutthe need for on-site radios, groundtechnicians, complex test equipment,on-site AC power, two-way radios, orcellular phones. This unit is the onlyequipment exclusively made to alignantennas with minimum path loss inthe shortest time.This product features a simple,easy-to-use interface made specificallyto simplify and quickly align microwaveantenna links. If a pathundergoing testing is under question,the Path Align-R can step right in withminimal effort to verify any problems.The Path Align-R and a pairof antennas is all that you need fordoing site surveys to verify the linkbefore expending resources on landacquisition, equipment purchase, andtower installation among many otherthings.For additional information onthis kit or any other Spectracom product,call Primus today at (800) 435-1636.2013 Tradeshow Schedule:APCO: August 18-21 in Anaheim, CA, Booth 1648RSSI: September 29-October 2 in Indianapolis, IN, Booth 3331-3333GREENBUILD: November 20-21 in Philadelphia, PA, Booth TBDAGL Regional Conferences: Sept. 9 in Chicago, IL | November 5 in Boston, MAAnritsu SiteMaster TM Certified Line Sweep Training 2-Day Course, $1,350 ppJuly 9-10 in Pembroke, NH | July 23-24 in Joliet, IL | August 6-7 in Quakertown, PAAugust 13-14 in Rochester, NY | August 20-21 in Joliet, IL | August 27-28 in Saginaw, MICITCA Fall Protection TrainingJuly 22: Authorized Climber | Kankakee, IL | $429 ppJuly 23-25: Tower Rescue & Competent Climber | Kankakee, IL | $1,399 ppJuly 26: Train-the-Trainer (for Tower Rescue or Authorized Climber) | Kankakee, IL | $799 ppAugust 5: Authorized Climber | Morgantown, WV | $429 ppAugust 6-8: Tower Rescue & Competent Climber | Morgantown, WV | $1,399 ppAugust 9: Train-the-Trainer (for Tower Rescue or Authorized Climber) | Morgantown, WV | $799 ppAndrew/CommScope Training in Joliet, IL: FreeJuly 23: Connector Attachment Training & Remote Controlled Variable Electric Downtilt AntennaJuly 24: PIM Fundamentals and VSWR FundamentalsJuly 25: Terrestrial Microwave Systems Installation TrainingODM Fiber, Harger, Bird Technologies, Kaelus Trainings also availableFor more information on any of these trainings or to register online, visit www.primuselectronics.com or contactShannon with Primus at (800) 435-1636 or shannon@primuselectronics.com.13

Next Generation WIRELESS MODEMSAvailable at PrimusBy ESTeem and Gerry Fritzke,Railroad Regional Sales ManagerWireless High Speed Ethernet andSerial PortsThe ESTeem Model 195Eg is designedfor the rigors of the Industrial,Public Safety, and Federal markets,serving as the next generation wirelessmodem with two Ethernet portsand one independent Serial RS-232Cdata port.Model 195Eg provides wirelessnetworking with an RF data rate of 1to 54 Mbps, at a nominal 5 to 10+mile range depending on the antennaused.It now offers greater bandwidthfor all control, video, and VoIP needson one radio channel. Wireless networksover large geographical areasbecome a reality using the 195Eg AccessPoint Mode with the Self-HealingMESH feature.Model 195Eg has a user-enabled802.11b/g protocol for communicationto Clients’ laptops, PDA’s, and mobiletablets. 195Eg products have a ClientMode so it can be used in mobile applicationsunder a 195Eg radio canopy.Frequency: 2.4 GHz UnlicensedRF Data Rate: 1 to 54 Mbps14PrimeConnection | 3 RD QUARTER 2013

Features- MESHing Self Healing Network Architecture- 5 to 10+ Mile Nominal Range- Industrial Hardened Case- Direct Outdoor Pole Mountable- Extended Temperature Specifications- Power over Ethernet Cable (PoE)- Dual Ethernet Ports- Serial RS-232 Communications PortModes of Operation- Ethernet Bridge Mode- Point-to-Point- Point-to-Multipoint- All Bridges can be Repeaters Available in all AccessPoint and Bridging Modes- Access Point (AP): AP/Bridge, Router and Masquerade- Client Modes (Mobile)- EtherStation- Station Router- Station MasqueradeModel 195Eg Reduces Site Costs- Outdoor case design: The new NEMA4 case design and weatherproofing kitallows the unit to be indoor or outdoorpole-mounted in harsh environments.This feature eliminates the enclosurecosts needed with other radios.- Eliminates costly RF feed lines: Directpole-mounting eliminates feedline costand high signal losses.- Lower installation costs: Simple polemountingsaves installation time and expense.Software FeaturesSecurity- AES Encryption (CCMP)- High Security AES Encryption. The- 802.11i Compatible195Eg uses the high-security 128-bit- WPA2 Compatible- Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)AESCCMP compatible with both IEEE- WPA Enterprise- WPA Pre Shared Key (PSK) Compatible802.11i and WPA-2 encryption. This- 128/64 Bit WEP Encryption- Access Control List (ACL) Model 195EgDirect Mount Antennalevel of security is required in most municipal,public safety and federal applications.- Simple Network Management Protocol(SNMP): SNMP open protocol supportis standard in the 195E Series thatis used for critical network diagnosticsand management.- Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP– IEEE 802.1d): The Rapid SpanningTree Protocol will allow faster recoverytimes in the ESTeem Mesh networks.- Enhanced Network Operation: The195E Series includes support for VLANpassthrough and IGMP Snooping tosupport enhanced network functionality.For more information on the195Eg, contact Gerry Fritzke withPrimus at (360) 921-5945.External Antenna15

4180 E Sand Ridge Rd.Morris, IL 60450First Class PrsrtU.S. PostageP A I DGary, INPermit No. 87I recently placed an order for some parts I needed andwanted to tell you that the high level of service I receivedwas beyond my expectations. Questions were answered,order was placed, and shipment received. I know itseems as easy as 1-2-3 but now-a-days, more people getit wrong than right. Thanks for making me look good!- Customer, OK