RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 10/12 C o p y r i g h t © 2 0 1 2 C a m p b e l l S c i e n t i f i c , I n c .
Warranty “PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. are warranted by Campbell Scientific, Inc. (“Campbell”) to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve (12) months from date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding Campbell pricelist or product manual. Products not manufactured, but that are re-sold by Campbell, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original manufacturer.
Assistance Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following contact information is for US and international customers residing in countries served by Campbell Scientific, Inc. directly. Affiliate companies handle repairs for customers within their territories. Please visit www.campbellsci.com to determine which Campbell Scientific company serves your country. To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone (435) 227-9000.
Table of Contents PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections. 1. Introduction .................................................................1 2. Cautionary Statements...............................................1 2.1 2.2 Licensing..............................................................................................1 RF Energy Exposure ............................................................
Table of Contents 8.3 Radio Functional Checks................................................................... 19 8.3.1 Input Voltage Checks ................................................................. 20 8.3.1.1 Input Voltage Range........................................................ 20 8.3.1.2 Input Voltage Load Regulation ....................................... 20 8.3.2 Radio Current Drain ................................................................... 20 8.3.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 1. Introduction This manual provides instructions for the installation and operation of RF320series radios within a Campbell Scientific radio telemetry network. The RF320-series radios can be interfaced with Campbell Scientific’s RF500M or RF310M radio modems at an RF base, RF remote, or RF repeater location to achieve wireless data transmissions. The RF320-series radios are inter-operable with Campbell Scientific’s RF310 series of radios operating on the same frequency.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios It uses radio frequency (RF) energy or radio waves to send and receive data. RF energy is one form of electromagnetic energy. Other forms include, but are not limited to electric power, sunlight, and x-rays. RF energy, however, should not be confused with these other forms of electromagnetic energy, which when used improperly can cause biological damage. Very high levels of x-rays, for example, can damage tissues and genetic material.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios • Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1999 Edition. Copyright Telecommunications Industry Association. To control exposure to yourself and others and ensure compliance with the occupational/controlled environment exposure limits, always adhere to the following procedures. 2.2.2 Guidelines • User awareness instructions should accompany device when transferred to other users.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios The installation manual should provide specific information of how to install the antennas to facilitate recommended operating distances to all potentially exposed persons. Contact Information For additional information on exposure requirements or other information, contact Ritron at (317) 846-1201 or www.ritron.com. 2.2.5 FCC Label An FCC label must be visible on the unit as installed in its final configuration.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 4. Overview FIGURE 4-1. RF320-Series Radio As offered by Campbell Scientific, RF320-series radios comprise a single board VHF/UHF FM RF transceiver module encased in an anodized, extruded aluminum enclosure with brushed aluminum end caps. Located on one end cap are two connectors and a LED view port. A female BNC bulkhead connector provides for connection to an antenna, while the transceiver module’s electrical interface is accessed via a female DB-15 connector.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 5. Specifications RF320 RF321/322/323 DTX-145 DTX-445 AIERIT17-145 AIERIT17-445 1084A-RIT17145 1084A-RIT17445 GENERAL Ritron Module: FCC ID: Industry Canada ID: 90 FCC Rule Parts: RSS-119 Industry Canada Rule Parts: Frequency Range: RF Channels: Synthesizer Step: Channel Spacing: 6 136 to 174 MHz RF321: 400.5 to 416.5 MHz RF322: 411 to 429 MHz RF323: 450 to 470 MHz 8 Independent Tx/Rx Frequencies 2.5 kHz 6.25 kHz 12.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios RF320 Frequencies Unusable: RF321/322/323 Tx and Rx Steps: 144 MHz (± 10 kHz) 158.4 MHz (± 10 kHz) 172.8 MHz (± 10 kHz) 411 to 429 MHz Band: Rx Steps: 187.1925 MHz 187.2075 MHz 201.5925 MHz 201.6075 MHz 215.9925 MHz 216.0075 MHz Rx Tx 417.60000 417.58750 418.03750 417.59375 418.04375 417.60625 418.05625 417.61250 418.06250 450 to 470 MHz Band: Rx Tx 460.80000 460.78750 461.23750 460.79375 461.24375 460.80625 461.25625 460.81250 461.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios RF320 RF321/322/323 RSSI squelch sensitivity: PC adjustable; factory set for -106 dBm Noise squelch sensitivity: PC adjustable; factory set for -121 dBm 12 – 2500 Hz @ +1 / -3 dB AUX OUT frequency response: AUX OUT level range: 0 to 3 V peak-to-peak Audio Speaker Output: > 700 mW into 8 ohms, with less than 5% THD (o to 2.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 6.2 Interconnect FIGURE 6-1 illustrates the interconnection of an RF320-series radio in a typical installation. The depicted interconnect will be the same for an installation of the radio at either an RF base, RF remote, or RF repeater location. In all cases, the radio will interface with system power, a radio modem, and an antenna. FIGURE 6-1.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios FIGURE 6-2. Radio-to-modem interface cable wiring diagram 6.2.1 System Power Supply The RF320 radio should be connected to a DC power source of not less than 9 Vdc and not more than 17 Vdc with a capacity of 2 A. For optimal performance, it is recommended that the supply voltage be maintained between 12.5 to 14.0 Vdc. 10 NOTE Due to the amperage needed for proper operation of the RF320 during transmission, a datalogger's SW12V should not be used to power the radio.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 6.2.2 Antenna The antenna and all interconnecting cables, connectors, and adapters are critical elements of an RF link. It is essential that these components be selected to match the operational parameters of the intended system. The primary considerations when selecting an antenna are bandwidth and gain. 6.2.2.1 Antenna Bandwidth Antenna bandwidth can be defined in a number of ways.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios radiated in the same direction by an isotropic antenna is defined as the antenna gain and is expressed in dBi. An isotropic antenna is a theoretical concept and doesn’t exist in nature. When actually measuring antenna gain in the laboratory, a half-wave dipole is used as the reference antenna. A half-wave dipole is known to have a directive gain of 1.64 times that of an isotropic radiator. Expressed as a ratio this equates to a gain of 2.15 dBi.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios o 7. Connectors - All exposed RF connectors should be weatherproofed. A good method is to apply overlapping wraps of a good quality mastic tape, extending several inches beyond either side of the connection, then cover the mastic tape with tight, overlapping wraps of a good quality vinyl tape. - Maintain electrical connectors in a clean, corrosion free condition by means of a periodic application of a good quality aerosol based contact cleaner.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios independent transmit and receive frequencies. Channel selection is accomplished by means of pins-1, 2 and 3 on the radio’s DB-15 connector. The radio’s transmit power level is selectable between a high and low level. The level can be programmed for each of the eight channels and is factory preset on all channels to 5 W for the high level and 2 W for the low level. High/low power selection is accomplished by means of pin-5 on the DB-15 connector.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 7.1.1 Link Budget Simply stated, the link budget is the difference, in dB, between the RF signal level arriving at the input to the remote radio ( known as the received signal strength) and the minimum signal level required by the receiver for proper communication (known as the receiver sensitivity). This is also known as the link fade margin.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios the received signal strength. There exists an area about the centerline of an EM-wave propagation path that must be clear of obstructions. This area is termed the Fresnel zone (pronounced fray-nel) and the property that must be determined for a path of propagation is the Fresnel zone clearance.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 8.1.1.1 Digital Multimeter (DMM) For verifying supply voltages, current drain, and the continuity of cables and interconnect wiring, an inexpensive (a high level of accuracy is not required) DMM is essential. Some representative equipment and manufacturers are listed below. Fluke Corporation Model 117 www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/Digital-Multimeters/Fluke-117.htm?PID=55996 TENMA 72-7735 www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-7735-/72-7735 8.1.1.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 8.1.1.4 Hand-Held RF Channel Scanner A scanner can be used to detect the RF emissions of the radio and display the frequency, thus verifying the operating frequency. An example of an inexpensive scanner is listed below. Uniden BC 72-XLT www.uniden.com/scanners/100-channel-scanner/invt/bc72xltg/ 8.2 Troubleshooting A dual color LED on the RF320-series radios provides a visual indication of the radio’s operational status.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios TABLE 8-2. Radio Troubleshooting Guide Indication Probable Cause Corrective Action Radio LED blinking red in receive mode Internal fault with transceiver module Cycle power to the radio. If the fault persists, replace the radio. Radio LED blinking red with transmitter manually keyed1 Internal fault with transceiver module Cycle power to the radio. If the fault persists, replace the radio.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios For a number of the following procedures, it will be necessary to manually key the radio’s transmitter. Campbell Scientific’s push-to-talk switch accessory (CSI# 13588) is used for this purpose. Connect the push-to-talk switch to the middle 10-pin connector of the radio-to-modem interface cable. NOTE Ensure that the radio is properly connected to an antenna or a suitable dummy load before activating the radio’s transmitter.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios connect the input of an RF wattmeter to the radio’s antenna connector. Connect the output of the RF wattmeter to an RF dummy load with a minimum power rating of 5 W and an operating frequency range matching that of the radio. Depress the push-to-talk switch to activate the radio’s transmitter. The RF output power displayed by the RF wattmeter should be approximately 5 W with an input voltage of 12.5 Vdc. 8.3.
RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios 22
Appendix A. Glossary Antenna: That part of a radio communications system intended to radiate and/or collect radio frequency energy. Antenna Gain: A relative measure of an antenna’s ability to direct or concentrate radio frequency energy in a particular direction or pattern. Typically measured in dBi or dBd. Attenuation: The loss or weakening of a signal through a transmission line, transmission component, or signal path.
Appendix A. Glossary Dipole Antenna: The most common wire antenna. Length is equal to one-half of the wavelength for the frequency of operation. Fed by coaxial cable. Dummy Load: A device that serves as a transmitter’s antenna without radiating radio waves. Generally a resistive device that’s impedance is matched to the transmitter. Duty Cycle: A percentage of the time “on” (transmitting) versus the time “off” (not transmitting).
Appendix A. Glossary Insertion Loss: The loss in signal strength due to the insertion of a device in series with a signal path. Typically measured over the intended operating frequency range of the device and expressed in dB. Isotropic: A theoretical “isotrope” is a single point in free space that radiates energy equally in every direction similar to the sun. Lightning Suppressor: A device whose purpose is to eliminate transients on a conductor that are induced by nearby lightning activity.
Appendix A. Glossary Propagation: The travel of a signal through a medium such as air or free space. Radio Frequency (RF): Typically a frequency from 20 kHz to 100 GHZ. RF is usually referred to whenever a signal is radiated through an enclosed medium like a transmission cable or air. Radio Modem: An interface device used to encode the digital data from the computer/datalogger into a protocol-defined, packetized, binary bit stream.
Appendix A. Glossary caused by the interference of incident and reflective waves traversing the transmission line. Therefore, SWR can be calculated from the forward and reflected power measurements as follows: SWR = 1 + PR PF 1 − PR PF Where: PR = Reflected Power PF = Forward Power Tone Squelch: A receiver function whereby the audio or data output is inhibited whenever one of a select number of sub-audible tones or digital codes is not detected in the received signal.
Appendix A.
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