MDS 1710 A/C MDS 2710A/C/D Data Transceiver MDS 05-3447A01, REV. F SEPTEMBER 2004 Installation & Operation Guide Microwave Data Systems Inc.
QUICK START GUIDE Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Detailed instructions are provided in “Installation Steps” on Page 9 of this manual. 1. Install and connect the antenna system to the radio • Use good quality, low loss coaxial cable. Keep the feedline as short as possible. • Preset directional antennas in the direction of desired transmission/reception. 2.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 GENERAL.................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 1 1.2 Differences Between Models ........................................................... 2 1.3 Applications ...................................................................................... 2 Point-to-Multipoint, Multiple Address Systems (MAS) ....................
DLINK [ON/OFF/xxxx] .................................................................. 25 DMGAP [xx] .................................................................................. 25 DTYPE [NODE/ROOT] ................................................................. 25 DUMP ........................................................................................... 26 HREV............................................................................................ 26 INIT .................................
Copyright Notice This Installation and Operation Guide and all software described herein are protected by copyright: © 2004 Microwave Data Systems Inc. All rights reserved. MDS reserves its right to correct errors and omissions. To Our Customers We appreciate your patronage. You are our business. We promise to serve and anticipate your needs. We will strive to give you solutions that are cost effective, innovative, reliable and of the highest quality possible.
ISO 9001 Registration Microwave Data Systems’ adheres to this internationally accepted quality system standard. FCC Approval Notice At the printing date, MDS 1710 models are approved for operation in the USA from150 to 174 MHz. MDS 2710 models are approved for operation in the USA from 216 to 222 MHz. Contact MDS for current approval status. CSA/US Notice This product is available for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D Hazardous Locations.
Manual Revision and Accuracy While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual, product improvements may result in minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you. If you have additional questions or need an exact specification for a product, please contact our Customer Service Team using the information at the back of this guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on the MDS Web site at www.microwavedata.com. Microwave Data Systems Inc.
vi MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev.
1.0 GENERAL 1.1 Introduction This guide presents installation and operating instructions for MDS 1710A/C and MDS 2710 A/C/D series digital radio transceivers. These transceivers (Figure 1) are data telemetry radios designed to operate in a point-to-multipoint environment, such as electric utility Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and distribution automation, gas field automation, water and wastewater SCADA, and on-line transaction processing applications.
NOTE: Some features may not be available, based on the options purchased and the applicable regulations for the region in which the radio will operate. 1.2 Differences Between Models All models of the MDS 1710/2710 Series are very similar in appearance and functionality. The major differences are in frequency coverage, channel bandwidth and data speed. Table 1 summarizes the available models and identifies the characteristics of each.
Often, a radio system consists of many widely separated remote radios. A point-to-multipoint or SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system may be a new installation for automatic, remote monitoring of gas wells, water tank levels, electric power distribution system control and measurement, etc. The radio system may replace a network of remote monitors currently linked to a central location via leased telephone line.
Continuously Keyed vs. Switched Carrier Operation The keying behavior of the master station can be used to describe an MAS system. Continuously Keyed operation means the master station transmitter is always transmitting a carrier, even when there is no data to send. The master station is always simultaneously transmitting and continuously listening. Different frequencies must be used for transmit and receive. NOTE: MDS 1710/2710 radios do not support full-duplex operation.
1.5 Accessories The transceiver can be used with one or more of the accessories listed in Table 2. Contact Microwave Data Systems for ordering information. Table 2. MDS 1710/2710 Series Optional Accessories Accessory Description MDS P/N Hand-Held Terminal Kit (HHT) Terminal that plugs into the radio for programming, diagnostics & control. Includes carrying case, instructions and cable set. 02-1501A01 RTU Simulator Test module that simulates data from a remote terminal unit.
Antenna System Gain—A figure, normally expressed in dB, representing the power increase resulting from the use of a gain-type antenna. System losses (from the feedline and coaxial connectors, for example) are subtracted from this figure to calculate the total antenna system gain. Bit—The smallest unit of digital data, often represented by a one or a zero. Eight bits (plus start, stop, and parity bits) usually comprise a byte. Bits-per-second—See BPS. BPS—Bits-per-second.
Fade Margin—The greatest tolerable reduction in average received signal strength that will be anticipated under most conditions. Provides an allowance for reduced signal strength due to multipath, slight antenna movement or changing atmospheric losses. A fade margin of 20 to 30 dB is usually sufficient in most systems. Frame—A segment of data that adheres to a specific data protocol and contains definite start and end points. It provides a method of synchronizing transmissions.
Payload data—This is the application’s user communication data which is sent over the radio network. It is the transfer of payload data that is the primary purpose of the radio communications network. Point-Multipoint System—A radio communications network or system designed with a central control station that exchanges data with a number of remote locations equipped with terminal equipment. Poll—A request for data issued from the host computer (or master PLC) to a remote radio.
Invisible place holder REMOTE TERMINAL UNIT ANTENNA SYSTEM RADIO TRANSCEIVER 13.8 VDC POWER CABLE LOW-LOSS FEEDLINE 13.8 VDC 2.5 A (Minimum) POWER SUPPLY Figure 5. Typical Remote Station Arrangement 3.1 Installation Steps Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. In most cases, these steps alone are sufficient to complete the installation. More detailed explanations appear at the end of these steps. 1.
NOTE: Use the radio in negative ground systems only. 5. Set the radio configuration. The transceiver is designed for quick installation with a minimum of software configuration required in most cases. The selections that must be made or verified for new installations are: • Transmit frequency • Receive frequency The operating frequencies are not set at the factory unless they were specified at the time of order.
3.2 Transceiver Mounting Figure 6 shows the mounting dimensions of the transceiver. Invisible place holder A A A A AAAA A AAA 7.25" 184 mm 1 .7 5 " 4 .4 4 C M 2.75" 70 mm ALTERNATE POSITION 6.63" 168 mm 8.5" 216 mm 5.625" 143 mm 2.25" 57 mm 2.0" 50 mm AAAAAAAA AAAAAAAA Figure 6. Transceiver Mounting Dimensions 3.3 Antennas and Feedlines Antennas The transceiver can be used with a number of antennas. The exact style depends on the physical size and layout of the radio system.
Invisible place holder Figure 7. Typical Yagi Antenna (mounted to mast) Feedlines The selection of antenna feedline is very important. Poor quality cables should be avoided as they will result in power losses that may reduce the range and reliability of the radio system. Table 3 shows the losses that will occur when using various lengths and types of cable at 200 MHz. Losses at 130-174 MHz will be slightly lower.
3.5 Data Interface Connections The transceiver’s DATA INTERFACE connector is used to connect the transceiver to an external DTE data terminal that supports the EIA-232 (formally RS-232) format. The transceiver supports asynchronous data rates of up to 38400 bps. The data rate at the DATA INTERFACE connector may differ from the data rate used over the air. Table 4 lists each pin on the DATA INTERFACE connector and describes its function.
Table 4. DATA INTERFACE Connector Pinouts 14 Pin Number Input/ Output 1 -- Protective Ground. Connects to ground (negative supply potential) on the radio’s PC board and chassis. 2 IN TXD—Transmitted Data. Accepts TX data from the connected device. 3 OUT RXD—Received Data. Outputs received data to the connected device. 4 IN RTS—Request-to-Send Input. Keys the transmitter when RTS is at logic high. 5 OUT CTS—Clear-to-Send Output.
Table 4. DATA INTERFACE Connector Pinouts (Continued) Pin Number Input/ Output 19 OUT 9.9 Vdc Regulated Output. Provides a source of regulated voltage at 100 mA for low power accessories. 20 -- Do not connect—Reserved for future use. 21 OUT RSSI—Received Signal Strength Indication. A DC voltmeter may be connected to this pin to read the relative strength of the incoming signal. Figure 8 is a chart showing RSSI vs. DC voltage. 22 -- Do not connect—Reserved for future use.
4.1 LED Indicators Table 5 describes the function of each status LED. PWR DCD TXD RXD Table 5. LED Status Indicators LED Name PWR Description • Continuous—Power is applied to the radio, no problems detected. • Rapid flash (five times-per-second)—Fault indication. • Flashing once every 5 seconds—Radio is in Sleep mode. DCD • Flashing—Indicates the radio is receiving intermittent data frames. • Continuous—Radio is receiving a data signal from a continuously keyed radio.
5.0 TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING Programming and control of the transceiver is performed through the radio’s RJ-11 DIAG. (Diagnostics) connector with an MDS Hand-Held Terminal (MDS P/N 02-1501A01). This section contains a reference chart (Table 7) followed by detailed descriptions for each user command. NOTE: In addition to HHT control, Windows-based software is available (MDS P/N 03-3156A01) to allow diagnostics and programming using a personal computer.
Invisible place holder 13.8 + VDC – ANTE NNA F5 F4 F3 F2 F1 / F – P + V U L CTR 0 = , T SHIF T S R Q 9 8 7 # O N M L K 6 5 4 ) * J I H G 3 2 1 ( E D C B A Y X R ENTE ACE ESC SP SP BK W Z Figure 9. Hand-Held Terminal Connected to the Transceiver 5.2 Hand-Held Terminal Setup The following is a set of instructions for re-initializing an HHT for use with the transceiver.
3. Set up the HHT as listed in Table 6. Table 6. HHT Operational Settings Parameter Setting Parameter Setting Re-init HT NO Scroll On 33rd Baud Rate 9600 Cursor ON Comm bits 8,1,n CRLF for CR OFF Parity Error OFF Self Test FAST Key Repeat OFF Key Beep ON Echo OFF Screen Size 80 Shift Keys YES Menu Mode LONG Ctl Chars PROCS 5.3 Keyboard Commands Table 7 is a reference chart of software commands for the transceiver.
COMMAND FAILED—The command was unable to successfully complete. This may indicate an internal software problem. NOT PROGRAMMED—Software was unable to program the internal radio memory or the requested item was not programmed.This is a serious internal radio error. Contact MDS for assistance. TEXT TOO LONG—Response to OWN or OWM command when too many characters have been entered. Refer to the command description for command usage information.
Table 7. Command summary (Continued) Command name MDS 05-3447A01, Rev. F Function DTYPE [NODE/ROOT] Details page 25 (Diagnostics) Sets up a radio as a Root or Node radio. Associated commands are GATE and PEER. (See MDS’ Network-Wide Diagnostics System Handbook (MDS P/N 05-3467A01) for details.) DUMP Details page 26 Display all programmable settings. HREV Details page 26 Display the Hardware Revision level, if programmed. INIT Details page 26 Set radio parameters to factory defaults.
Table 7. Command summary (Continued) Command name Function TEMP Details page 29 Display the internal temperature of the radio in degrees Celsius. TOT [1-255, ON, OFF] Details page 30 Set or display the Time-out Timer delay in seconds. TX [xxx.xxxxx] Details page 30 Set or display the transmit frequency. UNIT [10000...65000] Details page 30 Set or display the transceiver’s unit address. 5.
Each bit that is a ‘1’ identifies an associated alarm condition that can trigger the alarm output status line. Each bit that is a ‘0’ treats the associated alarm as irrelevant when deciding whether or not to assert the alarm output status line. For more information on tailoring the alarm response, contact the MDS Technical Services Department. ASENSE [HI/LO] The ASENSE command sets or displays the sense of the alarm output at Pin 25 of the DATA INTERFACE connector.
If data buffering is ON, the radio operates in seamless mode. Data bytes will be sent over the air as quickly as possible, but the receiver buffers (stores) the data until enough bytes have arrived to cover worst-case gaps in transmission. This mode of operation is required for protocols such as MODBUS™ that do not allow gaps in their data transmission. Note that seamless mode (BUFF ON) is intended only for applications where the transmitter’s baud rate is greater than or equal to the receiver’s baud rate.
The default selection is DCE. In this mode, CTS will go high following RTS, subject to the CTS programmable delay time. If the DATAKEY command is set to ON, keying can be stimulated by the input of characters at the data port. Hardware flow control is implemented by signaling the CTS line if data arrives faster than it can be buffered and transmitted. If CTS KEY is selected, the radio is assumed to be controlling another radio.
DUMP This command displays all the programmed settings of the radio. The HHT display is too small to list all the command settings at one time. Therefore, this command is most useful if the command is issued from a computer or full-screen terminal. HREV This command displays the transceiver’s hardware revision level if it has been programmed at the factory. INIT The INIT command is used to re-initialize the radio’s operating parameters to the factory defaults.
KEY This command activates the transmitter. See also the DKEY command. MODEL This command displays the radio’s model number code. MODEM [xxxx, NONE] This command selects the radio’s modem characteristics. Enter 9600 or 3200 for digital operation, or enter NONE to select analog operation. For MDS 1710 digital operation the proper settings are 9600 for the MDS 2710A, 19200 for the MDS 1710C.
RSSI This command continuously displays the radio’s Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) in dBm units, until you press the Enter key. Incoming signal strengths from –50 dBm to –120 dBm can be read. RTU [ON/OFF/0-80] This command re-enables or disables the radio’s internal RTU simulator, which runs with MDS’ proprietary polling programs (poll.exe and rsim.exe). The internal RTU simulator is available whenever a radio has diagnostics enabled.
SHOW [DC, PORT, PWR] The SHOW command displays different types of information based on the command variables. The different parameters are: • • DC—Display DC input/output voltages PORT—Display the connector port (RJ-11 or DB-25) that is active for diagnostics and control. • PWR—Display RF power output SNR This command continuously displays the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal expressed in dB, until you press the Enter key.
TOT [1-255, ON, OFF] This command sets or displays the transmitter Time-out Timer value (1–255 seconds), as well as the timer status (ON or OFF). If the timer is on, and the radio remains keyed for a longer duration than the TOT value, the transmitter is automatically unkeyed. When this happens, the radio must be commanded back to an unkeyed state before a new keying command is accepted. The default timer value is 30 seconds. TX [xxx.
• The correct interface between the transceiver and the connected data equipment (correct cable wiring, proper data format, timing, etc.) 6.1 LED Indicators The LED status indicators are an important troubleshooting tool and should be checked whenever a problem is suspected. Table 5 on page 16 describes the function of each status LED. 6.2 Event Codes When an alarm condition exists, the transceiver creates a code that can be read on an HHT connected to the DIAG. port.
Minor Alarms—report conditions that, under most circumstances will not prevent transceiver operation. This includes out-of-tolerance conditions, baud rate mismatches, etc. The cause of these alarms should be investigated and corrected to prevent eventual system failure. Event Code Definitions Table 8 contains a listing of all event codes that may be reported by the transceiver. Table 8. Event Codes Event Code 32 Event Class Description 01 Major Improper software detected for this radio model.
7.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE 7.1 Transceiver Specifications TRANSMITTER SYSTEM SPECIFICATION Operating Frequency: See Transmitter Specifications Frequency Stability: ±1.
RECEIVER Frequency Range: 130-174 MHz (MDS 1710A/C) 216-220 MHz (MDS 2710 A/C) 220-240 MHz (MDS 2710A/C) 220-222 MHz (MDS 2710D) See Figure 4 on Page 4 for detailed listing Type: Double conversion superheterodyne Frequency Stability: ±1.
Figure 12 shows an example of a setup for performing network-wide remote diagnostics from both a Root (master station) location, and a Node (remote station) location. Invisible place holder DIAGNOSTICS COMPUTER RUNNING InSite RTU NODE (Supports Intrusive Diagnostics Only) RTU RTU MASTER RADIO DIAGNOSTIC DATA (To InSite) ROOT (Supports Intrusive or Non-Intrusive Diagnostics) PAYLOAD DATA (To SCADA Application) HOST COMPUTER Figure 12.
3. Program all other radios in the network as nodes by entering the DTYPE NODE command at each radio. 4. Use the DLINK ON and DLINK [baud rate] commands to configure the diagnostic link protocol on the RJ-11 port of each node radio. 5. Connect same-site radios using a null-modem cable at the radios’ diagnostic ports. 6. Connect a PC on which MDS InSite software is installed to the root radio, or to one of the nodes, at the radio’s diagnostic port.
NOTE: It is very important to use attenuation between all units in the test setup. The amount of attenuation required will depend on the number of units being tested and the desired signal strength (RSSI) at each transceiver during the test. In no case should a signal greater than –50 dBm be applied to any transceiver in the test setup. Invisible place holder RTU SIMULATORS MDS P/N 03-2512A01* COMPUTER RUNNING MDS "POLL.EXE" PROGRAM REMOTE 8. 3 1 ANNETN A REMOTE VDC + – REMOTE 8.
5. With a non-metallic adjustment tool, adjust each section of the helical filter for maximum RSSI. Re-install the cover to the transceiver. Invisible place holder U104 U202 U101 FRONT PANEL OF RADIO U203 HELICAL ADJUSTMENTS SHIELD COVER J301 Figure 15. Helical Filter Location 7.5 Upgrading the Radio’s Software From time to time, new product features or software maintenance files may become available from MDS.
Using Radio Software Upgrade Diskette A software upgrade diskette may be purchased from MDS to add new product features to the radio such as Network-wide Diagnostics. The upgrade kit includes a diskette (MDS P/N 06-3501A01) with the most current radio software, authorization codes, and an instruction booklet. Contact MDS for ordering information. When calling, please have the serial number(s) available for the radio(s) that you wish to upgrade.
NOTE: If a software download fails, the radio is left unprogrammed and inoperative. This is indicated by the PWR LED flashing slowly (1 second on, 1 second off). This condition is only likely if a power failure occurred to the computer or radio during the downloading process. The download can be attempted again when the fault has been corrected. 7.6 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart Table 9 is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent wattage or voltage of an RF power expressed in dBm.
INDEX A BAUD command 23 Baud rate setting for RJ-11 DIAG port (DLINK command) 25, 35 Bench testing (radio performance), 36–37 Bit, defined 6 Bits-per-second.
Description, product 1 Detailed 22 DEVICE command 24 Diagnostic Channel Enable, pinout (Pin 23) 15 Diagnostics interface specifications 34 network-wide, performing 34 PC software used for 38 using InSite software for network-wide 34 Differences between models 2 Display alarm status (STAT command) 29 alarm triggers (AMASK command) 22 all programmed settings (DUMP command) 26 baud rate and encoding (BAUD command) 23 connector port, active (SHOW command) 29 CTS line response timer (CTS command) 24 data handlin
MAS network 3 MDS 2710A/D model number codes 4 network-wide diagnostics 35 point-to-point link 3 remote station arrangement 9 RJ-11 to DB-9 adapter cable 36 RSSI vs.
entering commands using the Hand-Held Terminal (HHT) 19 helical filter adjustment 37 installation 9 measuring RSSI with DC voltmeter 16 network-wide diagnostics 34 operation 15, 16 performance optimization 15 reading LED status indicators 16 resetting Hand-Held Terminal (HHT) 18 troubleshooting 30–32 Product accessories 5 description 1 display model number code (MODEL command) 27 display radio serial number (SER command) 28 Programming radio as root or node 35 Programming, transceiver 17–20 PTT command 27 p
length vs. loss in coaxial cables 12 Technical reference 33–40 Technical reference, bench test setup, 36–37 TEMP command 29 Temperature, displaying internal (TEMP command) 29 Testing.
NOTES I-6 MDS 1710A/C and MDS2710A/C/D MDS 05-3447A01, Rev.
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY... MDS products are designed for long life and trouble-free operation. However, this equipment, as with all electronic equipment may have an occasional component failure. The following information will assist you in the event that servicing becomes necessary. FACTORY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Technical assistance for MDS products is available from our Customer Support Team during business hours (8:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. Eastern Time).
Microwave Data Systems Inc. 175 Science Parkway Rochester, NY 14620 General Business: +1 585 242-9600 FAX: +1 585 242-9620 Web: www.microwavedata.com A product of Microwave Data Systems Inc.
