Modular Communications Platform Technical Manual MDS Master Station MDS 05‐6399A01, Rev. D August 2015 Firmware Version 2.2.6 and higher. MDS 05-6399A01, Rev.
MDS Master Station MDS 05-6399A01, Rev.
Quick-Start instructions for this product are contained in publication 05-6398A01. Visit our website for downloadable copies of all documentation at www.gemds.com. MDS 05-6399A01, Rev.
Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 12 1.1 ORGANIZATION OF MANUAL 1.1.1 RELATED PUBLICATIONS 12 13 2 14 KEY PRODUCT FEATURES 2.1 ACCESSORIES AND SPARE ITEMS 2.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 2.2.1 FCC EMISSION DESIGNATORS: HOW TO FIND THEM 2.3 FRONT PANEL 2.4 REAR ANTENNA CONNECTIONS 14 16 17 18 19 3 20 INSTALLATION PLANNING 3.1 APPLICATIONS 3.2 NETWORK MANAGEMENT 3.3 REDUNDANT VERSUS NON‐REDUNDANT OPERATION 3.4 ANTENNAS AND FEEDLINES 3.4.1 ANTENNAS 3.4.2 FEEDLINES 3.5 GROUNDING CONSIDERATIONS 3.
.6.4 5.6.5 6 BRIDGING SDMS INTERFACE 47 49 MASTER STATION MODULES 65 6.1 AC POWER SUPPLY MODULE 6.2 DC POWER SUPPLY MODULE 6.3 PLATFORM MANAGER MODULE 6.3.1 PLATFORM MANAGER LED INDICATORS 6.3.2 ETHERNET INTERFACES 6.3.3 COM1 INTERFACE 6.3.4 COM2 INTERFACE 6.3.5 MINI USB INTERFACE 6.3.6 WIFI ANTENNA INTERFACE (OPTIONAL) 6.3.7 GPS ANTENNA INTERFACE (OPTIONAL) 6.4 SD MASTER RADIO MODULES 6.4.1 SD MASTER RADIO MODULE LED INDICATORS 6.4.2 SD MASTER RADIO MODULE RF INTERFACE 6.4.
Figures FIGURE 1‐1. MDS MASTER STATION ...................................................................................................................................12 FIGURE 2‐1 COMPATIBLE REMOTES .....................................................................................................................................14 FIGURE 2‐2. MDS MASTER STATION, FRONT PANEL CONNECTIONS & INDICATORS ...................................................................... 18 FIGURE 2‐3.
Tables TABLE 1‐1 ANTENNA GAIN VS. MINIMUM RF SAFETY DISTANCE ................................................................................................. 8 TABLE 2‐1 ACCESSORIES AND SPARES ...................................................................................................................................15 TABLE 2‐2 MASTER STATION TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................
Copyright Notice This Technical Manual and all software described herein are protected by copyright: 2014 GE MDS. All rights reserved. GE MDS reserves its right to correct any errors and omissions in this publication. Operational Safety Notices RF Exposure The radio equipment described in this guide uses radio frequency transmitters. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard.
vice is responsible for compliance with all applicable limits on radiated RF power, and the RF power output may need to be adjusted to maintain compliance, depending on the gain of the antenna system. All power supply main connections and disconnections must be made by a qualified electrical installer. When servicing energized equipment, be sure to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
In addition, the installer or operator should follow proper ESD precautions, such as touching a grounded bare metal object to dissipate body charge, prior to connecting and disconnecting cables on the front or rear panels. Environmental Information The equipment that you purchased has required the extraction and use of natural resources for its production. Improper disposal may contaminate the environment and present a health risk due to hazardous substances contained within.
harmful interference in which case users will be required to correct the interference at their own expense. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received; including interference that may cause undesired operation.
1 INTRODUCTION The MDS Master Station is an advanced, flexible platform designed for the demanding requirements of today’s industrial wireless networks. It represents the latest development in a line of MDS products that set the standards for wireless performance today.
Following the installation procedures, sections are devoted to particular modules that may be installed in the chassis, including configuration settings for each of these units. Additionally, troubleshooting tips for resolving system difficulties are offered, as well as a technical reference section with data on wiring, specifications, and spare parts that may be ordered for the unit.
2 KEY PRODUCT FEATURES As a licensed, long range IP/Ethernet and serial communications device, the Master Station exceeds industry standards for reliability and performance in wireless networks. Listed below are several key features and benefits of the product, and these are available with the appropriate modules installed and configured in the chassis.
Table 2-1 Accessories and Spares Item Description Part Number Three-conductor DC power plug Mates with power connector on the front of the unit’s DC power supply module. Screw terminals are provided for wires, and threaded locking screws to prevent accidental disconnect. 73-1194A22 Setup Guide (for installation & basic startup) Brief document describing the installation and setup of the unit. One copy normally supplied with each unit. Additional PDF copies available (no charge) from www.gemds.com.
2.2 Technical Specifications The following are operating specifications for the SD Master Station 900MHz and 400MHz variants. Items are separated into Transmit (TX) and Receive (RX) categories. Ongoing product improvements may result in specification changes, and GE MDS reserves the right to make such changes without obligation to any party. Should you require an exact specification for the build of your unit, please contact the factory for additional assistance.
Table 2-3-2 400MHz Master Station Technical Specifications Transmit (TX) Parameter Specification Frequency Range 400-450 MHz (SDM4B) 450-512MHz (SDM4C)5 Frequency Stability <0.5 ppm, -30C to +60C TX Power Out +41.1 dBm maximum at radio card for-30 to +60C TX Frequency Response +/- 1.0 dB from 100 Hz to 2.
stations, remotes, indoor/outdoor units, frequency band, etc. An updated and official list of emission designators is maintained on the FCC’s website at the following link: https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm Once the site has been reached, proceed as follows to determine your designator: 1. At the top of form in the box labeled Grantee Code: enter E5M. This is the code for GE MDS products. 2.
Table 2-4 Module Descriptions Module Name ID Function Power Supply 1, Power Supply 2 6843: (12-36 Vdc) Provides operating power based on a variety of AC and DC input options. Up to two power supply modules may be installed in the chassis (AC or DC; any combination. In a redundant configuration, both power supplies work in tandem and are independent of which radio is currently active.
3 INSTALLATION PLANNING This section covers pre-installation factors that should be considered when installing the Master Station. Careful planning will help achieve optimal performance from the radio. After reviewing this section, refer to the step-by-step installation procedures beginning on INSTALLATION PROCEDURES.
3.1 Applications The Master Station is designed for point-to-multipoint data transmission in utility SCADA communications, transactional systems, and telecommunications systems. The wireless network provides communications between a central host computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection devices. In such an arrangement, the operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer equipment.
In order for pulseNET to discover Master Stations in the network, DLINK must be enabled and properly configured. Refer to section 5.6.5.1.2 Dlink for information on how to configure DLINK. 3.3 Redundant versus Non-redundant Operation A redundant configuration means that the Master Station has two complete transceiver boards and power supplies installed in the enclosure. In the event of a failure in the primary equipment, the controlling logic switches to the stand-by unit.
Table 3-1 Signal Loss in Coaxial Cables (at 900 MHz) Cable Type 10 Feet 50 Feet 100 Feet 200 Feet (3 Meters) (15 Meters) (30.5 Meters) (61 Meters) RG-8A/U 0.85 dB 4.27 dB 8.54 dB 17.08 dB 1/2 inch HELIAX 0.23 dB 1.15 dB 2.29 dB 4.58 dB 7/8 inch HELIAX 0.13 dB 0.64 dB 1.28 dB 2.56 dB 1-1/4 inch HELIAX 0.10 dB 0.48 dB 0.95 dB 1.90 dB 1-5/8 inch HELIAX 0.08 dB 0.40 dB 0.80 dB 1.
Figure 3-2. Rear Panel Grounding Screw 3.6 Data Interface Connections 3.6.1 Ethernet Data Interface (RJ-45) The Ethernet interface supports both radio management and payload data transport functions. For radio management, connecting via a web browser provides enhanced functionality and ease-of-use over serial/USB methods. Web-based management is the preferred and primary means of accessing the transceiver through the built-in Device Manager.
Serial Data Connection When used as a data port for an SD Radio Module in Transparent or x710 modes, some pins on COM1 and COM2 have special behavior determined by configuration. DCD (Data Carrier Detect) is asserted when the radio received an on-frequency signal. RTS (Request-to-Send) can be configured to key the transmitter when asserted.
4 INSTALLATION PROCEDURES This section presents the steps necessary for installing the radio and connecting it to associated equipment. After completing these steps, the radio is ready for in-service operation. 4.1 Unpacking and Inspection Check the contents against the packing list secured to the outside of the shipping box. Accessories and spare parts kits, if any, are wrapped separately. Inspect all items for signs of damage. Save all packing materials in case you need to ship the radio in the future.
Figure 4-1. Internal Duplexer, Triple N connectors Figure 4-2. Internal Duplexer (or internal T/R switch), Single N connectors MDS 05-6399A01, Rev.
Figure 4-3 External duplexer or dual antennas (TX and RX ports pass directly through) 4 Install the Data Interface Cabling. Interface connections are made to the front of the Platform Manager module. Typical connections for most sites include: • Serial Data—Attach data equipment to the front panel COM1 and/or COM2 ports. The unit is hardwired as a DCE device (DB9-F to RJ-45 connector, GE MDS part no. 73-2434A12). • Ethernet LAN—Attach data equipment to the ETH1 and/or ETH2 port.
Table 4-2 DC Power Supply Modules Module Input Power Current Rating 6843 +/- 12-36 Vdc 10 A Max. 6844 +/- 36-75 Vdc 3.5 A Max. 6845 +/- 75-140 Vdc 2 A Max. • Figure 4-4 DC Power Connector 6 Connect a PC for Configuration (LAN or USB port). This prepares the Master Station for programming of desired operating parameters.
4.2.1 Initial Startup & Operation The radio is designed for continuous, unattended operation, but does require some minimal provisioning before operation. This section explains the use of the radio’s indicators and provides steps for initial startup of the equipment. Once a unit is provisioned, operator intervention is not required, except to power the unit up or down, or to change an operating parameter. Operation of the radio can be started by simply connecting primary power to the unit.
• The Power LED and Alarm LED will light on the Platform Manager card. At this point the platform manager is performing a pre-boot validation of the firmware to ensure that all required security signatures are in place and valid. • The Alarm LED will turn off and the power LED will begin to flash. At this point the platform manager is booting and initializing the system. • Once the platform manager initializes the transceiver module, the power LED will stop flashing and turn solid.
5 DEVICE MANAGEMENT This section describes the steps for connecting a PC, logging in, and setting unit parameters. The focus here is on the local serial/USB console interface, but other methods of connection are available and offer similar capabilities. The key differences are with initial access and appearance of data. The MDS Master Station offers several interfaces to allow device configuration and monitoring of status and performance.
that password is automatically revoked from the list of passwords created. (You may create up to five one-time passwords at one time, and more can be created if some get used).
IDENTIFIER FUNCTION STATUS DATE CREATED DATE REVOKED USER ---------------------------------------------------------------------1 login usable 2012-06-19T00:27:24+00:00 2 login usable 2012-06-19T00:27:25+00:00 5.3 Configuration via Command Line (CLI) A scriptable command-line interface is accessible through the radio’s Ethernet port using Secure Shell (SSH) terminal, or through the unit’s USB interface. For enhanced security, the unit does not support Telnet configuration.
View SD Master Station Settings > show configuration interfaces interface sdms sd-config Monitor SDMS Status > show interfaces-state interface sdms sd-status | repeat 5 View the routing table > show routing View the event log > show table logging event-log Set the admin user’s password > request system authentication change-password user admin password admin1234 Set the device name % set system name “Mydevice” Set the baud rate on COM1 % set services serial ports COM1 baud-rate b19200 Download
Logical (non-physical) interfaces such as bridges and VLANs use free-form names and can be renamed by the user. 5.5 Configuration via the Device Manager The Device Manager is a built-in software tool that works with your PC’s browser to provide an intuitive, web-style presentation of all unit information, settings, and diagnostics. Device manager is accessible through ETH1 or ETH2 using a web browser. Minimum browser requirements: IE10 or later, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Evaluate default factory configuration and lock the unit down to the required security level When the Initial Setup wizard completes, select WizardsSD Configuration Setup, which steps you through initial SD Radio Module configuration. Key items that should be reviewed and/or set include: Frequency plan Modem selection Keying mode Serial data interface configuration Encryption settings 5.6 Interface Configuration 5.6.
Navigate to: Home / Services / Serial Click on the name of the port (COM1, COM2, USB) to get: • Line Mode - Selection of the operation line mode of the serial port. Choices are: • RS232 (DEFAULT) • RS485 - 2 Wire • RS485 - 4 Wire • Baud Rate - The serial port baud rate in bps.
• Vmin - Receive Buffer Size - The minimum number of data bytes that will be buffered by the serial port before handling of the data to be processed by the terminal server. (255 = DEFAULT). • Vtime - Receive Inter-Byte Timeout - The amount of time between bytes of data on the serial port (in multiples of 1 millisecond), that indicate the end of a serial message ready to be processed by the terminal server.
• After the last character of a transmission is output from the serial port, the unit shall keep CTS asserted until the expiration of CTS hold time. 3. CTSKEYPLUS • The unit shall support flow control (Throttling) on the RTS pin. The device is expected to be wired via null modem to an external DCE device. The CTS line of the external DCE device drives the RTS line of the unit. Monitoring From the Web UI.
5.6.2 LAN Understanding The Master Station has external Local Area Network (LAN) ports (ETH1/2 ports) that can be used to connect to a local (wired) LAN. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and may be assigned multiple IP addresses. The LAN port can be assigned static IP addresses or a dynamically allocated address can be assigned using DHCP. NOTE The LAN port should be assigned IP addresses only if it is a routed interface (that is, not in a bridge).
• Enabled - Checked indicates Enabled (DEFAULT). Disable will prevent usage. • IPv4 Create - Use for creating static IPv4 IP address and removing this interface from the built-in Network Bridge. • IPv6 Create - Use for creating static IPv6 IP address and removing this interface from the built-in Network Bridge. • Filter Input - Use for selecting and applying a firewall filter (from available filters) to incoming traffic on this interface.
lecting and applying a static NAT rule-set (from available static nat rule-sets) to incoming and outgoing traffic on this interface. • Eth Phy Rate - Choose the Ethernet speed support setting (DEFAULT ALL) • Eth 10Mb Half • Eth 10Mb Full • Eth 100Mb Half • Eth 100Mb Full • Vlan Mode - Virtual LAN Setting. (VLAN Operation): Valid Choices • None (DEFAULT) • Access - Use this if this interface is intended to be a member of only a single VLAN.
statistics in-octets 497076597 statistics in-unicast-pkts 6457046 statistics in-multicast-pkts 0 statistics in-discards 17 statistics in-errors 0 statistics out-octets 1002105 statistics out-unicast-pkts 6480 statistics out-discards 0 statistics out-errors 0 eth-phy-status "10 Mb, Half Duplex" ipv4 forwarding true ipv4 mtu 1500 PREFIX IP LENGTH ORIGIN -----------------------------10.10.10.147 23 static LINK LAYER IP ADDRESS ORIGIN STATE ---------------------------------------------------10.10.10.
• Description - User defined identifier for the this connection up to 34 characters • Type - Identifier of the type of interface - Do Not Change • Enabled - Checked indicates enabled (DEFAULT). Disable will prevent usage. • Link Up Down Trap Enable - Controls whether linkUp/linkDown SNMP notifications should be generated for this interface. • IPv4 Create - Use for creating static IPv4 IP address and removing this interface from the built-in Network Bridge.
Using the CLI to set up a VLAN, four sample commands are shown below for doing this; one with an ID of 99 and another with an ID of 300: % % % % set set set set interfaces interfaces interfaces interfaces interface interface interface interface mgmt_vlan type vlan mgmt_vlan vlan-config vlan-id 99 video_vlan type vlan video_vlan vlan-config vlan-id 300 Operational Modes As previously shown in previous sections, interfaces can have three separate VLAN modes: none (default), trunk, or access.
mally only contains tagged traffic. If a VLAN trunk port receives an untagged packet, and the trunk is a member of the native VLAN, that packet will be treated as if it came from the native VLAN. If the trunk port is not a member of the native VLAN and an untagged packet arrives on that port, the packet will be dropped. As VLANs are implemented as bridges, and it is not valid for a bridge to be a member of another bridge, it follows that a VLAN interface cannot be configured as a member of a bridge.
NOTE In firmware versions less than 3.0.0, the SD interface is not a bridgeable interface as there is no packet or packet-with-MAC mode support in these versions of firmware. Configuring Creating a bridge interface and assigning it an IP address: % set interfaces interface bridge type bridge % set interfaces interface bridge bridge-settings ageing-time 500 % set interfaces interface bridge ipv4 address 192.168.1.
priority 0 state forwarding path-cost 100 designated-root 7035.04fe7fe36980 designated-cost 100 designated-bridge 8000.0002fd5dd280 designated-port 32783 5.6.5 SDMS Interface Understanding The configuring of SD interfaces on the Master Station is performed through a virtual interface called ‘sdms’ (SD Master Station). This virtual interface, much like a bridge interface, is comprised of one or more sd-nic member physical interfaces.
From the SD Config menu, all SD related configuration options can be specified. Primary SD network configuration can be found under the ‘Radio Config’ menu. IP Payload service configuration can be found under the ‘IP Payload’ menu. Local and remote device maintenance can be found under the ‘Maintenance’ menu. Members – The Master Station (sdms) interface is a logical interface that is composed of one or more physical SD interface cards (sd-nic).
x710 – When using the Master Station in a legacy x710 network. Transparent – With and without AES Encryption. (Transparent w/AES Encryption requires an all SD radio network.) RF Output Power (dBm) – The RF output power may be set between 30 and 40 dBm (1 to 10 watts) in 1 dB increments. The default setting is 40dBm. This setting represents the output power at the Radio Card. Output power at the antenna port on the back of the unit will be less due to cable, switching, and duplexer losses.
Repeater With Local Data – This is the same as “Repeater” but should be used when data-collection devices such as serial RTUs will be attached directly to the repeating Master Station. Serial Payload Port – The front-panel serial port that will be used for serial payload communications. This can be set to either COM1 or COM2, the default value for this is COM1. NOTE: Serial port settings such as baud rate and byte format are located under services serial ports.
5.6.5.1.3 Audio Settings NOTE: Audio settings are only available for configuration when the radio is configured to operate in x710 compatibility mode. Audio Enabled – If enabled, the radio’s transmit functionality will switch to analog whenever PTT is asserted. Rx Level – Receive Audio Output Level to Modem (dBm). Received signal at the peak deviation will be scaled to the specified value. Valid range is (-20 0). Tx Level – Transmit audio input level from Modem (dBm).
5.6.5.1.4 Advanced Settings Soft-Carrier Dekey – Specifies how long (in ms) to wait after the removal of the keying signal before actually dropping the transmitter’s carrier. The default setting is 0, but it may be set to any value up to 255 ms. In most cases, no change is required from the default setting. A possible exception is when the transceiver is inter-working with certain early-generation MDS radio equipment. Push to Talk Signal – Specifies the sensing polarity of the PTT line.
MDS x710 radios). In such networks, the Remote radios should have the Switched Carrier setting turned ON. The default setting is OFF which assumes B-modem operation with a continuously keyed Master. Ckey Operation only applies to Master units operating in full-duplex mode only. When operating continuously keyed, latency is decreased and AFC operation on legacy remotes may be improved.
5.6.5.1.6 IP Payload Under the IP Payload menu, up to three instances of the IP Payload service may be configured. The IP Payload service can operate in 4 different modes: TCP Server TCP Client TCP Server/Client UDP Each of these modes have different use cases and configuration options, as described below: TCP Server: The TCP server mode allows IP connections to be established with the Master Station.
TCP Server/Client As the name implies, TCP Server/Client is a combination of the TCP Server mode, and TCP Client mode. In this mode, the Master Station will listen for incoming TCP connections and pass data exactly as in TCP Server mode. However if there is no active server connection, and over-the-air payload traffic arrives at the Master Station, the Master Station will establish an outgoing TCP connection to a remote server and transmit that data to the remote server.
connection to the application and transmit the payload data. These connections are not persistent, and as such must be established for each transmission. Unlike TCP, transmissions are not guaranteed when using the UDP protocol; however UDP has a far smaller network overhead than TCP, and as such will result in lower latency. UDP specific configuration options include: Local IP Port – The UDP port number that the server will listen for connections on.
5.6.5.1.10 Spectrum Analyzer A unique feature of the transceiver is the ability to view the RF spectrum above and below the operating frequency using its built-in Spectrum Graph. Often, this can assist in diagnosing the cause of interference, or to view other signals near your operating frequency. To use the Spectrum Graph, you must first specify a center frequency and a scan width. The center frequency is the frequency that you wish the spectrum display to be centered on.
The Master Station broadcasts a series of messages to one or more remote nodes to accomplish the reprogramming process. The “broadcast” method is used to program the greatest number of radios in the shortest amount of time; however, the Master Station remains unaware of the number or success of downstream radios participating in reprogramming. During reprogramming, the status of the reprogramming will be available on all the radios participating in the process.
Table 5-2. Approximate Reprogramming Times - Passive Mode Modem Speed (bps) 4800 9600 19200 Approximate Time Required 6 hours 1 hour, 30 minutes 1 hour, 30 minutes Radio assumptions: Signal strength -85 dBm or stronger, Packet Size: 40, Block Size: 512, Retry: 3, Download Delay: Short Polling assumptions: Serial polling with 1-second poll time, sending random data at 50-100 bytes. Slower polling times will significantly increase completion time. Table 5-3.
Timeout (All) – Determines the amount of time (in seconds) that the radio should wait for server to respond. The default setting is 30 seconds and will not normally require any change. When the above fields have been set and you are ready to load a new file, click the Begin Reprogramming button to begin reprogramming. To view the current status of the remote reprogramming operation, navigate to the sdms interface status page.
Monitoring Monitoring of the current status of the SD interfaces in the Master Station is performed in a separate location in the web interface than configuration. To view the current status of the SD interfaces, perform the following steps: 1 Click on the “Interfaces” link on the left-hand navigation menu: 2 In the Interfaces Status table, click on the “sdms” entry in the “Name” column. 5.6.5.1.15 SD Status The SD Status page is split into two sections.
The NIC Status table is composed of the following columns: Chassis Slot – The slot in which the SD NIC was discovered. Board Temperature – The current temperature in degrees C as measured on the surface of the SD NIC. PA Temperature – The current temperature in degrees C of the power amplifier on the SD NIC. Power Draw – The current power draw of the power amplifier in Amperes.
6 MASTER STATION MODULES The available modules are listed below and described in the following sections. To aid identification, most modules have their 4-digit base part number printed on the faceplate. These are the 4 numeric digits following 03- prefix. Table 6-1. Available Modules 100-220V AC Power Supply Module 100-220 Vac, 50/60 Hz. 120W Max AC Power Supply Module. Spare power supply can be used in either of two power supply slots of the MDS Master Station.
Table 6-2 6755 AC Power Supply Module Specifications Supply Type SMPS AC to DC Input Voltage Range 100-264VAC Output 24VDC, 4.0A Line Frequency 50-60Hz Power Consumption 120W, Maximum Protection Integrated thermal protection, short circuit protection, internal non-serviceable fuse Ambient Temperature range Full capacity from -30C to +60C. CSA certified operating range -30C to +39C.
Table 6-3 DC Power Supply Module (6843, 6844, 6845) Specifications: Supply Type SMPS DC to DC Input Voltage Range +/-36-75VDC, input is isolated from ground +/-12-36VDC, input is isolated from ground +/-75-140VDC, input is isolated from ground Output 24VDC, 4.
The Platform manager is available with and without GPS for time of day and synchronization purposes for future radio module offerings. When ordered with WiFi, the Platform Manager module may be configured using a tablet, smartphone, or other WiFi enabled web device. The Interfaces on the front panel of the Platform Manager are described below. Note that the small connector on the bottom right, just above the part number, is currently unused. 6.3.
6.3.3 COM1 Interface COM1 supports the RS-232 serial data format at serial data rates of 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 bps (asynchronous only). Figure 6-5 COM1 Connector (RJ-45) As viewed from outside the unit NOTE: COM1 is hard-wired as a DCE device. Table 6-6. COM1 Pin Descriptions Pin Number Radio Input/ Output 1 OUT DSR (Data Set Ready) 2 OUT DCD (Data Carrier Detect/Link)—A high indicates signal received.
under COM2 RS-485 and RS-422 Wiring Arrangement. Figure 6-6. COM2 Connector (RJ-45) As viewed from outside the radio NOTE: COM2 is hard-wired as a DCE device. Table 6-7. COM2 Pin Descriptions—Radio in RS-232 Mode Pin Number 70 Radio Input/ Output Pin Description 1 -- Reserved—Do not connect 2 -- Reserved—Do not connect 3 -- Reserved—Do not connect 4 - Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential) on the radio’s PC board.
Table 6-8 COM2 Pin Descriptions—Radio in RS-485 Mode Pin Input/ Number Output Pin Description 1 -- Reserved—Do not connect 2 -- Reserved—Do not connect 3 -- Reserved—Do not connect 4 - Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply potential) on the radio’s PC board. 5 IN 6 OUT 7 IN 8 OUT TXD+/TXB (Transmitted Data +)— Non-inverting receiver input RXD+/RXB (Received Data +)—Non-inverting driver output.
6.3.7 GPS Antenna Interface (Optional) Integrated GPS is a future option. 6.4 SD Master Radio Modules Figure 6-7. SD Radio Module (Part No. 03-6846Axx—SDM9) The SD Master Radio Modules are field replaceable, hot swappable, full duplex radios offering narrowband communications. Current offerings include variants that span 800-960MHz. NOTE: Master station Radio modules are field replaceable and hot swappable. Refer to 7.4 Replacing Modules for information on removal and installation.
appropriate cabling. If replacing a module, use the cables provided with the original system. For more information refer to the appropriate section below for the specific Radio Module 6.4.3 SDM9 Radio Module – 900MHz The SDM9 is an SD Master Radio Module with several variants to accommodate different frequency bands. Current offering is the SDM9C which supports 928-960MHz. Refer to the table below for detailed information about this transceiver.
6.5 Alarm and Alarm/Relay Modules Figure 6-8 Alarm/Relay Module (Part No. 03-6847Axx; 03-6848Axx) There are 2 versions of the Alarm Module depending on whether the system is redundant or non-redundant. The module pictured above is for redundant systems. Table 6-14 Alarm Modules Part Description System Interfaces and Indicators Number 03-6847Axx Alarm/Relay Redundant RX/TX RF Connection for Radio A, Radio B, Module and OUT. Relay to switch RF OUT based on active A or B.
Table 6-15. Alarm Module LEDs LED Name Behavior Meaning ALARM MAJ. RED On—Major Alarm (Master Station) ALARM MIN. RED On—Minor Alarm (Master Station) ACT A BLUE On—Radio A Active Off—Radio A Standby ACT B BLUE On—Radio B Active Off—Radio B Standby 6.5.2 Alarm/Audio Interface The ALARM/AUDIO Interface on the Alarm/Relay module provides audio signaling and alarm outputs as shown below. AUDIO: 4-wire audio circuits are connected to pins 1 through 4 as shown in Figure 9.
6.5.3 Alarm/Relay Toggle Switch (6847 Only) For redundant units, the Alarm/Relay module includes a manual override toggle switch, which can be set into one of three positions to associate it with a particular radio. The toggle switch is locking, and must be pulled out to change positions. Switch functions are as follows: Up—Radio A Down— Radio B Center—Automatic. When the switch is set to Automatic, the active radio is determined by radio module presence and alarm status.
NOTE: Older versions of the Duplexer Tray faceplate read TX instead of High and RX instead of Low. In this case, for configurations with internal duplexer in which the TX frequency is lower than the RX frequency, swap the cables on the Duplexer Tray such that TX is cabled to the port labelled RX and RX is cabled to the port labelled TX. MDS 05-6399A01, Rev.
7 TROUBLESHOOTING If trouble occurs with the unit, verify that it meets the basic requirements listed below. These items should be checked prior to starting any detailed troubleshooting or calling for assistance. All units must have: • Adequate and stable primary power • Secure cable and wiring connections • Proper configuration for the application Most radio system problems are due to the failure of components outside of the transceiver—such as a poor or broken feed line or antenna connection.
Platform Manager Active Radio Module Standby Radio Module (if present) Alarm Module Table 7-1. Status LEDs – Normal Operation PWR BLUE ALARM OFF ETH1/ETH2 Flashing with Ethernet traffic PWR/ALARM GREEN ACTIVE GREEN TX Flashing BLUE when transmitting RX Flashing BLUE when receiving GREEN PWR/ALARM OFF ACTIVE OFF TX OFF RX ALARM MAJ. OFF ALARM MIN. OFF ACT A & ACT B One BLUE, one OFF 7.1.
7.2 Redundant Units The active radio can be identified by the corresponding LED on the alarm/relay module as well as the active LED on the radio module. The active unit is normally selected automatically. For troubleshooting, the toggle switch can be used to manually set the active radio. Alternatively, the switch can remain in the automatic position, and the active radio can be selected via the SD Manager UI. 7.
NOTE: DC power supply modules are available for several different input ranges. These modules have interchangeable connectors. Make sure the supply is within the rating for the module installed. On a redundant unit equipped with two power supplies, a supply can be removed, and a new supply can be installed, while the unit is powered and operational. Do not remove power supplies whose power source is still connected and active. 7.4.
MDS SDM4—400 MHz Notch-Type Duplexers You can generally change the radio’s transmit frequency up to 100 kHz without re-tuning the duplexer. The duplexers shown in Figure 7-1. 400 MHz Notch Duplexer can be aligned in the field by experienced technicians using high-quality test equipment. For assistance, contact GE MDS Technical Support for additional details about tuning. Figure 7-1.
7.5 Testing and Removing an Internal Duplexer Testing If you suspect that the internal duplexer is not functioning properly, perform the following steps to determine if requires replacement: 127. Measure the RF power out of the antenna jack. If the power registers approximately +37 dBm (5 watts), the internal duplexer is probably functioning correctly (see Table 8-1 dBm–Volts–Watts Conversion Chart for dBm-volts-watts conversion chart).
Internal Duplexer Cabling: A number of different duplexers can be installed in the radio. While the physical appearance of the duplexer may vary slightly, its operation and removal remain the same. 2. Disconnect the SMA cables from the front of the duplexer tray 2. Remove the two screws on the top of the unit that secure the duplexer tray into the front of the chassis. 3. Carefully slide the duplexer tray out the front of the chassis by applying pressure to the antenna N-connectors on the rear of the unit.
4. Remove four screws to remove the duplexer assembly from the tray Use care when removing the duplexer. Physical damage may cause detuning. MDS 05-6399A01, Rev.
POSSIBLE EQUIPMENT DAMAGE Figure 7-3. Internal Duplexer Removal 86 MDS Master Station MDS 05-6399A01, Rev.
8 TECHNICAL REFERENCE DATA 8.1 RF Propagation Planning Establishing a reliable point-to-point radio link requires system planning and design. You should have an understanding of the physical parameters affecting propagation. The following material discusses these factors and will assist you in designing a dependable transmission path for your radio link. NOTE: This section is intended for use as a guideline when planning transmission paths.
Earth Curvature As the distance of a communication link increases, the clearance problem is compounded by the earth’s curvature. Radio waves traveling through typical atmospheric conditions bend slightly, which is represented by treating the earth as though it were slightly flatter than it actually is. Experience has shown that if we consider the earth’s radius 4/3rds of its actual size, we get good agreement between theory and measured propagation results.
Free Space Path Loss fs = 92.4 + 20 log 10 f + 20 log 10 d where: fs = free space loss in dB d = path distance in kilometers ƒ = frequency in GHz Fresnel Zone Boundary nd 1 d 2 Fn = 17.
8.2 dBm-Volts-Watts Conversion Chart The dBm-Volts-Watts Conversion Chart below is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent voltage or wattage of an RF power expressed in dBm. Table 8-1 dBm–Volts–Watts Conversion Chart 90 dBm V Po dBm V Po dBm mV +53 +50 +49 +48 +47 +46 +45 +44 +43 +42 +41 +40 +39 +38 +37 +36 +35 +34 +33 +32 +31 +30 +29 +28 +27 +26 +25 +24 +23 +22 +21 +20 +19 +18 +17 +16 +15 +14 +13 +12 +11 +10 +9 +8 +7 +6 +5 +4 +3 +2 +1 200W 100W 80W 64W 50W 40W 32W 25W 20W 16W 12.
9 GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS If you are new to wireless data systems, some of the terms in this guide may be unfamiliar. The following glossary explains many of these terms and can prove helpful in understanding the operation of the Master Station. While some entries may not appear specifically in the text of this manual, they are included to promote a more complete understanding of wireless data networks, both of current and legacy design.
DLINK—Data Link Mode. This is a GE MDS-proprietary protocol used when the transceiver is in diagnostics mode. DSP—Digital Signal Processing. The transceiver’s DSP is the core operating unit of the transceiver through which nearly all functions depend. DTE—Data Terminal Equipment. A device that provides data in the form of digital signals at its output. Connects to the DCE device. ETH—Abbreviation for Ethernet.
NX915: A GE MDS NIC module supporting unlicensed operation at 900 MHz MAS—Multiple Address System. A radio system where a central master unit communicates with several remote stations for the purpose of gathering telemetry data. Master (Station)—Radio which is connected to the host computer. It is the point at which polling enters the network. Multiple Address System—See MAS. Network-Wide Diagnostics—An advanced method of controlling and interrogating GE MDS radios in a radio network.
RTU—Remote Terminal Unit. A data collection device installed at a remote radio site. An internal RTU simulator is provided with the transceiver to isolate faults to either the external RTU or the radio. RX—Abbreviation for “Receive.” See also TX. SAF—Store and Forward. An available feature of the radio where data is stored by a designated Remote, and then retransmitted to a station beyond the communication range of the AP. Signal-to-Noise Ratio—See SNR. SCADA—Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition.
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY... Our 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. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Technical assistance for GE MDS products is available from our Technical Support Department during normal business hours (8:30 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Eastern Time).
REPLACEMENT PARTS Many spare and replacement items are available for purchase by contacting your factory sales representative, or by visiting our online store at http://store.gedigitalenergy.com/front.asp. 96 MDS Master Station MDS 05-6399A01, Rev.
