Integration Guide

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

05-6334A01, Rev. A MDS SF9 Integration Guide 1

MDS TransNET-SF9

Publication No. 05-6334A01, Rev. 01

The MDS TransNET-SF9 (Figure 1), is a modular spread spectrum

transceiver designed for use in the license-free 902-928 MHz

band. The unit is designed for use inside data equipment to provide

reliable connectivity in wireless networks.

The SF9 employs a closed-loop power control circuit, ensuring that

e RF output never exceeds +30 dBm at the antenna connector.

The module is designed for OEM use only. Host systems, if used

with antennas having standard connectors, must be professionally

installed. Host systems using integrated antennas or unique

antenna connectors must be factory configured by the OEM to

operate at the correct output power setting. Refer to the table at the

end of this guide to determine applicable antenna types and the RF

output power allowed.

Electronic copies of this document and othe

r GE MDS user guides

are available free of charge at www.gemds.com.

1.1 Transceiver Features

The SF-9 maximizes performance and flexibility in wireless

networks, offering the following key features:

• 128 frequencies over 902–928 MHz, divided into 8 zones

• User-selectable option to skip sub-bands with interference

• 65,000 available network addresses

• Network-wide configuration from the Master

station, elimi-

nating most trips to Remote sites

• Data transparency ensures compatibility with virtually all

asynchronous SCADA system terminals.

• Peak-hold RSSI averaged over eight hop cycles

• Operation at up to 115,200 bps continuous data flow

• Store-and-Forward repeater operation

• Data latency typically less than 10

• Same hardware for Master or Remote configuration

• Supports RS/EIA-232 and RS/EIA-485 user interface

• Low current draw; typically less than 8 mA in sleep mode

• Operates at 3.3 Vdc at the power connector

Figure 1. SF9 Transceiver Module

(J3 Data/Power and J200 Antenna Connectors on other side)

NOTE: Some features may not be available on all units, based on

the options purchased, or regulatory constraints in the

country of operation.

1.2 Accessories

GE MDS offers an Accessories Selection Guide listing additional

items that may be used with our products. Contact your factory

representative or visit www.gemds.com for the latest copy.

2.0 INSTALLATION

The transceiver is designed for installation in existing electronic

equipment. It mounts to any flat surface using screws through the

four holes provided in the corners of the PC board.

Only two cable connections required to the radio; J3, the

Powe

r/Data connector, and J200, the Antenna connector. It is

recommended that the module be installed in a manner that

permits viewing the four status LEDs (CR3, 4, 5, and 6) during

operation. These LEDs provide important information that is useful

during startup and optimization of the radio link.

Antennas used with the radio can be either a Yagi directional type

(ofte

n used at remote sites) or an omni-directional type used for

short range applications or at Master stations. Contact your sales

representative for information on available antennas.

Follow these steps to install the transceiver module:

1. Select a suitable mounting location for the module. This

sho

uld be a flat surface close enough to the power/data and

antenna cabling so that these will reach their respective

connectors.

2. Secure the module to the surface using suitable screws

throu

gh the mounting holes in each corner of the radio’s PC

board. Use spacers as necessary to achieve required height.

(Mounting hardware is not supplied.)

3. Select and install an appropriate antenna and feedline for your

system coverage requirement

4. Connect the antenna coaxial lead to J200 on the module. It

accepts a Type-UMC female coaxial connector.

5. Prepare the power/data cabling for connection to J3 on the

mod

ule. It accepts a Molex SlimStack

20 pin receptacle.

Use only the required data pins for the application (see

Table 1 for pin information). The input power applied to J3

must be 3.3 Vdc (-0/+0

.2 V). Connect the plug to J3.

Table 1: J3 Power/Data Connector Pinouts

Pin(s) Description

1, 2, 7, 8 Signal Ground—Connects to ground (negative supply

potential) on the radio’s PC board and chassis

3, 4, 5, 6 3.3 Vdc Input

9Alarm

10 DCD_LED

11 Serial Configuration

12 CTS (Clear-to-Send)—Goes “high” after the

programmed CTS delay time has elapsed (DCE), or keys

an attached radio when RF data arrives (CTS KEY).

CTS_N-485_DE

13 RXD (Received Data)—Supplies received data to the

connected device

14 RTS (Request-to-Send)

15 TXD (Transmitted Data)—

Accepts TX data from the connected device

16 Power Supply Shutdown PS_SHDN

17 Sleep

18 DIAG_RXD

19 DIAG_TXD

20 Reserved. Do not connect.

Summary of content (6 pages)

PAGE 1
MDS TransNET-SF9 Publication No. 05-6334A01, Rev. 01 1.0 2.0 INTRODUCTION The MDS TransNET-SF9 (Figure 1), is a modular spread spectrum transceiver designed for use in the license-free 902-928 MHz band. The unit is designed for use inside data equipment to provide reliable connectivity in wireless networks. The SF9 employs a closed-loop power control circuit, ensuring that the RF output never exceeds +30 dBm at the antenna connector. The module is designed for OEM use only.
PAGE 2
COMMAND 6. Set the radio’s basic configuration with a PC terminal connected to J3. The three essential settings for all transceivers are: • • • Mode: Master, Remote, or Extension Network Address: A unique number from 1 to 65000 Data Interface Parameters: bps, data bits, parity, stop bits 7. Observe the transceiver LED status panel for proper indications (see Table 2). DESCRIPTION FEC [ON, OFF] Sets/disables FEC  (Forward Error Correction) setting.
PAGE 3
Table 5: Operational Configuration (Continued) Table 6: Operating Status—Display Only (Continued) COMMAND DESCRIPTION COMMAND DESCRIPTION MODE [M, R, X] Operating mode:  M = Master, R = Remote, X = Extension DEVICE Device behavior MRSSI [NONE, -40...-90] Minimum RSSI level required to preserve synchronization with a Master radio for Remotes in mobile service. HOPTIME Hop-time value in milliseconds (ms).
PAGE 4
Table 6: Operating Status—Display Only (Continued) COMMAND DESCRIPTION XMAP Included Extended units in MODE X.  (Extensions and Remotes only). XRSSI Minimum RSSI level required to preserve  synchronization with a non-primary radio. (Only meaningful when XPRI is not NONE) Table 7: Diagnostic and Test Functions 4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING Successful troubleshooting is not difficult, but requires a logical approach.
PAGE 5
Table 9: Troubleshooting Chart (Continued) No synchronization with Master, or poor overall performance a.Check for secure interface connections at the radio and the connected device. b.Check the antenna, feedline and connectors. Reflected power should be less than 10% of the forward power reading (SWR » 2:1 or lower). c. If the Remote radio is in synchronization, but performance is poor, check the received signal strength using the RSSI command.
PAGE 6
4.5 Technical Assistance Factory technical assistance is available by contacting GE MDS during business hours (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time). Use one of the following means to contact the factory: Telephone: (585) 241-5510 FAX: (585) 242-8369 E-mail: gemds.techsupport@ge.com Web: www.gemds.com FCC Part 15 and Industry Canada RSS Notice This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).