(Including MDS 4710A/C and MDS 9710 A/C) 400 MHz/900 MHz Remote Data Transceiver MDS 05-3305A01, Rev.
QUICK START GUIDE Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Detailed instructions are given in “INSTALLATION” on page 9 of this guide. 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. 2. Connect the data equipment to the radio’s INTERFACE connector • Connection to the radio must be made with a DB-25 Male connector.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 GENERAL.................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 1 1.2 Applications ...................................................................................... 2 Point-to-Multipoint, Multiple Address Systems (MAS) ........................ 2 Point-to-Point System .........................................................................
DMGAP [xx]...................................................................................... 25 DTYPE [NODE/ROOT] ..................................................................... 26 DUMP ............................................................................................... 26 HREV................................................................................................ 26 INIT...................................................................................................
Copyright Notice This Installation and Operation Guide and all software described herein are protected by copyright: 2000 Microwave Data Systems Inc. All rights reserved. Microwave Data Systems Inc. reserves its right to correct any errors and omissions in this publication. RF Exposure Operational Safety Notices The radio equipment described in this guide emits radio frequency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard.
The transceiver has been recognized for use in these hazardous locations by three independent agencies —Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The UL certification for the transceiver is as a Recognized Component for use in these hazardous locations, in accordance with UL Standard 1604. The FMRC Approval is in accordance with FMRC Standard 3611. The CSA Certification is in accordance with CSA STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987.
Revision Notice 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. Distress Beacon Warning In the U.S.A.
vi MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev.
1.0 GENERAL 1.1 Introduction This guide presents installation and operating instructions for the MDS 4710/9710 Series (400/900 MHz) 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.
1.2 Applications Point-to-Multipoint, Multiple Address Systems (MAS) This is the most common application of the transceiver. It consists of a central master station and several associated remote units as shown in Figure 2. An MAS network provides communications between a central host computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection devices. The operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer equipment.
Point-to-Point System Where permitted, the transceiver may also be used in a point-to-point arrangement. A point-to-point system consists of just two radios—one serving as a master and the other as a remote—as shown in Figure 3. It provides a simplex or half-duplex communications link for the transfer of data between two locations. Invisible place holder HOST COMPUTER MASTER RTU REMOTE Figure 3.
Invisible place holder THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. DO NOT USE FOR PRODUCT ORDERING. RECEIVE FREQUENCY (A) 380-400 MHz* (B) 400-420 MHz (C) 420-450 MHz (D) 450-480 MHz (E) 480-512 MHz INPUT VOLTAGE (L4) 406-430 MHz** 1= 10.
Table 1. MDS 4710/9710 Optional Accessories MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. B Accessory Description MDS P/N Hand-Held Terminal Kit (HHT) Terminal that plugs into the radio for programming, diagnostics & control. Includes carrying case and cable set. 02-1501A01 RTU Simulator Test unit that simulates data from a remote terminal unit. Comes with polling software that runs on a PC. Useful for testing radio operation. 03-2512A01 Order Wire Module External device that allows temporary voice communication.
2.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS If you are new to digital radio systems, some of the terms used in this guide may be unfamiliar. The following glossary explains many of these terms and will prove helpful in understanding the operation of the transceiver. Active Messaging—This is a mode of diagnostic gathering that may interrupt SCADA system polling communications (contrast with passive messaging).
DSP—Digital Signal Processing. In the MDS 4710/9710 transceiver, the DSP circuitry is responsible for the most critical real-time tasks; primarily modulation, demodulation, and servicing of the data port. DTE—Data Terminal Equipment. A device that provides data in the form of digital signals at its output. Connects to the DCE device. Equalization—The process of reducing the effects of amplitude, frequency or phase distortion with compensating networks.
Network-Wide Diagnostics—An advanced method of controlling and interrogating MDS radios in a radio network. Non-intrusive diagnostics—See Passive messaging. Passive messaging—This is a mode of diagnostic gathering that does not interrupt SCADA system polling communications. Diagnostic data is collected non-intrusively over a period of time; polling messages are carried with SCADA system data (contrast with active messaging).
3.0 INSTALLATION There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver—adequate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct data connections between the transceiver and the data device. Figure 6 shows a typical remote station arrangement. 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 6. Typical Remote Station Arrangement 3.
with the use of the DATAKEY command. Additional connections may be required for some installations. Refer to the complete list of pin functions provided in Table 4 on page 14. 4. Measure and install the primary power for the radio. The red wire on the power cable is the positive lead; the black is negative. 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.
3.2 Transceiver Mounting Figure 7 shows the mounting dimensions of the transceiver. Invisible place holder AAA AA A AA AAA AA AA AA AA 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 2.25" 57 mm 2.0" 50 mm 5.625" 143 mm AAAAAAAAA Figure 7. 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 8. 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 2 and Table 3 show the losses that will occur when using various lengths and types of cable at 400 and 960 MHz. Regardless of the type of cable used, it should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal loss. Table 2.
3.4 Power Connection The transceiver can be operated from any well-filtered 10.5 to 16 Vdc power source. The power supply should be capable of providing at least 2.5 amperes of continuous current. The red wire on the power cable is the positive lead; the black is negative. NOTE: The radio is designed for use only in negative ground systems. 3.
Sleep Mode Example: Suppose you need communications to each remote site only once per hour. Program the RTU to raise an RS-232 line once each hour (DTR for example) and wait for a poll and response before lowering it again. Connect this line to Pin 12 of the radio’s DATA INTERFACE connector. This will allow each RTU to be polled once per hour with a significant savings in power consumption. Table 4. DATA INTERFACE Connector Pinouts 14 Pin Number Input/ Output 1 -- Protective Ground.
Table 4. DATA INTERFACE Connector Pinouts (Continued) Pin Number Input/ Output 15 -- .Remote RTU Reset. Do not connect. Reserved for future use. 16 IN PTT—Push to Talk. This line is used to key the radio with an active-low signal of 0 Vdc. 17 -- Do not connect—Reserved for future use. 18 IN/OUT Accessory Power. Unregulated Input/Output. Provides a source of input power for low current accessories. Excessive drain on this connection will trip self-resetting fuse F1 on the transceiver PC board.
connector.—See Section 5.0, TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING on page 17. This can also be done with a DC voltmeter as described in Section 4.2, RSSI Measurement (page 16). 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.
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) and 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 X Y R ENTE ACE ESC SP SP BK W Z Figure 10. 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 is a possible 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. 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 05-3305A01, Rev. B Function DUMP Details page 26 Display all programmable settings. HREV Details page 26 Display the Hardware Revision level. INIT Details page 26 Set radio parameters to factory defaults. INIT [4710/9710] Details page 26 Configure radio for use without P-20 chassis. Restores certain transceiver defaults before using the INIT x720 command. INIT [4720/9720] Details page 27 Configure radio for use with P-20 chassis.
5.4 Detailed Command Descriptions The only critical commands for most applications are transmit and receive frequencies (RX xxx.xxxx, TX xxx.xxxx). However, proper use of the additional commands allows you to tailor the transceiver for a specific use, or conduct basic diagnostics on the radio. This section gives more detailed information for the user commands previously listed in Table 7 (page 20). In many cases, the commands shown here can be used in two ways.
Table 8. Text messages of alarm event codes (Continued) Event Number Text Message 11 Checksum fault 12 Receiver time-out 16 Unit address not programmed 17 Data parity error 18 Data framing error 20 Configuration error 25 6V regulator output not in valid range 26 DC input power is not in valid range 31 Internal Temperature not in valid range ASENSE [HI/LO] The ASENSE command sets or displays the sense of the alarm output at Pin 25 of the DATA INTERFACE connector.
BUFF [ON, OFF] This command sets or displays the received data handling mode of the radio. The command parameter is either ON or OFF. The default is ON. The setting of this parameter affects the timing of how received RF data is sent out the INTERFACE connector. Outgoing (transmitted) data is not affected by this setting. If data buffering is OFF, the radio operates with the lowest possible average latency. Data bytes are thus sent out the INTERFACE port as soon as an incoming RF data frame is disassembled.
If DATAKEY is set to ON, the radio will key when a full data-character is received at the transceiver’s DATA INTERFACE connector. If DATAKEY is set to OFF, the radio needs to be keyed by asserting either the RTS or PTT signal or with the CKEY or KEY command. DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY] The DEVICE command controls or displays the device behavior of the radio. The command parameter is either DCE or CTS KEY. The default selection is DCE.
DTYPE [NODE/ROOT] This command establishes the local radio as a root radio or node radio for network-wide diagnostics. Entering DTYPE NODE configures the radio as a node radio. Entering DTYPE ROOT configures the radio as a root radio. Entering the DTYPE command alone displays the current setting. See “Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics” on page 37. DUMP This command displays all the programmed settings with this one command. The HHT display is too small to list all the command settings at one time.
INIT [4720/9720] This command sets the transceiver for operation inside the P-20 chassis by setting the following parameters as shown: ASENSE ACTIVE LO AMASK FFFF 0000 RXTOT 20 (trigger on major alarms) (20 minute time-out timer) 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. For digital operation enter 9600 (MDS x710A) or 19200 (MDS x710C).
This command displays or sets the desired RF forward output power setting of the radio. The PWR command parameter is specified in dBm and can range from 20 through 37. The default setting is 37 dBm (5 watts). To read the actual (measured) power output of the radio, use the SHOW PWR command. A dBm-to-watts conversion chart is provided in Section 7.5 (page 40). RSSI This command continuously displays the radio’s Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) in dBm units, until you press the Enter key.
SCD [0-255] This command displays or changes the soft-carrier dekey delay in milliseconds. This timer specifies how long to wait after the removal of the keying signal before actually releasing the transmitter. A value of 0 milliseconds will unkey the transmitter immediately after the removal of the keying signal. SER This command displays the radio’s serial number as recorded at the factory. SHOW [DC, PORT, PWR] The SHOW command displays different types of information based on the command variables.
If an alarm does exist, a two-digit code (00–31) is displayed and the alarm is identified as “Major” or “Minor.” A brief description of the alarm code is also given. If more than one alarm exists, the word MORE appears at the bottom of the screen and additional alarms are viewed by pressing the ENTER key. Detailed descriptions of event codes are provided in Table 9 on page 32. TEMP This command displays the internal temperature of the transceiver in degrees Celsius.
• Secure connections (RF, data and power) • An efficient and properly aligned antenna system with a good received signal strength of at least –90 dBm. (It is possible for a system to operate with weaker signals, but reliability will be degraded.) • Proper programming of the transceiver’s operating parameters (see Section 5.0, TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING on page 17). • The correct interface between the transceiver and the connected data equipment (correct cable wiring, proper data format, timing, etc.) 6.
Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms Major Alarms—report serious conditions that generally indicate a hardware failure, or other abnormal condition that will prevent (or seriously hamper) further operation of the transceiver. Major alarms generally indicate the need for factory repair. Contact MDS for further assistance. Minor Alarms—report conditions that, under most circumstances will not prevent transceiver operation. This includes out-of-tolerance conditions, baud rate mismatches, etc.
Table 9. Event Codes (Continued) Event Code Event Class 26 Minor 27, 28 -- 31 Minor Description The DC input voltage is out-of-tolerance. If the voltage is too far out of tolerance, operation may fail. Not used The transceiver’s internal temperature is approaching an out-of-tolerance condition. If the temperature drifts outside of the recommended operating range, system operation may fail. 7.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE 7.
TRANSMITTER 4710* 9710** 380–400 MHz 800–880 MHz 400–450 MHz 880–960 MHz 450–512 MHz 406–530 MHz *Refer to Figure 4 on page 4 to determine which band the radio operates on. **Refer to Figure 5 on page 4 to determine which band the radio operates on. Modulation Type: Binary CPFSK Carrier Power: 0.1 watts to 5 watts Duty Cycle: Continuous Output Impedance: 50 ohms Frequency Stability: ±1.5 ppm Channel Spacing: MDS x710A: 12.
Spurious Response Rejection: Intermodulation Response Rejection: Receiver Spurious Conducted Emissions: Receiver Spurious Radiated Emissions: Bandwidth: 70 dB 65 dB –57 dBm, 9 kHz to 1 GHz –47 dBm, 1 GHz to 12.5 GHz –57 dBm, 30 MHz to 1 GHz –47 dBm, 1 GHz to 12.5 GHz MDS x710A: 12.5 kHz MDS x710C: 25 kHz PRIMARY POWER Voltage: TX Supply Current: RX Supply Current: Power Connector: Fuse: Reverse Polarity Protection: 13.8 Vdc Nominal (10.5 to 16 Vdc) 2.
7.2 Helical Filter Adjustment If the frequency of the radio is changed more than 5 MHz, the helical filters should be adjusted for maximum received signal strength (RSSI). To adjust the filters, proceed as follows: 1. Remove the top cover from the transceiver by loosening the four screws and lifting straight up. 2. Locate the helical filters on the PC board. See Figure 13. 3. Apply a steady signal to the radio at the programmed receive frequency (–80 dBm level recommended; no stronger than –60 dBm).
7.3 Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics Diagnostics data from a remote radio can be obtained by connecting a laptop or personal computer running MDS InSite diagnostics software to any radio in the network. Figure 14 shows an example of a setup for performing network-wide remote diagnostics.
2. At the root radio, use the DLINK ON and DLINK [baud rate] commands to configure the diagnostic link protocol on the RJ-11 port. 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.
Software upgrades are distributed as ASCII files with a “.S28” extension. These files use the Motorola S-record format. When the download is activated, the radio’s PWR LED will flash rapidly, confirming that a download is in process. The download takes about two minutes. NOTE: If a download fails, the radio is left unprogrammed and inoperative. This is indicated by the PWR LED flashing slowly (1 second on/1 second off).
7.5 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart Table 10 is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent wattage or voltage of an RF power expressed in dBm. Table 10. dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion—for 50 Ohm Systems 40 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 12.5W 10W 8W 6.
NOTES MDS 05-3305A01, Rev.
42 MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev.
INDEX A ACCESS DENIED error message 20 Accessories 4 Accessory Power pinout (Pin 18) 15 Active messaging (defined) 6 Alarms alarm code definitions 32 major vs.
Decibel (dB), defined 6 Description, product 1 DEVICE command 25 Diagnostic Channel Enable, pinout (Pin 23) 15 Diagnostics interface specifications 35 network-wide, performing 37 PC software used for 38 using InSite software for network-wide 37 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 handling mode (BUFF comm
helical filter locations 36 MAS network 2 network-wide diagnostics 37 point-to-point link 3 remote station arrangement 9 RJ-11 to DB-9 adapter cable 38 RSSI vs.
installation 9 measuring RSSI with DC voltmeter 16 network-wide diagnostics 37 operation 15, 16 performance optimization 15 reading LED status indicators 16 resetting Hand-Held Terminal (HHT) 18 troubleshooting 30–33 Product accessories 4 description 1 display model number code (MODEL command) 27 display radio serial number (SER command) 29 model number codes 3 Programming radio as root or node 37 Programming, transceiver 17–30 PTT command 27 pinout (Pins 14, 16) 14 PWR command 27 LED 16 R Radio Configurat
length vs.
I-6 MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev.
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. FACTORY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Technical assistance for our products is available from our Customer Support Team during business hours (8:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. Eastern Time).
175 Science Parkway, Rochester, New York 14620 General Business: +1 (716) 242-9600 FAX: +1 (716) 242-9620 Web: www.microwavedata.
