MDS TransNET 900“ TransNET 900“ Spread Spectrum Data Transceiver MDS 05-2708A01 Rev.
QUICK START GUIDE Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Detailed instructions are given in INSTALLATION on page 24 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-9 Male connector.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 ABOUT THIS MANUAL ............................................................... 9 2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ......................................................... 9 Transceiver Features....................................................................10 Model Configuration Codes ..........................................................10 2.1 Spread Spectrum Radios How Are They Different? ....................10 2.2 Typical Applications .............................................
Sleep Mode Example ...................................................................31 6.0 OPERATION.............................................................................. 31 6.1 Initial Start-up .................................................................................31 6.2 Performance Optimization ..............................................................32 Antenna Aiming ............................................................................32 Antenna SWR Check.................
Checking for Alarms STAT command ........................................50 Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms .....................................................50 Alarm Code Definitions .................................................................50 8.3 Troubleshooting Chart ....................................................................52 9.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE ....................................................... 52 9.1 Technical Specifications .................................................
¥ We are committed to the continuous improvement of all of our systems and processes, to improve product quality and increase customer satisfaction. FM/UL/CSA Notice MDS TransNET 900“ When Approved This product is available for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D Hazardous Locations. Such locations are defined in Article 500 of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication NFPA 70, otherwise known as the National Electrical Code.
Refer to Articles 500 through 502 of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) for further information on hazardous locations and approved Division 2 wiring methods. FCC Part 15 Notice The MDS TransNET 900“ transceivers comply 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.
vi MDS TransNET 900 I/O Guide MDS 05-3301A01, Rev.
1.0 ABOUT THIS MANUAL This guide presents installation and operating instructions for the MDS TransNET 900™ transceivers. Following installation, we suggest keeping this guide near the equipment for future reference. 2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The transceiver, shown in Figure 1, is a spread spectrum radio designed for license-free operation in the 900 MHz frequency band.
THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. DO NOT USE FOR PRODUCT ORDERING.
Invisible place holder REMOTE RADIO RTU M RTU DAT DS A TRA NS98 CEI 10 VER M DS PWR SYNC DATA 98 TXD 10 INTER FACE REMOTE RADIO RXD IDIAG 13.8 + VDC ANTE NNA – – RTU M DAT DS A TRA NS98 CEI 10 VER M PWR DS SYNC DATA 98 10 TXD INTER FACE RXD IDIAG 13.8 + VDC ANTE NNA – – M DAT DS A TRA NS98 CEI 10 VER M PWR DS SYNC DATA 98 10 TXD INTER FACE RXD IDIAG 13.
Invisible place holder HOST SYSTEM RTU MASTER RADIO REMOTE RADIO Figure 5. Typical point-to-point link Tail-End Link ( MAS Extension ) A tail-end link can be used to extend the range of a traditional (licensed) MAS system. This might be required if an outlying site is blocked from the MAS master station by a natural or man-made obstruction.
Invisible place holder REPEATER LINK INT -PO -TO T IN PO REMOTE RADIO K LIN RTU MASTER RADIO Null-Modem Cable MASTER RADIO REMOTE RADIO RTU REMOTE RADIO HOST COMPUTER RTU REMOTE RADIO Figure 7. Typical repeater system configuration 2.3 Accessories The MDS TransNET 900 transceivers can be used with one or more of the accessories listed in Table 1. Contact the factory for ordering details. Table 1.
Data Circuit-terminating Equipment—See DCE. Data Communications Equipment—See DCE. Data Terminal Equipment—See DTE. dBi—Decibels referenced to an “ideal” isotropic radiator in free space. Frequently used to express antenna gain. dBm—Decibels referenced to one milliwatt. An absolute unit used to measure signal power, as in transmitter power output, or received signal strength. DCE—Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (or Data Communications Equipment).
Master (Station)—The one radio transceiver in a spread spectrum network that automatically provides synchronization information to one or more associated remote transceivers. A radio may be programmed for either master or remote mode using software commands. See Section 7.0, TRANCEIVER PROGRAMMING (beginning on page 22). MCU—Microcontroller Unit. This is the processor responsible for controlling system start-up, synthesizer loading, hop timing, and key-up control. Microcontroller Unit—See MCU.
4.1 General Requirements There are three main requirements for installing the radio—adequate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct interface between the transceiver and the data device. Figure 8 shows a typical remote station arrangement. At a remote station, a directional antenna is normally used, and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) or other telemetry equipment replaces the host computer normally used in a master station.
A line-of-sight transmission path between the master station and its associated remote site(s) is highly desirable and provides the most reliable communications link. A line-of-sight path can often be achieved by mounting the station antenna on a tower or other elevated structure that raises it to a level sufficient to clear surrounding terrain and other obstructions. The importance of a clear transmission path relates closely to the distance to be covered by the system.
4.3 A Word About Radio Interference The MDS TransNET 900™ transceivers share frequency spectrums with other services and other Part 15 (unlicensed) devices in the USA. As such, near 100% error free communications may not be achieved in a given location, and some level of interference should be expected.
NOTE: Antenna polarization is important. If the wrong polarization is used, a signal reduction of 20 dB or more will result. Most systems using a gain-type omnidirectional antenna at the master station employ vertical polarization of the signal; therefore, the remote antenna(s) must also be vertically polarized (elements oriented perpendicular to the horizon). When required, horizontally polarized omnidirectional antennas are also available. Contact your MDS representative for details.
suited for 900 MHz, such as Heliax®. Table 2 lists several types of feedlines and indicates the signal losses (in dB) that result when using various lengths of each cable at 900 MHz. The choice of cable will depend on the required length, cost considerations, and the amount of signal loss that can be tolerated. Table 2. Length vs. loss in coaxial cables at 900 MHz Cable Type 10 Feet 50 Feet 100 Feet 500 Feet (3.05 Meters) (15.24 Meters) (30.48 Meters) (152.4 Meters) RG-8A/U 0.85 dB 4.27 dB 8.54 dB 42.
For convenience, Table 3 lists several antenna system gains and shows the maximum allowable power setting of the radio. Note that a gain of 6 dB or less entitles you to operate the radio at full power output—30 dBm (1 watt). Table 3. Antenna system gain vs.
Invisible place holder INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE F5 E F4 A F * K– O 5 H4 L P 6 I 1 G) / J 2 C B( F1 3 D F3 F2 9 N T 8 M7 S # V + Y X = Q , . 0 R WESC BK SP EN AC TE R E SP T IF SH U RL CT Z HAND-HELD TERMINAL (OPTIONAL) Graphic is pending 13.8 VDC POWER CABLE TRANSCEIVER Figure 11. Typical Transceiver shipment Below are the basic steps for installing the MDS TransNET 900™ transceivers.
Invisible place holder Figure 12. Transceiver mounting dimensions CAUTION POSSIBLE EQUIPMENT DAMAGE The screws holding the brackets to the radio are 5⁄16 inch (8 mm) long so as not to damage the radio’s PC board when tightened. If these screws are replaced for any reason, the new screws must not exceed this length. 2. Install the antenna and antenna feedline for the station. Antennas should be mounted in the clear and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Invisible place holder Figure 13. Transceiver interface connector pins As viewed from outside the radio NOTE: The data cabling between the transceiver and the connected device should be kept as short as possible. Cable runs over 50 feet (15 meters) may require the use of EIA-422 signaling. Consult the factory for details. 4. Measure and install the primary power for the transceiver. It must be within 5–24 Vdc* and be capable of furnishing up to 500 mA. Be sure to observe proper polarity.
Antennas Omnidirectional antennas are normally required at all stations in a simplex system. The transmission range may be significantly reduced as compared with stations using directional antennas, so it is especially important that sites be chosen to allow sufficient signal strength between all units. A discussion of site selection is provided in Section 4.2. 5.
Antennas Two antennas are required at repeater stations—one for each radio. Measures must be taken to minimize the chance of interference between these antennas. One effective technique for limiting interference is to employ vertical separation. In this arrangement, one antenna is mounted directly over the other, separated by at least 10 feet (3 Meters). This takes advantage of the minimal radiation exhibited by most antennas directly above and below their driven elements.
Software Programming (TDD Command) As with other repeater systems, the network must be configured for TDD operation by programming the master radio with TDD ON. This places the DATA INTERFACE port in time division duplex (sometimes called “simulated full-duplex”) mode.
6.0 OPERATION 6.1 Initial Start-up In-service operation of the MDS TransNET 900™ transceiver is completely automatic. Once the unit has been properly installed and configured, operator actions are limited to observing the LED status indicators for proper operation. If all parameters are correctly set, operation of the radio can be started by following these steps: 1. Apply primary power to the radio. 2. Observe the transceiver LED status panel (Figure 17) for the proper indications.
Antenna Aiming For optimum performance of directional antennas, they must be accurately aimed in the direction of desired transmission. The easiest way to do this is to point the antenna in the approximate direction, then use the remote radio’s built-in Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) feature to further refine the heading for maximum received signal strength. In an MAS system, RSSI readings are only meaningful when initiated from a remote station.
7.0 TRANCEIVER PROGRAMMING There are no manual adjustments on the transceiver. Programming and control is performed through a PC connected to the Data Interface connector on the transceiver. NOTE: The Diagnostic port (RJ-11 connector) uses 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. It can automatically configure itself to function at 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 38400, 57600, and 115200 baud. 7.1 Programming Methods 1.
Entering Commands The proper procedure for entering commands is to type the command, followed by an ENTER keystroke. For programming commands, the command is followed by SPACE and the appropriate information or values, then ENTER . Table 5. Command summary MDS 05-2708A01, Rev. A These programming commands can only be set at the master radio. NETWORK CONFIGURATION COMMAND DESCRIPTION Details Page 27 ON = Seamless data, OFF = Fast byte throughput.
Table 5. Command summary (Continued) COMMAND ADDR [1...65000] DESCRIPTION Program network address Details Page 26 AMASK [0000 0000–FFFF FFFF] Sets alarm response. Default is FFFF FFFF. Details Page 27 Details Page 27 Changes the sense of the alarm output. Default sense is HI. BAUD [xxxxx abc] Set data communication parameters ASENSE [HI/LO] Details Page 27 SET/PROGRAM COMMANDS CTS [0–255] Details Page 28 Program CTS delay in milliseconds.
Table 5. Command summary (Continued) COMMAND ADDR [1...65000] DESCRIPTION Network address (1-65000) Details Page 26 AMASK [0000 0000–FFFF FFFF] Sets alarm mask (response). Default is FFFF FFFF. Details Page 27 ASENSE [HI/LO] Details Page 27 BAUD [xxxxx abc] Details Page 27 Changes the sense of the alarm output. Default sense is HI. Display data communication parameters.
Table 5. Command summary (Continued) SSNR DESCRIPTION Signal-to-noise ratio. Expressed in dB. Details Page 33 (CONTINUED) SREV DIAGNOSTIC/TEST DISPLAY OPERATING STATUS COMMAND Display transceiver firmware revision level Details Page 34 STAT Show current alarm status Details Page 34 TTEMP Transceiver’s internal temperature (°C) Details Page 34 UNIT [10000–65000] Details Page 34 Show programmed unit address for network-wide diagnostics KEY Enables the transmitter.
NOTE: It is recommended that the last four digits of the master radio’s serial number be used for the network address (or chassis serial number if the radio is installed in a P-20 redundant chassis). ALARM Table and information pending. AMASK [0000 0000–FFFF FFFF] This command sets the alarm bits that cause the alarm output signal to be triggered. The PWR LED will still flash for all alarms, but the alarm output signal will only be activated for those alarms that have the corresponding mask bit set.
If data buffering is set to OFF, the radio will operate with the lowest possible average latency. Data bytes are sent out the DATA INTERFACE port as soon as an incoming RF data frame is disassembled. Average and typical latency will both be below 10 ms, but idle character gaps may be introduced into the outgoing data flow. If data buffering is ON, the radio will operate in a seamless mode.
The default selection is DCE. In this mode, CTS will go high following RTS, subject to the CTS programmable delay time. Keying is stimulated by the input of characters at the data port. Hardware flow control is implemented by dropping the CTS line if data arrives faster than it can be transmitted. If CTS KEY is selected, the radio is assumed to be controlling another radio, such as in a repeater system. The RTS line is ignored and the CTS line is used as a keyline control for the other radio.
Changes to the HOPTIME setting may only be made at the master radio. (This is because the master radio establishes the hop time setting for the entire network.) At remote radios, the hop time setting may be read when the radio is in synchronization with the master, but it may not be changed. MODE [M, R, R-M] The MODE command sets or displays the operating mode of the radio. A master radio is designated by an M; a remote is designated by an R.
For a remote radio, under normal operation, RSSI is based on the average signal strength of the SYNC message received in each of the eight frequency zones. (RSSI is sampled each time a SYNC message is received—every 1.6 seconds.) When using the RSSI reading to align a directional antenna, it is important to make changes slowly so that the RSSI reading will provide meaningful results. It will take several seconds to indicate a change in signal level. The radio stays in RSSI mode until ENTER is pressed.
When the SEND command is issued without parameters, the cumulative retransmission count is shown. A value of 1 represents the default selection, meaning “normal, non-robust operation.” Values greater than 1 successively improve the chance of successful data delivery in spectrally harsh environments. (Note that the SEND count for a remote radio is only viewable when the remote is synchronized with its master station.) There are two formats for entering the SEND command.
A timer keeps the Setup mode from accidentally leaving the system disabled. After 10 minutes the system behaves as if Q or QUIT had been entered, returning to normal operation. SHOW [PORT, DC, PWR] The SHOW command displays three types of information based on the command variables. These are: • PORT—Displays which connector port (RJ-11 or DB-9) is currently active for diagnostics and control. • DC—Displays DC input/output voltages. • PWR—Displays the actual (measured) RF power output in dBm.
SREV This command displays the software version currently loaded into the transceiver. A display of 06-3111A01, 3.5.1 is an example of the software version identifier. STAT This command is used to check alarm status. If an alarm does exist, a two-digit event code (00–31) is displayed and the event is identified as a “major” or “minor” alarm. A brief description of the event is also given.
• • • • Adequate and stable primary power An efficient and properly aligned antenna system Secure connections (RF, data & power) Proper programming of the radio’s operating parameters, especially Mode selection (MODE), Network Address (ADDR), and interface Baud Rate (BAUD) • The correct interface between the radio and the connected data equipment (proper cable wiring, data format and timing). 8.
With the exception of alarm code 00 (network address not programmed), major alarms generally indicate the need for factory repair. Contact MDS for further assistance. Minor alarms report conditions which, 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 system failure.
8.3 Troubleshooting Chart Table 10 provides suggestions for resolving system difficulties that may be experienced in the radio system. If problems persist, contact the factory for further assistance. Refer to the inside back cover of this guide for contact information. Table 10. Troubleshooting chart Difficulty Recommended System Checks Unit is inoperative. a. Check for the proper supply voltage at the power connector. Interference is suspected. a. Verify that the system has a unique network address.
Primary Power: Supply Current (typical): Transmit: Receive: Sleep Mode: Size (excluding mtg. hardware): Enclosed Version: : Board Version: : Case: Pending Approvals: 13.8 Vdc (10.5–30 Vdc range)* * Units shipped prior to the year 2000 may be configured for 25 Vdc maximum DC input. MDS TransNET 900™: 400 mA @ 13.8 Vdc MDS TransNET 900™: 125 mA @ 13.8 Vdc <5 mA @ 13.8 Vdc 5.30" x 3.50” x 1.40" 135 x 89 x 36 mm 4.00"W x 3.25 ” x 0.50" 102 x 83 x 13 mm Die-cast aluminum • FCC Part 15.
9.2 Data Interface Connections (DB-9) The DATA INTERFACE connector is used to connect the radio to an external DTE data terminal that supports the EIA-232 format. The radio supports data rates of 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 bps (asynchronous data only). The DATA INTERFACE connector mates with a standard DB-9 plug that is available from many electronics parts distributors. Figure 19 shows the layout of the DATA INTERFACE connector.
Table 11. Data interface connector (DB-9) pin descriptions(Continued) Pin Number Input/ Output 6 OUT Pin Description Alarm Output A logic low (less than 0.5 volts) on this in indicates normal operation. A logic high (greater than 4 volts) indicates that an alarm condition is present. This pin can be used as an alarm output, provided the internal series resistance of 1 kW is considered. DSR—Data Set Ready Provides a +6 Vdc DSR signal through a 2.5 kΩ resistor.
Table 12. dBm-Watts-Volts conversion—for 50 ohm systems MDS 05-2708A01, Rev. A 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 6.4W 5W 4W 3.2W 2.5W 2W 1.6W 1.25W 1.0W 800mW 640mW 500mW 400mW 320mW 250mW 200mW 160mW 125mW 100mW 80mW 64mW 50mW 40mW 32mW 25mW 20mW 16mW 12.
NOTES 42 MDS TransNET I/O Guide MDS 05-2708A01, Rev.
A Accessories (table) 14 ADDR command (set/display radio network address) 38 Alarm checking for 50 code definitions 50 codes 50 codes, table 50 major vs. minor 50 receiver timeout (RXTOT command) 45 reset output signal 39 set/display output sense (ASENSE command) 39 status (STAT command) 48 ALARM command (obsolete; see STAT command) 48 AMASK command (configure alarm output signal) 39 Antenna installation 26 performance optimization 32 selection 21 SWR check 32 system gain vs.
OWN (set/display optional owner s name) 43 PWR (set/display RF forward output power) 43 RSSI (display received signal strength) 43 RTU (enable/disable internal RTU) 44 RX (set/display test receive frequency) 44 RXTOT (set/display received data timeout value) 45 SEND (set/display number of re-sends) 45 set/program 36 SETUP (enter testing and setup mode) 46 SHOW (display active port, dc volts, measured power output) 47 SIMPLEX (set/display simplex/half-duplex operation) 47 SKIP (set/display frequency zone to
temperature, internal (TEMP command) 48 test receive frequency (RX command) 44 DKEY command (dekey transmitter) 32, 38, 46 DMGAP command (set/display time to wait between characters) 42 DSP (Digital Signal Processing), defined 15 DTE, defined 15 DTYPE command (set radio s diagnostics type) 42 E EEPROM FAILURE error message 35 Enable internal RTU (RTU command) 44 master/remote operation (MODE command) 43 Setup mode (SETUP command) 46 simplex/half-duplex operation (SIMPLEX command) 47 skipped zone (SKIP comma
Installation 24—31 antenna 26 connecting transceiver to data equipment 26, 34 feedline selection 22 peer-to-peer systems 27 performance optimization 32 primary power 27 repeaters 28 requirements 17 site selection 18 site survey 19 tail-end links 27 transmission path 18 Interference about 20 checks 33 troubleshooting 52 K Key set to CTS keying (DEVICE command) 41 transmitter, for antenna SWR check 32 KEY command (key transmitter) 32, 38, 46 L Latency, defined 16 LED status indicators illustrated 32 table 32
power usage 23 Point-to-point system link, illustrated 12 Poll, defined 16 Power how much can be run 23 measuring and installing primary 27 set/display RF forward output (PWR command)Set RF forward output power (PWR command) 43 sleep mode 30 Procedures antenna aiming 32 antenna and feedline selection 21 antenna SWR check 32 connecting data equipment to DATA INTERFACE connector 26, 34 enabling sleep mode 30 entering commands using Hand-Held Terminal (HHT) 35 installation 24—31 installation planning 17 insta
master/remote operation (MODE command) 43 network address (ADDR command) 38 owner s message (OWM command) 43 owner s name (OWN command) 43 received data handling mode (BUFF command) 40 received data timeout value (RXTOT command) 45 simplex or half-duplex operation (SIMPLEX command) 47 test receive frequency (RX command) 44 testing mode (SETUP command) 46 Set/program commands 36 SETUP command (enter testing and setup mode) 46 SHOW command (display active port, dc volts, measured power output) 47 Simplex inst
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).
175 Science Parkway, Rochester, New York 14620 General Business: +1 (716) 242-9600 FAX: +1 (716) 242-9620 World Wide Web: http://www.mdsroc.
175 Science Parkway, Rochester, New York 14620 General Business: +1 (716) 242-9600 FAX: +1 (716) 242-9620 World Wide Web: http://www.mdsroc.
