User's Manual

MDS 05-2708A01, Rev. A MDS TransNET I/O Guide 7
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.
Mode—This refers to the programmed function of an MDS spread spectrum
radio—master or remote. (See also Remote Station and Master Station.)
Multiple Address System (MAS)—See Point-Multipoint System.
Network Address—User-selectable number between 1 and 65000 that is used
to identify a group of transceivers that form a communications network. The
master and all remotes within a given system must have the same network
address.
Point-Multipoint System—A radio communications network or system
designed with a central control station that exchanges data with a number of
remote locations equipped with terminal equipment.
Poll—A request for data issued from the host computer (or master PLC) to a
remote radio.
PLC—Programmable Logic Controller. A dedicated microprocessor
configured for a specific application with discrete inputs and outputs. It can
serve as a host or as an RTU.
Remote Radio—A radio in a spread spectrum network that communicates with
an associated master station. A radio may be programmed for either master or
remote mode using software commands. See Section 7.0, TRANCEIVER
PROGRAMMING (beginning on page 22).
Remote Terminal Unit—See RTU.
RTU—Remote Terminal Unit. A data collection device installed at a remote
radio site.
SCADA—Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition. An overall term for the
functions commonly provided through an MAS radio system.
Standing Wave Ratio—See SWR.
SWR—Standing Wave Ratio. A parameter related to the ratio between
forward transmitter power and the reflected power from the antenna system.
As a general guideline, reflected power should not exceed 10% of the forward
power ( ≈ 2:1 SWR).
Zone—See Frequency Zone.
4.0 INSTALLATION PLANNING
The installation of the radio is not difficult, but it does require some planning
to ensure station reliability and efficiency. This section provides tips for
selecting an appropriate site, choosing an antenna system, and reducing the
chance of harmful interference.