Board Version Enclosed Version 220 MHz and 450 MHz Data Transceivers MDS 05-3624A01, Rev.
QUICK START GUIDE Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. Detailed instructions are given in “Installation Steps” on page 6 of this guide. 1. Mount the transceiver (see Figure 6 or Figure 7 for mounting dimensions) 2. Install and connect the antenna system to the radio • Use only good quality, low loss coaxial cable. Keep the feedline as short as possible. • Preset directional antennas in the direction of desired transmission/reception. 3.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................... 1 1.1 Differences Among Models .............................................................. 1 Modem Speeds .................................................................................. 2 Frequency Coverage .......................................................................... 2 1.2 Applications ......................................................................................
DEVICE [DCE | CTS KEY] ............................................................... 20 DKEY................................................................................................ 20 INIT................................................................................................... 20 KEY .................................................................................................. 21 OWM [XXX...] ...................................................................................
Copyright Notice This Installation and Operation Guide and all software described herein are protected by copyright: 2001 Microwave Data Systems Inc. All rights reserved. Microwave Data Systems Inc. reserves its right to correct any errors and omissions in this publication. Antenna Installation Warning 1. All antenna installation and servicing is to be performed by qualified technical personnel only.
MDS Quality Policy Statement We, the employees of Microwave Data Systems Inc., are committed to understanding and exceeding our customer’s needs and expectations. • We appreciate our customer’s patronage. They are our business. • We promise to serve them and anticipate their needs. • We are committed to providing solutions that are cost effective, innovative and reliable, with consistently high levels of quality.
5. When installed in a Class I, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C or D hazardous location, observe the following: WARNING —EXPLOSION HAZARD— Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known to be non-hazardous. 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.
vi OEM Series I/O Guide MDS 05-3624A01, Rev.
1.0 INTRODUCTION This guide presents installation and operating instructions for the MDS OEM Series™ of digital radio transceivers. The radios can be purchased as compact, modular boards for direct mounting inside remote terminal units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automatic banking machines, or similar equipment. They are also available as standalone units packaged in their own enclosures (see lower cover illustration).
Modem Speeds Domestic models are capable of 9600 bps transmission over the air; ETSI models, 4800 bps. This does not affect the local DATA INTERFACE port speed, which will accept asynchronous data between 1200 and 19200 bps. Frequency Coverage OEM Series radios are available for operation in the 200 MHz or 400 MHz frequency bands. The exact frequency coverage of each model is listed in the Specifications chart on Page 26.
Invisible place holder io rad T R U TE O M RE io rad T R S E O T H PU M O C io rad T R R TEN ASTIO M A ST U TE O M RE Figure 2. MAS Point-to-Multipoint Network (Two remote stations shown—four or more are typically used) 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.
Switched Carrier Operation Switched Carrier operation is a half-duplex mode where the master station transmitter is keyed to send data and unkeyed to receive. MDS OEM Series™ radios operate in switched carrier mode and are keyed when data is present. NOTE: MDS OEM Series™ radios do not support full-duplex operation (i.e., transmitting and receiving at the same time). For information on other MDS products that provide this capability, contact your sales representative.
1.4 Accessories The transceiver can be used with one or more of the accessories listed in Table 1. Contact the factory for ordering information. Table 1. Optional Accessories MDS 05-3624A01, Rev. B Accessory Description MDS P/N Hand-Held Terminal Kit (HHT) Keypad terminal for programming, diagnostics, and control. Includes carrying case, cable set and an instruction booklet. (Accessory Power Adapter 03-3722A01 required for use with OEM radios—see below).
2.0 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 5 shows the external connections for the transceiver. Invisible place holder Figure 5. External Connections to the Transceiver Board (Connector locations identical to enclosed radio) 2.1 Installation Steps Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver.
4. Set the radio configuration. The transceiver is designed for quick installation with a minimum of software configuration in most cases. The selections that must be made or verified for new installations are: • Transmit frequency • Receive frequency • Network address (factory-set to NONE) The operating frequencies are not set at the factory unless they are specified at the time of order. Determine the transmit and receive frequencies to be used, and follow the steps below to program them. 5.
2.2 Mounting the Transceiver Transceiver Board Figure 6 shows the mounting dimensions of the transceiver PC board. The board should be secured to the mounting surface using the holes provided at each corner of the assembly. (Fasteners are not supplied.) Note that the lower left mounting hole in the board is a threaded ferrule. Invisible place holder 4.53 in. (11.51 cm) DATA 0.23 in. (0.58 cm) PWR RF HEATSINK 3.23 in. (8.20 cm) 3.73 in. (9.47 cm) 1” in. (2.54 cm) 2.5 in. (6.35 cm) 0.28 in. (0.
2.3 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. Suitable antennas are available from several manufacturers, including MDS. At master stations, omni-directional antennas (Figure 8) are typically used to provide equal coverage to all remote sites in the network. Invisible place holder Figure 8.
Tables 2 and 3 show the losses that occur when using various lengths and types of cable at 200 and 400 MHz, respectively. Regardless of the type of cable used, it should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal loss. Table 2. Length vs. Loss in Coaxial Cables at 200 MHz 3 Meters 15 Meters 30 Meters 150 Meters Cable Type (10 Feet) (46 Feet) (91 Feet) (525 Feet) RG-8A/U 0.32 dB 1.6 dB 3.2 dB 16 dB 1/2 inch HELIAX 0.10 dB 0.49 dB 0.98 dB 4.9 dB 7/8 inch HELIAX 0.05 dB 0.27 dB 0.
Conservation (Sleep Mode) In some installations, such as at solar-powered sites, it may be necessary to keep the transceiver’s power consumption to an absolute minimum. This can be accomplished by configuring the data device (RTU, PLC, etc.) to ground Pin 12 of the DATA INTERFACE connector, which removes power from the radio. When the ground is removed, the radio is ready to operate within 75 milliseconds. 2.
Table 4. DATA INTERFACE Connector Pinouts (Continued) 12 Pin Number Input/ Output Pin Description 6 OUT DSR—Data Set Ready. Active when radio is powered on. 7 -- Signal Ground. Connects to ground (negative supply potential) at radio’s PC board. 8 OUT DCD—Data Carrier Detect. Active when receiving data from another OEM Series radio with the same network address. 11 OUT Receive Audio Output. For test purposes only. 12 -- Sleep Mode. A logic low on this pin removes power from the radio.
3.0 OPERATION In-service operation of the transceiver is completely automatic. Once the unit has been properly installed and configured, operator actions are limited to observing the radio’s LED status indicators for proper operation. 3.1 Initial Startup If all parameters are set correctly, operation of the radio can be started with these steps: 1. Apply DC power to the transceiver. 2. Observe the LED status panel for the proper indications (see Table 5). 3.
4.0 TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING Programming and set-up of the transceiver is performed through the radio’s DATA INTERFACE connector with a terminal interface—either a personal computer or a hand-held terminal (HHT). This section contains a reference chart of commands (Table 6) followed by detailed descriptions for each entry. 4.1 Radio Programming Methods ➊ PC with Radio Configuration Software PC-based Radio Configuration software is available for use with the radio (MDS P/N 03-3649A01).
Invisible place holder Figure 11. Terminal Interface (PC) Connected to the Transceiver (Pin 23 on cable must be grounded—see Figure 12) MDS 05-3624A01, Rev.
Invisible place holder DB-25 MALE (TO RADIO) DB-9 FEMALE (TO COMPUTER) 2 TXD RXD 2 3 RXD TXD 3 7 GND GND 5 23 Diagnostics Open Figure 12. DB-25 to DB-9 Adapter Cable (For PC control and programming) 4.3 Keyboard Commands Table 6 is a reference chart of software commands for the transceiver. Programmable information is shown in brackets [ ] following the command name. See section 4.4 following the table for detailed command descriptions.
ACCESS DENIED—The command is unavailable to the user. Refer to the command descriptions for command information. EEPROM FAILURE— The INIT command was unable to write to EEPROM. This usually indicates a hardware error. Contact MDS for assistance. Table 6. Command summary Command name MDS 05-3624A01, Rev. B Function ADDR [NONE | 1–255] Details page 18 Set or display the network address of the radio.
Table 6. Command summary (Continued) Command name Function STAT Details page 22 Display the current alarm status. TOT [1–255 | ON | OFF] Details page 23 Set or display the time-out timer status and the timer delay in milliseconds. TX [xxx.xxx] Details page 23 Set or display the transmit frequency. 4.4 Detailed Command Descriptions The only essential commands for most applications are transmit frequency (TX xxx.xxx), receive frequency (RX xxx.xxx), and network address (ADDR xxx).
Thus, an eight-digit hexadecimal number can classify up to 32 events as alarm triggers for the alarm output status line. See Table 7 on Page 25 for a list of the event codes and their hex values. The hex value of the mask is simply the sum of the hex values of the event codes corresponding to the alarm triggering events. BAUD [xxxxx abc] This command sets (or displays) the communication attributes for the DATA INTERFACE port. The first parameter (xxxxx) is baud rate.
For DCE operation (see DEVICE command), this command has no effect. The response CTSHOLD n/a is displayed. DEVICE [DCE | CTS KEY] The DEVICE command sets or displays the device behavior of the radio. The command parameter is either DCE or CTS KEY. The default selection is DCE. In this mode, CTS goes high following RTS, subject to the CTS programmable delay time. Hardware flow control is implemented by signaling the CTS line if data arrives faster than it can be buffered and transmitted.
• • • is set to H [+33 dBm (2 watts)] RXTOT is set to NONE TOT is set to OFF PWR All other commands stay at their previously established settings. KEY This command activates the transmitter. The transmitter stays keyed until either the DKEY command is entered, or the transmitter time-out timer is enabled and times out. See also the DKEY and TOT commands. NOTE: The KEY and DKEY commands are not intended for normal operation. They are tools for field testing and installation. OWM [XXX...
RSSI and RSSI! These commands continuously display the radio’s Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) in dBm units. Incoming signal strengths from –50 dBm to –120 dBm are displayed. The RSSI command causes display of received signal strength, updated once every second. Press ENTER to terminate the display. The RSSI! command displays a one-time reading of the RSSI at the diagnostic port. RX [xxx.xxx] This command sets or displays the radio’s receive frequency in MHz.
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. Detailed descriptions of event codes are provided in Table 7 on Page 25. 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. Alarms are displayed in ascending order, major alarms before minor ones.
5.0 TROUBLESHOOTING Successful troubleshooting of the radio system is not difficult, but it requires a logical approach. It is best to begin troubleshooting at the master station, as the rest of the system depends on the master for polling commands. If the master station has problems, the operation of the entire network can be compromised. It is good practice to start by checking the simple things.
Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms Major Alarms—report serious conditions that generally indicate a hardware failure, or other abnormal conditions that prevent (or seriously degrade) 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 do not prevent transceiver operation. These include out-of-tolerance conditions, baud rate mismatches, etc.
6.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE 6.1 OEM Series™ Transceiver Specifications MODELS MDS OEM Series™ 200: Licensed 200 MHz Transceiver MDS OEM Series™ 400: Licensed 400 MHz Transceiver RADIO TYPE Synthesized, half duplex, 12.5 kHz channel spacing, split frequency, or simplex ENVIRONMENTAL Temperature Range: –30 to +60 degrees C Humidity: 0 to 95% at 40 degrees C Board Dimensions: 4.53″ W x 0.75″ H x 3.73″ D 11.51 cm W x 1.90 cm H x 9.47 cm D Enclosed Dimensions: 6.5″ W x 1.75″ H x 5.00″ D 16.51 cm W x 4.
RECEIVER Type: Double conversion superheterodyne (84 MHz and 450 MHz IF) Frequency Ranges (200 MHz): 220 to 240 MHz Frequency Ranges (400 MHz): 330 to 355 MHz 355 to 380 MHz 380 to 400 MHz 400 to 420 MHz 420 to 450 MHz 450 to 480 MHz 480 to 512 MHz 406 to 430 MHz (Canadian Plan) Frequency Increments: 6.25 kHz (Standard) 5 kHz (Special) Frequency Stability: 1.
6.2 Bench Testing Setup Figure 13 shows a sample test setup that can be used to verify the basic operation of transceivers in a shop setting. The test can be performed with any number of remote radios by using a power divider with the required number of output connections. The RTU simulator (MDS Part No. 03-2094A01) is a microcontroller that emulates a remote terminal unit operating at 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 bps.
1. For enclosed units, remove the top cover from the transceiver by loosening the eight screws and lifting straight up. 2. Carefully remove the shield cover from the PC board. 3. Locate the helical filters. See Figure 14. 4. Apply a steady signal to the radio at the programmed receive frequency (–80 dBm level recommended; no stronger than –60 dBm). This can be done with a signal generator or an over-the-air signal. 5. Measure the radio’s RSSI using a terminal interface. See Section 4.
Using Radio Configuration Software If you already have software that you wish to download into the transceiver, Radio Configuration Software (MDS P/N 03-3649A01) may be used to perform the installation. (This software is referred to as “EL705” on the InSite 6.4 or higher CD.) To use this method, proceed as follows: 1. Connect a PC to the radio’s DATA INTERFACE port via a DB-9 to DB-25 adapter (MDS P/N 01-3683A01 or equivalent).
6.5 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart Table 8 is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent wattage or voltage of an RF power expressed in dBm. Table 8. dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion—for 50 Ohm Systems MDS 05-3624A01, Rev. B 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.
7.0 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 is helpful in understanding the operation of the transceiver. Antenna System Gain—A figure, normally expressed in dB, representing the power increase resulting from the use of a gain-type antenna.
Fade Margin—The greatest tolerable reduction in average received signal strength that is anticipated under most conditions. Provides an allowance for reduced signal strength due to multipath, slight antenna movement, or changing atmospheric losses. A fade margin of 20 is usually sufficient in most systems. Hardware Flow Control—A transceiver feature used to prevent data buffer overruns when handling high-speed data from the RTU or PLC.
RSSI—Received Signal Strength Indication. A measure, in dBm, of the strength of the signal received by a radio from an antenna. The radio must be properly calibrated for the RSSI value to be meaningful. 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. Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition—See SCADA.
INDEX A SER (display radio serial number 22 SREV (display software revision level) 22 STAT (display current alarm status) 22 terminal interface 16 TOT (set/display time-out value and timer status) 23 TX (set/display transmit frequency) 23 Connections to radio, illustrated 6 Conversions, dBm-Watts-Volts 31 CTS command 19 CTS pinout (Pin 5) 11 ACCESS DENIED error message 17 Accessories 5 Accessory power adapter 5 Accessory Power pinout (Pin 18) 12 Adapters accessory power adapter 5 DB-9 to DB-25 5 PC progra
E EEPROM FAILURE error message 17 Enable/disable diagnostic channel, pinout (Pin 23) 12 Environment specifications 26 Error messages 16 access denied 17 command failed 16 EEPROM failure 17 incorrect entry 16 not available 16 not programmed 16 text too long 16 unknown command 16 F Fade margin, defined 33 Feedlines 9 Filter, helical, adjustment 28 Frequency adjusting helical filter when changed 28 setting.
Poll, defined 33 Power connection 10 installing 6 LED status indicator (PWR LED) 13 RF, chart for converting dBm-Watts-Volts 31 Power attenuators, use of in testing 28 Power conservation 10 Primary power specifications 27 Procedures checking for alarms (STAT command) 24 connecting terminal interface 14 downloading new software 29 entering commands using a terminal interface 16 helical filter adjustment 28 installation 6 operation 13 performance optimization 13 reading LED status indicators 13 troubleshootin
specifications 26–27 upgrading software 29 Transmitter specifications 26 Troubleshooting 24–25 connecting terminal interface for displaying alarm codes 14 STAT command (Status) 24 TX command 23 TXD LED description 13 Pin 2 11 U UNKNOWN COMMAND error message 16 Upgrading software 29 MDS 05-3624A01, Rev.
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 Web: www.microwavedata.
