(Including: MDS 4710A/C/M and MDS 9710A/C/M/T) 400 MHz and 900 MHz Remote Data Transceivers MDS 05-3305A01, Rev.
QUICK START GUIDE Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. See “INSTALLATION” on Page 5 of this guide for detailed instructions. 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 • Use a DB-25 Male connector to connect to the radio.
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........................................................................
DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY]...............................................................22 DKEY ..............................................................................................22 DLINK [ON/OFF/xxxx].....................................................................22 DTYPE [NODE/ROOT] ...................................................................23 DUMP .............................................................................................23 EMP [ON/OFF]...............................
Installation.......................................................................................38 Operation ........................................................................................39 6.7 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart ................................................40 7.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS............................................................ 41 Copyright Notice This Installation and Operation Guide and all software described herein are protected by copyright: 2008 GE MDS, LLC.
Antenna Installation Warning 1. All antenna installation and servicing is to be performed by qualified technical personnel only. When servicing the antenna, or working at distances closer than those listed below, ensure the transmitter has been disabled. Output is measured at the antenna terminal of the transmitter.
unauthorized modification or changes to this device without the express approval of Microwave Data Systems may void the user’s authority to operate this device. Furthermore, this device is intended to be used only when installed in accordance with the instructions outlined in this manual. Failure to comply with these instructions may also void the user’s authority to operate this device. CSA/us Notice This product is approved for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D Hazardous Locations.
Distress Beacon Warning In the U.S.A., the 406 to 406.1 MHz band is reserved for use by distress beacons. Since the radio described in this manual is capable of transmitting in this band, take precautions to prevent the radio from transmitting between 406 to 406.1 MHz in U.S. applications. ESD Notice To prevent malfunction or damage to this radio, which may be caused by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), the radio should be properly grounded by connection to the ground stud on the rear panel.
1.0 GENERAL 1.1 Introduction This guide presents installation and operating instructions for the MDS 4710A/9710A and the MDS 4710C/9710C 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.
NOTE: Some features are not available on all radios, based on the options purchased and the applicable regulatory constraints for the region in which the radio operates. 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.
Point-to-Point System Where permitted, the transceiver can also be used in a point-to-point system. 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 communication link for the transfer of data between two locations. Invisible place holder HOST COMPUTER MASTER RTU REMOTE Figure 3.
is used. Contact GE MDS if you have questions on the meaning on the code. 1.4 Contents of Standard Shipping Packages Table 1 and Table 2 list the content of routine shipments of MDS 4710/9710 transceivers. The contents might be modified to reflect customer-specific requirements specified at the time the order was placed. Table 1.
Table 3. Optional Accessories for MDS 4710/9710 GE MDS P/N Accessory Description Orderwire Handset Used with Orderwire Module (above) Standard Handset 12-1307A01 Handset w/PTT 12-1307A02 RJ-11 to DB-9 adapter Used to connect a PC to the radio’s DIAG. (Diagnostics) port 03-3246A01 EIA-232 to EIA-422 Converter Assembly External adapter plug that converts the radio’s DATA INTERFACE connector to EIA-422 compatible signaling.
2.1 Installation Steps Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. In most cases, these steps alone are sufficient to complete the installation. More detailed explanations appear at the end of these steps. 1. Mount the transceiver to a stable surface using the brackets supplied with the radio. 2. Install the antenna and feedline for the station. Point directional antennas in the direction of the associated network’s Master Station. 3.
7. Set the operating frequencies using the TX xxx.xxxx (transmit) and RX xxx.xxxx (receive) commands. Press ENTER after each command. After programming, the HHT reads PROGRAMMED OK to indicate successful entry. 2.2 Transceiver Mounting NOTE: To prevent moisture from entering the radio, do not mount the radio with the cable connectors pointing up. Also, dress all cables to prevent moisture from running along the cables and into the radio. Figure 5 shows the mounting dimensions of the transceiver.
2.3 Antennas and Feedlines Antennas The transceiver can be used with a number of antenna styles. The exact style depends on the physical size and layout of the radio system. A directional Yagi (Figure 6) or corner reflector antenna is generally recommended at remote sites to minimize interference to and from other users. Antennas of this type are available from several manufacturers. Invisible place holder Figure 6.
Table 5. Length vs. Loss in Coaxial Cables at 960 MHz 1/2 inch HELIAX 0.23 dB 1.15 dB 2.29 dB 11.45 dB 7/8 inch HELIAX 0.13 dB 0.64 dB 1.28 dB 6.40 dB 1-1/4 inch HELIAX 0.10 dB 0.48 dB 0.95 dB 4.75 dB 1-5/8 inch HELIAX 0.08 dB 0.40 dB 0.80 dB 4.00 dB 2.4 Power Connection The transceiver is compatible with 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.
2.6 Data Interface Connections Connect the transceiver’s DATA INTERFACE connector to an external DTE data terminal that supports the EIA-232 (formally RS-232) format. The transceiver supports autobaud asynchronous data rates of up to 19200 bps. The data rate at the DATA INTERFACE connector might differ from the data rate used over the air. Table 6 lists each pin on the DATA INTERFACE connector and describes its function.
Table 6. DATA INTERFACE Connector Pinouts (Continued) Pin Number Input/ Output 12 IN Radio Inhibit (Sleep). A ground on this pin places the radio in sleep mode. It turns off most circuits in the radio, including transmit, receive, modem and diagnostic functions. This allows for greatly reduced power consumption, yet preserves the radio’s ability to be quickly brought online. 13 -- Do not connect—Reserved for future use. 14 IN PTT—Push-to-Talk.
Enable Sleep Mode through RTU control by asserting a ground (or RS-232 low) on Pin 12 of the radio’s DATA INTERFACE connector. When Pin 12 is opened (or an RS-232 high is asserted), the radio is ready to receive data within 75 milliseconds. All normal functions are suspended while the radio is in Sleep Mode. The PWR LED is off, except for a quick flash every five seconds. System Example The following example describes Sleep Mode implementation in a typical system.
3.1 LED Indicators Table 7 describes the function of each status LED. PWR DCD TXD RXD Table 7. 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. DCD • Flashing—Indicates the radio is receiving intermittent data frames. • Continuous—Radio is receiving a data signal from a continuously keyed radio.
4.0 TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING To program and control the transceiver, use the radio’s RJ-11 DIAG. (Diagnostics) connector with an GE MDS Hand-Held Terminal (MDS P/N 02-1501A01). This section contains a reference chart (Table 9) 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. An installation booklet and on-line instructions are included with the software.
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 8. Hand-Held Terminal Connected to the Transceiver 4.2 Hand-Held Terminal Setup The following is a set of instructions for re-initializing an HHT for use with the transceiver.
3. Configure the HHT as listed in Table 8. Table 8. HHT Operational Settings Parameter Setting Parameter Setting Re-init HHT 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 NOTE: In rare cases, it may be necessary to reset the HHT to its factory defaults before any configuration can be performed.
Error Messages Below are some possible error messages encountered when using the HHT: UNKNOWN COMMAND—The command was not recognized. Refer to the command description for command usage information. INCORRECT ENTRY—The command format or its associated values were not valid. Refer to the command description for command usage information. COMMAND FAILED—The command was unable to successfully complete. This is a possible internal software problem.
Table 9. Command Summary (Continued) Command name 18 Function DIN [ON/OFF] Details Page 23 Configures local diagnostic link protocol. DTYPE [NODE/ROOT] Details Page 23 (diagnostics) Sets up a radio as a root or node radio. DUMP Details Page 23 Display all programmable settings. HREV Details Page 24 Display the Hardware Revision level. INIT Details Page 24 Set radio parameters to factory defaults. INIT [4710/9710] Details Page 24 Configure radio for use outside of P-20 chassis.
Table 9. Command Summary (Continued) Command name Function TX [xxx.xxxx] Details Page 28 Set or display the transmit frequency. TXLEVEL [–20 to +6, AUTO] Details Page 29 Set or display the transmit audio input level. UNIT [10000...65000] Details Page 29 Set or display the transceiver’s unit address. 4.4 Detailed Command Descriptions The only critical commands for most applications are transmit and receive frequencies (RX xxx.xxxx, TX xxx.xxxx).
The eight-digit hexadecimal number used as the command parameter specifies 0 to 32 events that can trigger the external alarm output. (See Table 10 below for a list of events.) The hex value for the mask corresponds to the hex value for the ALARM command (Page 28). Each bit that is a ‘1’ identifies an alarm condition that can trigger the external output. For more information on configuring the alarm response, contact GE MDS. Table 10.
BAUD [xxxxx abc] Data Interface Port Baud Rate This command sets (or displays) the communication attributes for the DATA INTERFACE port. It has no effect on the RJ-11 DIAG. port. The first parameter (xxxxx) is baud rate. Baud rate is specified in bits-per-second (bps) and must be set to one of the following speeds: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, or 19200.
CKEY [ON–OFF] Key TX Continuously The CKEY command enables or disables the continuously-keyed function of the radio. When CKEY is set to ON, the radio is continuously keyed and the Timeout Timer is disabled. CTS [0–255] Clear-to-Send Time The CTS (clear-to-send) command selects or displays the timer value associated with the CTS line response. The command parameter ranges from 0 to 255 milliseconds.
DKEY Unkey Transmitter This command deactivates the transmitter after it has been keyed with the KEY command. DIN [ON/OFF] Digital Input When DIN ON is selected, the “not” PTT line (Pin 16 on the DB-25) is re-defined as a digital input for network-wide diagnostics. See “User-Programmable Interface Output Functions” on Page 36 for more information. The default is DIN OFF. To change the diagnostic link, enter DLINK followed by one of the following baud rates: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 (default).
HREV Hardware Revision This command displays the transceiver’s hardware revision level. If nothing is displayed, the hardware revision level was not programmed by the factory. INIT Initialize EEPROM Defaults The INIT command is used to re-initialize the radio’s operating parameters to the factory defaults. This is helpful when trying to resolve configuration problems that might have resulted from the entry of one or more improper command settings.
KEY TX Key This command activates the transmitter. See also the DKEY command. MODEL Model Number Code This command displays the radio’s model number code. MODEM [xxxx, NONE] Analog/Digital Modem Selection This command selects the radio’s modem characteristics. For digital operation, enter 9600 (MDS x710A) or 19200 (MDS x710C). For analog operation, enter NONE.
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 6.7 (Page 40).
RXLEVEL [–20 to +6] RX Audio Output Level The RXLEVEL command selects or displays the receive output level present on Pin 11 of the DATA INTERFACE’s DB-25 connector. This function is used in MODEM NONE mode with analog audio. RXTOT [NONE, 1-1440] Loss of RX Data Alarm Time The RXTOT command selects or displays the receive time-out timer value in minutes. This timer triggers an alarm (event 12) if data is not detected within the specified time.
Using the SNR command causes the DIAG. port to enter an update mode, and the SNR is updated and redisplayed every two seconds. The SNR continuously updates until the ENTER key is pressed. SREV Software/Firmware Revision Level This command displays the software revision level of the transceiver firmware. STAT Alarm Status This command displays the current alarm status of the transceiver. If no alarms exist, the message NO ALARMS PRESENT appears at the top of the HHT display.
TXLEVEL [–20 to +6, AUTO] TX Audio Input Level The TXLEVEL command selects or displays the transmit audio input level expected to be present on Pin 9 of the DATA INTERFACE’s DB-25 connector from an external modem present on Pin 11 of the DATA INTERFACE’s DB-25 connector. This function is used in MODEM NONE mode with analog audio. For optimum performance, set this command to match the external modem level. For example, TXLEVEL –10. TXLEVEL AUTO also available. This setting directly affects the TX Deviation.
5.2 Event Codes When an alarm condition exists, the transceiver creates a code that can be read on an HHT connected to the DIAG. port. These codes can help resolve many system difficulties. Refer to Table 11 (Page 31) for a definition of the event codes. Checking for Alarms—STAT command To check for alarms, enter STAT on the HHT. If no alarms exist, the message NO ALARMS PRESENT appears at the top of the display (Figure 10). Invisible place holder Figure 10.
Event Code Definitions Table 11 contains a listing of all event codes that are reported by the transceiver. Table 11. Event Codes Event Code MDS 05-3305A01, Rev. D Event Class Description 01 Major Improper software detected for this radio model. 02 Major The model number of the transceiver is unprogrammed. 04 Major One or both of the internal programmable synthesizer loops is reporting an out-of-lock condition. 06 Major An unrecoverable fault was detected on the auto-D chip.
6.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE 6.1 MDS 4710A/C/M and 9710A/C/M/T Transceivers’ Specifications GENERAL Frequency Range*: Frequency Stability: MDS 4710A/C/M 330–512 MHz MDS 9710A/C/M/T 800–960 MHz * w/One or more sub-bands as permitted by regulatory agencies ±1.
FCC Identifiers: E5MDS9710N (928–960 MHz) E5MDS9710N-1 (806–940 MHz E5MDS4710 (403–512 MHz) DATA CHARACTERISTICS Signaling Type: EIA/RS-232; DB-25 Female connector Data Interface Rates: 1200–19200 bps, asynchronous Data Latency: 10 ms maximum PRIMARY POWER Voltage: 13.8 Vdc Nominal (10.5 to 16 Vdc) Negative-Ground Systems Only TX Supply Current: 2.
4. Measure the radio’s RSSI using one of the following methods: • With an HHT (See Section 4.0, TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING on Page 14). • With GE MDS Radio Configuration Software (See Section 6.5, Upgrading the Radio’s Software on Page 37). • With a voltmeter connected to Pin 21 of the DATA INTERFACE connector (See Section 3.2, RSSI Measurement on Page 13). 5. With a non-metallic adjustment tool, adjust each section of the helical filters for maximum RSSI. Re-install the cover to the transceiver.
Invisible place holder RTU RTU DTYPE NODE DTYPE NODE RTU TO DATA TO PORT DIAGNOSTICS PORT DTYPE NODE DTYPE ROOT MASTER STATION ROOT DIAGNOSTICS DATA (TO InSite) PAYLOAD DATA (TO SCADA APPLICATION) HOST COMPUTER Figure 12. Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics Setup If a PC is connected to any radio in the network, intrusive polling (polling that briefly interrupts payload data transmission) can be performed.
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. Connect a PC with GE MDS InSite software installed to the root radio, or to one of the nodes, at the radio’s diagnostic port. (This PC can also be the PC being used to collect payload data, as shown in Figure 12.) To connect a PC to the radio’s DIAG.
Invisible place holder Green Indicates current output state at associated radio transceiver is “high”. Click to set output to “low”. Figure 14. GE MDS InSite Radio Device User I/O Settings (Bottom Left-hand Corner of Network Wide Radio Configuration Screen) These output-only pins are designed for low switching rates and do not pass high-speed data, nor are they suitable for latency-sensitive remote controls.
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 flashes rapidly to confirm 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).
12-1307A01 w/o PTT; 12-1307A01 w/PTT;) can be purchased from GE MDS. Handsets must have carbon microphone elements installed. Dynamic microphones do not work with the module. (Handsets with a push-to-talk (PTT) button are supported and recommended, as background noise can activate the VOX circuit and interrupt the payload data.) Operation To operate the orderwire, activate the handset (PTT or VOX). This keys the transmitter and passes the audio over the network to the handset of the Master Station.
6.7 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart Table 13 is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent wattage or voltage of an RF power expressed in dBm. Table 13. 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.
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 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 GE 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).
NOTES 44 MDS 4710/9710 I/O Guide MDS 05-3305A01, Rev.
INDEX A ACCESS DENIED error message 17 Accessories 4 Accessory Power pinout (Pin 18) 11 Active messaging (defined) 41 Alarms alarm code definitions 31 major vs.
Digital Signal Processing—See DSP.
Interface Output Functions 36 Intrusive diagnostics (defined) 42 K KEY command 25 Keyboard Commands Command Summary 17 Entering Commands 16 Error Messages 17 Keying continuously keyed versus switched carrier operation 3 continuously keyed, defined 3 on data (DKEY command) 23 switched carrier, defined 3 L Latency, defined 42 LEDs DCD 13 Indicators Troubleshooting 29 indicators, described 13 PWR 13 RXD 13 RXD, Pin 3 10 status indicators, illustrated 13 TXD 13 TXD, Pin 2 10 Loss.
unsquelched signal (Pin 10) 10 Redundant operation, defined 43 Remote Station, defined 43 Station, illustrated 5 Resetting Hand-Held Terminal (HHT) (SHIFT,CTRL,SPACE keys) 15 transceiver (INIT command) 24 Revision level display hardware (HREV command) 24 display software (SREV command) 28 RSSI adjusting helical filter for increased signal strength 33 command 26 command, used to refine antenna heading 12 measuring 13 pinout (Pin 21) 11 vs.
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY... GE 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. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Technical assistance for GE MDS products is available from our Technical Support Department during business hours (8:00 A.M.—5:30 P.M. Eastern Time).
GE MDS, LLC 175 Science Parkway Rochester, NY 14620 General Business: +1 585 242-9600 FAX: +1 585 242-9620 Web: www.microwavedata.
