RAELink3 User’s Guide Rev.
© Copyright 2010 RAE Systems, Inc.
Contents 1 2 3 Regulatory Information ............................................................. 3 Standard Contents...................................................................... 6 General Information................................................................... 6 3.1 Configuration Options ...................................................... 6 3.1.1 Connection With Third-Party Devices ............................. 7 3.2 Key Features ........................................................
13 14 Connecting A RAELink3 Remote Via Bluetooth.................... 29 Connecting A RAELink3 Remote Via Cable .......................... 32 14.1 GPS And Unobstructed Line Of Sight............................ 33 14.2 Cleaning The RAELink3 ................................................ 34 14.3 Ordering Replacement Parts ........................................... 34 14.4 Special Servicing Note.................................................... 34 15 Troubleshooting........................................
1 Regulatory Information CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electric shock, never open the modem cover during normal operation. This modem is certified to be used in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations. WARNINGS Use only RAE Systems supplied charging adapter to charge the rechargeable battery pack inside the modem. Use only RAE Systems Lithium-Ion battery pack 029-3501-000 or alkaline battery pack, 0293502-000. Recharge/replace batteries only in non-hazardous locations.
Specifications Dimensions 4.73″ x 3.4″ x 1.85″ (120 mm x 86 mm x 48 mm) Weight 17.3 oz (490 g) Battery Rechargeable 7.4V Lithium-Ion battery pack Alkaline battery pack (7.
Antenna Lock Caution: To reduce risk when operating in potentially explosive atmospheres, ensure the antenna is locked in place with set-screw to prevent inadvertent disconnection.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 2 Standard Contents • • • • • • • • • • RAELink3 Charging adapter with AC cable Alkaline battery adapter RS-232 computer interface cable Coiled serial cable (for connection to devices without Bluetooth) RAELink3 Quick Reference Guide RAELink3 Resource CD Whip antenna (for use when RAELink3 is in Remote mode) 5dBi antenna with 12' cable and magnetic mount (for use when RAELink3 is in Host or Repeater mode) Hard transport case 3 General Information The RAELink3 is a compact, portable
RAELink3 User’s Guide 2. Host. The RAELink3 Host functions as a host modem and communicates with multiple wireless modems (such as the RAELink3 Remote and RAELink3 Repeater, as well as AreaRAE products equipped with RAELink-family Remote modems) with the same network ID. 3. Repeater. The RAELink3 Repeater functions as a repeater for RAELink3 Remote slave modems (or AreaRAE or RAELink series products) with the same network ID. 3.1.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 3.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 4 Specifications Dimensions 4.73″ x 3.4″ x 1.85″ (120 mm x 86 mm x 48 mm) Weight 17.3 oz (490 g) Battery Rechargeable 7.4V/1650mAh LithiumIon battery pack Alkaline battery pack (7.5V, five alkaline batteries) Operating Time Up to 18 hours of continuous operation. LCD Display Backlit with icons and text Keypad 3 keys: Y/+, N/-, and MODE Sensitivity -108dBm at 10-6 bit error rate Data Rate Up to 115.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 5 Charging The Battery It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the RAELink3. The Li-ion battery is charged by attaching the instrument to the Charging Adapter. Follow this procedure to charge the instrument: 1. Align the Charging Adapter with the back of the RAELink3 (two guides match indents on the back of the Charging Adapter. 2. Slide the Charging Adapter onto the back of the RAELink3. 3. Make sure the latch clicks into place. 4.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 5.1.1 Detaching The Charging Adapter To detach the Charging Adapter, press in on the latch. While pressing the latch, slide the Charging Adapter down.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 5.2 Replacing The Li-ion Battery 1. Turn off the instrument. 2. Located on the rear of the instrument are three screws. Loosen all three screws, and lift the battery out of the RAELink3. Remove the battery pack from the battery compartment by lifting it out. Loosen Screws Lift Battery Remove Battery 3. Replace a fully charged spare battery pack inside the battery compartment. Make sure the battery pack is oriented properly inside the compartment. 4.
RAELink3 User’s Guide used in emergency situations when there is no time to charge the Liion battery pack. To insert batteries into the adapter: 1. Remove the three Philips-head screws to remove the battery (alkaline or rechargeable). 2. Turn over the alkaline battery adapter and remove the two Philips screws. 3. Lift off the cover (there are two small indexing tabs at the end opposite the two screws). 4. Insert five fresh AA batteries as indicated by the polarity (+/-) markings. 5. Replace the cover.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 5.4 User Interface The instrument’s user interface consists of the display and three keys. The keys are: Y/+ MODE N/The LCD display provides visual feedback that includes the reading, time, battery condition, and other functions. Display N/- key Y/+ key MODE key [Y/+] increases values, [MODE] acts as on/off and save, and [N/-] selects “no” and advances to the next function.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 6 Backlight The LCD display is equipped with an LED backlight to assist in reading the display under poor lighting conditions. Press any key to turn on the backlight. It automatically turns off after 15 seconds. 7 Display The display shows the following information: Radio Signal Strength GPS Satellite Battery Charge BT Linked to xxxxxxxx Bluetooth connection and other status information Indicates signal strength in network.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 8 Operating The RAELink3 The RAELink3 operates with two simultaneous modes of data transfer. First, it can use Bluetooth or a cable to connect to a portable gas monitor or other compatible detector. Second, it uses radiofrequency communication to transmit and receive data with a base station. The following section covers configuration and operation of the modem portion of the RAELink3.
RAELink3 User’s Guide Unless specified otherwise, the RAELink3 is factory-configured to operate in the Remote mode. You can change the operation mode via the configuration menu described on page 20. 9.1 Host Mode This mode designates the RAELink3 as Host (master) in a network. It can simultaneously communicate with numerous Remotes and Repeaters. Note: There can only be one Host in a network. It is typically connected to a computer (PC) running ProRAE Remote software for monitoring.
RAELink3 User’s Guide Remote Mode is designed so that a RAELink3 modem can be used as a drop-in replacement for an existing RAELink or RAELink2 modem without modification. 9.3 Remote G Mode In this mode, the modem passes all data from a GammaRAEII R to the Host. All other functionality is the same as when the RAELink3 Z1 is in Remote Mode. 9.4 Repeater Mode In this mode, the modem functions as a repeater. It does not interpret or process the data that passes through it.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 10 Turning The RAELink3 On 1. Press and hold [MODE]. 2. When the display turns on, release the [MODE] key. The RAE Systems logo should appear first. (If the logo does not appear, there is likely a problem and you should contact your distributor or RAE Systems Technical Support.) The firmware version is shown, along with the date of installation, and then the RAELink3’s serial number.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 11 Turning The RAELink3 Off 1. Press and hold the Mode key for 3 seconds. A 5-second countdown to shutoff begins. 2. When you see “Unit off...” release your finger from the [MODE] key. The instrument is now off. Note: You must hold your finger on the key for the entire shutoff process. If you remove your finger from the key during the countdown, the shutoff operation is canceled and the instrument continues normal operation.
RAELink3 User’s Guide It shows the last Bluetooth pairing ID and asks if you want to search for a connection. (If no connection was recorded, then “Null” is shown.) Note: When Programming Mode is accessed, the icons are minimized and relocated to the top of the display. If you want to search for a Bluetooth-equipped monitor and pair with it, press [Y/+]. If not, press [N/-] to move to the next screen. If you want to exit Programming Mode, press [MODE]. 12.
RAELink3 User’s Guide To accept the new Network ID, press and hold [MODE] for 2 seconds. A confirmation screen appears, as shown here: Network ID: 0001 1234 Save? Press [Y/+] to save, or press [N/-] to abort the change. If you save the Network ID, you see this display as it saves: Network ID: 1234 Saving... When it is done, the display returns to the Set Network ID screen, showing the new Network ID: Network ID: 1234 Change? If you want to change the Network ID, repeat the procedure.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 12.3 Set Operation Mode The Operation Mode designates whether the RAELink3 operates as a Host, Remote, or Repeater. IMPORTANT! There can only be one Host in a network. If more than one RAELink3 or earlier-generation RAELink wireless modem (or combination) is designated as a Host, the network will not function properly. The operation mode program screen is as below: OP Mode: Remote Change? Press [Y/+] to change the Operation Mode, or press [N/+] to skip it.
RAELink3 User’s Guide Once you have made your selection, press [Y/+] to save the change. OP Mode: Host Saving… After the change is saved, the display returns to the beginning screen for Operation Mode (your choice of Operation Mode is shown): OP Mode: Host Change? Press [Y/+] if you want to change the Operation Mode, or press [N/+] to advance to the GPS Power Control screen. 12.4 GPS Power Control The onboard GPS can be turned on or off.
RAELink3 User’s Guide If you change the power status of the onboard GPS, there is no confirmation screen. However, the status is updated immediately: GPS Status: Off Turn On? When you are satisfied with the GPS status, you can advance to the next menu screen, GPS Coordinates Check, by pressing [N/-]. 12.5 GPS Coordinates Check Check the RAELink3’s GPS location in this menu screen. If you want to have the coordinates checked and shown in the display, press [Y/+].
RAELink3 User’s Guide Press [Y/+] to quit. (Pressing [N/-] or [MODE] does not change the screen.) The first screen of GPS Coordinates Check is shown: GPS Coordinates Check? Press [N/-] to advance to the next screen, Bluetooth Power Control. 12.6 Bluetooth Power Control The onboard Bluetooth connection can be turned on or off. The Bluetooth Power Control screen is shown here: UnitLK:BT Search Turn Off? Press [Y/+] to change the on/off status, or press [N/-] to skip to next menu screen, Set Unit ID.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 12.7 Setting The Unit ID Each Remote Unit in an AreaRAE network must be assigned a unique Unit ID (between 00 and 99). Make sure that the unit ID is not duplicated among any of the Remote units within the same AreaRAE network. Note: Sometimes the Unit ID is set on the remote monitor (for example, on a MiniRAE3000 or MultiRAE Plus), and sometimes it is set on the RAELink3 attached to a monitor (such as a GammaRAEII R).
RAELink3 User’s Guide To accept the new Unit ID, press and hold [MODE] for 2 seconds. A confirmation screen appears, as shown here: Unit ID: 01 21 Save? Press [Y/+] to save, or press [N/-] to abort the change. If you save the Unit ID, you see this display as it saves: Unit ID: 21 Saving... When it is done, the display returns to the Set Unit ID screen, showing the new Unit ID: Unit ID: 21 Change? If you want to change the Unit ID, repeat the procedure. To progress to the next screen, press [N/-]-Key.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 12.8 Modem Configuration Menu In this program mode, the onboard modem configuration menu can be output and accessed via PC using a HyperTerminal program. IMPORTANT! Do not enter and change any parameters in this menu unless directed to do so by authorized technical support personnel. Note: The RAELink3 must be connected to a computer with a cable, and a HyperTerminal program must be running.
RAELink3 User’s Guide If you see this screen when you turn on the RAELink3 Remote, then you must turn on the Bluetooth. See page 26 for details that cover turning Bluetooth on and off.
RAELink3 User’s Guide asterisk next to the serial number), Step 3 can be skipped. 3. Enter Programming Mode. Press and hold [MODE] and [N/-] for 3 seconds. This screen appears: If you want to search for a Bluetooth-enabled monitor and have it paired with the RAELink3, press [Y/+]. It begins searching, and you see a screen like this: Note: If multiple monitors will be in your network, it is fastest to turn one monitor and one RAELink3 on at a time for this initial pairing.
RAELink3 User’s Guide Note: Upon powering on, the RAELink3 automatically searches for the primary Bluetooth device indicated by the asterisk in memory. 4. The two units connect and exchange ID numbers. The ID number of the monitor is shown below the icons. 5. They are now connected.
RAELink3 User’s Guide the connector into place, and then turn the connector’s locking ring to tighten the connection. Never force the connector in or out of the receptacle. 14.1 GPS And Unobstructed Line Of Sight GPS receivers operate by line of sight with global positioning satellites. A receiver must be able to get signals from at least three satellites in order to calculate longitude and latitude (there are currently 30 GPS satellites orbiting the earth).
RAELink3 User’s Guide 14.2 Cleaning The RAELink3 Occasional cleaning with a soft cloth is recommended. Do not use detergents or chemicals. Visually inspect the contacts on the rear of the RAELink3, on the battery, and on the Charging Cradle to make sure they are clean. If they are not, wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. Never use solvents, abrasives, or cleaners. 14.3 Ordering Replacement Parts In the U.S., you can order sensors, replacement batteries, and other accessories online at: http://istore.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 15 Troubleshooting Problem Cannot turn on power after charging the battery Remote unit not communicating with Host Controller Possible Reasons & Solutions Charge or replace battery. Confirm RAELink3 is in Remote mode Check the Network ID Check battery charge on the Remote unit Make sure you have a unique Unit ID on each RAELink3 or device connected to a RAELink3.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 16 Technical Support To contact RAE Systems Technical Support Team: Monday through Friday, 7:00AM to 5:00PM Pacific (US) Time Phone (toll-free): +1 888-723-4800 Phone: +1 408-952-8461 Email: tech@raesystems.
RAELink3 User’s Guide 17 RAE Systems Contacts RAE Systems World Headquarters 3775 N. First St. San Jose, CA 95134-1708 USA Phone: +1 408.952.8200 Fax: +1 408.952.8480 E-mail: customerserv@raesystems.com Web Site: www.raesystems.com RAE Systems Technical Support Monday through Friday, 7:00AM to 5:00PM Pacific Time Phone: +1.408.952.8461 Email: tech@raesystems.com Life-critical after-hours support is available: +1.408.952.
RAELink3 User’s Guide RAE Systems UK Ltd D5 Culham Innovation Centre Culham Science Centre Abingdon, Oxon OX14 3DB United Kingdom Phone: +44 1865408368 Fax: +44 1235531119 Mobile: +44 7841362693 Email: raeuk@raeeurope.com RAE Systems France 336, rue de la fée des eaux 69390 Vernaison France Phone: +33 4 78 46 16 65 Fax: +33 4 78 46 25 98 Email: info-france@raeeurope.com Web: www.raesystems.fr RAE BeNeLux BV Rijndal 20 2904 DC Capelle a/d IJssel Phone: +31 10 4426149 Fax: +31 10 4426148 Email: info@rae.
RAELink3 User’s Guide RAE Systems Middle East LOB 7, Ground Floor, Office 19, Jebel Ali Free Zone Dubai, United Arab Emirates Phone: +971.4.887.5562 Email: mesales@raesystems.com RAE Systems (Hong Kong) Ltd. Room 8, 6/F, Hong Leong Plaza 33 Lok Yip Road Fanling, N.T, Hong Kong Phone: +852.2669.0828 Fax: +852.2669.0803 Email: hksales@raesystems.com RAE Systems Japan 403 Plaza Ochanomizu Bldg. 2-1 Surugadai Kanda Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo, Japan Phone: 81-3-5283-3268 Fax: 81-3-5283-3275 Email: jpsales@raesystems.
RAE Systems World Headquarters 3775 N. First St. San Jose, CA 95134-1708 USA Phone: 408.952.8200 Toll-Free: 888.723.4800 Fax: 408.952.8480 E-mail (sales support): raesales@raesystems.com Web Site: www.raesystems.com Technical Support Phone: 408.952.8461 (Mon-Fri, 7AM-5PM, PST) Email: tech@raesystems.com Training Courses: www.raesystems.com/support Email: training@raesystems.com Product Registration www.raesystems.
