E-Series Data Radio User Manual ER450 Remote Data Radio EB450 Base Station EH450 Hot Standby Base Station 1
Contents SECTION 1 3 Part A – Preface 4 Warranty Important Notice Safety Information Compliance Information Warning - RF Exposure Related Products Other Related Documentation and Products Revision History 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 Part B – E Series Overview 7 Definition of E Series Data Radio E Series Product Range E Series – Features and Benefits Model Number Codes 7 7 7 9 Part C – Applications 10 Application Detail Systems Architecture 10 11 Part D – System Planning and Design 14 Part H – Maintenanc
SECTION 1 Part A - Preface Part B - E Series Overview Part C - Applications Part D - System Planning and Design Part E - Getting Started Part F - Operational Features Part G - Commissioning Part H - Maintenance 3
Part A - Preface Part A – Preface Warranty Important Notice All equipment supplied by Trio Datacom Pty Ltd (As of 1 January 2009) is covered by warranty for faulty workmanship and parts for a period of three (3) years from the date of delivery to the customer.
Part A - Preface Safety Information Compliance Information Read these instructions carefully, and look at the equipment to become familiar with the device before trying to install, operate, or maintain it. The following special messages may appear throughout this documentation or on the equipment to warn of potential hazards or to call attention to information that clarifies or simplifies a procedure. The radio equipment described in this user manual emits low level radio frequency energy.
Part A - Preface Important Notices for Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D Hazardous Locations Applies to models ER450-xxxxx-xHx(CSA Marked) 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 US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication NFPA 70, otherwise known as the National Electrical Code and in Section 18 of the Canadian Standards Association C22.1 (Canadian Electrical Code).
Part B – E Series Overview Part B – E Series Overview Definition of E Series Data Radio E Series – Features and Benefits The E Series is a range of wireless modems designed for the transmission of data communications for SCADA, telemetry and any other information and control applications that utilise ASCII messaging techniques.
Part B – E Series Overview • • • Multi-function radio capable of dropping off one stream to a port and forward on or repeat (store and forward) the same or other data. Stand-alone internal store and forward operation – buffered store and forward operation even in the ER remote units. Unique integrated C/DSMA collision avoidance technology permits simultaneous polling and spontaneous reporting operation in the same system.
Part B – E Series Overview Model Number Codes D, E & M Series Data Radios - Part Number Matrix = Tyxxx-aabbb-cdef T y x x z - a a b b b - c d e Options - Base Stations* 0 = No Options 1 = 450MHz Band Reject Duplexer [DUPLX450BR] 5 = 900MHz Band Pass Compact Duplexer [DUPLX900BPC] 6 = 900MHz Band Pass Duplexer (76MHz split)[DUPLX852/930] A = 450MHz 20W RF Power Output Options - E and M Series Remotes 0 = No Options H = Hazardous Environment Class 1, Div 2 and Diagnostics Available ONLY and stand
Part C – Applications Part C – Applications Generic Connectivity The E Series has been designed for SCADA and telemetry applications, and any other applications that use an ASCII communications protocol, and which connect physically using the RS232 interface standard (although converters can be used to adapt other interfaces such as RS422/485, RS530/V35, G703 etc).
Part C – Applications Systems Architecture Point-to-Point This simple system architecture provides a virtual connection between the two points, similar to a cable. Dependent of the hardware chosen, it is possible to provide a full duplex connection (i.e. data transfer in both directions simultaneously) if required.
Part C – Applications Digipeater Systems Backbone Store and Forward Systems This configuration is used where all sites are required to communicate via a repeater site. A repeater site is used because it has a position and/or height advantage and thus provides superior or extended RF coverage. The radio modem at the repeater does not have to be physically connected to the application’s master site.
Part D – System Planning and Design Repeat and Translate This configuration is used where there are multiple repeaters in series required to reach great distances. The use of the translate function in this scenario is effectively avoiding messages being sent back and forth between series of repeater units. The translate function essentially gives a form of message direction.
Part D – System Planning and Design Part D – System Planning and Design Selecting Antennas Understanding RF Path Requirements A radio modem needs a minimum amount of received RF signal to operate reliably and provide adequate data throughput. In most cases, spectrum regulatory authorities will also define or limit the amount of signal that can be transmitted, and the transmitted power will decay with distance and other factors, as it moves away from the transmitting antenna.
Part D – System Planning and Design Examples of Predictive Path Modelling goodpath.pl3 756.69 031 04 37.49 S 150 57 26.34 E 297.05 309.67 030 56 24.00 S 150 38 48.00 E 117.21 Antenna Type Antenna Height (m) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBd) ANT450/6OM 40.00 8.15 6.00 ANT450/9AL 5.00 11.15 9.00 TX Line Type TX Line Length (m) TX Line Unit Loss (dB/100 m) TX Line Loss (dB) Connector Loss (dB) LDF4-50 40.00 6.79 2.72 2.00 LDF4-50 5.00 6.79 0.34 2.
Part D – System Planning and Design Effect of Earth Curvature on Long Paths This path requires greater mast height to offset the earth curvature experienced at such a distance (73km). longpath.pl3 Repeater Site Elevation (m) Latitude Longitude Azimuth Antenna Type Antenna Height (m) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBd) TX Line Type TX Line Length (m) TX Line Loss (dB) Connector Loss (dB) Frequency (MHz) Path Length (km) Free Space Loss (dB) Diffraction Loss (dB) Net Path Loss (dB) 221.26 032 01 21.
Part D – System Planning and Design There are basically two types of antennas – omni-directional and directional. Omnidirectional antennas are designed to radiate signal in a 360 degrees segment around the antenna. Basic short range antennas such as folded dipoles and ground independent whips are used to radiate the signal in a “ball” shaped pattern.
Part D – System Planning and Design RF Feeders and Protection Data Connectivity The antenna is connected to the radio modem by way of an RF feeder. In choosing the feeder type, one must compromise between the loss caused by the feeder, and the cost, flexibility, and bulk of lower loss feeders. To do this, it is often prudent to perform path analysis first, in order to determine how much “spare” signal can be allowed to be lost in the feeder.
Part D – System Planning and Design Cable Wiring Diagrams 19
Part D – System Planning and Design Cable Wiring Diagrams RS232 Connector Pin outs (DCE) Port A and B, Female DB9 20
Part D – System Planning and Design Power Supply and Environmental Considerations General Solar Applications When mounting the equipment, consideration should be given to the environmental aspects of the site. The cabinet should be positioned so that it is shaded from hot afternoon sun, or icy cold wind. Whilst the radios are designed for harsh temperature extremes, they will give a longer service life if operated in a more stable temperature environment.
Part D – System Planning and Design Physical Dimensions - Remote Data Radio - ER450 22
Part D – System Planning and Design Physical Dimensions - ER450 Mounting Cradle/Din Rail Mount (Optional) Mounting Cradle ER450 Mounting Cradle The ER450 mounting cradle comes standard with the x4 mounting posts.
Part D – System Planning and Design Physical Dimensions - Base Station - EB450 24
Part D – System Planning and Design Physical Dimensions - Hot Standby Base Station - EH450 25
Part E – Getting Started - ER450 Part E – Getting Started ER450 Quick Start Guide Mounting and Environmental Considerations Introduction The ER450 radio comes complete with a mounting cradle and is attached to a panel or tray by means of screws or bolts, using the hole slots provided. Welcome to the ER450 Quick Start Guide. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, with simple explanations to get you up-and-running.
Part E – Getting Started - ER450 Connecting Antennas and RF Feeders TVIEW+ Adaptor Configuration: System Port Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 The RF antenna system should be installed in accordance with the manufacturers notes. The RF connector used on the E Series radios are N Type female connectors. Always use good quality low loss feeder cable, selected according to the length of the cable run. Ensure all external connections are waterproofed using amalgamating tape.
Part E – Getting Started - ER450 User Interfaces – Ports A & B RS232 Connector Pin outs (DCE) Port A and B, Female DB9 Each user port (A & B) is wired as a RS232 DCE, configurable for no handshaking (3-wire) interface, or for hardware or software (X-on/X-off) flow control. In most systems flow control is not required, in which case only 3 wires need to be connected between the radio and the application device.
Part E – Getting Started- ER450 Power Supply Requirements TVIEW+ Management Suite The E Series radio modem is designed and calibrated to operate from a filtered 13.8Vdc regulated supply, but will operate from a 10-16Vdc (11-16Vdc for EB450 & EH450) range.
Part E – Getting Started- ER450 Optimising the Antenna for best RX signal LED Indicators & Test Outputs Once the unit is operational, it is important to optimise the antenna tuning. In the case of a directional antenna, it will be necessary to align the antenna for the best received signal. This can be done by using the (0-5Vdc) output on Pin 9 of Port B to indicate signal strength (RSSI). This voltage can be converted to dBm using the chart below.
Part E – Getting Started- ER450 Received Signal Indicator LED Legend The “RX/SYNC” LED is used to indicate the state of the receiver. If the LED is off, no signal is being received. A RED indication shows that an RF carrier is being received, but no data stream can be decoded. This will briefly happen at the very start of every valid received transmission or may indicate the presence of interference, or another user on the channel.
Part E – Getting Started - EB450 EB450 Quick Start Guide 20W Power Amplifier option Introduction The 20W power amplifier is primarily used for the purpose of overcoming Tx combiner losses. In such cases of a 20W power amplifier being required, an Rx preamp may also be required. Welcome to the Quick Start Guide for the EB450 Base / Repeater Data Radio. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, with simple explanations to get you up-andrunning.
Part E – Getting Started - EB450 Typical Radio Setup Digital Inputs and Outputs The EB450 provides a facility for two channels of digital user inputs and outputs (Digital User I/O). Information on how to control and monitor this I/O using TVIEW+ Diagnostics can be found in Part J - TVIEW+ Management Suite - Remote Diagnostics & Network Controller. All user I/O is optocoupled for isolation between the EB450 and uses equipment.
Part E – Getting Started - EB450 LED Indicators & Test outputs Bar Graph Indicators Radio is Powered The bar graph indicators on the front panel provide variable information regarding the performance of the Base Station. To enable / disable the bar graph display depress the Display ON / OFF button. The display will turn off automatically after 5 minutes. If all the LEDs are off, no power is reaching the radio modem.
Part E – Getting Started - EH450 EH450 Quick Start Guide Introduction Welcome to the Quick Start Guide for the EH450 Hot Standby Base / Repeater Station. This section provides additional step-by-step instructions to install, commission and operate the EH450 Hot Standby Base Station. This document should be read in conjunction with the EB450 Base Station Quick Start Guide. The EH450 is a fully redundant, hot standby digital data radio base / repeater station providing automatic changeover facilities.
Part E – Getting Started - EH450 Operational Description Mounting and Environmental Considerations The Hot Standby Controller (HSC) unit is a 1RU rack mounted module that interfaces to two physically separate base stations (each 2RU rack mounted modules) via a number of RF and data cables. The EH450 Hot Standby Base Station is housed as a 5RU 19” rack mounted set, encompassing 2 x 2RU Base Station units and 1 x 1RU Hot Standby Controller unit.
Part E – Getting Started - EH450 Communications Ports The A & B Data Ports and System Ports of each Base Station connect directly to the Hot Standby Controller units corresponding ports with the cables provided. Ensure all clamping screws on the Data Port cables are firmly secured and the System Port cables are clipped in correctly. See figure below for further details.
Part E – Getting Started - EH450 Connecting Antennas and RF Feeders There are 3 primary antenna connection options. All connectors used are standard N Type sockets. See figures below for further details. See ER450 Quick Start Guide for detailed wiring information.
Part E – Getting Started - EH450 Front Panel Operation Switches Alarm Status LEDs Select Switch There are 10 alarm LEDs on the front panel, five for base 1 and five for base 2. These LEDs provide a general indication of base station status. More detailed base station status information is available by using the diagnostic utility software.
Part F – Operational Features Part F - Operational Features Multistream functionality (SID codes) The E Series sends data messages in packets. A feature of the E Series is that an address can be embedded in each packet. This address is called the stream identifier code (SID). By configuring a user serial port for a specific SID code, it is possible to steer messages to similarly configured ports between radio modems.
Part G – Commissioning Part G - Commissioning Power-up Upon power up, the radio will self test and shortly after the green power LED will be displayed. Failure of the power LED to light indicates no power, or failure of the fuse due to incorrect polarity or overvoltage. Other failure such as fatal internal errors will initiate error modes as detailed in Part E - Getting Started: LED Indicators and Test Outputs. LED Indicators Will depend on the system architecture.
Part H – Maintenance Part H - Maintenance Routine Maintenance Considerations The E Series hardware itself does not require routine maintenance. However all radio products contain crystal frequency references, and the stability of these crystals changes with time. The effect of this is that the product will slowly drift off frequency, and eventually it will require re-calibration. E Series radios are designed with high quality, low drift specification references, to ensure a long maintenance free lifespan.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer Introduction This manual covers the installation and operation of the E Series TVIEW+ Management Suite which incorporates 3 utilities: • Programmer for configuration of the radio RF parameters, system parameters and data ports • Diagnostics* for real-time monitoring and logging of radio performance parameters • Firmware Update for loading new firmware releases into the radio data modem All utilities can be run
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer STEP 2: Installation - TView Diagnostic Software (Optional) Programmer - Main Window Note: If a previous version of the “TView WinDiags” software has been installed on your PC, you must uninstall it via Control Panel “Add/Remove Programs”. • Close down all other programs currently running. When first started the programmer is in file mode as indicated by the mode field at the bottom right of the panel shown below.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer Pull Down Menus and Toolbar Buttons The items on the pull-down menus can be selected either directly with a mouse or using the ALT key in combination with a HOT KEY (e.g. ALT-F to select the file menu). Several of the functions within each menu are also available on the toolbar (click once to select). File Menu The file menu allows the user to load (open) or save configuration data as well as to quit the program. The files are saved with an “.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer Choose “Make changes anyway and finish” to complete intentional changes which will result in lost contact. After configuration data has been written, the session with the unit is closed and the programmer reverts to file mode. This function permits writing of the same configuration data to several units. This feature is normally used for configuring data radio modems connected locally.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer Port A and Port B Configuration Data from these two user ports is multiplexed for transmission over the air. Each port can be configured separately for the Character layer (Data speed, number of data bits, number of stop bits, parity), Packet layer and Handshaking (flow control). Port B must be enabled if required by setting the check box at the top of its configuration section.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer The fields which can be configured are: • Character Input timer: Set the input timer value in ms or enter zero to disable. Range 0 - 255. • Maximum Frame Size: Set the maximum number of characters or enter zero to disable. Range 0 4095. • Minimum Frame Size: Set the maximum number of characters or enter zero to disable. Range 1 255. Only available when AES Encryption is on.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer • CTS Disabled The CTS is a signal from the modem to the host informing the host that the modem is able to accept incoming data on the TXD line. It responds to the actions of the RTS line similar to the operation of a “standard” line modem. This selection disables the DCD output on the port. This selection is not permissible if hardware based flow control has been selected. The CTS is FALSE if the RTS line is FALSE.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer • Using Factory Calibration To use the factory calibration of the radio the desired power is set immediately using the OK button in the dialogue box. This method permits the transmit power to be set without energising the transmitter. Note that although the transmit power has been adjusted it must be written to NVRAM using the modem “Write” function to ensure it is retained after a power on reset.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer Legacy Modulation Schemes: Some modulation types are specifically for backwards compatibility. These include Bell 202 modes and D Series compatibility modes. These legacy modes should only be chosen when backward compatibility is required as their performance is inferior to the generic modulation schemes (bandwidth and RF sensitivity).
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer PTT Timeout The PTT timeout facility is used to disable the transmitter if it exceeds the designated time. The timeout value can range from 1 to 255 seconds and the facility is disabled by setting a zero value. The timeout value chosen for this should be set according to system requirements which may include: • Prevention of a remote unit remaining keyed up and locking out all other remote units in a point to multipoint system.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer Diagnostics Setup (Packet Modes Only) Polled Diagnostics The Diagnostics Processor can be configured to listen for diagnostics on a range of SID codes. The factory default is SID code 0 (From Stream 0 To Stream 0). The diagnostics responses are sent back over the same stream as the questions. Diagnostics Repeat This option can be toggled on and off by clicking the button.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer Encryption Setup (Packet Modes Only) The desired option for collision avoidance is selected by checking the control button to the left of the description on the main window. None When selected this turns off all collision avoidance mechanisms. This should only be used in point to point applications. Digital 128 bit AES Encryption can be enabled in the radio. AES Encryption is a feature available in the E Series Generation II product (firmware pack 4.x.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer • Mode – “Master” or “Remote”. When the master unit receives a valid transmission from a remote unit it transmits a carrier signal to indicate busy. Of course the master will also initiate a transmission if it has data to send. The transmitted carrier is interpreted by the other remotes to not transmit. Once the transmission from the first remote ends the master unit stops transmission to indicate the channel is now clear to transmit on.
Part I – TVIEW+ Management Suite - Programmer Configuring E-Series for use with M-Series Connect the E Series Master radio to the computer using the TView+ Programming and Diagnostics cable Described in the previous section. Read the E-Series unit. Using the Wizard facility is the quickest way to confgure the bulk of the radio confguration parameters. Click on the Wizard button to activate the Wizard menu. Click on Wizard Button number 8: “E Series Confgured for M Series compatibility.
Part J – Appendices Part J – Appendices Appendix A - Firmware Updates Firmware Update for E Series Base Station Exciters - Gen II (Serial No 56000 or above) Firmware Update Overview 1. Firmware updates are performed on a unit connected locally to the PC. It is recommended that all cabling to the unit be disconnected prior to commencing firmware update to minimise any interruption to the process or disturbances of signals on cables still connected.
Part J – Appendices 5. 6. 7. Select the file containing the firmware update package using the “Open Firmware Package” button at the bottom of the main window. After opening the file, the browse window will close and a description of the firmware package will appear in the main window. Initiate the firmware updating process using the “Write” button at the bottom of the main window. Another logging window will appear. Reconnect power to the unit when prompted in the logging window.
Part K – Support Options Part K – Support Options E-mail Technical Support When e-mailing questions to our support staff, make sure you tell us the exact model number (and serial number if possible) of the Trio equipment you are working with. Include as much detail as possible about the situation, and any tests that you have done which may help us to better understand the issue. If possible, please include your telephone contact information should we wish to further clarify any issues.
