INSTRUCTION MANUAL RF400/RF410/RF415 Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modem Revision: 3/05 C o p y r i g h t ( c ) 2 0 0 1 - 2 0 0 5 C a m p b e l l S c i e n t i f i c , I n c .
Warranty and Assistance The RF400 SERIES SPREAD SPECTRUM DATA RADIO/MODEMS are warranted by CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve (12) months from date of shipment unless specified otherwise. Batteries have no warranty. CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.'s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.'s option) defective products.
– CAUTION – Where an AC adapter is used, CSI recommends Item # 15966. This AC adapter is included as part of Item # 14220 RF400 Series Base Station Cable/Power Kit. Any other AC adapter used must have a DC output not exceeding 16.5 Volts measured without a load to avoid damage to the RF400 Series radio! Over-voltage damage is not covered by factory warranty! (See Power Supplies, Section 4.
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RF400 Series Table of Contents PDF viewers note: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the Adobe Acrobat® bookmarks tab for links to specific sections. 1. Introduction.................................................................1 2. RF400 Series Specifications ......................................2 3. Quick Start ..................................................................3 4. System Components ..................................................7 4.
RF400 Table of Contents C. RF400 Series Address and Address Mask ........... C-1 D. Advanced Setup Standby Modes ......................... D-1 E. RF400 Series Port Pin Descriptions ..................... E-1 F. Datalogger RS-232 Port to RF400 Series Radio ... F-1 G. Short-Haul Modems ...............................................G-1 H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors ..................................................... H-1 I. Phone to RF400 Series ....................................
RF400 Table of Contents K-1. 900 MHz Gain Antenna Test Distances..............................................K-6 L-1. Advanced Setup Menu ........................................................................
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RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems 1. Introduction This manual covers the RF400 series radios — the RF400, RF410, and RF415. These radios differ from one another primarily in the radio frequencies at which they communicate. In this manual the term “RF400” can refer to the “RF400 series” or to that specific model. For clarity we will sometimes add “900 MHz.” The RF400 is a 900 MHz, frequency hopping, spread spectrum, data radio/modem for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems FIGURE 1. RF400 The RF400 has a 9-pin serial CS I/O port and a 9-pin serial DCE RS-232 port. The CS I/O port allows the RF400 to connect to a datalogger. The RS-232 port allows direct PC connection for Setup Menu access and to create a direct connect RF400 “base station” for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications. Where necessary, a more distant base station can be set up using short-haul modems or phone modems between PC and RF400.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems Quiescent Current in Standby Modes* Avg. Quiescent Advanced Setup Current (mA) Standby Mode RF400/ RF410 RF415 24.0 33.0 0 (no duty cycling) 3.9 5.5 3 2.0 2.8 4 1.1 1.5 5 0.64 0.84 6 0.40 0.50 7 * Not receiving a signal nor transmitting Standard Setup 1 2 3 4 PHYSICAL • • • • Size Weight Operating temp. range Humidity 4.75 x 2.75 x 1.3 inches (12.1 x 7.0 x 3.3 cm) 0.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems For this system you will need the following hardware or the equivalent: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Two RF400s Two RF400 antennas AC adapter (Item # 15966 or part of kit #14220) Serial cable (6 ft.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems AC Adapter apx TECHNOLOGIES INC. HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK CLASS 2 TRANSFORMER MODEL NO: INPUT: OUTPUT: UL R AP2105W 120VAC 60Hz 20W 12VDC LISTED 2H56 E144634 1.0A UL R MADE IN CHINA RS-232 DC Pwr Logan, Utah RF400 RS232 Spread Spectrum Radio CS I/O This device contains transmitter module: FCC ID: OUR-9XTREAM The enclosed device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems Current dataloggers and wiring panels (not mentioned in Table 1) provide 12 V on pin 8. For older products not listed, check for 12 V between CS I/O connector pin 8 and pin 2 (GND) or contact Campbell Scientific. c. Use default settings of RF400. Step 3 – LoggerNet/PC208W Set-up a. The next step is to run LoggerNet/PC208W and configure it to connect to the datalogger via the RF400 point-to-point network you have set up.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems Auto Sense The RF400 has a default feature called “Auto Sense” that automatically configures certain RF400 settings. When you connect an RF400 to a datalogger (CS I/O port to CS I/O port) the RF400 detects the presence of the datalogger and makes its CS I/O port the active port.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems Green LED activity indicates that there is an RF signal being received whose hopping sequence corresponds to the configured hopping sequence of the RF400. This does not necessarily mean that the network/radio address of the received packet corresponds with that of the RF400 (where a neighboring network exists it is a good idea to choose a unique hopping sequence). 4.1.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems The Standard Setup standby modes automatically configure: • • • Time of Inactivity to Sleep Time of Inactivity to Long Header Long Header Time The default mode is the Standard Setup menu selection “2” for “< 4 mA and ½ sec Cycle.” There are standby modes available in addition to those in the above table.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems 4.1.3.2 ATDT Command Mode This mode is not required for basic point-to-point communication. For point-to-multipoint operation the RF400 can temporarily be put into AT Command Mode by sending a string of three ASCII characters. The default sequence to enter AT Command mode is: 1. 2. 3. 4.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems Retries”, “Time-slots for Random Retry”, and “Bytes Transmitted before Delay” settings. STANDARD RETRY LEVELS Menu Retry Level Maximum Retries Time-Slots for Random Retry Bytes Transmitted Before Delay 1 None 0 0 65535 2 Low 3 2 1000 3 Medium 6 3 1000 4 High 10 5 1000 4.1.4.2 Number of Retries This setting specifies the maximum number of times an RF400 will re-send a packet failing to get an ACK response.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems For example, if you input a value of 50, then packets with hop sync info will be sent out every 5 seconds improving (shortening) the response time of a transmit/response sequence. Even though this shortens the time required to send x amount of data, the throughput is still determined by the CS I/O or RS-232 port baud rate setting. 4.1.4.6 Number of Retry Failures This reading is available in Setup Menu/Advanced Setup/Radio Parameters/Radio Diagnostics.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems (CSI Item # 14291) with tinned leads to connect to power at the datalogger 12 V output terminals and barrel connector to plug into the RF400’s “DC Pwr” jack. If 120 VAC is available at the site, the 120 VAC adapter alone (CSI Item # 15966) is an option. A 12 V supply may connect to either the RF400’s “DC Pwr” jack or CS I/O pin 8 (or both, since there is diode isolation between supply inputs).
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems CSI AC adapter Item # 15966 voltage regulation (typical) while plugged into an AC outlet delivering 120.0 VAC: TABLE 3. 15966’s Voltage Regulation Current Drain (mA) 0 (no load) 122 807 Resistive Load (Ohms) ∞ (open circuit) 100 Ω 15 Ω AC Adapter Output (Volts) 12.22 12.20 12.11 The voltage regulation of the 15966 is exceptionally good. Power connector polarity: inner conductor positive (+) TABLE 4.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems A remote RF400 can be connected to a CR23X’s or CR5000’s RS-232 port with a null modem DB9M/DB9M cable (CSI Item # 14392). See Appendix F for details on power supply. 4.4 Antennas for the RF400 Series Several antennas are offered to satisfy the needs for various base station and remote station requirements. These antennas have been tested at an authorized FCC open-field test site and are certified to be in compliance with FCC emissions limits.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems WISP24015PTNF, boom length 17 inches, diameter 3 inches, W/ END MOUNT to fit 1 to 2 in. O.D. mast (requires either (1) COAX RPSMA-L for short runs or (2) COAX NTN-L with Antenna Surge Protector Kit) COAX RPSMA-L LMR 195 ANTENNA CABLE, REVERSE POLARITY SMA TO TYPE N MALE COAX NTN-L RG8 ANTENNA CABLE, TYPE N MALE TO TYPE N MALE CONNECTORS, REQUIRES 14462 14462 ANTENNA SURGE PROTECTOR KIT FCC OET Bulletin No.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems ITEM # 14204 900 MHZ OMNI ½ WAVE WHIP 0 dBd ITEM # 14201 900 MHZ YAGI 9 dBd w/MOUNTS ITEM #14205 900 MHz YAGI 6 dBd w/MOUNTS ITEM # 14221 900 MHZ OMNI COLLINEAR 3 dBd w/MOUNTS 17
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems ITEM #15970 900 MHZ Indoor OMNI 1 dBd Window/Wall Mounted ITEM #16005 2.4 GHz OMNI HALF WAVE WHIP 0 dBd ITEM #16755 2.4 GHz ENCLOSED YAGI, 13 dBd w/MOUNTS FIGURE 4.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems FIGURE 5. Example COAX RPSMA-L Cable for Yagi or Omni Colinear FIGURE 6. Antenna Surge Protector 4.5 Antenna Cables and Surge Protection 4.5.1 Antenna Cables The 14201, 14203, 14205, 14221, and 16755 antennas require an antenna cable; either (1) the COAX RPSMA or (2) the COAX NTN with surge protector. Indoor omni-directional antennas are either supplied with an appropriate cable or connect directly to the RF400 series radio. 4.5.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems • When use of COAX RPSMA would result in too much signal loss (see page H-3) • When the RF400 series radio will be used in an environment susceptible to lightning or electro-static buildup 4.5.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems 5. Software Setup 5.1 Point-to-point Set-up parameters are configured the same for the two RF400s. The RF400 defaults to radio address “0” (zero) which works for many applications. See Section 4.2 for power supply options. 5.2 Point-to-multipoint The radio addresses for a base RF400 and its remotes are typically configured to be different from one another.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems Main Menu SW Version 6.425 (for example) (1) Standard Setup (2) Advanced Setup (3) Restore Defaults (4) Show All Current and Default Settings (5) Save All Parameters and Exit Setup (9) Exit Setup without Saving Parameters Enter Choice: 4.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems c. Select a Radio Address (0 – 1023). The radio addresses must be the same in point-to-point communications (for point-to-multipoint communications you could set the base RF400 to 0 and the remotes to 1, 2, 3, etc.). It is a good idea to label each RF400 indicating the configured network address, radio address, hopping sequence, etc. d. Select a Hopping Sequence (0 – 6). The hopping sequence must be the same for all RF400s in the network.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems 2. Point-to-multipoint a. Complete steps 1 to 4 above making the remote stations’ Network Addresses and Hopping Sequences the same as the base station’s. b. While in Standard Setup verify that the active interface is “Auto Sense” and give each remote RF400 a unique Radio Address. You should label each RF400 (with masking tape) indicating the configured network address, radio address, hopping sequence, etc. c. 3.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems power and intermittent repeater sites may not be a problem. Test such a site with a representative setup before committing to it (see Troubleshooting Section 6). Keep in mind that commercial sites tend to evolve. Such a site may work now but could change in the future with the addition of new equipment. 5.3.3 LoggerNet Configuration There are two ways of configuring the Setup map for a point-to-point ‘network.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems 3 dBd Omni Collinear 9 dBd Yagi 6 dBd Yagi 0 dBd Half-wave CS I/O CS I/O CS I/O RF400 RF400 DATALOGGER DATALOGGER RF400 RS-232 RF400 CS I/O DATALOGGER CS I/O CS I/O AC Adapter FIGURE 8. Point-to-Multipoint System 5.3.4 PC208W Configuration a. Point-to-point (1) Device Map - COM1 CR10X1 (2) Set station CR10X1 baud rate to 9600 baud in network map (3) Datalogger extra response time – 0 mS b.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems (4) Datalogger Station Settings (a) Example “Dialed Using Generic Dial String”: D1000 T"+++" R"OK"9200 T"ATDT3001^m"R"OK"1200 T"ATCN^m"R"OK"1200 (i) D1000 creates a 1 second delay (ii) T sends quoted string w/o waiting for a character echo (iii) +++ is string sent to put RF400 in AT Command mode (use other character if phone modems in path) (iv) R”OK”9200 waits up to 9.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems 6. Troubleshooting If you can’t connect, check out these possible causes: 1. Datalogger or Wiring Panel lacks 12 V power on pin 8 of CS I/O port The RF400 should go through its initialization with red and green LEDs lighting (see Section 4.1.1) when serial cable is connected if 12 V is present on CS I/O connector (see Quick Start Table 1).
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems 7. RF400 receiver “de-sensing” from nearby transmitter This problem can be observed from LED behavior when operating a handheld radio near an RF400 that is receiving collected data from a remote station.
RF400 Series Spread Spectrum Data Radio/Modems 10. PC208W.dnd file corrupted The remote possibility exists that this file has become corrupted in your PC. After you create the Network Map in PC208W, you can back up PC208W.dnd in case this should happen. If this appears likely, exit PC208W and copy and paste your backup file over the suspect .dnd file to restore proper operation. 11.
Appendix A. Part 15 FCC Compliance Warning Changes or modifications to the RF400 series radio systems not expressly approved by Campbell Scientific, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate this product. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
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Appendix B. Setup Menu Here is the structure of the RF400 series’ built-in Setup Menu system which can be accessed by configuring a terminal emulator program such as ProcommTM or HyperTerminalTM to 9600 baud (8-N-1) and pressing the “Program” button on the RF400 with RF400’s RS-232 port cabled to appropriate COM port of PC. Also displayed is a number representing the radio’s software and RF module versions. For example: 6.425. MAIN MENU SW Version 6.
Appendix B. Setup Menu ii) Radio Standby Modes (1) Standby Mode (0 => 24 mA Always ON 3 => 4 mA 1/2 sec Cycle) (4 => 2 mA 1 sec Cycle 5 => 1 mA 2 sec Cycle) (6 => .6 mA 4 sec Cycle 7 =>.
Appendix B. Setup Menu 4 => 38.
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Appendix C. RF400 Series Address and Address Mask Address An RF400’s address is 16 bits: (0 - 1111,1111,1111,1111) (0 - ffffh) 0 – 65535) binary hexadecimal decimal The two parts of the address are the “Network Address” and the “Radio Address.” The six most significant bits of the address are the “Network Address”, and the ten least significant bits are the “Radio Address.
Appendix C. RF400 Series Address and Address Mask four bits are not compared, any remote RF400 with Radio Address of 0 to 1111 (decimal 0 to 15) will be received by the base station. This allows multiple remotes in a network to be received by the base without changing the base Radio Address (the remotes cannot receive the base, however). Auto-Sense pre-configures as many settings as possible (including the address mask).
Appendix C.
Appendix C.
Appendix D. Advanced Setup Standby Modes The Standard Setup menu selections should fill the majority of user needs. The following information is given in case you need to program a non-standard standby mode. The Standard Setup menu selections do not correspond with Advanced Setup menu entries. For example: selecting a “3” in the Standard Setup menu selects (< 2 mA 1 sec Cycle) whereas entering a “3” in the Advanced Setup menu selects (< 4 mA 1/2 sec Cycle). Table D-1.
Appendix D. Advanced Setup Standby Modes In general, these inactivity timers should be set so that the RF400 stays on (receiving or transmitting, not in standby mode) longer than the quiet times during communication. You can experiment with this to see how it works. TIME OF INACTIVITY TO SLEEP The amount of receiver inactivity time desired before entering Standby Mode. This number is only valid in receive and duty cycling modes. Valid numbers range from 1 to 65535. The default number is 50 (for 5 seconds).
Appendix E. RF400 Series Port Pin Descriptions RS-232 Port The “RS232” port is a partial implementation of RS-232C. It is configured as Data Communications Equipment (DCE) for direct cable connection to Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) such as an IBM-PC serial port. RS-232 CONNECTOR, 9-PIN D-SUB FEMALE PIN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 I/O DESCRIPTION O I TX RX GND O CTS I = Signal Into the RF400, 0 = Signal Out of the RF400 Only CTS is implemented for flow control.
Appendix E.
Appendix F. Datalogger RS-232 Port to RF400 Series Radio A connection from RF400 RS-232 port to CR23X or CR5000 RS-232 port requires a 9-pin male to 9-pin male null-modem cable. This cable is available as CSI Item # 14392. A 12-Volt Field Power Cable (Item # 14291) or AC adapter (Item # 15966) must be installed to furnish 12 V to the “DC Pwr” connector on the RF400. The RF400 can operate with Active Interface in either the Auto Sense mode (default) or in the RS-232 mode with this configuration.
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Appendix G. Short-Haul Modems Set SRM-5A at PC end to “DCE” mode. Set SRM-5A at RF400 end to “DTE” mode. The PC to SRM-5A cable is typically a 9-pin female to 25-pin male (CSI Item # 7026). The SRM-5A to RF400 cable is 25-pin male to 9-pin male available as CSI Item # 14413. LoggerNet or PC208W Network Map: COM1 CR10X1 AC Adapter apx TECHNOLOGIES INC. HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK CLASS 2 TRANSFORMER MODEL NO: INPUT: OUTPUT: UL R AP2105W 120VAC 60Hz 20W 12VDC LISTED 2H56 E144634 1.
Appendix G. Short-Haul Modems NOTE With short-haul modems it is necessary to configure the base station RF400’s “RS-232 Auto Power Down Enable” (in the Advanced Setup \ Interface Parameters menu) to mode "0" which will maintain the radio's RS-232 port always active. This results in an additional constant 2 mA current drain by the RF400.
Appendix H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors RF Path Examples Distance Achieved (miles) 2 10 35 Antennas 14204 OMNI ½ Wave 0 dBd* Whip to 14204 OMNI ½ Wave 0 dBd Whip 14204 OMNI ½ Wave 0 dBd Whip to 14204 OMNI ½ Wave 0 dBd Whip 14204 OMNI ½ Wave 0 dBd Whip to 14201 9 dBd YAGI Path Between Radios Virtual line-of-sight on valley floor with wetland foliage. Line-of-sight across a valley (on foothills approximately 300 feet above the valley floor on each end).
Appendix H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors How Far Can You Go? Distance Estimates for Spread Spectrum Radios Overview There is a great deal of interest in estimating the distance you can expect to achieve with the RF400 radios. Also of interest are the effects of cable length, antenna gain, and terrain. Some of these items are easy to quantify (cable loss, for instance); others are difficult to quantify (such as the effect of ground reflections).
Appendix H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors Pr => signal power at the radio receiver in dBm The signal power at the receiver (Pr) must exceed the receiver sensitivity (−110 or –104 dBm) by a minimum of 6 dB for an effective link. The amount that Pr exceeds –110 dBm or –104 dBm (2.4 GHz) is the link margin. All of these elements are known, or are easily determined, with the exception of Lp.
Appendix H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors Antenna Gain Antenna gain is specified either in dBi (decibels of gain relative to an isotropic radiator) or in dBd (decibels of gain relative to a dipole). The relationship is: dBi = dBd + 2.15 Some antennas that are FCC approved for use with the RF400 series are: Mfg. Antenna Type Band Model CSI Item # Astron Antenex MaxRad LINX MaxRad Omni (1/2 wave) Collinear Yagi Omni (1/2 wave) Enclosed Yagi 900 MHz 900 MHz 900 MHz 2.4 GHz 2.
Appendix H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors As mentioned before, free space conditions are the ideal, but seldom actually seen. The higher the antenna height relative to the terrain in the line of sight path, the closer to free space conditions. Antenna height is everything! Here are some additional propagation effects that increase the path losses: Diffraction This is caused by objects close to the line of sight path. Real world examples of this would be hills, buildings, or trees.
Appendix H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors Here is a table which gives calculated path loss (Lp) values at 900 MHz for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th powers of distance; the equations (for 915 MHz) are: Lp (2nd power) = 95.8 + 20 × log ( d ) dB Lp (3rd power) = 95.8 + 30 × log ( d ) dB Lp (4th power) = 95.8 + 40 × log ( d ) dB (d in miles) (d in miles) (d in miles) Example calculated Lp values (in dB) TABLE H-1. 900 MHz Distance vs.
Appendix H. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other Factors Use –107 dBm for Pr, solve for Lp: Lp = 135 dB Use the 3rd to 4th power tables: Range from ~9 (4th power) to ~22 (3rd power) miles Example #2 Base has MaxRad BMOY8905 Yagi, with 50’ of LMR195 cable on a 30’ tower, also a lightening protection device with a VSWR of 1:1.75; remote also has a MaxRad BMOY8905 Yagi with 5’ of LMR195 cable on a 4’ pole. Terrain is mostly flat, with sagebrush. How far can I go? Pt = 20 dBm Lt = 50’ x (11.
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Appendix I. Phone to RF400 Series Where a phone to RF400 Base is desired, the following configurations will provide Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint communications. To have a base datalogger in this configuration requires that another RF400 be added at the base. 1. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS a. b. c. d. e. 2.
Appendix I. Phone to RF400 Series c. Phone Modem 1) Baud Rate – 9600 2) Modem Pick List – per PC’s phone modem 3) Extra Response Time – 2000 ms d. Datalogger – Dialed Using Phone # at Base site RF400 CONFIGURATION a. Base RF400 1) Active Interface: “COM2xx to RF400” 2) AT Command (Attention) Character: “-“ 3) All other settings: defaults b.
Appendix I. Phone to RF400 Series PC208W SETUP a. Network Map COM1 Modem1 Generic1 CR10X_1 CR10X_2 b. COM port - default settings c. Phone Modem 1) Baud Rate – 9600 2) Modem Pick List – per PC’s phone modem 3) Extra Response Time – 2000 ms d. Generic Modem 1) Dialed Using phone # at base site 2) √ Make DTR Active and √ Hardware Flow Control e.
Appendix I. Phone to RF400 Series FIGURE I-1. LoggerNet Point-to-Multipoint Setup 4. HARDWARE After configuring LoggerNet or PC208W and the RF400s you are ready to set up hardware. The PS512M null-modem connectors (it’s not important which connector goes to which unit) connect via SC12 cables to the COM210 and the base RF400 CS I/O port. Connect the site phone line to COM210. Connect power to PS512M. Connect antenna to RF400.
Appendix J. Monitor CSAT3 via RF400 Series Procedure for installing a pair of RF400 series spread spectrum radios for monitoring a CSAT3 system at a distance. This function has traditionally been implemented by running a short haul modem cable between CSAT3 and PC. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS • • • • • • • Two RF400s (mounting bracket option available) Two RF400 antennas (and possibly cables, see Section 4.4 for options) Base Cable/Power Kit Item #14220 (contains 120V AC Adapter and 6 ft.
Appendix J. Monitor CSAT3 via RF400 Series (5) Select “1” for “Standard Setup” and configure the following (a) Active Interface – leave at default “Auto Sense” (b) Network Address – can be default “0” if no neighboring RF400 networks are operating; otherwise choose a different network address (see RX LED Test below). (c) Radio Address – can be default “0” (d) Hopping Sequence – can be default “0” if no neighboring RF400 networks are operating; otherwise choose a different hopping sequence (1 – 6).
Appendix J. Monitor CSAT3 via RF400 Series (2) Remote station (a) Connect 12 V power supply to RF400 (can be either 120V AC adapter or 12V Field Power Cable) (b) Connect 9 pin male to 9 pin male null-modem cable from CSAT3 RS-232 connector to RF400’s RS-232 connector. (c) You are ready to start taking measurements TROUBLESHOOTING (1) If your readings appear off-scale, try closing CSAT32 and running it again. (2) If not communicating with anemometer, make sure RS-232 driver is turned on (see CSAT3 SETUP).
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Appendix K.
Appendix K. RF400/RF410 Pass/Fail Tests (d) Emulation: TTY (e) ASCII (f) COM1 (or any available COM port) NOTE With some versions of HyperTerminalTM after changing a setting it is necessary to do a “Call Disconnect” (or “Disconnect”) followed by a “Call Connect” (or “Call”) for the new setting to register. (2) Connect an SC12 to the selected PC COM port either directly or via known-good RS-232 cable.
Appendix K. RF400/RF410 Pass/Fail Tests TESTING RF400/RF410s After verifying the functionality of the terminal program and the integrity of the serial cable and COM port, proceed as follows: (1) Connect 12V power to an RF400/RF410. This can be from an AC adapter (Item # 14220 or Field Power Cable (Item # 14291) with 12V battery pack attached (see step 12 below).
Appendix K. RF400/RF410 Pass/Fail Tests (9) Make sure that no antennas are attached to the RF400/RF410s (10) Label the other RF400/RF410, “Remote” (11) Insert jumper into the Remote RF400/RF410’s RS-232 connector pins 2 and 3 (using a U-shaped portion of a paper clip) allowing data received from base RF400/RF410 to be transmitted back to terminal screen by remote RF400/RF410. RF400/RF410’s RS-232 Connector (female) (12) Connect 12V power to Remote RF400/RF410.
Appendix K. RF400/RF410 Pass/Fail Tests (b) Choose an open area free of large2 metal objects within 10 feet of the RF400/RF410s (can be indoors or outdoors). (c) Attach a 1/4 wave omni antenna (Item # 14310) to base RF400/RF410 (d) Set up remote RF400/RF410 with NO antenna (e) Separate RF400/RF410s by 5 feet (f) Type 8 groups of 5 characters on the terminal (aaaaabbbbbccccc etc.
Appendix K. RF400/RF410 Pass/Fail Tests FIGURE K-3. 3 dBd 900 MHz Collinear Omni Antenna (d) Set up remote RF400/RF410 with NO antenna and with antenna connector 20 inches above floor. (e) Arrange antenna distance apart according to following table. TABLE K-1. 900 MHz Gain Antenna Test Distances Distance Apart* Gain Power Ratio Over ¼ Wave vs. ¼ Wave ( 5 ft. × Power Ratio ) 9 dBd 11.2 dB 13.18 18 ft. 6 dBd 8.2 dB 6.61 13 ft. 3 dBd 5.2 dB 3.31 9 ft. -2.2 dBd 0 dB 1.0 5 ft.
Appendix L. RF400/RF410 Average Current Drain Calculations For remote sites with tight power budgets due to solar or battery power supplies, the following will help determine average current consumption. The RF400/RF410’s average current drain is based on: • • • • Standby mode of RF400/RF410 Data collection interval Number of data points collected “Time of inactivity to sleep” selection STANDBY MODES TABLE L-1.
Appendix L.
Appendix L. RF400/RF410 Average Current Drain Calculations EXAMPLE #1 (Remote RF400/RF410 in default standby mode) There is a Point-to-Point system with base RF400/RF410 and remote RF400/RF410. The remote station senses weather conditions and sends lowresolution data to final storage. The base station collects 10 data points from the remote station once per minute. Both stations are configured for “<4 mA, ½ sec Cycle” (the default standby mode).
Appendix L. RF400/RF410 Average Current Drain Calculations EXAMPLE #2 (Base RF400/RF410 in default standby mode) The base RF400/RF410 in the above example does more receiving and less transmitting than the remote RF400/RF410 so you might expect less average current drain, however, the amount of data being transmitted per minute is small, and the long header required is significant.
Appendix L. RF400/RF410 Average Current Drain Calculations EXAMPLE #3 (Base RF400/RF410 in “<0.4 mA, 8 sec Delay” standby mode) The RF400/RF410s in this example are configured for the lowest possible average standby mode current (Advanced Setup Menu selection 7). The same amount and frequency of data are collected as in Example 1. It = Is + Ih + Iq + Ir + Ii Calculating each term: Is = table mA value = 0.
Appendix L. RF400/RF410 Average Current Drain Calculations EXAMPLE #4 (Remote RF400/RF410 in “<0.4 mA, 8 sec Delay” standby mode) The RF400/RF410s in this example are configured for the lowest possible average standby mode current (Advanced Setup Menu selection 7). The same amount and frequency of data are collected as in Example 1. It = Is + Id + Ir + Ii Calculating each term: Is = table mA value = 0.4 mA Id = [45 (ms) + 2 N (ms)] 65 ms × 73 mA = × 73 mA = 0.
Appendix L. RF400/RF410 Average Current Drain Calculations EXAMPLE #5 (Base RF400/RF410 in default “<4 mA, 1 sec Delay” standby mode) The RF400/RF410s in this example are configured for the default average standby mode current. The same amount of data (10 data points) are collected as in Example 1, however the frequency of collection is changed from once a minute to once an hour. It = Is + Ih + Iq + Ir + Ii Calculating each term: Is = table mA value = 4 mA Ih = L (ms) 700 ms × 73 mA = × 73 mA = 0.
Appendix L. RF400/RF410 Average Current Drain Calculations EXAMPLE #6 (Base RF400/RF410 in “<0.4 mA, 8 sec Delay” standby mode) The RF400/RF410s in this example are configured for the lowest possible average standby mode current (Advanced Setup Menu selection 7). The same amount of data are collected as in Example 1, however the frequency of collection is changed from once a minute to once an hour. It = Is + Ih + Iq + Ir + Ii Calculating each term: Is = table mA value = 0.
Appendix L. RF400/RF410 Average Current Drain Calculations EXAMPLE #7 (Remote RF400/RF410 in “<0.4 mA, 4 sec Cycle” standby mode ) The RF400/RF410s in this example are configured for the lowest possible average standby mode current (Advanced Setup Menu selection 7). The same amount of data are collected as in Example 1, however the frequency of collection is extended to once an hour. It = Is + Id + Ir + Ii Calculating each term: Is = table mA value = 0.
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