INSTRUCTION MANUAL CSI Maxon Radiotelemetry Network Revision: 4/03 C o p y r i g h t ( c ) 1 9 8 9 - 2 0 0 3 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 CSI MAXON RADIOTELEMETRY NETWORK is 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.
CSI Maxon Radiotelemetry Network 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. General Radiotelemetry Network ............................1-1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Introduction .......................................................................................... 1-1 Field Station..........................................................................................
CSI Maxon Radiotelemetry Network Table of Contents 3.5.1 RF310B Introduction ................................................................ 3-15 3.5.2 220, 230, and 240 VAC Conversion ......................................... 3-15 4. Operation of the Radiotelemetry Network ............. 4-1 4.1 Monitoring and Collecting Data - PC208W RF Notes ......................... 4-1 4.1.1 Basic Concepts ............................................................................ 4-1 4.1.
CSI Maxon Radiotelemetry Network Table of Contents 3-7 3-8 4-1 4-2 4-3 B-1 B-2 B-3 The RF310B Base Station .................................................................. 3-16 Top view of the RF310B Base Station ............................................... 3-17 PC208W Main Tool Bar ...................................................................... 4-1 PC208W Setup Window/Schedule Tab ............................................... 4-3 PC208W Connect Window, Tools Tab.............................
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Section 1. General Radiotelemetry Network 1.1 Introduction Data retrieval from a remote site can be difficult. To accomplish data collection from isolated sites Campbell Scientific, Inc. utilizes a radiotelemetry (RF telemetry) network. Dataloggers can be accessed by RF telemetry which requires no physical connection from the computer to the datalogger. The RF telemetry link reduces the number of visits to a remote site for data collection. The RF telemetry network is designed for complete computer control.
Section 1. General Radiotelemetry Network FIGURE 1-1. A Basic RF Telemetry Network 1.2 Field Station Purpose: The field station is where the measurements are made. The Campbell Scientific datalogger resides at this station taking the desired measurements. Any field station can also operate as a repeater. The only requirement is that the station’s antenna must be able to communicate in all desired directions. This may require an omnidirectional antenna.
Section 1. General Radiotelemetry Network ANTENNA RF310M FIGURE 1-2. A CR10(X) Field Station 1.3 Base Station Purpose: A base station utilizes a computer to collect data from the field station(s). Normally, all communication to the field stations originate at the base station. Data retrieval, remote programming, and system analysis can all be done from the base station.
Section 1. General Radiotelemetry Network RS232 Cable To Antenna CARRIER DETECT RF310B RF BASE STATION POWER ON MADE IN U.S.A. PC208W Datalogger Support Software for Windows Setup Instructions: Disk 1 of 4 1. Start Microsoft Windows 2. Insert Disk 1 in drive A. 3. From Program Manager, select File menu and choose Run 4. Type a:\setup and press ENTER. 815 W. 1800 N. Logan Utah 84321-1784 (801) 753-2342 FAX (801) 750-9540 Copyright(c) 1996 FIGURE 1-3. An RF Telemetry Base Station 1.
Section 1. General Radiotelemetry Network PS512M RF310M RF310 FIGURE 1-4.
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Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network This section provides a logical order for RF network assembly and deployment. Details of specific components in the system are described in Section 3 “Radiotelemetry Network Components.” Section 3 is cross-referenced throughout this assembly section. 2.1 Final Layout The initial locations of the base, field, and repeater stations have likely been determined already. Locate RF stations on an area map, preferably a topographic map.
Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network 5. After the antenna is mounted, connect the coax cable between the antenna and the BNC connector mounted in Step 2. 6. Replace the cover of the RF310B. 7. Connect a large gauge (approximately 8 AWG) copper wire from the antenna to a good earth ground. This is for lightning protection. This is required for any antenna, especially if the coax cable from the antenna goes inside a building. 8.
Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network The SETUP window is used to create a device map which contains the RF Link information. This information includes the station ID, communication path and conditions for calling a particular field station. Procedures for creating an RF communications link are explained in Section 1 of the PC208W manual.
Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network Select the Appropriate Communications port. If your computer uses COM2, click the “Add COM port” button to add an RS-232 communications port. Next click the “Add Device” button. When the “Add Device” button is clicked the “Add New Device” dialog box opens. Select the RF Modem and attach to the appropriate RS-232 communications port. Click OK.
Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network This window shows the RF modem (RF1) attached to RS-232 communication port 2. Next use the Add Device button again to connect the datalogger to RF1. This window shows the CR10X datalogger connected to the RF modem. Notice the Dialed Using RF95 path has been set to 10F. The RF95 path is unique to the RF310M dip switch settings.
Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network 2.3 Install Nearest Repeater/Field Station Now to install the nearest field station. If it communicates with the base station via a repeater, the repeater station must also be installed. Following is the order in which a general RF field station should be installed. A repeater station is installed in the same order. For instructions on installing any particular component, refer to either Section 3 of this manual or the Weather Station Manual. 1.
Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network 1. Verify everything is connected properly. See Section 2.5.1 for more suggestions. 2. Use the error messages in the error file to identify where the link is breaking down. See Section 2.5.2 for more information. 3. Try communicating from the base station to the field station, one step at a time. Identify where communications failed. See Section 2.5.3 for more information. 2.5 Troubleshooting Unsuccessful Communication Attempts 2.5.
Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network One possible error message is "RF1 Failed to Get Attention." This message indicates PC208W cannot communicate with the RF310M modem. Check the following items: 1. RF310B Base Station plugged into computer and wall outlet? 2. RF310B Power Switch turned on? 3. Has PC208W been set up correctly? 4. Is the proper COM port specified in the Setup window? 5.
Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network 2.5.3 Troubleshooting with the Terminal Emulator A general understanding of the communication sequences is necessary to properly trouble-shoot an RF link. The base station RF modem (RF310M) is called the Start Of Link modem, or SOL modem. The field station RF modem is called the End Of Link modem, or EOL modem. When powered up, the SOL modem immediately goes into a Wait Mode.
Section 2. Assembling the Radiotelemetry Network Things to check if TASK B is unsuccessful: 1. Improper antenna orientation. 2. Bad connections on the antenna cables, or improper antenna cables. 3. Insufficient current supply at the base station. Is AC power good? 4. Field station radio is not connected to power or power supply is weak. Check battery voltage under load, should be no less than 11.7 volts. Battery voltage no load and no charging source should be about 12.4 volts. 5.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components 3.1 RF310M Modem The RF310M is an interface between the computer and the radio when used at a base station, and an interface between the radio and the datalogger at a field station. In a repeater station, the RF310M is an interface between two other communication stations. The RF310M is an RF modem. PC208W will refer to the RF310M as either “RF Modem” or “RF95”. 3.1.1 Physical Description The front panel of the RF310M is shown in Figure 3-1.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components RF310M FIGURE 3-1. The RF310M Modem TABLE 3-1. A Sample of Station ID Numbers and the Corresponding Switch Settings Station ID 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 Switch Settings 1234 56789 0000 0101 0010 0111 0001 0100 0011 0110 0000 0101 0010 0111 0001 0100 0000X 0000X 1000X 1000X 0100X 1100X 1100X 0010X 1010X 1010X 0110X 0110X 1110X 0001X *Station ID 255 is reserved for phone-to-RF base stations.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components either be open, represented by 1, or closed, represented by 0; X in Table 3-1 refers to "don't care." The ninth dip switch is set according to the desired RF310M state, see Section 3.1.2 "RF310M States." The RF310M is shipped with a Station ID of 1 and are set in the RF310M-ME state. The RF310M inside the RF base station (RF310B) is shipped with a station ID of 254 and RF310M-ME state. FIGURE 3-2. Setting the Station ID 3.1.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components 3.1.6 RF310M Modem Communication Protocol Comprehension of this section is not necessary for routine operation of the RF310M Modem. The PC208W Datalogger Support Software accounts for the necessary communication protocol. There must be an RF310M Modem at both the calling (or computer) end of the transmission link, and at the answer (or datalogger) end of the transmission link.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components 3.1.7 RF310M Modem and the RF Link The RF link is the communication path which is opened between the Start Of Link modem and the End Of Link modem, along with any Middle Of Link modems. Any RF link must first be established, then maintained, and finally shut down. When collecting data, PC208W establishes, maintains, and shuts down the RF link as discussed below. 3.1.7.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components The first step in setting up an RF link, once in the Local Command Mode, is to create a setup block using the "S" command. The setup string is entered via the computer as follows: Sxxx yyy where: xxx = ID number of the RF310M which is acting as the repeater in the link. If no repeater is used then xxx is omitted. yyy = ID number of the EOL modem. xxx and yyy are numbers from 1 to 255, inclusive. The user can have up to 12 repeaters in any RF link.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components 3.1.7.3 Shutting Down the RF Link Sending the "E" character to a datalogger causes the datalogger to drop its ME line, which causes a shutdown of the RF link. A shutdown block is created by the EOL modem which can be sent to the computer as an indicator of communication quality. The shutdown block consists of three RF Link Quality Accumulators (RLQA). Each RF310M in the link will have three RLQAs which are appended to the shutdown block.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components as voice transmissions on the same carrier frequency. All noise level indicators are within acceptable bounds in this example. The "T" command should now be used to reset the SOL modem to the Wait Mode of operation. This step should not be done if further calls are going to be made through a phone modem. 3.1.8 RF310M Connections The 9-pin Serial I/O connector is normally used to connect the RF310M to the datalogger, PS512M or CH512R.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components 3.2.2 Radio Specifications The RF310 radios are manufactured by Maxon Data Telemetry. See the Appendix section for radio specifications. RF310 FIGURE 3-3. RF310 On Bracket With Connector 3.2.3 Radio Installation The RF310 Radios are shipped from Campbell Scientific mounted on a special bracket with a cable going from the radio to a BNC connector (see Figure 3-3). The following steps will install a radio for a field or repeater station.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components 3.3.1 Antenna Mounts Antennas must be mounted above any surrounding buildings or obstacles. Antennas must be properly oriented in relationship to the other antennas for RF communications to work. Antennas have various mounting options. Table 3-7 lists mounting specifications for several common Celwave antennas. Specific questions regarding antennas can be directed to Campbell Scientific, Inc. or Celwave.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components 3.3.3 Antenna Cables and Connectors The most common cable type to connect a radio to the antenna is a coaxial RG8A/U cable. Two connectors are required for each length of cable. The connector for the radio is a BNC type connector. The connector for the antenna is usually either a Type-NM or Type-NF. The BNC, Type-NM, and Type-NF connectors are shown in Figure 3-6.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components TABLE 3-5. Common Antennas and Characteristics Antenna Type VHF or UHF Cable Gain(dB) Pipe O.D.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components wires. The enclosure door can be fastened with the clasp for easy access. The enclosure’s clasp door can be secured with a basic lock. Both enclosures are white for reflecting solar radiation, reducing the internal temperature. The Model ENC 12/14 fiberglass enclosure houses the CR10X and power supply, and one or more peripherals. Inside dimensions of the ENC 12/14 are 14" x 12" x 5.5", outside dimensions are 18" x 13.5" x 8.13" (with brackets); weight is 11.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components Some solar panels are supplied with a connector. This connector must be clipped off so the two wires can be inserted into the two terminal ports. The red charge light is on when AC power or a solar panel is connected to the PS12. If the input voltage is high enough, the battery will charge even when the datalogger is on. CAUTION Switch the power to OFF before disconnecting or connecting the power leads to the Wiring Panel.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components networks. The PS12LA cannot be modified to the PS512M. The maximum current drain on the 5 Volt supply of the PS512M is 150 mA. 3.5 RF310B Base Station 3.5.1 RF310B Introduction The RF310B Base Station provides a "single box" desktop base station with the following features: • Internal RF modem. • 25-pin RS-232 port for connection to IBM PC. • 110 VAC/12 VDC transformer and mount for the base radio. • Easy access to radio for antenna cable connection.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components TABLE 3-7. Pin Description for RF310B 25-Pin Port Pin I/O Description 1 2 3 4 20 22 − I O I I O Ground TX RX RTS DTR RING TABLE 3-8. RF310B Power Conversions Pins Jumpered 110 VAC 120 VAC 220 VAC 230 VAC 240 VAC 1-3, 2-4 1-3, 2-4 2-3 2-3 2-3 Apply AC 1-4 1-4 1-5 1-4 1-4 FIGURE 3-7.
Section 3. Radiotelemetry Network Components RF310B TOP VIEW FIGURE 3-8.
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Section 4. Operation of the Radiotelemetry Network All field stations can be accessed and monitored from the central base site. Regular visits to the field sites are required to ensure that all sensors are in place, enclosures are dry, solar panel is clean, and that the tripod and antenna are secure. Frequency of visits to the field sites are variable depending on environmental conditions and the sensors utilized.
Section 4. Operation of the Radiotelemetry Network COM port. If you need an RS-232 port other than COM1, use the “Add COM Port” button. Use the “Add Device…” button to add your RF modem or Phone modem to the COM port. The Add Device button opens the “Add New Device” Dialog box. Once a device is selected the “Attach Selected Device to” box is opened. When adding a device you must attach it to a device in bold lettering. The last device to add is a datalogger.
Section 4. Operation of the Radiotelemetry Network FIGURE 4-2. PC208W Setup Window/Schedule Tab 4.1.4 General Communication - PC208W Connect Window General communications include: collect data, send and retrieve programs, monitor measurements in real time, graph real time data, etc. PC208W/Connect window supports these general communication tasks. First establish a communication link. This can only be done after the RF communication path has been setup in the Setup Window.
Section 4. Operation of the Radiotelemetry Network FIGURE 4-3. PC208W Connect Window, Tools Tab 4.2 Datalogger Initiated Communications The datalogger can call the computer to initiate data collection, sometimes termed "call back." Instruction 97, Initiate Telecommunications, is used for this purpose. Call back is commonly used to initiate data collection under emergency situations (e.g., water level falls below lower limit). Call back is not the preferred method for routine data collection.
Appendix A. Setting the Station ID Each RF310M, including the one in the RF base station, must have a unique Station ID. Each RF modem has nine dip switches; the first eight must be set for a particular Station ID. Following is a list of all possible Station IDs with the corresponding setting of the dip switches. Here, 1 represents open, 0 is closed, and X is "don't care.
Appendix A.
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Appendix A.
Appendix B. Alternate Base Station Configurations The basic base station consists of a computer and the RF310B Base Station. There are other options for a base station including a portable base station, a phone-to-RF base station, and a phone-to-RF base station with measurement capability. B.1 The Portable Base Station The portable base station is an aid in setting up a large radiotelemetry network, or in trouble-shooting RF network communication problems.
Appendix B. Alternate Base Station Configurations Phone to RF: Select the proper calling modem from the “Modem Pick List”. The calling modem is connected to the computer. Use 9600 baud for the COM200, 4800 baud for the COM100 and 1200 baud for the DC112. Phone to RF setup. The RF modem needs the “Dialed Using Phone Number” set.
Appendix B. Alternate Base Station Configurations Phone to RF: Each datalogger field site needs the “Dialed Using RF95 Path:” set. This is the address set in the RF310M RF Modem. Phone to RF: When a repeater is used, the “Dialed Using RF95 Path:” includes the path of the repeater followed by the path of the field site. In this case CR10X4, address 20 is called through CR10X3, address 15.
Appendix B. Alternate Base Station Configurations RF310M RF310/312 FIGURE B-1. Portable Base Station B.3 Phone-to-RF Base Station with Measurement Capability When it is desired to have a datalogger at a phone-to-RF base station, the datalogger must be a CR10, CR10X, CR23X, CR510, or CR500 and the RF310M must be in the RF310M-SDC State.
Appendix B. Alternate Base Station Configurations The correct calling modem (connected to computer) should be selected from the “Modem Pick List”. The COM200 uses 9600 baud, DC112 uses 1200, COM100 uses 4800. The “Base CR10X” must have the phone number and security code set.
Appendix B. Alternate Base Station Configurations The RF Modem (RF1) works with the default settings. Each datalogger field site needs the “Dialed Using RF95 Path:” set. This is the same address set in the RF310M RF Modem. This window shows a phone to RF base with measurement using a repeater to get to CR10X5. Note the second RF modem connected to the CR10X4. CR10X4 is used as a repeater. The “Dialed using RF95 Path:” includes the CR10X4 address (15F) and the CR10X5 address (20F).
Appendix B. Alternate Base Station Configurations RF310M RF310/312 FIGURE B-2. Phone-To-RF Base Station RF310M RF310/312 FIGURE B-3.
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Appendix C. Power Calculations There must be enough transmission power in any RF link to complete communication. The sources of power are the radio and the antennas. Conversely, power is lost both through the cables (coax loss) and over the distance of communication (path loss). The power of the signal received (Signal Power) can be calculated as stated below. The signal power must be greater than -95 dBm (-80 dBm @ 2.4K baud) to have a good radiotelemetry link.
Appendix C. Power Calculations Power Conversion Conversion of Watts to dBm can be done with the following formula. dBm = 10 * Log((Watts)/0.
Appendix D. Fundamentals of Radiotelemetry D.1 Radio Waves Radiotelemetry is the process of transferring information (data) in the form of radio waves. The data is transferred on a carrier wave which normally has a sinusoidal form. Therefore, the carrier wave can be described entirely by the frequency, amplitude, and phase with respect to a reference. The commonly used term for radiotelemetry, RF, refers to radio frequency, which in actuality is the frequency of the carrier wave.
Appendix D. Fundamentals of Radiotelemetry efficient, and to isolate the radio waves from the common low frequency manmade noise. The main forms of modulation are amplitude, frequency, and pulse modulation. Frequency modulation (FM) is used by Campbell Scientific. D.2 Antennas An antenna is a device which captures and radiates radio waves. The antenna at the transmitting station is excited by the transmitting radio. The antenna converts energy from the radio to radiated energy.
Appendix D. Fundamentals of Radiotelemetry blocks, modulates the radio's carrier wave, and stores information on communication quality. The user at the computer is responsible for naming the desired communication path with a setup string. This setup string contains any repeater (MOL) modem IDs and the destination (EOL) modem ID in sequence. After sending this information out through the RF system, all of the RF Modems in the specified link will set themselves in the proper mode.
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Appendix E. RF310M States The RF310M Modem operates in one of two separate states. The RF310M can be utilized in either the RF310M-ME (Modem Enable) State or the RF310M-SDC (Synchronous Device Communication) State. The RF310M-ME State is normally used for all RF networks. The RF310M-SDC State must be used when there is a phone-to-RF base station with a datalogger. Note: the 21X and CR7 dataloggers don’t support the SDC state. A switch inside the RF310M needs to be set according to the chosen state. E.
Appendix E. RF310M States is transmitted on the rising edge of CLK/HS. The RF310M completes addressing when the eighth bit is received. The synchronous device capability enables the Datalogger to have measurement capability at a phone-to-RF base station. A command within the address sent to the RF310M can tell the RF310M to connect to the phone modem which requires the RF310M to switch its TXD and RXD lines.
Appendix F. Specifications Specifications RF310 and RF312 Radios General Equipment Type Data Radio Performance Specifications TIA/EIA-603 & ETS 300-113 Channel Spacing 25 kHz, 12.5 kHz Programmable RF Output Power 5 or 1 Watt Modulation Type F3D, F3E Intermediate Frequency 45.1 MHz & 455 KHz Number of Channels 16 Frequency Source Synthesizer Operation Rating Intermittent, 90:5:5 (Standby: RX: TX) Power Supply Ext.. Power Suppy (12 VDC Nominal) 9.0 VDC - 15.
Appendix F. Specifications Audio Frequency Response Adjacent Channel Power 25 kHz 12.5 kHz <70 dBc @ Nominal Condition <65 dBc @ Extreme Condition <60 dBc @ Nominal Condition <55 dBc @ Extreme Condition Conducted Spurious Emission <-57 dBc Modulation Sensitivity 100 mB RMS @ 60 % Peak Dev. Hum & Noise 25 kHz Channel Spacing 12.5 kHz Channel Spacing Modulation Symmetry F-2 Within +1/-3dB of 6dB octave @300 Hz to 2.55 kHz for 12.5 kHz C.S. @300 Hz to 3.0 kHz for 25 kHz C.S.
Appendix F. Specifications 12.5 kHz CP < 40Db with PSOPH Receiver Response Time <16 mS Squelch Opening Range RF level for 6 to 14 dB Sinad Squelch Closing Range (Hysteresis) 0 - 6 dB Sinad @ Nominal Condition Squelch Attack Time: RF Level at Threshold RF Level at Threshold + 20 dB < 40 ms <30 mS Squelch Decay Time 5 mS Min., 20 mS. Max. Antenna Socket Input Match 10 dB Return Loss L.O. frequency Temperature Stability 1st <5ppm, 2nd < 15ppm from -30 to 60°C L.O.
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Glossary Antenna - Device for radiating and receiving radio signals. Attenuation - The reduction of an electrical signal without appreciable distortion. Base Station - The destination for accumulated data; where data is received via radio from one or more field stations. Baud Rate - A unit of data transmission speed, normally equal to one bit per second. Block - Group of ones and zeroes which represent data or commands. BNC Connector - A commonly used "twist type" connector on radios.
Glossary Radio - Device which transmits and receives electrical signals by means of radio waves. Radio Frequency - The number of cycles per second with which the carrier wave travels, usually specified in Megahertz. Radiotelemetry - Process of transmitting data by radio communication. Radiotelemetry Link - A temporary communication path within a network. Radiotelemetry Network - A group of stations which communicate by radio and are used to indicate or record data.
Glossary VHF (Very High Frequency) - Carrier frequencies commonly in the range of 130 to 174 MHz. VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) - The ratio of the standing wave voltage across the RF transmission cable at the high voltage points to that at the low voltage points. Unidirectional - Capable of operating only in a single direction.
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Campbell Scientific Companies Campbell Scientific, Inc. (CSI) 815 West 1800 North Logan, Utah 84321 UNITED STATES www.campbellsci.com info@campbellsci.com Campbell Scientific Africa Pty. Ltd. (CSAf) PO Box 2450 Somerset West 7129 SOUTH AFRICA www.csafrica.co.za sales@csafrica.co.za Campbell Scientific Australia Pty. Ltd. (CSA) PO Box 444 Thuringowa Central QLD 4812 AUSTRALIA www.campbellsci.com.au info@campbellsci.com.au Campbell Scientific do Brazil Ltda.
