User guide

DATA-LINC GROUP

PLR580D / DA User Guide

PN 161-09889-001B

rev 3/2005 ver 6.33c

(0) FreqKey

Selection (0) in the Radio Parameters menu allows the user to modify the hopping patterns of the radio modems to

minimize the interference with other Data-Linc Group radios in operation in the area. For instance, if there were 10 pairs

of Data-Linc Group radios in operation within a factory or refinery, changing the Frequency Key would ensure that they

would not jump onto the same frequencies at the same time for the same length of time.

There are 15 choices available for the Frequency Key (0-9 and A-E). It is recommended that a list be maintained of the

settings for each master to ensure that each is set to a different hopping pattern.

(1) Max Packet Size and (2) Min Packet Size Selections

For PLR580 use the user should not change this parameter.

(3) Xmit Rate

There are two settings for the Transmit Rate parameter. For normal operation PLR580s should be set at Transmit Rate 1.

Transmit Rate 0 is useful to qualitatively gauge signal strength. When set to Transmit Rate 0 the radio modems will

transmit data back and forth continuously, and the strength of the signal may be gauged by viewing the Show Radio

Statistics option.

Due to the fact that the radio modems transmit continuously when Transmit Rate is set to 0 (whether or not they have

data to send) they use radio frequency spectrum unnecessarily. Therefore, Transmit Rate 0 should be used only as a

diagnostic tool and not for normal operation.

Main Menu Option (3): Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics

When option (3) is selected in the main menu the screen in figure 14 appears, which allows the user to modify the radio

transmission characteristics of the radio modems. As stated in the warning, these parameters are for the experienced user

who has a good understanding of the principles of radio data transmission. They should be changed only after consulting this

user guide.

It is important to note that the radio parameters between any radio modems in communication will be determined by the

settings for the master (except when in multipoint mode, see (4) RF Data Rate below). While the settings may be modified

for the remote(s) and/or repeaters, they will be overridden by the master’s parameters.

Figure 14: Radio Parameters Menu

Shown below are example settings. Please refer to supplied configuration sheets for your modem’s configuration.