Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Version 6.3 FreeWave Technologies, Inc. 1880 South Flatiron Court Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 444-3862 (303) 786-9948 Fax www.FreeWave.com LUM0002AF Rev E Version 6.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual SPREAD SPECTRUM WIRELESS DATA TRANSCEIVER USER MANUAL Copyright © 1995-2004 by FreeWave Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Published 2005. WARRANTY FreeWave Technologies warrants the FreeWave Wireless Data Transceiver against defects in materials and manufacturing for a period of two years from the date of purchase. In the event of a Product failure due to materials or workmanship, FreeWave will, at its discretion, repair or replace the Product.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual This product is licensed by The United States. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited. Shipment or re-export of this product outside of The United States may require authorization by the U.S. Bureau of Export Administration. Please contact FreeWave Technologies for assistance and further information. UL NOTIFICATION Model# FGRO9CSU is suitable for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D or non-hazardous locations only.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FCC NOTIFICATIONS This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device must be operated as supplied by FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ...........................................................................................................................................V ABOUT FREEWAVE TRANSCEIVERS.................................................................................................................7 CHOOSING POINT-TO-POINT OR POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT OPERATION ........................................................................
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (C) Remote LED ..................................................................................................................................................40 SHOW RADIO STATISTICS .........................................................................................................................................41 Number of Disconnects..............................................................................................................
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual About FreeWave Transceivers FreeWave transceivers operate in virtually any environment where RS232 data communications occur. A pair of transceivers function as a 9-pin null modem cable. If the FreeWave transceivers are to be used in an application where a null modem cable is used, such as communication between two computers, then the FreeWave transceivers can be connected directly.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Choosing Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint Operation A Point-to-Point network is limited to one Master and one Slave transceiver. Up to 4 Repeaters may be added to extend the reach of the network, but no other Master or Slave may be added. In a Point-to-MultiPoint network (also referred to as MultiPoint network) the transceiver, designated as a Master, is able to simultaneously communicate with numerous Slaves.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Quick Start on a Point-to-MultiPoint Network The following is a quick start guide for setting up two transceivers in Point-to-MultiPoint mode. This mode allows for a Master to communicate with several Repeaters and Slaves simultaneously. 1. Connect the transceiver to the serial port of a computer either through a serial cable or via the diagnostics cable. Make sure to connect the radio to a power source (typically, 6 to 30 VDC). 2.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Quick Start on a Point-to-Point Network When purchased as a pair, the FreeWave® Wireless Data Transceivers are shipped from the factory preconfigured with most of the settings to operate in Point-to-Point applications. To establish communications between a pair of FreeWave Wireless Data Transceivers just received from the factory: 1. Connect the transceiver to the instrument with the RS232 cable and also attach power.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Choosing a Location for the Transceivers Placement of the FreeWave transceiver is likely to have a significant impact on its performance. The key to the overall robustness of the radio link is the height of the antenna. In general, FreeWave units with a higher antenna placement will have a better communication link. In practice, the transceiver should be placed away from computers, telephones, answering machines and other similar equipment.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Setting up the Transceiver using HyperTerminal Note: The terms Modem and Transceiver are used interchangeably in this manual and in the text of the Setup menu. While the words have different meanings, the two terms should be treated as one and the same when referring to FreeWave products. Note: Included on the User Manual CD is the optional “EZConfig” transceiver setup program and instructions.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 3. In the Name text box, type in a descriptive name. Select an icon from the Icon selection box. 4. Click on the OK button. The following “Connect To” dialog box appears: 5. Select the connection type to be used from the Connect using drop-down menu. Select the active Comm Port that the radio is connected to. 6. Click on the OK button. The Properties dialog box appears for the selected connection type. LUM0002AF Rev E Version 6.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual The following are the port settings which must be set for a proper connection: Port Setting Bits per second Data bits Parity Stop bits Flow control 7. Menu Option to Select 19200 8 None 1 None After selecting the appropriate menu items for each setting, click on the OK button. The following HyperTerminal dialog box appears: LUM0002AF Rev E Version 6.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 8. Save the HyperTerminal connection settings by selecting Save from the File menu. IMPORTANT NOTE: 9. Whenever a change is made to the HyperTerminal settings in an open terminal session, the connection must be disconnected then reconnected before the settings will take effect. To connect HyperTerminal to the transceiver, press the Setup button on the back of the FreeWave transceiver.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual When Setup is invoked, the FreeWave Setup Main Menu will display in the HyperTerminal dialog box. All three LED’s on the transceiver will light green and stay green as long as the transceiver is in the Setup mode. Connecting and Disconnecting from HyperTerminal The HyperTerminal dialog box displays several icons in the toolbar. To disconnect from HyperTerminal, click on the Disconnect icon. To then reconnect click on the Call icon.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Troubleshooting HyperTerminal The following are some common issues encountered while using HyperTerminal. 1. 2. 3. 4. Nothing appears on the screen after pressing the Setup button on the transceiver. This usually indicates one of two things; either the wrong Comm port is selected or a null modem RS-232 cable is being used. Follow the steps below to change the Comm ports. 1. Click on the Disconnect button. 2. Select Properties from the File menu. 3.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Setting up a Transceiver Note: Once Setup mode has been invoked in HyperTerminal, the process of exiting Setup mode involves pressing the Escape (Esc) key several times, allowing the transceiver to connect to the network. Otherwise, cycling the power is the alternative way to exit Setup mode.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Operation Mode Description Point-to-Point Master (0) This mode designates the transceiver as the Master in Point-to-Point mode. The Master may call any or all Slaves designated in its Call Book. In Point-to-Point mode the Master determines the setting used for most of the radio transmission characteristics, regardless of the settings in the Slave and/or Repeaters.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Set Operation Mode 1. Selecting 0 Set Operation Mode from the Main Menu displays the following window: 2. Select the appropriate operation mode by typing the associated number or letter after Enter Choice. 3. When the selection is accepted the Set Modem Mode menu will refresh and display the updated mode. 4. Press the Esc key once to return to the Main Menu.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual SCRIPT FILE OR AT COMMANDS The following list includes the commands available to use in Point-to-Point Slave/Master Switchable operation mode and the functions the command controls.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual For Communication - Link AT-commands: 1. Assert DTR line on transceiver’s data port. 2. Send the AT-command(s) to the transceiver on the Data Receive Line. 3. Hold DTR line asserted until the communication link between the local and remote transceiver is established over the RF channel or the protocol reports a timeout. 4. Repeat from Step 1, if needed.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual ATD_ This command does not work if Entry to Call is set to ‘All’ or if the Call Book is empty. If Entry to Call is set to ‘All’, the transceiver which received the ATD_ command will try to communicate with any Slave in the network that is listening, regardless of the serial number specified in the ATD_ command.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Baud Rate This setting is the communication rate between the transceiver and the instrument to which it is connected. It is important to note that this is independent of the baud rate for the other transceiver(s) in the network. For example, a pair of transceivers may be used in an application to send data from remote process instrumentation to an engineer's computer.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Baud Rate Description Actual Baud Rate (selections 0-9) The actual baud rate for the transceiver’s data port. Data, Parity (A) Modbus RTU (B) It is desirable to set the baud rate to the highest level supported by the device to which it is connected. In certain circumstances, however, this may actually result in slower data communications. Six data word length and parity configurations are available to be used with FreeWave transceivers.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Setup Port (D) Note: DO NOT change this setting unless the correct programming cable is available for the new setting. This setting determines which port, Main or Diagnostics, is used to enter the Setup Main Menu. Menu Port Additional Information 1 Main Only The terminal is connected to the Main Data Port. 2 Diagnostics Only The terminal is connected to the Diagnostic Port. 3 Both Ports The terminal may be connected to either port.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Call Book The Call Book is required to be used in Point-to-Point networks. While the call book is an option in Pointto-MultiPoint networks, the Network ID feature is strongly recommended in most applications. The instructions provided in this section are for Point-to-Point mode only. Use of the Call Book for MultiPoint networks is explained later in this chapter.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 4. The system will prompt for Repeater 1’s number. If no Repeaters are being used, press the Esc key. (skip step 5) Otherwise, enter the 7-digit serial number of the Repeater. 5. The system will then prompt for Repeater 2’s number. Enter the 7-digit serial number of the second Repeater. If only one Repeater is being used, press the Esc key. 6. The system refreshes the transceiver’s Call Book menu with the new changes. 7.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual PROGRAMMING POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT CALL BOOK In a MultiPoint network, the Slaves and Repeaters are not listed in the Master's Call Book. A Slave must have the Master and any Repeater it is going to use in its Call Book. Note: If the Network ID feature is used in a MultiPoint network, no entries are needed in the Call Book of any of the transceivers. See the Network ID feature in the MultiPoint Parameters section.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Radio Transmission Characteristics The Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics option allows the user to modify several different parameters in the transceiver. Many of these parameters must be maintained throughout the network for proper functionality. Note: This menu is only for the sophisticated user who has a good understanding of the principles of radio data transmission.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Available options (0) HOP TABLE VERSION Entry 0 allows the user to choose the portion of the band in which the transceiver will operate. Selection Note: Name Band 0 1 2 3 4 5 Standard Australia International Taiwan New Zealand Notch Full 902-928 MHz 915-928 MHz 902-928 MHz, 16 fewer frequencies than full U.S.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (3) FREQUENCY ZONE Frequency Zone: The idea of frequency zoning is to divide the available band (902MHz to 928 MHz) into 16 smaller bands each consisting of 5, 7, or 8 Frequency channels depending on the frequency zone. These 16 zones are controlled by selecting option 3 and then entering a 1 (Enable) or a 0 (Disable) next to the appropriate zone number. This can be seen in the screen shots below.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual WARNING: FCC regulations require a minimum of 50 separate frequency channels be used within a hop pattern. Using the Standard hop table, a minimum of 7 frequency zones are required for legal communication. Please reference the above table for number of channels per zone to adhere to this requirement. NOTE: Every other zone is disabled. Zone 1 is represented as the 0 on the left, while Zone 16 is the 1 on the right. LUM0002AF Rev E Version 6.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FREQKEY IN 2.4 GHZ TRANSCEIVERS The Frequency Key for the 2.4GHz transceivers works very similarly to that of the 900MHz transceivers. The selection of 15 FreqKeys (0-9 and A-E) is identical to the 900MHZ, allowing for 15 different pseudorandom patterns. The difference comes in the Hop Table information. (0) HOP TABLE VERSION Entry 0 allows the user to choose the portion of the band in which the transceiver will operate.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (3) FREQUENCY ZONE Frequency Zone allows the user to select which portions of the band the network will use. Setting a zone to 1 will include it in the hopping pattern, while setting the zone to 0 will exclude that zone. Below is the frequency zone table displaying the beginning frequency and ending frequency in each of the 16 zones. Note: The Hop Table Version must be set to 0 (Entire Band) when using Frequency Zones.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual WARNING: FCC regulations require a minimum of 50 separate frequency channels be used within a hop pattern. Using the Standard hop table, a minimum of 5 frequency zones are required for legal communication. (1) MAX PACKET SIZE AND (2) MIN PACKET SIZE The Max and Min Packet Size settings and the RF Data Rate determine the number of bytes in the packets. Throughput can be enhanced when packet sizes are optimized.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual The following table defines the Maximum packet size in bytes by way of charting the Min Packet Size setting versus the Max Packet Size setting where the RF Data Rate is set to 3. Using the default settings, the actual maximum packet size, in bytes, is 172.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (6) SLAVE SECURITY Slave security is a feature which allows Slave transceivers to accept transmissions from a Master not included in the Call Book. The default setting is 0 (Slave Security enabled) which means, only Masters in the Slaves’ Call Book may link to that Slave. Slave Security may be disabled (setting of 1) allowing any Master to call the Slave.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (8) RETRY TIME OUT The Retry Time Out parameter in a Slave or Repeater sets the delay the unit will wait before dropping the connection to a Master or Repeater in MultiPoint mode. The factory default is set at the maximum of 255. The maximum setting means that if 1 packet in 255 is sent successfully from the Master to the Slave or Repeater, the link will be maintained. The minimum setting is 8.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 3. To communicate to an RS232 port of a transceiver that is in Lowpower Mode, the RTS line must be held high to wake it up. The transceiver will wake up within approximately 20 milliseconds of when RTS goes high. 4. If the RTS line on the Slave is held high, the transceiver will remain in normal operation regardless of the Lowpower Mode setting. Once RTS is dropped the transceiver reverts to the Lowpower Mode. 5.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Show Radio Statistics Radio Statistics in the Main Menu allows the user to view data transmission statistics gathered by the transceiver during the most recent session. This is valuable when the user needs to know the signal strength and noise levels of the link. Statistics are gathered during each data link and are reset when the next link begins. See display below.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual hop channel are shown in the frequency table. Pressing the Enter key when the Radio Statistics menu is displayed, accesses the frequency table. Ideally, noise levels should be below 70 J units and the difference between the average signal level and average noise level should be 26 or more. Noise levels significantly higher than this are an indication of a high level of interference that may degrade the performance of the link.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual (0) NUMBER REPEATERS In a MultiPoint network it is critical to transmission timing to configure this parameter correctly. The value should be 0 if no Repeaters are in the network and 1 if any number of Repeaters are present. This parameter should be set to the same value in all transceivers in a MultiPoint network. Number Repeaters needs to be set to 1 when running Diagnostics from the Master.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Slaves communicating through this Repeater will only receive the initial packet from the Master with no repeats. Therefore, if the packet is not received on the first try, the Slave will not respond as expected. (2) MAX SLAVE RETRY The Max Slave Retry setting defines how many times (0 to 9) the Slave will attempt to retransmit a packet to the Master before beginning to use a back-off algorithm (defined by the Retry Odds setting).
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Without having the serial numbers in the Call Book, a Slave may establish communications with different Masters, though not at the same time. This is very useful in mobile MultiPoint applications. (8) MULTIMASTER SYNCH MultiMaster Synch is reserved for applications, in both Point-to-Point and MultiPoint modes, with concentrations of Master units where it is necessary to reduce interference between the Masters.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 3. A diagnostics cable. (Available from FreeWave Technologies.) 4. Diagnostics software. (Available on the User Manual and System Tools CD.) For more information on Diagnostics, please contact FreeWave Technical Support at (303) 444-3862. (C) SUBNET ID The Subnet ID function only works in MultiPoint Networks utilizing the Network ID option.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Subnet ID Settings Transceiver Rcv Subnet ID Xmit Subnet ID Master F F In firmware levels v2.34 and below, the Master uses 0,0. Master 0-F 0-F In firmware levels v2.40 and above, the Xmit Subnet ID value may be set in the Master. The default settings (F, F) actually use 0, 0. The Rcv Subnet ID on the Master has no affect on the network. Repeater1 0 1 A 0 will force the transceiver to link only to the Master.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Passwords Option (8) Change Password in the Main Menu allows the user to set a password that will prevent access to or changing of any of the radio’s parameters. This option is useful if it is desirable to prevent unauthorized personnel from gaining access to the radio settings. Setting a Password Selecting (8) Chg Password will display the following prompt. New PW? ( to exit) To back out of the process and not enable the password press Esc.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Additional Settings Some additional parameters are not shown in the Setup menu which may be used with FreeWave transceivers. These additional parameters may be set with DOS based software. The most common additional settings used by users are described below. Low Baud Rates The transceiver's RS232 baud rate may be set to 300, 600, or 900 baud. Setup Timeout When enabled, this mode invokes a timeout feature for the Setup Menu.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Factory Default Settings FreeWave serial 900MHz transceivers are shipped from the factory with the following Default Settings: Operation Mode Default Point to Point Slave 1 Ethernet Options: Default Set Baud Rate Default (0) Ethernet Mode 0 Baud Rate 115200 (1) Half/Full Duplex 0 (A) Data Parity 0 (2) Slave IP Stack 0 (B) Modbus RTU 0 (3) Slave UDP Mode 0 (C) RS232/485 0 (4) IP Address (D) Setup Port 3 (E) TurnOffDelay/OnDelay
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Examples of Data Communication Links FreeWave transceivers’ versatility allows data communication links to be established using a variety of different configurations. The example below shows the most common and straightforward link; a Master communicating to a Slave in a Point-to-Point link. The example below shows how a link might be set up using a Repeater.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual The example below shows a configuration where a Master routinely calls a number of Slaves at different times. The Master is communicating with a transceiver designated as a Slave/Repeater that is connected to a remote device. Since this device is placed in an elevated location, the transceiver may also be used as a Repeater when it is not used as a Slave.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual The last example is a Point-to-MultiPoint network which uses one of the sites as a Slave/Repeater. This network functions in the same manner as a standard MultiPoint network with Repeaters. However, the number of radios may be reduced with the use of the MultiPoint Slave/Repeater feature. LUM0002AF Rev E Version 6.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Additional Transceiver information This section contains additional important information about FreeWave transceivers. The following topics are included in this section: Operational RS422 and RS-485 Information RS232 Pin Assignments FGRO OEM Board Pin Assignments FGR-115WC Waterproof Enclosure Pin out for 11-pin Waterproof Cable, part ASC0612WW.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual RS-422 and RS-485 Full Duplex Pin-Outs Function RX+ RXTX+ TXSignal Ground Bare Board Pin Number 7 9 5 10 4 or 6 DB-9 Pin Number 3 7 2 8 5 Bare Board Pin Number Short 5 and 7 Short 9 and 10 4 or 6 DB-9 Pin Number Short 2 and 3 Short 7 and 8 5 RS-485 HALF DUPLEX PIN-OUTS Function Wire to both pins for Bus + Wire to both pins for Bus Signal Ground RS-422 AND RS-485 FULL DUPLEX PIN-OUTS WATERPROOF ENCLOSURE Function RX+ RXTX+ TXSignal Ground Bare Boa
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FGRO RF Board Pinout The FGRO Footprint Series transceivers are available in both TTL and RS232 versions. The TTL versions use reverse polarity from standard RS-232 at 0 to 5 Volt levels. All pin descriptions and pin numbering are the same as the RS232 version.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FGR-115WC Waterproof Enclosure pin out for Cable ASC0613WW Pin Color Function Signal 1 Brown Carrier Detect (DCD) Output 2 Red Transmit Data (TXD) Output 3 Orange Receive Data (RXD) Input 4 Yellow Data Terminal Ready (DTR) Input 5 Green Ground Signal ground 6 Blue Diagnostics TXD Output 7 Violet Request to Send (RTS) Input 8 Gray Clear to Send (CTS) Output 9 White, shield Power ground, shield Power ground 10 Blac
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 900 MHz Transceiver Specifications Specification Frequency 902 to 928 MHz Transmit Output Power 5mW to 1W (+30dBm) See RF transmit power settings.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Board Level FGR09xx Ethernet FGR-115xE Enclosed FGF-115RC Water Proof FGR-115WC Data Port 10-pin PCB connector-RS232, RS422, RS485 Or TTL Available Ethernet RJ-45 RS232, RS422, RS485-DB-9 Diag cable required for RS422, RS485 configuration RS232, RS422, RS485-Fischer connector.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual 2.4 GHz Transceiver Specifications Specification Frequency 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz Transmitter Output power 0.5mW to 500mW (+27dBm) See RF transmit power settings. Range 20 miles Line Of Sight with 5dB Omni antenna Modulation GFSK, 115.2 or 153.6 Kbps Occupied bandwidth @ 60dB 230 kHz Channel Spacing 345.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual Data Port Board Level (IM-5x0X00x) Enclosed IM-800X009 Water ProofI-900X009 10-pin PCB connector RS232, RS422, RS485-- DB-9 Diag cable required for RS422, RS485 configuration RS232, RS422, RS485-- Fischer connector.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual OEM Full Size Board Level Mechanical Drawing LUM0002AF Rev E Version 6.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual OEM Mini- Board Level Mechanical Drawing LUM0002AF Rev E Version 6.
Spread Spectrum Wireless Data Transceiver User Manual FGR Errata data Firmware Version 2.29 Features added: UDP mode 2 - broadcast UDP. Point to point diagnostics when calling. Firmware Version 2.32 Fixes a power current issue Firmware Version 2.33 Added Modbus for Slave/Repeater Firmware Version 2.34 Fixed Retry odds issue. Firmware Version 2.40 Several new features, details were not provided. Firmware Version 2.44 Fixes a repeater issue Firmware Version 2.47 Added Vendor ID option Firmware Version 2.
