RV-M7 D at a Radio Modem T e ch n ic a l M an ua l Version C1 Feb 2010 (IP65 Weatherproof Version) Raveon Technologies Corporation 2780 La Mirada Drive, Suite C Vista, CA 92081 www.raveontech.
Table of Contents 1. General Information about the RV-M7 .......................................................... 4 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 1.5. 2. Overview ....................................................................................................... 7 2.1. 3. Features......................................................................................................................................... 7 Specifications ..........................................................................
Broadcast Transmissions ..................................................................................................................... 33 The Address Mask ............................................................................................................................... 33 Addressing Examples: ......................................................................................................................... 34 6.6. Error Correction ...................................................
1. General Information about the RV-M7 1.1. Congratulations! Congratulations on your purchase of a M7 radio modem – the most advanced radio modem of its kind available today. Please take a few minutes to read this manual carefully. The information presented here will allow you to derive maximum performance from your radio modem. After reading it, keep the manual handy for quick reference, in case questions arise later on. 1.2.
separation distance of following range. Failure to observe these restrictions may result in exceeding the FCC RF exposure limits. Antenna Installation: For rear deck trunk installation, the antenna must be located at least the following range away from rear seat passengers and bystanders in order to comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements. For model RV-M7-UC: Radiated frequency and Distance RV-M7-UC (450-480MHz 5 watts) 1.97 Feet (0.
1.5. FCC Compliance Information 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. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
2. Overview The M7 RF data radio is a rugged high-performance, high-speed narrow-band data modem. It contains a receiver, a transmitter, and modem, creating an easy-to-use transparent data radio link. The M7’s user interface is asynchronous RS-232 data into and out of the M7 (CMOS level optional). Modem operation is virtually transparent to the user and the configuration of the modem is via the user serial port.
3. Specifications 3.1. General All measurements made per TIA-603-B Frequency: Model RV-M7-VA (Export only)..................................................................... 136 - 155MHz Model RV-M7-VB ........................................................................................... 150 - 174MHz Model RV-M7-UC .......................................................................................... 450 – 480MHz Model RV-M7-UA (export only) ....................................................
3.5. Model Numbers The model number of the M7 modem identifies its operating frequency band, rf power level, and bandwidth. The models are: RV-M7-ab-c-oo where: a = The band (V=136-174MHz, U=406-512MHz) b = Sub band (A,B,C,M) c = Channel Spacing (blank=12.5kHz, W=25kHz) oo = Options (-GX for GPS, -WX for waterproof enclosure) Other frequency bands, power levels, and channel spacing are available. Contact the factory for your specific needs.
4. Electrical Inputs and Outputs The front panel of the M7 modem has these features: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 4.1. RF connector Power LED Status LED (Receive data = green, TX = red) 9-Pin Serial I/O connector DC Power Jack LEDs The status LED visually show the current status of the radio. Status LED (TX) This LED blinks red when the transmitter keys and is putting out RF power. It blinks green upon the reception of data or RF carrier.
RS232/EIA232 Serial I/O Connector The RS232 9-pin serial I/O connector is a female 9-pin D-subminiature connector having the following pins configuration. It is pinned out so that it may be plugged directly into a computer or PC’s 9-pin COM port.
resistant connectors on it, and a sealed enclosure to keep moisture out of the unit. The DC Input connector is a Bulgin PX0412/03P The RS232 I/O connector is a Hirose HR30-6R-6P(71) The RF I/O connection is a TNC female. Power Cord The DC power cord uses a Bulgin connector, part number SA3349/1.
4.4. RS232 serial cable for –WX version The RS232 serial cable uses at Hirose connector, part number HR30-6P6S(71).
4.5. Optional EIA-485/RS-485 Serial I/O RS-485 Connector Pin Out RS-485 is a two-wire connection, with the pair of wires transmitting and receiving data. With the RS-485 enabled (ATIO 2 command), the 9-pin serial I/O connector on the front of the M7 is a female 9-p D-subminiature connector having the following pins configuration.
Raveon’s RS-485 I/O circuit uses 3.3V logic to drive the lines, and the RS485 pins are ESD protected to ±15kV and 7kV human body model. Input current is less than 150uA. Output current when not driving the line is less than 50uA. Bias and Termination Resistors RS-485 installations typically have a termination resistor across the A and B lines. For low-speed operation (<57600 baud), this resistor is probably not necessary.
M7 RS-485 receivers have built-in bias resistors, offering the network a true “1/8 unit load”. In most allocations, these internal bias resistors are sufficient, and an external bias resistor is not required. Phoenix Contact/Tyco makes a convenient DB-9 to terminal-block connector, part number 2761839. 4.6. RS422/EIA-422 Serial I/O Connector RS-422 communications uses 4-wire differential signals.
M7 RS-422 receivers have built-in bias resistors, offering the network a true “1/8 unit load”. In most allocations, these internal bias resistors are sufficient, and an external bias resistor is not required. 4.7. Low Power Mode (LPM) The M7 modem, has the ability to be put into a low power mode (LPM). In LPM the modem draws much less current from the DC input. In LPM, the internal radio in the M7 is disabled, as well as certain current-consuming hardware circuits.
5. User Serial Port Commands 5.1. Overview The serial portion the RF modem is used to send and receive data over the air, as well as to configure the RF modem. In normal operation, the user sends data into the TxD pin of the user port, and this data is transmitted over the air. Received data from another RF modem is output to the user via the RxD pin of the user port. This is the default operating condition of the RF modem.
Once a Parameter is changed, the modem will begin using the new parameter and the new parameter is saved to non-volatile. 5.4. Reading a Parameter To read the value of a particular setting, issue the command, with no parameter. The modem will return the value followed by an “OK”. The modem’s OK response is: The value in ASCII decimal format. A ( = ASCII 0D, = ASCII 0A). An “O”, “K”, , and sequence.
If the unit was configured for RS-485, RS-422, or Ethernet, you must disconnect other devices and use an RS-232 device to configure the M7. Even though the serial baud rate reverts to 9600 baud when the CONFIG button is pressed and the IO port is RS232, it will revert back to the settings programmed into the M7 modem once the Command Mode is exited.
column. The only parameters that it does not restore to default are the radio type and radio calibration values R0-R9, and RA. This is so that the user may restore defaults, and not have to re-calibrate the radio. To erase ALL parameters, including the radio type and radio calibration, issue the AT&F 123 command. There should not be any reason do this command, because it will require the radio to be re-calibrated per the factory alignment procedure.
5.9. AT Command Command Mode Commands Command Description Parameters Factory Default AK Enable/Disable ARQ – When ARQ is enabled, this modem will automatically send an ACK packet back to a modem that sends it data. 0=off, 1=on. Range: 0 – 1 AS Auto Status Report Interval– Sets the time between auto status reports. Time is in minutes. 0 means disabled. Range: 0 –56000 (minutes) 0 (Off) AT Silence AFTER Sequence - Sets period of silence after the command sequence characters in mS.
FX automatically be saved in non-volatile memory (flash) for this current channel number. TX and RX Frequency – Program the receive and transmit frequency for this channel. Enter in Hz or MHz. Same as issuing an ATFR and an ATFT command. The frequency will automatically be saved in non-volatile memory (flash) for this current channel number. frequency cannot be changed. Range: See product data sheet. data sheet.
section 9.1 for information on how to set the OTA baud rate. 3 = 4800 8 = 9600 4L 4 = 8000 4L 9 = 2000 2L R3 Serial Port time out – Number of mS of no activity on the serial port before transmitting the data in its buffer. Range: 1 - 5000 R5 Preamble length – The number of bytes to send over-the-air in the pre-amble. R8 Frequency Offset. Used to set the radio on the center of the R9 Modulation Balance. 20 (mS) 4** RA RB RF RG RQ RS RT RV SL radio channel.
Save – Save all the parameters to EEPROM. This command must be used if changed parameters are to be stored in nonvolatile memory, and used next time the modem is powered up. Modem exits configuration mode after this command is executed. It saves all parameters except the frequency (The frequency is automatically saved when an ATFT, ATFR, or ATFX command is executed) none TD Transmit Test Data – When issued, the modem will begin transmitting data. The type of data sent is set in the parameter.
Over-the-air baud rate: ...................................... 4800 baud, 2-level Serial port .......................................................... RS-232, 9600baud, N/8/1 Hardware flow control ........................................ Off RF Power Output ............................................... 100% Channel number selected.................................. 1 Protocol .............................................................
6. Using the M7 Modem – Packet Mode This section describes the operation of the when it is in the Packet Mode of operation. Packet Mode is the factory-default operating mode. It is the easiest and most reliable mode of operation for a modem. Note: The configuration of the M7 is done when the M7 is in the “Command Mode”. Refer to Section 1 on page 18 for details on all of the available commands and programmable features.
Figure 1 (Packet Mode of Operation) For operation of the modem in the streaming data, non-packetized mode, see the section Streaming Mode on page 37. The Packet or Streaming operation is configured using the ATMT command, with Packet Mode being the factory default. 6.1. Setup 1. Connect a DC power source to the DC IN connection on the front of the modem. 2. Connect a good quality antenna, cut to the operating frequency, to the BNC connector on the front of the modem.
Frequency for this channel. Set to your frequency. ATFX ATMT 0 0 for normal Packetized operation. Default mode. ATAK 0 for no ARQ, 1 if this unit sends ACKs. Default is no ARQ. ATRB Set the number of retries if ARQ is used (x). 0 if no ARQ used. Factory default is no ARQ. ATBD Serial port baud rate ATMY The ID of this unit. Default is 1234. ATMK The network address mask. Default is FFFF. ATDT The address of the unit this modem will talk to. Default is 1234. ATBC Enable/disable busy channel lock-out.
6.3. Data Transmission To transmit data, send one or more bytes of data into the serial port of the modem. When a full packet of data has been collected into the internal buffer of the modem, or when there is a pause in the data, the modem will automatically key its transmitter, and send the data over the air. Serial Port Baud Rate While the modem is transmitting, the user may continue to send more data into the M7.
factory default duration of the pause it looks for is 20mS, but the user may change this to over values using the ATR3 xxx command, where xxx is in milliseconds. Busy-Channel Lock Out If your system operation require the M7 modem to monitor-before-transmit, of if you do not want the M7 to transmit on a channel that is busy, you can enable “Busy-Channel-Lockout”, using the ATBC 1 command. ATBC 0 disables BCL, and thus the modem will transmit whenever it has data to send out.
Unit Address is programmed with the ATMY xxxx command, and the Unit Address of the destination modem (the Destination Address) is configured with the ATDT xxxx command. The defaults UNIT ID in al M7 modems is 1234, and 1234 is the default for the destination ID. An Address Mask is used to select which digits of the address will be used to determine if a particular reception was intended for the M7 modem. The default Address Mask is FFFF, which means all digits will be used.
Most users who do not use individual modem addressing, choose to set a global system address, and have all modems in their system use the same Unit ID and same destination address. Broadcast Transmissions The double FF is used to identify a broadcast packet.
` Figure 2 (Address Filtering) M7 receives data over-the-air to Destination Address xxxx “AND” them together M7 has Unit Address yyyy M7 has Address Mask “AND” them together zzzz Compare the two results from these two ANDs Output the data via serial port if the two results were identical One effect of this is that an address mask of 0000 will cause the M7 modem to received any data from any unit that transmits. The Destination Address will effectively be ignored if the mask is set to 0000.
Result: Data will be received. 1236 ANDed with FFF0 is 1230. 1234 ANDed with FFF0 is 1230. The results of the ANDing match, and thus the data will be received. Example 4 (able to receive from a group, xx34 where xx is any two digits) Sending Destination Address = 2234 Receiving M7’s Unit Address = 1234 Receiving M7’s Address Mask = 00FF Result: Data will be received. 2234 AND 00FF equals 0034. 1234 AND 00FF equals 0034, therefore they match.
transmission. Once the modem has sent its data the number of times the user specified in the ATRB xx command, the data is discarded, and the modem will continue to operate as normal. It is very important that if one modem is configured to send ACK packets (ATAK 1) that all other modems communicating with it are also set to expect ACK packets using the ATRB xx command. To disable ARQ (the default condition of the modem), disable ARQ with the ATAK 0 and set retries to zero with the ATRB 0 command. 6.7.
H is configured to repeat all messages to/from E, D, and G. B is configured to repeat all messages to/from C, and D is configured to repeat all messages to/from G. The following table illustrates one possible way the M7s could be programmed to accomplish this type of system.
To view the Repeater Table, use the ATX command, with no parameter. To view a single entry in the table, use the ATXn, where n=1, 2, 3, or 4. To delete an entry in the table so it has no effect on the operation, set the fields to 0. For example, to disable make entry 1, use the ATX1 0 0 0 0 command. There can be an issue with regard to store-and-forward repeating and busy channels, particularly on polled systems.
7. Using the M7 Modem – Streaming Mode This section describes the operation of the Streaming Mode of operation. This mode is selected with the command ATMT 2. 7.1. Streaming Mode Operation In Streaming Mode, radio transmissions will begin whenever data enters the mode, and the transmission will continue as long as there is data to send. The transmitter will automatically key when data enters the modem, and there is no need to assert any control lines.
empty and there is no more data coming into the modem, it will automatically dekey the radio and go back into the receive mode. The M7 modem will send a hidden end-of-message signal to the receiving modem, thus avoiding any extra data bytes “dribble bytes” from coming out of the user serial port. When the modem is operating with very weak signals, the end-of-message signal may be obscured, and missed by the receiving M7. In this case, additional noise bytes may come out of the user serial port.
command. Note that the M7 modem will always indicate the status of its internal buffer using the CTS signal on the DB-9 serial connector. When CTS is negated, the internal buffers are more than 80% full. When it is asserted and it is “Clear to Send”, the buffers are less than 80% full. Company Confidential 60 Raveon Technologies Corp.
8. Installation 1. Secure the M7 modem using the four mounting holes on the side flanges of the unit. 2. Connect a DC power source to the DC IN connection on the front of the modem. Use the supplied cable, and connect the RED wire to +, and the black wire to – (ground). The black wire and the case of the M7 should be connected to earth ground. 3. Connect a good quality antenna, tuned to the operating frequency, to the RF connector on the front of the modem.
wideband/narrowband, antenna type and size, power/wattage, etc. You'll also get information on how to obtain the necessary application forms - either in hardcopy or electronic format - and how to proceed. The FCC website also offers a list of Frequency Coordinators. These are private organizations officially certified by the FCC to help you through the process, and who in most cases will handle the actual filing of your application.
9.1. Setting the Over-The-Air Data Rate The SkyLine has programmable over-the-air baud rates. The over-the-air rate is stored in register R2, and is programmed with the ATR2 x command, where x is a number corresponding to the rate. The are many possible baud rates, but not all rates may be used with all radio modem models. Consult the following table. Over-the-air rate Radio Bandwidth Number of Modulation Levels M7 Modem Models that support the rates 800bps (R2=0) 12.
RV-M7-UC-W (wide-band version) For high-speed operation, set R2 to 5 (9600 baud). For best range (longest distance), set R2 to 1 (1200 baud) Other data rates of 0(800bps), 2(2400bps), 3(4800bps), 7(9600bps), and 6(19,200bps) will work, but have a less optimal bit-error-rate vs. receive sensitivity. 9.2. Debug Related Commands Bench Testing (Must be in command mode to test. Enter +++ at the keyboard to put unit into config/test mode.) ATTD x Various transmit test routines. 0 = Go back to normal mode.
10. M7 Diagnostic Provisions 10.1. Overview of Diagnostics Internal to the M7 radio modem, is a powerful 32-bit microprocessor. Along with handing all aspects of radio modulation and demodulation, the microprocessor also maintains an extensive array of diagnostic information. This section details the diagnostic information available, and describes how to us the information to optimize or troubleshoot a M7 radio network. 10.2.
ST10 Statistic Read – Returns numeric values, comma separated, of all statistics as described in the ST command. Company Confidential 60 Run time display screen Raveon Technologies Corp.
10.4.
10.6. ATST3 Command The ATST3 command, will return the time and date the firmware in the M7 was compiled. 10.7. ATST4 Command The ATST4 command will return internal timers that tell how long the modem has been powered up and running. All of these timers restart a 0 upon power up. Run time: Years: nnn Days : nnn Hours: nnn Min: nnn Sec: nnn Uptime:nnn OK 10.8.
PTX The number of packets this modem has transmitted. The ID code that the status information is sent to, is set with the ATMA xxxx command. Whenever a status transmission is sent, the “TO ID” of the transmission is the address set using the ATMA command. This allows the system to be configured in a way the normal modem communications take place between the modems, and the status information only is delivered to modems that need to receive it. Company Confidential 60 Raveon Technologies Corp.
11. Tune-up and Alignment Do not key the transmitter for more than 30 seconds out of every 150 seconds if the RF power is set above 2 watts. Radio calibration and alignment is performed using the ATRx commands. The M7 modem has been factory calibrated, in should not require any re-calibration when installed, or when changing frequency or channel. Unless the user is trained in radio test and calibration, the values stored in the R registers should not be modified.
3. Adjust the deviation register setting so that the frequency deviation is correct. The deviation is set with a digital adjustment. Use the ATR0 command to read or set the deviation level. 11.4. TX Modulation Balance (Note: This step is not performed on radios with Radio Type 5) 1. Set-up a service monitor to monitor the FM deviation of the transmitted signal on an oscilloscope. The frequency response of the demodulated FM signal must be greater than 10Hz to 5kHz without any de-emphasis. 2.
5. Generate an RF signal on-channel with a level of -110dBm. Verify the Power/BUSY LED stays on. If it does not, repeat step 4, adjusting in increments of 10. Company Confidential 60 Raveon Technologies Corp.
12. SkyLine Compatibility 12.1. General The M7 RF modem has built-in compatibility with a radio modem made by Sonik Technologies, Vytek Wireless, and Cal Amp called the SkyLine. In most applications, Raveon’s M7 modem can communicate with SkyLine modems, provided the M7 is properly configured. There are two versions of the Skyline, a wide-band version running at 9600 bps over the air, and a narrow-band version running at 5142bps over the air. 12.2.
(MPE) for this product was computed using a 0dB gain antenna, and must be recalculated if a gain antenna is used. Height Try to locate the antenna as high above obstructions, vehicle, and buildings as possible. UHF and VHF radio channels require a clear “line-of-sight” between the transmitter and the receiver. Radio waves will penetrate buildings, and reflect off and around obstacles, but the fewer obstacles between stations the better the signal quality. Gain Antennas are specified by their gain.
14. Appendix A. Serial Port Hardware 14.1. Serial Port Data and Handshaking Signals In computer terminology, the RF modem is considered a “Data Communications Equipment” device, or DCE. The user’s hardware that the modem is connected to is considered “Data Terminal Equipment”, or DTE. Following is a description of how data and control is communicated over the various serial port signals between the modem (DCE) and another device (DTE) that the modem’s I/O port is connected to.
is send data into the modem at 9600 baud, the modem will negate the CTS signal once the M7’s internal data buffers become full. CD On this line the modem indicates to the DTE that it has received a carrier from a remote device. It will assert this signal any time there is a carrier detected. The modem may be configured to assert this when an RF carrier is detected (any onchannel RF, voice or data), assert it only when another RF modem signal is detected, or always assert it.
14.2. Null modem without handshaking Sometimes, a “Null Modem” cable may be required to connect the M7 modem to another device. The specific connections are very dependent upon the type of hardware and handshaking used, but the following sections should help in configuring a null-modem cable. How to use the handshaking lines in a null modem configuration? The simplest way is to don't use them at all.
14.4. Null modem with full handshaking In this null modem cable, seven wires are present. The cable is shown in the following figure. Null modem with full handshaking (DB-9 Female shown. Same wiring for male-to-male cable) 14.5. Connector 1 Connector 2 Function 2 3 Rx Tx 3 2 Tx Rx 4 6 DTR DSR 5 5 Signal ground 6 4 DSR DTR 7 8 RTS CTS 8 7 CTS RTS Compatibility issues The null modem cable with full handshaking does not permit the older way of flow control to take place.
15. Troubleshooting Symptom: Unit will not receive Solution #1. Verify that the modem is on the correct RF channel. If it is, the RX LED should blink every time another modem tries to transmit to it. If the RX LED does not blink when it should be receiving, it is on the wrong RF frequency. Soultion #2. If the addresses match, and RX LED blinks but still no reception of data, verify that the RTS signal is asserted. The M7 will not output data if the RTS signal on the DB-9 I/O connector is not asserted.
baud, 8 data bits, one stop, and no parity. If the baud-rate was OK, verify the AT, BT and CT times, that they are long enough for you to enter the +++ string. Symptom: Long delay before transmitting Solution #1. Verify that serial port timeout is OK. The ATR3 command sets the number of milliseconds that the M7 will look for in the serial input data stream. If a pause greater than this value happens, the modem will transmit.
16. Mechanical Company Confidential 60 Raveon Technologies Corp.
Limited Two Year Warranty If within two years from date of purchase, this product fails due to a defect in material or workmanship, Raveon Technologies, Incorporated will repair or replace it, at Raveon’s sole discretion. This warranty is extended to the original consumer purchaser only and is not transferable.
