FireLine Da t a Radio Modem T e ch n ic a l M an ua l Version E4 March 2007 Raveon Technologies Corporation 2780 La Mirada Drive, Suite C Vista, CA 92081 www.raveontech.
Table of Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. General Information about the FireLine .........................................................3 Overview........................................................................................................6 Specifications.................................................................................................7 Electrical Inputs and Outputs .........................................................................
1. General Information about the FireLine 1.1. Congratulations! Congratulations on your purchase of a FireLine radio modem. 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. NOTICE There are no user-serviceable points inside this transceiver.
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-M5-UC: Radiated frequency and Distance RV-M5-UC (406-512MHz 2 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 FireLine RF data radio is a rugged high-performance, high-speed narrowband data modem. It contains a receiver, a transmitter, and modem, creating an easy-to-use transparent data radio link. The FireLine’s user interface is asynchronous RS-232 data into and out of the FireLine (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-M5-VA (Export only) ...................................................................... 136 - 150MHz Model RV-M5-VB ........................................................................................... 148 - 174MHz Model RV-M5-UC .......................................................................................... 450 – 480MHz Model RV-M5-UA (export only) ...................................................
Spurious and image rejection ........................................................................................................... -60dB RX intermodulation rejection.......................................................................................... -60dB at 2400bps Conducted spurious emissions .................................................................................................... <-20dBm 3.4. User Input and Output Signals Serial port baud rates...................................
4. Electrical Inputs and Outputs The front panel of the FireLine modem has these features: 1. RF connector 2. Transmit LED (TX) 3. Receive LED (RX) 4. Power LED (PWR) 5. 9-Pin Serial I/O connector 6. DC Power Jack 4.1. LEDs The three status LEDs visually show the current status of the radio. Transmit LED (TX) This LED blinks red when the transmitter keys and is putting out RF power. Receive LED (RX) This LED glows red when there is an RF signal on the radio’s receive frequency.
4.3. 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.
4.4. EIA-485/RS-485 Serial I/O (Optional) RS-485 Connector Pin Out With the RS-485 option installed, the 9-pin serial I/O connector on the front of the FireLine is a female 9-p D-subminiature connector having the following pins configuration. Front-view of DB-9 connector on modem (female) Pin # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Name Dir Function B (-) A (+) I/O I/O Do not connect Do not connect B A Ground Do not connect Do not connect this pin to anything. Do not connect this pin to anything.
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. If you wish to use a terminating resistor, a value of 150 ohms should work in most applications. These A/B pin names are all in use on various types of equipment. The RS485 signaling specification states that signal A is the inverting or '-' pin and signal B is the non-inverting or '+' pin.
8 In - 9 Vin in In/Out RX input DC Power DC Power in or out if unit is powered using DC in jack. Configuring for RS-422 To configure the FireLine modem for RS-422 operation, use the ATIO 4 command. You must order the RS-422 option for this to work, and only FireLine modems with Revision E or higher hardware will work in RS-422 mode. The FireLine’s hardware is identical to the RS-485 version, with the exception of two internal loop-back resistors. Raveon’s RS-422 I/O circuit uses 3.
DTR negated means it is a negative voltage. A voltage less than zero volts applied to DTR will turn the FireLine off by putting it into LPM. To assert the DTR signal (turn the modem on), the DTR line must be high (> 3V). DTR is an input to an RS-232 transceiver IC. It is ESD protected, and is safe for voltages from –20V to +20V input.
5. Using the FireLine 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 FireLine is done when the FireLine is in the “Command Mode”. Refer to Section 8 on page 32 for details on all of the available commands and programmable features.
thus can operate with weaker signals and have longer communication range. 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 26. The Packet or Streaming operation is configured using the ATMT command, with Packet Mode being the factory default. 5.1. Setup 1. Connect a DC power source to the DC IN connection on the front of the modem. 2.
default radio channel using the factory defaults. In general, the parameters you may want to modify will be: ATFX Frequency for this channel. Set to your frequency. 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.
If the channel number is changed using the ATHP command, and power is later lost, the channel number will be retained in non-volatile memory as long as was saved using the ATSV (Save to non-volatile memory) command. Due to the nature of the synthesizer used in the FireLine’s radio, the frequency programmed into the unit must be an even multiple of its internal reference frequency. For narrow-band radios (12.5kHz channels), the user’s frequency must be a multiple of either 6.25khz or 5.00kHz.
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. Packet Size The over-the-air packet size may be set with the ATTT xx command. Once the modem receives one full packet of data into via the serial port, it will automatically key the transmitter and send the data. Factory default is 80 bytes.
5.5. Addressing (Packetized Mode only) Addressing Basics One of the more powerful aspects of the FireLine modem is its addressing scheme. Incorporating addressing in the modem allows multiple radio systems on the same frequency to co-exist, and not interfere with each other. Also, some user application cannot tolerate receiving data that was not intended for it, and by setting the addresses in the modems properly, the system can be configured to allow reception of only data intended for the recipient.
Setting A System-Wide Address If individual addressing is not needed in your system, there are two ways to ensure it is not used. One way is to set all modems in the system with the same Unit Address and destination address. From the factory, these are both set to 1234, and thus, all modems can communicate with all other modems, using the address 1234.
Unit Address is compared to the Effective Destination Address, and if the two are identical, the data will be received.
Receiving FireLine Unit Address = 1234 Receiving FireLine Address Mask = FFF0 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 FireLine’s Unit Address = 1234 Receiving FireLine’s Address Mask = 00FF Result: Data will be received. 2234 AND 00FF equals 0034.
compromise. If after 5 times, the data does not get through, then there probably is something seriously wrong with the channel or system. The retried-transmissions are randomly spaced at intervals between approximately 200mS and 400mS, increasing by 50mS for each attempted 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.
To solve this problem, some of the FireLine modems are configured as repeaters. The still are able to send and receive data, but they also will repeat data out to the modems that are out of range of FireLine A. 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 FireLines could be programmed to accomplish this type of system.
The second command above sets the Repeat Source to 1000 and the Repeat Destination to 1000, both with a Mask of FFFF. The FFFF mask means all digits of the source and destination are used to determine if the transmission should be repeated. All packets from units with MYID 1000 (A)sent 1000 will be repeated by this unit. In other words, all transmissions from A will be repeated by B. To view the Repeater Table, use the ATX command, with no parameter.
Using the FireLine Modem – Streaming Mode This section describes the operation of the Streaming Mode of operation. This mode is selected with the command ATMT 2. 5.8. 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.
Using the FireLine Modem – Packet Mode. 5.9. Baud Rate Selection In Streaming Mode, the user data may still enter the modem at any baud rate, as set with the ATBD x command. The FireLine modem will buffer the data and send it out over the air in the same order as it enters the modem. When the buffer is empty and there is no more data coming into the modem, it will automatically de-key the radio and go back into the receive mode.
When ATRF is 0, the modem will be more sensitive, and be able to receive weak signals, but there is more likely to be bit errors when the signals are weak. 5.12. Serial Data Flow Control If large amounts of data will be sent with the FireLine, and the serial port is operated at a faster data rate than the over-the-air rate, it may be possible to overflow the internal data buffer. To ensure the transmit buffer does not overflow, enable and use hardware flow control.
6. Installation 1. Secure the FireLine 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 FireLine 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 hard-copy 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.
8. User Serial Port Commands 8.1. Overview The asynchronous 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 as soon as it exits the Command Mode and returns to its normal operation mode. If the new parameter was saved to non-volatile memory using the ATSV command, then the new parameter will be used as well the next time the FireLine modem is powered on.
The default settings that the modem will revert to when the CONFIG button is pressed are: 1. Serial port 9600 baud, 8 data bits 1 stop, no parity 2. ATCT setting set to 60000 (60 second time-out) 3. Serial port on the front of the unit in RS232 mode, 9600bps, N/8/1. 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 FireLine.
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.
8.8. 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 0 (no AKCs sent) AS Auto Status Report Interval– Sets the time between auto status reports. Time is in minutes. 0 means disabled.
FR FX Receive Frequency – Program the receive frequency for this channel. Enter in Hz or MHz. The frequency will 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. Range: See product data sheet.
data rate and radio type. 7 typical) R8 Frequency Offset. Used to set the radio on the center of the R9 Modulation Balance. RA RB RF RG RP RQ RS RT radio channel. Select RF CD output threshold – This value is the RSSI threshold where the carrier detect is asserted. Note: To force CD always on, set this to 0, and R1 to RF Carrier Detect. Number of retries. If this modem does not get an ACK back when it sends data, this is the number of times it will retransmit the packet and wait for an ACK.
7 = Transmit CW 8 = Transmit 1010101… TT Max Packet Size – Set the maximum number of bytes in an over-the-air packet. VB Read DC input Voltage– Returns the DC input voltage reading, in mV (12500 = 12.5VDC input). VR Firmware Version – Returns firmware version currently loaded on the module. Xn Show or Configure the Repeat Table – Set the addresses that this unit will store-and-forward data to/from. n = 1, 2, 3, or 4 designating the entry in the table to show or edit..
8.10. 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 8 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 FireLine Modem Models that support the rates 800bps (R2=0) 12.
RV-M5-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. 8.11. 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.
9. FireLine Diagnostic Provisions 9.1. Overview of Diagnostics Internal to the FireLine 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 FireLine radio network. 9.2.
9.4.
9.6. ATST3 Command The ATST3 command, will return the time and date the firmware in the FireLine was compiled. 9.7. 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 9.8.
PRX The number of packets this modem has received. 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.
10. Tune-up and Alignment Do not key the transmitter for more than 30 seconds out of every 300 seconds. The transmitter is rated at 10% duty cycle maximum. Radio calibration and alignment is performed using the ATRx commands. The FireLine modem has been factory calibrated, in should not require any recalibration 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.
The type of radio module installed in the radio is shown on the serial number label attached to the FireLine modem’s rear cover. Radio Type 10.3. Center Frequency 1. Key the transmitter with CW output using this command: ATTD 7 2. The modem will now put out CW on the center of the channel. 3. Read the frequency offset with the ATR8 command. 4. Adjust the frequency to the center of the channel with the ATR8 command.
3. Verify the DC center of the demodulated data is stable. The random data should be randomly timed 1s and 0s, and have little to no AC component on them. See pictures below for details. 4. If necessary, change the ATR9 setting so that the long data bit have the same amplitude and DC value as the shorter ones. 10.6. RX DC Offset Verification To verify that the DC center of the received signal is near the nominal value, perform the following steps: 1. Generate a test signal, 1kHz tone, 1.
carrier when the RF carrier is above the threshold set with the ATRA command. 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. 10.8. MURS Operation When this product is used on frequencies governed by the FCC rules part 95, Subpart J, (Multiple Use Radio Service operation), it must be configured using the special MURS command. When in the command mode, enter the command MURS 1.
11. SkyLine Compatibility 11.1. General The FireLine 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 FireLine modem can communicate with SkyLine modems, provided the FireLine is properly configured. There are two versions of the Skyline, a wide-band version running at 9600 bps over the air, and a narrowband version running at 5142bps over the air. 11.2.
ATR2 5 Set the over-the-air baud rate to 9600 baud. ATR0 180 Set the peak deviation to +/-3.0kHz. This setting will probably have to adjusted to achieve the exact deviation. ATR1 1 Use data CD ATR5 9 SkyLine wide-band modems required 9 bytes of preamble. Company Confidential 51 Raveon Technologies Corp.
12. Antenna Information Key to a successful installation is the choice and installation of a good antenna system. A good quality antenna can more than double the range of a radio system. Properly locating the antenna is vital to creating a quality radio link, and a poor installation can decrease the range of the system by as much at 90%. Use these guidelines to evaluate your antenna system design, and be sure contact a quality radio communication equipment distributor such as Talley Electronics (http://www.
13. Internal Radio Connection Internal to the FireLine, the modem circuit board interfaces to a radio transceiver module via a 14 pin single in-line connector. The following table describes the function of each pin. Pin # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Function System ground +7.5V regulated output, ±5%. 1.5amp maximum current source. +7.5V transmit, ±5%. 100mA maximum current source. RX ON. +5.0V in RX mode 0V TX mode. 10mA maximum current source. Radio ON. +5.0V DC to radio. Digital output.
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.
the user is send data into the modem at 9600 baud, the modem will negate the CTS signal once the FireLine’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 FireLine 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.
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 FireLine will look for in the serial input data stream. If a pause greater than this value happens, the modem will transmit.
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17. Use with External Radio 17.1. Overview The model RV-M5-X is an OEM version of the FireLine modem which does not contain an internal radio. 17.2. Radio Requirements The radio used with the RV-M5-X modem must be capable of: A) Flat transmit modulation. The frequency response of the the transmit audio must be DC to at least 2.5kHz (for 4800baud) or DC to 4.8kHz (for 9600 baud). B) Flat receive audio. The audio output must have a flat frequency response. Often this is called “Discriminator Output”.
8 9 10 11 No Connect No Connect No Connect Keyline 12 RSSI In 13 RX Audio 14 Mod Adjust 15 DC In/Out 17.4. In RX mode, this is and open-drain circuit. In TX mode, it is pulled to ground with approximately a 10 ohm impedance. Optional signal. Analog RSSI from external radio to the FireLine modem. Unused in most applications. May be use dto signal BUSY Channel to the modem. High-busy, low=not busy. Wide-band receive audio input. Must be DC coupled to the radio FM discriminator.
Receive Audio into the modem (13) Connect the receiver’s FM discriminator output to this input. Do not connect this to the speaker audio. Transmit Modulation out of the modem (6) Connect this audio output to the radio’s transmit audio input. It must be DC coupled to the radio’s modulator (no series capacitors). There is a 1.65V DC bias on this line, and the transmit audio modulation level is adjustable with the ATR0 command.
Limited One Year Warranty If within one year 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.
