RT423 - Wireless UHF Transceiver
User's Guide & Operating Manual
REV. X1 - 25 Nov 2003
Authored by Guru Mujumdar
Prepared by Steve Jones
http://www.avalonrf.com/
Avalon RF, Inc. • 344 Coogan Way • El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 401-1969 • Fax: (619) 401-1971 • Email: sales@avalonrf.com
AVALON RF, INC. Page ii
RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
Table of Contents
1. General .................................................................................................1
Figure A – RT423 Series Controls and Connectors..............................2
Video.....................................................................................................3
RF Output .............................................................................................3
2. Specifications ........................................................................................4
User Interface .......................................................................................4
Setup ....................................................................................................4
Electrical Interface ................................................................................4
Interconnecting .....................................................................................5
Figure B – Power/Video ........................................................................5
Mechanical............................................................................................6
Mounting ...........................................................................................6
Mechanical Data................................................................................7
Figure C – Mechanical Outline..............................................................7
Environmental Conditions .....................................................................8
3. Operating the transceiver...................................................................... 9
Operator Controls & Indicators .............................................................9
On/Off................................................................................................9
4. Ordering information ...........................................................................10
Base models .......................................................................................10
Options ...............................................................................................11
Recommended Accessories ...............................................................11
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
1. General
The RT423 rugged RF transceivers are intended for use in short
range wireless data transmission for control & monitoring
applications. The RF output power is approx. 250mW.
The RT423 works as a pair. It is a Wireless UHF Data Transceiver
that will transport RS485 (or RS232C with an external adaptor) data
in either direction. The wireless link is Half-Duplex, meaning it can
only transmit or receive at a given time. The default data rate is 9600
Baud, although the user may specifically request other baud rates.
The Transceivers offer the following features:
• A bi-directional data channel with short delay.
• Two Alarms and three Telemetry data inputs – optional (if
ordered).
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
Top View
1 Antenna - MCX
2 Power On/Off
Bottom View
3 Power/Data Input
Figure A – RT423 Series Controls and Connectors
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
1.1 Data
The data interface is a RS485-2 wire interface. It is half duplex at the
default factory setting of 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit.
1.2 RF Output
The RT423 has a 50 Ohm RF output through a MCX jack. An
antenna is included for each unit.
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
2. Specifications
2.1 User Interface - On/Off Switch.
The RT423 transceiver has an on/off switch. This shuts off power to
the entire transmitter.
2.2 Setup.
Since the RT423 works as a pair, the pair is shipped with the suffix
indicating the operating frequency e.g- RT423-650 indicates the unit
is programmed for 650 MHz. If you have ordered multiple sets,
please ensure the correct pair is used. The user has to connect the
antennas, power & data cables & the link is ready to work. There is
no specific setup procedure.
2.3 Electrical Interface.
The transmitter has the following interfaces:
2.3.1 Power Input
a) The transmitters operate off a 7Vdc-16Vdc unregulated voltage
source.
a) This input is switched and protected against reverse polarity.
b) Typical power input current consumption is 180mA when receiving
and 300 mA when transmitting.
2.3.2 Data Input.
a) The data input accepts RS485 signals.
b) Input signal is differential & complies to RS485 specifications.
c) The input interface is 2 wire, labeled ‘A’ (also called -) and ‘B’ (also
called +).
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
2.3.3 RF output to antenna.
a) The RF output connector is a 50
b) The RF output power is approx. 250 mW (transmit).
2.4 Interconnecting.
The interface to/from the transmitter is:
Power/Data Input.
Ω (ohm) MCX receptacle.
Pin
Function
Number
1 Power Return (-)
2 RS485 Input ‘B’ or ‘+’
3 RS485 Input ‘A’ or ‘-’
4 Power Input
Figure B – Power/Data
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
2.5 Mechanical
2.5.1 Mounting.
Mounting can be done in one of the following methods:
a) Clamping.
Clamping (or hard mounting) is the recommended method and the
only method of mounting in all fixed installations or when operating
from >10V.
Clamping is also the preferred method of mounting in mobile
installations where most electrical interfaces are used.
b) Clip on.
Avalon RF offers a clip on kit. This method is acceptable when
operating from a 9V battery and only one or two interfaces are in
use.
c) Velcro
The RT423 may be mounted using Velcro
®
to a flat surface.
®
if it is required to be
detached frequently. However, in this case it must be operated
from a 9V battery.
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
2.5.2 Mechanical Data.
a) Size 2.37” x 1.68” x 0.97 (see Figure D)
60mm x 43mm x 25mm
b) Weight <5.6 oz.
<158 gram
c) Shipping weight <32 oz.
<900 gram
Figure C – RT423 Mechanical Outline
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
2.6 Environmental Conditions.
The RT423 is designed to meet the following environmental
conditions:
2.6.1 Operating temperature -4° to 122° F
-20° to 50° C
2.6.2 Storage temperature -13° to 150° F
-25° to 65° C
2.6.3 Vibration 1.5G, from 10Hz to 2KHz, sine wave, 3 axis
2.6.4 Shock 15G, 25msec, half sine wave, three axis
2.6.5 Humidity 5 to 95%, non-condensing
2.6.6 Inclination Any
2.6.7 Altitude -1500 feet to 15,000 feet
-450 meter to 4,500 meters
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
3. Operating the transceiver.
Before applying power, make sure all connectors and all antennas
are hooked up.
NOTE
The transmitter will not transmit unless it has an antenna.
3.1 The transmitter has only 1 operator control and no indicators:
a) On/Off
The unit has a on/off switch for power. The ‘on’ position is marked.
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
4. Ordering information
4.1 Base model.
RT423- xxx
The user may order this set with a allocated frequency by specifically
requesting it or the unit will be shipped with a frequency in the ISM
band.
All units come with the following standard accessories:
4.1.1 Omni directional ¼ wavelength whip antenna
4.1.2 A 3-foot power cord with flying leads to connect to a customer
specific battery pack and flying leads for the RS485 data.
4.1.3 User guide & operating manual (this manual).
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RT423 User’s Guide & Operating Manual
4.2 Options.
4.2.1 Option 41 – Alarm inputs (Two)
4.2.2 Option 51 – Telemetry Inputs (Three)
4.3 Recommended accessories.
4.3.1 Antennas
AX410LP - 10 dBi UHF Log Periodic antenna for receive/transmit for
fixed installation or if the direction of the mobile unit will be known.
4.3.2 Cables
T.B.D.
4.3.3 Battery packs
a) BAT80 – 14.4V/80WH Li-Ion battery pack with charger and power
cable to transceiver. It will run a RT423 for 16 hours.
b) BAT92 – 14.4V/92WH Li-Ion battery pack with charger and power
cable to transceiver. It will run a RT423 for 20 hours.
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