LACK BOX, Inc. BLACK BOX, Inc. reserves the right to make
periodic modifications of this product without obligation to notify
any person or entity of such revision. Copying, duplicating, selling, or otherwise
distributing any part of this product without the prior consent of an authorized
representative of BLACK BOX, Inc. is prohibited.
All brands and product names in this publication are registered
trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Information furnished by B
by B
LACK BOX are covered by the warranty and patent indemnification provisions appearing in its
Terms of Sale only. B
description, regarding the information set forth herein. B
LACK BOX in this specification is believed to be accurate. Devices sold
LACK BOX makes no warranty, express, statutory, and implied or by
LACK BOX reserves the right to change
specifications at any time and without notice.
B
LACK BOX products are intended for use in normal commercial applications. Applications
requiring extended temperature range or unusual environmental requirements such as military,
medical life-support or life-sustaining equipment are specifically not recommended without
additional testing for such application.
Limited Warranty
For a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, B
against defects in materials and workmanship. B
LACK BOX will not honor this warranty (and this
LACK BOX warrants the transceiver
warranty will be automatically void) if there has been any:
(1) Tampering, signs of tampering, or opening the transceiver’s case.
(2) Use of AC power adapters and cables other than those originally supplied with the
transceivers.
(3) Repair or attempt to repair by anyone other than an B
LACK BOX authorized
technician.
This warranty does not cover and B
LACK BOX will not be liable for, any damage or failure caused
by misuse, abuse, acts of God, accidents, electrical irregularity, or other causes beyond B
BOX control, or claim by other than the original purchaser.
LACK
10/26/2006 2
FCC Information
FCC Notice
WARNING: 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.
RF Exposure/Installation Instructions
WARNING: To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices,
this equipment must be professionally installed such that the end user is
prevented from replacing the antenna with a non-approved antenna. The
end user should also be prevented from being within 20cm of the antenna
during normal use with the exception of hands, feet, wrists and ankles.
The preceding statement must be included as a CAUTION statement in
manuals for OEM products to alert users on FCC RF Exposure compliance.
Caution: Any change or modification not expressly approved by Black Box
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Figure 9- Multiple Networks of Point-to-Multipoint MDR24Xs ................................. 14
Tables
Table 1 – DTE, DCE and Null Modem Signal Definitions......................................... 10
10/26/2006 4
MDR24X User’s Manual
1. MDR24X RF Transceiver
The MDR24X transceiver is a Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio designed for
license-free operation in the 2.4GHz ISM band. Out-of-the box, the radio sustains a standard
asynchronous serial data stream between two or more radios. Housed in a compact and rugged
die-cast enclosure, the radio is equipped to replace thousands of meters of serial cable with its
wireless link. The radio features an RS-232 or RS-485 interface for integration into legacy data
systems.
Features
9 Durable Industrial grade enclosure
9 Transparent operation, supports any legacy system
9 Transmits around corners, through walls
9 Reliable communication up to 115.2Kbps
1.1 Overview
The MDR24X uses Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum modulation, where the units “hop”
from frequency to frequency many times per second using a specific hop pattern applied to all
the transceivers in the same network. A distinct hopping pattern is provided for each Channel
Number, thereby allowing multiple networks to co-exist in the same area without interference.
MDR24X transceivers operate in a Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint, Client-Server or Peer-toPeer architecture. One transceiver is configured as a Server and there can be one or many
Clients. To establish synchronization between transceivers, the Server emits a beacon. Upon
detecting a beacon, a Client transceiver informs its Host and a RF link is established.
MDR24Xs implement a proprietary communication protocol to provide secure data
transmissions. Using FHSS technology, the data remains reliable over long distances. The use
of license free frequency bands ensures that the units are ready to use with no further
certification requirements.
Each unit is small and easily portable for use in mobile and temporary settings as well as for fixed
installations. The MDR24X configuration software enables custom configurations based on
unique application requirements.
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MDR24X User’s Manual
1.2 MDR24X Specification
Specifications MDR24X
TRANSCEIVER PERFORMANCE
Output power (w/ 3dBi antenna) 100mW
Transmission range Up to 500 feet (450m) indoors; Up to 1 mile (1.6 km) line-of-sight
Data rate Up to 115.2 Kbps
RF Data Rate 576kbps fixed
Receiver Sensitivity -100dBm typical @ 576kbps RF Data Rate
Power Consumption (@ 12 Vdc) 102mA (50% Transmit/Receive duty cycle)
Configuration software Easy-to-use Windows based software
NETWORKING AND SECURITY
Frequency band, RF Technology 2402 – 2478MHz, FHSS
Electrical requirements Line voltage 100 – 120V (240V outside US);
Power supply 6-foot cable, AC power connector
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental conditions Operating temperature -40° to +80°C; 10% to 90% humidity (non-condensing)
PHYSICAL
Dimensions 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.4 inches
Weight 6 oz (170 g)
Serial Connector DB-9 Male (RS-232), Terminal Block (RS-485)
Power Jack Dimensions 0.100” diameter pin with 0.250” diameter opening. Center positive.
Serial Cord length 6 feet (183 cm)
10/26/2006 6
MDR24X User’s Manual
1.3 MDR24X Interface
MDR24X transceivers support RS-232/ RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex) protocols. In a cabled
environment, the RS-485 protocol can tolerate high noise and push signals over long cable
lengths. RS-485 cabling can also communicate as far as 4000 feet (1200m) and offer multi-drop
capability where up to 32 nodes can be connected. RS-232 cabling is suitable for distances less
than 100 feet (30.5m) and only supports point-to-point communications. MDR24X transceivers
offer performance improvements over a standard cabled link. Distance and multipoint
communications are greatly enhanced. A selection of RS-232/RS-485 can be made when
ordering the MDR24Xs.
Figure 1- MDR24X Front View
Status LEDs
RPSMA Antenna Connector
Pwr Link Rx Tx
MDR24X Status LEDs
LED Color Description
Pwr Green On indicates that the unit is powered up.
On indicates the Client unit(s) and Server unit are in range of one
Link Red
another. Link LED remains activated on Server units. Client units
activate the Link LED when in range of the Server unit.
Rx Green When flashing, LED indicates MDR24X unit is receiving data.
Tx Red When and flashing, LED indicates MDR24X unit is sending data.
10/26/2006 7
MDR24X User’s Manual
V
)
RS-232 Pin Assignments
15
69
Figure 2- MDR242A Back View
Power ConnectorDB9 Male Connector
Input /
Pin Description
1
DCD
Output
O
2TxD O
3RxD I
4DSR O
5GND
6DTR I
7CTS O
8RTS I
9
Note: Standard power is applied through the power connector. Alternative power is available via
the terminal block pins.
4 No Connect
5 485+ (485A)
6GND
10/26/2006 8
MDR24X User’s Manual
MDR24X Mechanical Diagram
Figure 4- MDR24X Mechanical Diagram
1.170
0.536
0.060
0.000
2.750
2.375
9 Pin Male D-Connector
Power Jack w/ 0.100 dia. pin and
0.250 opening, pin is PWR.
0.375
Antenna Connector
SMA Jack, Reverse Polarity
0.538
Side View
Label Recess, 3.5w x 2.0h
0.150 dia. mounting holes
(4) places
2.000
J3
Status LEDs
J4
Pwr Link Rx Tx
0.000
Top View
0.250
0.565
Note: All dimension in inches unless noted
4.185
4.500
4.750
0.000
10/26/2006 9
MDR24X User’s Manual
2. Interfacing Protocol
The MDR24X is a DCE (Data Communications Equipment). A DCE can be interfaced to a DTE
using a straight through serial cable (the serial cable provided with the MDR24X is a straight
through cable). Typically, PC’s are defined as a DTE and peripherals are defined as DCE. To
interface a DCE with another DCE, or a DTE with another DTE, a null modem (or a Crossover)
cable is required. The null modem simply swaps pins to convert a DCE to a DTE and vice-versa.
A null modem cable can be provided with the MDR24X on request.
The MDR24X transceivers support the following interface protocols
• RS-232
• RS-485 (2-wire) Half Duplex
Table 1 – DTE, DCE and Null Modem Signal Definitions
DCE Pin
Number
1 DCD O 1 DCD I 1 NC
2 TXD O 2 RXD I 2 3
3 RXD I 3 TXD O 3 2
4 DTR I 4 DTR O 4 6
5 GND 5 GND 5 5
6 DSR O 6 DSR I 6 4
7 RTS I 7 RTS O 7 8
8 CTS O 8 CTS I 8 7
9 RI O 9 RI I 9 NC
DCE Signal
Name
DCE
Direction
DTE Pin
Number
DTE Signal
Name
DTE
Direction
Null Modem
Female DB9
Null Modem
Male DB9
10/26/2006 10
MDR24X User’s Manual
S
S
GN
S
S
2.1 RS-232
RS-232 is a single ended data transmission protocol. The RS-232 signals are represented by
voltage levels with respect to a system common (power / logic ground). The "idle" state (MARK)
has the signal level negative with respect to common, and the "active" state (SPACE) has the
signal level positive with respect to common. RS-232 has numerous handshaking lines (primarily
used with modems), and also specifies a communications protocol.
Figure 5- RS-232 Male/Female Connector Pin out
RS-232 DB9 Female
Connector RS-232 DB9 Male Connector
Pin Description
1
DCD
2 RxD
3 TxD
4 DTR
5 GND
6 DSR
7 RTS
8 CTS
9
RI
Figure 6- DCE to DTE Interface
OEM Host/PC
CTS
RT
RXD
TXD
GND
PinDescription
NC
DCD
2TxD
3RxD
4DSR
5GND
6DTR
7CTS
8RTS
NC
RI
MDR24X Modem
CTS
RT
TXD
RXD
D
DCD
DTE
10/26/2006 11
D
DTR
R
D
DTR
R
DCE
Straight Through Cable
MDR24X User’s Manual
S
S
GN
C
S
C
NC
NC
NCRINC
Figure 7- DCE to DCE Interface
OEM Host
CTS
RT
MDR24X Modem
CTS
RT
RXD
TXD
GND
D
D
DTR
RI
D
R
DCE
Crossover Cable
TXD
RXD
D
DSR
DTR
D
D
DCE
Note: The Straight Through Cable provided with the MDR24X has female connectors on both
ends and the Crossover cable has a male connector at one end and a female connector at the
other end. Please use a male-to-male adapter or female-to-female adapter wherever required.
Using a null modem adapter with a Crossover cable is equivalent to using a Straight Through
cable.
2.2 RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex)
The RS-485 interface uses a Differential Data Transmission that can help nullify the effects of
ground shifts and induced noise signals that can appear as common mode voltages on a
network.
The MDR24X implements a RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex) multi-drop interface. Typically, a RS-485
bus will consist of a master and several slaves. The nodes will have unique addresses and can
send addressed packets to specific nodes. Because the bus is half duplex, no two nodes should
try to talk at the same time. The MDR24X does not have a RS-485 address, therefore, it will
transmit all RS-485 traffic over the RF. Conversely, as soon as a MDR24X receives a packet over
the RF, it will transmit the packet over the RS-485 bus.
Note: When using RS-485 (2-wire Half Duplex), a RS-485 to RS-232 converter is required to
configure the unit. Black Box recommends a B&B Electronics 4WSD9R converter to translate
RS-485 to RS-232.
10/26/2006 12
MDR24X User’s Manual
2.3 Hardware Flow Control
Often, the host device can send data to the MDR24X faster than it can be sent over the RF. The
MDR24X has a 256 byte buffer to store data before sending it over the RF. If the host device is
sending data faster than the MDR24X can send it out, eventually, the buffer will fill up. If the host
device continues to send data while the MDR24X buffer is full, that data will be discarded. To
avoid this situation, the MDR24X will de-assert CTS as a warning that the buffer is filling. The
host device should stop sending data. When the MDR24X is able to free some buffer space, it
will assert CTS and the host device can continue sending data. Similarly, if RTS is enabled in the
MDR24X, the host device can throttle the MDR24X by de-asserting RTS. Note: CTS is always
enabled by default. RS-485 Interface does not support Hardware flow control and RTS mode
should not be enabled on a RS-485 MDR24X.
10/26/2006 13
MDR24X User’s Manual
y
y
3. Network Topologies
Topology refers to the shape of a network, or the network's layout. How different nodes in a
network are connected to each other and how they communicate is determined by the network's
topology. The MDR24Xs support a Point-to-Point and a Point-to-Multipoint network topology.
3.1 Point-to-Point
A point-to-point system is a simple arrangement consisting of just two MDR24Xs - a Server and a
Client. Sometimes referred to as a wireless bridge, a point-to-point link replaces a single
communications cable. A point-to-point link might be used to connect a PLC to a remote
monitoring station.
Figure 8- Point-to-Point Network
OEM HOST
(Remote Monitoring
Station)
Server
Client
OEM HOST
(PLC)
3.2 Point-to-Multipoint
Point-to-Multipoint systems have one base station, or access point, that controls communications
with all of the other wireless nodes in the network. This allows for the creation of a wireless
network consisting of multiple nodes. By programming each MDR24X with a network specific
Channel Number and System ID multiple networks can be created as shown below.
Figure 9- Multiple Networks of Point-to-Multipoint MDR24Xs
Example: Channel Number = 23
stem ID = 123
S
Example: Channel Number = 25
stem ID = 256
S
10/26/2006 14
MDR24X User’s Manual
4. MDR24X Configuration Utility Software
Black Box provides the easy to use MDR24X Utility Software for programming the MDR24X. The
software is compatible with Microsoft® Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, NT and XP. MDR24Xs are
plug-and-play devices that work with minimal or no configuration.
4.1 Installation
1. Locate the MDR24X Configuration Utility Software section of the Black Box Tools & Literature CD.
2. When prompted, select the directory where the program files will be installed.
3. When finished , a window will be displayed indicating a successful installation. Click OK.
4.1.1 ConnexLink Settings
Client/Server: Designates MDR24X type. In each network, there must be only one Server. All
other MDR24X units must be programmed as Clients. The number of Clients in the network is
not limited; however, if performance diminishes due to the number of MDR24Xs that need to
access the network, consider additional RF Networks.
I
nterface Baud Rate: This defines the baud rate used for communicating with the MDR24X over
the serial interface. The RF baud rate is fixed at 576kbps and is independent of the Interface
Baud Rate. The default baud rate setting is 115,200 bps unless the units have been preconfigured by Black Box. The Interface Baud Rate setting of the MDR24X must match the Baud
Rate setting of its host device.
.
Random Back Off: In an asynchronous network where any node can talk at any time, the
MDR24X can be programmed to use Random Back Off to mitigate the RF Link. If two nodes try
to send packets at the same time, the packets will collide over the RF and will not be received by
the destination node. If Random Back Off is enabled when this occurs, both radios will generate
a random amount of time (in 8ms increments) to wait before retrying.
Channel N
designates a unique hopping sequence and constitutes an independent network of MDR24X
units. Up to 40 independent networks can be created (up to 20 in France). Multiple Servers
operating in the same coverage area must
prevent inoperability of the networks. The valid range of values for this field is 0 to 39.
umber: The MDR24X is a frequency hopping transceiver. Each Channel Number
be programmed with different Channel Numbers to
Table 1 – US and International RF Channel Number Settings
Channel
Set
Max Transmit Retries (For all Clients and for Servers in Point-to-Point networks): This value
represents the maximum number of times a particular data packet will be transmitted
unsuccessfully, or without an acknowledgement, before the MDR24X discards the packet. The
default value is 16 attempts. If communication is lost and the Client’s Link LED is on, try
increasing this value in small increments until communication is reestablished. The valid range
of values for this field is 0 to 255.
RF Channel Number
Range
1 0 – 19 2406 – 2435MHz US,Canada, Europe, France
2 20 – 39 2444 – 2472MHzUS, Canada, Europe
Frequency RangeCountries
10/26/2006 15
MDR24X User’s Manual
Broadcast Attempts (For Servers in Point-to-Multipoint networks): This value represents the
number of times a data packet will be transmitted by the Point-to-Multipoint Server. The default
value is 4 attempts. If communication is lost and the Clients’ Link LED is on, try increasing this
value in small increments until communication is reestablished. The valid range of values for this
field is 0 to 255.
Sy
stem Identification:A number from 0 to 256 that provides added security to each independent
network of MDR24X units. The System ID serves as an RF password to maintain secure transfers
of data. The System ID will not
with the same Channel Number in the same coverage area.
prevent inoperability that occurs from locating multiple Servers
Important Note
units in a given MDR24X network must have identical Channel Numbers and System IDs.
De
stination Address: Programmed in the Point-to-Point Server, Destination Address is the MAC
Address of the MDR24X Client. Used to optimize Point-to-Point communications by utilizing RF
Acknowledgement.
RF Delivery: Shows if the MDR24X is configured in Broadcast mode or Addressed mode. This is
controlled by the System Config selection that was made when the MDR24X was configured.
F
irmware Version:Displays the MDR24X’s firmware version.
M
AC Address: A unique 6 Byte, IEEE 802.3 Ethernet address assigned by Black Box to each
MDR24X.
: Collocated MDR24X networks must operate on different Channel Numbers. All
4.1.2 Optional Settings
RTS Enable: Enables the Request To Send control line. When enabled, enables Hardware Flow
Control. Refer to Section 2.3 Hardware Flow Control.
F
ull Duplex: This mode restricts Client radios to transmitting on odd numbered frequency hop
bins and the Server to even numbered frequency hop bins. Though the RF hardware is still
technically half duplex, it makes the transceiver seem full duplex. This can cause overall
throughputs to be cut in half. Note: All transceivers on the same network must have the same
setting for Full Duplex.
4.1.3 PC Settings
Port: On startup, the software will search the Windows Registry to locate all serial
communications ports. It will designate each port it finds by displaying the full Windows identifier
for the port. Select the port that is connected to the MDR24X unit.
B
aud Rate: Must be equal to the Interface Baud Rate setting of the MDR24X unit that is to be
configured.
4.1.4 Additional Features
Read/Write with AT Commands
When enabled, the software will use AT Commands for its read/write EEPROM functions instead
of the standard configuration commands. This box should be checked at all times unless Pin 15
(CMD/DATA) is pulled Logic Low or the Program/Normal switch is set to Program Mode.
10/26/2006 16
MDR24X User’s Manual
Auto Baud
When enabled, the software will scan all available COM Ports using the most common baud
rates, until a radio is found. If no radio is found or the software cannot open the port, an error
message will be reported. The software will only use Auto Baud when prompted by the user
after an unsuccessful write process. To cancel the Auto Baud process, press the ESC key.
Auto Archive
When enabled, the software will archive the EEPROM settings for each radio after a successful
write process. Although not required, the software will prompt the user to type a description of
the changes made. Auto Archive can be used to restore the radio to a previously known working
configuration. The first time that a radio is read with Auto Archive enabled will be stored as the
“Original Configuration Settings” with the date and time the record was created.
Status Bar
Located at the bottom of the software, the status bar gives the state of Port 1, RTS Port 1, CTS
Port 1, Port 2, RTS Port 2, and CTS Port 2 lines. When the text appears black, the current state
will be shown. When the text appears gray, the current state will not be shown. The text shown
in the bottom status bar gives a simplified status of the current, pending software process. The
software has no pending process when “Communications Idle” is shown.
About Button
The About button can be pressed to determine the revision number of the software and the
contact information for Black Box. Please include the software revision number in any
correspondence with Technical Support.
10/26/2006 17
MDR24X User’s Manual
4.2 Programming The MDR24X units
1. Connect a MDR24X unit to the serial communications port on the PC.
2. Connect the power supply to the MDR24X unit. Make sure the Pwr LED is on.
3. Start the MDR24X Configuration Utility.
4. Select the COM Port that is connected to the MDR24X unit on the PC Settings section.
5. Select the Interface Baud Rate of the MDR24X unit. All MDR24X units are shipped with a
default rate of 115,200 bps (unless units have been pre-configured to match specific serial
settings). If the Interface Baud Rate of the MDR24X unit is changed as described in Section
4.2 Changing MDR24X Settings, then PC Setting Baud Rate must be set to the same Baud
Rate to allow proper programming of the units.
6. Select the System Configuration for the MDR24X network, Point-to-Point (one Server and one
Client) or Point-to-Multipoint (one Server and multiple Clients).
7. Select Read Radio to display the current settings of the MDR24X unit.
8. Change desired settings.
9. After all changes have been made, select Write Radio to save the changes.
10. Cycle Power to the unit after all changes has been saved. This will set the MDR24X unit to its
normal mode of operation.
10/26/2006 18
MDR24X User’s Manual
5. Troubleshooting
Problem Solution
Read Radio displays error message: “Radio not
responding.”
Write Radio displays error message: “Radio not
responding.”
Garbled Data received. 1. Verify that the baud rate of the MDR24X
Client’s Link LED does not come on. 1. Make sure the unit is connected to power.
1. Verify the PC Settings.
2. Make sure the MDR24X unit uses the right serial
cable.
3. If any other program is running and is using the
same COM port as the MDR24X, close that
program and try to read the radio again.
4. Reset the radio by cycling power after each
unsuccessful Read.
1. Cycle power to the radio.
2. Read the radio and make desired changes and
then Write the radio.
matches that of the MDR24X host device.
2. Cycle power to the radio.
3. Verify the Channel Number and System ID
settings.
Link LED is on, but data does not get transmitted or
received.
1. Make sure the MDR24X unit(s) is connected to
the correct COM Port.
2. Check the COM port settings for correct Baud
Rate. Units can have transmission errors with
Flow Control set to Xon/Xoff.
3. Try increasing the Maximum Transmit Attempts
(for Clients) and/or Broadcast Attempts (for
Servers) values in small increments until
communication is established.
4. Connect a Null Modem adapter between the
Client and its host device.
5. Check the Destination Address setting.
10/26/2006 19
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