MDR29x Wireless 900 MHz Modem
User’s Manual
Version 1.5
1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Website: www.blackbox.com Email: info@blackbox.com
Order Toll Free in the US: Call 877-877-BBOX (Outside the US call 724-746-5500)
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
Copyright © 2006 Black Box, Inc. All rights reserved.
The information contained in this manual and the accompanying software programs are copyrighted and all rights are
reserved by Black 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 or accompanying documentation/software without the prior consent of an authorized
representative of Black Box, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
All brands and product names in this publication are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
This material is preliminary
Information furnished by Black Box in this specification is believed to be accurate. Devices sold by Black Box are
covered by the warranty and patent indemnification provisions appearing in its Terms of Sale only. Black Box makes
no warranty, express, statutory, and implied or by description, regarding the information set forth herein. Black Box
reserves the right to change specifications at any time and without notice.
Black Box’s products are intended for use in normal commercial and industrial applications. Applications requiring
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, Disclaimer, Limitation of Liability
For a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by the OEM customer, Black Box warrants the OEM transceiver
against defects in materials and workmanship. Black Box will not honor this warranty (and this warranty will be
automatically void) if there has been any (1) tampering, signs of tampering; 2) repair or attempt to repair by anyone
other than an Black Box authorized technician.
This warranty does not cover and Black Box will not be liable for, any damage or failure caused by misuse, abuse,
acts of God, accidents, electrical irregularity, or other causes beyond Black Box’s control, or claim by other than the
original purchaser.
In no event shall Black Box be responsible or liable for any damages arising: From the use of product; From the loss
of use, revenue or profit of the product; or As a result of any event, circumstance, action, or abuse beyond the control
of Black Box, whether such damages be direct, indirect, consequential, special or otherwise and whether such
damages are incurred by the person to whom this warranty extends or third party.
If, after inspection, Black Box determines that there is a defect, Black Box will repair or replace the OEM transceiver at
their discretion. If the product is replaced, it may be a new or refurbished product.
1
MDR29X RF TRANSCEIVER 1
The MDR29x transceiver is a Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio designed for license-free
operation in the 900 MHz ISM band. The radio sustains a standard asynchronous serial data stream
between two or more radios out of the box. Housed in a compact and rugged die-cast enclosure, the radio
is equipped to replace miles of serial cable using an RS232, RS485, or USB interface.
MDR29X FEATURES
NETWORKING AND SECURITY
• Retries and Acknowledgements
• API Commands to control packet routing and acknowledgement on a packet-by-packet basis
• Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum for security and interference rejection
• Customizable RF Channel number and system ID
• Dynamic link analysis, remote radio discovery
• Low latency and high throughput
EASY TO USE
• Continuous 76.8 kbps RF data stream
• Software selectable interface baud rates from 1200 bps to 115.2 kbps
• Advanced configuration available using AT commands
OVERVIEW
The MDR29x uses Frequency Hoppin g Spre ad Sp ec trum modulation, where the uni ts "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.
MDR29x transceivers operate in a Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint, Client-Server architecture. One
transceiver is configured as a Server and there can be one or many Clients. To establish co mmunication
between transceivers, the Server emits a beacon and upon detecting a beacon, RF link is established with
the Client(s).
MDR29x’s implement a proprietary communication protocol to provide secure data transmissions. The use
of FHSS technology ensures data reliability over long distances. Use of li cense free frequency bands ensu re
that the units are ready for 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 Black Box MDR29x configuration software enables custom configurations based on unique
application requirements.
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CHAPTER 1 - MDR29X RF TRANSCEIVER
This document contains information about the hardware and software interface between an Black Box
MDR29x transceiver and an OEM Host. Information includes the theory of operation, specifications,
interface definition, configuration information and mechanical drawings. The OEM is responsible for
ensuring the final product meets all appropriate regulatory agency requirements listed herein before selling
any product.
Note: MDR29x modules will be referred to as the “radio” or “t ransceiv er”. Individual naming is used
to differentiate product specific features. The host (PC, Microcontroller, or any device to which the
MDR29x is connected) will be referred to as “OEM Host”.
2
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SPECIFICATIONS 2
TABLE 1: MDR29X SPECIFICATIONS
INTERFACE
Serial Interface Connector DB-9 Male (RS-232), Terminal Block (RS-485), Type B USB (USB)
RF Connector RPSMA Jack
Serial Interface Data Rate Baud rates from 1200 bps to 115,200 bps
Power Consumption (typical) 400 mA @ 12VDC
Channels 32 (USA); 7 (Australia)
Supported Network Topologies Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint
Security One byte System ID. 56-bit DES encryption key.
Interface Buffer Size Input/Output: 256 bytes each
OPERATIONAL
Frequency Band 902 – 928 MHz (USA); 915-928 MHz (Australia)
RF Data Rate 76.8 kbps fixed
RF Technology Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
Output Power Conducted (no antenna) EIRP (3dBi gain antenna)
Supply Voltage MDR292/4A: 7-18VDC
Sensitivity -100dBm typical @ 76.8kbps RF Data Rate
Range, Line of Site (based on
3dBi gain antenna)
Temperature (Operating) -40°C to 80°C
Temperature (Storage) -50°C to +85°C
Dimensions 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.4 inches
Weight 6 oz (170 g)
FCC Part 15.247 MDR291A: KQLAC4490-100
Industry Canada (IC) MDR291A: 2268C-AC4490
MDR292/4A: 743mW typical 1486mW typical
MDR291A: 100mW typical 200mW typical
MDR291A: USB Supplied 5V
MDR291A: Up to 4 miles
MDR292/4A: Up to 20 miles
ENVIRONMENTAL
PHYSICAL
CERTIFICATIONS
MDR292/4A: KQLAC4490
MDR292/4A: 2268C-AC44901000
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3
SERIAL INTERFACE 3
The MDR29x supports RS232, RS485, and USB protocols (seper ate pro ducts). Blac k Box wirel ess solutio ns
are not subject to the cabling restrictions for distance, and either interface is available when ordering.
Figure 1: MDR29x Status LEDs
Status LEDs
Pwr Link Rx Tx
RPSMA Antenna Connector
TABLE 2: STATUS LEDS
LED COLOR DESCRIPTION
Pwr Green On indicates that the unit is powered up.
Link Red On indicates that the Client unit(s) and Server unit are in range of
RXD Green When flashing, indicates that the MDR29x is receiving data.
TXD Red When flashing, indicates that the MDR29x is transmitting data.
each other. Client units activate the Link LED when in Range of the
Server unit. Always lit on a Server unit.
Figure 2: MDR292A Figure 3: MDR294A
Terminal Block
Power ConnectorDB9 Male Connector
Power Connector
15
69
Figure 4: MDR291A
USB Type B
connector
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CHAPTER 3 - SERIAL INTERFACE
RS232 - MDR292A
RS232 is a single-ended data transmission protocol. The RS232 signals are represented by voltage levels
with respect to a system common (power/logic ground). The “idle” stat e (MARK) has the signal level
negative with respect to common, and the “active” state (SPACE) has the signal level positive with respect
to common.
TABLE 3: MDR29X DB9 MALE CONNECTOR PINOUT
DB9 PIN SIGNAL NAME DESCRIPTION
1 DCD Data Carrier Detect
2 RXD Received Data
1
6
9
5
3 TXD Transmitted Data
4 DSR Data Set Ready
5 GND Ground
6 DTR Data Terminal Ready
7 CTS Clear To Send
8 RTS Request To Send
9 RI Ring Indicator
5
INTERFACING TO OTHER RS232 EQUIPMENT
The MDR292A is a DCE (Data Communications Equipement) device. Typically devices like PC’s are
considered DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) devices while periphial devices are classified as DCE. A DCE
device can be interfaced to a DTE device using a straight through serial cable. When interfacing two DCE or
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CHAPTER 3 - SERIAL INTERFACE
two DTE devices together, a null modem cable is required to swap the pins and convert the signals
accordingly.
Figure 5: DTE to DCE Interface Figure 6: DCE to DCE Interface
6
CTS
RTS
TXD
RXD
GND
DCD
DTR
DSR
RI
J1 J2 SIGNAL
1 1 DCD
2 2 RXD
3 3 TXD
4 4 DTR
5 5 GND
6 6 DSR
7 7 RTS
8 8 CTS
MDR292A Modem (DCE)RS232 Device (DTE)
CTS
RTS
TXD
RXD
GND
DCD
DTR
DSR
CTS
RTS
TXD
RXD
GND
DCD
NC NC
DTR
DSR
RI
RI
NC NC
MDR292A Modem (DCE)RS232 Device (DTE)
CTS
RTS
TXD
RXD
GND
DCD
DTR
DSR
RI
Figure 7: DB9F to DB9F Straight Through Cable
J1
5
9
6
1
1.70
72.00
1.70
J2
1
6
9
5
9 9 RI
Shell Shell GND
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CHAPTER 3 - SERIAL INTERFACE
7
J1 J2 SIGNAL
1 N/C DCD
2 3 RXD
3 2 TXD
4 6 DTR
5 5 GND
6 4 DSR
7 8 RTS
8 7 CTS
9 N/C RI
Shell Shell GND
DESIGN TIP
If you previously used a straight through cable to connect your PC to your device , you’ll
need to use a null modem cable or adapter to connect the MDR292A to that device.
Figure 8: DB9M to DB9 Female Null Modem Cable
J1
5
9
6
1
1.70
72.00
1.70
J2
1
5
6
9
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