Campbell Scientific RF320 User Manual

RF320-Series

Ritron VHF/UHF Radios

10/12

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Copyright © 2012

Warranty

“PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. are
warranted by Campbell Scientific, Inc. (“Campbell”) to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve (12)
months from date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding
Campbell pricelist or product manual. Products not manufactured, but that are
re-sold by Campbell, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original
manufacturer. Batteries, fine-wire thermocouples, desiccant, and other
consumables have no warranty. Campbell’s obligation under this warranty is
limited to repairing or replacing (at Campbell’s option) defective products,
which shall be the sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty. The
customer shall assume all costs of removing, reinstalling, and shipping
defective products to Campbell. Campbell will return such products by surface
carrier prepaid within the continental United States of America. To all other
locations, Campbell will return such products best way CIP (Port of Entry)
INCOTERM® 2010, prepaid. This warranty shall not apply to any products
which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, improper service,
accidents of nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all other
warranties, expressed or implied. The warranty for installation services
performed by Campbell such as programming to customer specifications,
electrical connections to products manufactured by Campbell, and product
specific training, is part of Campbell’s product warranty. CAMPBELL
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Campbell is not liable for any special, indirect,
incidental, and/or consequential damages.”

Assistance

Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following
contact information is for US and international customers residing in countries
served by Campbell Scientific, Inc. directly. Affiliate companies handle
repairs for customers within their territories. Please visit

www.campbellsci.com to determine which Campbell Scientific company serves

your country.

To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone [phone]. After an applications engineer
determines the nature of the problem, an RMA number will be issued. Please
write this number clearly on the outside of the shipping container. Campbell
Scientific’s shipping address is:

CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
RMA#_____
815 West 1800 North
Logan, Utah 84321-1784

For all returns, the customer must fill out a “Statement of Product Cleanliness
and Decontamination” form and comply with the requirements specified in it.
The form is available from our web site at www.campbellsci.com/repair. A
completed form must be either emailed to [e-mail] or faxed to
[phone]. Campbell Scientific is unable to process any returns until we
receive this form. If the form is not received within three days of product
receipt or is incomplete, the product will be returned to the customer at the
customer’s expense. Campbell Scientific reserves the right to refuse service on
products that were exposed to contaminants that may cause health or safety
concerns for our employees.

Table of Contents

PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.

1. Introduction.................................................................1

2. Cautionary Statements...............................................1

2.1 Licensing..............................................................................................1

2.2 RF Energy Exposure ............................................................................1

2.2.1 Compliance with RF Exposure Standards.....................................2

2.2.2 Guidelines .....................................................................................3

2.2.3 Instructions....................................................................................3

2.2.4 Antennas .......................................................................................3

2.2.5 FCC Label.....................................................................................4

3. Initial Inspection .........................................................4

4. Overview......................................................................5

5. Specifications .............................................................6

6. Installation...................................................................8

6.1 Mounting..............................................................................................8

6.2 Interconnect..........................................................................................9

6.2.1 System Power Supply .................................................................10

6.2.2 Antenna.......................................................................................11

6.2.2.1 Antenna Bandwidth..........................................................11

6.2.2.2 Antenna Gain....................................................................11

6.3 Installation Best Practices ..................................................................12

7. Operation...................................................................13

7.1 Link Design..........................................................................................14

7.1.1 Link Budget................................................................................15

7.1.2 Line-of-Sight ..............................................................................15

8. Troubleshooting/Maintenance.................................16

8.1 Maintenance .......................................................................................16

8.1.1 Basic Test Equipment .................................................................16

8.1.1.1 Digital Multimeter (DMM) ..............................................17

8.1.1.2 RF Power Meter ...............................................................17

8.1.1.3 Antenna Analyzer.............................................................17

8.1.1.4 Hand-Held RF Channel Scanner ......................................18

8.2 Troubleshooting .................................................................................18

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Table of Contents

8.3

Radio Functional Checks................................................................... 19

8.3.1 Input Voltage Checks ................................................................. 20

8.3.1.1 Input Voltage Range........................................................ 20

8.3.1.2 Input Voltage Load Regulation ....................................... 20

8.3.2 Radio Current Drain................................................................... 20

8.3.3 RF Output Power Check (Dummy Load)................................... 20

8.3.4 Operating Frequency Check (RF Scanner)................................. 21

8.4 Repair ................................................................................................ 21

Appendix

A. Glossary................................................................... A-1

Figures

4-1. RF320-Series Radio............................................................................. 5

6-1. RF320-series radio interconnect diagram............................................ 9

6-2. Radio-to-modem interface cable wiring diagram .............................. 10

Tables

2-1. Rated Power and Recommended Lateral Distance.............................. 3

3-1. RF320 Series Model Numbers to Ritron Model Number.................... 4

7-1. RF320 Series Programmed Settings.................................................. 14

8-1. LED Status Indications...................................................................... 18

8-2. Radio Troubleshooting Guide ........................................................... 19

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RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios

1. Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the installation and operation of RF320­series radios within a Campbell Scientific radio telemetry network. The
RF320-series radios can be interfaced with Campbell Scientific’s RF500M or
RF310M radio modems at an RF base, RF remote, or RF repeater location to
achieve wireless data transmissions. The RF320-series radios are inter-operable
with Campbell Scientific’s RF310 series of radios operating on the same
frequency.

Instructions for interfacing the RF320-series radios to the RF500M or RF310M
radio modems and other system components such as power sources and
antenna are contained in Section 6, Installation. Information about how to
design and maintain an optimal RF link is covered in Section 7, Operation, and
Section 8, Troubleshooting/Maintenance. Information regarding the topology
of the RF network and data flow management can be found in the RF500M
instruction manual.

2. Cautionary Statements

2.1 Licensing

The FCC requires the radio operator to obtain a station license for the radio
before using it to transmit, but does not require an operating license or permit.

The station licensee is responsible for ensuring that transmitter power,
frequency and deviation are within the limits specified by the station license.
The station licensee is also responsible for proper operation and maintenance
of the radio equipment. This includes checking the transmitter frequency and
deviation periodically, using appropriate methods.

For more information, see the FCC Universal Licensing System at

http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls.

2.2 RF Energy Exposure

BEFORE USING YOUR RADIO, READ THIS IMPORTANT RF ENERGY
AWARENESS AND CONTROL INFORMATION AND OPERATIONAL
INSTRUCTIONS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FCC’S RF
EXPOSURE GUIDELINES.

NOTICE: This radio is intended for use in occupational/controlled conditions,
where users have full knowledge of their exposure and can exercise control
over their exposure to meet FCC limits. This radio device is NOT authorized
for general population, consumer, or any other use.

This radio uses electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to
provide communications between two or more users over a distance.

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RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios

It uses radio frequency (RF) energy or radio waves to send and receive data.
RF energy is one form of electromagnetic energy. Other forms include, but are
not limited to electric power, sunlight, and x-rays. RF energy, however, should
not be confused with these other forms of electromagnetic energy, which when
used improperly can cause biological damage. Very high levels of x-rays, for
example, can damage tissues and genetic material.

Experts in science, engineering, medicine, health, and industry work with
organizations to develop standards for exposure to RF energy. These standards
provide recommended levels of RF exposure for both workers and the general
public. These recommended RF exposure levels include substantial margins of
protection. All two-way radios marketed in North America are designed,
manufactured, and tested to ensure they meet government established RF
exposure levels. In addition, manufacturers also recommend specific operating
instructions to users of two-way radios. These instructions are important
because they inform users about RF energy exposure and provide simple
procedures on how to control it. Please refer to the following websites for more
information on what RF energy exposure is and how to control your exposure
to assure compliance with established RF exposure limits.

www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html

www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/index.html

Federal Communications Commission Regulations

The FCC rules require manufacturers to comply with the FCC RF energy
exposure limits for mobile two-way radios before they can be marketed in the
U.S. When two-way radios are used as a consequence of employment, the FCC
requires users to be fully aware of and able to control their exposure to meet
occupational requirements. Exposure awareness can be facilitated by the use of
a label directing users to specific user awareness information.

Your Ritron two-way radio has an RF exposure product label. Also, this
Campbell Scientific instruction manual includes information and operating
instructions required to control your RF exposure and to satisfy compliance
requirements.

2.2.1 Compliance with RF Exposure Standards

Your Ritron two-way radio is designed and tested to comply with a number of
national and international standards and guidelines (listed below) regarding
human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy. This radio
complies with the IEEE and ICNIRP exposure limits for occupational/
controlled RF exposure environment at duty factors of up to 50% talk and 50%
listen and is authorized by the FCC for occupational use. In terms of measuring
RF energy for compliance with FCC exposure guidelines, your radio antenna
radiates measurable RF energy only while it is transmitting, not when it is
receiving or in standby mode. Your Ritron two-way radio complies with the
following RF energy exposure standards and guidelines:

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• United States Federal Communication Commission, Code of Federal

Regulations; 47 CFR §§ 2 sub-part J.

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) / Institute of Electrical

and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992.

2.2.2 Guidelines

2.2.3 Instructions

RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios

• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1999

Edition. Copyright Telecommunications Industry Association.

To control exposure to yourself and others and ensure compliance with the
occupational/controlled environment exposure limits, always adhere to the
following procedures.

• User awareness instructions should accompany device when transferred to

other users.

• Do not use this device if the operational requirements described herein are

not met.

Transmit only when people in the vicinity are at least the recommended
minimum lateral distance away, as shown in TABLE 2-1, from a properly
installed antenna according to installation instructions.

NOTE

2.2.4 Antennas

TABLE 2-1 lists the recommended minimum lateral distance for
bystanders in an uncontrolled environment from transmitting
antennas (i.e., monopoles over a ground plane or dipoles) at
several different ranges of rated radio power for mobile radios
installed on a vehicle.

TABLE 2-1. Rated Power and Recommended Lateral Distance

Antenna Model

For the DTX-145:
Ram1545 (vertical whip)

For the DTX-445:
Ram1545 (vertical whip)
Cushcraft PE-457-6 (6dB Yagi)

Install vertical omnidirectional antennas above a suitable ground plane taking
into account the recommended minimum distance in TABLE 2-1. The antenna
installation should additionally be in accordance with:

Rated Power
of Mobile Two­Way Radio

7 W or less

10 W or less
10 W or less

Recommended
Minimum Lateral
Distance from
Transmitting Antenna

29 cm (11.4 in)

17 cm (6.7 in)
56 cm (22 in)

 The requirements of the antenna manufacturer/supplier.

 Instructions in the Radio Installation Manual, including minimum

antenna cable lengths.

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RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios

 The installation manual should provide specific information of how to

Contact Information

For additional information on exposure requirements or other information,
contact Ritron at [phone] or www.ritron.com.

2.2.5 FCC Label

An FCC label must be visible on the unit as installed in its final configuration.
If the DTX-445 is to be installed in an enclosure, the installer must ensure that
either the FCC label on the unit is visible through a door, window or other
opening, or add a label to the outside of the enclosure. If a label is to be added
to the outside of the enclosure, the label must be of a type which is not easily
removed or damaged and contain wording: Contains FCC ID: AIERIT17-

445. Or in the case of DTX-145: Contains FCC ID: AIERIT17-145.

3. Initial Inspection

install the antennas to facilitate recommended operating distances to
all potentially exposed persons.

Upon receipt of the RF320-series radio, inspect the packaging and contents for
damage. File damage claims with the shipping company. Immediately check
package contents against the shipping documentation. Contact Campbell
Scientific about any discrepancies.

Model numbers are found on each product. TABLE 3-1 correlates RF320­series model numbers to Ritron DTX-145/455 transceiver model numbers. On
cables, the model number is often found on the connection end of the cable.
Check model information against the shipping documents to ensure the
expected products and the correct length of cables were received.

TABLE 3-1. RF320 Series Model Numbers to Ritron Model Number

RF320 Series
Model Number

RF320 DTX-145-OBNE 136 to 174 MHz

RF321 DTX-445-GBNE 400.5 to 416.5 MHz

RF322 DTX-445-HBNE 411 to 429 MHz

RF323 DTX-445-OBNE 450 to 470 MHz

Ritron
Model Number

Operating Frequencies

4

4. Overview

RF320-Series Ritron VHF/UHF Radios

FIGURE 4-1. RF320-Series Radio

As offered by Campbell Scientific, RF320-series radios comprise a single
board VHF/UHF FM RF transceiver module encased in an anodized, extruded
aluminum enclosure with brushed aluminum end caps. Located on one end cap
are two connectors and a LED view port. A female BNC bulkhead connector
provides for connection to an antenna, while the transceiver module’s electrical
interface is accessed via a female DB-15 connector. The dual colored LED
provides a visual indicator of the transceiver’s operational status; red for
transmit, green for receive, and blinking red for an error condition. A mounting
bracket attached to the enclosure is suitable for mounting the radio to a
Campbell Scientific mounting plate in either a vertical or horizontal position.

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