Campbell Scientific RF401A User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

RF401A-Series Spread

Copyright © 2001- 2014

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Spectrum Radios

Revision: 7/14

Limited Warranty

“Products manufactured by CSI are warranted by CSI to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve months
from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding
product manual. (Product manuals are available for review online at

www.campbellsci.com.) Products not manufactured by CSI, but that are resold

by CSI, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original manufacturer.
Batteries, fine-wire thermocouples, desiccant, and other consumables have no
warranty. CSI’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or
replacing (at CSI’s option) defective Products, which shall be the sole and
exclusive remedy under this warranty. The Customer assumes all costs of
removing, reinstalling, and shipping defective Products to CSI. CSI will return
such Products by surface carrier prepaid within the continental United States of
America. To all other locations, CSI will return such Products best way CIP
(port of entry) per Incoterms ® 2010. 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 CSI such as programming to customer specifications, electrical
connections to Products manufactured by CSI, and Product specific training, is
part of CSI's product warranty. CSI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND

EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CSI hereby disclaims,
to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, any and all warranties and
conditions with respect to the Products, whether express, implied or
statutory, other than those expressly provided herein.”

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 application 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.

Precautions

DANGER — MANY HAZARDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLING, USING, MAINTAINING, AND WORKING ON OR AROUND

TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ANY ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES,
ANTENNAS, ETC. FAILURE TO PROPERLY AND COMPLETELY ASSEMBLE, INSTALL, OPERATE, USE, AND MAINTAIN TRIPODS,

TOWERS, AND ATTACHMENTS, AND FAILURE TO HEED WARNINGS, INCREASES THE RISK OF DEATH, ACCIDENT, SERIOUS
INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND PRODUCT FAILURE. TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID THESE HAZARDS.
CHECK WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION'S SAFETY COORDINATOR (OR POLICY) FOR PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WORK.

Use tripods, towers, and attachments to tripods and towers only for purposes for which they are designed. Do not exceed design
limits. Be familiar and comply with all instructions provided in product manuals. Manuals are available at www.campbellsci.com or
by telephoning [phone] (USA). You are responsible for conformance with governing codes and regulations, including safety
regulations, and the integrity and location of structures or land to which towers, tripods, and any attachments are attached. Installation
sites should be evaluated and approved by a qualified engineer. If questions or concerns arise regarding installation, use, or
maintenance of tripods, towers, attachments, or electrical connections, consult with a licensed and qualified engineer or electrician.

General

• Prior to performing site or installation work, obtain required approvals and permits. Comply

with all governing structure-height regulations, such as those of the FAA in the USA.

• Use only qualified personnel for installation, use, and maintenance of tripods and towers, and

any attachments to tripods and towers. The use of licensed and qualified contractors is
highly recommended.

• Read all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before

beginning work.

• Wear a hardhat and eye protection, and take other appropriate safety precautions while

working on or around tripods and towers.

• Do not climb tripods or towers at any time, and prohibit climbing by other persons. Take

reasonable precautions to secure tripod and tower sites from trespassers.

• Use only manufacturer recommended parts, materials, and tools.

Utility and Electrical

• You can be killed or sustain serious bodily injury if the tripod, tower, or attachments you are

installing, constructing, using, or maintaining, or a tool, stake, or anchor, come in contact
with overhead or underground utility lines.

• Maintain a distance of at least one-and-one-half times structure height, 20 feet, or the

distance required by applicable law, whichever is greater, between overhead utility lines and
the structure (tripod, tower, attachments, or tools).

• Prior to performing site or installation work, inform all utility companies and have all

underground utilities marked.

• Comply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should

be installed by a licensed and qualified electrician.

Elevated Work and Weather

• Exercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.

• Use appropriate equipment and safety practices.

• During installation and maintenance, keep tower and tripod sites clear of un-trained or non-

essential personnel. Take precautions to prevent elevated tools and objects from dropping.

• Do not perform any work in inclement weather, including wind, rain, snow, lightning, etc.

Maintenance

• Periodically (at least yearly) check for wear and damage, including corrosion, stress cracks,

frayed cables, loose cable clamps, cable tightness, etc. and take necessary corrective actions.

• Periodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections.

WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS,
THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION, USE, OR
MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS, TOWERS, OR ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS,
ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC.

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

3. Initial Inspection ......................................................... 1

4. Quickstart .................................................................... 2

4.1 Remote Station Radio .......................................................................... 2

4.2 Base Station Radio ............................................................................... 2

4.3 LoggerNet Setup .................................................................................. 2

5. Overview ...................................................................... 3

5.1 Retired Radios ...................................................................................... 3

5.1.1 RF401-Series and RF430-Series Radios ....................................... 3

5.1.2 RF400-Series Radios .................................................................... 3

6. Specifications ............................................................. 3

7. Product Description .................................................... 6

7.1 Mounting .............................................................................................. 6

7.2 Power ................................................................................................... 6

7.3 USB ...................................................................................................... 6

7.4 CS I/O .................................................................................................. 7

7.5 RS-232 ................................................................................................. 8

7.6 LEDs .................................................................................................... 9

7.7 Antenna ................................................................................................ 9

7.7.1 Compatible Antennas .................................................................... 9

7.7.2 Electrostatic Issues and Surge Protection ................................... 10

7.7.3 Antenna Cables ........................................................................... 10

8. Configuring the RF401A Series ............................... 11

8.1 Device Configuration Utility.............................................................. 11

8.2 PakBus Graph .................................................................................... 11

9. LoggerNet Setup ....................................................... 11

9.1 Basic Setup......................................................................................... 11

9.2 Using a Repeater ................................................................................ 16

10. Installation Best Practices ....................................... 16

10.1 Avoiding Interference ........................................................................ 16

10.2 Antenna Selection, Placement, and Mounting ................................... 17

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Table of Contents

10.3 Antenna Cables ................................................................................. 17

11. Operation ................................................................... 17

11.1 Main .................................................................................................. 18

11.1.1 Active Interface .......................................................................... 18

11.1.2 SDC Address .............................................................................. 19

11.1.3 RS-232 Baud Rate ...................................................................... 19

11.1.4 Protocol ...................................................................................... 19

11.1.5 RF Hop Sequence ....................................................................... 20

11.1.6 RF Network ................................................................................ 20

11.1.7 RF Radio Address ...................................................................... 20

11.1.8 Power Mode ............................................................................... 20

11.1.9 Retry Level ................................................................................. 21

11.1.10 Radio TX Power Level ............................................................... 22

11.2 PakBus®............................................................................................ 22

11.2.1 PakBus Address ......................................................................... 22

11.2.2 PakBus Beacon Interval ............................................................. 22

11.2.3 PakBus Verify Interval ............................................................... 23

11.2.4 Central Router ............................................................................ 23

11.2.5 Neighbors Allowed .................................................................... 23

11.3 Advanced ........................................................................................... 23

11.3.1 Serial Number ............................................................................ 23

11.3.2 Operating System Version ......................................................... 23

11.3.3 Radio Firmware Version ............................................................ 24

11.3.4 Received Signal Strength ........................................................... 24

11.3.5 Retransmit Failures .................................................................... 24

11.3.6 ME Baud Rate ............................................................................ 24

11.3.7 RS-232 Parity ............................................................................. 24

11.3.8 RS-232 Stop Bits ........................................................................ 24

11.3.9 RS-232 Character Length ........................................................... 24

11.3.10 RS-232 Auto Power Down ......................................................... 24

11.3.11 AT Sequence Character .............................................................. 24

11.3.12 Silence Time Before Command Sequence ................................. 24

11.3.13 Silence Time After Command Sequence ................................... 25

11.3.14 AT Command Mode Timeout .................................................... 25

11.3.15 Net Address Mask ...................................................................... 25

11.3.16 Radio Address Mask .................................................................. 25

12. Attribution .................................................................. 25

Appendices

Part 15 FCC Compliance Warning ......................... A-1

A.

B. Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other

Factors ................................................................... B-1

B.1 Introduction ..................................................................................... B-1

B.2 How Far Can You Go? .................................................................... B-2

B.2.1 Overview .................................................................................. B-2

B.2.2 Link Analysis ........................................................................... B-2

B.2.3 Transmitter Power .................................................................... B-3

B.2.4 Cable Loss ................................................................................ B-3

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Figure

Tables

Table of Contents

B.2.5 Antenna Gain ............................................................................ B-4

B.2.6 Receiver Sensitivity .................................................................. B-4

B.2.7 Path Loss ................................................................................... B-5

B.3 Real World Distance Estimates ........................................................ B-6

B.4 Examples .......................................................................................... B-7

6-1. RF401A-series dimensions .................................................................. 5

7-1. USB Pinout (USB Type B Jack) .......................................................... 7

7-2. CS I/O Pinout ( 9-PIN D-SUB MALE) ............................................... 7

7-3. RS-232 Pinout (9-PIN D-SUB FEMALE) ........................................... 8

B-1. RF Path Examples ............................................................................ B-1

B-2. Transmitter Power ............................................................................ B-3

B-3. Cable Loss ........................................................................................ B-4

B-4. LMR-195 Cable Loss vs. Length @ 900 MHz ................................ B-4

B-5. Antenna Gain of Recommended Antennas ...................................... B-4

B-6. Free Space Path Loss ....................................................................... B-5

B-7. 900 MHz Distance vs. Path Loss (Lp in dB) per Three Path

Types ............................................................................................ B-6

B-8. Path Type vs. Path Characteristics Selector ..................................... B-7

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Table of Contents

iv

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio

1. Introduction

This manual discusses the configuration, operation, and maintenance of the
Campbell Scientific RF401A and RF411A frequency-hopping spread spectrum
(FHSS) radios. This manual will refer to these devices collectively as either
“radio,” “RF401A series,” or “RF401A-series radio” unless otherwise noted.

The RF401A-series radios are designed for license-free use in several
countries. The RF401A has a 910 to 918 MHz operating-frequency range
appropriate for use in the United States and Canada. The RF411A has a 920 to
928 MHz operating-frequency range appropriate for use in Australia and New
Zealand.

The RF401A-series radios provide a high level of RF compatibility with
previous products. The RF401A is compatible with the RF400, RF401,
RF430, CR205, CR206, CR206X, and AVW206. The RF411A is compatible
with the RF410, RF411, RF431, CR210, CR211, CR211X, and AVW211.

2. Cautionary Statements

• This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy

and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. See Appendix A,
Part 15 FCC Compliance Warning, for more information.

• Ensure maximum protection against surges. Use coaxial (antenna) surge

protection. Keep RS-232, CS I/O, and USB connections short or use
protective isolation and surge protection when appropriate.

• Where an AC adapter is used, Campbell Scientific recommends pn 15966.

Any other AC adapter used must have a DC output not exceeding 16.5
volts measured without a load to avoid damage to the radio. Over-voltage
damage is not covered by factory warranty.

• Campbell Scientific does not recommend using RF401A-series, RF401-

series, or RF430-series radios in networks containing RF450 radios. The
RF450 radios will interfere with the transmission of the RF401A-series,
RF401-series, and RF430-series radios.

• Line-of-sight obstructions and RF interference will affect the transmission

distance. See Appendix B, Distance vs. Antenna Gain, Terrain, and Other
Factors, for a discussion of antenna gain and other factors affecting
distance.

3. Initial Inspection

• The RF401A-series radios ship with an SC12 serial cable, a USB A to

USB B Cable, 2 grommets, and 2 screws.

• Upon receipt of the RF401A-series radio, inspect the packaging and

contents for damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.
Contact Campbell Scientific to facilitate repair or replacement.

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RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio

• Immediately check package contents against shipping documentation.

Thoroughly check all packaging material for product that may be trapped
inside it. Contact Campbell Scientific immediately about any
discrepancies. Model numbers are found on each product. On cables, the
model number is often found at the connection end of the cable.

4. Quickstart

Out of the box, the radio is configured for use with a datalogger connecting via
CS I/O and using CS I/O SDC address 7.

4.1 Remote Station Radio

Using the supplied SC12 serial cable, connect the radio’s CS I/O port to the CS
I/O port of the datalogger.

4.2 Base Station Radio

You will need to connect the radio to your PC and use Device Configuration
Utility to change the radio’s Active Interface to USB. To learn more about
connecting with Device Configuration Utility see Section 8.1, Device
Configuration Utility. Using Device Configuration Utility, set the radio’s

Active Interface setting to USB. If using the base radio to connect to a CR200
series, you will also need to change the Power Mode setting to 1 Sec. The

Power Mode setting should match that of the device you are connecting to.
Apply the change(s), close Device Configuration Utility, and leave the radio

connected to the PC via USB.

4.3 LoggerNet Setup

The next step is to run LoggerNet and configure it to connect to the datalogger
via the radio link.

• From the EZ View of the LoggerNet Setup screen, press Add, select

your datalogger type, enter a name for your datalogger, and press
Next.

• Under Connection Type, select Direct Connect. Press Next.

• Under COM Port Selection, select the port designated as RF401A-

Series.

• Under Datalogger Settings, select a Baud Rate of 115200, enter the

PakBus Address of the datalogger, and set Extra Response Time to
1 second. Press Next.

• Under Datalogger Settings – Security, enter any security codes that

have been previously configured in the datalogger, if any. Press Next.

• Review the Communication Setup Summary and verify that all

settings are correct. Press Next.

• On the Communication Test screen, select Yes and press Next to

verify that you are able to communicate with your datalogger. If you
are unable to communicate, press the Previous button and review
your settings. Once you have successfully communicated with your
datalogger, press the Finish button.

• You are now ready to connect to your datalogger using the LoggerNet

Connect screen.

2

5. Overview

CAUTION

5.1 Retired Radios

5.1.1 RF401-Series and RF430-Series Radios

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio

Spread spectrum radios spread the normally narrowband information signal
over a relatively wide band of frequencies. This allows the communications to
be more immune to noise and interference from RF sources such as pagers,
cellular phones and multipath. The RF401A-series radios reduce susceptibility
to RF interference from other spread spectrum devices by providing user­selectable frequency hopping patterns.

The RF401A-series radios can provide up to one mile transmission range when
using an inexpensive whip antenna. The radios can provide up to 10 mile
transmission range when using a higher gain directional antenna at ideal
conditions. Compatible antennas are described in Section 7.7.1, Compatible
Antennas.

In June 2014, the RF401A and RF411A replaced the RF401 and RF430, and
RF411 and RF431, respectively. It should be noted that the RF401-series and
RF430-series radios have a maximum transmit power of 100 mW. The
RF401A-series radio has a maximum transmit power of 250 mW, configurable
via software. Please ensure that when replacing an existing RF401-series or
RF430-series radio with an RF401A-series radio that the legal transmit power
limits are not exceeded with existing cabling and antenna configuration.

5.1.2 RF400-Series Radios

The RF401A series have a choice of three communication protocol settings:
Transparent, PakBus Aware, and PakBus Node. Transparent is the protocol
used by the RF400, RF410, and CR205. RF401-series radios in networks that
also have RF400-series radios must use the Transparent protocol setting.

Do not mix the Transparent protocol with any of the
PakBus® protocols. This will produce RF traffic without any
RF communications.

6. Specifications

General

Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.9 x 2.7 cm (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.1 in)
Weight: 136 g (4.8 oz)
Two-piece aluminum case, black anodized

Radio

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Radio Transceiver
Frequency
RF401A: 910 to 918 MHz
RF411A: 920 to 928 MHz
Transmit Power Output: 5 to 250 mW, software selectable
Receiver Sensitivity: –109 dBm
Channel Capacity: 7 hop sequences share 25 frequencies
RF Data Rate: 10 kbps
RF Connector: Reverse Polarity SMA (RPSMA) jack, 50 Ohm unbalanced

3

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio

Power

Powered over CS I/O or 2.5 mm DC power jack
Input Voltage: 9 to 16 Vdc
Average Current Drain
Transmit: < 80 mA (250 mW TX Power)
Receive: 15 mA
Stand-by: < 0.5 mA (depending on power saving mode)

Connections

USB
USB Type B Jack
Can draw enough power for normal operation from standard USB host
RS-232
DB9, Female
1200, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 baud rate supported
CS I/O
DB9, Male
Provides power connection from datalogger for normal operation
Supports SDC (7|8|10|11) and Modem Enable Master communication modes
Does not support Modem Enable Peripheral mode

Diagnostics

LEDs: Power/Tx, Rx
Received Signal Strength Indicator for Last Packet (PakBus® mode)
Retransmit Failure Counter (PakBus® mode)

Operating Temperature

Standard: –25 to +50 °C
Extended: –40 to +85 °C

Configuration

Device Configuration Utility via USB

Compliance

United States FCC Part 15.247: MCQ-XB900HP
Industry Canada (IC): 1846A-XB900HP
(RF411A Only) Australia C-Tick: N3013
RoHS

4

RF401A-Series Spread Spectrum Radio

FIGURE 6-1. RF401A-series dimensions

5