Data-Linc Group PLR5000 User Manual
USER GUIDE
PlantLinc
PLR5000
Industrial Frequency Hopping
S pread Spectrum Radio Modem
OMMUNICATIONS
C
ATA
™
5000
D
NDUSTRIAL
I
It is essential that all instructions contained in the User Guide are followed precisely to ensure proper operation of equipment.
Product User Guide
FCC Notification
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following 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.
The device must be operated as supplied by Data-Linc Group. Any changes or modifications made to the
device without the express written approval of Data-Linc Group may void the user’s authority to operate the
device.
Caution: This device has a maximum transmitted output power of 200 mW . It is required that the
transmit antenna be kept at least 23 cm away from nearby persons to satisfy FCC RF exposure
requirements.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a industrial installation. 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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a p articular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Note: Whenever any Data-Linc Group PLR series modem is placed inside an enclosure a label must be placed
on the outside of that enclosure which includes the modem’s FCC ID.
The following antennas are approved for use with Data-Linc Group’s 900 MHz series modems.
NOTE: Per FCC Rules, the maximum power allowed at the antenna is 4 Watts E.I.R.P.
900MHz Directional Antenna
Gain Manufacturer Manufacture Model Number Data-Linc Model Number
8.2 dBi Larsen YA6-900W A-YB
12.2 dBi Larsen YA0006 A-Y10B
900MHz Omni-Directional Antenna
Gain Manufacturer Manufacture Model Number Data-Linc Model Number
5.2 dBi Maxrad MAX-9053 A-OB
7.2 dBi Maxrad BMEFC8985HD A-O5B
0 dBi Ying Hao YH920801/AD-725-A-1 A-06/ADJ
0 dBi Centurion EXC-902-BN A-06BH-3S / 10S (**)
(**) This part number refers to an antenna kit(s). The 0 dBi refers to the antenna portion of the kit.
Note: The antenna used for this device must be professionally installed on a fixed-mounted permanent
outdoor structure for satisfying RF exposure requirements, including antenna co-location requirements
of 1.1307(b)(3).
DATA-LINC GROUP
PN 161-09888-001
PlantLinc PLR5000 User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................3
Loop Back Bench Test.................................................................................................................3
PLR5000 Modem Configuration...................................................................................................5
Main Menu Option (0): Set Operation Mode .......................................................................6
Main Menu Option (1): Set Baud Rate ................................................................................8
Main Menu Option (2): Edit Call Book.................................................................................9
Main Menu Option (3): Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics......................................12
Main Menu Option (4): Show Radio Statistics...................................................................16
Main Menu Option (5): Edit Multipoint Parameters ...........................................................18
Using an External Antenna ........................................................................................................21
Modem Front Panel LEDs..........................................................................................................22
Sample Data Communication Links...........................................................................................23
Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................25
Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................................26
Technical Support ......................................................................................................................28
Return Material Authorization ....................................................................................................28
Contact Information....................................................................................................................28
Appendix A: PLR5000 Modem Enclosure Diagram ...................................................................29
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PlantLinc PLR5000 User’s Guide
Introduction
The PLR5000 transceiver modems are high performance wireless radio modems designed for heavy-duty
industrial data communications in the 902-928 MHz license-free band. It employs advanced spread spectrum
frequency hopping and error detection technology to achieve very reliable, noise and interference immune
operation. An RF data rate of 38.4 Kbps and superior sensitivity provide ultra reliable data integrity at data
rates from 1200 to 38.4 Kbps. Full duplex operation at data rates up to 19.2 Kbps provide the fast response
times needed for polling communications. The PLR5000 has a range of up to 4 miles (6.5 km) with line-ofsight and an omni directional antenna.
The PLR5000 can be operated in a number of different modes to satisfy a broad range of communications
requirements. It can be configured for point-to-point or multipoint operation with a unlimited number of
remote sites on a single Master depending on data throughput requirements. Repeaters can be used in the
system to eliminate dead RF zones that are blocked by obstructions.
External antennas can be used with up to one hundred feet of coax. With external antennas, radio modems can
be located inside buildings or metallic enclosures.
The PLR5000 will operate in virtually any environment where RS232 data communications are required. The
transceiver RS232 interface is a standard DB9-F connector that is configured for Data Communications
Equipment (DCE) operation. The PLR5000 will connect with a straight through RS232 cable to a device
configured for Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) operation.
The user guide covers the operating modes and configurations that are available to users of the PLR5000. It
also provides the user with bench testing instructions, technical information and specifications for the
PLR5000.
In most applications, the PLR5000 radios come from Data-Linc Group pre-configured for the application in
which they are going to be used. Generally, no other configuration is required. If you are unsure if the modem
needs further configuration, please contact Data-Linc Group.
Loop Back Bench Test
This procedure provides a simple and easy demonstration of proper operation of the Data-Linc Group
PLR5000 radio modems. The Loop Back Bench Test should be conducted to ensure system functionality
prior to actual installation, and to allow the installer to become familiar with operation of the radio modems.
A few minutes on the bench can save time in the field.
1. The PLR5000 radios that you have received are typically pre-configured by Data-Linc Group to
function as a system. No changes in configuration should be made with out first consulting the factory.
2. Attach the bench test antenna included with the radio modem.
3. Locate the PLR5000 labeled “MASTER.” Using a standard RS232 cable, connect the radio modem to a
communication port on a computer that has a communications utility such as HyperTerminal, ProComm
Plus or Terminal for Win3.x. Set the data rate (BPS) of the terminal program to match the port rate of the
PLR5000 Plug the power supply into an AC outlet of the correct voltage, and connect the power supply to
the PLR5000. The red LED marked “P” (power) on the radio modem front panel should turn on.
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4. If your system is configured to use a Repeater(s), find the PLR5000(s) marked “REPEATER,” and
connect its power supply as with the Master above. The red LED marked “P” (power) on the radio
modem should turn on. If your system does not have a Repeater, skip this step.
5. Locate the PLR5000(s) labeled “REMOTE.” Connect the power supply to the PLR5000. The red LED
marked “P” (power) on the “REMOTE” radio modem should turn on. If it is a point-to-point system the
amber LED “C” (carrier detect) should turn on for both the Remote and Master. If it is a point-tomultipoint system the “C” LED will turn on for the Remote only. Attach a Loop Back Test Jumper on the
RS232 data DB9F connector of the PLR5000 remote. The jumper shorts pins 2 and 3 of the data
connector.
6. Using the terminal that is connected to the “MASTER” PLR5000, hold down a key, “A” for example.
The letter “A” should begin to scroll across the terminal screen. This indicates that the data (the letter “A”
in this case) is being transmitted from the terminal through the “MASTER” PLR5000. Then through the
“REPEATER” (if applicable), on to the “REMOTE” PLR5000, through the Loop Back Test Jumper, back
through the “REPEATER” (if applicable) to the “MASTER,” and then the terminal. This establishes that
the PLR5000s are functioning in full duplex mode and are operating properly. Note: If something appears
scrolling across the terminal screen other than the correct character for the key being pressed, it indicates
that the terminal’s settings and data rate may not be set to match that of the PLR5000.
7. While continuing to press the letter “A,” the yellow LED marked “I” (Input) and the green LED marked
“O” (Output) should both be flashing rapidly on the Master radio modem and the Remote with the jumper
attached. Remove the jumper from the “REMOTE” radio modem. The letter display scrolling across the
screen should stop, and the “O” LED will stop flashing at the “MASTER.” The “I” LED will flash each
time the key is pressed; indicating that the radio modem is receiving a data input signal on the RS232
port. The “O” LED on the “REMOTE” will flash each time a key is pressed; indicating that the radio
modem is outputting a data input signal on the RS232 port. The “I” LED on the “REMOTE” will remain
off with no data Loop Back . Replace the Loop Back Test Jumper in the “REMOTE” radio modem. Hold
down the key again, and the letter should once again scroll across the computer screen. If there is a
“REPEATER” in the system its “C” (carrier detect) LED will flash rapidly when data is being passed.
The “REPEATER” “I” and “O” LED’s remain off during normal operation.
Repeat steps 5 through 7 with each of the “REMOTE” units for your system.
Data-Linc Group strongly recommends that once these tests have been successfully completed, all devices
that will be used in the system (PLC, RTU, software, computers, etc.) be connected to the system and bench
tested to assure full functionality before final installation. If the radios will not function in the system on the
bench, remove the radio modems from the system and confirm that the equipment will communicate with a
direct hard wire link. If the devices will not communicate directly without the radio modems, then they will
not communicate with them. The radio modems emulate a direct asynchronous communication link.
Once the preceding bench tests have established that the system is fully functional, site installation should
proceed. However, before connecting the entire system hardware, Data-Linc Group recommends that steps 3
through 7 above be performed on-site to confirm radio modem operation and adequate line of sight between
the antennas.
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PlantLinc PLR5000 User’s Guide
PLR5000 Modem Configuration
The PLR5000 allows you to set several parameters to suit your particular application. All adjustments are
done through the PLR5000 setup program, a user interface that eliminates the need for setup diskettes, DIP
switch settings or custom software.
To access the configuration menu, connect the radio modem to any terminal program with port settings of
19.2Kbaud, 8 data bits, no parity and one stop bit. With the modem connected to the PC running the terminal
program, press the Configure button located behind the pinhole next to the DB-9 connector on the front of the
modem. While any terminal program that can be set to 19200 baud will work, examples for this user guide
were generated using the Microsoft Windows 2000 application “HyperTerminal.”
Note: When using HyperTerminal, set Handshaking to none.
Table 1:Terminal Settings
Parameter Setting
Baud Rate 19200
Data Bits 8
Parity None
Stop Bits 1
Flow
Control
When the setup program is invoked, the “O” LED on the PLR5000 front panel will flash once when the
Configure button is pressed and the “C” LED will remain on for the entire time the radio modem is in setup
mode.
The main menu provides the radio modem’s unique call book number and the set of choices for editing the
operational parameters and viewing the performance data.
Figure 1: Main Menu
None
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Main Menu Option (0): Set Operation Mode
When item (0) is selected, the Operation Mode Menu appears as shown in Figure 2. The Operation Mode
option is used to designate the method in which the particular PLR5000 will be used. The PLR5000 operates
in a Master to remote configuration; therefore, any radio modems that are intended to operate together must
be set up as such. In a point-to-point setup, either the Master or Remote may be used on either end of the
communications link. One consideration when setting up the radio modems is that a number of parameters are
controlled by the settings in the Master; therefore, you may wish to deploy the Master on the communications
end where you will have easier access to the radio modem.
Figure 2: Mode Menu
Shown below are example settings. Please refer to configuration sheets supplied for your modem’s
configuration.
(0) Point-to-point Master
The PLR5000 operates in a Master/remote configuration. When designated as a Master in point-to-point
mode, the radio modem will call any or all Remotes it is instructed to call in the call book. The Master
determines the settings used for all Radio Transmission Characteristics, regardless of the settings in the
Remotes and/or Repeaters.
(1) Point-to-Point Remote
When set up as a point-to-point Remote, a PLR5000 will communicate with any Master in its call book,
either directly or through one or two Repeaters. When functioning as a Remote, the Entry to Call feature
in the radio modem’s call book (Figure 3) is not operational. The Remote will communicate with any
Master on the list that calls.
(2) Point-to-Multipoint Master
The PLR5000 may be set to run in multipoint mode, which allows one Master to simultaneously be in
communication with numerous Remotes. A point-to-multipoint Master will communicate only with other
radio modems designated as point-to-multipoint Remotes or point-to-multipoint Repeaters.
(3) Point-to-Multipoint Remote
Setting (3) allows the radio modem to operate as a Remote in a multipoint network.
Please refer to the section entitled multipoint Operation, for more information on running a multipoint
network.
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(4) Point-to-Point Remote/Repeater
Option 4 allows you to designate the radio modem to act as either a Remote or a Repeater, depending
upon the instructions received from the Master for the specific communications session. When a radio
modem is placed in an ideal location, this setting offers the flexibility of using that radio modem as an
end-point in the communications link (Remote) or to extend the link to a point further (Repeater). These
functions are not, however, available simultaneously (the radio modem cannot act as both a Remote and
a Repeater at the same time).
A word of caution: Configured as a Repeater, a radio modem has no security features as explained below.
When a radio modem is designated as a point-to-point remote/Repeater, it will allow any Master to use it
as a Repeater.
(5) Point-to-Point Repeater
PLR5000 radio modems allow the use of up to two Repeaters in a communications link, significantly
extending the operating range. When designated as a Repeater, a radio modem behaves as a pass-through
link. All settings for the call book, baud rates, and radio transmission characteristics are disabled. A
Repeater will connect with any Master that calls it (the Repeater must still be set up in the Master’s call
book).
The use of one Repeater in a communications link will reduce the top data throughput available when
compared to a direct Master to remote link (generally on the order of 50%). This impact is generally
noticed only when using the radio modems at 38.4 Kbaud. The throughput does not decrease further if
two Repeaters are used.
(6) Point-to-Point Remote/Master Switchable
Mode 6 is a versatile option that allows the radio modem to be controlled entirely through software
commands. When in mode 6, a number of key parameters in the radio modem’s user interface may be
changed either directly (as if using the Windows Terminal program) or by using script files. In addition,
when the radio modem is in mode 6 and not calling a Remote, it will be a Remote itself and accept any
appropriate calls from other radio modems.
In mode 6:
• The radio modem remains in remote mode until called by another radio modem in its Call Book or
instructed to call another radio modem through an ATDT command. The Master will disconnect
when DTR goes low..
• The user may change settings in the user interface without using the reset button (this may be of
particular value if the radio modem is not in an easily accessible location).
• Predetermined script files may be used which allow some of the radio modem’s settings to be
changed upon execution of that file. This, in turn, allows the user to establish command sets that
will instruct the radio modem to call a predetermined remote.
Note: For a detailed explanation covering the features of Mode 6, please contact the factory.
(7) Point-to-Multipoint Repeater
Setting (7) allows the radio modem to operate as a Repeater in a multipoint network.
Please refer to the section titled, “Multipoint Operation”, for more information on running a multipoint
network.
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Main Menu Option (1): Set Baud Rate
When option (1) is selected, you will be able to change the radio modem’s RS232 baud rate. This is the
communication rate between the radio modem and the instrument to which it is connected. It is important to
note that this is independent of the baud rate for the other radio modem(s) in the communication loop. For
example, PLR5000s may be used in an application to send data from remote process instrumentation to an
engineer’s computer. In this application, the baud rate for the radio modem on the instrumentation might be
set to 9600, and the radio modem on the computer might be set to 19,200 or 38,400.
In general, it is desirable to set the baud rate to the highest level supported by the device to which it is
connected. However, please note that this may actually result in slower data communications if the UART
chipset of the connected device does not support higher data rates.
ModBus RTU and various data word sizes and parity configurations
The additional features are support for ModBus RTU and support various data word lengths and parity. These
features are available under selection options (A) and (B).
There are six data word length and parity configurations available. In the Set Baud Rate menu select (A) and
type in the number corresponding to the configuration below. The default setting is 0 (8,N,1) and is the most
commonly used serial communications protocol.
Table 2: Available data word length and parity selections
Menu Setting Data Bits Parity Stop Bits
0 8 None 1
1 7 Even 1
2 7 Odd 1
3 8 None 2
4 8 Even 1
5 8 Odd 1
ModBus RTU
Support for ModBus RTU protocol is available. The default for the ModBus RTU setting is (0) not enabled.
To enable the ModBus RTU mode:
1. In the “Set Baud Rate” menu enter (B) and then select (1)
2. In the “Set Multi Point Parameters” menu, set Master Packet Repeat to (3).
Note: When using the PLR5000 radios in ModBus RTU mode the Master Packet Repeat must be set to (3)
regardless of whether the modems are being used in point-to-point or multipoint mode. If a setting that
is higher than (3) is required, it can be done, but the throughput speed will be decreased. (A higher
Master Packet Repeat setting may need to be used when the radios are in a high noise environment or at
long ranges).
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