FreeWave GX Series, GX-C, GX-CE, GX-T User's Reference Manual

GX Serial Wireless Data Radios

GX-C

GX-CE

GX-T

Covering Firmware v9.7.9

User & Reference Manual

Part Number: LUM0034AA

Revision: May-2018

GX-C, GX-CE, GX-T

User & Reference Manual

Warranty Information

FreeWave Technologies, Inc. warrants your FreeWave® Wireless Data Radio against defects in materials and manufacturing for a period of three years from the date of shipment, depending on model number. In the event of a Product failure due to materials or workmanship, FreeWave will, at its discretion, repair or replace the Product. For evaluation of Warranty coverage, return the Product to FreeWave upon receiving a Return Material Authorization(RMA).

IN NO EVENT WILL FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., ITS SUPPLIERS, OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING

FROM THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT. THIS INCLUDES BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR OTHER LOSS WHICH MAY ARISE FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. OEM CUSTOMER’S WARRANTY PERIODS CAN VARY.

Warranty Policy will not apply in the following circumstances:

1. If Product repair, adjustments, or parts replacements are required due to accident, neglect, or undue physical, electrical, or electromagnetic stress.

2. If Product is used outside of FreeWave specifications as stated in the Product's data sheet.

3. If Product has been modified, repaired, or altered by Customer unless FreeWave specifically authorized such alterations in each instance in writing. This includes the addition of conformal coating.

Safety Information

The products described in this manual can fail in a variety of modes due to misuse, age, or malfunction. Systems with these products must be designed to prevent personal injury and property damage during product operation and in the event of product failure.

Warning! Do not remove or insert the Ethernet or diagnostics cable while circuit is live unless the area is known to be free of ignition concentrations of flammable gasses or vapors.

Warning! Do not connect the GX-C, GX-CE, GX-T series radios to DC power without terminating the antenna port to a suitable load, such as a 50 ohm antenna, or an attenuator with a power rating greater than or equal to 2 W. Powering up without a load attached will damage the radio and void the warranty.

FreeWave Technologies, Inc.

5395 Pearl Parkway, Suite 100

Boulder, CO 80301

Toll Free: 1.866.923.6168

Fax: 303.786.9948

www.freewave.com

303.381.9200

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FreeWave. This document cannot be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission from

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Table Of Contents

Preface 8

1. Overview 11

1.1. Choose a Radio Location 11

1.2. Choosing Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint Operation 12

1.2.1. Point-to-Point (PTP) Network 12

1.2.2. Point-to-MultiPoint (PTMP) Network 12

Differences between PTP and PTMP 12

1.3. Data Communication Link Examples 13

1.3.1. Example 1 - Point-to-Point Gateway to Endpoint 13

1.3.2. Example 2 - Gateway Repeater Endpoint 14

1.3.3. Example 3 - Two Repeaters 14

1.3.4. Example 4 - Multiple Radios 15

1.3.5. Example 5 - Point-to-MultiPoint 16

1.3.6. Example 6 - Point-to-MultiPoint with a Repeater Site 17

1.4. Finding the Product Serial Number 18

1.5. Powering the Radio 19

1.6. Configuration Tool Options 19

1.6.1. Tool Suite and Terminal Emulators 20

1.7. Radio Setup Mode 21

1.7.1. Using Tool Suite to Connect to and Program Radios 21

1.7.2. Access the Setup Menu Using a Terminal Emulator 22

1.7.3. Connecting and Disconnecting from HyperTerminal 24

1.7.4. Troubleshooting HyperTerminal 24

Change the COM Port 24

Change the Baud Rate 26

Change the Flow Control 27

Change the Parity 28

1.8. Upgrade the Radios to the Latest Software Version 29

2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup 30

2.1. Setting the Radio's Role in the Network and the Network Type 31

2.2. Establishing Communication with Instrumentation and Computers 34

2.2.1. Baud Rate 34

2.2.2. Data Parity 35

2.2.3. Flow Control 35

2.2.4. Modbus RTU 36

2.2.5. Serial Interface 37

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2.2.6. Setup Port 37

2.2.7. Turn Off Delay 38

2.2.8. Turn On Delay 38

2.2.9. Use Break to Access Setup 38

2.3. Establishing Communication with Other Radios in the Network 40

2.3.1. Golden Settings 41

2.4. Designate the RF Transmission Characteristics 41

2.4.1. 2.4GHz Frequency Key (Golden Setting) 42

2.4.2. 2.4GHz Frequency Zones 43

2.4GHz Frequency Zones Table 43

Enable Frequency Zones in Tool Suite 44

Enable Frequency Zones using the Terminal Interface 45

2.4.3. 2.4GHzGovernment Rules 45

2.4.4. High Noise 46

2.4.5. 2.4GHz Hop Frequency Offset 46

2.4.6. 2.4GHz Hop Table Size 46

2.4.7. 2.4GHz Hop Table Version 47

2.4.8. Max Packet Size and Min Packet Size (Golden Setting) 47

2.4.9. MCU Speed 48

2.4.10. Remote LED 49

2.4.11. Retry Time Out 50

2.4.12. RF Data Rate (Golden Setting) 51

2.4.13. Slave Security 51

2.4.14. Transmit Power 52

2.4.15. Transmit Rate 53

3. Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks 54

3.1. Point to MultiPoint Network Characteristics 55

3.1.1. Golden Settings 55

3.1.2. Master to Slave Communications 55

3.1.3. Slave to Master Communications 55

3.2. Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start 56

3.2.1. Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start (Tool Suite) 56

3.2.2. Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start (Terminal Interface) 57

3.3. Point-to-MultiPoint Operation LEDs 59

3.4. Overlapping MultiPoint Networks 60

3.5. Establishing Communication with Other Radios in a MultiPoint Network 60

3.5.1. Using the Network ID in MultiPoint Networks 60

3.5.2. Using the Call Book in MultiPoint Networks 61

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3.5.3. Programming Point-to-MultiPoint Extended Call Book 62

3.6. Setting Other MultiPoint Parameters 63

3.6.1. 1 PPS Enable Delay 63

Setup 1PPS Enable/Delay 63

Calibrate a Slave Radio in 1PPS Enable/Delay Mode 64

3.6.2. Diagnostics 64

3.6.3. DTR Connect 64

3.6.4. Local Mode 65

3.6.5. Master Packet Repeat 66

3.6.6. Master Packet Repeat in MultiPoint Networks with Repeaters 67

3.6.7. Max Slave Retry 67

3.6.8. Radio ID 67

3.6.9. Radio Name 68

3.6.10. Repeater Frequency 68

3.6.11. Repeaters 68

3.6.12. Retry Odds 69

3.6.13. Slave / Repeater 70

3.7. Conserving Power 71

3.7.1. Low Power Mode 71

3.8. Reading Diagnostics in Tool Suite 73

4. Configuring Point-to-Point Networks 75

4.1. Point-to-Point Network Quick Start 75

4.1.1. Point-to-Point Network Quick Start (Tool Suite) 75

4.1.2. Point-to-Point Network Quick Start (Terminal Interface) 77

4.2. Point-to-Point Operation LEDs 79

4.3. Using the Call Book in Point-to-Point Networks 80

4.3.1. Setting the Call Book in Tool Suite 81

4.3.2. Setting the Call Book in the Terminal Interface 81

4.3.3. Programming Point-To-Point Extended Call Book to Use Three or Four Repeaters 83

5. Advanced Programming 84

5.1. Working with Parallel Repeaters 85

5.1.1. Repeaters Data Transmitted on the Same Frequency Key 85

5.1.2. Adding a Repeater to the Network 86

5.2. Setting and Changing Radio Passwords 87

5.2.1. Setting the Password 87

5.2.2. Changing a Password 87

5.2.3. Disable a Password 88

5.3. Enable and Set Up AES Encryption 88

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5.3.1. Encryption (Strength) 89

5.3.2. Encryption Key 90

5.3.3. Encryption Channel Key 91

5.3.4. Troubleshooting AES Setup 92

5.4. Low Baud Rates 93

5.5. Multi-Master Sync 93

5.6. Time Divisible Multiple Access (TDMA) 93

6. Viewing Radio Statistics 94

6.1. Antenna Reflected Power 94

6.2. Master-Slave Distance 95

6.3. Noise Level 95

6.4. Number of Disconnects 95

6.5. Radio Temperature 96

6.6. Rate % (Receive Percentage Rate) 96

6.7. Signal Level 96

6.8. Transmit Current 97

7. Routing Communications through the Network 98

7.1. Assigning Subnet ID Values 98

7.1.1. Example 1: Subnet and Specific Path Communication 99

7.1.2. Example 2: Subnet and Communication Required through Repeaters 100

7.1.3. Example 3: Subnet and Optional Slave Communication 101

8. GX Serial Wireless Data Radios Pinouts 102

8.1. Operational RS422 and RS485 Information 102

8.2. Pinout Assignments and Descriptions 103

8.3. RF Board Level Pinout 104

8.4. RS-232 Pin Assignments (DB-9) 105

8.5. RS422 and RS485 Full Duplex Pinouts 106

8.6. RS485 Half Duplex Pinouts 106

9. Troubleshooting 107

9.1. Troubleshooting Flowchart 108

9.2. Unlicensed Serial Radio - Specific Troubleshooting 109

9.3. General Troubleshooting 109

10. GX-C, GX-CE, GX-T Release Notes 112

10.1. ETSI TDMA Compliance 112

10.1.1. TDMA Settings 113

RF Data Rate Setting of 3 - Normal 113

RF Data Rate Setting of 2 - High 113

10.1.2. Standard Mode Settings 114

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Point-to-Point and MultiPoint Mode 114

10.1.3. Calculations 114

TDMA Mode 115

Point-to-Point and MultiPoint Mode 115

10.1.4. Standards and Editions 115

10.2. Version v9.7.9 115

Appendix A: GX-C, GX-CE, GX-T Technical Specifications 117

Appendix B: GX-C Mechanical Drawing 120

Appendix C: 2.4GHz Factory Default Settings 121

Appendix D: FreeWave Legal Information 123

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Preface

Thank you for purchasing the FreeWave GX Serial Wireless Data Radios radio.

This document includes information about the FreeWave GX-C, GX-CE, GX-T serial radio:

l A basic introduction to the radio and how to determine the mode to run it in.

l Examples of how FreeWave radios can exist in a network with other radios.

l How to access the setup parameters available on the radio.

l Basic radio programming and setup information that applies to all network types.

l Considerations and quick starts for the network design, including charts of LED meanings.

l Details about defining a MultiPoint network including the use of Subnet IDs to route

information through the network.

l Steps to view statistics about a radio's performance.

l Pinouts and mechanical drawings.

Additional Information

This User Manual covers settings and configurations that apply to GX-C FreeWave radios.

Some radio models have specific settings and configurations that apply to only that model. For information about a specific model or additional information about using the radios, see these addendums and Application Notes:

l Cathodic Protection User Manual Addendum

l Application Note #5412: Synchronizing Collocated Masters (Multi-Master Sync Mode)

l Application Note #5476: Mode 6

l Mode 6 is designed to give control of which Slave a Master links to in a Point-to-Point

configuration.

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Preface

l Application Note : #5437: DTR to CTS Line Alarm Feature

l Application Note #5457: Local Mode

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User & Reference Manual

For information about installing radios, see the 2.4 GHz Wireless Radios InstallationGuide.

Note: FreeWave documentation is available at www.freewave.com.

Contact FreeWave Technical Support

For up-to-date troubleshooting information, check the Support page at www.freewave.com.

FreeWave provides technical support Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time (GMT -7).

l Call toll-free at 1.866.923.6168.

l In Colorado, call 303.381.9200.

l Contact us through e-mail at moreinfo@freewave.com.

Document Styles

This document uses these styles:

l FreeWave applications appear as: FreeWave.

l Parameter setting text appears as: [Page=radioSettings]

l File names appear as: configuration.cfg.

l File paths appear as: C:\Program Files (x86)\FreeWave Technologies.

l User-entered text appears as: xxxxxxxxx.

Caution: Indicates a situation that MAY cause damage to personnel, the radio, data, or network.

Example: Provides example information of the related text.

FREEWAVE Recommends: Identifies FreeWave recommendation information.

Important!: Provides semi-cautionary information relevant to the text or procedure.

Note: Emphasis of specific information relevant to the text or procedure.

Provides time saving or informative suggestions about using the product.

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Preface

Setting Description

Default Setting: The factory default setting for the parameter.

Options: The options the parameter can be set to.

Setup Terminal Menu:

The menu path and field name to access the parameter using the terminal menus available through the serial port.

Description: A description of what the parameter is and how it applies to the radio in the

network.

Warning! Indicates a situation that WILL cause damage to personnel, the radio, data, or network.

Parameter Preference

The Parameter Preference table describes the available parameters.

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User & Reference Manual

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1. Overview

FreeWave radios operate in virtually any environment where data communications occur. The radios act as data transmission devices, duplicating data in Point-to-Point, Point-to-MultiPoint, or TDMA mode.

The GX includes:

l GX-C - Provides performance, reliability, and quality in a globally available spectrum and is

backward compatible with the I2 and IM radios.

l GX-CE - Provides the same performance and features as the GX-C, but in a ruggedized

enclosure.

l GX-CP - Cathodic Protection remote monitoring radio is a multipurpose, spread spectrum,

board-level product.

l The GX-CP has specific inputs and outputs for monitoring and reporting operational

values on pipelines, tanks, structures, and other facilities or structures and any other metallic subject to environmental corrosion.

1.1. Choose a Radio Location

Placement of the FreeWave radio may have a significant impact on its performance. The key to the overall robustness of the radio link is the height of the antenna.

When using an external antenna, placement of that antenna is critical to a solid data link. Other antennas in close proximity are a potential source of interference.

Use the Radio Statistics to help identify potential problems. In general, FreeWave units with a higher antenna placement will have a better communication link.

In practice, the radio should be placed away from computers, telephones, answering machines, and other similar devices. The cable included with the radio provides ample distance for placement away from other equipment.

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1. Overview

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Note: FreeWave offers directional and Omni-directional antennas with cable lengths ranging from 3 to 200 feet.

An adjustment as little as 2 feet in antenna placement may resolve noise issues. In extreme cases, (e.g., Cellular Telephone tower interference) the band pass filters that FreeWave offers may reduce out-of-bandnoise.

1.2. Choosing Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint Operation

Important!: For either a PTP or PTMP network, adding a Repeater cuts the network throughput by

50%.

1.2.1. Point-to-Point (PTP) Network

A PTP network work best when the network consists of one Master and one Slave radio.

Note: A maximum of four Repeaters can be added to extend the reach of the network.

1.2.2. Point-to-MultiPoint (PTMP) Network

In a PTMP network (also referred to as MultiPoint network) the Master radio is able to simultaneously communicate with numerous Slave radios.

l A MultiPoint network functions with the Master broadcasting its messages to all Slave

radios.

l If requested by the Master, the Slave radios respond to the Master when given data by the

device connected to the data port. The response depends on the setup.

l The network reach can be extended with as many Repeaters as is required.

Differences between PTP and PTMP

l In a Point-to-Point network all packets are acknowledged, whether sent from the Master to

the Slave or from the Slave to the Master.

l In a MultiPoint network, the user determines the number of times outbound packets from

the Master or Repeater to the Slave or other Repeaters are sent.

l The receiving radio, Slave or Repeater, accepts the first packet received that passes the

32 bit CRC. However, the packet is NOT acknowledged.

l On the return trip to the Master, all packets sent are acknowledged or retransmitted until

they are acknowledged.

l Therefore, the return link in a MultiPoint network is generally very robust.

Traditionally, a MultiPoint network is used in applications where data is collected from many instruments and reported back to one central site. The architecture of such a network is different from Point-to-Point applications. These parameters influence the number of radios that can exist in a MultiPoint network:

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1. Overview

l Data block size.

l The longer the data blocks, the fewer number of deployed Slave radios can exist in the

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User & Reference Manual

network.

l Baud rate.

l The data rate between the radio and the device it is connected to could limit the amount

of data and the number of radios that can exist in a network

l The amount of contention between Slave radios.

l Polled Slave radios versus timed Slave radios.

l Repeater Use.

l Using the Repeater setting in a Point-to-Point or MultiPoint network decreases overall

network capacity by 50%.

Example: If the network polls once a day to retrieve sparse data, several hundred Slave radios could be configured to a single Master. However, if each Slave transmits larger amounts of data or data more frequently, fewer Slave radios can link to the Master while receiving the same network performance. When larger amounts of data are sent more frequently, the overall network bandwidth is closer to capacity with fewerSlave radios.

1.3. Data Communication Link Examples

l Example 1 - Point-to-Point Gateway to Endpoint (on page 13)

l Example 2 - Gateway Repeater Endpoint (on page 14)

l Example 3 - Two Repeaters (on page 14)

l Example 4 - Multiple Radios (on page 15)

l Example 5 - Point-to-MultiPoint (on page 16)

l Example 6 - Point-to-MultiPoint with a Repeater Site (on page 17)

1.3.1. Example 1 - Point-to-Point Gateway to Endpoint

The versatility of FreeWave radios allows data links to be established using a variety of different configurations.

This example shows the most common and straight forward link; a Master communicating to a Slave in a Point-to-Point link.

Figure 1: Master Communicating to a Slave in a Point-to-Point Link

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1. Overview

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1.3.2. Example 2 - Gateway Repeater Endpoint

This example shows a link using a Repeater.

l The Repeater may be located on a hilltop or other elevated structure enhancing the link

from the Master to the Slave.

l In this configuration, it may be desirable to use an external Omni directional antenna at the

Repeater.

l A Yagi antenna may be used at both the Master and Slave radios.

Note: Adding Repeaters to a network cuts the network throughput by 50%.

Figure 2: Master Communicating to a Slave in a Point-to-Point Link with a

Repeater

1.3.3. Example 3 - Two Repeaters

This example shows a link with two Repeaters between the Master and Slave.

l With two Repeaters there is more flexibility in getting around obstacles and greater total

range is possible.

l It may be desirable to use external Omni-directional antennas with the Repeaters, and

attaching a Yagi antenna to the Master and Slave radio to increase the range of the link.

l When two Repeaters are used no further degradation in the RF throughput of the link is

experienced.

Figure 3: Master Communicating to a Slave in a Point-to-Point Link with Two

Repeaters

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1.3.4. Example 4 - Multiple Radios

This example shows a configuration where a Master radio routinely calls a number of Slave radios at different times.

l The Master radio is communicating with a radio designated as a Slave/Repeater that is

connected to a remote device.

l Since this device is placed in an elevated location, the radio may also be used as a

Repeater when it is not used as a Slave.

l At any time the Master may call any of the Slave radios, establish a connection, and send

and receive data.

Figure 4: Master Communicating to Multiple Slave Radios at Different Times

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1.3.5. Example 5 - Point-to-MultiPoint

This example illustrates a standard Point-to-MultiPoint network.

l From the Master, any data is broadcast to all three Slave radios, one of which receives it

through a Multipoint Repeater.

l The data is sent out of the serial port of each of the three Slave radios.

l The end device should be configured to interpret the serial message and act on it if

necessary.

Figure 5: Master Communicating in a Point-to-MultiPoint Network

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1.3.6. Example 6 - Point-to-MultiPoint with a Repeater Site

This example is a Point-to-MultiPoint network that uses one of the sites as a Slave/Repeater.

l This network functions in the same manner as a standard MultiPoint network with

Repeaters.

l However, the number of radios may be reduced with the use of the MultiPoint

Slave/Repeater feature.

Figure 6: Master Communicating in a Point-to-MultiPoint Network using a

Slave/Repeater

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1.4. Finding the Product Serial Number

Each FreeWave radio is assigned a unique serial number.

Important!: This number is needed to contact FreeWave Technical Support.

The serial number is three digits, followed by a hyphen, then four digits (e.g., 111-1111), and is printed on the FreeWave label on the radio.

Note: The example in this section is an image is of a GXM model. The serial number information is in the same location on different models.

Figure 7: Example of the Serial Number for a GXM model

On radios that are not in an enclosure, the serial number is printed on a label on the back (the flat, smooth side) of the radio.

This label is in larger print.

Figure 8: Example of the label and Serial Number of a non-enclosed radio

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1.5. Powering the Radio

Connect the radio to a positive power supply with +6.0 to +27.0 VDC, typically +12.0 VDC.

Important!: GX-C, GX-CE, and GX-T radios are UL approved for voltage use between +6.0 to +27.0

VDC.

FREEWAVE Recommends: For guaranteed performance, FreeWave recommends using between +7.5 to +30.0 VDC to power the radio.

Warning! If the power supply is above approximately +18.0 to +20.0 VDC, use a 1-ohm resistor inline with B+ input to the radio.

Note: For more information about pinouts, see RF Board Level Pinout (on page 104).

If the power supply line runs outside the enclosure, use:

l electrostatic discharge (ESD) protectors to protect the radio from electric shock.

l transient voltage suppressors (TVS) to protect from an over-voltage situation.

Using both helps enhances reliable operation.

1.6. Configuration Tool Options

When the radio is in Setup mode, use these setup tools to configure the settings on the radio:

l Tool Suite- Tool Suite is the recommended method for programming the radios.

l It provides a group of tools for configuring the devices in the network and for monitoring

the network's performance.

l Use the Configuration application in Tool Suite to program changes to the radio's

settings.

l Tool Suite is available for download from www.freewave.com.

Note: For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual in the Tool Suite software.

l Terminal Emulator - A terminal emulator program (e.g., HyperTerminal or Tera Term)

offers many of the same configuration options available in the Configuration application in Tool Suite.

l If running versions of the Windows® operating system prior to Windows® 7,

HyperTerminal is included in the operating system installation.

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1. Overview

Use the Setup Terminal application in Tool Suite to use and view the terminal menus. It shows the same menus and provides the same programming settings as you see using a terminal emulator.

FREEWAVE Recommends: Tool Suite is the recommended programming option. EZConfig can still be used to program older radio models. However, newer radio models and newer firmware versions are not available in EZConfig.

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1.6.1. Tool Suite and Terminal Emulators

If using a terminal emulator, the tabs for a device in Tool Suite mirror the Setup main menu selections.

Example: Option 0 on the Setup main menu in the terminal menu setup is Set Operation Mode. The corresponding configuration tab for the device in Tool Suite is (0) Operation Mode.

Figure 9: Tool Suite menu Matched to Terminal menu

Use the Setup Terminal application in Tool Suite to use and view the terminal menus. It shows the same menus and provides the same programming settings as you see using a terminal emulator.

Note: In this document, if the setup procedure in the terminal emulator is different than the procedure in Tool Suite, the terminal instructions are also included.

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1. Overview

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1.7. Radio Setup Mode

To read the current settings from or to program a radio, the radio must be in Setup mode. When a radio is in Setup mode, all three LEDs appear solid green . These sections provide details about how to access the radio's Setup mode using Tool Suite or the terminal interface.

Note: OEM boards may also enter Setup when Pin 2 on a 10- or 14-pin connector or Pin 8 on a 24-pin connector is grounded, or using a break command. For information about the break command, see Use Break to Access Setup (on page 38).

l The Setup Port parameter on the Baud Rate tab determines whether the main data port

or the diagnostics port is used to access the setup parameters for the radio. For more information, see Setup Port (on page 37).

l Use the Setup Mode Timeout parameter on the Operation Mode tab to set the radio to

exit Setup Mode automatically. When the setting is enabled, if the radio has not received any menu selections or programming information within 5 seconds, it exits Setup and resumes its previous mode.

Note: For Setup mode troubleshooting information, see Troubleshooting (on page 107).

1.7.1. Using Tool Suite to Connect to and Program Radios

To read and program a radio using Tool Suite, connect the radio to a computer that runs the Tool Suite software.

Use Tool Suite to set up a template version of a radio. Templates include settings that apply to more than one radio in the network.

Note: For more information about using templates, see the Tool Suite User Manual in the Tool Suite software.

Procedure

1. Connect a serial or diagnostic cable between the computer and the radio.

FREEWAVE Recommends: Using a diagnostic cable and the diagnostic port.

2. Connect the power supply to the radio and the power source and turn on the radio.

3. Open Tool Suite.

4. In the Applications window, click Configuration to open the Configuration application.

5. Verify the correct port is selected in the Com Port field on the Configuration ribbon.

6. Press the Setup button on the back of the FreeWave radio. The radio is changed to Setup mode.

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1. Overview

Note: If connected to the diagnostics port, the radio changes to Setup mode automatically when Read Radio is clicked in Tool Suite.

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7. Short Pins 2 and 4 (Brown to Black) on the 10-pin header next to the LEDs. This places a board-level radio into Setup mode.

8. If using a data cable (FreeWave part number: ASC3610DB or ASC3610DJ), press the

Setup button on the data cable.

Note: If using the Setup Terminal application or a terminal emulator and using the gray ribbon diagnostic cable (part number AC2009DC), or the black diagnostic cable (part number ASC0409DC), the radio changes to Setup mode automatically when Read Radio is clicked

in Tool Suite.

All three LEDs on the radio are green and stay green as long as the radio is in Setup mode.

9. On the Configuration ribbon, click Read Radio to read the radio's current settings.

10. Make the necessary parameter changes.

11. On the Network Title ribbon, use one of these options to send the changes to the radio:

l Click Quick to send only the changed parameters.

Note: This option is only available if Read Radio is clicked and parameter settings are

NOT sent from a template to the radio.

l Click All to send all the settings for all parameters.

l Click Default to set a device back to its factory default settings.

Note: For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual in the Tool Suite software.

1.7.2. Access the Setup Menu Using a Terminal Emulator

This procedure accesses the radio's Setup menu using the Setup Terminal application in Tool Suite.

Note: For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual in the Tool Suite software.

Procedure

1. Plug a serial cable into the COM 1 port on the radio.

2. Connect the cable to a COM port on the computer running Tool Suite.

3. Connect the radio to a power source.

4. Open Tool Suite.

5. On the Applications window, click Setup Terminal.

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6. Click the Connection list box arrow in the top left of the window and select the COM port on the computer the radio is connected to.

Figure 10: Connection list box

7. Click Connect.

8. To connect Setup Terminal to the radio, press the Setup button on the back of the FreeWave radio. If connected to the diagnostics port, press <Shift+U> to view the Setup menu.

9. To view the Setup menu in board-level radios:

l Short pins 2 & 4 (Brown to Black) on the 10 pin header next to the LEDs.

Figure 11: GX-C Pin Layout

l If using a data cable (FreeWave part number: ASC3610DB or ASC3610DJ), press the

Setup button on the data cable.

l If using the gray ribbon diagnostic cable (P/N AC2009DC), or the black diagnostic

cable (P/N ASC0409DC), press <Shift+U> to view the Setup menu.

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When Setup is activated, the FreeWave Setup Main Menu appears in the HyperTerminal dialog box.

All three LEDs on the radio are green and stay green as long as the radio is in Setup mode.

Important!: When navigating through the Setup menu and making changes to the parameters, the

parameters are sent immediately to the radio.

1.7.3. Connecting and Disconnecting from HyperTerminal

The HyperTerminal dialog box has several toolbar buttons.

To reconnect to HyperTerminal, disconnect from the current session.

Click the Disconnect .

Click the Call to reconnect.

Note: If the settings have not been saved they must be re-selected when HyperTerminal reconnects to the radio.

1.7.4. Troubleshooting HyperTerminal

These are some common issues encountered while using HyperTerminal as the terminal emulator.

l The steps to resolve the issue are specific to the HyperTerminal interface.

l Similar steps can be used when troubleshooting other terminal emulators.

Important!: When a change is made to the HyperTerminal settings in an open terminal session, the

connection must be disconnected then reconnected before the settings take effect.

l Change the COM Port (on page 24).

l Change the Baud Rate (on page 26).

l Change the Flow Control (on page 27).

l Change the Parity (on page 28).

Change the COM Port

Important!: Nothing appears on the screen after placing the radio into Setup mode.

This error usually indicates one of two things:

l The wrong COM port is selected.

l A null modem cable is being used.

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Click .

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2. On the File menu, click Properties.

3. Click the Connect To tab.

4. Verify the correct COM port is selected.

5. Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.

Click .

7. Return the radio to Setup mode. The Setup menu screen appears.

If the radio has been previously configured, the wrong port could be used to access the Setup menu.

Note: For more information, see Setup Port (on page 37). Try connecting to the other port.

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Change the Baud Rate

Important!: Unrecognizable characters appear on the screen after placing the radio into Setup mode.

l Unrecognizable characters usually indicate a Baud Rate problem.

l The problem may also be that the radio under test is a TTL version or has been set to

RS485 and not RS232. If the radio is TTL or in RS485 mode, verify connection through the Diagnostic port. Gibberish before the Setup button is pressed indicates Diagnostics is enabled in a Master.

Click .

2. On the File menu, click Properties.

3. Click Configure.

4. Change these settings and click OK:

l Baud Rate to 19200

l Data Bits to 8

l Parity to None

l Stop Bits to 1

l Flow Control to 1

5. Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.

Click .

7. Return the radio to Setup mode. The Setup menu screen appears.

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Change the Flow Control

Important!: The Setup menu appears on the screen, but nothing happens when keys on the

keyboard are pressed.

l This error usually indicates flow control is turned on in a three-wire connection (Rx, Tx, and

Gnd).

Follow these steps if the connection uses a three-wire connection.

Click .

2. On the File menu, click Properties.

3. Click Configure.

4. Change the Flow Control to None, and click OK.

5. Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.

Click .

7. Return the radio to Setup mode. The Setup menu screen appears.

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Change the Parity

Important!: A connection exists, the terminal emulator is receiving data, and some data is correct,

but the remaining data is in unrecognizable characters.

l This error usually indicates a parity mismatch.

l To resolve this issue, verify the parity of the radio and the parity of HyperTerminal are set

the same.

l HyperTerminal’s parity settings are under the Properties menu.

l The FreeWave radio parity is found under the Baud Rate menu in the Setup menu.

In HyperTerminal, click .

2. On the File menu, click Properties.

3. Click Configure.

4. Change the Parity to None, and click OK.

5. Click OK button to close the Properties dialog box.

Click .

7. Return the radio to Setup mode. The Setup menu screen appears.

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1.8. Upgrade the Radios to the Latest Software Version

If Tool Suite is connected to a radio, and a new version of the software is available for that radio model, an indication appears in the Configuration application's Device Information tab.

Use Tool Suite to upgrade the software on a serial radio connected directly to the computer using the diagnostic cable.

Important!: An over-the-air upgrade using Tool Suite is not allowed.

FREEWAVE Recommends: If using a USB-to-serial converter cable, a software upgrade can take

a long time to complete. Use USB-to-serial cables that include the FTDI Chip Set to shorten the upgrade time. This inclusion is listed on the cable's packaging. See the Application Note #5471 Optimizing Firmware Upgrade Speed While Using a USB-

Serial Adaptor for additional information (available at www.freewave.com).

Note: For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual in the Tool

Suite software.

Procedure

1. With the radio connected to the computer through the COM port, open Tool Suite.

2. In the Applications window, click Configuration to open the Configuration application.

3. In the Firmware area of the Configuration application, click Upgrade Radio.

4. Click Yes at the prompt to proceed. Tool Suite identifies the software version loaded on the connected device and shows the latest version of software available for that model.

5. Click Yes to continue with the upgrade. The system shows the progress of the software upgrade. After the firmware upgrade is complete, a message appears confirming that the software upgrade was successful.

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2. Basic Radio

Programming and Setup

When setting up either a Point-to-MultiPoint network or a Point-to-Point network, the process for setting up and programming a radio is the same.

This section describes these aspects of programming and setting up a radio:

l Setting the Radio's Role in the Network and the Network Type (on page 31).

l Establishing Communication with Instrumentation and Computers (on page 34).

l Establishing Communication with Other Radios in the Network (on page 40).

l Designate the RF Transmission Characteristics (on page 41).

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+ 96 hidden pages

FreeWave GX Series, GX-C, GX-CE, GX-T User's Reference Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Preface

1. Overview

1.1. Choose a Radio Location

1.2. Choosing Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint Operation

1.2.1. Point-to-Point (PTP) Network

1.2.2. Point-to-MultiPoint (PTMP) Network

Differences between PTP and PTMP

1.3. Data Communication Link Examples

1.3.1. Example 1 - Point-to-Point Gateway to Endpoint

1.3.2. Example 2 - Gateway Repeater Endpoint

1.3.3. Example 3 - Two Repeaters

1.3.4. Example 4 - Multiple Radios

1.3.5. Example 5 - Point-to-MultiPoint

1.3.6. Example 6 - Point-to-MultiPoint with a Repeater Site

1.4. Finding the Product Serial Number

1.5. Powering the Radio

1.6. Configuration Tool Options

1.6.1. Tool Suite and Terminal Emulators

1.7. Radio Setup Mode

1.7.1. Using Tool Suite to Connect to and Program Radios

1.7.2. Access the Setup Menu Using a Terminal Emulator

1.7.3. Connecting and Disconnecting from HyperTerminal

1.7.4. Troubleshooting HyperTerminal

Change the COM Port

Change the Baud Rate

Change the Flow Control

Change the Parity

1.8. Upgrade the Radios to the Latest Software Version