FreeWave LRS-455 User Manual

LRS-455 Data Transceiver Manual

FreeWave Technologies

LRS-455

Data Transceiver

Version 1.0

FreeWave Technologies, Inc.

1880 South Flatiron Court

Boulder, CO 80301

[phone]

[phone] Fax

www.FreeWave.com

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LRS-455 Data Transceiver Users Manual

LICENSED BAND WIRELESS DATA TRANSCEIVER USER MANUAL

Copyright © 1995-2009 by FreeWave Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Published 2009.

W

ARRANTY

FreeWave Technologies warrants your FreeWave® Wireless Data Transceiver against defects in
materials and manufacturing for a period of two years from the date of shipment. In the event of a
Product failure due to materials or workmanship, FreeWave will, at its option, repair or replace the
Product. The Product must be returned to FreeWave upon receiving a Return Material Authorization
(RMA) for evaluation of Warranty Coverage.

In no event will FreeWave Technologies Inc., its suppliers, and 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. Please be advised that
OEM customer’s warranty periods may vary.

Warranty Policy may not apply:

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

2. If Product is used outside of FreeWave specifications.

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.

Special Rate Replacement Option
A special rate replacement option is offered to non-warranty returns or upgrades. The option to purchase

the replacement unit at this special rate is only valid for that RMA. The special replacement rate option
expires if not exercised within 30 days of final disposition of RMA.

R

ESTRICTED RIGHTS

Any product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks, or registered trademarks of their
respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and is proprietary and confidential to
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.

This manual is for use by purchasers and other authorized users of the FreeWave® Wirele ss Data
Transceiver only.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, or for any purpose without the express written permission of FreeWave Technologies, Inc.

FreeWave’s Wireless Data Transceivers are designed and manufactured in the United States of America.
Printed in the United States of America.

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LRS-455 Data Transceiver Users Manual

FCC NOTIFICATIONS

The transceiver is approved under Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
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. Any unauthorized modification
or changes to this device without the express approval of FreeWave Technologies may void the user’s
authority to operate this device. Furthermore, this device is intended to be used only when installed in
accordance with the instructions outlined in this manual. Failure to comply with these instructions may
void the user’s authority to operate this device.

Note: The LRS-455 transceivers are approved for use in Canada within the 450MHz to 470MHz b and.

CAUTION: The LRS-455 series transceiver have maximum transmitted output power of 2W. It is

recommended that the transmit antenna be kept at least 71 cm away from nearby persons
to satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements.

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Table of Contents

LRS-455 Data Transceiver Users Manual

ABOUT FREEWAVE TRANSCEIVERS.................................................................................................................6

CHOOSING A LOCATION FOR THE TRANSCEIVERS....................................................................................6

CHOOSING POINT-TO-POINT OR POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT OPERATION........................................................................7

QUICK START ON A POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT NETWORK..........................................................................8

POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT OPERATION LEDS................................................................................................................8

QUICK START ON A POINT-TO-POINT NETWORK........................................................................................9

POINT-TO-POINT OPERATION LEDS...........................................................................................................................9

SETTING UP A TRANSCEIVER...........................................................................................................................10

OPERATION MODE....................................................................................................................................................10

BAUD RATE..............................................................................................................................................................12

CALL BOOK..............................................................................................................................................................15

RADIO TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS ...............................................................................................................16

EDIT RADIO TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS.......................................................................................................16

Setting Xmit and Rcv Frequencies.......................................................................................................................16

(1) and (2) Max Packet Size and Min Packet Size...............................................................................................17

(3) Xmit Rate........................................................................................................................................................18

(4) RF Data Rate .................................................................................................................................................18

(5)RF Xmit Power................................................................................................................................................18

(6) Slave Security.................................................................................................................................................18

(7) RTS to CTS.....................................................................................................................................................19

(8) Retry Time Out...............................................................................................................................................19

(9) Lowpower Mode.............................................................................................................................................20

(A) High Noise.....................................................................................................................................................20

(C) Remote LED ..................................................................................................................................................21

MULTIPOINT PARAMETERS ......................................................................................................................................22

EDIT MULTIPOINT PARAMETERS..............................................................................................................................22

(0) Repeaters........................................................................................................................................................22

(1) Master Packet Repeat....................................................................................................................................22

(2) Max Slave Retry.............................................................................................................................................23

(3) Retry Odds ................................................................................................................. ....................................23

(4) DTR Connect..................................................................................................................................................23

(6) Network ID..................................................................................................................................................... 23

(8) MultiMaster Sync...........................................................................................................................................23

(9) 1 PPS Enable/Delay.......................................................................................................................................24

(A) Slave/Repeater...............................................................................................................................................24

(B) Diagnostics....................................................................................................................................................24

(C) Subnet ID.......................................................................................................................................................24

(D) Radio ID........................................................................................................................................................25

(E) Local Access..................................................................................................................................................25

(G) Radio Name...................................................................................................................................................25

RADIO INFORMATION ...............................................................................................................................................26

Number of Disconnects........................................................................................................................................ 26

Antenna Reflected Power.....................................................................................................................................26

Average Noise Level............................................................................................................................................26

Average Signal Level...........................................................................................................................................27

Overall Rcv Rate (%)...........................................................................................................................................27

Radio Temperature..............................................................................................................................................27

FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS.........................................................................................................................28

OPERATIONAL RS-422 AND RS-485 INFORMATION .................................................................................................29

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RS-422 and RS-485 Full Duplex Pin-Outs..........................................................................................................30

RS-485 Half Duplex Pin-Outs..............................................................................................................................30

RS232 PIN ASSIGNMENTS ........................................................................................................................................30

RF BOARD PINOUT...................................................................................................................................................31

FREEWAVE TECHNICAL SUPPORT ............................................................................................................................31

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LRS-455 Data Transceiver Users Manual

About FreeWave Transceivers

FreeWave transceivers operate in virtually any environment where RS232 data communications occur. A
pair of transceivers function as a 9-pin null modem cable. If the FreeWave transceivers are to be used in
an application where a null modem cable is used, such as communication between two computers, then
the FreeWave transceivers can be connected directly. If FreeWave transceivers are to be used to replace
a straight-through RS232 cable, then a null modem cable must be placed between the transceiver and
the DTE instrument to which it is connected.

Choosing a Location for the Transceivers

Placement of the FreeWave transceiver is likely to have a significant impact on its performance. The key
to the overall robustness of the radio link is the height of the antenna. In general, FreeWave units with a
higher antenna placement will have a better communication link. In practice, the transceiver should be
placed away from computers, telephones, answering machines and other similar equipment. The RS232
cable included with the transceiver usually provides ample distance for placement away from other
equipment. To improve the data link, FreeWave Technologies offers directional antennas with cable
lengths ranging from 3 to 200 feet. 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. The Show Radio Statistics page is found in option 4 in the
Main Menu. An adjustment as little as 2 feet in antenna placement can resolve some noise problems. In
extreme cases, band pass filter may reduce the out-of-band noise.

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LRS-455 Data Transceiver Users Manual

Choosing Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint Operation

A Point-to-Point network is limited to one Master and one Slave transceiver.
In a Point-to-MultiPoint network (also referred to as MultiPoint network) the transceiver, designated as a

Master, is able to simultaneously communicate with numerous Slaves. In its simplest form, a MultiPoint
network functions with the Master broadcasting its messages to all Slaves and the Slaves respondin g to
the Master when given data by the device connected to the data port.

It is important to note the differences between Point-to-Point and MultiPoint networks. 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. In a MultiPoint network, outbound packets from the Master to Slaves are sent a set number of
times determined by the user. The receiving transceiver will accept the first packet received that passes
the 32 bit CRC. However, the packet is not acknowledged. On the return trip to the Master, all packets
sent by the Slave are acknowledged or retransmitted until they are acknowledged. Therefore, the return
link in a MultiPoint network is generally very robust.

Note: In licensed band operation it is suggested to set the repeated master packets at 0 due to
the spectrum being quiet. This will maximize throughput and leverage the advantages of licensed
band operation.

Traditionally, a MultiPoint network is used in applications where data is collected from many instruments
and reported back to one central site. As such, the architecture of such a network is different from Point­to-Point applications. The number of radios in a MultiPoint network is influenced by the following
parameters:

1. Size of the blocks of data. The longer the data blocks, the smaller the network capacity.

2. Baud rate.

3. The amount of contention between Slaves. Polled Slaves vs. timed Slaves.

For example, if the network will be polling Slaves once a day to retrieve sparse data, several hundred
Slaves could be configured to a single Master. However, if each Slave will be transmitting data at greater
levels, then fewer Slaves should be linked to the Master. The overall network will be closer to capacity
with fewer Slaves.

For examples and additional information on data communication links, see the section Examples
of Data Communication Links later in this document.

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LRS-455 Data Transceiver Users Manual

Quick Start on a Point-to-MultiPoint Network

The following is a quick start guide for setting up two transceivers in Point-to-MultiPoint mode. This mode allows for a
Master to communicate with several Slaves simultaneously.

1. Connect the transceiver to the serial port of a computer either through a serial cable or via the diagnostics
cable. Make sure to connect the radio to a power source (typically, 6 to 30 VDC).

2. Open up a HyperTerminal session.

• Use the following settings in connecting with HyperTerminal

• Connect to COMx (where 'x' is the number of the com port being connected to)

• Set data rate to - 19,200, data bits - 8, Parity- none, Stop bits – 1, Flow control – none.

3. Press the Setup button on the radio. If using the diagnostics cable, press Shift-U (capital U).

• The three lights on the board should all turn green, indicating Setup mo de.

• The main menu will appear on the screen.

4. Press 0 to get into the Operation Mode menu.

• Press 2 to set the radio as a point to MultiPoint Master.

• OR, Press 3 to set the radio as a point to MultiPoint Slave.

• Press Esc to get back to Main menu.

5. Press 1 in the main menu to change the Baud Rate.

• The baud rate must be changed to match the baud rate of the device that the radio is to be attached to.

• Press Esc to get back to Main menu.

6. At the Main Menu, press 3.

• Set FreqKey, Max Packet Size, Min Packet Size, RF Data rate identical on all radios in the network.
Note: Changing these values may help to eliminate interference from other FreeWave networks.

• Press Esc to get back to Main menu.

7. At the Main Menu, press 5.

• Set the Network ID value to any value between 1 and 4095, except 255.

• Make sure this value is the same on every radio in the network.

Point-to-MultiPoint Operation LEDs.

Master Slave

Condition Carrier Detect

Powered, not linked Solid red

Slave linked to Master,
no data

Slave linked to Master,
Master sending data to
Slave

Slave linked to Master,
Slave sending data to
Master

Master with diagnostics
program running

(CD)

bright

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

Solid green

RCV data

or Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

* Clear to Send LED will be solid red with a solid link, as the link weakens the Clear to Send LED light on the Slave
will begin to flash

\.

Transmit

(TX)

Solid red

dim

Solid red

dim

Solid red

dim

Solid red

dim

Solid red

dim

Clear to

Send (CTS)

Off  Solid red

Off  Solid

Off  Solid

Intermittent

flash

redÑoÒ

Intermittent

flash

redÑoÒ

Carrier
Detect

(CD)

bright

green

green

Solid

green

Solid

green

Transmit

(TX)

Off  Blinking

Off  * Solid red

Off  * Solid red

Intermittent

flash

redÑoÒ

Intermittent

flash

redÑoÒ

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

red

bright

bright

* Solid red

bright

* Solid red

bright

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LRS-455 Data Transceiver Users Manual

Quick Start on a Point-to-Point Network

When purchased as a pair, the FreeWave® Wireless Data Transceivers are shipped from the factory pre-

configured to operate in Point-to-Point applications. To establish communications between a pair of
FreeWave Wireless Data Transceivers just received from the factory:

1. Connect antennas to the transceivers. Freewave Technologies recommends that the antenna
port be loaded at all times to prevent damage to the LRS-455 radios. Noise potential may be
reduced on the bench by lowering the Xmit power.

2. Connect the transceiver to the instrument with the RS232 cable and also attach power. The
cable supplied with enclosed transceivers (except Waterproof) is a 9-pin male serial; professional
board level transceivers will need a separate programming cable (sold separately).

3. Set the Modem mode in each transceiver. One should be set as a Point-to-Point Master (Mode

0) and the other set as a Point-to-Point Slave (Mode 1).

4. Set the baud rate on each transceiver to match the baud rate of the instrument to which it is
attached. Please note, when setting the transceiver's baud rate, its RS232 data rate is set. The
baud rate does not have to be on the same setting for the two transceivers.

5. Edit the Call Book. Enter the Slave serial number in the Master’s Call Book. Enter the Master’s
Serial number in the Slave’s Call Book, or disable Slave Security (in the Slave).

6. Shortly after both transceivers are plugged in, they should establish a communications link with
each other and the connection is complete. Using the table below, verify that the radios are
operating as expected.

Point-to-Point Operation LEDs

Master Slave

Condition Carrier

Powered, no link Solid red

Linked, sending
sparse data

Master calling
Slave

Mode 6 - waiting
for ATD command

Setup Mode Solid

Detect

(CD)

bright 

Solid

green

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

green

Transmit

(TX)

Solid red

bright

Intermittent

flash

redÑoÒ
Solid red

dim
Off  Blinking

Solid

green

Clear to

Send (CTS)

Solid red

bright

Intermittent

flash

redÑoÒ
Solid red

bright

red\

Solid green Solid

Carrier

Detect (CD)

Solid red

bright

Solid

green

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

green

Transmit

(TX)

Off 

Intermittent

flash

redÑoÒ

Off  Blinking red

Off  Blinking red

Solid

green

Clear to

Send (CTS)

Blinking red

\

Intermittent

flash

redÑoÒ

\

\

Solid

green

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LRS-455 Data Transceiver Users Manual

Setting up a Transceiver

Operation Mode

The Operation Mode option designates the method FreeWave transceivers use to communicate with
each other. FreeWave transceivers operate in a Master to Slave configuration. Before the transceivers
can operate together, they must be set up to properly communicate.

In a Point-to-Point configuration, Master or Slave Mode may be used on either end of the communication
link without performance degradation. When setting up the transceiver, remember that a number of
parameters are controlled by the settings in the Master. Therefore, deploying the Master on the
communications end where it will be easier to access is advised, but not necessary.

Operation

Description

Mode

Point-to-Point
Master (0)

This mode designates the transceiver as the Master in Point-to-Point mode. The
Master may call any or all Slaves designated in its Call Book.

In Point-to-Point mode the Master determines the setting used for most of the
radio transmission characteristics, regardless of the settings in the Slave. The
settings not determined by the Master are: RF Xmit Power, Slave Security, Retry
Time Out, and the Hop Table settings.

A quick method of identifying a Master is to power the transceiver. Prior to
establishing a communication link with a Slave, all three of the Master’s LEDs
will be solid red.

Point-to-Point
Slave (1)

This mode designates the transceiver as a Slave in Point-to-Point mode. The
Slave communicates with any Master in its Call Book.

When functioning as a Slave, the Entry to Call feature in the transceiver’s Call
Book is not operational. The Call Book may be bypassed in the Slave by setting
Slave Security to 1. See the Slave Security section later in this manual.

Point–to­MultiPoint
Master (2)

This mode designates the transceiver as a Master in MultiPoint mode. This
mode allows one Master transceiver to simultaneously be in communication with
numerous Slaves.

A Point-to-MultiPoint Master communicates only with other transceivers
designated as Point-to-MultiPoint Slaves.

Point-to­MultiPoint

This mode designates the transceiver as a Slave in MultiPoint mode. This mode
allows the Slave to communicate with a MultiPoint Master. The Slave may

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Slave (3) communicate with its Master.

LRS-455 Data Transceiver Users Manual

Point-to-Point
Repeater (5)

Point-to-Point
Slave/Master
Switchable (6)

Point-to­MultiPoint
Repeater (7)

FreeWave allows the use of one repeater in a Point-to-Point communications
link, significantly extending the operating range. When designated as a
Repeater, a transceiver 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 be set up properly
in the Master's call book.

Mode 6 allows the transceiver to be controlled entirely through software
commands. A number of key parameters in FreeWave's user interface may be
changed either directly with a program such as Windows Terminal or through the
use of script files. Additionally, when the Point-to-Point Slave/Master Switchable
option is selected and the transceiver is not calling a Slave, it will function as a
Slave and accept any appropriate calls from other transceivers.

This option allows the transceiver to operate as a Repeater in a MultiPoint
network. See the MultiPoint parameters section for details on enabling
MultiPoint Slave/Repeater mode.

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