FreeWave LRS455 series, LRS455-C-U, LRS4555-TE-U, LRS455-T-U, LRS455-CE-U User's Reference Manual

LRS455 Wireless Data Radio

LRS455-C-U

LRS455-T-U

LRS455-CE-U

LRS4555-TE-U

Covering Firmware 1.77

User & Reference Manual

Part Number: LUM0016AB

Revision: May-2018

LRS455-C-U, -T-U, CE-U, TE-U

User & Reference Manual

Warranty

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 LRS455-C-U, -T-U, CE-U, TE-U 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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Table of Contents

Preface 7

1. Introduction 9

1.1. Choosing a Location for the Radios 10

1.2. Choosing Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint Operation 10

1.3. Data Communication Link Examples 11

1.3.1. Point to Point Link 11

1.3.2. Repeater Link 12

1.3.3. Point to Multipoint Network 12

1.4. Finding the Product Serial Number 13

1.5. Powering the Radio 14

1.6. Configuration Tool Options 14

1.6.1. Tool Suite and Terminal Emulators 15

1.7. Radio Setup Mode 15

1.7.1. Using Tool Suite to Connect to and Program Radios 16

1.7.2. Accessing the Setup Menu using a Terminal Emulator 17

1.7.3. Troubleshooting Terminal Emulators 18

1.8. Upgrading Radios to the Latest Firmware 19

2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup 20

2.1. Setting the Radio's Role in the Network and the Network Type 20

2.2. Establishing Communication with Instrumentation and Computers 22

2.2.1. Baud Rate 22

2.2.2. Data Parity 23

2.2.3. Flow Control 24

2.2.4. Modbus RTU 24

2.2.5. Serial Interface 25

2.2.6. Setup Port 26

2.2.7. Turn Off Delay 27

2.2.8. Turn On Delay 27

2.2.9. Use Break to Access Setup 28

2.3. Establishing Communication with Other Radios in the Network 28

2.3.1. Golden Settings 29

2.4. Setting RF Transmission Characteristics 29

2.4.1. High Noise 30

2.4.2. Hop Table Size 30

Set the Hop Table Size in the Terminal Interface 30

2.4.3. Max Packet Size and Min Packet Size 31

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2.4.4. Remote LED 32

2.4.5. Retry Timeout 33

2.4.6. RF Data Rate 34

2.4.7. RTS to CTS 35

2.4.8. Rx Frequency 35

Set the Radio to a Single Channel in a Terminal Emulator 36

Set the Radio to Hop Channels 36

Edit Frequencies for Multiple Channels 36

2.4.9. Slave Security 37

2.4.10. Transmit Power 38

2.4.11. Transmit Rate 38

2.4.12. Tx Frequency 39

2.5. Setting Radio Passwords 40

2.5.1. Set a Password 40

2.5.2. Change the Password 40

2.5.3. Disable the Password 41

3. Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks 42

3.1. Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start 43

3.1.1. Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start (Tool Suite) 43

3.1.2. Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start (Terminal Interface) 44

3.2. Point-to-MultiPoint Operation LEDs 46

3.3. Overlapping MultiPoint Networks 47

3.4. Establishing Communication with Other Radios in a MultiPoint Network 47

3.4.1. Using the Network ID in MultiPoint Networks 47

3.4.2. Using the Call Book in MultiPoint Networks 47

3.5. Routing Communication Through the Network 48

3.5.1. Assigning Subnet ID Values 49

3.6. Setting Other MultiPoint Parameters 50

3.6.1. 1 PPS Enable Delay 50

Setup 1PPS Enable/Delay 50

Calibrate a Slave in 1PPS Enable/Delay Mode 51

3.6.2. Diagnostics 51

3.6.3. DTR Connect 52

3.6.4. Local Mode 52

3.6.5. Master Packet Repeat 52

3.6.6. Max Slave Retry 53

3.6.7. Multi-Master Sync 54

3.6.8. Radio ID 54

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3.6.9. Radio Name 54

3.6.10. Repeater Frequency 54

3.6.11. Repeaters 55

3.6.12. Retry Odds 55

3.6.13. Slave/Repeater 56

3.7. Conserving Power 57

3.7.1. Low Power Mode 57

3.8. Reading Diagnostics in Tool Suite 59

3.8.1. Run Diagnostics using ToolSuite 60

4. Configuring Point-to-Point Networks 61

4.1. Point-to-Point Network Quick Start 61

4.1.1. Point-to-Point Network Quick Start (Tool Suite) 61

4.1.2. Point-to-Point Network Quick Start (Terminal Interface) 63

4.2. Point-to-Point Operation LEDs 65

4.3. Using the Call Book in Point-to-Point Networks 66

4.4. Set Call Book in Tool Suite 66

4.5. Set the Call Book in the Terminal Interface 67

5. Viewing Radio Statistics 68

5.0.1. View Statistics in Tool Suite 68

5.0.2. View Radio Transmission Characteristics in the Terminal Interface 68

5.1. Antenna Reflected Power 68

5.2. Antenna Rev 69

5.3. Antenna Fwd 69

5.4. Master-Slave Distance 69

5.5. Number of Disconnects 69

5.6. Noise Level 69

5.7. Signal Level 70

5.8. Rate % 70

5.9. Radio Temperature 70

6. Release Notes 71

7. Additional Radio Information 74

7.1. Operational RS422 and RS485 Information 74

7.1.1. RS422 and RS485 Full Duplex Pin-Outs 75

7.1.2. RS485 Half Duplex Pin-Out 75

7.2. Attenuator for Testing 76

Appendix A: LRS455 Technical Specifications 77

Appendix B: RF Board Pin-Out 79

Appendix C: RS232 Pin Assignments 81

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Appendix D: Frequency List 82

Appendix E: Factory Default Settings 86

Appendix F: FreeWave Legal Information 88

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Preface

This document includes this information about the FreeWave LRS455-C-U, -T-U, CE-U, TE-U radios:

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

l Considerations and quick starts for your network design, including charts of LED displays.

l Steps to setting up and programming the radio using Tool Suite and through a terminal

emulator.

l A reference section that details each parameter that you can set on the radio.

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

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

l Pin out and mechanical drawings.

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:

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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.

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.

l 3

-party names appear as: Notepad®.

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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 crucial information relevant to the text or procedure.

User & Reference Manual

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

Provides time saving or informative suggestions about using the product.

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

Parameter Preference Table

The Parameter Preference table describes the parameter, its options, and usage.

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1. Introduction

FreeWave radios operate in virtually any environment where serial data communications occur. A pair of radios functions as a 9-pin null modem cable.

l If the FreeWave radios are to be used in an application where a null modem cable is used,

such as communication between two computers, then the FreeWave radios can be connected directly.

l If FreeWave radios are to be used to replace a straight-through RS232 cable, then a null

modem cable must be placed between the radio (DCE) and the DTE instrument to which it is connected.

Figure 1: LRS455 Wireless Data Radio

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1.1. Choosing a Location for the Radios

Placement of the FreeWave radio 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 radio should be placed away from computers, telephones, answering machines, and other similar equipment. The cable included with the radio usually provides ample distance for placement away from other equipment. FreeWave offers directional and Omni-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 Setup menu or in the Diagnostic information in Tool Suite. An adjustment as little as 2 feet in antenna placement can resolve some noise problems. In extreme cases, such as when interference is due to a Pager or Cellular Telephone tower, the band pass filters that FreeWave offers may reduce this out-of-bandnoise.

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

Note: In an LRS455-C-U, -T-U, CE-U, TE-U radio network, you can use only one Repeater.

A Point-to-Point network is best suited when your network consists of one Master and one Slave radio.

Important!: Adding a Repeater to a network reduces the throughput by 50%. For example, over-the-

air throughput in a network running at 2-Level GFSK and with the Repeaters parameter disabled is 9600 bps. With the Repeaters parameter enabled, the over-the-air throughput drops to 4800 bps.

The LRS455-C-U, -T-U, CE-U, TE-U radios are narrowband radios and have a limited channel size based on the license obtained from the FCC. Therefore, the radios can experience a dramatic impact in throughput if a Repeater is implemented in the network. If you have large amounts of data to transfer and choose to add a Repeater in your network, you must optimize polling host / RTU settings to accommodate for the lower throughput. Polling host / RTU optimization settings include reducing block/packet sizes and increasing overall time-out parameters.

In a Point-to-MultiPoint network (also referred to as MultiPoint network), the Master radio is able to simultaneously communicate with numerous Slave radios. In its simplest form, a MultiPoint network functions with the Master broadcasting its messages to all Slaves. If requested by the Master, the Slaves respond to the Master when given data by the device connected to the data port. This response depends on your setup. You can extend the reach of a licensed network with

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1. Introduction

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one Repeater. As with a Repeater in a Point-to-Point network, adding a Repeater to a network cuts the data throughput by half.

It is important to note the differences between Point-to-Point and MultiPoint networks. In a Pointto-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, you determine the number of times outbound packets from the Master or Repeater to Slaves are sent. The receiving radio, Slave or Repeater, accepts 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 are acknowledged or retransmitted until they are acknowledged. Therefore, the return link in a MultiPoint network is 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. The following parameters influence the number of radios that can exist in a MultiPoint network:

1. Size of the blocks of data. The longer the data blocks, the fewer number of deployed Slaves can exist in the network.

2. Baud rate. The data rate between the radio and the device to which it is connected could limit the amount of data and the number of radios that can exist in a network

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

4. Use of a Repeater. Using the Repeaters setting in a MultiPoint network decreases overall network capacity by 50%.

Example: If the network polls Slaves once a day to retrieve sparse data, several hundred Slaves could be configured to a single Master. However, if each Slave transmits larger amounts of data or data more frequently, then fewer Slaves 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 Slaves.

For examples and additional information about data communication links, see the Data Communication Links section.

1.3. Data Communication Link Examples

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

1.3.1. Point to Point Link

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

Figure 2: Point to Point Link

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1.3.2. Repeater Link

The example below shows how a link might be set up using a Repeater. The Repeater may be located on a hilltop or other elevated structure enhancing the link from the Master to the Slave.In this configuration, it may be desirable to use an external Omni directional antenna at the Repeater.Yagi antennas may be used at both the Master and Slave radios.

In an LRS455-C-U, -T-U, CE-U, TE-U radio network, you can use only one Repeater.

Figure 3: Repeater Link

Important!: Adding a Repeater to a network reduces the throughput by 50%. For example, over-the-

air throughput in a network running at 2-Level GFSK and with the Repeaters parameter disabled is 9600 bps. With the Repeaters parameter enabled, the over-the-air throughput drops to 4800 bps.

1.3.3. Point to Multipoint Network

The next example depicts a standard Point-to-MultiPoint network. From the Master, any data is broadcast to all three Slaves, one of which receives it through a MultiPoint Repeater. The data is in turn sent out of the serial port of each of the three Slaves. The end device should be configured to interpret the serial message and act on it if necessary.

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Figure 4: Point to Multipoint Link

1.4. Finding the Product Serial Number

Each FreeWave radio is assigned a unique serial number. If you need to contact FreeWave Technical Support, you will be asked for the serial number on the radio you are calling about.

The serial number is three digits, followed by a hyphen and four digits, for example 111-1111, and is printed on the FreeWave label on the radio. The example below is for a GXM model; however, the serial number information will be in the same location on different models.

Figure 5: Serial Number Location for Enclosed Model

On radios that are not in an enclosure, you can also find the serial number printed on a label on the back (the flat, smooth side) of the radio. This label is in larger print.

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Figure 6: Serial Number Location for Non-Enclosed Model

1.5. Powering the Radio

To provide power to the radio, connect it to a positive supply with +6.0 to +27.0 VDC (typically, +12VDC).

Using a dedicated power supply line is preferred. The power supply you use must provide more current than the amount of current drain listed in the product specifications listed in the product's data sheet available on www.FreeWave.com for the voltage you are using. For example, if you are using +12.0VDC, the power supply must provide above the drain that is required for transmit using +12 VDC.

If the power supply line runs outside the radio enclosure, use electrostatic discharge (ESD) protectors to protect the radio from electric shock, and transient voltage suppressors (TVS) to protect from an over-voltage situation. Using both helps to ensure long-term, reliable operation. FreeWave does not supply or sell these items; however, they can be purchased at most electronic supply stores.

1.6. Configuration Tool Options

Note: The terms modem and radio are used interchangeably in this document and in the text within

the setup tools. While the words have different meanings, the two terms should be treated as one and the same when referring to FreeWave products.

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

l Tool Suite - provides a group of tools for configuring the devices in your network and for

monitoring your network's performance. Using the Configuration application within Tool Suite, you can program changes to your radio's settings.

l Terminal Emulator - A terminal emulator program, e.g., TeraTerm, offers many of the

same configuration options that are available in the Configuration application in Tool Suite.

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1. Introduction

l You can use the terminal emulator program of your choice to program the radio. The

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Setup Terminal application in Tool Suite provides the same interface that is available using a terminal emulator.

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 from 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 7: Tool Suite and Setup Menu

You can also use the Setup Terminal application within Tool Suite to use and view the terminal menus. It displays the same menus and provides the same programming settings as you see using a terminal emulator.

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

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 display solid green . See the sections below for details about how to access the radio's Setup mode using Tool Suite or a terminal emulator.

Note: OEM boards may also enter Setup when Pin 2 on a 10-point connector or Pin 8 on a 24-pin connector is grounded, or using a break command. For more information about the break command, see Use Break to Access Setup (on page 28).

The Setup Port (on page 26) parameter in the Baud Rate tab determines whether the main data port or the diagnostics port is used to access the setup parameters for the radio.

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Using the Setup Mode Timeout parameter in the Operation Mode tab, you can 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.

1.7.1. Using Tool Suite to Connect to and Program Radios

To read and program a radio using ToolSuite, you need to connect the radio to a desktop computer or a laptop that runs the Tool Suite software.

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

FREEWAVE Recommends: Using a diagnostic cable is recommended.

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

3. To place the radio in Setup mode, press the Setup button on the back of the FreeWave radio. If connected to the diagnostics port, type <Shift+U> to activate the Setup menu.

To place the radio in Setup mode in board-level radios:

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

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Figure 8: Setup Button

Figure 9: Pins 1 and 10

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1. Introduction

Port Setting Select

Bits per second 19200

Data Bits 8

Parity None

StopBits 1

Flow Control None

l If using a Data Cable (FreeWave Part Number: ASC3610DB or ASC3610DJ), press

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the Setup button.

l If using the gray ribbon Diagnostic Cable (FreeWave Part Number: AC2009DC), or the

black Diagnostic Cable (FreeWave Part Number: ASC0409DC), type <Shift+U>.

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

5. With the radio connected to the computer and in Setup mode, inToolSuite, click Configuration in the Application pane to display the Configuration application.

6. Click Read Radio in the Configuration ribbon to read the radio's current settings.

7. Make the necessary parameter changes and do one of the following to send the changes to the radio:

l To send only the parameters you have changed, within the Configuration application, in

the Network Title ribbon, click Quick.This option is only available if you clicked Read Radio and are not sending parameter settings from a template to the radio.

l To send all the settings for all parameters, within the Configuration application, in the

Network Title ribbon, click All.

l To set a device back to its factory default settings, within the Configuration application,

in the Network Title ribbon, click Default.

1.7.2. Accessing the Setup Menu using a Terminal Emulator

Use a terminal emulator of your choice to access the Setup menu. For any terminal emulator application, plug the serial cable into a com port on the radio, open a session and ensure that the port settings are set to the following for a proper connection to the radio:

The instructions describe how to access the radio's Setup menu using the Setup Terminal application in Tool Suite. Setup Terminal contains the port settings above, by default.

1. Plug a serial cable into Com 1 and connect it to the computer running Tool Suite and connect the radio to power.

2. OpenTool Suite.

3. Select Setup Terminal in the Applications pane.

4. From the drop-down list at the top left of the window, select the Com port on the computer to which the radio is connected.

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Figure 10: Tool Suite Connect button

5. Click Connect.

6. To connect to the radio, in enclosed radios, press the Setup button on the back of the FreeWave radio. If connected to the diagnostics port, type U (Capital ‘U’) to invoke the Setup menu.

To display the Setup menu in board level radios:

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

l If using a data cable (FreeWave Part Number: ASC3610DB or ASC3610DJ), press

the Setup button.

l If using the gray ribbon diagnostic cable (FreeWave Part Number: AC2009DC) or the

black diagnostic cable (P/N ASC0409DC), type <Shift+U> to activate the Setup menu.

When Setup is activated, the FreeWave Setup Main Menu shows in the terminal emulator window. All three LEDs on the radio light green and stay green as long as the radio is in Setup mode. The main setup menu appears.

Important!: As you navigate through the Setup menu and make changes to the parameters, the

parameters are sent to the radio immediately.

1.7.3. Troubleshooting Terminal Emulators

These are some common issues encountered while using terminal emulators:

Nothing displays on the screen after placing the radio into Setup mode.

This usually indicates one of two things; either the wrong Com port is selected or a null modem cable is being used. Change the Com port, verify the cable, and attempt to connect again.

In addition, if the radio has been previously configured, you could be using the wrong port to access the Setup menu. For more information, see Setup Port (on page 26).Try connecting to the other port.

Unreadable characters display on the screen after placing the radio into Setup mode.

This typically indicates a baud rate mismatch. Unreadable characters before grounding the pin indicates Diagnostics is enabled and the terminal emulator is connected to the Diagnostics pins. Update the terminal emulator's baud rate to 19200 and reconnect to the radio.

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The Setup menu displays on the screen, but nothing happens when keys on the keyboard are pressed.

This usually indicates flow control is turned on in a three-wire connection (Rx, Tx, and Gnd). Update the terminal emulator's flow control setting to None and reconnect to the radio.

A connection exists, the terminal emulator is receiving data, and some data is correct, but the remaining data is in unrecognizable characters.

This usually indicates a parity mismatch. Ensure that the parity of the radio and the parity of emulator are are set the same.

1.8. Upgrading Radios to the Latest Firmware

If Tool Suite is connected to a radio, and a new version of the firmware is available for that radio model, an indication displays within the Configuration application's Device Information tab. You can use Tool Suite to upgrade firmware on a serial radio that is connected directly to the computer using the diagnostic cable. You cannot complete an over-the-air upgrade using Tool Suite.

Note: If you are using a USB-to-serial converter cable, a firmware upgrade can take a long time to complete. FreeWave recommends using only USB-to-serial cables that include the FTDI Chip Set. This inclusion is listed on the cable's packaging.

Use the steps below to upgrade a radio to the latest firmware:

1. With the radio connected to your computer through the Com port, open Tool Suite and click Configuration in the Applications pane to display the Configuration application.

2. Click Upgrade Radio in the Firmware section of the Configuration ribbon.

3. Click Yes at the prompt to proceed or No to cancel without installing the new firmware.

Tool Suite identifies and displays the firmware version that is loaded on the connected device and displays the latest version of firmware available for that model.

4. Click Yes to proceed with the upgrade, or No to exit.

The system displays the progress of the firmware upgrade. After the firmware upgrade is complete, a message displays that the firmware upgrade was successful.

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2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup

As you set up your network, whether it be a Point-to-MultiPoint network or a Point-to-Point network, the process for setting up and programming a radio is the same. This chapter describes the following aspects of programming and setting up a radio, regardless of the network type:

l Setting the radio's role in the network, and the network type.

l Entering parameters that establish communication with the instrument or computer to

which the radio is connected.

l Establishing communication with other radios in the network.

l Setting data transmission characteristics.

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

Radio networks consist of a Master and any number of other components including Repeaters, Slave radios, and radio's that act as both Slave and a Repeater radio. The first parameter to set in a radio is to select its Operation Mode or Modem Mode. The mode tells the radio what network type it is in (Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint) and what role it plays, Master, Slave, or Repeater, in that network.

Note: The network type must match for all radios in a network. For example, if you are configuring a Point-to-MultiPoint network, ensure the Modem Mode selection for radios in the network starts with Point-to-MultiPoint.

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 radio, remember that the settings on the Master control a number of parameters. Therefore, deploying the Master on the communications end where it is easier to access is advised, but not necessary.

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2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup

Operation Mode Description

Point-to-Point Master (0)

This mode designates the radio 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 and/or Repeater. The settings not determined by the Master are:

l Transmit Power

l Slave Security

l Retry Time Out

l Hop Table settings

To identify a Master, power the radio. Prior to establishing a communication link with a Slave, all three of the Master's LEDs are solid red.

Point-to-Point Slave (1)

This mode designates the radio as a Slave in Point-to-Point mode. The Slave communicates with any Master in its Call Book—either directly or through one Repeater.

When functioning as a Slave, the Entry to Call feature in the radio’s Call Book is not operational.

Set Slave Security to 1 to bypass the Call Book in the Slave. For more information, see Slave Security (on page 37).

Point–to-MultiPoint Master (2)

This mode designates the radio as a Master in MultiPoint mode. This mode allows one Master to communicate simultaneously with numerous Slaves.

A Point-to-MultiPoint Master communicates only with other radios designated as Point-to-MultiPoint Slaves or Point-to-MultiPoint Repeaters.

Point-to- MultiPoint Slave (3)

This mode designates the radio as a Slave in MultiPoint mode. This mode allows the Slave to communicate with a MultiPoint Master. The Slave may communicate with its Master through one Repeater.

Point-to-Point Slave/Repeater (4)

This mode designates the radio to act as either a Slave or Repeater— depending on the instructions from the Master. The radio cannot act as both a Slave and a Repeater at the same time. True Slave/Repeater functionality is only available in a MultiPoint mode.

Point-to-Point Slave/Repeaters have no security features. When a radio is designated a Point-to-Point Slave/Repeater, it allows any Master to use it as a Repeater.

Point-to-Point Repeater (5)

A network using LRS455-C-U, -T-U, CE-U, TE-U radios can have one Repeater in a Point-to-Point communications link, to extend the operating range. When designated as a Repeater, a radio behaves as a pass-through link. All settings for the Call Book, baud rates, and radio transmission characteristics are disabled. A Repeater connects with any Master that calls it. The Repeater must be set up properly in the Master's Call Book.

Set the Modem Mode in the Operation Mode tab, using the Modem Mode field. These settings are available in the Operation Mode menu in the terminal interface. Select from these options:

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2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup

Operation Mode Description

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

Mode 6 allows the radio to be controlled entirely through software commands. A number of key parameters in the FreeWave 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 radio is not calling a Slave, it functions as a Slave and accepts any appropriate calls from other radios.

For more information, see Application Note #5476, Mode 6.

Point-to-MultiPoint Repeater (7)

This mode allows the radio to operate as a Repeater in a MultiPoint network. You can have one Repeater in an LRS455-C-U, -T-U, CE-U, TE-U network.

Ethernet Options (F) This menu applies to Ethernet radios only. Although the menu is included

here, it is unrelated to this radio.

Baud Rate

Setting Description

Default Setting 115200

Options 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115200, 230400

Setup Terminal Menu

(1) Set Baud Rate

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2.2. Establishing Communication with Instrumentation and Computers

The settings in the Baud Rate tab are the communication settings between the radio and the instrument or computer to which it is connected (radio serial port to the device). These settings are unique to each radio, and do not need to match across the network.

For example, a pair of radios 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 on the instrumentation might be set to 9600, and the radio on the polling host might be set to 57,600.

Set the following parameters in the Baud Rate tab. These settings are available in the Baud Rate menu in the terminal interface, and apply to both Point-to-Point and Point-to-MultiPoint networks.

2.2.1. Baud Rate

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2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup

Baud Rate

Setting Description

Description This is the actual baud rate for the radio’s data port.

l This setting is the communication rate between the radio and the instrument to

which it is connected, and is independent of the baud rate for the other radios in the network.

l Set the baud rate to the highest level supported by the device to which it is

connected.

l With a poor radio link, however, this may actually result in slower data

communications.

Example: A pair of radios may be used in an application to send data from remote process instrumentation to the engineer's computer. In this application, the baud rate for the radio on the instrumentation might be set to 9600, and the radio on the engineer's computer might be set to 57,600.

FREEWAVE Recommends: With a Baud Rate setting of 9600 or higher, FreeWave recommends using the Flow Control lines. For more information, see Flow Control (on page 24).

Note: The setup port Baud Rate always defaults to 19,200 regardless of how the data port Baud Rate is set. The only exception is Mode 6. For more information, see application note #5476, Mode 6.

Data Parity

Setting Description

Default Setting 0 (8, N, 1)

Options See table below

Setup Terminal Menu

(1) Set Baud Rate > (A) Data Parity

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2.2.2. Data Parity

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2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup

Data Parity

Setting Description

Description Six data word length and parity configurations are available for use with FreeWave

radios. The default setting is 8-None-1 and is the most commonly used serial communications protocol.

The following table describes each option:

Option 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

Flow Control

Setting Description

Default Setting (0) None

Options l (0) None - No flow control CTS is active and de-asserts when buffering in 98%

full. Can pass XON/XOFF data but does not use it in any way.

l (1) RTS - Uses standard RTS/CTS control lines.

l (2) DTR

Setup Terminal Menu

(2) Set Baud Rate > (F) FlowControl

Description Specifies the hardware flow control for the data port on the radio.

FreeWave recommends using Flow Control if you are using a baud rate higher than 9600 bps in a narrow-band licensed network.

Modbus RTU

Setting Description

Default Setting 0 (Disabled)

2.2.3. Flow Control

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2.2.4. Modbus RTU

Note: When using the radio in Modbus RTU mode, the Master Packet Repeat setting must match in every radio, regardless of whether the network is in Point-to-Point or MultiPoint mode.

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2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup

Modbus RTU

Setting Description

Options Any number between 0 to 9

Setup Terminal Menu

(1) Set Baud Rate > (B) ModbusRTU

Description The Modbus RTU setting is a port delay. This setting can be used with several

different timing sensitive protocols, such as Modbus RTU and DNP3. A setting other than 0 causes the radio to wait for an amount of time “gathering” data before sending out the radio link.

l When set to 0 (Disabled), the radio sends data out through its radio link as

soon as the data is received into the serial port.

l When set to 1, the radio waits for a number of slots equal to two times the

Master Packet Repeat setting before waits for 6 slots, gathering data up the whole time. At the end of the 6 slots, the radio sends all received data in one “burst.” This is the appropriate setting for most Modbus RTU devices.

l When set to 2 and higher, the radio waits for a number of slots calculated

using the following formula:

(Modbus RTU setting + Master Packet Repeat setting + 1) x 2

Example: In a radio where the Modbus RTU setting is 2 and the Master Packet Repeat setting is 3, the radio waits for (2 + 3 + 1) x 2, or 12 slots.

Serial Interface

Setting Description

Default Setting (0) RS232

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2.2.5. Serial Interface

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2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup

Serial Interface

Setting Description

Options l (0) RS232 - Also used for TTL.

l (1) RS422/Full Duplex RS485 - Modbus RTU mode must be enabled and

Turn Off Delay set to at least 4.

l (2) Half Duplex RS485 - Modbus RTU mode must be enabled and Turn Off

Delay set to at least 4

l (3) DOT- DOT causes the CD line to indicate when data is transmitted on the

serial port from the radio.

l When the radio is not sending data to the serial port, CD is de-asserted.

l When the radio is sending data to the serial port, CD is asserted.

l The CD line no longer has any radio link state functionality.

l Turn Off Delay works as described in all radios.

l Turn On Delay works as described on any Slave or Slave/Repeater - it has

no functionality on the Master.

Setup Terminal Menu

(1) Set Baud Rate > (C) RS232/485

Description Use this option to set the protocol of the data port.

Note: In TTL RF board products this setting must be 0. If set to anything other than 0, the Setup Port must be set to Diagnostics Only.

Setup Port

Setting Description

Default Setting 3

Options l (1) MainOnly - Programming and reading a radio's setup information is done

through the data port pins only.

l (2) Diagnostics Only - Programming and reading a radio's setup information

is done through the diagnostic port only.

l If the Serial interface is set to anything other than RS232, then the Setup

Port must be set to Diagnostics Only.

l (3) Both - Programming and reading a radio's setup information is done

through either the main data port or the diagnostics port.

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2.2.6. Setup Port

Caution: Do not change this setting unless the correct programming cable is available for the

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new setting.

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2. Basic Radio Programming and Setup

Setup Port

Setting Description

Setup Terminal Menu

(1) Set Baud Rate > (D) Setup Port

Description Determines which port on the radio, Main or Diagnostics, is used to access the

parameter settings in Tool Suite or enter the Setup main menu in Setup Terminal or a terminal emulator.

Setup mode is invoked by sending a <Shift+U> to the Diagnostics port or by pressing/toggling the Setup button/switch, if available.

l OEM boards may also enter Setup mode when Pin 2 is grounded.

l The data port on OEMmodels uses a 2-row, 2 mm female connector.

l The diagnostic cable for this port is FreeWave Part Number: ASC2009DC.

Turn Off Delay

Setting Description

Default Setting 0

Options Any number between 0 and 9

Setup Terminal Menu

(1) Edit Baud Rate > Turn Off Delay

Description Specifies the time after the end of transmission of a character to the RS485 bus

that the radio stops driving the bus and releases the bus to other devices.

l The units are ¼ of a character with a range of 0 to 9.

l An entry of 4 means a delay equivalent to the duration of a full character.

The default is zero delay.

l For data rates of 1200 bits/S or slower, avoid setting the Turn Off Delay

parameter higher than 4.

l At those rates the functionality of the microprocessor changes so that a

Turn Off Delay of 5 has the same effect as if set to 1, and a setting of 6 has the same effect as 2, and so on.

l Turn Off Delay must be set to a value of at least 4 for RS422 and RS485

operation.

Turn On Delay

Setting Description

Default Setting 0 ms

2.2.7. Turn Off Delay

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2.2.8. Turn On Delay

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Specifications and Main Features

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User Manual