Futaba FDL01TU Users Manual

WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION MODEM

FDL01TU

Wireless Modem with Serial Interface

Instruction Manual

Futaba Corporation Industrial Radio Control

Notice

This device complies with 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.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Futaba Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate the device and possibly result in damage to the equipment and/or cause serious or fatal injuries to the operator or nearby personnel.

This device is intended to be installed and used in accordance with the instructions contained in this manual. Failure to comply with these instructions could void the user’s authority to operate the device and possibly result in damage to the equipment and/or cause serious or fatal injuries to the operator or nearby personnel.

Important Safety Information

The list of dangers, warnings and cautions in this section contain important information that will help ensure safe operation of the system. Please read carefully and understand all of these items. All installers, operators and maintenance personnel should read and understand this information before installation, use, or maintenance of the FDL01TU system.

The FDL01TU system by itself is not inherently dangerous. HOWEVER, WHEN THE

FDL01TU IS CONNECTED TO OTHER EQUIPMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTROL, SAFETY AND ALL POSSIBLE ASSOCIATED DANGERS MUST ALWAYS BE GIVEN THE UTMOST CONSIDERATION DURING SYSTEM INTEGRATION, DESIGN, INSTALLATION, AND USE.

The FDL01TU system may be used in virtually unlimited applications. Many of these associated systems can, by themselves, pose a mechanical, electrical or other hazard to operators and other persons or equipment. To address all possible applications and associated safety hazards in this manual would be impossible. The warnings below and throughout this manual give information that will allow safe installation and use the modem system applications. If you have questions regarding the safety of your specific application, please contact the appropriate people for help. Your Futaba sales representative, representatives of the equipment being controlled, and the technical support staff at local branch of Futaba Corporation are among those who can provide assistance with your safety concerns.

The following warnings are included in the lists that follow but warrant repetition here:

In installations where the FDL01TU system is used to control motion or operation of potentially dangerous equipment, it is imperative for safety that all operators and installers be thoroughly trained in the normal function of that equipment before attempting to control it remotely with the FDL01TU system.

To help ensure safe operation of the equipment, the FDL01TU system must be connected so that it will operate in a fail-safe way. In other words, the equipment being controlled should stop or return to its safest state in the absence of a control signal or total loss of RF transmission from the FDL01TU system. Our system uses one of the most reliable methods available to transmit data using radio signals. Many factors can affect a radio signal that may block it or interfere enough to disrupt regular transmission. Because of this, equipment motion or dangerous electrical current, for example, that continues during a loss-of-signal condition could be very dangerous.

iii

Four symbols are used in the margin of the following section and throughout the manual to indicate the level of hazard or information listed.

The symbols are defined as follows:

Indicates a hazard that will cause severe personal injury, death, or substantial property damage if the warning is ignored.

Indicates a hazard that can cause severe personal injury, death, or substantial property damage if the warning is ignored.

Indicates a hazard that will or can cause minor personal injury, or property damage if the warning is ignored.

Indicates installation, operation, or maintenance information that is important but not hazard-related.

Please read the following safety information carefully. Some of these notices are duplicated throughout the manual, in areas of associated content, for your benefit.

II.I

General Safety Hazards and Notes

Improper installation and/or operation of the FDL01TU system can cause serious or fatal injuries to the operator or nearby persons and cause damage to the FDL01TU system, and any equipment it is used to control. Please read and understand this manual completely and the manual of all equipment being controlled before attempting to operate or install this system.

Always keep this manual at a location readily accessible to anyone operating the system and related equipment. Ensure that all operators have read and understood this manual, especially all safety and operation procedures contained in it. Please refer to the section in this manual titled How to Obtain Help supply additional manuals or answers to questions not covered in this manual. If this product is passed on to a different user, be sure that this manual accompanies the product.

Be certain that the installer of this equipment reads and understands the instruction manual of the equipment that is being connecting to before attempting this installation.

for the contact that can

The FDL01TU modem should NOT be used in a manner in which failure of the product or loss of the radio signal could cause damage

to the equipment being controlled, or to anything in the area in which such equipment is located. All integrated control systems should be designed for “fail-safe” operation so that a temporary or permanent loss of signal will not endanger any person, critical process, or equipment (refer to the beginning of the safety section for further explanation). The system design should ensure that the equipment being controlled will default to its safest state in the event of signal loss.

The FDL01TU modem contains no user serviceable parts. If the unit requires service, contact your sales representative or local branch of Futaba Corporation per instructions the section titled How To

Obtain Help

. Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the FDL01TU yourself. Doing so could void your warranty and may void the user’s authority to operate the device.

Contact Futaba before using the FDL01TU modem in safety critical applications such as medical equipment, aircraft, hazardous materials handling, etc.

II.II

Installation Safety Hazards and Notes

When mounting the FDL01TU modem, use M2 (ISO) screws that project 2 to 3 mm into the modem. Screws that project further into the modem (3.5mm MAX) may permanently damage the internal components and/or cause the FDL01TU modem to malfunction.

Use only the proper regulated DC voltage supplied to the FDL01TU modem. Use of any other voltage may permanently damage the modem and/or cause the modem to malfunction and create a shock or fire hazard.

Be certain that all AC power outlets used the power adapters have been properly installed, grounded, and fused. An electrical shock hazard may exist if this unit is powered by a faulty power outlet or source. If such a situation is discovered, immediately discontinue use until the power source and outlet have been properly installed, grounded, and fused by an electrician or other authorized person.

Be sure to wire the power and serial connections correctly. Incorrect wiring can damage the system, cause it to malfunction and/or create a shock and fire hazard.

Ensure that the FDL01TU modem power and the power to the equipment to be controlled is turned off before connecting or disconnecting the cable between them. This will help prevent

accidental damage to the system and unexpected operation and/or injury.

Be sure the FDL01TU modem power, the power to the equipment that is being connecting to it, and the DC power source are all turned off before wiring and connecting the power cable.

Be sure that the supplied power is within the specified range (3.5 to

7.0 VDC). Voltages outside the specified range may damage the FDL01TU modem.

Be sure that the power source has sufficient current capacity. Insufficient current may cause the unit to malfunction.

Securely attach the antenna cable, and serial communication connector to the FDL01TU modem and equipment/power source to which it is connected. Failure to do so could cause an unexpected system failure.

II.III

Antenna Installation Hazards and Notes

Be sure to keep all systems and antennas clear of power lines. Permanent equipment damage and severe shock injury or death can occur if the system contacts power lines.

This device has been designed to operate with an antenna having a maximum gain of 2.14 dB. Antenna having a higher gain is strictly prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms. Contact Futaba before connecting any antenna not provided by Futaba specifically for the FDL01TU modem. Attaching any nonauthorized antenna may be in violation of FCC regulations.

To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication

When using two antennas with a single FDL01TU modem for diversity reception, mount the antennas as far apart as possible (6 cm minimum). If the antennas are too close, the diversity advantage will not be achieved.

Before each use, verify that the antenna (and antenna cable, if used) is securely attached and in good condition. A loose antenna or cable may severely reduce the operating range of the system.

When installing the FDL01TU modem in a mobile unit such as an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), Futaba recommends to use the diversity reception feature as a remedy for multipath fading problems. For diversity reception, install the two antennas as far apart as possible in order to gain maximum benefit (6 cm minimum).

The FDL01TU operates at frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band. These frequencies are more directional than lower frequencies and are easily reflected. If there are metal structures nearby, the effective range may be shortened or the directional properties may be further narrowed. To help avoid this, mount the antenna as far away as possible from surrounding metallic structures.

Multipath problems occur easily at frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band. When multipath problems are present, moving the antenna as little as 10 cm may result in improved communication or, conversely, worsened or complete loss of communication. Futaba recommends that the mounting position of the antenna be determined after testing and verifying optimal communication conditions. Negative multipath effects can also be overcome with antenna diversity.

IVERSITY ANTENNA SETUP

and the related register settings for

See p.8

more details regarding antenna diversity function.

When installing multiple FDL01TU modem systems that will use different frequency groups in the same area, modem’s antennas of different frequency groups must be mounted at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart. Failure to do so may severely reduce the modem operating range.

Please contact Futaba for information about antenna separation when using the FDL01TU and other wireless products in the same area.

vii

II.IV

Environmental Safety Hazards and Notes

If the FDL01TU modem has been stored at a temperature beyond the specified operating temperature range for the system, it may not function properly. Allow it to return to normal temperatures before use. Refer to A

PPENDIX

A – T

ECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

actual operating temperature range.

The FDL01TU modem is a precision electronic device with a rugged design that is intended for industrial applications. However, do not install it where it will encounter excessive vibrations. In some cases, isolation mounts may be used to isolate the modem from the equipment’s vibration. Excessive vibration can permanently damage the modem and/or cause it to malfunction.

Do not operate the FDL01TU modem in environments where it will be subjected to excessive moisture (such as rain or water spray), dust, oil, or other foreign matter (such as metal particles). Doing so may permanently damage the modem and/or cause it to malfunction. If it does become wet or contaminated, correct the situation, verify proper operation and have any problems corrected before using it to control other equipment. If necessary, the modem can be mounted inside a protective or waterproof enclosure. If the enclosure is metallic, the antenna must be mounted externally or the effective operating range will be severely limited.

for the

II.V

Other Notice

The FDL01TU is designed for indoor use. When using it outdoors, the modem should be mounted in a waterproof enclosure and the ambient temperature range should be checked to insure that it is within the modem’s specifications. Always use the modem within its specified environmental ranges.

Italicized gothic word used in this manual shows functional and technical term especially important for the FDL01TU modem.

viii

Operational Safety Hazards and Notes

Before each use of the FDL01TU modem, ensure that the area where the equipment will be operated is clear of people or obstacles that may affect its safe operation.

Before each use of the FDL01TU modem, verify that both the equipment being controlled and the modem are in proper operating condition.

When rewriting the FDL01TU modem’s memory registers, do not turn the modem’s power off until the modem returns a “P0” response. If the power is interrupted before a P0 response is returned, the memory contents may be lost or corrupted and the modem operation will be unpredictable. If the memory contents are lost or corrupted, they may be restored to original default settings by reinitializing them.

(See p.25 Memory R

EGISTER INITIALIZATION

details.)

for more

Do not attempt to operate remotely controlled equipment outside the communication range of the FDL01TU system. Doing so could cause loss of control of the equipment.

Without implementing proper serial communication flow control settings, the baud rate between the modem and its terminal equipment (wire linked) can exceed the wireless link data rate and cause the modem buffer to overflow. This can result in malfunction of the systems being controlled and/or data corruption. Ensure that the appropriate flow control settings are being used for your upper layer application protocol.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

III

System Identification

For future reference, please take a moment to fill in the information below. This information will help us respond as quickly as possible should your FDL01TU modem ever need repair or replacement.

Model Name and Number: FDL01TU

Serial Number:

Date of Purchase:

Distributor Name:

Distributor Address:

Distributor Phone Number:

Limited Warranty

FUTABA WARRANTS ONLY THAT THE INDUSTRIAL RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM GOODS OR PRODUCTS FURNISHED HEREWITH SHALL BE FREE FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS OF USE AND SERVICE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE OF SALE TO THE PURCHASER WHO IS THE FIRST BUYER OF THE GOODS FOR USE OR CONSUMPTION AND NOT FOR RESALE OTHER THAN AS A COMPONENT OF ANOTHER PRODUCT MANUFACTURED FOR SALE BY SUCH PURCHASER (“CONSUMER”). FUTABA’S LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED ON BREACH OF WARRANTY OR NEGLIGENCE, SHALL BE LIMITED, AT FUTABA’S ELECTION, TO REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF ANY SUCH NONCONFORMING GOODS, F.O.B.

FUTABA’S U.S.A. PLANT, OR, AT FUTABA’S ELECTION, CREDIT FOR THE

NET PURCHASE PRICE OF SUCH GOODS. ALL CLAIMS HEREUNDER MUST BE MADE IN WRITING DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD, AND FUTABA SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY RETURN OF GOODS TO INSPECT ANY GOODS CLAIMED TO BE NONCONFORMING, AND IN ANY EVENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT CLAIMS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY CONSTITUTES FUTABA’S SOLE WARRANTY. FUTABA MAKES

NO OTHER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

FUTABA’S WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY IF, AMONG OTHER LIMITATIONS CONTAINED HEREIN OR FURNISHED WITH THE PRODUCT, BUYER, OR CONSUMER, OR ANY USER OF THE PRODUCT (A) ALTERS SUCH PRODUCT, OR (B) REPLACES ANY PART OF SUCH PRODUCT WITH ANY PART OR PARTS NOT FURNISHED BY FUTABA FOR THAT PURPOSE, OR IF, AMONG SUCH OTHER LIMITATIONS, PRODUCT FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY OR IS DAMAGED DUE TO ATTACHMENTS OR COMPONENTS THAT ARE NOT FURNISHED BY FUTABA FOR USE WITH OR REPAIR OF THE PRODUCT UNLESS SUCH USE IS AUTHORIZED IN WRITING IN ADVANCE BY FUTABA.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENDS ONLY TO THE CONSUMER AND IS NOT ASSIGNABLE OR TRANSFERABLE. This limited warranty shall not apply to fuses, lamps, batteries, or other items that are expendable by nature, unless otherwise expressly provided.

This limited warranty does not cover any defect or damage to any of the goods caused by or attributable to force, accident, misuse, abuse, faulty installation, improper maintenance, improper electrical current, failure to install or operate in accordance with Futaba’s written instructions, repair or alteration by unauthorized persons, or leaking batteries. THE

GOODS ARE SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC DEVICES REQUIRING SPECIAL HANDLING, AND THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO PRODUCTS NOT HANDLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS SET FORTH IN THE MANUAL.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER INDUSTRIAL RADIO CONTROL PRODUCTS PURCHASED OR USED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHOUT FUTABA’S PRIOR APPROVAL.

Returns

Futaba’s authorization must be obtained prior to return of any item for warranty or other repair or replacement or credit and will reflect Futaba’s warranty service procedure. Consumer’s warranty rights are governed by the terms of Futaba’s Limited Warranty, as above described. Products returned for warranty repair or replacement or credit must be carefully and securely packed for return, preferably in the original carton or equivalent. The Consumer must also include in the carton a legible copy of the bill of sale or invoice which shows the date of sale and the original Buyer’s and Consumer’s names, and also a letter which gives the Consumer’s return address and contact telephone number, the model and serial numbers of the product(s) returned, and a brief explanation of the problem or claimed defect. Any returned products that are replaced by Futaba shall become the property of Futaba. If after inspection Futaba determines the defect is not covered by its limited warranty, Futaba will notify Consumer of its determination and will not undertake any repairs or product replacement until Consumer agrees to pay for all necessary parts and materials, labor (to be charged at Futaba’s standard repair rate then in effect), and other expenses including all shipping charges and insurance. Futaba reserves the right to retain possession of any product returned by Consumer because of defects not covered by Futaba’s warranty until Futaba receives Consumer’s agreement as above noted or, if Consumer wants the product returned without repair or replacement, Consumer reimburses Futaba for all shipping and handling charges incurred by Futaba. Issuance of credit for returned items shall be made at Futaba’s unfettered discretion. Consumer will not be entitled to return defective goods for cash refunds. Consumer must inspect goods immediately and no rejection or revocation of acceptance shall be permitted more than ten (10) days after delivery to, or first use by, Consumer of the goods, whichever occurs first.

Patents – Copyrights – Trademarks – Proprietary

Rights

If this product was manufactured according to designs or processes specified by Consumer, Consumer shall indemnify and save Futaba, its affiliates, officers, agents, and employees, harmless from any expense, loss, attorneys’ fees, costs, damages, or liability which may be incurred as a result of actual or alleged infringement of patent, copyright, or trademark rights. Furnishing of these products does not convey a license, implied or otherwise, under any patent, copyright, or trademark right in which Futaba has an interest, nor does it convey rights to trade secrets or any other proprietary information of Futaba.

Limitation of Damages and Action

VII

IN NO EVENT SHALL FUTABA BE LIABLE TO CONSUMER, OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT, WHETHER ARISING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR NEGLIGENCE OF FUTABA, OR OTHERWISE. Any action hereunder must be commenced within one (1)

year of accrual of cause of action or be barred and forever waived. No modification or alteration of Futaba’s Limited Warranty or any other provision of this paragraph or the above paragraphs shall result from Futaba’s acknowledgment of any purchase order, shipment of goods, or other affirmative action by Futaba toward performance following receipt of any purchase order, shipping order, or other form containing provisions, terms, or conditions in addition to or in conflict or inconsistent with any such provisions.

xii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1111 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................... 1

1.1

Special Features.............................................................................................................2

1.2

How To Obtain Help........................................................................................................3

1.3

Physical Description .......................................................................................................4

2222 SYSTEM INSTALLATION ................................................................................ 5

2.1

Wireless Modem Installation...........................................................................................6

2.2

Communication Cable Connection.................................................................................7

2.3

Antenna Connection.......................................................................................................7

2.4

Other Installation Precautions ........................................................................................9

3333 SYSTEM OPERATION ................................................................................... 11

3.1

Data Transparent Mode................................................................................................12

3.2

Packet Transmission Mode ..........................................................................................13

3.3

Headerless stream Mode .............................................................................................16

3.4

Power Down Mode .......................................................................................................17

3.5

Frequency Grouping.....................................................................................................18

4444 FUNCTION CONTROL METHODS ................................................................ 21

4.1

Interface........................................................................................................................22

4.2

Serial Interface Setting .................................................................................................23

4.3

Terminal Software Setup for Memory Register Control................................................24

4.4

Memory Register Setting..............................................................................................24

4.5

Command Control ........................................................................................................26

5555 MEMORY REGISTER DESCRIPTION ........................................................... 27

5.1

Memory Register Description.......................................................................................28

6666 COMMAND SET DESCRIPTION.................................................................... 43

6.1

Command Set Description............................................................................................44

7777 APPENDIX...................................................................................................... 63

7.1

Conversion Circuit ........................................................................................................64

7.2

Specification of the Connectors....................................................................................65

7.3

Specification..................................................................................................................66

7.4

Dimensions...................................................................................................................68

xiii

SECTION

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Special Features

The following list highlights some of the special features of the FDL01TU. For more complete system specifications please refer to p.66 S

PECIFICATIONS

•

Approved under FCC Part 15.247 rules -- no special user license required

•

Operating range greater than 1000 feet, line-of-sight -- configurable as a repeater for extended range of application service area

•

2.4 GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) communication system provides unsurpassed immunity to interference and RF noise

•

Diversity transmitting / receiving function is employed, which is practically invulnerable to multipath fading

•

Fast switching Time-Division-Duplex (TDD) provides virtual full-duplex communication between terminal equipments at rates up to 230.4 kbps

•

76 user selectable frequencies allow up to 26 independent networks to operate simultaneously in the same area

•

Single fixed frequency communication or multi-access communication (automatic selection of an vacant frequency from a defined group of frequencies) allows the user to select the best frequency use for the application

•

Supports 1:1, 1:n, and n:m wireless network topology

•

Serial communication interface allows direct connection to a micro controller chip. By converting its level by the external interface circuit, conformable to RS232C, RS422 and RS485

•

Small size allows easy integration with many systems (1.97" x 1.18" x 0.31" / 50 x 30 x 8 mm)

•

Supply voltage range is DC voltage in 3.5 to 7.0 V DC

1.2

How To Obtain Help

Please contact your local sales representative or local branch of Futaba Corporation at the address shown below for help with the following:

•

Application information regarding the FDL01TU or other Futaba products

•

Technical assistance or training

•

Answers to safety questions and issues

•

Additional manuals or other documentation

•

Repair or service

•

Comments regarding the product or this manual

Japan Futaba Corporation Radio Control Equipment Group 1080 Yabutsuka, Chosei, Chiba, 299-4395 JAPAN Tel: +81 (475) 32-6173, Fax: +81(475) 32-6179 Internet: www.futaba.co.jp

Europe PENDING

When requesting repairs, please provide as much detail as possible regarding the failure and its cause or symptoms. Doing so will help our service department find the problem quickly, resulting in a shorter repair time.

CAUTION

The FDL01TU modem contains no user serviceable parts. If the unit requires service, contact your sales representative or local branch of Futaba Corporation as per instructed in this section. Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the modem yourself. Doing so could void your warranty and may void the user’s authority to operate the device.

1.3

Physical Description

Please review the following section and take a moment to familiarize yourself with the FDL01TU wireless modem.

Figure 1–1: Upper View

Figure 1–2: Bottom View

(1) Communication Connector Used to connect to the DTE(Data Terminal Equipment) with interface cable. Also controlling functions such as hardware reset and RS232C/RS485 selecting pins are available. Signal is CMOS level.

(2) Antenna Connector A/B Used to connect to antennas for transmit and receive functions.

(3) LEDs Four bi-color LEDs indicate the states of the FDL01TU modem.

(4) Mounting Hole Used to install a modem from the front surface. It is easy to install a modem, however, only two holes are available, it should be fixed by guide structure on the other side of the unit to prevent vibration problem.

(5) Bottom Mounting Hole The four holes are used to install the modem. Please use this holes instead of above explained holes if tightened mounting is required.

SECTION

SYSTEM INSTALLATION

2.1

Wireless Modem Installation

2.1.1 Mounting Method 1

A method to mount the modem directly on a surface using the mounting holes at the side of the modem’s print circuit board. When using this method, provide a guide on the opposite side, because two holes are not sufficient to securely mount the modem.

Figure 2–1: Mounting Method 1

2.1.2 Mounting Method 2

To mount the modem using the holes on a flat horizontal surface, which are 3.5mm deep for M2 screws. When using this method, use M2 screws which project the hole 2 to 3mm deep. The screw tightening torque is below 2.5kg cm. Mount the modem on a flat plane and be careful that there is no torsion applied. For the position of the mounting holes, see p.68 D

IMENSIONS

M2 Screw

Figure 2–2: Mounting Method 2

WARNING

(especially metal particles) to enter inside, which may damage the unit.

Since the FDL01TU modem is a precision electronic device, install it

Be careful not to allow water, oil, dust and other foreign particles

WARNING

at a place free of excessive shock and vibration to prevent the unit from damage.

WARNING

using it outdoor, be sure to use it within the extent limited by the environmental specification, and check the ambient temperature and the state of water-proof.

The FDL01TU is designed to be used inside the room. In case of

2.2

Communication Cable Connection

Use the serial communication cable prepared by Futaba to connect the FDL01TU modem to the external terminal equipment. For the connection of the modem, see p.22 P

SSIGNMENT

The signal level of the FDL01TU is CMOS. If the interface of the equipment to be connected is RS232C or RS485, the level conversion circuit is required. For the example of the level conversion circuit, see p.64 C

ONVERSION CIRCUIT

Figure 2–3: Connection of Communication Cable

WARNING

Ensure that the FDL01TU modem power and the power to the equipment to be controlled is turned off before connecting or disconnecting the cable between them. This will help prevent accidental damage to the system and unexpected operation and/or injury.

In addition to this manual, read the operation manual of a PC

CAUTION

(Personal Computer) and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to be connected.

2.3

Antenna Connection

At least one antenna must be connected to Antenna Connector A on each FDL01TU modem in use. In the environment where multipath fading exists with reliable communication requirements, a second antenna can be installed to Antenna Connector B for the diversity receive function to improve reception performance.

2.3.1 Single Antenna Setup

Always use Antenna Connector A when installing a single antenna. Refer to the figures below for details about the actual mounting and connecting methods.

Figure 2–5: Connecting the Antenna

2.3.2 Diversity Antenna Setup

In certain situations, reception can be improved by using the integrated antenna diversity feature. This is accomplished by using two separate antennas and enabling the diversity function in REG19 (see p.27 M

EMORY REGISTER DESCRIPTION

Refer to the figures below for details about the actual mounting and connecting methods.

Figure 2–6: Connecting Two Antennas

CAUTION

When using two antennas with a single modem for diversity reception, mount the antennas as far apart as possible (at least 6 cm).

If the antennas are too close, the diversity advantage will not be achieved.

2.4

Other Installation Precautions

2.4.1 Modem Installation Precautions

WARNING

Securely attach the antenna cable, and serial communication connector to the FDL01TU modem and equipment/power source to

which it is connected. Failure to not do so could cause an unexpected system failure.

The FDL01TU modem is a precision electronic device. Its rugged design is intended for industrial applications. However, do not install it where it will encounter excessive vibrations. In some cases, isolation mounts may be used to isolate the modem from the equipment vibration. Excessive vibration could permanently damage the modem and/or cause it to malfunction.

Do not operate the FDL01TU modem in environments where it will be subjected to excessive moisture (such as rain or water spray), dust, oil or other foreign matter (such as metal particles). Doing so may permanently damage the modem and/or cause it to malfunction. If it does become wet or contaminated, correct the situation, verify proper operation and have any problems corrected before using it to control other equipment. If necessary, the modem can be mounted inside a protective or waterproof enclosure. If the enclosure is metallic, the antenna must be mounted externally or the effective operating range will be severely limited.

PECIFICATION

for the actual operating

WARNING

2.4.2 Antenna Installation Precautions

WARNING

Before each use, verify that the antenna (and antenna cable, if used) is securely attached and in good condition. A loose antenna or cable may severely reduce the operating range of the system.

WARNING

Avoid mounting the antenna near large metallic objects or inside metal enclosures. Such objects can severely reduce the operating range of the system.

When installing the FDL01TU modem in a mobile unit such as an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), Futaba recommends using the diversity receive function as a remedy for to multipath fading problems. For diversity reception, install the two antennas as far apart as possible in order to gain maximum benefit (Actual recommendation is 30 cm, 6 cm at least).

CAUTION

2.4.3 Multiple FDL Modems Installation Precautions

CAUTION

The FDL01TU operates at frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band. These frequencies are much directional than lower frequencies and are easily reflected. If there are metal structures nearby, the effective range may be shortened or the directional properties may be further narrowed. To help avoid this, mount the antenna as far away as possible from surrounding metallic structures.

Multipath problems occur easily at 2.4 GHz frequencies. When multipath problems are present, moving the antenna as little as 10 cm may result in improved communication or, conversely, a further diminished or total loss of communication. Futaba recommends that the mounting position of the antenna be determined after testing and verifying optimal communication conditions. Negative multipath effects can also be overcome with antenna diversity. See p.8

IVERSITY ANTENNA SETUP

more details regarding antenna diversity.

When installing multiple FDL (series) modem systems that will use different frequency groups in the same area, modem’s antennas of different frequency groups must be mounted at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart. Failure to do so may severely reduce the modem operating range.

and the related register settings for

Please contact Futaba for information about antenna separation when using the FDL01TU and other wireless products in the same area.

SECTION

SYSTEM OPERATION

+ 58 hidden pages

Futaba FDL01TU Users Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual