GE MDS SD4 Series Startup Manual

Start-Up Guide

Firmware Release 1.x.x

MDS 05-4669A01, Rev. A

December 2007

MDS SD4

™

Software-Controlled

Digital Communications

OPERATIONAL & SAFETY NOTICES

Concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard to
humans. Do not allow people to come closer to the antenna than the distances

listed in the table below when the transmitter is operating. More information on
RF exposure can be found online at the following website:

www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.

FCC Part 15 Notice (Pending Approval)

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 Microwave Data Systems 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.

CSA/us Notice (Pending Approval)

This product is pending approval for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D Hazardous Locations.
Such locations are defined in Article 500 of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication
NFPA 70, otherwise known as the National Electrical Code. The transceiver has been recognized for use
in these hazardous locations by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) which also issues the US mark
of approval (CSA/US). The CSA Certification is in accordance with CSA STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987.

CSA Conditions of Approval: The transceiver is not acceptable as a stand-alone unit for use in the
hazardous locations described above. It must either be mounted within another piece of equipment which
is certified for hazardous locations, or installed within guidelines, or conditions of approval, as set forth
by the approving agencies. These conditions of approval are as follows:

The transceiver must be mounted within a separate enclosure which is suitable for the intended application.

The antenna feedline, DC power cable and interface cable must be routed through conduit in accordance
with the National Electrical Code.

Installation, operation and maintenance of the transceiver should be in accordance with the transceiver's
installation manual, and the National Electrical Code. Tampering or replacement with non-factory com­ponents may adversely affect the safe use of the transceiver in hazardous locations, and may void the
approval. A power connector with screw-type retaining screws as supplied by GE MDS must be used.

Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or
the area is known to be non-hazardous.

Refer to Articles 500 through 502 of the National Electrical Code
(NFPA 70) for further information on hazardous locations and
approved Division 2 wiring methods.

Antenna Gain vs. Recommended Safety Distance

(MDS SD4 Radio)

Antenna Gain

0–5 dBi 5–10 dBi 10–16.5 dBi

Minimum RF
Safety Distance

0.79 meter 1.41 meters 3.05 meters

RF Exposure

EXPLOSION

HAZARD!

05-4669A01, Rev. A MDS SD4 Startup Guide

1

INTRODUCTION

This guide presents basic installation and operating instructions for the
MDS SD4 Series wireless transceiver. It is a companion guide to the

MDS SD4 Series Reference Manual (Part No. 05-4670A01). Refer to

the Reference Manual for additional details and system design infor­mation.

The transceiver (Figure 1) is designed to operate in point-to-multi­point environments, including utility automation/distribution systems,
and other telemetry functions.

These radios are software-configurable to provide flexible operation
in a variety of applications using one hardware platform. They employ
microprocessor control and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) tech­nology to provide robust communications even under adverse condi­tions.

Figure 1. SD4 Data Transceiver

The transceiver is designed for trouble-free operation with data equip­ment provided by other manufacturers, including remote terminal
units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), flow com­puters, transaction terminals, and other similar devices.

NOTE:

Some features may not be available on all units, based on the
options purchased and the applicable regulatory constraints
for the region in which the radio will operate.

Front Panel Layout

Figure 2 shows the interface connectors and indicators on the trans-

ceiver’s front panel. These items are referenced in the installation
steps given later in this guide.

2 MDS SD4 Startup Guide 05-4669A01, Rev. A

Invisible place holder

Figure 2. Front Panel Connectors & Indicators

Connector functions (left to right) are as follows:

•POWER

•

LAN

(RJ-45)

•

COM1—

Management/Diagnostics (DB-9)

•

COM2—

Payload Data (DB-9)

•

ANTENNA

(TNC)

LED functions are described in Table 3 on Page 9.

Standard Accessories

Table 1 lists accessories normally shipped with the transceiver. The

contents may have been modified to reflect customer-specific require­ments specified at the time of order. Additional accessories are avail­able. Refer to the

SD4 Reference Manual for a complete list.

05-4669A01, Rev. A MDS SD4 Startup Guide

3

INSTALLATION

There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver: ade­quate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the cor­rect data connections between the transceiver and the data device.

Figure 3 shows a typical remote station arrangement. This is followed

by step-by-step procedures for installing the transceiver and making
external connections.

Table 1. Accessories Supplied with the Unit

Accessory Description Part Number

DC Power Plug,
2-pin, polarized

Mates with power connector on radio.
Screw terminals provided for wires,
threaded locking screws to prevent
accidental disconnect.

73-1194A39

Radio
Configuration
Software

PC software used for setting the basic
operating parameters of the radio.

03-3156A01

Start-Up Guide Brief instructions for initial setup and

commissioning of the radio.

05-4669A01

Reference
Manual

Full technical information for the
radio, including a complete
description of software commands.

05-4670A01

4 MDS SD4 Startup Guide 05-4669A01, Rev. A

Figure 3. Typical Remote Station Arrangement

Installation Steps

Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. In most cases,
these steps alone are sufficient to complete the installation. Refer to
the

Reference Manual for additional information.

1.

Mount the transceiver to a stable surface using the brackets

supplied with the radio. Begin by attaching the radio’s mounting
brackets to the bottom of the transceiver case (if not already
attached) using the four 6-32 x 1/4 inch (6 mm) screws supplied.

Figure 4 shows the mounting bracket dimensions.

POWER SUPPLY

10.5–16 VDC @ 2A

Negative Ground Only

TRANSCEIVER

LOW-LOSS FEEDLINE

ANTENNA
SYSTEM

DATA TELEMETRY
DEVICE

LAN

COM1

COM2

PWR

LINK