GE MDS, MDS SD Master Station Setup Manual

MDS SD Master Station

Setup Guide

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The MDS SD Master Station serves as a central station in a mul­tiple address system (MAS) wireless network. It provides long
range, duplex (or simplex) communication between a control point
and associated remotes. It is fully redundant for mission-critical
applications, and is a compatible replacement for older
MDS x790 Master Stations.

The master station works with a wide array of wireless equipment,
including MDS SD Transceivers, legacy MDS x710 radios, and
additional wireless options, depending on the modules installed in
the chassis.

Invisible place holder

Figure 1. SD Master Station

All modules are installed on slide-in assemblies, accessible from
the front of the unit. A protective cover on the unit’s face slides off,
allowing access to the modules and all interface connectors. In
addition to communication modules, up to two power supply units
may be installed, and these are available to suit a wide range of AC
and DC power requirements.

Each module is secured to the chassis with knurled fasteners for
easy changes, when required. Figure 2 shows a common configu­ration of installed modules.

Supply 1 (AC)

Supply 2 (DC)

Figure 2. Front Panel Connectors & Indicators

(Front cover removed)

Master Station modules are factory installed and cabled. Table 1
describes each module installed in a redundant configuration, from
left to right. For a non-redundant configuration, blank plates are
used in place of the redundant power supply and radio modules,
and a non-redundant version of the Alarm/Relay module is
installed.

The master station supports Ethernet or serial polling depending
on order options. A host computer may be connected to the appro­priate port on the chassis (LAN for Ethernet; COM1/2 for serial sig­naling).

Configuration of the unit is performed with a PC, using a web inter­face. The PC connects to the front of the radio’s Platform Manager
module. Configuration options are similar to those of the SD Trans­ceiver, and the radio supports full SD functionality in transparent
mode. In addition, a command line interface (CLI) is available
through the mini USB port using the proper USB drivers.

Platform Manager
Radio A

Invisible place holder

Radio B

Alarm/Relay

Duplexer

Table 1: Module Descriptions—Redundant Station

Module ID Function

Power Supply 1,
Power Supply 2

Platform
Manager

Radio A,
Radio B

Alarm/Relay 6847

Duplexer 6837 Internal RF duplexer (if equipped)

Varies Input power supply. In a redundant

6834 Provides management and data

6846
(SDM9)

6848

configuration, both supplies work
in tandem and are independent of
which radio is active.

interface functions.
Single or redundant full duplex SD

Master radios.
Redundant—Active radio relay and

alarm/audio interface.
Non-redundant—Alarm and audio

interface.

1.1 Related Documentation

In addition to this setup guide, the SD Master Station Technical
Manual (05-6399A01, under development) provides guidance on

system design, advanced configuration, and maintenance. The
Technical Manual should be available to personnel involved in the
design, commissioning and maintenance of the network. Elec­tronic copies of the latest user documents and support files are
available free of charge at www.gemds.com.

1.2 Options and Accessories

The SD Master Station may be equipped with optional battery
backup, 10-watt RF power output (5 watt is standard), and a variety
of duplexer and module options. Contact your factory representa­tive for information on any of these options.

In addition, GE MDS offers an Accessories Selection Guide listing
additional items that may be used with many of our products. Con­tact your factory representative or visit www
latest copy.

.gemds.com for the

1.3 T ypical Application

Figure 3 on the following page shows a common arrangement of

the master station as used in a multiple address radio network. The
system shows both SD and legacy x710 remote transceivers in
use.

Depending on order options, the master station can communicate
with remotes employing Ethernet signaling, serial signaling, or a
mix of both.

05-6398A01, Rev. A MDS SDA Instruction Sheet 1

Figure 3. Application Example

2.0 INSTALLATION

Refer to the figures which follow for these steps, as required:

1. Mount the unit.
19-inch rack cabinet, or may be placed on any sturdy tabletop
or other flat surface. The installation site should be free of
excessive dust, and should have adequate ventilation. The
chassis should be positioned so that all interface cabling will
reach the required connectors.

When rack mounting, the rack ears can be installed in one of
three positions to allow flexibility in the mounted depth of the
chassis. The unit should be mounted so as to maximize air­flow around the rear heat sink.

2. Connect Antenna
tions are made to the Type-N connectors on the rear of the
unit. The number of connections depends on options ordered,
including duplexer options, as follows: Separate TX and RX;
Combined TX/RX; RX Out, RX In; and TX.

The unit may be rack-mounted (2U high) in a

Feedlines. All coaxial antenna connec-

Figure 5. Internal Duplexer (or internal T/R switch),

Figure 6. External duplexer or dual antennas

(TX and RX ports pass directly through)

3. Install the Data Interface Cabling. Interface connections are
made to the front of the Platform Manager module.
connections for most sites include:

• Serial Data—Attach data equipment to the front panel

COM1 and/or COM2 ports. The unit is hardwired as a DCE
device, thus a straight-through Ethernet cable may be used
in most cases (DB9-F to RJ-45 connector, GE MDS part no.
73-2434A12).

• Ethernet LAN—Attach data equipment to the ETH1 and/or

ETH2 port. The auto-sensing MDIX feature allows either a
straight-through or crossover cable to be used.

Where applicable in the steps that follow, secure all cable connec­tions with the locking screws provided.

4. Connect Primary Power—The Master Station is powered
using one or two power supply modules that work in tandem.
The modules may be
following tables list each type and key operating parameters.

Single N connectors

Typical

AC, DC, or a combination of both. The

Table 2: AC Power Supply Module

Figure 4. Internal Duplexer, Triple N connectors

2 MDS SD Master Station 05-6398A01, Rev. A

Module Input Power Current Rating

6755 100-264 Vac, 50/60 Hz 120W Max.

All DC power supply modules have chassis isolated inputs
and a diode bridge for floating ground, positive ground, or
negative ground installations.
power connector with screw-terminals. Strip the wire leads to
6mm (1/4 inch) and insert them into the wire ports provided.
Be sure to observe the polarity shown below. T ighten the bind­ing screws securely and insert the connector into the module.

These modules include a keyed

Invisible place holder

Table 3: DC Power Supply Modules

In the following steps, you will log into the unit’s configuration
system and set the basic operating parameters for the unit.

Module Input Power Current Rating

6843 +/- 12-30 Vdc 10 A Max.
6844 +/- 36-75 Vdc 3.5 A Max.
6845 +/- 75-140 Vdc 2 A Max.

Figure 7. DC Power Connector

5. Connect a PC for Configuration (LAN or USB port). This
prepares the master station for programming of desired oper­ating parameters. Configuration is further described in Section

3.0.

NOTE: If serial-based cabling is used for configuration, an

adapter may be required at the PC, as many PCs do not
offer a serial port. In such cases, a USB-to-Serial adapter
(with appropriate driver software) may be used. These
adapters are available from a number of manufacturers.

6. For redundant units, the Alarm/Relay module includes a man­ual override toggle switch, which can be set into one of three
positions to associate it with a particular radio. The toggle
switch is locking, and must be pulled out to change positions.
Switch functions are as follows:

Up—Radio A; Down— Radio B; Center—Automatic.

NOTE: Consult your System Administrator if you are unsure

of the proper configuration settings for your network.

3.1 Configuration via SD Manager

The configuration PC may be connected to the unit by WiFi (future
feature), USB, or Ethernet. The following steps describe a config­uration using the SD Manager application running on the unit. SD
Manager is accessible through ETH1 or ETH2 using a web
browser.

Minimum browser requirements: IE10 or later, Chrome, Firefox, or
Safari.

1. Open a web browser and navigate to the IP address of the
unit (default Ethernet IP address is 192.168.1.1). The initial
sign-in prompt appears.

2. Enter the username and password (admin is the default entry
for both fields). Click Sign In. Upon successful login, the
Device Overview page appears.

3. For initial configuration, the Initial Setup W
and provide guidance in typical Master Station setup. This is
disabled after the initial setup but may be re-run at any time by
accessing the Wizards link on the left side of the screen, and
clicking Initial Setup.

Key items that should be reviewed and/or set for the radio are:

• Create one-time programmable passwords for unit recovery

• Change login passwords (to maintain security)

• Evaluate default factory configuration and lock the unit down

to the required security level

4. When the Initial Setup wizard completes, select the SD Con-
figuration Wizard, which steps you through initial SD Radio
Module configuration. Key items that should be reviewed
and/or set include:

• Frequency plan

• Modem selection

• Keying mode

• Serial data interface configuration

• Encryption settings

5. For additional SD radio configuration and status options, navi­gate to SDMS Configuration using the following selections:

a. Select Interfaces on the left hand menu.

izard will appear

..

When the switch is set to Automatic, the active radio is deter­mined by radio module presence and alarm status. If only one
radio module is installed (A or B) it is recommended that the
switch be set to

7. Radio,

Alarm/Relay, and Duplexer Connections—The
Alarm/Relay module provides two alarm outputs, one for
major and one for minor alarms. This module also provides
TX/RX audio, PTT (TX keying), and analog RSSI connections.
See Section 6.0 for pinout connections.

All other required connections on the front of the unit are
cabled at the factory per ordered options.

A or B, as appropriate.

3.0 SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION

05-6398A01, Rev. A MDS SD Master Station 3

b. Click on the sdms interface name in the Interfaces Con-

figuration table...

c. Click on SDMS Configuration...

d. Redundant radios share a common configuration and are

managed simultaneously through Radio, Security, or
Maintenance and Status...

Note that the links at the top of the page can be used to easily
return to an earlier web page.

3.2 Configuration via Command Line (CLI)

A scriptable command-line interface is accessible through the
Ethernet port using Secure Shell (SSH) terminal, or through the
unit’s USB interface. For enhanced security, the unit does not sup­port Telnet configuration. The steps below describe a cabled USB
connection and assume the proper drivers have been installed.

1. Connect a PC to the unit's USB port and establish a console
terminal session using a serial communications program.

2. Press the ENTER key to receive the login prompt. The COM
LED flashes to indicate data communications.

3. Enter the username (admin is the default username) and
press ENTER.

4. At the Password prompt, enter the password (admin is the
default password). Press ENTER. Upon successful login, the
connection message appears.

5. Enter the configuration mode by typing configure followed by
The ENTER key

.

6. Review and configure all key settings for the required applica­tion. Built-in help is available by pressing the Tab key. A sum­mary of all unit settings may be viewed by entering the

% show | details command.

Tab-completion is a powerful feature that provides assistance

when typing commands in CLI. Depending on the text that was
already entered, tab-completion displays different possible com­pletions. When the Tab key is pressed and no text has been
entered, the CLI shows all possible commands that can be typed.

Key items that should be reviewed or set for the unit are as follows:

• Create one-time programmable passwords for unit recovery

• Change login passwords (to maintain security)

• Evaluate default factory configuration and lock the unit down

to the required security level

• Radio configuration, including TX/RX frequency plan

Refer to the Technical Manual for details on the above items.

7. When finished, log out of the console session and disconnect
the PC from the master station.

4.0 IN-SERVICE OPERATION

In-service operation of the master station is completely automatic.
The only operator actions required are to apply power and check
the module LEDs for proper indications as shown in Table 4.

Table 4: Module LED Descriptions

Module LED Name Function

Platform Manager PWR On—Power applied

Flash—System bootup

PWR and ALARM on (solid) = system initialization (pre-bootup)

Platform Manager ALARM Flashing—Alarmed (SD

Master)

Radio PWR/ALARM On—Power applied

Flashing—Alarmed radio

Radio ACTIVE On—Active

Off—Standby
Radio TX On—Transmitting
Radio RX On—Receiving
Alarm/Relay ALARM MAJ On—Major Alarm (SD

Master)
Alarm/Relay ALARM MIN On—Minor Alarm (SD

Master)
Alarm/Relay ACT A On—Radio A Active

Off—Radio A Standby
Alarm/Relay ACT B On—Radio B Active

Off—Radio B Standby

5.0 COM1/COM2 REFERENCE

The COM port is commonly used to connect an external DTE
telemetry device to the unit, supporting either the RS-232 or
RS-485 (balanced) format, depending on how the device is config­ured. The unit supports data rates of 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 bps (asynchronous data only).

This connector mates with a standard RJ-45 plug available from
many electronics parts distributors.

4 MDS SD Master Station 05-6398A01, Rev. A

5.1 Pin Descriptions—RS-232 Mode

Pin descriptions for the COM connector in RS-232 mode are
shown in Figure 8 and Table 5. Note that the unit is hardwired as
a DCE device. Refer to the Technical Manual for RS-422/485
descriptions. (Note: RS-485 supported on COM1 only.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Table 5: COM1/COM2 Pinouts—RS-232

Pin #Input/

Output

1 Reserved -- (Do not connect)
2 OUT DCD (Data Carrier Detect)
3 Reserved -- (Do not connect)
4 Ground Connects to chassis ground (negative supply)
5 OUT RXD (Received Data)—Supplies received data

6 IN TXD (Transmitted Data)—Accepts TX data

7 OUT CTS (Clear to Send)
8 IN RTS (Request to Send)

Figure 8. COM Connector (RJ-45)

As viewed from outside the unit

Pin Description

to the connected device

from the connected device

7.2 Redundant Units

The active radio can be identified by the corresponding LED on the
alarm/relay module as well as the active LED on the radio module.
The active unit is normally selected automatically. For trouble­shooting, the toggle switch can be used to manually set the active
radio. Alternatively, the switch can remain in the automatic posi­tion, and the active radio can be selected via the SD Manager UI.

7.3 T echnical Assistance

Factory technical assistance is available by contacting GE MDS
during business hours (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time). For
telephone assistance, call [phone], or visit our website at
www.gemds.com for additional contact options.

Refer also to the Regulatory & Product Information Sheet supplied
with these instructions.

6.0 ALARM/AUDIO PINOUT

The ALARM/AUDIO Interface on the Alarm/Relay module provides
audio signaling and alarm outputs as shown below.

Invisible place holder

Figure 9. Alarm/Audio Connections

(As viewed from outside the radio)

7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING

If trouble occurs with the unit, verify that it meets the basic require­ments listed below. These items should be checked prior to
starting any detailed troubleshooting or calling for assistance. All
units must have:

• Adequate and stable primary power

• Secure cable and wiring connections

• Proper configuration for the application

7.1 LEDs

The LEDs on the front of installed modules (Table 4) provide useful
information when troubleshooting. Power and alarm indicators are
provided on Platform Manager, Radio, and Alarm/Relay modules.
Radio Modules also have TX/RX LEDs to show wireless activity.

MDS SDA Instruction Sheet Technical Support: [phone]
05-6398A01, Rev. A FAX: [phone]
September 2014 Web: www.gemds.com

GE MDS, LLC

175 Science Parkway
Rochester, NY 14620

Regulatory & Product Information
Sheet—MDS SD Master Station

FCC Part 15 Notice

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 users will be required to correct the
interference at their own expense.

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.

RF Exposure Notice
To comply with RF exposure requirements, the antenna shall be installed to

ensure a minimum separation distance of 3.05 meters (10 feet) from persons.
The antenna may not be collocated or operated in conjunction with other trans­mitting devices. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the
antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the Equivalent Isotropically
Radiated Power (EIRP) is not more than that permitted for successful commu­nication.

Only approved antennas may be used on the unit's RF output connectors,
as listed below. The use of non-approved antennas may result in a viola­tion of FCC rules, and subject the user to FCC enforcement action.

Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment

Servicing Precautions

When servicing energized equipment, be sure to wear appropriate Per­sonal Protective Equipment (PPE). During internal service, situations could
arise where objects accidentally contact or short circuit components and
the appropriate PPE would alleviate or decrease the severity of potential
injury. When servicing radios, all workplace regulations and other appli­cable standards for live electrical work should be followed to ensure per­sonal safety.

Manual Revision and Accuracy

This manual was prepared to cover a specific version of firmware code.
Accordingly, some screens and features may differ from the actual unit you
are working with. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure
the accuracy of this publication, product improvements may also result in
minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you. If
you have additional questions or need an exact specification for a product,
please contact GE MDS, using the information at the back of this guide.

In addition, manual updates can be found on our web site at
www.gemds.com.

Environmental Information

The manufacture of this equipment has required the extraction and use of
natural resources. Improper disposal may contaminate the environment
and present a health risk due to hazardous substances contained within.
To avoid dissemination of these substances into our environment and to
limit the demand on natural resources, we encourage you to use the appro­priate recycling systems for disposal. These systems will reuse or recycle
most of the materials found in this equipment in a sound way. Please con­tact GE MDS or your supplier for more information on the proper disposal
of this equipment.

Product Test Data Sheets

Test Data Sheets showing the original factory test results for this unit are
available upon request from the GE MDS Quality Leader. Contact the fac­tory using the information at the back of this manual. Serial numbers must
be provided for each product where a Test Data Sheet is required.

Grounding Requirements

To minimize the chance of damage to the unit and connected equipment,
a safety ground (NEC Class 2 compliant) is recommended which bonds the
antenna system, chassis, power supply and connected data equipment to
a single-point ground, keeping all ground leads as short as possible.

Normally, the unit is adequately grounded if the supplied mounting
brackets are used to mount it to a well-grounded metal surface. If the unit
is not mounted to a grounded surface, it is recommended that a safety
ground wire be attached to one of the mounting brackets or a screw on the
enclosure.

The use of a lightning protector is recommended where the antenna cable
enters the building. Bond the protector to the tower/support ground, if pos­sible. All grounds and cabling must comply with applicable codes and reg­ulations.