GE MDS DS-SD4 User Manual

MDSSD4™

Software-Controlled

Digital Communications

Firmware Release 1.x.x

MDS 05-4669A01, Rev. B.1

NOV. 2008

Start-Up Guide

OPERATIONAL & SAFETY NOTICES

RF Exposure		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.
	Antenna Gain vs. Recommended Safety Distance
			(MDS SD4 Radio)
				Antenna Gain
			0–5 dBi	5–10 dBi	10–16.5 dBi
	Minimum RF		0.79 meter	1.41 meters	3.05 meters
	Safety Distance

FCC Part 15 Notice

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

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
	EXPLOSION
		on hazardous locations and approved Division 2 wiring methods.
	HAZARD!

Refer to the Reference Manual for additional product notices.

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 detailed instructions, system design, and other technical information.

The transceiver (Figure 1) is designed to operate in point-to-multi- point 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 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 Connectors

Figure 2 shows the interface connectors and indicators on the transceiver’s front panel. These items are referenced in the installation steps given later in this guide.

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MDS SD4 Startup Guide

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Figure 2. Front Panel Connectors & Indicators

Connector functions (left to right) in Figure 2 are as follows:

•POWER

•LAN (RJ-45)

•COM1—Management/Diagnostics (DB-9)

•COM2—Payload Data (DB-9)

•ANTENNA (TNC)

A list of LED functions is presented in Table 3 on Page 10.

Accessories

Table 1 lists available accessories for the transceiver. The contents of a shipment may have been modified to reflect customer-specific requirements given at the time of order. Additional accessories are available for our products. Contact your factory representative for assistance.

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Table 1. SD4 Available Accessories

Accessory	Description	Part Number
DC Power Plug,	Mates with power connector on	73-1194A39
2-pin, polarized	radio. Screw terminals provided for
	wires, threaded locking screws to
	prevent accidental disconnect.
Retrofit Kit, Digital	Contains all items needed to replace	98-6190ACC1
	an existing MDS x710A/C/M digital
	transceiver.
Retrofit Kit, Analog	Contains all items needed to replace	98-6190ACC2
	an existing MDS x710A/C/M
	transceiver used in the analog
	mode.
Reference Manual	Contains technical information,	05-4670A01
	system design data, and a complete
	list of software commands.

INSTALLATION

There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver:

•Adequate and stable primary power

•An efficient and properly installed antenna system

•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 front panel connections.

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MDS SD4 Startup Guide

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ANTENNA

SYSTEM

TRANSCEIVER

POWER SUPPLY 10.5–16 VDC @ 2A Negative Ground Only

-LOSS	FEEDLINE
LOW

DATA TELEMETRY

DEVICE

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 details, if required.

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.

NOTE: To prevent moisture from entering the radio, do not mount the case with the cable connectors pointing up. Also, dress all cables to prevent moisture from running along the cables and into the radio.

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