GE MDS MDS TransNET Operating Manual

Primary Power

Diagnostic

(6–30 Vdc)

(Communications)

0 (0)

MDS TransNET 900™

MDS TransNET 2400™

Spread Spectrum

Data Transceiver

Including supplemental data for Board-Only units

MDS 05-2708A01, Rev. F

MARCH 2013

Reference Manual

Quick-Start instructions for this product are contained in publication 05-4481A01.

All GE MDS manuals are available online at www.gemds.com

CONTENTS

1.0	ABOUT THIS MANUAL ...............................................		1
2.0	PRODUCT DESCRIPTION .........................................		1
	2.1	Transceiver Features ......................................................	1
	2.2	Model Number Codes .....................................................	2
	2.3	Spread Spectrum Radios—How Are They Different? .....	2
	2.4	Typical Applications ........................................................	2
		Multiple Address Systems (MAS)......................................	2
		Point-to-Point System........................................................	3
		Adding a Tail-End Link to an Existing Network..................	3
		Extending a TransNET Network with a Repeater..............	4
	2.5	Accessories .....................................................................	5
3.0	INSTALLATION PLANNING ........................................		6

	3.1	General Requirements ....................................................	6
	3.2	Site Selection ..................................................................	6
		Terrain and Signal Strength ...............................................	7
		Conducting a Site Survey..................................................	7
	3.3	A Word About Radio Interference ...................................	8
	3.4	Antenna & Feedline Selection .........................................	9
		Antennas ...........................................................................	9
		Feedlines...........................................................................	10
		Antenna System Ground ...................................................	11
	3.5	How Much Output Power Can be Used? ........................	12
4.0	INSTALLATION............................................................		14

	4.1	Transceiver Installation ...................................................	14
	4.2	Configuring Multiple Remote Units .................................	18
	4.3	Tail-End Links ..................................................................	18
	4.4	Configuring a Network for Extensions .............................	19
5.0	OPERATION................................................................		19

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5.1	Initial Start-up .................................................................	19
5.2	Performance Optimization ..............................................	20
	Antenna Aiming.................................................................	20
	Antenna SWR Check ........................................................	21
	Data Buffer Setting—Modbus Protocol .............................	21
	Hoptime Setting ................................................................	21
	TotalFlow™ Protocol at 9600 with Sleep Mode ................	21
	Operation at 115200 bps...................................................	21
	Baud Rate Setting.............................................................	22
	Radio Interference Checks ...............................................	22
6.0 RADIO PROGRAMMING .............................................		22
6.1	Radio Programming Methods .........................................	22
	Terminal Interface .............................................................	22
	PC-Based Configuration Tool............................................	22
6.2	User Commands ............................................................	23
	Entering Commands .........................................................	23
6.3	Detailed Command Descriptions ....................................	28
	ADDR [1–65000]...............................................................	29
	Network Address
	AMASK [0000 0000–FFFF FFFF].....................................	29
	Alarm Mask
	AT [ON, OFF] ....................................................................	29
	Hayes-Compatible AT Command Support
	ASENSE [HI/LO] ...............................................................	29
	Alarm Output Sense
	BAUD [xxxxx abc] .............................................................	29
	Data Interface Port Baud Rate
	BAND [A, B, C]..................................................................	30
	Select Sub-Band (Normally used for 2.4 GHz units)
	BUFF [ON, OFF] ...............................................................	30
	Data Buffer Mode
	CODE [NONE, 1…255].....................................................	31
	Security Code
	CSADDR [1–65000, NONE] .............................................	31
	Clock-Synchronizing Master Address
	CTS [0–255]......................................................................	31
	Clear-to-Send Delay

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CTSHOLD [0–60000] ........................................................	32
Clear-to-Send Hold Time
DEVICE [DCE, CTS KEY] ................................................	32
Radio-MODEM Behavior
DLINK [xxxxx/ON/OFF] .....................................................	32
InSite Diagnostics Link Support
DKEY.................................................................................	33
Turn Off Radio Transmitter‘s Test Signal
DTYPE [NODE/ROOT]......................................................	33
Network Diagnostics Mode
FEC [ON, OFF]..................................................................	33
Forward Error Correction
HOPTIME [7, 28] ...............................................................	34
Radio Transmitter Hop Timing
INIT....................................................................................	34
Initialize; Restore to Factory Defaults
HREV ................................................................................	35
Hardware Revision
KEY ...................................................................................	35
Turn On Radio Transmitter Test Signal
LED [ON, OFF]..................................................................	36
Enable/Disable PCB LEDs
LPM [1, 0] ..........................................................................	36
Low-Power Mode—Masters Only
LPMHOLD [0–1000] ..........................................................	36
Low-Power Mode Sleep Time
MODE [M, R, X].................................................................	36
Radio Operating Mode
MRSSI [NONE, –40...–90].................................................	37
Minimum RSSI for Mobile Operation
OT [ON, OFF]....................................................................	37
Output Trigger
OWM [xxxxx] .....................................................................	37
“Owner’s Message”
OWN [xxxxx]......................................................................	37
“Owner’s Name”
PORT [RS232, RS485]......................................................	37
Data Interface Port Signaling Standard
PWR [20–30] .....................................................................	38
Radio Transmitter Power Level

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REPEAT [0–10].................................................................	38
Downstream Repeat Transmission Count
RETRY [0–10]...................................................................	38
Upstream Repeat Transmission Count
RSSI..................................................................................	38
Received Signal Strength Indicator
RTU [ON, OFF, 0-80] ........................................................	39
Remote Terminal Unit Simulator
RX [xxxx]...........................................................................	39
Radio Receive Test Frequency
RXD [0–255] .....................................................................	39
RXD Delay
RXTOT [NONE, 0–1440] ..................................................	40
Receive Data Timeout-Timer
SAF [ON, OFF] .................................................................	40
Store-and-Forward Services Support
SETUP ..............................................................................	40
Setup Radio Test
SER...................................................................................	40
Radio Serial Number
SHOW CON......................................................................	41
Show Virtual Connection Status
SHOW PWR .....................................................................	41
Show Measured RF Transmit Power
SHOW SYNC....................................................................	41
Show Clock-Synchronization Master Ntwk Address
SKIP [NONE, 1...8] ...........................................................	41
Skip Radio Operating Zones
SLEEP [ON, OFF].............................................................	42
Transceiver Sleep—Remotes Only
SREV ................................................................................	42
Firmware Revision Level
STAT .................................................................................	43
Alarm Status
TEMP ................................................................................	43
Radio’s Internal Temperature
TX [xxxx] ...........................................................................	43
Radio Transmit Test Frequency
UNIT [10000–65000].........................................................	43
Unit Address

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		XADDR [0–31]...................................................................	44
		Extended Address
		XMAP [00000000-FFFFFFFF] ..........................................	44
		Map of Extension Addresses
		XPRI [0–31] .......................................................................	44
		Primary Extended Address
		XRSSI [NONE, –40...–120] ...............................................	44
		Extension RSSI Level
		ZONE CLEAR ...................................................................	44
		Clear Zone Statistics Log
		ZONE DATA ......................................................................	44
		Read Zone Statistics Log
7.0	TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................		45
	7.1	LED Indicators ................................................................	46
	7.2	Alarm Codes ...................................................................	46
		Checking for Alarms—STAT command .............................	46
		Major Alarms versus Minor Alarms ...................................	46
		Alarm Code Definitions......................................................	47
	7.3	Troubleshooting Chart ....................................................	48
	7.4	Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics ..............	49
	7.5	Internal Fuse Replacement .............................................	50
8.0	RADIO FIRMWARE UPGRADES.................................		51
	8.1	Obtaining New Firmware ................................................	51
		Saving a Web-Site Firmware File Onto Your PC...............	51
	8.2	Installing Firmware Into Your Radio ................................	51
9.0 OPERATING PRINCIPLES AND CONFIGURATION ...			52
	9.1	SAF Operation with Extension Radios ............................	52
		Simple Extended SAF Network .........................................	52
		Extended SAF Network .....................................................	53
		Retransmission and ARQ Operation .................................	53
		SAF Configuration Example ..............................................	53
	9.2	Synchronizing Network Units ..........................................	54
		Synchronization Messages ...............................................	55
	9.3	Using AT Commands ......................................................	55
	9.4	Configuration Parameters for S&F Services ...................	57

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9.5 Using the Radio’s Sleep Mode (Remote Units Only) ......		59
Sleep Mode Example........................................................		60
9.6 Low-Power Mode (LPM)—Master Enabled ....................		60
Setup Commands .............................................................		60
Reading RSSI & Other Parameters w/LPM Enabled ........		61
Power Consumption by HOPTIME and SAF Settings ......		61
9.7 Low-Power Mode versus Remote’s Sleep Mode ............		62
9.8	Mobile Operation Support ..............................................	62
Introduction .......................................................................		62
Operational Influences—Hoptime & SAF..........................		63
9.9 MIRRORED BITS™ Protocol Support ...........................		63
9.10	Seamless Mode Emulation ..........................................	63
9.11	Full-Duplex Emulation ...................................................	63
9.12	Co-Located and Close-Proximity Masters ....................	63
Master Station Configuration.............................................		64
Antenna System for Co-Located Master Stations .............		64
9.13	Security ........................................................................	65
10.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE .......................................		66
10.1	Product Specifications—900 MHz ................................	66
10.2	Product Specifications—2.4 GHz .................................	67
10.3	Diagnostic Interface Connections (RJ-11) ....................	69
10.4	Data Interface Connections (DB-9F) ............................	69
Pin Descriptions—RS/EIA-232 Mode ...............................		70
Pin Descriptions—RS/EIA-422/485 Mode ........................		71
10.5	Board-Only Supplemental Data ....................................	72
Product Differences—Board-only vs. Standard ................		72
Unit Dimensions................................................................		72
Mounting Requirements....................................................		73
10.6	User Configurable I/O Connections ..............................	73
Using the I/O Points with InSite™ NMS Software.............		75
Application Example—Digital I/O at a Remote .................		75
10.7	dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart ..............................	76

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Quality Policy Statement

Our employees are committed to understanding and exceeding our customer’s needs and expectations.

•We appreciate our customers’ patronage. They are our business.

•We promise to serve them and anticipate their needs.

•We are committed to providing solutions that are cost effective, innovative and reliable, with consistently high levels of quality.

We are committed to the continuous improvement of all of our systems and processes, to improve product quality and increase customer satisfaction.

RF Exposure Notice

RF EXPOSURE Professional installation required. The radio equipment described in this guide emits radio frequency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to come closer than 23 cm (9 inches) to the antenna when the transmitter is oper-

ating in indoor or outdoor environments in the 900 MHz band or 11.2 cm (4.4 inches) in the 2400 MHz band. More information on RF exposure is available on the Internet at www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.

	RF Safety Notice (English and French)
	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.
	l'exposition aux RF	Concentré d'énergie à partir d'une antenne directionnelle peut poser
	l'exposition aux RF	un risque pour la santé humaine. Ne pas permettre aux gens de se rap-

		procher de l'antenne que les distances indiquées dans le tableau
		ci-dessous lorsque l'émetteur est en marche. Plus d'informations sur
		l'exposition aux RF peut être trouvé en ligne à l'adresse suivante:
		www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.

Minimum RF Safety Distance

Safety Distance (900 MHz)	23 cm

Safety Distance (2.4 GHz)	11.2 cm

ISO 9001 Registration

Microwave Data Systems adheres to the internationally-accepted ISO 9001 quality system standard.

UL/CSA Notice

The MDS TransNET 900 is available for use in Class I, 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. (Approval of the MDS TransNET 2400 is pending as of August 2006.)

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The transceiver has been recognized for use in these hazardous locations by two independent agencies —Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The UL certification for the transceiver is as a Recognized Component for use in these hazardous locations, in accordance with UL Standard 1604, UL508. The CSA Certification is in accordance with CSA STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987.

UL/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:

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

2.The coaxial antenna cable, power input cable and interface cables must be routed through conduit in accordance with Division 2 wiring methods as specified in the National Electrical Code, Article 501.4(B).

3.The transceiver must be used within its Recognized “Ratings”.

4.Installation, operation and maintenance of the transceiver should be in accordance with the transceiver's installation manual, and the National Electrical Code.

5.Tampering or replacement with non-factory components may adversely affect the safe use of the transceiver in hazardous locations, and may void the approval.

6.A power connector with screw-type retaining screws as supplied by MDS must be used.

When installed in a Class I, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C or D hazardous location, observe the following: WARNING —EXPLOSION HAZARD Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is know 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.

FCC Part 15 Approval Notice

The products described comply 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 device is specifically designed to be used under Section 15.247 of the FCC Rules and Regulations. Any unauthorized modification or changes to this device without the express approval of the manufacturer 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.

Industry Canada Notice

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

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. All service must be performed by qualified personnel.

Manual Revision and Accuracy

While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual, product improvements may 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 our Technical Services team using the information at the back of this guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found online at www.gemds.com.

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ESD Notice

To prevent malfunction or damage to this radio, which may be caused by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), the radio should be properly grounded by connection to a single-point ground that includes the unit’s chassis and antenna system. In addition, the installer or operator must observe proper ESD precautions, such as touching a grounded bare metal object to dissipate body charge, prior to connecting or disconnecting cables or performing any other service work.

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 your factory representative for more information on the proper disposal of this equipment.

Battery Disposal—This product may contain a battery. Batteries must be disposed of properly, and may not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste in the European Union. See the product documentation for specific battery information. Batteries are marked with a symbol, which may include lettering to indicate cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), or mercury (Hg). For proper recycling return the battery to your supplier or to a designated collection point.

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.

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1.0 ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This manual presents installation and operating instructions of the

MDS TransNET 900™ and MDS TransNET 2400™ transceivers for use by a professional installer. This person is expected to install, operate, and perform basic system maintenance on the described radio. Following installation, we suggest keeping this manual near the equipment for future reference.

NOTE: If you have a board-only version of this product, the operating instructions in this manual still apply, but refer also to the supplemental data at the back of this manual (see Page 72).

2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The transceiver, shown in Figure 1, is a spread spectrum radio designed for license-free operation. These units employ Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to provide highly-reliable long-distance communications, even in the presence of weak signals or interference.

DSP technology also makes it possible to obtain information about radio operation and troubleshoot problems, without going to the Remote radio site. Using appropriate software at the Master station, diagnostic data can be obtained on any DSP radio in the system, even while payload data is being transmitted. (See “Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics” on Page 49.)

The transceiver is housed in a compact and rugged die-cast enclosure that need only be protected from direct exposure to the weather. It contains a single printed circuit board with all necessary components for radio operation. No jumper settings or manual adjustments are required to configure the radio for operation.

Figure 1.

MDS TransNET

Series Transceiver

2.1 Transceiver Features

Listed below are several key features of the transceiver. These are designed to ease the installation and configuration of the radio, while retaining the ability to make changes in the future.

• 902–928 MHz operation using the TransNET 900

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•2400–2482 MHz ISM band operation with the TransNET 2400

•User-selectable option to skip sub-bands with constant interference

•65,000 available network addresses

•Network-wide configuration from the Master station eliminates most trips to Remote sites

•Data transparency ensures compatibility with virtually all asynchronous SCADA system RTUs

•Peak-hold RSSI averaged over eight hop cycles

•Operation at up to 115,200 bps continuous data flow

•Store-and-Forward repeater operation

•Data latency typically less than 10 ms

•Same hardware for Master or Remote configuration

•Supports RS/EIA-232 and RS/EIA-485 user interface

•Low current consumption; typically less than 3 mA in “sleep” mode

NOTE: Some radio features may not be available on all models, or limited by the options purchased, or the applicable regulatory constraints for the region in which the radio will operate.

2.2 Model Number Codes

The radio model number is printed on the label on the end of the radio’s enclosure. It provides key information about how the radio was configured when it was shipped from the factory. This number is subject to many variations depending on what options are installed and where (country) the product is used. Contact the factory if you have questions on the meaning of the code.

2.3 Spread Spectrum Radios— How Are They Different?

The main difference between a traditional (licensed) radio and the

MDS TransNET transceiver is that this unit “hops” from channel to channel many times per second using a specific hop pattern applied to all radios in the network. A distinct hopping pattern is provided for each of the 65,000 available network addresses, thereby minimizing the chance of interference with other spread spectrum systems. In the USA, and some other countries, no license is required to install and operate this type of radio system, provided that RF power and antenna gain restrictions are observed.

2.4 Typical Applications

Multiple Address Systems (MAS)

This is the most common application of the transceiver. It consists of a central control station (Master) and two or more associated Remote units, as shown in Figure 2. An MAS network provides communications between a central

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MDS 05-2708A01, Rev. F

host computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection devices. The operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer equipment. When used in this application, the transceiver provides an excellent alternative to traditional (licensed) MAS radio systems.

MDS TransNET	RTU
Remote

RTU

MDS TransNET

Remote

MDS TransNET

Remote

RTU

MDS TransNET

Master

RTU

MDS TransNET

Remote

Host System

Figure 2. Typical MAS Network

Point-to-Point System

A point-to-point configuration (Figure 3) is a simple arrangement consisting of just two radios—a Master and a Remote. This provides a half-duplex communications link for the transfer of data between two locations.

MDS TransNET	MDS TransNET
Master	Remote

Host System

Figure 3. Typical Point-to-Point Link

Adding a Tail-End Link to an Existing Network

A tail-end link can be used to extend the range of a traditional (licensed) MAS system. This might be required if an outlying site is blocked from the MAS Master station by a natural or man-made obstruction. In this arrangement, a

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TransNET radio links the outlying Remote site into the rest of a licensed MAS system by sending data from that site to an associated TransNET installed at one of the licensed Remote sites (see Figure 4).

As the data from the outlying site is received at the licensed Remote site, it is transferred to the licensed radio (via a local cable connection) and is then transmitted to the MAS Master station in the usual manner. Additional details for tail-end links are given in Section 4.3 (Page 18).

	REPEATER STATION
MDS x710B	MDS TransNET
Series Radio	Master
Master Station
	Null-Modem Cable

Remote

Radio Remote

Radio

RTU

SPREAD
TO
OUTLYINGSPECTRUM
SITELINK
MDS TransNET
Remote
	OUTLYING
RTU	REMOTE SITE
RTU

MAS SYSTEM (LICENSED OR UNLICENSED)

LICENSE-FREE SPREAD SPECTRUM SYSTEM

Figure 4. Typical Tail-End Link Arrangement

Extending a TransNET Network with a Repeater

Similar to a Tail-End Link, Store-and-Forward (SAF) offers a way to physically extend the network range, but in a simple and economical manner. SAF works by dividing a network into a vertical hierarchy of two or more sub-networks. Extension radios (designated as MODE X) serve as single-radio repeaters that link adjacent sub-networks, and move data from one sub-network to the next one.

REPEATER STATION

MDS TransNET

Master

MODE = M	RTU
SAF = ON

MDS TransNET

Extension

SPREADTO OUTLYINGSPECTRUM SITELINK

		MODE = X
MDS TransNET
Remote		MDS TransNET	MDS TransNET
MODE = R		Remote	MDS TransNET
MODE = R		Remote	Remote
		MODE = R	Remote
		MODE = R	MODE = R
			MODE = R
				OUTLYING
	RTU	RTU	RTU	REMOTE SITE
	RTU	RTU	RTU
		Figure 5. TransNET Repeater Network
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2.5 Accessories

The transceiver can be used with one or more of the accessories listed in Table 1. Contact the factory for ordering details.

Table 1. Accessories

Accessory	Description	Part No.
AC Power	Small power supply module designed for con-	01-3682A02
Adapter	tinuous service. UL approved.
	Input: 120/220 Vac
	Output: 12 Vdc @ 500 mA (20 Watts)
2-Pin DC Power	Mates with power connector on the transceiver.	73-1194A39
Plug	Screw terminals are provided for wires.
Fuse (Internal)	Fuse, 2A SMF Slo-Blo	29-1784A03

Omnidirectional	Rugged antennas suited for use at Master	Various;
Antennas	stations. Consult the factory for details.	Consult factory
900 MHz	Rugged directional antennas suited for use at	Various;
Yagi Antennas	Remote stations. Consult the factory for details.	Consult factory
2400 MHz	Rugged directional antennas suited for use at	Various;
Antennas	Remote stations.	Consult factory
900 MHz	Antenna system filter to aid in eliminating inter-	20-2822A02
Bandpass Filter	ference from paging system transmissions.
TNC-to-N	Coaxial cable used to connect the radio’s TNC	97-1677A159
Adapter Cable	antenna connector to a Type-N style commonly
(3 ft./1 meter)	used on large-diameter coaxial cables.
TNC-to-N	Coaxial cable used to connect the radio’s TNC	97-1677A160
Adapter Cable	antenna connector to a Type-N style commonly
(6 ft./1.8 meter)	used on large-diameter coaxial cables.
TNC-to-N RF	Adapts radio’s antenna connector to Type-N	97-1677A161
Adaptor Plug	style commonly used on large-diameter coaxial
	cables.
RS/EIA-232	Shielded data cable fitted with DB-9 male and	97-1971A03
Cable	DB-9 female, 6 ft./1.8 meter.
RJ-11 to DB-9	For connecting a PC terminal to the transceiver	03-3246A01
Adapter Cable	via the radio’s DIAG(nostics) connector. Used
	for programming and diagnostics.
Flat-Surface	Brackets: 2˝ x 3˝ plates designed to be screwed	82-1753-A01
Mounting	onto the bottom of the transceiver for sur-
Brackets	face-mounting the radio.
Mounting	Screws: 6-32/1/4˝ with locking adhesive.	70-2620-A01
Bracket Screws	(Industry Standard MS 51957-26)
19-Inch Rail	Adaptor for mounting the radio in a standard	Consult Factory
Mounting	19-inch equipment rack.
Brackets
DIN Rail Mtg.	Adaptor for mounting the radio in a standard	03-4022A01
Brackets	19-inch equipment rack.

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3.0 INSTALLATION PLANNING

The installation of the radio is not difficult, but it does require some planning to ensure station reliability and efficiency. This section provides tips for selecting an appropriate site, choosing an antenna system, and reducing the chance of harmful interference.

3.1 General Requirements

There are three main requirements for installing the radio—adequate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the compatible interface between the transceiver and the data device.

Figure 6 shows a typical Remote station arrangement. Master stations are similar, but an omni-directional antenna is normally used instead of a directional type, and a host computer replaces the data terminal equipment.

DATA TERMINAL	ANTENNA
EQUIPMENT	SYSTEM

MDS Transceiver

POWER SUPPLY 13.8 VDC @ 500 mA (6–30 Vdc)

-LOSS	FEEDLINE
-LOSS
LOW

Figure 6. Typical Remote Station Arrangement

3.2 Site Selection

For a successful installation, careful thought must be given to selecting proper sites for the Master and Remote stations. Suitable sites should provide the following:

•Protection from direct weather exposure

•A source of adequate and stable primary power

•Suitable entrances for antenna, interface or other required cabling

•Antenna location that provides an unobstructed transmission path in the direction of the associated station(s)

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These requirements can be quickly determined in most cases. A possible exception is the last item—verifying that an unobstructed transmission path exists. Radio signals travel primarily by line-of-sight, and obstructions between the sending and receiving stations will affect system performance. If you are not familiar with the effects of terrain and other obstructions on radio transmission, the discussion below will provide helpful background.

Terrain and Signal Strength

While the 900 and 2400 MHz bands offer many advantages over VHF and lower UHF frequencies for data transmission, they are more prone to signal attenuation from obstructions such as terrain, foliage or buildings in the transmission path.

A line-of-sight transmission path between the Master station and its associated Remote site(s) is highly desirable and provides the most reliable communications link. A line-of-sight path can often be achieved by mounting the station antenna on a tower or other elevated structure that raises it to a level sufficient to clear surrounding terrain and other obstructions.

The importance of a clear transmission path relates closely to the distance to be covered by the system. If the system is to cover only a limited geographic area, say up to 3 miles (4.8 km), then some obstructions in the communications path can usually be tolerated with minimal impact. For longer range systems, any substantial obstruction in the communications path could compromise the performance of the system, or block communications entirely.

Much depends on the minimum signal strength that can be tolerated in a given system. Fade margin for a TransNET system does not usually have to be as conservative as a licensed system. The nature of TransNET’s frequency-hopping algorithm reduces the impact of frequency-selective fading.

Although the exact figure will differ from one system to another, a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of –100 dBm will often provide acceptable performance. A higher signal strength is generally desirable and may be needed in special cases—for example, urban deployment.

Conducting a Site Survey

If you are in doubt about the suitability of the radio sites in your system, it is best to evaluate them before a permanent installation is begun. This can be done with an on-the-air test (preferred method), or indirectly, using path-study software.

An on-the-air test is preferred because it allows you to see firsthand the factors involved at an installation site and to directly observe the quality of system operation. Even if a computer path study was conducted earlier, this test should be done to verify the predicted results.

The test can be performed by first installing a radio and antenna at the proposed Master station site and then visiting each Remote site with a transceiver and a hand-held antenna.

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With the hand-held antenna positioned near the proposed mounting spot, a technician can check for synchronization with the Master station (shown by a lit SYNC lamp on the front panel) and measure the reported RSSI value. If adequate signal strength cannot be obtained, it may be necessary to mount the station antennas higher, use higher gain antennas, or select a different site. To prepare the equipment for an on-the-air test, follow the general installation procedures given in this guide and become familiar with the operating instructions given in Section 5.0, beginning on Page 19.

If time is short, and a site survey is impractical, a computer path study is a good alternative. Factors such as terrain, distance, transmitter power, receiver sensitivity, and other conditions are taken into account to predict the performance of a proposed system. Contact the GE MDS Technical Services Group for more information on path study services.

3.3 A Word About Radio Interference

The radio shares the frequency spectrum with other services and other Part 15 (unlicensed) devices in the USA. As such, near 100% error free communications may not be achieved in a given location, and some level of interference should be expected. However, the radio’s flexible design and hopping techniques should allow adequate performance as long as care is taken in choosing station location, configuration of radio parameters and software/protocol techniques.

In general, keep the following points in mind when setting up your communications network:

1.Systems installed in rural areas are least likely to encounter interference; those in suburban and urban environments are more likely to be affected by other devices operating in the license-free frequency band and by adjacent licensed services.

2.If possible, use a directional antenna at Remote sites. Although these antennas may be more costly than omnidirectional types, they confine the transmission and reception pattern to a comparatively narrow lobe, which minimizes interference to (and from) stations located outside the pattern.

3.If interference is suspected from a nearby licensed system (such as a paging transmitter), it may be helpful to use horizontal polarization of all antennas in the network. Because most other services use vertical polarization in these bands, an additional 20 dB of attenuation to interference can be achieved by using horizontal polarization.

4.Multiple transceiver systems can co-exist in proximity to each other with only very minor interference as long as they are each assigned a unique network address. Each network address has a different hop pattern.

Additional RF isolation can be achieved by using separate directional antennas with as much vertical or horizontal separation as is practical. Vertical separation of antennas is more effective per foot/meter than horizontal.

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5.If constant interference is present in a particular frequency zone, it may be necessary to “lock out” that zone from the radio’s hopping pattern. The radio includes built-in tools to help users remove blocked frequency zones. Refer to the discussion of the SKIP command (Page 41) for more information. In the USA, a maximum of four zones may be skipped, per FCC rules. Check the regulatory requirements for your region.

6.Interference can also come from out-of-band RF sources such as paging systems. Installation of a bandpass filter in the antenna system may bring relief. (Contact the Customer Service Department for recommendations and sources of suitable filters.)

7.Proper use of the RETRY and REPEAT commands may be helpful in areas with heavy interference.

The RETRY command sets the maximum number of times (0 to 10) that a radio will re-transmit upstream data over the air. Values greater than 0 successively improve the chances of a message getting through when interference is a problem.

The REPEAT command sets a fixed number of unconditional retransmissions for downstream data.

8.The RF power output of all radios in a system should be set for the lowest level necessary for reliable communications. This lessens the chance of causing unnecessary interference to nearby systems.

3.4 Antenna & Feedline Selection

Antennas

The equipment can be used with a number of antennas. The exact style used depends on the physical size and layout of a system. Contact your factory representative for specific recommendations on antenna types and hardware sources.

In general, an omnidirectional antenna (Figure 7 and Figure 8) is used at the Master station site in an MAS system. This provides equal coverage to all of the Remote sites.

NOTE: Antenna polarization is important. If the wrong polarization is used, a signal reduction of 20 dB or more will result. Most systems using a gain-type omnidirectional antenna at the Master station employ vertical polarization of the signal; therefore, the Remote antenna(s) must also be vertically polarized (elements oriented perpendicular to the horizon).

When required, horizontally polarized omnidirectional antennas are also available. Contact your factory representative for details.

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Figure 7. Omnidirectional Antenna

(mounted to mast)

At Remote sites and point-to-point systems, a directional Yagi antenna (Figure 8), is generally recommended to minimize interference to and from other users. Antennas are available from a sources including GE MDS.

Figure 8. Typical Yagi Antenna

mounted to a mast

Feedlines

The choice of feedline used with the antenna should be carefully considered. Poor-quality coaxial cables should be avoided, as they will degrade system performance for both transmission and reception. The cable should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal loss.

For cable runs of less than 20 feet (6 meters), or for short range transmission, an inexpensive type such as Type RG-8A/U may be acceptable. Otherwise, we recommend using a low-loss cable type suited for 900 MHz, such as Times Microwave LMR 400® or Andrew Heliax®.

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Table 2 lists several types of feedlines and indicates the signal losses (in dB) that result when using various lengths of each cable at 900 MHz and Table 3 for 2.4 GHz. The choice of cable will depend on the required length, cost considerations, and the amount of signal loss that can be tolerated.

Table 2. Length vs. loss in coaxial cables at 900 MHz

Cable Type	10 Feet	50 Feet	100 Feet	300 Feet
Cable Type	(3.05 Meters)	(15.24 Meters)	(30.48 Meters)	(91.44 Meters)
LMR 400	0.39 dB	1.95 dB	3.9 dB	Unacceptable
				Loss
1/2 inch	0.23 dB	1.15 dB	2.29 dB	6.87 dB
HELIAX
7/8 inch	0.13 dB	0.64 dB	1.28 dB	3.84 dB
HELIAX
1-1/4 inch	0.10 dB	0.48 dB	0.95 dB	2.85 dB
HELIAX
1-5/8 inch	0.08 dB	0.40 dB	0.80 dB	2.4 dB
HELIAX
Table 3. Length vs. loss in coaxial cables at 2400 MHz

Cable Type	10 Feet	50 Feet	100 Feet	300 Feet
Cable Type	(3.05 Meters)	(15.24 Meters)	(30.48 Meters)	(91.44 Meters)
LMR-400	0.70 dB	3.50 dB	6.61 dB	Unacceptable
				Loss
1/2 inch	0.35 dB	1.73 dB	3.46 dB	17.3 dB
HELIAX
7/8 inch	0.20 dB	0.99 dB	1.97 dB	9.85 dB
HELIAX
1-1/4 inch	0.15 dB	0.73 dB	1.45 dB	7.50 dB
HELIAX

Antenna System Ground

Precautions should be taken to assure the antenna and its support structure are bonded to a good earth ground system to minimize the impact of voltages created by lightning and atmospheric charges.

CAUTION: Safety grounding systems are beyond the scope of this manual. Below you will find some elementary advice. These are generalities; every location and installation is unique and requires a unique safety grounding system design. Please consider consulting a radio system engineer or other professional for advice or ground system design. A well-designed ground system will minimize risk of electrical shock to personnel and the chances of equipment damage.

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Antenna Selection—Choose an antenna that offers a “DC ground” or direct low-impedance ground connection for all metallic components. This will allow static charges on the antenna system to be safely dissipated to ground. It will also provide a low-impedance discharge path to an earth/safety ground in the event of a direct lightning strike.

Support Earth/Safety Ground—The structure that supports your antenna system should have a large-gauge ground wire that goes as directly as possible to an safety/earth ground system. If a tower is used, it should have its own ground system. Support structure grounds can be bonded to the electrical system ground for increased protection. Do not use the building’s AC-power supply ground as a safety ground for lightning protection.

Chassis Ground—Connect a safety/earth ground to the ground post provided on the electronic/electrical equipment. If a ground terminal is present, bond the chassis to the safety ground at a point that is as close as possible to the antenna system and primary power entry points on the chassis.

3.5 How Much Output Power Can be Used?

The transceiver is normally supplied from the factory set for an RF power of +30 dBm (1 Watt) for 900 MHz and +27 dBm (0.5 Watt) for 2400 MHz; this is the maximum transmitter output power allowed under FCC rules. The power must be decreased from this level if the antenna system gain exceeds 6 dBi. The allowable level is dependent on the antenna gain, feedline loss, and the transmitter output power setting. Power considerations for the transceiver are discussed below.

NOTE: In some countries, the maximum allowable RF output may be limited to less than your model’s peak output. Be sure to check for and comply with the requirements for your region.

To determine the maximum allowable power setting of the radio, perform the following steps:

1.Determine the antenna system gain by subtracting the feedline loss (in dB) from the antenna gain (in dBi). For example, if the antenna gain is

9.5 dBi, and the feedline loss is 1.5 dB, the antenna system gain would be 8 dB. (If the antenna system gain is 6 dB or less, no power adjustment is required.)

2.Subtract the antenna system gain from 36 dBm (the maximum allowable EIRP). The result indicates the maximum transmitter power (in dBm) allowed under the rules. In the example above, this is 28 dBm.

3.If the maximum transmitter power allowed in your region is less than 30 dBm, use the PWR command (described on Page 38) to set the power accordingly.

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For convenience, Table 4 lists several antenna system gains and shows the maximum allowable power setting of the radio. Note that a gain of 6 dB or less entitles you to operate the radio at full power output—30 dBm (1 watt).

Table 4. Antenna system gain vs. power output setting (USA) for 900 MHz models to achieve +36 dBm EIRP

Antenna System Gain	Maximum Power	EIRP
(Antenna Gain in dBia	Setting	EIRP
minus Feedline Loss in dBb)	(in dBm)	(in dBm)
6 (or less)	30	36

8	28	36

10	26	36

12	24	36

14	22	36

16	20	36

a.Most antenna manufacturers rate antenna gain in dBd in their literature. To convert to dBi, add 2.15 dB.

b.Feedline loss varies by cable type and length. To determine the loss for common lengths of feedline, see Table 2 on Page 11.

Table 5. Antenna system gain vs. power output setting (USA) for 2400 MHz models to achieve +36 dBm EIRP

Antenna System Gain	Maximum Power	EIRP
(Antenna Gain in dBia	Setting	EIRP
minus Feedline Loss in dBb	(in dBm)	(in dBm)
2 dB	27	29

10 dB	26	36

a.Most antenna manufacturers rate antenna gain in dBd in their literature. To convert to dBi, add 2.15 dB.

b.Feedline loss varies by cable type and length. To determine the loss for common lengths of feedline, see Table 2 on Page 11.

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4.0 INSTALLATION

Figure 9 shows the contents of a typical transceiver shipment. Check the contents against the packing list secured to the outside of the shipping box. Accessories and spare parts kits, if any, are wrapped separately. Inspect all items for signs of damage and save all packing materials for possible re-ship- ment.

MDS Xxxx

MOUNTING

BRACKETS

INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE, AND SOFTWARE (CD AND/OR MANUAL)

2-PIN
POWER PLUG	SPARE FUSE

Figure 9. Typical Transceiver Shipment

User documentation will be provided as a paper manual and/or as a PDF on the “MDS TransNET Support Package CD” (P/N 03-2708A01). The CD includes:

•Installation & Operation Guide in PDF (Also known as Adobe Acrobat™)

•TransNET Configuration Software

If a paper copy is required but not provided with your shipment, please contact the factory Customer Support Team.

4.1 Transceiver Installation

The following is an overview of a typical procedure for installing the transceiver. In most cases, these steps alone will be sufficient to complete the installation. Should further information be required, contact the factory using the information given on the inside back cover of this manual.

If you are installing a tail-end link system, you should also review Section 4.3 (Page 18) for important details on configuration.

NOTE: It is recommended that the Master station be installed first. In this way, it will be possible to quickly check the operation of each associated Remote station as it is placed on the air.

1.Mount the transceiver to a stable surface using the brackets supplied with the radio. (Fasteners/anchors are not supplied.) Figure 10 shows the dimensions of the transceiver case and its mounting brackets. If possible,

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choose a mounting location that provides easy access to the connectors on the end of the radio and an unobstructed view of the LED status indicators.

6.63

(16.64 cm)

2.75

(7.0 cm)

1.62

(4.15 cm)

Figure 10. Transceiver Mounting Dimensions

Figure 11 shows the four connectors on the transceiver and their functions.

Figure 11. Interface Connector Functions

2.Install the antenna and antenna feedline for the station. Antennas should be mounted in the clear and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Additional information on antennas and feedlines is contained in Section 3.4 on Page 9.

NOTE: It is recommended to mount the antenna be at least 10 feet (>3 meters) from the radio, RTU, sensors and other components of the system to prevent RFI.

3.Connect the data equipment to the transceiver’s DATA connector. Use only the required pins for the application.

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Typical RS/EIA-232 applications require the use of Pin 2 (receive data—RXD and Pin 3 (transmit data—TXD). Some systems may require the use of Pin 7 (Request-to-send—RTS). Figure 13 shows connection details for the DATA connector for EIA/RS-232 and EIA/RS-485, respectively.

If hardware flow control is desired, Pin 7 (RTS) and Pin 8 (CTS) may also be connected. For a more detailed discussion of pin functions, see “Data Interface Connections (DB-9F)” on page 69.

5 1

9 6

Pin Function

1.....Data Carrier Detect (DCD)

2.....Receive Data (RXD)

3.....Transmit Data (TXD)

4.....Sleep (GND = Sleep)

5.....Signal Ground (GND)

6.....Alarm Output (+5/-5 Vdc)

7.....Ready-to-Send (RTS)

8.....Clear-to-Send (CTS)

9.....Reserved for Special Uses (Do not connect)

Figure 12. DATA Connector Pin Functions, EIA/RS-232 Mode

As viewed from outside the radio

NOTE: The data cabling between the transceiver and the connected device should be kept as short as possible. For EIA/RS-232 operation, the maximum recommended cable length is 50 feet/15 meters.

		Pin	Function
5	1	1.....	Not Used (Open)
		2	TXD+/TXA, Non-inverted driver output.
		2	TXD+/TXA, Non-inverted driver output.
			Supplies data to connected device.
		3.....	RXD+/RXA, Non-inverted receiver input.
			Accepts data from the connected device.
		4	Sleep Mode Input (GND = Sleep)
		4	Sleep Mode Input (GND = Sleep)
9	6	5.....	Signal Ground (GND)
		6.....	Not Used (Open)
		7.....	RXD–/RXB, Inverting receiver input
		8.....	TXD–/TXB, Inverting driver output
		9.....	Not Connected (User configureable via internal jumper)

Figure 13. DATA Connector Pin Functions, EIA/RS-485 Mode

As viewed from outside the radio

4.Measure and install the primary power for the transceiver. It must be within 6–30 Vdc (including transients) and be capable of providing 7.5 watts over this voltage range. (Typical current draw is 400 mA

@13.8 Vdc; 0.9 A @6 Vdc.) A power connector with screw-terminals is provided with each unit. Strip the wire leads to 0.25˝/6 mm. Be sure to observe proper polarity. The left pin is the positive input; the right is negative. (See Figure 14.)

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CAUTION	The radio must be used only with negative-ground sys-
CAUTION	tems. Make sure the polarity of the power source is cor-
POSSIBLE	rect. The unit is protected from reverse polarity by an
EQUIPMENT	internal diode and fuse.
DAMAGE

Lead

Binding

Screws (2)

	Wire Ports (2)
	Figure 14. Power Connector
	(Polarity: Left +, Right –)
CAUTION	The power connector used with the MDS TransNET
CAUTION	transceiver is similar to that used by other MDS prod-
POSSIBLE	ucts, such as the MDS 9810 and MDS x710 family. The
EQUIPMENT	connectors are not equal and the use of the other style
DAMAGE	connector may provide unreliable connections and a
	spark may be created.
	Only the power connector, shown in Figure 14 with
	screw terminals and two retainer screws should be used
	with this unit.

5.Set the radio’s basic configuration with a PC terminal connected to the DIAG(nostics) connector via an RJ-11 to DB-9 adapter cable,

P/N 03-3246A01. (If necessary, a cable of this type may be constructed using the information shown in Figure 21 on Page 69.) For more information on connecting a PC terminal and preparing it for use, refer to Section 6.1 on Page 22.

The three essential settings for the Transceiver are as follows:

Mode—Master, Remote, or Extension

Network Address—a unique number from 1 to 65000 Data Interface Parameters—bps, data bits, parity, stop bits

a.Set the Mode using the MODE M (Master), MODE R (Remote), or MODE X (Extension) command. (Note: There can be only one Master radio in a system.)

If any MODE X radios are used in the network, SAF must be turned on at the Master station. The MODE X radio must be programmed with an Extended Address (XADDR). Units that need to hear the MODE X radio must be programmed with an appropriate XPRI and/or

XMAP value. (See “SAF Operation with Extension Radios” on Page 52 for more information.)

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b.Set a unique Network Address (1–65000) using ADDR command. Each radio in the system must have the same network address. Tip: Use the last four digits of the Master’s serial number to help avoid conflicts with other users.

c.Set the baud rate/data interface parameters. Default setting is 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit. If changes are required, use the

BAUD xxxxx abc command where xxxxx equals the data speed (300–115200 bps) and abc equals the communication parameters as follows:

a = Data bits (7 or 8)

b = Parity (N for None, O for Odd, E for Even c = Stop bits (1 or 2)

NOTE: 7N1, 8E2 and 8O2 are invalid interface parameters.

4.2 Configuring Multiple Remote Units

In most installations, the Remote radios will be programmed with virtually the same set of parameters. This process can be streamlined by testing key pieces of equipment—such as the Master, any Extensions, and a typical Remote—on a benchtop setup prior to installation. This allows you to test various configurations in a controlled environment. Once the evaluation network is working satisfactorily, you can save the configuration of each unit in a data file on your PC’s hard drive through the use of the MDS TransNET Configuration Software (included on the support CD shipped with the radio, part number 03-2708A01).Most often, there are many Remote units that will need configuring. Using the MDS TransNET Configuration Software, you can save the sample unit’s configuration, then open the configuration file with the program and install it in the next Remote. The software will prevent you from overwriting unit or mode-unique parameters.

4.3 Tail-End Links

A tail-end link is established by connecting an MDS TransNET Series radio “back-to-back” with another identical radio such as a licensed MDS x710B Series transceiver. This can be used to link an outlying Remote site into the rest of an MAS network. (Figure 4 on Page 4 shows a diagram of a typical tail-end link system.) The wiring connections between the two radios in a tail-end link system should be made as shown in Figure 15.

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