1.0 INTRODUCTION
DC Power
(10-60 Vdc)
Ethernet Ports
(RJ-45 10/100)
Mini USB
Port
Cellular
Antennas
(Aux & Main)
SIM Card
Slot
COM Port
(RJ-45)
WiFi Antenna
LED Indicator
Panel
This guide provides installation an d startup instructions for the
MDS Orbit Managed Connected Router(MCR) shown in Figure 1.
The MCR is a highly secure, industrial wireless solution for broad
based applications, including control center monitoring, well site
pad operations and video surveillance.
The unit provides wireless communication via multiple
technologies in a single, industrial package, without the need for
additional modules or add-ons. In addition, wired serial, Ethernet
and USB interfaces are provided at the front panel, reducing
network cost and complexity. Depending on order entry options the
unit may be equipped with a combination of Cell, Wi-Fi, and 900
MHz unlicensed FHSS/DTS radio.
Units are offered in two different interface offerings; 2 Ethernet/1
Serial (2E1S), or 2 Serial/1 Ethernet (2S1E). The 2E1S configuration is the standard model and is shown here, although most information applies equally to both configurations.
Invisible place holder
GE MDS MCR
Setup Guide
2.2 Installation Steps
Installation details for the product may vary, depending on
site-specific factors. The steps here provide the basic tasks
needed at most sites.
1. Mount the unit. Attach the supplied brackets to the bottom of
the case (if not already attached), using the screws provided.
Mounting bracket dimensions are shown in Figure 3. If DIN
Rail mounting brackets are to be used, consult the Technical
Manual for details.
NOTE: To prevent moisture from entering the unit, do not mount
the case with the cable connectors pointing up. Also,
dress all cables to prevent moisture from runni ng along
the cables and into the enclosure.
Figure 1. MCR Sample Unit, Showing Connectors & Indi cators
1.1 Technical Manual
This Setup Guide covers basic installation and startup instructions
for the unit. A more detailed Technical Manual is also available
(05-6632A01). Refer to the Technical Manual for important
warnings, cautions and notes. GE MDS manuals, Setup guides,
Figure 2. Typical MCR Installation
(Equipment images may differ)
Firmware, drivers and Application Notes are available free of
charge at www.gemds.com.
GE MDS has produced a series of instructional videos for
configuration and setup of the Orbit MCR products on YouTube.
These are available free of charge at: http://tinyurl.com/pey2ull.
2.0 INSTALLATION
2.1 Main Requirements
WARNING: When the unit is to be installed in hazardous locations,
Figure 2 shows a typical installation of the unit. There are three
main requirements for installation:
• Adequate and stable primary power (10-60 VDC).
• Efficient and properly installed antennas for configured
• Correct interface connections between the unit and associ-
05-6709A01, Rev. B GE MDS MCR Setup Guide 1
use only the serial or Ethernet connections on the
unit’s front panel. Do not use the USB port in
hazardous locations.
options.
ated data equipment.
Figure 3. Mounting Bracket Dimensions
2. Install the antennas and feedlines. The antennas used must
be designed to operate in the appropriate frequency band and
be mounted in a location providing a clear path to the associated station(s). Antennas should be mounted away from large
masses of metal and other obstructions.
Often, at least one of the antennas will be connected directly
Lead
Screws (2)
Binding
Wire Ports (2)
(Polarity: Left +, Right –)
Retaining
Screws (2)
PC Running Terminal Session
To COM Port
to one of the coaxial connectors on the unit’s front panel.
When remotely mounted antennas are used, coaxial feedlines
should be low loss and be kept as short as possible.
3. Connect the data equipment. Connection may be made
using any combination of Serial protocols (RS-232/RS-485),
Ethernet signaling, or USB. Refer to the Technical Manual for
wiring details.
• Serial connection: Attach data equipment to the front panel
COM port. 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 part no. 73-2434A12).
This connection can be made using the WiFi or Ethernet information above. The initial sign-in prompt appears as shown below:
• Ethernet connection: Attach data equipment to the front
panel ETH1 and/or ETH2 port next to the PWR connector.
The auto-sensing MDIX feature allows either a
straight-through or crossover cable to be used.
• USB connection: Attach data equipment to the front panel
mini USB port. The unit supports USB 2.0 with proper drivers installed. Drivers available at www.gemds.com.
4. Connect primary power. Input power must be 10.0 to 60 Vdc
and capable of providing at least 15 watts. A power connector
with screw-terminals is provided (see Figure 4). Strip the wire
leads to 6 mm (1/4 inch) and insert them into the wire ports.
Be sure to observe proper polarity as shown. Tighten the binding screws securely.
Figure 4. DC Power Connector
CAUTION: The unit is designed for negative-ground power
systems only. The power supply should be equipped
with NEC Class 2 overload protection, to guard
against a short circuit between its output terminals
and the unit’s power connector.
2.3 Unit Configuration
2.3.1 Default Settings
As shipped from the factory, the unit is configured with a set of
pre-defined defaults. For example, when equipped with Cell, the
unit is configured to operate as a WiFi hotspot. (3G requires
carrier-specific configuration.) For “4G WiFi hotspot” operation, the
unit normally contains the following settings:
• WiFi enabled as an Access Point (AP)
• SSID = GEMDS_SERNUM (SERNUM refers to the unit’s
serial number, printed on a chassis sticker.)
• SSID broadcast enabled
• Security = WPA2-PSK, CCMP with passphrase:
GEMDS_ORBIT
• Default Ethernet IP address 192.168.1.1
• Firewall/NAT/DNS proxy enabled
• DHCP enabled (192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.10)
• If 900 MHz radio present (unlicensed), radio set to Remote
This configuration allows connection of a PC to the unit via WiFi or
the LAN port and access to the Internet via cellular, if equipped and
supported by a suitable service plan.
2.3.2 Connecting via Ethernet/WiFi
The configuration PC may be connected to the unit by hardwired
cable (USB, serial or Ethernet), or by WiFi. The following steps
describe a WiFi or Ethernet connection to the built-in web server.
1. Enter the username (default is admin).
2. Enter the Password (default is admin). Press . Upon
successful login, the Device Overview page appears.
3. For initial configuration the Setup Wizard appears and provides guidance in typical setups. This will be disabled after the
initial setup, but may be re-run at anytime from the Wizards
page.
Key items that should be set/reviewed:
• Create one-time programmable passwords for device
recovery.
• Change login passwords (to maintain security).
• Evaluate default factory configuration and lock it down to
required security level.
Refer to the Technical Manual for detailed information on the
above items.
2.3.3 Connecting via Serial
The configuration PC may be connected to the unit by hardwired
cable (USB, serial, or Ethernet), or by WiFi. The following steps
describe a cabled serial cable connection, as illustrated in Figure 5.
Note that not all PCs have a serial port. If one is not available, a
USB-to-Serial adapter and appropriate driver software may be
used to provide serial connectivity.
Figure 5. Setup for PC Configuration—Serial Port
(RJ-45 adapter is required)
1. Connect a PC to the unit’s COM port and establish a console
terminal session, using HyperT erminal or a similar
communications program. The following parameters must be
used: 115200 bps, 8 bits, no pa rity, one stop bit (8N1), flow
control disabled, VT100 emulation.
2 MDS Orbit MCR Setup Guide 05-6709A01, Rev. B