Keri Systems KWX-900 User Manual
KWX - 900 MHz Wireless 485 Network Transceiver
Quick Start Guide
Keri’s KWX Wireless Transceivers allow you to easily create a wireless communication network
between PXL controllers in an RS-485 network. Just as in wired controller networks, the KWX works
on systems as simple as two or three doors, all the way up to 256 door systems, and in distances of up
to a mile between controllers when using long-range antennas.
KWX Wireless T ransceivers ope rate in
a frequency hopping mode in the 915
MHz ISM band. Standard units have a
nominal range of 300 feet. Three
antenna options are available,
extending the range of the wireless
units.
Controller networks can use a
combination of KWX units and RS485 2-conductor, shielded, twisted-pair
cabling, allowing you to mix and
match wired and wireless connections
to create the fastest and most
economical Keri Access Control
installation. The KWX connection to
the controller uses the same type of
cabling as in standard wired
connections.
Keri’s KWX W ireless Transceivers are
compatible with PXL-500/510, PXL250, and Entraguard controllers,
allowing these transceivers to be added
to existing networks as well as be used
in new installations.
RS-485 Wireless Transceiver
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KWX - 900 MHz Wireless 485 Network Transceiver
Quick Start Guide
1.0 System Components
KWX Units
KWX units can be connected to any point in an RS-485 network line; one unit per network line. One
unit, connected to the network line with the master controller, must be mounted in a central location
that allows all other KWX units (connected to individual controller network spur lines) to
communicate with this central unit. All wireless units have an integrated omni-directional antenna
providing a “doughnut-shaped” coverage pattern (see Figure 10 on page 13).
NOTE: For proper operation between master contr oller and KWX unit, the master contr oller must be
a PXL-500 with firmware version 8.4.20 or greater. Entraguard controllers cannot be the master
controller.
Long-Range Antennas
The KWX unit is shipped with a unity gain “rubber-ducky” antenna. This antenna is mounted directly
onto the unit, and is not designed to be removed and relocated. Three optional antennas are available
for applications requiring separate antenna mounting or communication over longer distances.
Seventy-two inch (six foot) extention cables are available for these optional antennas, providing
greater flexibility in mounting location. These cables are specifically manufactured to minimize the
amount of signal loss over the length of the cable.
NOTE: Please contact Keri Systems if a cable length greater than 72 inches is required.
Unity Gain, Omnidirectional – Recommended for use in areas where it is not practical to mount the
KWX unit itself (i.e. outdoors, restricted space locations). Being omnidirectional, this antenna has the
same coverage pattern as the standard, rubber-ducky antenna (see Figure 10 on page 13).
4 db Gain, Omnidirectional – Increases the coverage area of a KWX unit by approximately 25%
(increasing to approximately 375 feet). When properly mounted, this antenna can help resolve fringearea coverage problems. Being omnidirectional, this antenna has the same coverage pattern as the
standard, rubber-ducky antenna, but with increased coverage in all directions (see Figure 10 on
page 13).
6 db Gain, Directional Yagi – Intended for use in outdoor, point-to-point applications such as between
distant buildings. The coverage distance is approximately 2,000 feet using one Yagi antenna (with the
Yagi antenna at the remote site) and up to one mile with Yagi antennas used at both ends. However,
the coverage area is limited to a very narrow, line-of-sight, antenna-to-antenna pattern (see Figure 11
on page 13). A Yagi antenna cannot be used as a general replacement for the standard, rubber-ducky
antenna.
When considering an optional antenna, please contact Keri headquarters with your requirements so
we can help match the proper antenna with your needs.
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KWX - 900 MHz Wireless 485 Network Transceiver
Quick Start Guide
2.0 Controller Network Configurations
The use of KWX Wireless T ransceivers provide you with flexibility in designing a controller network
configuration. The network wiring for a standard hard-wired 485 controller network appears as
shown in Figure 1. In this configuration, each controller must be connected together via daisychained, RS-485 cabling.
Figure 1: Standard, Hard-Wired 485 Network
The layout for Keri’s KWX Wireless Transceiver networks, however, can take a variety of forms,
using multiple spurs and multiple wireless units, with each network spur being independent and the
wireless unit attached at any point within the spur. This allows for shorter, more flexible network
cable runs, and makes it possible to avoid difficult cable routing locations.
NOTE: A requirement for multiple wireless spurs is that each spur be earth grounded.
Examples of multiple spur/multiple unit networks are shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4.
Figure 2: Basic KWX Wireless Transceiver Network
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KWX - 900 MHz Wireless 485 Network Transceiver
Quick Start Guide
Figure 3: Wired Network with KWX Wireless Spur Configuration
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KWX - 900 MHz Wireless 485 Network Transceiver
Quick Start Guide
Figure 4: Wired Network with Multiple KWX Wireless Spurs Configuration
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