This Installation and Operation Guide and all software described herein
are protected by
rights reserved.
copyright: 2000 Microwave Data Systems Inc. All
RF Exposure
Microwave Data Systems reserves its right to correct any errors and
omissions in this publication.
Operational Safety Notices
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 within 6 meters of the front of the antenna when the transmitter is
operating.
This manual is intended to guide a professional installer to install,
operate and perform basic system maintenance on the described radio.
ISO 9001 Registration
Microwave Data Systems adheres to this internationally accepted
quality system standard.
MDS Quality Policy Statement
We, the employees of Microwave Data Systems, are committed to
achieving total customer satisfaction in everything we do.
Total Customer Satisfaction in:
• Conception, design, manufacture and marketing of our products.
• Services and support we provide to our internal and external
Total Customer Satisfaction Achieved Through:
• Processes that are well documented and minimize variations.
• Partnering with suppliers who are committed to providing quality and
• Measuring our performance against customer expectations and
industry leaders.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and employee involvement.
FM/UL/CSA Notice
This product 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.
The transceiver has been recognized for use in these hazardous locations
by three independent agencies —Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC) 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. The FMRC Approval is in accordance with
FMRC Standard 3611. The CSA Certification is in accordance with
CSA STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987.
FM/UL/CSA Conditions of Approval:
The transceiver is not acceptable as a stand-alone unit for use in the haz-
ardous 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 transceiv er must be mounted within a separate enclosure which
is suitable for the intended application.
2. The antenna feedline, DC power cable and interface cable must be
routed through conduit in accordance with the National Electrical
Code.
3. Installation, operation and maintenance of the transceiver should be
in accordance with the transceiver's installation manual, and the
National Electrical Code.
4. Tampering or replacement with non-factory components may
adversely affect the safe use of the transceiver in hazardous locations, and may void the approval.
5. When installed in a Class I, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C or D hazardous
ivMDS 4710B/9710B I/O GuideMDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
location, observe the following:
WARNING —EXPLOSION HAZARD—
equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known
to be non-hazardous.
Do not disconnect
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.
Notice
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 Customer Service Team using the information at the back of this
guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on the MDS web
site at www.microwavedata.com.
MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. EMDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guidev
viMDS 4710B/9710B I/O GuideMDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
1.0GENERAL
This guide presents installation and operating instructions for the MDS
9710B (900 MHz) and MDS 4710B (400 MHz) radio transceiver. For
brevity, the model number “MDS x710B” is used in this guide to represent both models, except where it is necessary to distinguish between the
two.
The transceiver (Figure 1) is a data telemetry radio suitable for Multiple
Address System (MAS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) operation. It uses microprocessor control and Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) technology to provide highly reliable communications even under adverse conditions.
These radios are designed for over-the-air compatibility with earlier
MDS remote transceivers such as the MDS 2300 and MDS 4300 Series
as well as the MDS 1000µ. The radios will operate in systems using
MDS 2100 and 4100 master stations.
An MDS 4710 is also available which is adherent to the United
Kingdom’s MPT1411 specifications for radio performance and frequency assignment criteria. The MPT1411 compliant version of the
MDS 4710 is covered in MDS manual 05-3634A01.
Invisible place holder
SERIAL NUMBER
LABEL
LED INDICATORS (4)
EXTERNAL
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
(DB-25)
DIAGNOSTICS
CONNECTOR (RJ-11)
13.8 VDC POWER
CONNECTOR
ANTENNA CONNECTOR
(TYPE “N”)
1.1Applications
Multiple Address System (MAS)
This is the most common application of the transceiver. It consists of a
central master station and several associated remote units as shown in
MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. EMDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide1
Figure 1. Transceiver connectors & indicators
Figure 2. An MAS network provides communications between a central
host computer and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection
devices. The operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer
equipment.
Invisible place holder
REMOTE RADIO
RTU
RTU
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
P
W
R
IDIAG
1
3
.
8
VD
C
+ –
–
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
P
W
R
ID
I
AG
13
.8 V
D
C
+ –
–
CONTINUOUSLY
MDS MASTER
HOST SYSTEM
KEYED
STATION
ORDER
SIDE BPOWER
WIRE
RTU
PWR
IDIAG
13.8 VDC
–
+
–
RTU
SWC OFF
PWR
ID
I
AG
REMOTE RADIO
RTU
P
W
R
IDIAG
13.8
V
DC
+ –
–
REMOTE RADIO
SWC OFF
1
3.8
VDC
+
–
–
SWC OFF
Figure 2. Typical MAS network
Point-to-Point System
Where permitted, the transceiver may also be used in a point-to-point
arrangement as shown in Figure 3.
A point-to-point system consists of
just two radios. It provides a simplex or half-duplex communications
link for the transfer of data between two locations. Refer to
ously Ke yed versus Switched Carrier Operation on pag e 2
Continu-
for additional
information.
Invisible place holder
HOST
COMPUTER
SWC ON
RTU
Figure 3. Typical point-to-point link
SWC ON
Continuously Keyed versus Switched Carrier Operation
The keying behavior of the master station can be used to describe an
MAS system.
2MDS 4710B/9710B I/O GuideMDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
Continuously Keyed operation means the master station transmitter is
always keyed and an RF carrier is always present, even when there is no
data to send. Continuously keyed operation is inherently full duplex.
The master station is always simultaneously transmitting and continuously listening. Different frequencies must be used for transmit and
receive. This is the method used in most MAS systems and is shown in
Figure 2.
Switched Carrier operation is a half-duplex mode of operation where
the master station transmitter is keyed to send data and unkeyed to
receive.
For proper operation, x710B radios must be specifically configured to
listen to either a continuously keyed or switched carrier master. The
SWC
command is used to select whether or not a radio is listening to a
switched carrier master. The default setting is
SWC OFF
, for communica-
tions with a continuously keyed master.
MDS x710B radios always transmit using switched carrier operation. If
a radio system is configured with an x710B as the master, all radios
(master and remotes) must be configured with
SWC ON
. This situation is
shown in a point-to-point system in Figure 3.
Single Frequency (Simplex) Operation
Single frequency operation (also known as simplex) is a special case of
switched carrier operation. The
SWC
command must be set to
ON
. Single
frequency operation is automatically selected whenever the transmit and
receive frequencies are set to the same value. Note that data turn-around
times are increased when a single frequency configuration is used.
1.2Model Number Codes
The radio model number is printed on the end of the radio enclosure, and
provides key information about how the radio was configured when it
was shipped from the factory. See Figure 4 for an explanation of the
model number characters.
MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. EMDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide3
THIS INFORMATION IS
SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
DO NOT USE FOR
PRODUCT ORDERING.
The transceiver can be used with one or more of the accessories listed in
Table 1. Contact Microwave Data Systems for ordering information.
Table 1. MDS x710B optional accessories
AccessoryDescriptionMDS P/N
Hand-Held Terminal
Kit (HHT)
RTU SimulatorTest unit that simulates data from a
Order Wire ModuleExternal device that allows temporary
Order Wire HandsetUsed with Order Wire Module (above).12-1307A01
Terminal that plugs into the radio for
programming, diagnostics & control.
Includes carrying case and cable set.
remote terminal unit. Comes with
polling software that runs on a PC.
Useful for testing radio operation.
voice communication. Useful during
setup & testing of the radio system.
02-1501A01
03-2512A01
02-1297A01
4MDS 4710B/9710B I/O GuideMDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
Table 1. MDS x710B optional accessories
AccessoryDescriptionMDS P/N
RJ-11 to DB-9 adapter Used to connect a PC to the radio’s
RS-232 to RS-422
Converter Assembly
Radio Configuration
Software
Synchronous to
Asynchronous Data
Converter
DIAGNOSTICS port
External adapter plug that converts the
radio’s DATA INTERFACE connector
to RS-422 compatible signaling.
Provides diagnostics of the transceiver
(Windows-based PC required.)
Allows synchronous operation of the
x710 transceiver.
(Continued)
03-3246A01
03-2358A01
03-3156A01
Contact MDS
2.0INSTALLATION
There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver—adequate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct
interface between the transceiver and the data device. Figure 5 shows a
typical remote station arrangement.
Invisible place holder
13.8 VDC
POWER
CABLE
REMOTE TERMINAL
UNIT
ANTENNA SYSTEM
RADIO
TRANSCEIVER
LOW-LOSS FEEDLINE
13.8 VDC
2.5 A (Minimum)
POWER SUPPLY
Figure 5. Typical remote station arrangement
MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. EMDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide5
2.1Installation Steps
ENTER
Below are the basic steps for installing the transceiver. In most cases,
these steps alone are sufficient to complete the installation. More
detailed explanations appear at the end of these steps.
1. Mount the transceiver to a stable surface using the brack ets supplied
with the radio.
2. Install the antenna and antenna feedline for the station. Connect the
feedline to the radio and preset directional antennas in the appropriate direction.
3. Connect the data equipment to the transceiver’s
INTERFACE connec-
tor. Typical applications require the use of only Pins 1 through 8 for
RS-232-type signaling. When using an external modem (4-wire
audio arrangement), only Pins 7, 9, 11 and 16 are typically required.
Additional connections may be required for some installations.
Refer to the complete list of pin functions provided in Table 5 on
page 11.
4. Measure and install the primary power for the radio. The red wire on
the power cable is the positive lead; the black is negative.
NOTE: The radio is designed for use only in negative ground systems.
5. Set the radio configuration. The transceiver is designed for quick
installation with a minimum of software configuration required in
most cases. The selections that must be made for new installations
are:
• Transmit frequency
• Receive frequency
6MDS 4710B/9710B I/O GuideMDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
The operating frequencies are not set at the factory unless they were
specified at the time of order. Determine the transmit and receive frequencies to be used, and follow the steps below to program them. It
is always best to verify the frequencies using the steps below. (See
Figure 4 on page 4 for the frequency range of your radio.)
a. Connect a hand-held terminal (HHT) to the
DIAGNOSTICS con-
nector. When the HHT beeps, press to receive the ready
“>” prompt.
b. Set the operating frequencies using the
and RX xxx.xxxxx (receive) commands. Press . After programming, the HHT reads
PROGRAMMED OK to indicate success-
TX xxx.xxxxx (transmit)
ENTER
ful entry.
6. Refine the antenna heading of the station to maximize the received
signal strength (RSSI) from the master station.
Use the RSSI command from an HHT connected to the radio’s DIAG-
NOSTICS connector.—See TRANSCEIVER PROGRAMMING on
page 15. This can also be done with a DC voltmeter as described in
3.3 RSSI Chart
2.2Using the Radio’s Sleep Mode
In some installations, such as at solar-powered sites, it may be necessary
to keep the transceiver’s power consumption to an absolute minimum.
This can be accomplished using the Sleep Mode. In this mode, power
consumption is reduced to less than 16 milliamperes.
Sleep mode can be enabled under RTU control by asserting a ground (or
RS-232 low) on Pin 12 of the radio’s
When Pin 12 is opened (or an RS-232 high is asserted), the radio will be
ready to receive data within 75 milliseconds.
All normal functions are suspended while the radio is in sleep mode. The
PWR LED will be off.
DATA INTERFACE connector.
System Example
The following example describes Sleep Mode implementation in a typical system. Using this information, you should be able to configure a
system that will meet your own particular needs.
Example:
Suppose you need communications to each remote site only
once per hour. Program the RTU to raise an RS-232 line once
each hour (DTR for example) and wait for a poll and response
before lowering it again. Connect this line to Pin 12 of the
radio’s
DAT A INTERF A CE connector. This will allow each RTU to
be polled once per hour with a significant savings in power consumption.
MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. EMDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide7
2.3Transceiver Mounting
Figure 6 shows the mounting dimensions of the transceiver.
Invisible place holder
ALTERNATE
POSITION
1.75"
2.75"
70 mm
4.44 CM
6.63"
168 mm
7.25"
184 mm
8.5"
216 mm
5.625"
143 mm
2.0"
2.25"
50 mm
57 mm
Figure 6. Transceiver mounting dimensions
2.4Power Connection
The transceiver can be operated from any well-filtered 10.5 to 16 Vdc
power source. The power supply should be capable of providing at least
2.5 amperes of continuous current.
The red wire on the power cable is the positive lead; the black is nega-
tive.
NOTE: The radio is designed for use only in negative ground systems.
8MDS 4710B/9710B I/O GuideMDS 05-3316A01, Rev. E
2.5Antennas and Feedlines
Antennas
The transceiver can be used with a number of antennas. The exact style
depends on the physical size and layout of the radio system. A directional Yagi (Figure 7) or corner reflector antenna is generally recommended at remote sites to minimize interference to and from other users.
Antennas of this type are available from several manufacturers.
Invisible place holder
Figure 7. Typical Yagi antenna (mounted to mast)
The selection of antenna feedline is very important. Poor quality cables
should be avoided as they will result in power losses that may reduce the
range and reliability of the radio system.
Table 2 and Table 3 show the losses that will occur when using various
lengths and types of cable at 400 and 900 MHz, respectively. Regardless
of the type used, it should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal
loss.
Table 2. Length vs. loss in coaxial cables at 400 MHz
10 Feet
Cable Type
RG-8A/U0.51dB2.53 dB5.07 dB25.35 dB
1/2 inch HELIAX
7/8 inch HELIAX
1 1/4 inch HELIAX
1 5/8 inch HELIAX
(3.05 Meters)
0.12 dB0.76 dB1.51 dB7.55 dB
0.08 dB0.42 dB0.83 dB4.15 dB
0.06 dB0.31 dB0.62 dB3.10 dB
0.05 dB0.26 dB0.52 dB2.60 dB
50 Feet
(15.24 Meters)
100 Feet
(30.48 Meters)
500 Feet
(152.4 Meters)
MDS 05-3316A01, Rev. EMDS 4710B/9710B I/O Guide9
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