Meteorcomm 54505003-01 Users Manual

545C Operations Manual

Document Revision: 1.0 Document Number: 00001789-A

545C Operations Manual

Meteorcomm® and ITCNet® are registered trademarks of Meteorcomm LLC and may not be used without express written permission of Meteorcomm LLC. By downloading, using, or referring to this document or any of

the information contained herein, you acknowledge and agree:

Ownership

This document and the information contained herein are the sole and exclusive property of Meteorcomm LLC (“MCC”). Except for a limited review right, you obtain no rights in or to the document, its contents, or any

related intellectual property. MCC may, upon written notice, terminate your internal review of this document and, upon such notice, you will return the original of this document to MCC together with the originals and all

copies of all documents in your possession or under your control that refer or relate to it.

Limited Use and Non-Disclosure

This document contains information that is considered proprietary to MCC. It is protected by copyright, trade secret, and other applicable laws. This document may not be transmitted, distributed, duplicated, or used,

including, without limitation, the information contained herein, in whole or in part, except as agreed under separate written agreement with MCC.

Disclaimer of Warranty

This document and all information contained herein or otherwise provided by MCC, and all intellectual property

rights therein, are provided on an “as is” basis. MCC makes no warranties of any kind with respect thereto and expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory, including but not limited

to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement, accuracy,

completeness, interference with quiet enjoyment, system integration, or warranties arising from course of dealing and usage of trade practice.

Assumption of Risk

You are responsible for conducting your own independent assessment of the information contained in this

document (including without limitation schematic symbols, footprints, and layer definitions) and for confirming its accuracy. You may not rely on the information contained herein, and you agree to validate all such

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and you unconditionally and irrevocably release and discharge MCC and its affiliates and their respective

officers, directors, and employees (“MCC Parties”) from, any and all loss, claim, damage, or other liability associated with or arising from your use of any of the information contained in this document.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall MCC or the MCC parties be liable for any indirect, incidental, exemplary, special, punitive or

treble, or consequential damages or losses, whether such liability is based on contract, warranty, tort (including negligence), product liability, or otherwise, regardless as to whether they have notice as to any such

claims.

Hazardous Uses

None of the information contained in this document may be used in connection with the design, manufacture, or use of any equipment or software intended for use in any fail-safe applications; or any other application

where a failure may result in loss of human life, or personal injury, property damage or have a financial impact; or in connection with any nuclear facility or activity; or shipment or handling of any hazardous, ultra-

hazardous, or similar materials (“Hazardous Uses”). MCC disclaims all liability of every kind for any Hazardous

Uses, and you release MCC and the MCC Parties from, and shall indemnify MCC and the MCC Parties against, any such liability, including, but not limited to, any such liability arising from MCC’s negligence.Document

Number: 00001789-A

545C Operations Manual

02/10/2012

Legacy document formatted in 2012 template

Revision History

Revision Date Description

1.0

545C Operations Manual

Table of Contents

Acronyms ......................................................................................... viii

1. Introduction .................................................................................. 1

1.1 FleetTrak™ Network ................................................................ 3

1.2 Manual Organization ................................................................ 4

1.3 Related Documents ................................................................. 5

2. RF Safety and Regulatory Information ................................................... 5

2.1 Limiting RF Exposure ............................................................... 5

2.2 RF Interference to Residential Receivers ........................................ 6

2.3 Equipment Modifications ........................................................... 7

3. Description ................................................................................... 7

3.1 General ............................................................................... 7

3.2 Printed Circuit Board Assemblies ............................................... 11

3.2.1 Microprocessor ............................................................. 11

3.2.2 Transceiver ................................................................. 11

3.2.3 Power Amplifier ........................................................... 11

3.3 Microprocessor ..................................................................... 12

3.4 Transceiver ......................................................................... 14

3.5 Pre-Amp, Final Power Amp, and Power Control .............................. 15

3.6 Detailed Specifications ........................................................... 16

3.7 Memory Organization ............................................................. 18

3.7.1 Program Memory (PM) .................................................... 18

3.7.2 Parameter Memory (CPM) ................................................ 18

3.7.3 Data Memory (RAM) ....................................................... 18

3.8 Front Panel LEDs .................................................................. 19

4. INSTALLATION .............................................................................. 20

4.1 Site Selection ...................................................................... 20

4.1.1 External Noise/Interference ............................................. 20

4.1.2 DC Power Source .......................................................... 22

4.1.3 Horizon Angle .............................................................. 23

4.1.4 Antenna Selection ......................................................... 23

4.1.5 Antenna Height ............................................................ 25

545C Operations Manual

4.1.6 Human Exposure To Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields ..... 26

4.2 Equipment Installation ........................................................... 26

4.2.1 Mobile Applications ....................................................... 26

4.2.2 Data Collection Applications ............................................ 27

4.2.3 Cable Connections ........................................................ 28

4.3 Power-Up Sequence ............................................................... 34

4.3.1 Operator Terminal ........................................................ 34

4.3.2 Power Connection ......................................................... 34

4.3.3 Initialization Procedures ................................................. 35

4.4 Operational Test Procedure ..................................................... 39

4.4.1 RF Test 39

5. OPERATIONS ................................................................................ 41

5.1 Getting Started .................................................................... 41

5.1.1 XTermW Terminal Emulator ............................................. 41

5.1.2 HELP Command ............................................................ 42

5.1.3 Role-Based Operations ................................................... 42

5.1.4 Unit Identification and Factory Settings ............................... 45

5.1.5 System Time and Date ................................................... 46

5.1.6 System Memory ............................................................ 47

5.2 Station Configuration ............................................................. 49

5.2.1 Configuring the MCC-545C ............................................... 50

5.2.2 Setting frequencies ....................................................... 51

5.2.3 Remote holdoff settings .................................................. 53

5.2.4 Power turn on options .................................................... 53

5.2.5 MCC-545C command schedule list ...................................... 54

5.2.6 Setting Timeout Duration ................................................ 55

5.2.7 Script Files 56

5.2.8 CPU Power Mode .......................................................... 56

5.2.9 Network Configuration ................................................... 57

5.3 Sending and Receiving Messages ................................................ 64

5.3.1 Entering and Deleting Messages ......................................... 66

5.3.2 Editing Messages .......................................................... 68

545C Operations Manual

5.3.3 Sending Messages ......................................................... 68

5.3.4 Sending Commands ....................................................... 69

5.3.5 Sending Canned Messages ................................................ 70

5.3.6 Receiving Messages ....................................................... 71

5.3.7 Examining Message Status ............................................... 72

5.3.8 Examining and Revising Message Queues .............................. 72

5.4 GPS Position Reporting ........................................................... 73

5.4.1 Position Reporting Commands ........................................... 74

5.4.2 Differential GPS ........................................................... 75

5.4.3 GPS Report Formats ...................................................... 75

5.4.4 GPS Receiver Setup ....................................................... 77

5.4.5 Position Reporting in Subnets ........................................... 77

5.5 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ..................................... 78

5.5.1 Sensor Port ................................................................. 78

5.5.2 External Data Loggers .................................................... 81

5.5.3 Direct Mode Protocol ..................................................... 81

5.5.4 Defining Data Relays ...................................................... 87

5.5.5 I/O Port PASSTHRU ........................................................ 88

5.5.6 Internal Sensor Values .................................................... 89

5.5.7 Generic Data Logger ...................................................... 89

5.6 Event Programming ............................................................... 98

5.6.1 Event Programming Overview ........................................... 99

5.6.2 Event Definition .......................................................... 100

5.6.3 Action Definition ......................................................... 103

5.6.4 Programming in Real-Time ............................................. 104

5.6.5 Event Programming Command Summary ............................. 106

5.6.6 Event Programming Command Details ................................ 107

5.6.7 Action Details ............................................................. 116

5.6.8 Reading Internal Sensor Values ........................................ 118

5.6.9 Common Command Parameters ........................................ 118

5.6.10 ADC Channel Names ..................................................... 120

5.7 Command Summary .............................................................. 121

545C Operations Manual

Appendices ................................................................................ 191

545C Operations Manual

Analog

-to-

Digital

Acknowledgement

Table of Figures

Figure 1: MCC 545C Packet Data Radio ........................................ 2

Figure 2: FleetTrak™ network diagram ........................................ 3

Figure 3: MCC-545C outline drawing ........................................... 9

Figure 4:Exploded view of the MCC-545C ................................... 10

Figure 5:MCC-545C block diagram ............................................ 13

Figure 6: MCC-545C front panel LEDs ........................................ 19

Figure 7: Single dipole antenna ............................................... 24

Figure 8: 3-Element YAGI antenna ........................................... 24

Figure 9: Remote station antenna height for meteor burst .............. 25

Figure 10: Typical remote station with 3-element YAGI antenna ....... 27

Figure 11: MCC-545C cable connections ..................................... 28

Figure 12: MCC-545C power connector pins ................................ 29

Figure 13: MCC-545C I/O port cable ......................................... 30

Figure 14: Message flow and associated commands ....................... 65

Figure 15: Position report formats ........................................... 76

Figure 16: Event programming block diagram .............................. 99

Table of Tables

Table 1:MCC-545C general specifications ................................... 16

Table 2:MCC-545C receiver specifications .................................. 16

Table 3: MCC-545C transmitter specifications.............................. 17

Table 4:MCC-545C microprocessor specifications .......................... 17

Table 5: CO-AX cable loss (50 MHz) .......................................... 25

Table 6: Role-based operations ............................................... 43

Table 7: MCC-545C commands ............................................... 121

Acronyms

A/D

ACK

ADC

Analog

-to-

Digital Converter

Auxiliary Port

Automatic Vehicle Location

Binary Phase Shift Keying

Carriage Return

Carrier Sense Multiple Access

Digital

-to-

Analog Converter

Data, Management and Control

Digital Signal Processing

Data Port

Extended

Line-of-Sight

End-to-End Acknowledgement

Gausian Minimum Shift Keying

Global Positioning System

Kilo (1,000) bits per seconds

Light Emitting Diode

Line-of-Sight

Meteor Burst Communication

System

Meteor Communications Corporation

Maintenance Port

National Marine Electronic Association

Personal Computer

Printed Circuit Assembly

Printed Circuit Board

Random Access Memory

Radio Frequency

Radio Technical

Commission for Maritime Services

Receive

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

Sensor Data

System Network Parameter

Single Pole Double Throw

Time Division Multiple Access

Transmit

AUX

AVL

BPSK

CSMA

DAC

DMC

DSP

DTA

ELOS

ETE

GMSK

GPS

KBPS

545C Operations Manual

LED

LOS

MBC

MBCS

MCC

MNT

NMEA

PCA

PCB

RAM

RTCM

SCADA

SDATA

SNP

SPDT

TDMA

545C Operations Manual

Update

Universal Time

Clock

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

Terminal Emulator

UPDT

UTC

VSWR

XTermW

545C Operations Manual

1. Introduction

This manual outlines the operation of the MCC-545C Packet Data Radio through software revision 6.87.

The MCC-545C Packet Data Radio is used in MCC’s FleetTrak™ network. This chapter briefly describes this network application; refer also to Appendix F for a complete discussion of MCC Network Interoperability.

In addition to information and instructions for line of sight applications, this manual also contains information regarding meteor burst master and remote station installation and refers to antennas used in those installations that apply to use of the MCC-545B or other MCC models.

Please refer to the tables in the MCC-545C RF Energy Exposure Guide for lists of antenna types suitable for use in vertically-polarized line of sight applications of the MCC-545C.

Each MCC-545C features rugged construction and is packaged in a stainless steel, weather-resistant enclosure that measures 10.6"L x

4.0"W x 2.42"H and weighs 3.5 pounds, as shown in Figure 1.1.

545C Operations Manual

GMSK

9.6 kbps

Figure 1: MCC 545C Packet Data Radio

The MCC-545C radio is frequency synthesized and uses a GMSK modulation scheme with selectable data rates, as shown below.

Model No. Modulation Data rate

MCC-545C

The MCC-545C has an embedded 32-bit controller for managing all the network functions associated with a packet switched data network and for interfacing to a variety of peripheral devices. In addition, it has a built-in test capability that automatically monitors the operating integrity of the unit at all times. This feature also eliminates the need for any special test equipment during the installation phase. A laptop, palmtop, or equivalent is required to initialize and operate the MCC545C packet radio.

545C Operations Manual

1.1 FleetTrak™ Network

The FleetTrak™ network is used for applications that require the position of mobile resources to be reported in real-time and at varying update rates. The FleetTrak network is shown in Figure 1.2.

Figure 2: FleetTrak™ network diagram

ELOS RF NETWORK

M B

M M M

R B

DATA

NETWORK

BASE STATION

REPEATER STATION

REMOTE STATION (FIXED OR MOBILE)

DATA CENTER

HOST

CLIENT’S

OFFICES

OTHER

CLIENTS

The FleetTrak™ network is comprised of Base Stations, Repeaters, and Remote Stations. The MCC-545C can be programmed to operate as any of these three distinct station types. The FleetTrak™ network is used for position reporting in mobile applications (AVL), fixed site data collection (SCADA), and messaging.

The FleetTrak™ network operates line-of-sight using groundwave and uses an LOS protocol for channel access. In an LOS network, there is always an RF connection path between adjacent stations, and stations transmit data whenever they have something to send. These transmissions use CSMA (carrier sense multiple access) to gain channel access and to prevent RF signal collisions.

The range of communication by groundwave is primarily determined by diffraction around the curvature of the earth, atmospheric diffraction, and tropospheric propagation. These ranges are successfully extended by MCC from 50-100 miles through the use of robust protocols, sensitive receivers, and short packetized messages.

545C Operations Manual

1.2 Manual Organization

There are 5 major sections in this manual, plus a number of appendices:

Section 2.0 RF Safety and Regulatory Information

This section provides important information regarding antenna installations and means to safely limit exposure to RF radiation.

Section 3.0 Description

This section provides both a physical description and a functional description of each module in an MCC-545C. The detailed technical specifications are provided for each printed circuit board assembly (PCA), as well as the organization of the unit’s computer memory.

Section 4.0 Installation

This section covers site selection and general installation guidelines, including instructions for cabling, antenna and power source connections. Power up procedures, initialization and functional test procedures are described that should be performed prior to placing the MCC-545C on-line within the network.

Section 5.0 Operation

This section describes all the operating procedures for the MCC-545C. All commands and operational parameters are described for data collection, supervisory control, messaging, and interpreting system operational statistics. It also contains a list of all MCC-545C commands.

Appendices include:

Appendix A Command Printouts

Appendix B Factory Default Parameters

Appendix C Loading a Script File

Appendix D Programming an Event

Appendix E MCC Hardware and Sample Part Numbers

Related Documents

Additional documents and application notes that may be helpful in the

operation of a MCC

documents (and more recent updates, if available), can be obtained

from MCC or downloaded from MCC’s web site, www.meteorcomm.com.

Operation of the

Windows, Octob

Data Monitor and Control, DMC 6.313, Users Manual, January

–

520B/C Master Station

Burst Communications Terminal, Rev. K,

CR10X Data Acquisition

January 25, 2000

Wireless Data

RF Safety and Regulatory Information

Limiting RF Exposure

Please refer to the

information regarding safe distances that must be maintained between

personnel and energized transmitting antennas.

The information in the

Exposure Guide”

when followed, limit human exposure to radio frequency energy to

acceptable levels.

both employees and the general public.

545C Operations Manual

Proprietary and Confidential. Do Not Distribu

Interoperability With Other MCC Products

5C Packet Data Radio are given below

Terminal Emulation Program for

a complete list of all commands and printouts

520B/C Meteor

Application Note: CR10X Data Acquisition,

MCC Wireless Data Services, EDT 11039, January 2000

re Guide

RF Energy Exposure Guide

d from FCC and Industry Canada rules that

beying these limits will provide reasonable

1.3

Appendix F

1. XTermW –

2. DMC – 14, 2002

3. MBNET 200

4. MCC-

-54

er 22, 1999

. These

XTermW

– Operations of the MCC-

December 2002

2.1

–

MCC-545C RF Energy Exposu

MCC-5454C

is determine

for specific

“RF

protection to

02/10/2012

Prerelease

DCN 00001789-A

545C Operations Manual

is intended for installation and use by

full knowledge of their exposure and can exercise control over their

exposure to meet FCC and IC limits. This radio device is not intended

for use by consumers or the general population.

n the RF Exposure Guide list

distances to be maintained between the general pu

transmitter antenna for

applications.

Table 2 in the RF Exposure Guide list

es to be maintained between

transmitter antenna for two antenna types for fixed applications.

Once the authorized ERP, antenna gain and the losses from feed line,

connectors and any inline RF f

must be evaluated and if necessary,

ensure that the authorized ERP and RF exposure requirements are met.

Example ERP calculations are provided further below.

Caution:

automatically at any time when functioning as a data

radio.

beginning any service or maintenance. Remove the

antenna and connect a dummy load during testing.

to Residential Receivers

NOTICE TO USER: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause

harmful interference.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the

its for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against

harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment

DCN

employees who have

the calculated lateral

blic and an

the calculated lateral

employees and an operational

ilters are known, the transmitter power

to a value that will

a transmitter may operate

Always disable the transmitter prior to

This radio

• Table 1 i

operational

•

distanc

two antenna types

r mobile

attenuated

Be aware that

2.2 RF Interference

lim

02/10/2012 6

Prerelease

00001789-A

generates and can radiate radio frequency energy

and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful

interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee

that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this

equipment does cause harmfu

reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and

on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or

more the following measures:

Reorient or relocate

ase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from

that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Equipment Modifications

Description

545C Packet

communications from fixed or mobile sites to a central Host

used for data collection, position reporting, sending and receiving

messages, or other custom applications

(<1 watt) makes it ideal for operating in remote locations

where only solar power is available.

545C also has a built

external data logger is not required for those installations that have less

545C Operations Manual

Proprietary and Confidential. Do Not Distribu

and, if not installed

l interference to radio or television

Any changes or modifications to this

equipment not expressly approved by the party

responsible for compliance (in the respective country

of use) could void the user’s authority to operate the

Data Radio provides packet switched

The unit's low standby

in data collection capability so that an

2.3

•

• Incre

•

the receiving antenna.

Caution:

equipment.

3.1 General

The MCC-

consumption

The MCC-

02/10/2012

Prerelease

. It can be

-power

DCN 00001789-A

545C Operations Manual

2 Form C

than 10 sensors. A special break-out cable is supplied by MCC to access the following I/O capability:

Inputs Outputs

6 analogs 0-5V

SPDT Relays

4-20 mA (with external 250 ohm resistor) 10 bit accuracy/resolution

4 ON/OFF, optically isolated

1 GPS, NMEA compatible

3 RS-232 Ports

An outline drawing and an exploded view of the chassis are shown in Figures 2.1 and 2.2.

545C Operations Manual

Figure 3: MCC-545C outline drawing

545C Operations Manual

Figure 4:Exploded view of the MCC-545C

545C Operations Manual

3.2 Printed Circuit Board Assemblies

The MCC-545C contains three printed circuit board assemblies as shown in Figure 2.2.

3.2.1 Microprocessor

The low-power 32-bit microprocessor controller performs the radio control, link, and network protocol functions. This assembly also contains a digital signal processor (DSP) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for generating the in-phase (I) and quadrature-phase (Q) base band signals for generating the GMSK RF signal.

3.2.2 Transceiver

The selectable-rate transceiver uses a vector phase modulator (+13DBm output) and frequency synthesizers to produce 9.6 kbps.

3.2.3 Power Amplifier

Note: The nominal RF power amplifier rating of the MCC-545C is 100W or 50 dBm. The output power is calibrated at the factory at the expected operating frequency. Measured power values may vary up to 1 dB from rated power, up to 51 dBm or 125W over the frequency range of the radio.

The multi-stage power amplifier includes a 2 watt, 2-stage preamplifier; a 100 watt, solid-state, 2-stage power amplifier; and a power switch.

A 12-channel GPS receiver may be mounted on the processor board as an optional subassembly.

All components are soldered in place using surface mount technology. As an option, the boards can be conformal coated with an acrylic encapsulate that contains a tropicalizing, anti-fungal agent to provide additional protection against moisture and contamination.

545C Operations Manual

3.3 Microprocessor

The microprocessor is a Motorola-based, embedded processor located on a single PCB that contains:

• 512K x 16 of non-volatile flash memory for program storage

• 512K x 16 of non-volatile flash memory for parameter storage

• 1024K x 8 of static RAM for data storage (optionally 2048K x 8)

• 3 External RS-232 I/O ports

• Internal TTL GPS port

• Transmitter communication port

• Receiver communication port

• 10-bit 11 channel A/D converter (6 channels are available for

external sensors)

• Real-time clock

• Power fail detection circuitry

• Digital Signal Processor with D/A converters

• 6 Optically isolated digital inputs

• 2 Form C Relay Outputs with a current rating of 2 amps

All I/O ports are RS-232 compatible and can be programmed to adapt to various customer protocols. The DATA port contains full flow control hardware lines.

545C Operations Manual

Figure 5:MCC-545C block diagram

The A/D converter measures TX forward and reverse power, battery voltage, antenna noise voltage, transmitter board temperature, and 6 channels of 0-5V external sensor inputs. In –03 or later versions the internal nickel metal hydride battery (3.6V) can also be read.

545C Operations Manual

An internal lithium ion battery is used to maintain the internal real time clock and battery backed RAM. This battery operates the clock in a power down state for a period of approximately 6 months. This battery should be removed if the unit is stored for extended periods of time.

In -03 or later versions of the units, the lithium ion battery has been replaced with a rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery. This battery is located at the rear of the unit with Velcro. (You have to open the rear lid to get access to it.) A short jumper is used to connect the battery to the processor board. This jumper should be removed if the unit is stored for long periods of time (longer than 2 months). The battery must be connected before the unit will start operating.

3.4 Transceiver

The transceiver assembly contains a receiver, transmit and receive frequency synthesizers, and a modulator. The MCC-545C receiver and modulator support 9.6 kbps Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK).

GMSK Receiver

• Input bandpass filter (37-50 MHz )

• RF amplifier (17 dB)

• Low pass image filter (Fc=50 MHz)

• Mixer

• IF amplifiers and filters (10.7 MHz)

• Noise blanker

• Mixer, 2nd IF filter and amplifier (100 kHz), and RSSI circuit

• Phase lock loop frequency discriminator

• GMSK bit detector and clock generator

Synthesizer (1st and 2nd local oscillator and transmit oscillator)

• Reference Oscillator (12.8 MHz +/- 2.5 PPM)

• Tx phase lock loop (74-100 MHz output, 20 kHz steps)

(86-92 MHz, 20 kHz steps in FCC ID: BIB54505003-01)

• A divide by 2 circuit (37-50 MHz output, 10 kHz steps) (43-46 MHz, 10 kHz steps in FCC ID: BIB54505003-01)

545C Operations Manual

• Rx 1st local oscillator phase lock loop (47.7-60.7 MHz output, 10 kHz steps limited to 53.7 – 56.7 MHz in FCC ID: BIB54505003-01)

• Rx 2nd local oscillator phase lock loop (10.6 MHz)

• PIC Microcontroller

GMSK Modulator

• DSP digital baseband GMSK generator

• I and Q DACs

• I/Q Vector Phase Modulator (GMSK)

• Pre amplifier (+13 dBm output)

All components are mounted on an 8.5" by 3.5" two-sided printed circuit board. All components are surface mounted.

3.5 Pre-Amp, Final Power Amp, and Power Control

This board contains two low-level amplifiers that amplify the +13 dBm (10 mW) signal from the modulator to the 2 watts required by the final power amplifier. A special power switch is used to control the rise and fall times of the RF power output. A duty cycle limiter circuit limits the duty cycle of the power amplifier to 16%. A temperature sensor is also located on this board for monitoring the internal temperature of the MCC-545C. This temperature reading may be transmitted to the Host for maintenance purposes.

The 100 watt power amplifier is mounted inside an aluminum enclosure to provide RF shielding between the low level phase lock loop synthesizers and the high power output. This board contains a T/R switch for half-duplex operation, a harmonic low pass filter, and a dual directional coupler for power level control. The coupler measures forward and reverse power. If the VSWR exceeds 3.0:1 the power amplifier automatically shuts down. The power amplifier’s parameters are also transmitted to the Host for maintenance purposes.

A switching regulator power supply provides 5.7 volts for the processor and transceiver boards.

545C Operations Manual

10.6"L x 4.0"W x 2.42"H

3.5 lbs.

30°

to 60

C (

22°

to 140

12 V

Nominal (10

14 V

)

37-50 MHz

or 43

46 MHz

GMSK

≤7 dB

≤-114 dBm

13/40 kHz typical

13 MHz typical

< 5 ms

4 dBm

> 70 dB minimum

Adjustable from

–

115 to

–

106 dBm

> 20 dB Reduction in Impulse Noise

3.6 Detailed Specifications

The detailed specifications for each of the printed circuit board assemblies are given in Tables 2.1 through 2.4.

Table 1:MCC-545C general specifications

Characteristic Specification

Dimensions

Weight

Temperature Range

Power Requirements

Standby: 80 ma (Continuous) Transmit: 25 Amps Nominal (100 msec)

Table 2:MCC-545C receiver specifications

Characteristic Specification

Frequency

Synthesized 10 kHz steps Frequency accuracy, calibrated: ±1ppm Frequency stability: ±5ppm -30°to +60°C

Modulation: Type Rate Format

9.6 kbps NRZ

Noise Figure

Sensitivity: Bit Error Rate < 10

at 9.6

kbps IF Bandwidth (3/80 dB)

RF Bandwidth (3 dB)

Signal Acquisition Time

3rd Order Intercept Point

Image Response Attenuation

Spurious Response Attenuation

SP Threshold

Noise Blanker

Triggered by DET RF and Demodulator Lock

545C Operations Manual

MCC Standard (Refer to Section 3.2.3)

37-50 MHz (FCC ID: BIB54505001

01)

100 Watts into 50 ohms

at 12 V

Input

< 2:1 Rated Power

70 dB

TIA-603C

GMSK

> 70 dB

TIA-603C

TIA-603C (FCC

Mask C

– 20 kHz channels)

10% max averaged over 5 minutes

Solid

State

MCC

Standard (Refer to Section 3.2.3)

Withstands Infinite VSWR

Motorola MC68332FC 32

bit Embedded

512K x 16 non

volatile Flash memory

I/O

Table 3: MCC-545C transmitter specifications

Characteristic Specification

Frequency

43-46 MHz (FCC ID: BIB54505003-01)

Synthesized 10 kHz steps Frequency accuracy, calibrated: ±1 ppm Frequency stability: ±5 ppm -30 to +60C

RF Power Output, Nominal

Load VSWR

Harmonic and Spurious Levels

Modulation: Type Rate Format

9.6 kbps NRZ

Spurious

Transmit Modulation Spectrum

Tx Duty Cycle Firmware limit: Hardware limit:

RF PA self-limits at > 16% in one minute

T/R Switch

Switching Time < 100 microseconds

I/O

High VSWR Protection

Table 4:MCC-545C microprocessor specifications

Characteristic Specification

Main Processor

Memory: Program Storage Parameter Storage Data Storage

Controller

512K x 16 non-volatile Flash memory 1024K x 8 static RAM (optional 2048K x

545C Operations Manual

System Reset, Momentary

Switches: SW1

3.7 Memory Organization

The MCC-545C has three types of memory:

3.7.1 Program Memory (PM)

The Program memory is non-volatile Flash (512K x 16). It contains the MBNET200 image software, bootstrap, configuration, and application software. These programs are installed at the MCC facilities at the time of shipment. The information stored in the Program memory is referred to as “factory defaults”.

3.7.2 Parameter Memory (CPM)

The Parameter memory is non-volatile Flash (512K x 16). It contains the configuration data for the unit such as the customer number, the serial number and ID of the MCC-545C, and the authorized FCC frequencies it may use. This information is normally programmed into the unit prior to shipment. The Script files are also stored in Parameter memory, either at the MCC facilities or on site.

3.7.3 Data Memory (RAM)

The Data memory is volatile RAM (1024K x 8) and has battery backup. Date, time, executable programs, command parameters, and program dynamic data (messages, data, position, etc.) are all stored in RAM during normal operations. As an option, the Data memory may be expanded to 2048K x 8.

During normal operation, the MCC-545C software uses the data and configuration parameters stored in RAM. If the data information in RAM is lost or corrupted, for whatever reason, the configuration parameters can be retrieved from Parameter memory. This ensures uninterrupted operation.

545C Operations Manual

Green; flashes every 5 seconds

Power is on and the processor is running

ON LED

The RAM contents will be lost under the following conditions:

• The Boot command is issued.

• The Reset button (SW1) is depressed. (Remove the rear panel to

locate SW 1.)

• The internal backup battery fails or is disconnected. (In -02 units, remove jumper JP1 while the external power is turned off to the unit. In -03 or later units, remove connector J1.)

• The watchdog timer initiates a restart.

The software will detect these events and will recopy the parameters and configuration values from Parameter memory back into RAM when operation is resumed.

If the contents of Parameter memory become invalid the unit will revert to the factory defaults in Program memory.

3.8 Front Panel LEDs

The two LEDs on the front panel provide the operator with a quick assessment of the unit’s operational status.

Figure 6: MCC-545C front panel LEDs

LED COLOR STATUS

545C Operations Manual

Yellow; flashes during

Transmit power is normal and VSWR is below

transmission Red; flashes during transmission

Off

3.0:1 Transmit power is normal but VSWR is greater than 3.0:1 Transmit power is off or below normal

4. INSTALLATION

Site selection and general installation guidelines are provided in this section, including instructions for cabling, antenna and power source connections. Power up procedures, initialization and functional test procedures are described that should be performed prior to placing the MCC-545C on-line within the network.

4.1 Site Selection

There are 5 important factors to consider in selecting an optimum site:

1. External noise/interference

2. DC power source

3. Horizon angle

4. Antenna type

5. Antenna height

4.1.1 External Noise/Interference

Noise and signal interference can reduce the performance of the MCC545C. The most common sources of noise and interference are as follows:

• Cosmic Noise

• Power Line Noise

• Automobile Ignition Noise

• Computer-Generated Interference

• External Signal Interference

Cosmic Noise

Cosmic noise is the limiting noise factor in a meteor burst system

noise is generated by star systems in the galaxy and is frequency

The noise is approximat

and 13 dB above thermal at 50 MHz

the highest when the antennas are pointed directly at the center of the

galaxy and lowest when they are pointed at right angles to it

variations of 3 to 4 dB can be expected

one that is limited only by cosmic noise.

Power Line Noise

One of the main sources of man

Noise on these lines is generated by high voltage bre

on power line hardware such as transformers and insulators

can be seen with an oscilloscope at the Receiver IF test point as a series

of spikes that occur every 8 msec (1/60 Hz) or every 10 msec (1/50 Hz)

The level of the spik

The number of spikes can vary, depending upon the level of

interference, from one or two every 8

The impulse noise blanker in the MCC

mount of this type of noise

increase, the effectiveness of the blanker is reduced

site always, check the IF test point with a scope to determine the level

of the power line noise interference

noise be avoided for an optimum site

well away from power lines.

power lines to reduce noise. Call the local utility in case of severe

noise.

Automobile Ignition Noise

Automobile ignition noise is generated by all gasoline engines and is a

result of the high voltage required to fire the spark plugs

noise is similar to power line noise, with the exception that it does not

have the regular 8

Generated Interference

545C Operations Manual

Proprietary and Confidential. Do Not Distribu

ely 15 dB above thermal at 40 MHz

This noise is diurnal in nature

An optimal meteor burst site is

made noise is high voltage power lines

akdown occurring

es is much higher than the normal background noise

10 msec to several dozen every

545C removes a large

However, as the number of spikes

When setting up a

atory that power line

Try to place the receiver antenna

Power companies are required to properly maintain their

10 msec period associated with power line noise.

dependent.

. This

. It is

. Daily

floor.

8-10 msec. a

Note

. This noise

. It is mand

Computer-

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545C Operations Manual

All computers and printers contain high

spurious signals throughout the 37

if any of these signals couple into the antenna at the MCC

To minimize this type of interference, try to keep the

antenna away from computers by at least 100

noise blanker does not suppress computer

External Signal Interference

This type of interference occurs whenever another transmitter produces

harmonics at the receiver center frequency of the MCC

lling and spatial separation can be used to reduce this type on

With XTermW installed (see Section 3.3), the STAT

command can be used to determine the site antenna noise levels.

Ideally, the background noise levels should be less than

DC Power Source

545C requires a 12 VDC power source

current is about 80 mA

amps for 100 msec

the average current requ

without GPS option) when operating at a normal duty cycle of 10%

automobile battery provides an excellent power source.

If there is no AC power available, a solar panel can be used to charge

size of the solar panel is determined by the solar

radiation available at the location of the site

USA, a 30 watt solar panel will suffice

winter temperatures are below freezing, a larger panel will ha

Consult MCC or contact the solar panel manufacturer to perform

this calculation for you and make a recommendation.

The power cable between the battery and the MCC

shorter than 10 feet and rated at #14 AWG or lower

3.2.3.1 for more details.)

DCN

speed circuits that generat

Interference can result

545C receive

generated interference.

The average standby

When the unit transmits it requires about 25

For normal operation, including transmission time,

irement will be approximately 125 mA (80 mA

In most locations in the

At higher elevations, where

545C should be kept

ection

frequency.

nu interference.

Note:

-50 MHz band.

feet. The MCC

-545C

545C’s

Antenna

–115 dBm.

4.1.2

The MCC-

the battery. The

used.

. An

ve to be

. (See S

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Caution

consideration should be given to installing an external fuse

between the battery and MCC

Horizon Angle

To obtain maximum performance, the Remote Station

on level, flat ground to provide a good ground plane

ground plane can reduce link performance by a factor of two

Furthermore, the terrain in front of the antenna must be free of

buildings, bridges, and other obstructions

times the height of the antenna

present a problem if they are kept at least 20 feet (6 meters) from any

of the antenna elements.

The antenna generally does not require a tilt angle and can be mou

parallel to the ground

and obstructions exceeding 5

recommendations.

Antenna Selection

nna selection depends on the type of network in which the MCC

545C is operating.

Vertical polarization is used in the FleetTrak

omnidirectional coverage to all adjacent nodes in the network

choice for a base station antenna is

two sides of a triangular tower

a data collection site.

Horizontal polarization is normally used in a Meteor Burst network

simplest antenna to use is a dipole, as shown in Figure

Yagi antenna (Figure 3.2) can provide an improvement in performance

by a factor from 2 to 4, depending on the number of elements used.

545C Operations Manual

Proprietary and Confidential. Do Not Distribu

545C does not have an internal fuse and

must be installed

Lack of a good

for a distance at least 30

Trees and other shrubbery do not

In the case of very short ranges (200

 from horizontal, a tilt angle may be

Please consult MCC’s engineering department for specific

network to provide

stacked dipoles mounted on

A 10' whip is a good antenna choice for

3.1; however, a

: The MCC-

-545C.

4.1.3

4.1.4

advantageous

nted

-300 miles),

02/10/2012

Ante

. A good

dual-

. The

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DCN 00001789-A

545C Operations Manual

: Single dipole antenna

Element YAGI antenna

The information bandwidth of the system is less than 25 kHz, therefore,

a very narrow bandwidth antenna may be used when operating on a

In a two

must be wide enough to accommodate both frequencies

antenna must provide a 50 ohm load

frequencies are used: TX = 45.90 MHz and RX = 44.20 MHz

Bandwidth of the antenna used is 1.7 MHz.

Always consult with MCC’s en

any questions arise with respect to antenna selection.

Assembly instructions are included with each antenna

these for proper assembly for all antenna elements.

DCN

frequency network the bandwidth of the

In the U.S. CONUS Network, two

The

gineering department for assistance when

Please refer to

Figure 7

Figure 8: 3-

single frequency. antenna

. The

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545C Operations Manual

3.0 .211

3.4

1.8 .425

12.6

1.2 .870

20.1

.48 .500

15.0

.26 .875

33.0

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

550

600

650

700

750

800

850

900

950

1000

4.1.5 Antenna Height

The height of the antenna should be optimized as a function of the distance between the Remote Station and the Master Station. A plot of optimum antenna height versus range is shown in Figure 3.3.

Figure 9: Remote station antenna height for meteor burst

100

95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35

Antenna Height (ft)

30 25 20 15 10

5 0

Best Antenna Height

4 0 M h

The antenna cable length must be kept as short as possible to minimize line losses. Try to maintain a line loss between the antenna and the MCC-545C to less than 2 dB.

A table of cable loss (at 50 MHz) for various types of co-ax cables is given in Table 3.1 for reference.

Table 5: CO-AX cable loss (50 MHz)

Loss/100 feet

Cable Type

RG 223, RG 58

RG 214, RG 8

RG 17

LDF4A-50 1/2 inch heliax

LDF5A-50 7/8 inch heliax

(dB)

RANGE (mi)

Diameter

(Inches)

Weight/100 feet

(lbs.)

545C Operations Manual

4.1.6 Human Exposure To Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

For fixed applications, antenna gains and mounting techniques can vary depending on the application. Antennas suitable for use with the MCC545C are listed in the MCC-545C RF Energy Exposure Guide. It includes details on the human to antenna separation requirements for specific fixed and mobile antennas with various gains.

Always disable the transmitter when working on the antenna and/or coax cable.

4.2 Equipment Installation

The MCC-545C operates over a temperature range from -30°C to +60°C and is housed in a stainless steel enclosure that can be used in a wide range of applications.

4.2.1 Mobile Applications

Mobile applications can include vehicles, aircraft, vessels, and locomotives. Each application may require a different type of antenna. For example, a 3' base-loaded ¼-wave whip is generally a good solution for vehicles. Low profile antennas, vertically polarized, are required for locomotives. 10' ¼-wave whips are generally used for vessels; these antennas should be designed for operation in maritime environments. Refer to the MCC-545C RF Energy Exposure Guide for more antenna information and means to limit RF exposure. MCC’s engineering services department can be contacted for specific recommendations.

For vehicle installations, the MCC-545C may be mounted in any convenient location (e.g., in the trunk, under the seat, or in the engine compartment).

Refer to Appendix E for a list of example equipment components required for an MCC-545C used in a typical mobile application.

545C Operations Manual

4.2.2 Data Collection Applications

The case of the MCC-545C itself is not waterproof, and a NEMA waterproof enclosure is recommended for outdoor installations. To ensure proper operation, shielded cable is recommended for all connectors. Also, use adequate strain relief on all cables and a weatherproof seal at the entry point of the enclosure.

A typical Remote Station data collection installation is shown in Figure

3.4.

Refer to Appendix E for a list of example equipment components required for an MCC-545C used in a typical data collection application.

Figure 10: Typical remote station with 3-element YAGI antenna

545C Operations Manual

4.2.3 Cable Connections

There are a maximum of four cable connections to be made to the MCC545C, as shown in Figure 3.5. These connections are used for both mobile and fixed site applications.

Figure 11: MCC-545C cable connections

DC Power

The MCC-545C requires a power source that can deliver up to 25 amps of pulsed power (100 msec) out of a +12 VDC to +14VDC power source. The 25 amp power demand will cause a voltage drop to occur at the transmitter input, resulting in reduced transmit power, unless the power cable to the source is sized appropriately. MCC recommends using two #16 AWG wires for both the power and ground, with a cable length that does not exceed 10 feet. If a longer cable is required use #14 AWG. MCC provides a standard 6-foot power cable with lugs for connecting to a 3/8" battery post.

The power connector pins are shown in Figure 3.6:

The voltage at pins 1 and 4 should not drop by more than 2VDC during

Connect the antenna cable to the BNC RF connector

used for cable lengths under 50 feet

214) for cable lengths up to 100 feet

GPS Antenna (Opt

An external GPS antenna is required when the internal GPS receiver is

Connect the GPS antenna cable to the SMA connector on the front

The 44 pin I/O connector on the front panel includes three RS

and one Sensor port

out these four ports as shown in Figure

545C Operations Manual

Proprietary and Confidential. Do Not Distribu

223 may be

Use a large diameter cable (RG

Refer to Section 3.1.5 for proper

MCC provides a standard cable harness that breaks

Figure 12: MCC

transmission.

VHF Antenna

cable length.

545C power connector pins

. RG-

used. panel.

I/O Port

ional)

-232 ports

13:

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Figure 13: MCC-545C I/O port cable

Operator Port

The Operator Port is normally connected to a local operator terminal. Use a standard RS-232 cable with a 9-pin male D connector. Normally, only 3 wires (pins 2, 3 and 5) are required when connecting to the operator port. The port is wired to support handshaking where required such as when using a modem.

Data Port

The Data Port may be used for connecting to a data logger, GPS receiver or other serial input device. Use a standard RS-232 cable with a 9-pin male D connector. Refer to Section 4.5 for more information on interfacing to data loggers or other serial input devices.

Auxiliary Port (AUX)

The Auxiliary Port may be connected to any serial input device

232 cable with a 9

used for interfacing to MCC test equipment (pins 6, 8, and 9).

Important

and 9) whose signals do not conform to the RS

are for MCC test purposes. These pins will NOT interfere with a

normal 3

The Sensor port is used as a gener

Data Acquisition (SCADA) interface requiring limited I/O in lieu of a full

data logging capability

connector for access to the various functions

routed to a terminal block for interfacing to the various

sensors and other external devices.

545C Operations Manual

Proprietary and Confidential. Do Not Distribu

This port is also

hree extra pins (pins 6, 8,

232 standard. These

232 connector (pins 2, 3, and 5).

al purpose Supervisory Control and

pin male D

For convenience, this

standard RS-

. Use a

-pin male D connector.

Sensor Port

cable may be

: The AUX port connector has t

-wire RS-

. Use a mating cable with a 25-

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Optocoupled input #1 positive

( 500 ohm resistor)

Optocoupled input #1 return

Optocoupled input #2 positive

resistor)

Optocoupled input #2 return

Optocoupled input #3 positive

( 500 ohm resistor)

Optocoupled input #3 return

Optocoupled input #4 positive

( 500 ohm resistor)

Optocoupled input #4 return

Relay Output #1 Normally Open

(2 Amp rating)

Relay Output #1 Common

Relay Output #1 Normally Closed

(2 Amp rating)

Relay Output #2 Normally Open

(2 Amp rating)

Relay Output #2 Common

Relay Output #2 Normally Closed

rating)

Switched +12V (battery)

Analog Input #1 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #2 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #3 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #4 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #5 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #6 ( 0 to 5 V)

+5V Ref (10mA for sensor excitation)

+12V (0.5A maximum)

Detected RF Test Point

03 series or later radios, the sensor connector pin #16 has been

changed from ground to a switched +12 volt

volt can be used to drive sensors. The total current load on the +12 volt and

switched +12 volt must not exceed 500mA. Use EVENT programming (Section

4.6) to control the +12 volt switched output.

DCN

(battery). This switched +12

SENSOR PORT

Pin Signal

2 3

4 5

6 7

8 9 10

( 500 ohm

Ground

11 12

14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

(2 Amp

±0.5%

Note: In -

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For reference, the pin-outs of the 44 pin I/O connector are shown below:

545C Operations Manual

Up Sequence

Before applying power to the MCC

545C and the external equipment (power, antenna,

operator terminal, and data logger). Refer to Section

3.3 have been completed.

Operator Terminal

Connect a laptop or an operator terminal, with

emulation program designed for interfacing with MCC products

operator terminal must be programmed with the same configuration

parameters as the Operator Port.

The Operator Port of the MCC

factory default configuration at the time of shipment:

9600

Parity

8 Protocol

1 Flow control

Power Connection

When the unit

review Section 3.2.3.1 for proper cabling to the power source. The voltage

drop at the input connector during transmission should be less than 2 VDC

for proper operation of the unit. Verify this during the

Procedure in Section 3.4.

DCN

545C, check all connections

3.2.3 for cabling

Disconnect the antenna cable until all steps in Section

installed, to

based terminal

545C is programmed with the f

ASCII

none

545C by applying +12VDC to the power connector.

transmits, it will draw up to 20 amps; therefore,

Operational Test

4.3 Power-

Important:

between the MCC-

instructions.

4.3.1

the Operator Port

Caution

XTermW

XTermW is an MCC windows-

. The

4.3.2

Baud rate

Data bits

Stop bit

Power up the MCC

Note:

ollowing

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When power applied is initially applied to the MCC-545C, or after a software boot or hardware reset, the following message will be displayed:

545C PACKET DATA RADIO

S/W Part Number* P1079-00-00 Version* 6.87 09/29/05

* Part Number, Version Number, and date vary according to a particular radio’s firmware.

At this time all configuration data is loaded from Program Memory into RAM. This data will remain in RAM and on all subsequent power-cycle sequences the following message will be displayed:

01/23/04 16:54:10 POWER SHUTDOWN/FAIL OCCURRED.

02/02/04 12:54:44 POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED... RESUMING OPERATION.

This is the type of message that should be displayed when you first apply power to the unit during a field installation, and for each subsequent power cycle of the radio.

If the greeting message is not displayed, then the RAM contents may have been lost under one of the conditions described in Section 2.4 and the proper script file must be re-entered into the MCC-545C using XTermW. (Refer to Sections 3.3.3.5 and 4.2.7 and Appendix C for more information on using script files.)

4.3.3 Initialization Procedures

The following initialization procedures should now be performed in the order they are given below.

Verify Device Type

The MCC-545C must be programmed to operate as a particular device type, such as Remote Station, Repeater, or Base, depending on your network configuration. The device type is normally set at the factory prior to shipment to ensure proper integration with your network.

545C Operations Manual

Use the following command to display what device type the unit is

Always check with your System Administrator to determine which device

your unit should be configured as.

For example, if the device should be a Remote Station and it is not

currently configured properly, you can change the device type, as

DEVICE,REMOTE [ENTER]

Do not change the device type u

Administrator. Changing the device type can make your unit cease operating

and can impact communications throughout the entire network.

Every MCC unit is programmed at the factory with a 16

display the unit ID number on the operator terminal, enter:

Contact your System Administrator to make sure this ID is registered in

the network configuration database

may have to be changed on

ID changes must be coordinated with both MCC and your System

Administrator. Failure to do so may result in data or messages being

misrouted or lost. Refer to Section 4.1.4.1 for more information on unit ID

545C is programmed at the factory with the authorized

frequencies to be used in your network

Parameter memory and cannot be changed

frequency is configured by enter

DCN

nless told to do so by your System

bit unit ID

Under some circumstances the ID

nly be done if the ID is not

These frequencies are stored in

Verify that the correct

configured as:

DEVICE [ENTER]

type

follows:

SAVE [ENTER]

Caution:

Verify ID Number

ID [ENTER]

. To

locked.

Caution:

settings.

Verify Frequency

The MCC-

02/10/2012 36

-site. This can o

ing the command:

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FREQUENCIES [ENTER]

FREQ [ENTER]

This shows you the active or “primary” TX and RX frequency pair, plus

up to 9 additional frequency pairs for channels that may be

programmed at the factory.

For example, the following

+freq 05/18/04 08:53:50 Primary TX 044.58 MHz RX 044.58 MHz

Frequency Table

Do not change the frequency pair unless told to do so by your

System Administrator. Changing the frequency pair can

communicating with the network.

Once the frequencies are verified, confirm that the synthesizer is “ON”

and locked by entering the following command:

SYNTHESIZER [ENTER]

SYNTH [ENTER]

The unit responds with:

,ON,LOCKED (or UNLOCKED)

If the synthesizer returns an unlocked response, ensure that the proper

frequency pair is selected.

545C Operations Manual

Proprietary and Confidential. Do Not Distribu

044.58 MHz

044.20 MHz

000.00 MHz

make your unit stop

Channel

>00*

for short cut

table could be displayed:

TX RX

044.58 MHz

045.90 MHz

000.00 MHz

Caution:

SYNTH

for short cut

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545C will not transmit if the synthesizer is not locked.

A descriptive name may be given to the s

The selected site name must be coordinated with your

System Administrator

SITE NAME, nnnnnn [ENTER]

where: nnnnnn = maximum of 32 alpha

double

spacing. Data from a site with an incorrect site name will be mishandled or

misrouted by the Host. An incorrect site name can result in significant effort

to recover misrouted data.

The appropriate Script File is usually programmed into the MCC

the factory prior to shipment

not been entered, a new file can be loaded from your operator terminal

software

545C to operate as either a Base, Repeater, or Remote Station

Other Script Files define any application programs that are performed

by the station. For example, the application for a Remote Station may

mobile unit reporting position data or as a fixed site reporting

The procedure for loading the Script File is described below:

Install the MCC

Script File on it into your operator terminal, and load t

File into your

XTermW

and COM port (typically COM1, 9600 baud)

are defaults.

factory,default,init

into the MCC

DCN

545C is

To enter a site name use the following command:

check the site name entry for correct spelling and

If the appropriate Script File has already

e Script File that uniquely programs

CD (or diskette), with the

and open a connection at the correct baud rate

All other parameters

to load the default parameters

Note: The MCC-

Select Site Name

being installed.

Caution: Please

Enter Script Files

ite where the MCC-

-characters

using XTermW the MCC-

be as a sensor data.

2. Start

-545C at

. There is on

-545C Meteorcomm he Script

XTermW subdirectory.

3. Type

-545C.

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From the

Select the appropriate Script File in the

click the file name to start execution.

The commands in the Script File are executed one at a time until the

the file is reached

review the command responses

COMMAND, BAD PARAMETER, or a similar message, the Script File may

have an error in it

MCC or your System Administrator for a replacement.

You may verify that the correct configuration file has been loaded by

entering the three commands:

THIS COMPLETES THE INTIALIZATION PROCEDURE

Operational Test Procedure

Be sure to connect the antenna if it was disconnected per the

CAUTION note of Section 3.3.

A very thorough RF test can be made by entering the command TEST

TEST causes the processor to turn the transmitter ON and

forward and reverse RF power that is being transmitted

also measures the battery voltage under load and the antenna noise

545C Operations Manual

Proprietary and Confidential. Do Not Distribu

, choose Execute

subdirectory

Press the “up arrow” key to scroll up and

If any commands result in BAD

If so, the script file needs to be corrected

end of

Script.

Double-

Scripts

pull-down menu in XTermW

XTermW

ASSIGN, SNP

, and

CONFIG

. Contact

4.4

Note:

4.4.1 RF Test

[ENTER]. measures the

voltage.

. It

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The following response will be displayed on the operator terminal:

syncs xmits acks pwr

xxxx yyyy zzzz aaaa bbbb ccc ddd eee

# of sync patterns received from the master station.

# of transmissions made by the MCC

# of acknowledgements received from the Master

Forward power in watts

Reflected power in watts

Battery voltage under load (while transmitting)

greater than 10.6

Received signal strength in

noise level at the antenna and should read about

Number of times the radio has rebooted.

The forward RF power should be at least 80 watts if the battery

is normal. If it is lower than 80 watts check for proper cabling to

the power source. (See Section 3.2.2.1.)

If the reverse RF power is greater than 5 watts check the antenna and

coaxial cabling for proper installation.

If both the forward and reverse pow

automatically shutting down due to an antenna VSWR greater than 3:1.

Check the antenna and coaxial cabling for proper installation.

If the DET RF is greater than

rm properly but the latency time of the link will be increased.

Refer to Section 3.1 for reducing site noise conditions.

An overall figure of merit for the link performance is the XMIT to ACK ratio.

If this ratio is 3:1 or lower, the overall performance wi

This completes the initialization and power

The unit is now ready for operation.

Refer to Chapter 4 for detailed operating instructions.

DCN

rf resets

Station.

This should be greater than 80 watts.

This should be less than 5 watts.

This should be

This will normally be the

120.

er are low, the transmitter may be

110 dBm), the unit

ll be very good.

up sequence of the MCC

where: xxxx =

yyyy = zzzz = aaaa = bbbb = ccc =

ddd =

eee =

Note:

voltage

-fwd pwr-rev v-bat det-

-545C.

VDC.

dBm.

–

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will still perfo

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545C Operations Manual

5. OPERATIONS

This chapter covers the basic operating procedures for the MCC-545C as it is used in the FleetTrak™ network. The MCC-545C is programmed through the use of Script Files that contain the specific system parameters for operating in various modes. A script file is loaded into the MCC-545C at the MCC facilities prior to shipment. Script files may also be loaded and/or modified at the customer’s site. (Refer to Section

4.2.7 and Appendix C for more information on Script Files.)

The last section of this chapter provides a summary of all MCC-545C commands; printouts from frequently-used commands are included in Appendix A.

It is assumed at this point that the appropriate script file has already been loaded into the unit, as part of the installation procedures outlined in Section 3.3, and that the unit is configured properly and operational within its network. This chapter describes the various commands that are available to the operator for modifying the station configuration parameters to accommodate specific applications, sending and receiving messages, and interfacing to peripheral devices for position reporting and data collection.

5.1 Getting Started

5.1.1 XTermW Terminal Emulator

XTermW is a windows-based terminal emulation program supplied by MCC. It is designed for interfacing with a wide variety of MCC products. All commands, script files, etc., can be entered into the MCC-545C using XTermW. The last section in this chapter contains a list of all valid MCC-545C commands.

XTermW can also be used to create log files of MCC-545C operations. Refer to the XTermW documentation supplied with the program.

Whether using XTermW, another terminal emulator, or a hardware terminal, you must program the operator terminal to use the same

545C Operations Manual

9600

ASCII

none

configuration parameters as the MCC-545C Operator Port. The Operator Port of the MCC-545C has the following factory default configuration:

Baud rate

Data bits

Stop bit

Parity

Protocol

Flow control

5.1.2 HELP Command

Entering HELP [ENTER] displays all of the commands used in the operation and maintenance of the MCC-545C. To obtain descriptive information about a particular command and how it is used by the MCC545C, enter the command type. For example: HELP, ASSIGN [ENTER].

Refer to the last section of this chapter for a complete list of MCC-545C commands.

5.1.3 Role-Based Operations

The role that the MCC-545C plays in a communications network determines how it should be configured. There are three basic roles that an MCC-545C can be used in, depending on the network type:

• LOS Network consisting of Base and Repeater Stations, and Remote/Mobile units; Base Stations do not communicate with each other in this type of network. This is a typical FleetTrak™ network.

• LOS Network consisting of one or more Master Stations and Remote Stations (either fixed position or mobile units); Master Stations can communicate with each other in this type of network. This is a typical DataNet network.

• Meteor Burst network consisting of a single Master Station communicating with Remote Stations in fixed positions; Remote Stations do not communicate with each other in this type of network. This is a typical Meteor Burst network.

545C Operations Manual

For Masters:

(idle probe rate

– typically

(for Remotes)

(BASE command not used in a Meteor

(CONNECT command not used in a Meteor

(Remotes switch to

(Single Master Station networks use

Table 4.1 shows the roles for which an MCC-545C can be configured; this is just an overview of the general commands needed for each role. The MCC-545C is not normally used in a Meteor Burst-only type of network.

Appendix F contains a description of the interoperability of all three types of MCC networks.

Table 6: Role-based operations

LOS Network

Base and Repeater Stations Remote/Mobile units

ROLE,LOS

DEVICE,BASE DEVICE,REPEATER,id (which Base or Repeater to report to)

DEVICE,REMOTE

For Base/Repeaters:

ID,master id

For Remotes:

ID,remote id, master id,AUTO

P,t (idle probe rate – typically t=20

seconds for Base and Repeaters; set

t=OFF for Remotes in an LOS network) BASE,low id,hi id (typically 2-230 –

used as a switch that turns the Base/Repeater mode on)

CONNECT, master id1, master id2

(limits which Master(s) a Remote Station can communicate with)

SNP,NDOWN,2,10 (Remotes switch to

LOS Network

Multiple Master Stations Remote Stations (fixed or mobile)

ROLE,LOS ROLE,TRANSPOND

DEVICE,MASTER DEVICE,REMOTE

ID,master id

For Remotes:

ID,remote id, master id

Meteor Burst Network

Single Master Station Remote Stations (fixed)

DEVICE,REMOTE

ID,master id

For Remotes (single Master):

ID,remote id, master id

For Remotes (multiple Masters):

ID,remote id,1,MULTI,INIT

P,t

seconds for Base and Repeaters; set

t=OFF for Remotes in an LOS network)

BASE,OFF

CONNECT, master id1, master id2

(limits which Master(s) a Remote Station or Master Station can communicate with)

SNP,NDOWN,120,10

P,OFF

Burst network)

545C Operations Manual

another Base Station or Repeater after 2

another

Master Station after 120 minutes

default SNP parameters)

(displays data logger

(select data

LOS Network

Base and Repeater Stations Remote/Mobile units

minutes without communications or after 10 failed tries; if only one Base Station, Remote goes into position (POS) broadcast mode )

POS,15 (sets up GPS; typically 15 seconds, or 120 seconds depending on requirements)

ASSIGN,POS,2,GPS (sets up RS-232 port)

LOS Network

Multiple Master Stations Remote Stations (fixed or mobile)

without communications or after 10 failed tries; if only one Base Station, Remote goes into position (POS) broadcast mode )

CR10X

configuration parameters; can be changed as needed)

ASSIGN,DTA,1,type

logger type for DTA port)

Meteor Burst Network

Single Master Station Remote Stations (fixed)

CR10X

configuration parameters; can be changed as needed)

ASSIGN,DTA,1,type

logger type for DTA port)

545C Operations Manual

Unit connects to the

Master Station for the

NDOWN

period (set with

Unit connects to the

Master Station, if it is not successful it

5.1.4 Unit Identification and Factory Settings

Unit ID

Every MCC unit is programmed at the factory with a 16-bit unit ID. This allows up to 65,536 unique ID numbers per network. Type the command ID and press [ENTER] to display the unit ID number on the operator terminal. In some cases this number will be “locked” and cannot be changed in the field; you can type LOCK to determine if the ID is locked or not.

Under some circumstances the ID may have to be changed on-site. It can only be done if the ID is not locked. In that event, this action must be coordinated with both MCC and your System Administrator. Failure to do so may result in data or messages being misrouted or lost. In addition, the network topography and statistics will receive incorrect data that will impair network performance.

To change the ID, enter the following command:

ID,nnnnn,mmmm{,aaaaa},INIT

where:nnnnnn =

mmmm =

aaaaa =

Obtain the proper Master Station assignment and select mode from your System Administrator. The MCC-545C will save this ID and will use it whenever the unit is powered up or reset.

Mode Description

PREF

SNP command). After NDOWN period unit connects to the Master Station that it has received the most syncs from. In this mode the unit can communicate with only one Master at a time.

AUTO

switches to another Master Station. It will stay with that Master Station as long as it can communicate with it. In this mode the unit can

communicate with only one Master at a time. This is the standard mode for FleetTrak™ networks.

unit ID

Master Station assignment

Master select mode

: PREF, AUTO, MULTI, or FIXED

mmmm

545C Operations Manual

Connectivity will be fixed to the

unit can communicate with only one Master Station at a time

standard mode for networks with a single Master Station.

In this mode the unit can connect to multiple Master Stations

standard mode for Meteor Burst networks with more than one Master

The format for this mode is:

ULTI,INIT

You can also change just the mode for the ID by typing:

545C may also be assigned a unique customer ID number that can

correspond to a customer

identifier as needed.

When you type FACTORY,DEFAULT,INIT, the unit restores the factory

default parameters. Refer to Appendix B for more details regarding the

factory default parameters.

If the ID and the CONFIG are not

FACTORY,DEFAULT,INIT, the unit’s ID will remain the same, but the ID mode

will be set to be the fixed mode . The frequency synthesizer will get

unlocked (Both TX and RX frequencies will be set to 99.99 MHz.). In this

set your frequencies again, in addition to other

parameters, using the script file (refer to Section 4.2.7).

System Time and Date

545C has its own internal clock

its clock to the nearest second either with its ass

own internal GPS receiver (if available)

TIMESYNC,source

DCN

Master Station

In this mode the

specific network or system ID, an asset tracking

periodically it can synchronize

igned Master Station or its

Enter the following command:

This is the

Mode Description

FIXED

the

MULTI

Station.

ID,nnnnn,1,M

ID,aaaaa

Customer ID

The MCC-

number, or other

Factory Default Parameters

mmmm

. This is

5.1.5

Note:

case, you need to

The MCC-

LOCKED before typing

–

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545C Operations Manual

where: source = ON (sync with Master Station) = GPS (sync using internal GPS) = OFF (uses internal clock only)

If required, the MCC-545C’s internal date and time can be initialized by entering the following commands:

DATE, mm/dd/yy

TIME, hh:mm{:ss}

The Master Station receives the correct date and time from either its Host or an RTCM broadcast. The Master Station then periodically broadcasts this date and time information to all Remotes for synchronizing their internal clocks.

The date and time of day maintained in the MCC-520B Master Station is transmitted to all Remote Stations between the times of 00:10:00 and 00:50:00 of each day, time keeping all units in a network on the same time reference. If the time of day received at a Remote Station differs by more than two minutes from the internal Remote clock, the Remote will set its clock to the received time of day.

To properly manage time, each Master Station and Remote Station must know how its own time zone relates to UTC and the system time. This relationship is established by relating its time zone to known reference points. UTC is always referenced to GMT; however, system time can be referenced to any desired time zone.

The time zone offset is defined with the following command:

TIME ZONE, UTC offset, local time offset

Always set “UTC offset” to 0; the “local time offset” should be set to the Remote Station’s time zone offset (+/- TZ) from the Master Station time zone.

5.1.6 System Memory

The MCC-545C is designed to operate unattended in a variety of environments where power may be applied continuously or intermittently. The goal is for the unit to continue to operate without loss of messages, data, or configuration, even if power is randomly turned on and off.

545C Operations Manual

Therefore the software is designed to operate continuously, to save all operational information when power is off, and to resume operation from that point when power is restored.

To support this design, the MCC-545C has three types of memory:

1. Program Memory (PM)

2. Random Access Memory (RAM)

3. Configuration Parameter (CPM)

The PM is non-volatile flash memory that has been programmed with the MCC-545C’s operational software. This software contains the initial values of all operational parameters. The values are referred to as the “factory defaults” because they are programmed into the MCC-545C operating system software at the factory. The PM can only be modified by replacing the operating system using the flash download. (Consult XTermW manual to learn how to download a new flash into the PM.)

The RAM contains all the dynamic data for the MCC-545C. All data logger data, positional data, and messages entered into the MCC-545C are stored in RAM. Also, all command parameters are stored in RAM. But RAM is volatile and can only retain information while power is applied. Turning off or disconnecting power will cause all RAM information to be lost. To prevent this, a small internal NiCad or Ni Metal Hydride battery (internal to the unit) is used to maintain power to the RAM when external power is off.

During normal operation, the MCC-545C software operates from the data and the parameters that are stored in RAM. Unfortunately, there are always situations when the RAM data may be lost or corrupted due to total discharge of the battery, software crash or operator error. Since we do not want to lose our configuration data during these situations, we have a third type of memory.

The third type of memory, CPM, is also nonvolatile flash memory and retains data even when power is removed. The MCC-545C retains a copy of all the programmed configuration parameters in CPM. The MCC-545C will write configuration parameters, that have been entered from the operator port, into CPM when the SAVE command is entered. Only values that have changed are written into CPM. Whenever the unit radio ID is changed the MCC-545C will automatically SAVE the configuration. A validation checksum

is used by the MCC

checksum is invalid, the unit will revert to factory defaults.

The only configuration parameter that is not stored in CPM is the CR10X

This parameter, together with the date and time, is stored in

clock chip battery backed up RAM

is discharged or removed from the unit

FACTORY,DEFAULT,INIT command is used to change the configuration back

to the factory defaults.

545C ships from the factory it is programmed with the

following default configuration: the Operator Port (port 0) is set for 9600

baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, ASCII protocol and no flow control

This provides a known starting point for commun

terminal or computer

unit ID and other operational parameters and then use the SAVE command

to write them to CPM

Once the software is rebooted or is restarted due to a crash or

failure of the battery backup RAM, all changes will be lost unless they were

previously saved in CPM.

Station Configuration

The station configuration parameters are usually entered b

configuration script file as described in Section 3.3.3.5

enter these commands one at a time from the operator port

describes some of the key commands

chapter for a comple

In order for the MCC

properly configured

to application, therefore refer to your systems manual or consult your

r for correct settings.

545C Operations Manual

DCN

These will be lost if the internal battery

It will not be lost if the

icating to the unit from a

From this starting point, the user can program the

As soon as the parameters are entered they take

y loading a

It is also possible to

Refer to the last section of this

545C to operate correctly in your network, it must be

Configuration requirements will vary from application

pointer.

When the MCC-

effect.

-545C to verify the data in CPM is correct

If the

the

5.2

Caution:

systems manage

This section

te list of commands.

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545C Operations Manual

5.2.1 Configuring the MCC-545C

Configuration parameters include the unit ID, the Master Station assignment, I/O port functions and baud rates, transmit and receive parameters and network parameters. Parameters or operational states set by these commands are retained and will determine the way in which the MCC-545C will interact with other equipment at the site and with the communications network.

Most configuration parameters can be viewed with the CONFIG, ASSIGN, SNP, and CR10X commands. You should use these commands to verify that the configuration is correct. If it is not correct, use the appropriate command(s) to correct the configuration, and then enter the SAVE command to write the configuration parameters into the Configuration Parameter Memory (CPM) for non-volatile storage.

The software normally executes using the data and parameters stored in RAM. When the unit is turned off, or power is disconnected, the RAM information will be maintained by battery backup. When main power is restored the unit continues operation from RAM. When this happens, you will see the following message on the Operator Port. (See Section 3.3 for details.)

POWER SHUTDOWN/FAIL OCCURRED

POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED... RESUMING OPERATION

The RAM contents will be lost under the following conditions:

• The boot command is issued.

• The Reset button (SW1) is pressed.

• The internal battery backup is disconnected.

• The internal battery fails or is discharged.

• The software crashes and restarts.

The software will detect these events and will then recopy the configuration values from CPM back into RAM when operation is resumed.

The software will revert to the factory settings contained in the PM if the contents of the CPM become invalid.

545C Operations Manual

The user should beware that it is possible to “get in trouble” using the configuration process. For example, assume you accidentally set the protocol for the operator port to MSC. If you do not have the ability to interface using MSC protocol you will immediately lose contact with the MCC-545C. You will no longer be able to issue commands. Power cycling will not help either because your change will be retained in RAM, even through power cycling. However, you can always recover by removing the lid on the MCC-545C and pressing the Reset button (SW1). This will reboot and restore the CPM settings.

Alternatively, assume you want to change the operator port to MSC. You connect in ASCII protocol, command the change to MSC protocol, then switch your PC to also use MSC protocol. Operation resumes and all is well. But do not forget to do a SAVE. If the software ever reboots, it will revert back to ASCII. And remember, once you do the SAVE you are committed to MSC protocol. The Reset button now reboots to MSC and there is no easy way back to the factory default settings. You will need an MSC capability to command a change back to ASCII.

5.2.2 Setting frequencies

The MCC-545C is programmed at the factory with the authorized frequencies to be used in your network. These frequencies are stored in Parameter memory and cannot be changed.

You can display TX and RX frequencies by entering the following command:

FREQUENCIES

This shows you the active or “primary” TX and RX frequency pair, plus up to 9 additional frequency pairs for channels that may be programmed at the factory.

545C Operations Manual

+freq 05/18/04 08:53:50 Primary TX 044.58 MHz RX 044.58 MHz

044.58 MHz

045.90 MHz

000.00 MHz

You can select any frequency pair from the frequency table by entering the

= desired channel number

frequencies manually, enter the following command:

FREQUENCIES,aaaa,bbbb,xx

= Tx Frequency (e.g., 4053 for 40.53 MHz)

= Rx Frequency (e.g., 4153 for 41.53 MHz)

= Frequency Channel Number in the Frequency Table (0 thru 10)

ers the above frequencies into “xx” channel number in the

Now select the desired channel number to make that pair

of frequencies active or the “primary” frequency pair.

If the synthesizer is unable to establish phase

command is entered, the MCC

request and turn off the TX key. It will try once a minute thereafter to

lock. If it fails, the message

be displayed; if it succeeds, the MCC

DCN

lock when

ON, UNLOCKED

SYNTHESIZER UNLOCKED

LOCKED

Frequency Table Channel

>00*

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

command:

FREQUENCIES, n

044.58 MHz

044.20 MHz

000.00 MHz

where: n

To set the

where:

aaaa

bbbb

This ent frequency table.

Important:

establish phase-

the TX key.

-545C will respond

the

to the

will

-545C will respond

and turn on

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holdoff set

The HOLDOFF command allows a Remote Station to hold off selecting a

Master Station for a given period of time (in seconds) whenever it does a

(Neighbor

from its assigned Master within a set period of time

2 minutes.) This lets the Remote pick a Remote Relay Station for the set

holdoff time in conditions where a Remote can hear

Base cannot hear the Remote

turn on option

This option is only available on MCC

03 or later radios have Jumper JP4 installed on shipment

jumper ensures that the radio will

applied to the power connector.

There is also the ability for the radio to be powered up from an external

control signal (e.g., car ignition, data logger, etc.), connected to the I/O

This can be used to turn the r

purposes of reducing standby operating current

This external signal (+4 to 12VDC voltage) is applied to the optical isolated

port 2, available on the 25 pin connector (I/O Por

500 ohm resistor to limit the current

apply +V to IN2+ (Pin 3 on DB

25 connector).

This external control signal allows for the radio to be tu

a predefined time interval

Remove Jumper JP4

Connect control signal to IN2 .

Set Power Time Out (PTO) in seconds to turn the radio off after the

IN2 is removed.

545C Operations Manual

DCN

down is when a Remote Station doesn’t hear

the default setting is

a Base Station, but the

03 or later units.

power up when the battery voltage is

adio off under electronic control for

JP4 must be removed to

There is an internal

To connect the control signal to IN2,

V (ground) to IN2

rned on/off within

5.2.3 Remote

neighbor-down.

5.2.4 Power

Note:

MCC-545C-

tings

–

-545C-

. This

port.

allow this feature

on DB-

-25 connector) and –

. To enable this feature:

t).

- (Pin 4

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545C Operations Manual

To set the Power Time Out (in seconds), enter the

The PTO command must not be used (i.e., set to PTO,0) if JP4 is

command schedule list

The SCHED command allows you to schedule the automated execution of

A schedule list simply consists of

When the MCC

time, the scheduler invokes the command as though you had entered it

545C’s operator terminal.

The command schedule list created by the

different than programming MCC

Appendix D for more information on programming events.

Two different types of time trigger options are provided for command

scheduling: INTERVAL and TIME

schedule a command to be invoked at periodic intervals within a 24

time period; the TIME trigger allows you to schedule a command to be

invoked only once at a specified point within a 24 hour time period

command schedule list

To display the current schedule list, enter:

To add a new command to the schedule list, enter:

SCHED,type,time{OFFSET,hh:mm:ss},command

,hh:mm:ss

DCN

following command:

giving one or more commands

time clock reaches the trigger

SCHED command is

see Section 4.6 and

igger allows you to

time clock reaches

timeframe

545C command (with parameters)

PTO,xxx

Note:

installed.

5.2.5 MCC-545C

commands. a trigger time.

from the MCC-

Note:

midnight.

-545C’s real-

-545C “events” –

. The INTERVAL tr

-hour

. The

is restarted each time the real-

SCHED

where: type

time

OFFSET

command

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= INTERVAL or TIME

= hours:minutes:seconds

time offset from specified

any MCC-

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(optional)

00001789-A

Note:

The scheduler ignores certain commands due to their interactive

nature. The MESSAGE command is currently the

To remove command(s) from the schedule list, enter:

SCHED,DEL,xxx

xxx

command

The MCC

The schedule list will be erased if the system software re

confused with power failure recovery, which will preserve the schedule

You can schedule several commands to trigger at the same time;

you cannot force one command to execute before or after another

assigning commands to the schedule, the order of commands displayed in

the schedule list is the order in which the commands will trigger for any

given trigger time (i.e., a com

before an command with a higher schedule number).

Setting Timeout Duration

There is one programmable time limit for the I/O port input on the MCC

Use the Set Teleprinter Timeout (

for characters at the maintenance terminal, as follows:

secs

MCC recommends using the pre

You can choose to change the timeout limit by entering the num

seconds, or you can enter a 0 to turn off the time limit.

545C Operations Manual

DCN

only one ignored.

= schedule list number (removes single scheduled

supports up to 50 scheduled commands.

boots (not to be

mand with a low schedule number occurs

) command to set the time lim

seconds (default is 60 seconds)

programmed default timeout parameter

where:

Important:

list).

= ALL (erases entire schedule)

from the schedule list)

-545C currently

however,

. After

5.2.6

545C.

STT,secs

where:

= 0 to 32767

STT

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ber of

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545C Operations Manual

545C must be programmed with the parameters that “fit” the

network that it is being used in, whether as a Base Station, Repeater, or

This programming is

from the operator terminal into the MCC

A Script File can also be downloaded into a Remote Station via RF from the

The appropriate Script File is usually programmed int

factory prior to shipment

been entered, a new file can be loaded from your operator terminal using

e as a Remote Station in your specific network.

Other Script Files define application programs that are performed by the

For example, the application for a Remote Station may be as a

mobile unit reporting position data or as a fixed site reporting

New Script Files may be entered into MCC

outlined in Section 3.3.3.5 and Appendix C

already loaded in the unit’s Parameter Memory (also called CPM), may be

made using the Station Con

CPU Power Mode

The CPU of the MCC

Use the _LPSTP command to select the CPU power mode

power mode, the CPU uses a “hibernate” mode to conserve batter

The _LPSTP command is displayed as a Factory Default Parameter.

power mode, enter:

Using the CPU in high

545C Remote Station t

System Administrator to make certain whether the network configuration

DCN

accomplished by loading a Script File

545C via the Operator (MNT) port

o the MCC

If the appropriate Script File has already not

There is one Script File that uniquely programs the MCC

545C using the procedures

Changes to a Script File that is

figuration commands listed previously.

power or low

power mode causes that particular MCC

o use higher power consumption. Check with your

5.2.7 Script Files

The MCC-

Remote Station.

Master Station.

-545C at the

5.2.8

XTermW software 545C to operat

station.

mode. lowpower.

-545C also runs in either high-

sensor data.

-power . While in

To select low-

_LPSTP,ON

To select low-

_LPSTP,OFF

Important:

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requires the Remote to use low

Network Configuration

545C Remote/Master Operation

545C can

Use the DEVICE command to select the mode you require.

545C Remote Station operation, enter:

DEVICE,REMOTE

545C operation as a Master Station, enter:

DEVICE,MASTER

Additional MCC

is selected. If you attempt to enter a Master Station command during

Remote Station operation, you will see the error “CMD not used for this

Selecting Network Parameters (

FleetTrak™ and Meteor Burst networks; however, the timing parameters

need to have a much higher range (longer periods of time) for meteor burst

communication systems than in line

MCC recommends using the given default network parameters (values that

up or after reset)

parameters, first review the discussion in this section, then use the

following commands to change to the desir

{,pname,value}

where “pname” is the network parameter and “value” is a limit dependent

The “pname” parameters are as follows:

live in minutes (default is 120 minutes); this is the time limit

for a message to reach

545C Operations Manual

DCN

power mode or not.

operate as either a Remote Station or as a Master

DEVICE,MASTER

) command is used in both

Before you choose to change these

its destination before it is deleted from the queue.

5.2.9

Selecting MCC-

The MCCStation.

For normal MCC-

For MCC-

Note:

device type.”

-545C commands are available when

Selecting Network Parameters

The

are set on power-

SNP

on “pname”.

TTL

– Time-to-

02/10/2012

SNP

-of-sight operations.

ed settings:

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545C Operations Manual

The time-to-live parameter input is truncated to a 10-minute boun¬da¬ry. If you enter 60 through 69, the TTL for the next message will be 60 minutes. A resultant value of 0 (parameter range 0 – 9) means the message will never time out.

TTR

– Time-to-retransmit in minutes (default is 30 minutes); i.e., the message is retransmitted if it has not reached its destination within this time frame.

NUP

– Neighbor-up threshold (default is 2 acquisitions); the number of times a Station must hear from another Station within a one minute time interval before it becomes a neighbor.

NDOWN

,xx,yy – Neighbor-down threshold in “xx” minutes (default is 120 minutes), and “yy” is the number of times a Station attempts to communicate with a neighbor before attempting to talk to another Station; if there is no communication with a neighboring Station within the set time, the route to that neighbor is ignored. Setting NDOWN to 0 maintains the routing to the neighbor indefinitely.

RDOWN

– Remote-down threshold in minutes (default is 2 minutes); if there is no communication with a Remote Station within the set time, the Remote is declared down and is removed from the Remote table. Setting RDOWN to 0 keeps a Remote defined indefinitely.

OTL

– Outstanding text limit (default is 20 texts); the number of messages a Station is allowed to send to another Station without an end-to-end acknowledgment.

CONNP

(Master Station operation only) – Connectivity message precedence (default is 1 precedence); information on changes in the connectivity table is given highest precedence (automatic feature).

ETEAP

– End-to-end ACK message precedence (default is 2 precedence); the acknowledgment of a message when it reaches its final destination is given highest precedence.

HTO

– History file timeout in minutes (default is 5 minutes); maintains

information for duplicate filtering.

545C Operations Manual

TEXTL

(Master Station operation only) – Text message packet size in segments (default is 32 segments).

FLOODP

(Master Station operation only) – Partial “flooding” precedence level (default is A precedence). Messages of this precedence level and above are transmitted over all routes of minimum length; messages below this precedence are not sent over all minimum length routes, but are sent only over the routes where the shortest transmit queues exist.

MBHOP

– meteor burst link hop weight (default is 1 hop). Defines the number of network hops to associate with a meteor burst Master Station link when determining the minimum path to use in routing a message. MBHOP should be set high enough to prevent a meteor burst Master Station link to be chosen over a line-of-sight Remote to Remote link in a network that is predominantly line-of-sight.

INF

(Master Station operation only) – Infinity hop count (default is 8 hops). Defines the width of the network in hops plus one to determine when connectivity to a node is broken. Should be as low as possible to minimize auto-connectivity traffic in the network, but large enough to not erroneously flag nodes as being offline.

RELAY

(Master Station operation only) – Relay function specification (default is ON). Specifies whether the MCC-545C should act like a Remote Station in terms of relay functionality (i.e., does not share connectivity table with other Master Stations).

DATAP

– Priority of data reports initiated at the MCC-545C (default is Y precedence). When used in any data collection network, this setting defines the precedence of data reports generated asynchronously by the equipment itself. Typically, it should be lower than operator entered messages and commands.

Message Accountability

SNP,TTL

SNP,TTR

SNP,TEXTL

Message time-to-live

Message time-to-retry

Message packet size

545C Operations Manual

Message accountability guarantees that text messages get delivered to their proper destinations within an allotted time. Data reports, position reports, and remote commands/responses donot get this guarantee. They get only one chance to get through the network.

Networks can have units go offline for various reasons; local noise can interfere with RF links, congestion can slow throughput to a crawl, RF link bit errors can cause segments of a message to get lost, etc. The more complex a network is, the more chances there are to be problems.

Messages entered at each source unit specify a time-to-live (TTL); this time is the maximum time to attempt to deliver it. If it is not delivered in this time, the operator at the source unit is informed so something can be done about it. The time-to-retry (TTR) is the number of minutes between attempts to deliver the message. Once a message is sent, it goes through the network one hop at a time and can get blocked at some point if the connectivity changes suddenly. The retry attempts are separated to allow network changes to settle out and establish alternate routes. When a message is received by a destination, an end-to-end-acknowledgement (ETE) is sent from the destination back to the source to stop any more retries and let the operator know the message was received.

The maximum message size is determined by the text length (TEXTL) setting. A message packet can consist of up to 3570 characters and is further subdivided into segments. Each message is uniquely identified so it can be tracked through the network and the ETE can be sent for each individual message. The message ID consists of the originator ID (16 bits) and message serial number (8 bits). Serial numbers range from 1 to 255 and are assigned in round-robin order. Each message is then split into 14-byte segments which are in sequence from 0 to 255. The segments allow the message to be transmitted a little at a time over short meteor bursts. The segment sequence numbers are used by the RF link software to identify which ones are acknowledged and to indicate where to resume on each burst.

The first segment (sequence number 0) is the message header and contains all the network overhead (originator ID, message serial number, priority, I/O port entered on, message type, number of destinations, number of segments, time to live, retry count, multi-packet message serial number,

545C Operations Manual

packet sequence number, total number of packets and first destination ID code). If the message has only one destination, segment 1 is the start of the actual text. If there are multiple destinations, segment(s) 1, . . . n contain the remaining destination codes, 7 destination codes per segment. The text starts on the next segment after the last destination code.

Network Connectivity Tables

SNP,NUP

SNP,NDOWN

SNP,RDOWN

Network connectivity tables are automatically created and updated each time a Master detects a new neighbor unit or times out an existing unit. The NUP parameter gives the number of transmissions that must be received in one minute to declare a new neighbor. The NDOWN parameter gives the number of minutes with no receptions to time out a Master neighbor. The RDOWN parameter gives the number of minutes to time out a Remote neighbor. Setting NDOWN or RDOWN to “0” disables the feature (i.e., never declare neighbors down). The NDOWN parameter can also be set for the number of times a Station attempts to communicate with a neighbor before attempting to talk to another Station.

Congestion Control

SNP,OTL

The OTL parameter specifies the maximum number of messages that will be transmitted while waiting for ETEs. Limiting messages, as cars are limited to entering the freeway at rush hour, tends to reduce congestion and memory buffer usage in the network and reduce the number of retries that happen as a result. Sending messages one at a time does not take advantage of the overlap caused by the ETE needing to come back through the network and does not take advantage of an occasional large burst that can significantly improve throughput.

Number of receptions for neighbor-up

Number of minutes for Master neighbor down

Number of minutes for Remote neighbor down

Outstanding text limit

Network Control Messages

SNP,CONNP

SNP,ETEAP

SNP,FLOODP

SNP,DATAP

Priority for connectivity messages

Priority for end-to-end-ack messages

Priority level to initiate “flood-routing”

Priority for data reports

545C Operations Manual

The priority of network control messages should be set higher than the data traffic. This setting makes sense if you realize that messages can not get delivered as fast if the network connectivity is incorrect. Certain applications may have reasons for altering these values but any revision to the default priority scheme should be implemented carefully.

History Timeout

Hop Count

SNP,HTO

History timeout for duplicate filtering

As each message is received by a unit, the originator ID and message serial number are retained in a history table. The HTO parameter specifies how long to retain each entry. Each received message ID is compared to this table and if the message was previously received and has not timed out, it is considered a duplicate message. The ETE is sent to the originator if it is a text message type but the duplicates are not output to the I/O ports. Duplicates happen due to network connectivity changes and retries.

SNP,INF

Infinity hop count

The INF parameter specifies the maximum width of a network in hops + 1. If this parameter is set lower that the actual network width, units will be declared offline when they are not. If the number is set too high, extra connectivity packets are exchanged when a unit goes offline and the system looks for alternate routes.

SNP,MBHOP

Meteor burst link hop weight

The MBHOP parameter defines the number of network hops to associate with a meteor burst Master Station link when determining the minimum path to use in routing a message. This parameter should be set high enough to prevent a meteor burst Master Station link to be picked over a line-ofsight Remote to Remote link in a generally line-of-sight network.

Message Relay

SNP,RELAY

Enable/disable Master’s ability to relay messages for

other destinations

The MCC-545C, when configured as a Master Station, reports all of its neighbor connectivity to its neighbors when SNP,RELAY is set to ON. If it is set to OFF, it does not report any neighbor connectivity. The OFF setting keeps neighbor units from finding alternate network paths through that node. This option should be left ON unless there is a very good reason to have it OFF for some specific customer requirement.

Selecting the Burst Monitor

The MCC-545C has a unique meteor burst monitoring capability that allows monitoring the number of characters received, the RF signal level and other parameters on each reception.

To turn on the burst monitor and to record statistics on a meteor burst link, type:

MON{,d{,r}}

The two optional parameters are designed to limit the printout. The burst monitor generates two or three lines of printout for every burst. This could conceivably create hundreds of pages of printout a day in a network environment. The first parameter is the duration character count limit. Only meteors lasting long enough to deliver “d” characters will be monitored. The second parameter is the received character count limit; if at least “r” characters are received on the burst, a monitor line will be generated. The default values are 100 for “d” and 1 for “r”. For example, to limit the printout, but still receive some maintenance benefit from the monitor, enter:

545C Operations Manual

MON,500,100

This will limit the printout to meteors that have a duration character count greater than 500, or a received character count greater than 100. These parameters may be adjusted as desired.

The command MONOFF turns off the burst monitor.

Controlling the Hourly Statistics Report

By default, an hourly statistics report is generated on the maintenance terminal port on the hour. This report consists of the same statistic reports generated by the BINS, MEM, and STAT commands.

The hourly report can be disabled by entering the command:

545C Operations Manual

HOURLIES,OFF

The hourly report can be re-enabled by entering the command:

HOURLIES,ON

5.3 Sending and Receiving Messages

The MCC-545C is a packet data radio and therefore enables an operator to send and receive messages to all units within the FleetTrak™ network.

The messages may be entered from an operator terminal that is connected to the OPERATOR PORT of the MCC-545C. There are three basic message types:

1. Free-form text messages

2. Canned messages

3. Commands

The general format for all messages is shown below:

MESSAGE,p,dest1,dest2,...dest n

where: p = any priority level from A (highest) to Z (lowest).

dest n

= numerical ID of the station(s) to which the

message will be routed.

The message text is then entered and edited in the Text Edit Buffer. They are then transferred to one or more Tx Queue buffers for transmission to the designated destinations.

Figure 14 depicts the general flow of messages within the MCC-545C software and the various commands associated with each step in the process.

545C Operations Manual

Figure 14: Message flow and associated commands

545C Operations Manual

Entering and Deleting Messages

Editing Messages

Sending Messages

Sending Commands

Sending Canned Messages

Receiving Messages

Examining Message Status

Examining and Revising Message Queues

The following operations are explained in this section:

Section Operations

4.3.1

4.3.2

4.3.3

4.3.4

4.3.5

4.3.6

4.3.7

4.3.8

5.3.1 Entering and Deleting Messages

All messages are composed and edited in the Text Edit Buffer. Messages may be up to 3,570 characters in length. When composing the message you must press [ENTER] at the end of each 80 character line.

There is a default destination programmed into the MCC-545C during the installation and initialization of the unit when it is first brought on-line in the network. If a message is not given a specific destination it will be sent to the default destination only.

To enter a message:

1. Type MESSAGE. The operator terminal responds with ENTER TEXT.

The MCC-545C will now be in Compose-and-Edit mode (as opposed to normal Command-Line Entry mode).

2. Enter a message up to 3,570 characters in length, pressing [ENTER] at the end of each 80 character line.

3. Press the [ESC] key. The message is transferred to a Transmit queue and will be automatically transmitted to the default destination at a priority level R.

The following message is displayed on the operator terminal:

Message No:

ROUTING name :

If you wish to send a message to multiple destinations, and at a different

priority level, type:

,p,dest1,dest2,...dest n

If you also want to send the

must enter its station numerical ID as one of the destination parameters

(“dest1”, “dest2”, etc.) as specified above.

There are three other special editing functions that may be used:

To Retransmit the Previously E

To retransmit a previously entered message, simply press the [ESC] key

after the operator terminal prints

The previous message entered into the Text Edit Buffer is then

sent to the destination

To Revise the Previously Entered Message

To revise a previously entered message, press [CTRL]

prompt to revise a previously entered message or to recover from an

The

at the end of the message

To Delete a Message

To delete a message after it has been placed in the Tx Queue, type:

sss

545C Operations Manual

DCN

= any priority level from A (highest) to Z (lowest).

ID of the stations to which the

message to your default destination, you

and before any other key is

MESSAGE

after the

previous message is displayed, with the cursor placed

You may now resume editing the message.

hh:mm:ss

MESSAGE

where:

dest n

Note:

name:ss,nnnn

sss

TXT

sss/nn

chars,

TO:

nnn

segments

name

= numerical

message is routed.

ntered Message

pressed.

command.

TEXT aborted session.

DELMSG,ID:sss

where:

ENTER TEXT

s that are now designated in the

= numerical station ID

= message serial number

ENTER

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Dele

tes the last character entered.

Prints the current line of text on the next line down.

Performs a fixed tab function

Removes the current line from the edit buffer.

Performs a carriage return and line feed.

Performs a

carriage return and line feed.

Removes the current line from the edit buffer and places

Prints the contents of the edit buffer & puts cursor at the

Erases the entire

contents of the edit buffer.

Aborts the edit mode and returns to the command mode.

Leaves text edit mode and queues the message for

The operator terminal displays the date and time, followed by MESSAGE DELETED.

5.3.2 Editing Messages

The following editing functions may be used from the keyboard while the message is in the Text Edit Buffer.

Key Function

[DEL]

[CTRL]R

[CTRL]I

[ENTER]

[LF]

[CTRL]X

the cursor at the end of the previous line.

[CTRL]T

end of text.

[CTRL]D

[CTRK]A

A “+” indicates the command mode.

[ESC]

transmission.

5.3.3 Sending Messages

Messages are automatically stored for transmission with the [ESC] key. Each message is placed in the Tx Queue according to its assigned priority. Messages of equal priority are placed in the Tx Queue in the order received from the Text Edit Buffer.

The following display appears on the operator terminal as the MCC-545C stores and routes a message:

hh:mm:ss Message No: name:ss,nnnn chars, nnn segments

545C Operations Manual

hh:mm:ss ROUTING name :sss TXT sss/nn TO: name

Messages are transmitted in packets and are routed to their destination in a Store-and-Forward manner, using the most efficient routing within the packet switched network. The originating station receives an acknowledgement (ACK) if the message has been received successfully by the first routing station.

mm/dd/yy hh:mm:ss TXTMSG ACK name:sss, xxxx CHARS FROM name

When the entire message has been delivered to its final destination, the operator terminal displays an end-to-end acknowledgement:

hh:mm:ss END-TO-END ACK OF name:sss FROM name

If the end-to-end ACK is not received within the specified time-to-live limit, the MCC-545C purges the message from the Tx Queue and displays the following message:

hh:mm:ss MESSAGE TIME-TO-LIVE EXPIRED, MSG.NO:sss, DESTN: name

You must then re-enter the message. Continued failure to successfully transmit a message indicates that something may be wrong with the equipment or the link (e.g., excessive noise interference).

5.3.4 Sending Commands

Commands may be sent to any station within the network. The entry of a command is similar to the MESSAGE command described in Section 4.3.1.

REMCMD,R,dest1,dest2,...destn

where: R = priority level

The operator is then prompted to enter the text of the command using the message editor. Once the command is entered, press the [ESC] key to send the command. The operator terminal will display:

dest

= numerical ID of destination station(s)

545C Operations Manual

A response is received from the destination station(s) if the command was

successfully received.

Sending Canned Messages

Do not use Canned Message mode except for laboratory test

The number of canned messages generated can quickly bring network

throughput to a stand

network. Canned messages displace data capacity, and may prevent

network users and stations from sending anythin

command to clear canned message queue(s).

545C may be placed into a canned message mode for automatic

transmission of a repetitive message to an assigned neighboring station

the canned message mode no more than 25

the Tx Queue at one time

message that is generated from the alphabet.

To enter a canned message generated from the alphabet, enter:

,id,mmmm{,qq}{,nnnn}

nnnn

The default queue depth is 5

automatically injected if the number of canned messages in the queue falls

below the minimum queue depth.

DCN

still in an operational FleetTrak™ or Meteor Burst

g out. Use the

messages may be placed into

You may either send an edited text message or a

= message length from 1 to 3000 characters

= total number of canned messages to generate

Additional canned messages are

5.3.5

Important:

ing!

CANMSGOFF

The MCC-

. In

CANMSG

where:

= neighboring station ID

mmmm

= minimum queue depth from 1 to 25

(maximum of 10,000)

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If the Total parameter was entered, the canned message mode stops when the desired number of messages has been transmitted.

To enter an edited canned message, enter:

CANMSG,id

where “id” is the neighboring station’s ID. After composing your message press the [ESC] key. The MCC-545C automatically routes up to 25 copies of the canned message to the destination station.

Each canned message is acknowledged by the selected neighboring station. No end-to-end acknowledgements are received for canned messages.

To manually terminate the mode, enter:

CANMSG OFF,id

Canned messages are normally not printed at the destination station. To print canned messages as they are received, enter:

CANMSG MODE,PRINT

To turn off the print mode, enter:

CANMSG MODE,NO PRINT

5.3.6 Receiving Messages

When a new message is received, it is announced by the following display:

hh:mm:ss RECEIVING name:sss TXT sss/nn FROM name ROUTED TO: name

The MCC-545C then generates an acknowledgement of the message packet and transmits the ACK to the neighbor from whom the message was received:

hh:mm:ss TXTMSG ACK name:sss, nnnn CHARS FROM name

When the destination MCC-545C receives a complete message, it displays the following message:

hh:mm:ss MSG RECEIVED name:sss, xxxx CHARS

text..................

**end-of-message**

545C Operations Manual

” is the message serial number.

Messages are deleted as they are displayed

forwarded to further destinations.

Examining Message Status

The status of all messages may be examined while they are still in the Tx

To examine the status messages destined for a particular station,

deleted from the queue.

Examining and Revising Message Queues

There are two types of queues for transmitting and receiving messages:

Description

This queue is used for transmitting all messages. There is a separate

transmit queue for each neighboring station in the network. For

example, if you enter a message for DEST1, that message is placed in

DEST1’s transmit qu

This queue is used for all received messages. There is a separate

receive queue for each neighboring station in the network. For

example, to examine message statistics from NODE5, examine the

receive queue from NODE5.

the contents of either queue, type:

,id

You must specify the queue by entering the station ID

displays statistics for all messages being transmitted to station

You can only examine the receive and

stations in the network.

DCN

or printed unless they are being

end acknowledgement is received for a message, it is

For example,

transmit queues for neighbor

5.3.7

where “

name:sss

Queue. enter:

SMS{,id}

where:

Note: Once an end-

= station ID

5.3.8

Queue name

TXQ (Transmit Queue)

RXQ (Receive Queue)

To examine

SHOW TXQ

TXQ,006

006.

eue.

SHOW RXQ,id

SHOW

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To delete the contents of the transmit and receive queues, you must specify the exact queue by entering a station name:

FLUSH TXQ,id or FLUSH RXQ,id

For each message deleted, the terminal displays:

id:sss unlinked {and deleted}

The “and deleted” text appears only if the message is not present in another queue. When all messages have been deleted, the terminal displays:

queue flushed

To delete a specific message, enter:

DEL MSG,id:sss

The terminal displays:

Message deleted

To delete all messages from all queues, enter:

FLUSH MSG

For each message deleted, the terminal displays:

id:sss deleted

Entering the FLUSH MSG command deletes all messages in all queues for every node of the network, including connectivity and end-to-end acknowledgment messages.

5.4 GPS Position Reporting

The MCC-545C automatically transmits position reports derived from either an external GPS receiver or from its own internal GPS receiver. The appropriate script file must be loaded into the MCC-545C that allows it to interface to the protocol used by a particular GPS. The NMEA 0183 Version

2.0 protocol is used in this section for descriptive purposes only. Please consult MCC regarding script files for other protocols.

545C Operations Manual

Port selection for transmission of GPS

data.

Set up parameters for the selected port

For example:

Transmit interval in seconds of a position

The time interval

in seconds between reports

Used to display position reports from other

The MCC-545C will accept either a TTL or an RS-232 input from a GPS receiver. The internal GPS uses the TTL interface and its output is internally routed to the processor board assembly. If an external GPS is used it may be connected to either the AUX port or the Data port using the RS-232 interface.

5.4.1 Position Reporting Commands

The following commands are normally in a script file and are used for configuring the MCC-545C for position reporting.

Command Description

ASSIGN,POS,p,GPS

SETBAUD,POS,4800,N,8,1

POS,nn,TEXT,NMEA

POS,LOCAL,nn

= Selects the desired port:

= External AUX, RS-232

= Internal TTL

4800

= Baud rate

= Parity

= Data Bits

= Stop Bit

report to the system host.

TEXT

= Binary Text

NEMA

= Protocol type

Note: Each time a report is transmitted to the Host it may also be sent to one of the local ports.

sent to a local port.

Note: This feature is used when more frequent position reports are desired on a local operator terminal than are being sent to the Host.

POSRPT,ON

remotes on a local operator terminal.

OFF

= Disable

545C Operations Manual

Port selection for transmission of RTCM data.

Set up parameters for the selected port

For example:

5.4.2 Differential GPS

MBNET200 (ELOS protocol) may be used to broadcast differential correction data to all Remote Stations in the network. This eliminates the need for having a differential GPS receiver at each MCC-545C mobile unit.

Differential beacon receivers are installed at base or repeater stations only. The base stations then transmit the RTCM correction data at periodic intervals to all repeaters and mobiles.

The ASSIGN and SETBAUD commands are used to configure the base stations to use a beacon receiver.

Command Description

ASSIGN,POS,p,RTCM,nn

SETBAUD,POS,4800,N,8,1

A remote station will automatically receive and process the RTCM correction data. No other configuration commands are required.

5.4.3 GPS Report Formats

There are two position report formats used. The POS format is the basic report and has latitude, longitude, speed, heading and altitude. The POSS format includes all the information above but also has a 16-bit status word and an 8-bit code for appending canned messages. An example of each type of format is shown in Figure 4.2.

P = Port number, normally AUX port (2)

is used.

Nn = The interval, in seconds, that the

RTCM error correction data is transmitted. A value of 20 seconds provides reasonable accuracy.

4800 N

= Parity

8 1

= Baud rate

= Data Bits = Stop Bit

545C Operations Manual

GPS not locked; position data is not valid.

Figure 15: Position report formats

The Status bit field is application dependent and is normally defined by the user. For non-maritime applications speed is converted from knots to MPH on the operator’s display.

The GPS status bits define if the GPS receiver is locked and the accuracy of the data.

545C Operations Manual

GPS locked without differential correction.

GPS locked with differential correction.

Required

Optional

Standard V1 accuracy will be about ±10 meters. V2 accuracy will normally be ±2 meters and is dependent on the RTCM broadcast rate and the distance between the mobile and the nearest base station.

5.4.4 GPS Receiver Setup

The setup procedure for a GPS receiver is generally different for each manufacturer’s type. Connect a laptop or PC to the GPS receiver for entering the desired sentences and update interval. A NMEA type GPS must be configured as follows:

Type of sentence Update interval Status

GPRMC

GPGGA

GPVTG

1 second

The TRACE command may be used to verify correct GPS operation:

TRACE,ON,GPS

All characters received will be displayed on the Operator Port, including sentence types. Verification that the position report is being transmitted at the desired POS,nn interval may also be observed.

To disable the display output, enter:

TRACE,OFF

5.4.5 Position Reporting in Subnets

The SUBNET command assigns a subnet code number from 1-255. The code number is maintained in the locked configuration parameter list along with the serial number, customer number and frequency table. The command formats are:

SUBNET

SUBNET,OFF

SUBNET,nnn

Display current subnet setting

Turn off the subnet number (must be unlocked)

Define a subnet number (must be unlocked)

545C Operations Manual

After entering a subnet number and all the other configuration items, ent

to lock the current setting.

command is used in conjunction with the

command to limit the position reports that can be received to only those

transmitted by other units with the same subnet code or any Base or

SUBNET

The default setting is

Messages and remote commands are

sent to or received from any other unit.

$PENTM,ON

format reports, which will include the 16

replaces the MCC

$PENTM,ON

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

545C is designed to perform a supervisory control and data

acquisition (SCADA) function using one of three modes

External Data Loggers

Direct Mode Protocol

This section covers these three m

operations, including defining Data Relays, the

545C’s internal sensor values, and details on the

data logger device drivers.

A limited SCADA capability is built in fo

logger capability is not required

DCN

$PENTM,ON

, then the unit can receive all position reports.

limited to the subnet and can be

command must be entered to enable the POSS

SUBNET ID

545C’s “normal” canned message.) Using

precludes the use of canned message mode.

odes, plus more advanced SCADA

command, how

r those applications when a full data

The following capability is provided:

LOCK,CONFIG

The SUBNET

5.5

Repeater. If

Important: The

(The SUBNET ID SUBNET and

The MCC-

Sensor I/O Port

is OFF

OFF.

not

-bit status and 8-bit

to read the MCC-

5.5.1 Sensor Port

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• 4 optically isolated inputs for discrete ON/OFF functions

• 6 analog voltage inputs (0 to 5V)

• 2 SPDT Form C relay outputs

In addition,±12VDC is supplied for sensor power and a +5V reference voltage for sensor excitation is available.

The Sensor port interface is a 25-pin male D connector. The connector pinouts and their respective functions are shown below.

The analog voltages are routed to a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) which provides a resolution of +/-.1% and an accuracy over temperature of ±0.5%.

545C Operations Manual

Optocoupled input #1 positive

Optocoupled input #1 return

Optocoupled

input #2 positive

Optocoupled input #2 return

Optocoupled input #3 positive

Optocoupled input #4 positive

Optocoupled input #4 return

Ground

Relay Output #1 Normally Open

Relay Output #1 Common

Relay Output #1 Normally Closed

Relay Output #2 Normally Open

Relay Output #2 Common

Relay Output #2 Normally Closed

Switched +12V (battery)

Analog Input #1 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #2 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #3 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #4 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #5 ( 0 to 5 V)

Analog Input #6 ( 0 to 5 V)

+5V Reference

+12V (0.5A maximum)

Detected RF Test Point

SENSOR PORT

Pin Signal

8 9

(500 ohm resistor)

Optocoupled input #3 return

(500 ohm resistor)

(2 Amp rating)

(2 Amp rating) 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

(10mA for sensor excitation) 24 25

A 25-pin terminal block is a convenient means for interfacing to the various sensors and control points.

Note: In -

03 series or later radios, the Sensor I/O connector pin #16 has

been changed from ground to a switched +12 volt (battery). This switched

+12 volt can be used to drive sensors. The total current load on the +12 volt

and switched +12 volt must not exceed

control the +12 volt switched output (see Section 4.6)

External Data Loggers

Any data logger that MCC supports and has an RS

connected to any one of the 3 ports on the MCC

AUX Port is used

TX Data

RX Data

Ground

Three commands are required to configure the Data Port for proper

operation with the particular data logger being used:

,DTA,OFF

ASSIGN,DTA,1,

SETBAUD,DTA,9600

The first command clears any previous assignments that still may be in

effect for the DTA Port

data logger and protocol to the DTA Port

rate for the DTA Port

may be obtained from MCC or your System Administrator.

Direct Mode Protocol

a peripheral device conne

anywhere within the FleetTrak

directly through the MCC

data to its destination in the same format as it was entered at the sou

545C Operations Manual

DCN

programming to

232 interface may be

Normally, the Data

You may connect to either port using a 9

The second command assigns a specific type of

The third command sets the

The specific type of data loggers that MCC supports

protocol is used for the transmission of binary data from

545C’s serial ports t

The serial data stream passes

545C in a “transparent” mode, delivering the

500mA. Use EVENT

5.5.2

or connector:

Pin Function

ASSIGN

-545C.

-pin “D” type

type

5.5.3

The DIRECT MODE

cted to one of the MCC-

network.

02/10/2012

Prerelease

Proprietary and Confidential. Do Not Distribute.

baud

rce.

00001789-A

545C Operations Manual

The serial data stream may originate from a data logger, message device,

or any peripheral that has an RS

DIRECT MODE

networks, especially with external data loggers.

operation is similar to a “terminal server” on PC Ethernet

The MCC

on one of its ports (Operator, Data, or AUX), packetizes the data into

message segments and transmits it to one or more dest

The throughput rate will be dependent on channel

availability at the time of transmission.

protocol is general in nature and allows the connecting

equipment at the source and destination to manage all error co

 message acknowledgement protocol can also be used as an

option to ensure reliability of message delivery

selected using the

ASSIGN,DTA,1,DIRECT,30

This command would s

with a 30 second time out connection

independently and operate simultaneously.

A connection between the external equipment and the MCC

ing a “connect string.” The transfer then begins and continues until the

connection is terminated

assumed to exist and the data is then automatically routed through the

network to the destination equipment

connection: a permanent connection or an ad hoc connection.

The permanent connection is made by setting the connect string

keeps the port open at all times and all characters received will

tomatically be transmitted

port and the connection does not terminate

received from the destination will be routed to the local port for printing.

DCN

protocol can also be used in Meteor Burst

545C will accept any stream of unformatted characters

ination addresses in

command, as shown in this example:

protocol mode

Any, or all, ports can be set up

545C is made

The proper connections at the destination are

here are two ways to establish a

A connect string is not required to open the

Likewise, all characters

-232 interface.

Note: The

DIRECT MODE

Networks.

the CSMA mode.

The DIRECT

FleetTrak

. The DIRECT

ASSIGN

et up DATA port 1 to use the DIRECT

ntrol. The

protocol is

Connection Management

Permanent Connection

02/10/2012 82

. T

OFF. This

Prerelease

00001789-A

Ad Hoc Connection

A connect string from 1 to 19 characters is used to open a connection on an ad hoc basis. The connection will remain open for as long as characters are being received or the connection times-out, whichever occurs first. Once the connection times-out it must be reestablished.

If the connect string is unknown, the command ANY will open the connection for any string of characters.

Connect Response

A connect response string may be enabled so that the peripheral device initiating the message will receive confirmation that the connection has been made. If the connect response string is turned OFF then no response will be sent when the connection is made.

Message Management

A message may be as long as 3,500 characters. Each message is assigned a sequence number and is broken up into a number of packets. A message header is inserted into each message ahead of the first data character.

545C Operations Manual

where:

$DIR,p,m,s,n

= the assigned port to which the message is directed.

m = the message sequence number from 1-2554

s = the packet sequence number in a multi-packet message

n = total number of packets in a message

A message will be appended with either a terminator character or a maximum character count. The message will be terminated by either one of these characters or the “time-out” whichever occurs first.

Shorter messages are normally contained in a single packet with the s,n parameters set for 1,1. Longer messages will have several packets contained within the same message number “m”. The “s” parameter for each packet will be incremented but the “n” parameter will be set to 0. The true “n” value is only transmitted with the last packet in the message.

For example, for a 3 packet message the s,n and m parameters will be as follows:

545C Operations Manual

$DIR, p, m, s, n

Packet 1

Packet 2

Packet 3

Messages may be transmitted from one to four destinations. When a DIRECT message is received at the destination MCC-545C, it will be routed to the assigned port(s) (Operator, Data or AUX). There are two types of connections that may be used: point-to-point and multi-point-to-singlepoint.

Point-to-Point

In the point-to-point mode the destination MCC-545C must also be preprogrammed in the DIRECT mode. When the message is received at the destinations, the $DIR,p,m,s,n header will be removed from the message and the message will be routed to the same port that was used at the source. That is, messages that were originated on Port 1 must also be routed to Port 1 at the destination.

1 1 0

1 2 0

1 3 3

The destination unit can respond with its own character stream back to the source. This provides a direct point-to-point, bi-directional channel between the two stations. The embedded ETE acknowledgement in the ELOS protocol may be used for ensuring message delivery.

Multi-Point-to-Single-Point

Many remotes can be set up to operate in the DIRECT mode, all routing their data to a common destination (base station or Host). The destination station does not have to be pre-programmed in the DIRECT mode as in the point-to-point case. The destination station will treat the message as it would for any other text message, using one of the many available port protocols. The message header, $DIR,p,m,s,n, is retained with the message so that the destination station will know how to format a return message to the source station. In this manner, the Host can send response packets to all sources by appropriately formatting the message header.

545C Operations Manual

Messaging Options and Commands

Various options may be set up in the MCC-545C using the command DIRECT with the parameters shown in the following list. Each command is briefly described below:

Command List:

DIRECT

DIRECT, p, CONNECT STRING, OFF

DIRECT, p, CONNECT STRING, ANY

DIRECT, p, CONNECT STRING, connect-text-string

DIRECT, p, CONNECT RESPONSE, OFF

DIRECT, p, CONNECT RESPONSE, response-text-string

DIRECT, p, PACKET TIMEOUT, decimal-timeout-ticks

DIRECT, p, PACKET TERMINATOR, OFF

DIRECT, p, PACKET TERMINATOR, decimal-char-code

DIRECT, p, MAX PACKET, length

DIRECT, p, ETE, ON

DIRECT, p, ETE, OFF

Command Detailed Descriptions:

DIRECT

When used without any parameters the current port settings will be displayed

545C Operations Manual

DIRECT, p, CONNECT STRING, OFF

Disables the connect string option. The MCC-545C will not expect a connect string and will stay connected all the time.

DIRECT, p, CONNECT STRING, connect-text-string

Defines a text string of up to 19 characters that is output by the external equipment to establish a connection with the MCC-545C DIRECT port task. The MCC-545C will receive the connect string and output the connect response string if one is defined.

DIRECT, p, CONNECT STRING, ANY

Defines that any unspecified text string will be acceptable to establish a connection.

DIRECT, p, CONNECT RESPONSE, OFF

Disables the response string option.

DIRECT, p, CONNECT RESPONSE, response-text-string

Defines a text string to be output by the MCC-545C to the external equipment to confirm a connection has been established.

DIRECT, p, PACKET TIMEOUT, decimal-timeout-ticks

Defines the timeout period in 1/16 second clock increments that marks the end of a packet. After each character of the packet is received the timer is reset. After the last character has been received and the timeout passed, the characters received will be placed in a message and queued for transmission.

DIRECT, p, PACKET TERMINATOR, OFF

Disables packet termination using a specified character code.

DIRECT, p, PACKET TERMINATOR, decimal-char-code

Enables packet termination when the given character code is received. For example, using a carriage return to terminate each packet will transmit each line of input as a separate message. The decimal code for carriage return is 13. The decimal code for linefeed is 10.

DIRECT, p, MAX PACKET, length

545C Operations Manual

Defines the maximum length of a message. As characters are received they are filled into a buffer and when the maximum size is reached a new message is transmitted. The longest message that can be used by the MCC-545C is 3,500 characters.

DIRECT, p, ETE, ON

Defines the “reliable” type of message delivery. The source unit will retain each transmitted message and periodically retry them until the destination unit receives them and sends an end-to-endacknowledgement for each message. It is possible for messages to be delivered out of sequence when a retry has occurred causing duplicate messages. These duplicate messages will be filtered out.

DIRECT, p, ETE, OFF

Disables the “reliable” type of message delivery. The source unit will not retain each transmitted message for retries. Each message will be deleted as soon as transmitted. It will be the responsibility of any receiving equipment to manage the message reliability. If any message gets lost in the RF network, then all characters in that message will be lost.

5.5.4 Defining Data Relays

The ambient noise conditions at a remote station site may sometimes be excessive and a poor communication path to the Master Station will result particularly if the remote station is operating in a meteor burst mode. To overcome this problem, another MCC-545C may be placed in a nearby quiet location and used as relay station between the MCC-545C at the noisy site and its master station. When used as a relay, the MCC-545C will concentrate the data reports it receives from one or more neighboring remote sites and forwards the data to the Master Station.

When used in the relay mode, the MCC-545C must be defined as a Master Station. The relay will then receive MCC-550C sensor data GROUP reports (see MCC-550C Operations Manual), repackage them and forward them to the Master Station. A relay can handle a total of sixteen GROUP reports. These reports can be in any combination; i.e., four groups from each of four Remote units, one group from each of sixteen Remote units or any

545C Operations Manual

combination in between. Substitution tables must be established in both the relay unit and also at the Master Station to manage the relay function.

When a designated GROUP report is received at the relay, it will substitute its own ID and group number in the report as defined in its substitution table and forward the data to a MCC-520B Master Station using the MCC550C RF format rather than the standard MCC-545C message format. When the relayed data is received at the MCC-520B it reconstructs the original data report based on its own substitution table and route the report as required.

The following command is used to define the entries in the substitution table for a relay unit:

SUBST,relay_id,relay_group,remote_id,remote_group

where:

relay_group =

remote_id =

relay_id =

remote_group

originating Remote unit

5.5.5 I/O Port PASSTHRU

The PASSTHRU command allows a bi-directional connection to be made between the different I/O ports of the MCC-545C. This will allow the operator to configure one port to be connected to another port in a direct ASCII mode where any characters coming in on one port will go out on the other port, and vise-versa. For example: the command PASSTHRU,1,2 allows characters entered on port 1 to go out port 2, and characters received on port 2 will go out port 1. There can be from 0 to 2 different pass-through connections defined at any time. All ports given in a passthrough connection must be assigned to some protocol and baud rate before entering the PASSTHRU command. An error will be displayed if they are not.

relay unit’s ID

data group report number at the relay

originating Remote unit’s ID

= data group report number at the

545C Operations Manual

Data coming in from a passed-through port will not be passed to the assigned protocol driver and will be sent out the “other” port of the connection.

The connection can be turned off by entering PASSTHRU,OFF,n where “n” is either port in the connection. In addition either port in a pass-through connection can output the string PASSTHRU,OFF to close its own connection. The first method can be used from the operator port to close a connection of other ports. The second method is used by the operator port if it is one of the ports in the pass-through connection.

If port 1 is assigned to a CR10X driver, and port 0 is the operator port, then the command PASSTHRU,0,1 allows the operator port to be connected directly to the CR10X. One can then use XTermW or PC208 to talk to the CR10X via the operator port without re-connecting cables.

5.5.6 Internal Sensor Values

The new MCC-545C -03 and later radios have the capability to read a number of internal sensor values. These include:

• Internal temperature of the MCC-545C unit

• Internal rechargeable battery level

• External battery levels (loaded and unloaded)

These sensor values can be read using the EVENT command – refer to Section 4.6.8 for details on how to program the MCC-545C to read these values.

5.5.7 Generic Data Logger

The MCC-545 family of RF Modems includes a set of device drivers for its serial ports. These have been customized for various external devices, depending on the device requirements. The SDATA command allows a simple text-based interface to send data groups to the MCC-545C for transmission to the master. Any customer who can configure their data report to meet this format can interface their data logger with no change in the MCC-545C software. From 1 to 16 groups can be input, and there can be from 1 to 16 sensors per group. Each sensor data value is formatted into

545C Operations Manual

10/14/02 09:15:00<cr><lf>

Date/Time: 10/14/02 09:15:00<cr><lf>

+123.4<cr><lf>

AC Voltage

+123.4<cr><lf>

a 16-bit binary value for transmission, then converted to engineering units by the Data Center or Host software.

Some date loggers have a complex and non-configurable interface protocol, and cannot meet any of the currently implemented protocols, but they can output data reports on a serial port as if it were connected to a line printer. The GENERIC data logger driver has been created for this type of interface. Some things can be setup by user commands to configure the report parsing, within a limited set of constraints, and allow the MCC-545C to create SDATA type messages from the ASCII text reports.

The following sections describe what can be done to adapt the MCC-545C to a variety of report formats.

Typical Report Formats

A typical report printed by a data logger has one line, or a set of lines for each report. There are usually two types, single-line reports, and multipleline reports. An example of each type would be as shown below:

Single line report examples:

123.4 19.8 33 99 -1089.45 ...<cr><lf>

10/14/02 09:15:00 +123.4 +19.8 +33 +99 -1089.45 ...<cr><lf>

Note that the report ends with carriage return and linefeed characters, and may or may not display a date and/or time. The data fields are usually separated by blanks, and the data values may or may not contain a sign or decimal point. The line is usually output by the data logger as the report is placed into the devices' memory in real-time. There is no provision for error checking, but if the serial port cable is wired correctly with shielding, etc., it may be reliable enough.

Multiple line report examples:

No Time Tag With Time Tag With Sensor Labels

123.4<cr><lf>

19.8<cr><lf>

Meteorcomm 54505003-01 Users Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual