Orion Car Audio 1335 User Manual
ORION RADIO MODEM WITH I/O
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1892 1335
THIS IS A DRAFT VERSION OF THE MANUAL. THERE MAY BE ERRORS OR
OMISSIONS IN IT, AND YOU USE IT AT YOUR OWN
RISK.
Figure 1 - Orion Radio Modem
Figure 2 - Orion Radio Modem - OEM PCB version
1892 1335 - Orion Radio Modem Operating Instructions - v1.3 / Aug 2006 1
OVERVIEW
The Orion is a radio modem with on-board telemetry inputs and outputs. It is available in
a number of different versions to suit different applications, and has many userprogrammable features, which may be locally or remotely set. It is supplied with a
Graphical User Interface (GUI) program which runs under Windows on a PC, and can be
used both to configure the Orion and as an interface to control and display the telemetry
inputs and outputs.
Figure 3 shows the Orion in block diagram form.
Figure 3 - Orion block diagram
Summary of notable features and options:
v Four digital inputs*
v Up to four digital outputs
v Counter input
v Up to four analogue inputs (current loop or voltage)
v Up to four analogue outputs (voltage)
v Floating relay digital output/fail warning option
v RS232/RS422/485 asynchronous data. Secondary channel with RS232.
v Sampling mode transmits any data format
v Unidirectional or half-duplex link, choice of error correction
v Choice of frequency band and power
v AT command set, local or remote programming of most features
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v One-to-one or master + outstations configuration
v Outstations can be polled, or volunteer data when thresholds are reached
(‘alarms’).
v GUI for simple programming and operation
*The four analogue inputs can also be used to transmit digital data if required
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OPTIONS WHEN ORDERING
Many options are user-programmable, but the options below must be specified when
ordering so that the correct version of the Orion can be supplied:
OEM PCB version
The Orion is available uncased as a PCB for mounting in OEM equipment.
In/Out capability
The Orion is also available as a straight radio modem without the telemetry in/out
capability.
Frequency band of operation
The Orion can be supplied to operate in the VHF, UHF and higher (e.g. 868MHz) bands.
The radio module in each Orion is built to operate over a certain range of frequencies (its
switching bandwidth) under software control, for example 450-458MHz. Consult Sales at
Wood & Douglas for available frequency bands.
RF Power
The RF power can be chosen from very low powers up to 5W, depending on the radio
module.
Data rate
The Orion can operate at up to 19,200 baud maximum. If a lower data rate, up to 9,600
baud, is acceptable, a version which uses less radio spectrum (12.5kHz rather than
25kHz) can be ordered. (Transmitters and receivers must match.)
RSSI output
Analogue output 1 can be configured as a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)
output.
Serial port mode
The serial port can be configured for RS232, RS422 or RS485 protocols. Serial baud rate
can be adjusted up to 38,400 baud maximum, hardware flow-controlled using RTS/CTS.
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INSTALLATION
Physical
The cased version may be used freestanding or fixed using the four holes provided:
Figure 4 - Orion (cased) dimensions and mounting (mm)
Figure 5 - Orion (cased) clearance (mm)
The PCB version should be mounted using the holes provided, and requires clearances
as shown overleaf.
1892 1335 - Orion Radio Modem Operating Instructions - v1.3 / Aug 2006 5
Figure 6 - Dimensions of Orion PCB (mm)
Figure 7 - Required mounting clearances for Orion PCB
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Connections
Power
Front panel, locking power plug, 2 pole with 2.1mm centre pin.
Centre conductor: +9 to +15V DC
Outer conductor: 0V (connected to unit ground)
Antenna
Female BNC, 50O
Antenna connection for both transmit and receive. The antenna will typically be mounted
directly onto this connector; otherwise the connection to the antenna should be as short
as possible and made in high-quality low-loss coaxial cable.
v Caution: do not power the Orion without an antenna or dummy load
connected, or the unit may be damaged.
Telemetry Ports (when fitted)
Four RJ45 8-way female connectors:
RJ45
Pin No.
Port 1
Digital In
Port 2
Digital Out
Port 3
Analogue In
Port 4
Analogue Out
1 0V Relay NC 0V 0V
2 Digital input 1 Relay Common Analogue input 1 Analogue output 1
or RSSI output
3 0V Relay NO 0V 0V
4 Digital input 2 Digital output 2 Analogue input 2 Analogue output 2
5 0V 0V 0V 0V
6 Digital input 3 Digital output 3 Analogue input 3 Analogue output 3
7 0V 0V 0V 0V
8 Digital input 4 Digital output 4 Analogue input 4 Analogue output 4
1892 1335 - Orion Radio Modem Operating Instructions - v1.3 / Aug 2006 7
Serial Port
9-way D-type male connector - NOT a standard serial port
v Protocol (RS232, RS422 or RS485) is fixed by soldered links. See page 10.
Pin No RS232 RS422 RS485
1 SHDN Modem on/off input
If < 0.6V, Modem = OFF
If o/c (internal pull-up to +5V) Modem = ON
2 RXD Receive Data
output
3 TXD Transmit Data
input
4 TXB Secondary
Transmit Data
input
5 0V
6 VSENSE External Battery Monitor input +50VDC max
7 RTS RTS input
8 CTS CTS output OP Receive Data
9 RXB Secondary
Receive Data
output
OP Receive Data
inverting output
IP Transmit Data input NC No function
NC No function NC No function
IP Transmit Data
inverting input
output
NC No function NC No function
IO Inverting
input/output
NC No function
IO Non-inverting
input/output
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Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The GUI is a program which runs on a PC under Windows, and provides a simple and
convenient way to set up local or remote units before use. It can also be used in
conjunction with the telemetry inputs and outputs as a display and control console (mimic
panel) during normal operation. It is connected to the serial port of the local or master
unit.
v The Orion can also be interrogated and controlled using your own equipment
and software. Again, a connection to the serial port of the local or master
unit is required. AT commands (detailed in Appendix A on page 21) are used
for local units and over-air commands (detailed in Appendix B on page 27)
for remote units.
Serial Connection
If the Orion is configured for RS232 serial data, a cable of this pattern should be used to
connect the COM port of the PC which will run the GUI to the serial port of the Orion:
If the Orion is configured for RS422 or RS485 working, the PC must communicate with it
using the matching protocol, and be connected to it with the corresponding serial port
connections shown in the table on page 8.
Software Installation
The GUI software is provided on a CD-ROM with an automatic installer. Insert the CD-
ROM in the PC’s CD drive to auto-run the program which installs the GUI software on your
computer.
v If auto-run is disabled, you should run the file SETUP.EXE in the root
directory of the CD to install the software.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software installation.
The GUI is now ready to run. Keep the CD in a safe place in case it is needed again.
1892 1335 - Orion Radio Modem Operating Instructions - v1.3 / Aug 2006 9
SETTING UP AN ORION
The Orion has some options which are chosen when it is ordered (see page 4) and many
which you can configure yourself with hardware links, or soft-configure using data
commands. The best way to set up the soft-configurable options is to connect the
supplied Graphical User Interface (GUI) to the unit, although it is also possible to use your
own equipment using the commands described in Appendix A (page 21) and Appendix B
(page 27).
Hardware Link Settings
In order to change the links, open the case using the four screws, one at each corner, to
access the PCB.
You will need a fine-tipped soldering iron to make links, and a removal tool or aid to break
links.
v This equipment is made with lead-free solder to comply with the RoHS
directive, and you should use lead-free solder when making links.
Figure 9 - Link locations
Figure 10 - Making links
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Links can be closed with a solder blob as shown in Figure 10 to select these options:
Option Choice Links
Protocol RS232 LK1 open
RS422/RS485 LK1 closed
Duplex Full duplex LK2 open
Half duplex LK2 closed
In/Out mode Full I/O + modem LK5 open
Modem only LK5 closed
Use of
Analogue Out 0
Analogue user
output
LK3 open, LK4 closed, LK6
1-2 open
For GMAX radios,
LK6 2-3 closed.
Power level is
RSSI output LK3 closed, LK4 open, LK6
1-2 open
preset HI or LO.
For other radios,
don’t care.
Variable power
control (GMAX
LK3 open, LK4 open, LK6 1-2 closed, LK6 2-3
open
radios only)
Using the GUI
Ensure that the serial comms port of the PC which is used to run the GUI program is
connected to the Orion using a suitable cable as described on page 9. The type of cable
depends on whether your Orion’s serial port uses RS232, RS422 or RS485.
v Note that this is NOT a standard serial cable, which must not be used.
The GUI must have been installed on the PC as described on page 9.
Switch on power to the Orion.
Start the GUI, typically by double-clicking the icon on the desktop, or selecting Start,
Programs, Wood & Douglas, Orion GUI. You should see a display similar to the following,
depending on whether you are currently able to connect to an Orion and what options are
in force:
1892 1335 - Orion Radio Modem Operating Instructions - v1.3 / Aug 2006 11
Figure 11 - Orion GUI window
Note the set of tabs at the top which set the Orion up.
The tabs at the bottom are used to set up in/out functions, and also to monitor and control
during operation. These tabs may be modified or absent on your display, depending on
the mode that the Orion is currently in and whether their parameters are relevant or not.
v This section of the manual deals with setting up - see page 20 for details of
operation.
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