ProSoft RLX-FHE, RadioLinx FH Series, RLX-FHS, RLX-FHES User Manual
RLX-FHE, RLX-FHES,
RLX-FHS
RadioLinx FH
Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
11/25/2008
USER MANUAL
Please Read This Notice
Successful application of this module requires a reasonable working knowledge of the RL X-FHE, RLX-FHES, RLXFHS Module and the application in which it is to be used. For this reason, it is important that those responsible for
implementation satisfy themselves that the combination will meet the needs of the application without exposing
personnel or equipment to unsafe or inappropriate working conditions.
This manual is provided to assist the user. Every attempt has been made to assure that the information provided is
accurate and a true reflection of the product's installation requirements. In order to assure a complete understanding
of the operation of the product, the user should read all applicable documentation on the operation of the radio.
Under no conditions will ProSoft Technology be responsible or liable for indirect or consequential damages resulting
from the use or application of the product.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission from ProSoft Technology
is prohibited.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
ProSoft Technology Improvements and/or changes in this manual or the product may be made at any time. These
changes will be made periodically to correct technical inaccuracies or typograp hica l errors.
RadioLinx FH: FCC Part 15 & Industry Canada Rules
The statements contained in this "Regulatory Approvals" section are required. If the ProSoft Technology, RadioLinx
wireless modem and switches are used as a component of any device, these statements must be a component of
that device's product documentation.
RadioLinx FH: COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
The ProSoft Technology, RadioLinx devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules as well as Industry Canada Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
this device may not cause harmful interference, and,
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired op eration.
In Canada, this device is to be operated indoors only and away from windows to provide maximum shieldin g and to
prevent radio interference to the Canadian licensed service. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed
outdoors in Canada is subject to licensing.
Note: The ProSoft Technology, RadioLinx module is labeled with an FCC ID number and a Canadian Certification
Number. If this label is not visible when installed in an end-device, the outside of the device MUST also display a
label referring to the enclosed RadioLinx. Use wording on the label similar to the following:
"Transmitter Module FCC ID: OQ7OS2400, Canada 36561031989A"
OR
"This device contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: OQ7OS2400, Canada 36561031989A."
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this radio module not expressly approved by its manufacturer, ProSoft
Technology, may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
RadioLinx FH: CSA C22.2 213-M13987 & ISA 12.12.0.1 Listing
In accordance with Canadian Standard CSA C22.2 213-M1987, the RL-2400S and RL-2400E ONLY have been ISA
Listed for operation under the Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D or Non-Hazardous Locations Only in
accordance with ISA Standard 12.12.01. The following statements pertain to the ISA warning to be in compliance with
ISA standard 12.12.01.
THIS EQUIPMENT IS SUITABLE FOR USE IN CLASS I, DIVISION 2, GROUPS A, B, C AND D OR NONHAZARDOUS LOCATIONS ONLY.
WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD!
SUBSTITUTION OF COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR SUITABILITY FOR CLASS I, DIVISION 2.
WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD!
DO NOT DISCONNECT EQUIPMENT UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN SWITCHED OFF OR THE AREA IS KNOWN
TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS.
The following is the label that is applied to the RL-2400S radio modem ONLY to indicate the unit is listed under the
ISA standard 12.12.01.
Note: The Temp. Code (Temperature Code) refers to the temperature of the rating of the RadioLinx radio. T4A
means this unit measured less than or equal to 120 degrees Celsius.
The following is the label that is applied to the RL-2400E modem ONLY to indicate the unit is
listed under the ISA Standard 12.12.01.
Note: The Temp. Code (Temperature Code) refers to the temperature of the rating of the RL-2400E. T4A means this
unit measured less than or equal to 120 degrees Celsius.
RadioLinx FH: European CE Certification
The RadioLinx radio modems have been approved for operation under the RTT&E directive passing the following
tests:
ETS300-826 EMC
ETS300-328 Functionality
EN60950 Safety
The following is the appropriate label that is applied to the RadioLinx radio modem product line to indicate the unit is
approved to operate with CE certification:
The following is the appropriate label that is applied to the RadioLinx radio modem product line shipping package to
indicate the unit is approved to operate with CE certification:
AUS B DK FIN
F
I LUX NL P
E S UK
Note: -member states in the EU with restrictive use for this device are crossed out !
-This device is also authorized for use in all EFTA member states (CH, ICE, LI, NOR)
D GR IRE
Important Notice: This device is a 2.4 GHz low power RF device
intended for office and home use in all EU and EFTA member
states except in France where restrictive use applies.
ISA Standard 12.12.01 Approval
In accordance with Canadian Standard CSA C22.2 213-M1987, the RadioLinx radio modems ONLY have been ISA
Listed for operation under the Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D or Non-Hazardous Locations Only in
accordance with ISA Standard 12.12.01. The following statements pertain to the North America warning to be in
compliance with ISA standard 12.12.01.
THIS EQUIPMENT IS SUITABLE FOR USE IN CLASS I, DIVISION 2, GROUPS A, B, C AND D OR NONHAZARDOUS LOCATIONS ONLY.
WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD!
SUBSTITUTION OF COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR SUITABILITY FOR CLASS I, DIVISION 2.
WARNING: EXPLOSION HAZARD!
DO NOT DISCONNECT EQUIPMENT UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN SWITCHED OFF OR THE AREA IS KNOWN
TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS.
The following is the label that is applied to the RadioLinx radio modem ONLY to indic ate the un it is listed under the
ISA standard 12.12.01.
Note: The Temp. Code (Temperature Code) refers to the temperature of the rating of the RadioLinx. T4A means this
unit measured less than or equal to 120 degrees Celsius.
Antenna spacing requirements for user safety
It is important to keep the radio's antenna a safe distance from the user. To meet the requirements of FCC part
2.1091 for radio frequency radiation exposure, this radio must be used in such a way as to guarantee at least 20 cm
between the antenna and users. Greater distances are required for high- gain antennas. The FCC requires a
minimum distance of 1 mW *cm2 power density from the user (or 20 cm, whichever is greater).
If a specific application requires proximity of less than 20 cm, the application must be approve d through the FCC for
compliance to part 2.1093.
The installer of this radio equipment must ensure that the antenna is located or pointed in such a way that it does n ot
emit RF fields in excess of Health Canada limits for the general population; refer to Safety Code 6, obtainable from
Health Canada.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the
equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is not more than that required for successful communication.
Your Feedback Please
We always want you to feel that you made the right decision to use our products. If you have suggestions, comments,
compliments or complaints about the product, documentation or support, please write or call us.
ProSoft Technology
1675 Chester Avenue, Fourth Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
+1 (661) 716-5100
+1 (661) 716-5101 (Fax)
http://www.prosoft-technology.com
Copyright © ProSoft Technology, Inc. 2000 - 2008. All Rights Reserved.
RLX-FHE, RLX-FHES, RLX-FHS User Manual
11/25/2008
ProSoft Technology ®, ProLinx ®, inRAx ®, ProTalk® and RadioLinx ® are Registered Trademarks of ProSoft
Technology, Inc.
Contents RLX-FHE, RLX-FHES, RLX-FHS ♦ RadioLinx FH
Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
Contents
Please Read This Notice 2
RadioLinx FH: FCC Part 15 & Industry Canada Rules.......................................................................2
RadioLinx FH: COMPLIANCE STATEMENT .....................................................................................2
RadioLinx FH: CSA C22.2 213-M13987 & ISA 12.12.0.1 Listing.......................................................3
RadioLinx FH: European CE Certification ..........................................................................................4
ISA Standard 12.12.01 Approval ........................................................................................................4
Antenna spacing requirements for user safety...................................................................................5
Your Feedback Please........................................................................................................................5
1 Product Overview 11
1.1 Summary of Function and Use................................................................................11
2 Getting Started 13
2.1 System Overview....................................................................................................13
2.2 The Setup / Diagnostic Software.............................................................................13
2.3 Install Configuration Software................................................................................14
2.4 Functional Conventions...........................................................................................15
3 Radio Networks 17
3.1 Radio Network Defined...........................................................................................17
3.2 Network Types - FH Radios....................................................................................18
4 Network Installation Plan 29
4.1 Installation Overview...............................................................................................29
4.2 Planning the Physical Installation............................................................................29
4.3 Sources of Interference...........................................................................................30
5 Hardware Installation 31
5.1 Antenna Selection...................................................................................................31
5.2 Antenna Installation Overview.................................................................................38
5.3 Radio RLX-FHS.......................................................................................................41
5.4 Radio RLX-FHE/RLX-FHES....................................................................................45
6 Test the Network Installation Plan 49
7 Network Configuration 51
7.1 Set Up the Network.................................................................................................51
7.2 Set Radio Color.......................................................................................................52
7.3 Graphical Layout Screen.........................................................................................55
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7.4 Add Remote Radios................................................................................................ 55
7.5 Add Repeaters........................................................................................................ 56
7.6 Graphically Define the RF Link............................................................................... 58
7.7 Auto Layout of Network Icons................................................................................. 59
7.8 Rename Radios...................................................................................................... 61
7.9 Change a Radio's Type.......................................................................................... 62
7.10 Remove Radio........................................................................................................ 64
7.11 Save the Network Configuration............................................................................. 65
7.12 Change Password .................................................................................................. 66
7.13 Printer Settings .......................................................................................................68
7.14 Print......................................................................................................................... 69
8 Radio Configuration 71
8.1 General Radio Configuration.................................................................................. 71
8.2 Save........................................................................................................................ 72
8.3 When to Re-Configure Radios................................................................................ 73
9 Existing Network Maintenance 75
9.1 Modify..................................................................................................................... 75
9.2 Delete Network....................................................................................................... 76
9.3 Modify Radio Settings............................................................................................. 77
9.4 Change a Network's Channel................................................................................. 78
10 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 79
10.1 Diagnostics Overview............................................................................................. 79
10.2 View Operating Network......................................................................................... 79
10.3 Viewing Signal Strength.......................................................................................... 81
10.4 Troubleshoot Missing Radios ................................................................................. 81
10.5 Query a Radio Directly............................................................................................ 82
10.6 Query a Radio Remotely ........................................................................................ 84
10.7 Troubleshooting Overview...................................................................................... 86
10.8 Automatic Serial Port Check................................................................................... 86
10.9 Cannot Configure a Radio...................................................................................... 87
10.10 Radios do not communicate................................................................................... 88
10.11 Contact the Manufacturer....................................................................................... 89
11 Miscellaneous Options 91
11.1 Zoom View of Graphical Layout.............................................................................. 91
11.2 Zoom In................................................................................................................... 91
11.3 Zoom Out................................................................................................................ 92
11.4 Zoom To Fit............................................................................................................. 93
11.5 Update Firmware ....................................................................................................94
12 Serial Port Settings 97
12.1 Viewing the Serial Port Settings .............................................................................97
12.2 Configuring the Serial Port...................................................................................... 98
12.3 Serial Port Defaults................................................................................................. 99
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Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
13
Ethernet Port Settings 101
13.1 Ethernet Start........................................................................................................101
13.2 Ethernet Addressing Overview..............................................................................102
14 BootP Server 103
15 Reference 105
15.1 Dialog Boxes.........................................................................................................105
15.2 On-Line Help Options............................................................................................129
15.3 Serial Port Basics..................................................................................................130
15.4 Wireless Glossary .................................................................................................131
16 Support, Service & Warranty 141
16.1 How to Contact Us: Technical Support.................................................................141
16.2 Return Material Authorization (RMA) Policies and Conditions..............................142
16.3 LIMITED WARRANTY...........................................................................................143
Index 149
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Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
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Product Overview RLX-FHE, RLX-FHES, RLX-FHS ♦ RadioLinx FH
Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
1 Product Overview
In This Chapter
Summary of Function and Use..............................................................11
1.1 Summary of Function and Use
RadioLinx radio modems provide a wireless replacement for serial or Ethernet
cables (page 17). Any two devices that could otherwise function together with a
physical serial/ethernet cable between them can be incorporated into a wireless
network. A wireless radio link can be used in any situation where a Master device
and its Remote device are located in such a way that a serial/ethernet cable
connection between them is impractical or impossible.
The RadioLinx radio modems transmit using the "frequency hopping spread
spectrum" communication technique:
Frequency hopping: A radio which continuously changes its operating
frequency several times per second following a pre-determined sequence of
frequencies is defined as "frequency hopping". The transmitting and receiving
radios are programmed to follow the same frequency hopping sequence.
Spread spectrum: Spread spectrum refers to spreading a narrow-band
signal over a much broader frequency band than required.
The RadioLinx ControlScape FH design takes advantage of the following
characteristics inherent to the spread spectrum technique:
Increased immunity to interference. Radios are designed to detect specific
radio frequencies. An "interferer" is defined as an unwanted signal that has
been transmitted at the same frequency that the radio was designed to
detect. There are many man-made and natural sources of electromagnetic
interference. Due to the frequency hopping spread spectrum technique, the
RadioLinx radio modem operates more reliably than a radio using
conventional technology.
Multiple users can share the same frequency band at the same time. For
example, cellphone use depends on spread spectrum signal transmission.
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Under US and Canadian regulations, users of certain certified spread spectrum
products do not require their own license. Manufacturers of such products are
required to apply for and receive a license for the device. ProSoft Technology
has been granted licenses by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission,
and by Industry Canada, for the use of its RadioLinx radio products.
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Getting Started RLX-FHE, RLX-FHES, RLX-FHS ♦ RadioLinx FH
Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
2 Getting Started
In This Chapter
System Overview ..................................................................................13
The Setup / Diagnostic Software...........................................................13
Install Configuration Software...............................................................14
Functional Conventions.........................................................................15
2.1 System Overview
These are the main steps used to configure a new RadioLinx radio network:
1 Plan the network (page 29) (including physical installation and hardware
installation)
2 Identify the appropriate network type.
3 Identify and set the Configuration PC's serial port (page 98)
4 Configure the network (page 105)
5 Configure the radios (page 71)
6 Install the antennas and radios - test the network's installation (page 49).
7 Use software Diagnostics (page 79), if necessary, to view a graphical
representation of the operating network (page 55), and query or display the
operating parameters of individual radios (page 82),
8 Troubleshoot network problems (page 86), if necessary, or contact the
manufacturer (page 89)
2.2 The Setup / Diagnostic Software
The RadioLinx ControlScape FH Setup Application provides a user interface for
the configuration and maintenance of a radio network. It graphically (page 55)
reflects the physical layout of the component radios.
The Setup Application provides a means to:
Configure new networks (page 105) and radios (page 71):
o assign roles (Master, Remote or Repeater) to the radios.
o define data paths
o set the radio's operation parameters (baud rate, parity, IP Address etc.)
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Edit existing networks (page 75) or radios (page 71, page 77):
o add or delete Remote or Repeater radios
o re-assign roles to the radios.
o define operation parameters
Diagnose functionality of existing networks (page 79).
o display the status of each REMOTE or REPEATER radio (when a
MASTER radio is cabled to the PC)
Note: ProSoft Technology, recommends that the RadioLinx ControlScape FH Setup Application be
installed on only one computer and that the network configuration be done only from that one
computer. When a network is designed, configuration settings are stored in a database in the
RadioLinx ControlScape FH Setup Application. When networks are modified, the RadioLinx
ControlScape FH Setup Application depends upon the retrieval of the network's configuration
history. Network modification and maintenance is easier if the RadioLinx ControlScape FH
Application Software is installed on only one computer. All subsequent network-related
configurations are done using that one computer.
The computer where the RadioLinx ControlScape FH Setup Application has been
installed will be referred to as the Configuration PC throughout this
documentation.
2.3 Install Configuration Software
1 Insert the ProSoft Solutions CD in your CD-ROM drive. On most computers,
a menu screen will open automatically. If you do not see a menu within a few
seconds, follow these steps:
a Click the Start button, and then choose Run.
b In the Run dialog box, click the Browse button.
c In the Browse dialog box, click "My Computer". In the list of drives,
choose the CD-ROM drive where you inserted the ProSoft Solutions CD.
d Select the file prosoft.exe, and then click Open.
e On the Run dialog box, click OK.
2 On the CD-ROM menu, select Setup Software under RLX-FH Frequency
Hopping. This action opens the Setup Wizard for .
3 Follow the instructions on the installation wizard to install the program with its
default location and settings.
4 When the installation finishes, you may be prompted to restart your computer
if certain files were in use during installation. The updated files will be
installed during the restart process.
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Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
2.4 Functional Conventions
The Ok, Cancel, Close, and Exit functions are available from many of the
RadioLinx ControlScape FH's Setup/Diagnostic Application screens. These
functions cause the same action from any screen, providing a consistent function
throughout the application:
Ok to confirm/enter any changes made and return to the application's main
screen.
Cancel to discard any changes and return to the application's main screen.
Close the current screen and return to the application's main screen:
Main Menu
Menu Bar Radio icon (far left of the Menu Bar)
o Close
OR
(Any of the RadioLinx ControlScape FH's Setup/Diagnostic Application
screens):
File
o Close
Exit the application completely, select:
(Any of the RadioLinx ControlScape FH's Setup/Diagnostic Application
screens):
File
o Exit
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From the Main Screen:
From either the Configuration or the Diagnostics screens:
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Radio Networks RLX-FHE, RLX-FHES, RLX-FHS ♦ RadioLinx FH
Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
3 Radio Networks
In This Chapter
Radio Network Defined .........................................................................17
Network Types - FH Radios ..................................................................18
3.1 Radio Network Defined
A radio network provides wireless replacements for serial or Ethernet cables. Any
two devices which could otherwise function together with a physical serial cable
between them can be incorporated into a wireless network and continue to
function normally. A basic network consists of a Master radio cabled to one
device and a Remote radio cabled to another device.
As examples, Master device - Remote device pairs could be:
computer - printer
computer - scanner
scanner - printer
Modbus controller - industrial tool
A radio link can be used in any situation where a Master device and its Remote
device are located in such a way that a serial or ethernet cable connection
between them is impractical or impossible. The radios can communicate up to
15 miles depending upon site selection (page 29) (terrain, antenna type,
environmental noise, etc.) and other sources of interference (page 30).
An example of a basic radio network is illustrated below. In this example, the
Master device is a computer and its Remote device is a hand-held scanner.
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3.2 Network Types - FH Radios
Note: Available network types depend on the type of radio you are configuring. Not all network
types are available on all radios.
FH Radios
Protocol Transparent (page 18)including Point to Point, Broadcast, Modem
Emulation, and DF1 Full Duplex (CRC, BCC)
Modbus & DNP Protocol (page 21) including Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII,
and DNP
DF1_Protocol (page 22) including DF1 Half Duplex (CRC,BCC)
Ethernet (page 23) including Modbus TCP/IP, Encapsulated Serial, and
Serial Server
Network Radio Sharing (page 27) can include any of the above networks
Note: There is only one Master radio for each network.
3.2.1 Protocol Transparent Network
The different configurations of networks for Protocol Transparent Networks are:
Protocol Transparent Network (page 18) (Point to Point, Broadcast)
Dialup Modem Emulation Network (page 20)
DF1 Full Duplex (page 20) (CRC,BCC)
Transparent Protocol networks configure the RadioLinx radios to pass data
independent of the protocol in the data being sent. A Protocol Transparent
network can be created in one of two configurations, Point-to-Point and Point-
Multipoint Broadcast.
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Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
Point-to-Point configuration transfers data between two radios (points) in the
network. In the network shown below, the Master Radio and Radio 2 transfer
data between each other. Radio 3 only acts as a bridge to get the data between
them.
Broadcast configuration creates the network to broadcast data from the
Master radio to the other radios in the network. All of the other radios return
their data to the Master radio.
After the network has been created, the settings in the radios can be modified to
allow data from one radio to be passed to any other or all other radios in the
network. The following illustration shows the possible settings for Radio 2.
For example, peer-to-peer communication can be established in a Protocol
Transparent network by setting the destination in each of the radios to 'Broadcast
to all Radios'.
Several networks can operate at the same location, however, each network must
use a different network channel (page 105).
Note: Each point-to-point network operates independently of each other - there can be no
intercommunication between point-to-point networks.
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Dialup Modem Emulation Network
The Dialup Modem Emulation Network Type configures the radios in the network
to emulate telephone dial-up modems. Devices that would normally communicate
with a host computer through a leased-line modem can now communicate
through the radio network, avoiding the cost of leased lines.
The device "dials" another radio in the network using the standard Hayes modem
AT command set. The radio indicates to the device that a connection has been
made. The device can then begin transferring data as if it were communicating
over a modem.
SCADA System using leased-line modems for communication
SCADA System using RadioLinx radio network for communication
DF1 Full Duplex
Note: DF1 HALF DUPLEX (page 22) IS ANOTHER TYPE OF NETWORK.
Use DF1 Full Duplex (CRC,BCC) protocol:
Over a point-to-point link that allows two-way simultaneous transmission
For high performance applications where you must get the highest possible
throughput from the available medium
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3.2.2 Modbus & DNP Protocol
Modbus RTU & Modbus ASCII Protocol
The different configurations of networks for Modbus & DNP Networks are:
Modbus RTU (page 21)
Modbus ASCII (page 21)
DNP Protocol (page 22)
A Modbus network is a network with a single Master radio and multiple Remote
radios. The RadioLinx Point-Multipoint Modbus networks can only be used with
devices that are designed to use the Modbus RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) or
ASCII communication modes. Each device has its own Modbus address in a
Modbus network and each radio's address must be correlated with the Modbus
address of the device cabled to it during the network configuration process. In a
Point-Multipoint (Modbus) network, the destination must be determined and the
address information must be resolved before the transmission can proceed.
Devices cabled to radios communicate using the Modbus standard protocol. The
Master radio sends data to a Remote radio based on the Modbus address of the
Modbus device. Data is only sent to the single Remote device if it has the right
address. Each Remote radio sends its data only to the Master radio. The Master
and Remote radios acknowledge that data was received correctly.
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DNP Protocol
DNP is a protocol for communication between industrial devices, often used in
utilities such as power distribution.
The DNP radio network type configures the radios to support communications
between DNP devices over the radio network. The software configures each
radio with a table of the DNPs device IDs and the radios they are attached to.
This allows the radios to direct DNP packets through the network to the correct
destination.
Although the structure of the radio network consists of a Master radio and
connecting Repeaters and Remotes, the radios can all communicate with each
other, allowing peer-to-peer communication among the DNP devices.
3.2.3 DF1 Half Duplex Protocol
Note: DF1 FULL DUPLEX (page 20) IS ANOTHER TYPE OF NETWORK.
A DF1 Half Duplex Protocol network is a multi-drop protocol for one master and
one or more slaves. With DF1 Half Duplex Protocol, you can have 2 to 255
nodes simultaneously connected on a single link. This link operates with all
nodes interfaced through half-duplex modems.
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The Radio needs to know if the DF1 device is half duplex, and whether CRC or
BCC error checking is being used. Each device has its own address in a network
and each radio's address must be correlated with the address of the device
cabled to it during the network configuration process. In a Point-Multipoint (DF1)
network, the destination must be determined and the address information
must be resolved before the transmission can proceed.
Devices cabled to radios communicate using the DF1 Half Duplex standard
protocol. The Master radio sends data to a Remote radio based on the address
of the device. Data is only sent to the single Remote device if it has the right
address. Each Remote radio sends its data only to the Master radio. The Master
and Remote radios acknowledge that data was received correctly.
3.2.4 Ethernet
The different configurations of networks for Ethernet Networks are:
Ethernet (page 23)
Modbus TCP/IP Network (page 24)
Encapsulated Serial Network (page 25)
Serial Server Network (page 25) is a combination of any or all the above
networks.
RadioLinx Ethernet radio modems provide a wireless replacement for an
Ethernet network connection. Any two Ethernet devices that could otherwise
function together with a physical cable between them can be incorporated into a
wireless network.
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An Ethernet wireless network allows two or more computers to communicate and
share data stored on each computer without having the traditional Ethernet
cabling between them. For example, one Master radio is connected to an
Ethernet device and a Remote radio is connected to another Ethernet device.
(The Master and Remote radios may or may not communicate through Repeater
radios.) The devices that can be connected include Ethernet hubs and switches.
Modbus TCP Network
Modbus is a serial protocol that has been an industrial communications standard
used in many applications over the years. It is a communications protocol that
was designed to communicate on serial RS-232 and RS485/422.
Recently, there has been a push to standardize on Ethernet as a new industrial
communications standard. Modbus has followed along with the standardization of
Ethernet by adapting an encapsulation of the serial Modbus protocol into a
TCP/IP packet.
The RadioLinx RLX-FHES has a Modbus TCP/IP server built into the radio. The
serial port on the radio becomes a data port that within the radio will encapsulate
a Modbus RTU packet into a Modbus TCP/IP packet. The radio will handle all the
translation between the serial slave device and the master/host device.
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Encapsulated Serial Network
The RadioLinx RLX-FHES contains its own TCP/IP protocol stack that is
configured with a local area network IP address. A TCP connection is established
between a host client and the serial server creating a socket interface. An
encapsulated ASCII Ethernet packet are delivered to the socket where the serial
sever extracts the serial data stream from the Ethernet packets and outputs it to
the RS-232 serial port. Bi-directional serial communication is supported by
encapsulating the RS-232 port input stream into Ethernet packets, then sending
them to the host client via the established socket interface.
Legacy serial-only HMI software may continue to be used with Ethernet by
installing a third-party COM port redirection driver on the host computer. The
redirection driver provides the client services to establish and maintain a TCP
socket connection with the serial server while simulating a PC COM port to the
HMI application.
Serial Server Network
The Serial Server Network can incorporate different configurations of Ethernet.
Any or all the following Ethernet Networks could be used:
Ethernet (page 23)
Modbus TCP/IP Network (page 24)
Encapsulated Serial Network (page 25)
RadioLinx RLX-FHES industrial radio communicates with legacy serial devices
as well as allowing remote configuration of the radio. The RLX-FHES radio
contains a serial device server that establishes a transparent connection
between a serial device and an Ethernet host. The RLX-FHES radio processes
data on its serial port, and redirects the data through the radio's Ethernet card.
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Prior to RLX-FHES, most industrial radios have been configured using a radio's
dedicated programming DB9 serial port-- problematic in the field because newer
laptop computers do not feature serial ports. The RLX-FHES allows the serial
port to become a data port, then assigns an IP address, which means the entire
radio network can be configured on either a wired or wireless Ethernet network.
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3.2.5 Network Radio Sharing - FH Radios
Network Radio Sharing can be configured using the same radio network
infrastructure. For example, an Ethernet network, a DNP network and a Modbus
RTU network can exist simultaneously using the same ProSoft Technology radio
devices.
Information sent over a ProSoft Technology radio network is placed into rfpackets. In order to properly route these packets between radios, each radio in
the network is assigned a unique Radio Address. The rf-packets include a
header containing both the source and destination Radio Addresses for the
packet. Routing tables are constructed in each radio to tell it which way through
the network tree to send a packet destined to another radio, forward or reverse. It
makes no difference what kind of data is contained in these rf-packets as far as
routing is concerned. Radios set to different IO protocols can all be part of the
same radio network and accurately route the packets.
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Network Installation Plan RLX-FHE, RLX-FHES, RLX-FHS ♦ RadioLinx FH
Frequency-Hopping Industrial Radio
4 Network Installation Plan
In This Chapter
Installation Overview .............................................................................29
Planning the Physical Installation..........................................................29
Sources of Interference.........................................................................30
4.1 Installation Overview
Create an installation plan that includes the following elements:
Physical Installation
o Plan the physical installation (page 29)
o Account for sources of interference (page 30)
Antenna Installation
o Antenna Electrical Characteristics
o Antenna Types (page 33)
o Approved Antennas
o Antenna Spacing Requirements: User Safety
o Antenna Installation (page 38)
Radios
o Radio External Connections (page 41)
Communication Hardware
o Cable Specifications for Serial connection (page 44)
o Cable Specifications for Ethernet connection (page 46)
Tip: ProSoft Wireless Designer simplifies the task of planning and specifying your ProSoft Wireless
network. The easy to use, wizard-based interface creates a visual layout of your radios and sites,
and generates a complete Bill of Materials including radios and accessories.
For more information about ProSoft Wireless Designer, visit the ProSoft Technology web site at
http://www.prosoft-technology.com.
4.2 Planning the Physical Installation
A network's performance is impacted by attributes specific to the installation site.
Take the following into consideration, where possible, to maximize network
installation:
Protect radios from direct exposure to weather
Provide an adequate and stable power source to the radios
Design the network to use less than 2048 radios (per network)
Place radios within the specified 15 miles of each other
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Add repeater to extend distance or where line of sight is limited
Radios or antennas CANNOT be places within 20 cm of where people will be
Though radio frequency communication is reliable, sometimes its performance
can be impacted by intangibles. A good network installation plan includes time
and resources for performance testing and installation changes.
Test the installation plan (page 49) before the network installation is complete.
4.3 Sources of Interference
The RadioLinx radio modem operates more reliably than a radio using
conventional technology due to the frequency hopping spread spectrum
technique. While RadioLinx radios are less susceptible to interference due to this
technique, interference (radio "noise") may still occur. Radios are designed to
detect specific radio frequencies. An "interferer" is an unwanted signal that has
been transmitted at the same frequency that the radio was designed to detect.
There are many man-made and natural sources of electromagnetic interference
(lightning, power lines, switching power supplies, fluorescent lighting, microwave
ovens, cordless phones, etc.). To decrease the effects of interference on network
function:
Use a directional (high gain) antenna at the Remote radio locations, if
possible
Verify that each network operating in close proximity to each other has BEEN
ASSIGNED TO A DIFFERENT CHANNEL (page 78)
Install networks in rural areas (if at all possible) where they will likely
encounter less man-made noise than in urban or suburban areas
Enable encryption
Change a radio's network output power (refer to the Radio Settings -
Transmit Power sections in the Radio Configuration (page 71) screens for
each type of network):
o Increase power to "drown out" competing noise
o Decrease power of the radios on the network if they are interfering with
another network in the vicinity
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