ProSoft Technology RLX-IFH24S-A User Manual

RLX-IFHS

RadioLinx Industrial Wireless

RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency
Hopping Serial Radios

November 19, 2013

USER MANUAL

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 our products, documentation, or support, please write or call us.

How to Contact Us

ProSoft Technology

5201 Truxtun Ave., 3rd Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93309
[phone]
[phone] (Fax)
www.prosoft-technology.com
[e-mail]

Copyright © 2013 ProSoft Technology, Inc., all rights reserved.

RLX-IFHS User Manual
November 19, 2013

ProSoft Technology ®, ProLinx ®, inRAx ®, ProTalk ®, and RadioLinx ® are Registered Trademarks of ProSoft
Technology, Inc. All other brand or product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products
and services of, their respective owners.

ProSoft Technology® Product Documentation

In an effort to conserve paper, ProSoft Technology no longer includes printed manuals with our product shipments.
User Manuals, Datasheets, Sample Ladder Files, and Configuration Files are provided on the enclosed CD-ROM,
and are available at no charge from our web site: www.prosoft-technology.com

Part Number

Max Gain

Part Number

Max Gain

Part Number

Max Gain

A902S-OA

2 dBi

A2424NJ-DB

24 dBi

A2410NJ-DY

10 dBi

A907NJ-OC

7 dBi

A082503-80-OBH

3 dBi

A2415NJ-DY

15 dBi

A908NJ-DY

8 dBi

A911NJ-DY

11 dBi

A2402S-OS

2 dBi

A2402S-OSLP

2 dBi

A2403NBH-OC

3 dBi

A2404NBHW-OC

4 dBi

A2404NJ-OC

4 dBi

A2405S-OA

5 dBi

A2405S-OM

5 dBi

A2505S-OS

5 dBi

A2406NJ-OC

6 dBi

A2406NJ-OCD

6 dBi

A2408NJ-OC

8 dBi

A2409NJ-OCD

9 dBi

A2415NJ-OC

15 dBi

A902NJ-OC

2 dBi

A902S-OA

2 dBi

A903NBH-OC

3 dBi

A903S-OM

3 dBi

A905NJ-OC

5 dBi

A907NJ-OC

7 dBi

A2408NJ-DP

8 dBi

A2413NJ-DP

13 dBi

A2416NJ-DP

16 dBi

A2419NJ-DP

19 dBi

A912NJ-DP

12 dBi

A2419NJ-DB

19 dBi

Important Safety Information

The following Information and warnings pertaining to the radio module must be heeded:

WARNING – EXPLOSION HAZARD – DO NOT REPLACE ANTENNAS UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN SWITCHED
OFF OR THE AREA IS KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS.

"THIS DEVICE CONTAINS A TRANSMITTER MODULE, FCC ID: . PLEASE SEE FCC ID LABEL ON BACK OF
DEVICE."

"THIS DEVICE USES AN INTERNAL COMPACT FLASH RADIO MODULE AS THE PRIMARY RADIO
COMPONENT. THE COMPACT FLASH RADIO MODULE DOES NOT HAVE AN FCC ID LABEL. THE COMPACT
FLASH RADIO MODULE HAS NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS."

"THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING
TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE
MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE
UNDESIRED OPERATION."

"CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR
COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’s AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT."

Industry Canada Requirements:
"THIS DEVICE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO OPERATE WITH AN ANTENNA HAVING A MAXIMUM GAIN OF 24 dB.

AN ANTENNA HAVING A HIGHER GAIN IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED PER REGULATIONS OF INDUSTRY
CANADA. THE REQUIRED ANTENNA IMPEDANCE IS 50 OHMS."

"TO REDUCE POTENTIAL RADIO INTERFERENCE TO OTHER USERS, THE ANTENNA TYPE AND ITS GAIN
SHOULD BE CHOSEN SUCH THAT THE EQUIVALENT ISOTROPICALLY RADIATED POWER (EIRP) IS NOT
MORE THAN THAT REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATION."

"THE INSTALLER OF THIS RADIO EQUIPMENT MUST INSURE THAT THE ANTENNA IS LOCATED OR
POINTED SUCH THAT IT DOES NOT EMIT RF FIELD IN EXCESS OF HEALTH CANADA LIMITS FOR THE
GENERAL POPULATION; CONSULT SAFETY CODE 6, OBTAINABLE FROM HEALTH CANADA."

Recommended Antennas

An adapter may be needed for some of the listed antennas to operate with the specified radio.

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 approved through the FCC for
compliance to part 2.1093.

Important Installation Instructions

This equipment is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D OR non-hazardous locations only.
WARNING – EXPLOSION HAZARD – DO NOT DISCONNECT EQUIPMENT UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN

REMOVED OR THE AREA IS KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS.
WARNING – EXPLOSION HAZARD - SUBSTITUTION OF ANY COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR SUITABILITY FOR

CLASS I, DIVISION 2.
Power must be provided from NEC Class 2 Circuit or a Limited Power Source.

EU Requirements

1. For outdoor use, France has a frequency restriction of 2.4 GHz to 2.454 GHz for an output power greater than 10
mW and below 100 mW.

2. For outdoor use in France, the output power is restricted to 10 mW in the frequency range of 2.454 GHz to 2.4835
GHz.

3. 5.15 GHz to 5.35 GHz is restricted to 200 mW EIRP throughout the European Union.

RadioLinx IFH: 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 IFHS: 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 operation.

In Canada, this device is to be operated indoors only and away from windows to provide maximum shielding 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:
RLX-IFH9S: "Transmitter Module FCC ID: OQ7OS2400, Canada 36561031989A"
RLX-IFH24S: "Transmitter Module FCC ID: NS907P22, Canada 3143A07P22"
OR
RLX-IFH9S: "This device contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: OQ7OS2400, Canada 36561031989A"

ANSI/ISA

CSA

ATEX

CSA/CB

FCC/IC

ETSI

RLX-IFH24S: "This device contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: NS907P22, Canada 3143A07P22"
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.

Agency Approvals & Certifications

Wireless Approvals

Visit our web site at www.prosoft-technology.com for current wireless approval information.

Hazardous Locations

Ordinary Locations

Agency Approvals & Certifications

Wireless Approvals

Visit our website at www.prosoft-technology.com for current wireless approval information.

RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Contents
RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios User Manual

Contents

Your Feedback Please ........................................................................................................................ 2

How to Contact Us .............................................................................................................................. 2

ProSoft Technology® Product Documentation .................................................................................... 2

Important Safety Information ............................................................................................................... 3

Recommended Antennas ................................................................................................................... 3

Antenna spacing requirements for user safety ................................................................................... 4

Please Read This Notice .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

EU Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 4

RadioLinx IFH: FCC Part 15 & Industry Canada Rules ...................................................................... 4

RadioLinx IFHS: COMPLIANCE STATEMENT .................................................................................. 4

Agency Approvals & Certifications ...................................................................................................... 5

Agency Approvals & Certifications ...................................................................................................... 5

Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual 11

1 Start Here 13

1.1 About the RadioLinx Industrial Frequency Hopping Radios ................................... 14

1.1.1 Product Specifications - RLX-IFH9S ....................................................................... 14

1.1.2 Product Specifications - RLX-IFH24S ..................................................................... 16

1.2 Package Contents ................................................................................................... 18

1.3 System Requirements ............................................................................................. 19

1.4 Install ControlScape FH Configuration Software .................................................... 20

1.5 Planning the Network .............................................................................................. 21

1.5.1 Installation Questions .............................................................................................. 22

1.5.2 ProSoft Wireless Designer ...................................................................................... 23

1.6 Configuring the Radios ............................................................................................ 25

1.6.1 Start ControlScape FH ............................................................................................ 25

1.6.2 Set Up the Network ................................................................................................. 26

1.6.3 General Radio Configuration ................................................................................... 31

1.6.4 Set Up the Master Radio ......................................................................................... 32

1.6.5 Add Remote Radios ................................................................................................ 36

1.6.6 Add Repeaters ........................................................................................................ 37

1.6.7 Graphically Define the RF Link ............................................................................... 38

1.6.8 Save the Network Configuration ............................................................................. 40

1.6.9 Transfer the Configuration to the Remote Radios .................................................. 41

1.7 Planning the Physical Installation ............................................................................ 44

1.8 Test the Network Installation Plan ........................................................................... 45

1.9 Verify Communication ............................................................................................. 46

1.9.1 View Operating Network.......................................................................................... 46

1.9.2 Viewing Signal Strength .......................................................................................... 47

1.9.3 Query a Radio Directly ............................................................................................ 48

1.9.4 Query a Radio Remotely ......................................................................................... 49

2 Installing the Radios 51

2.1 Radio Hardware ...................................................................................................... 52

2.1.1 Radio power requirements ...................................................................................... 52

2.1.2 Connecting antennas .............................................................................................. 53

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User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios

2.2 Connecting the Radio to a Network Device ............................................................ 54

2.2.1 Cable Connections ................................................................................................. 54

3 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 59

3.1 Diagnostics Overview ............................................................................................. 60

3.2 LED Indicators ........................................................................................................ 61

3.3 Sources of Interference .......................................................................................... 62

3.3.1 Change a Network's Channel ................................................................................. 63

3.3.2 Viewing Radio Channel Noise Level ...................................................................... 64

3.3.3 IFHE Spectrum Analyzer Dialog Box ...................................................................... 65

3.4 Troubleshoot ControlScape FH Error Messages.................................................... 66

3.4.1 Radio Configuration Status Dialog Box .................................................................. 66

3.4.2 Automatic Baud Detection Dialog Box .................................................................... 66

3.4.3 Invalid Password Dialog Box .................................................................................. 66

3.4.4 Connection Errors ................................................................................................... 67

3.5 Troubleshoot Missing Radios ................................................................................. 68

3.6 RadioLinx OPC Server ........................................................................................... 69

3.6.1 System Requirements ............................................................................................ 69

4 Reference 71

4.1 Antennas ................................................................................................................. 72

4.1.1 Antenna location, spacing, and mounting ............................................................... 72

4.1.2 Antenna Pattern ...................................................................................................... 73

4.1.3 Antenna Gain .......................................................................................................... 73

4.1.4 Antenna Polarity ..................................................................................................... 74

4.1.5 Whip antennas ........................................................................................................ 74

4.1.6 Collinear array antennas ......................................................................................... 75

4.1.7 Yagi Array Antenna ................................................................................................. 76

4.1.8 Parabolic reflector antennas ................................................................................... 77

4.1.9 Adding bi-directional amplifiers ............................................................................... 77

4.2 Cable Connections ................................................................................................. 79

4.2.1 Radio RS-485 Cable Specification ......................................................................... 79

4.2.2 Radio RS-232 Cable Specifications ....................................................................... 80

4.3 Serial Port Basics ................................................................................................... 81

5 Support, Service & Warranty 83

Contacting Technical Support .......................................................................................................... 83

5.1 Return Material Authorization (RMA) Policies and Conditions ............................... 85

5.1.1 Returning Any Product ............................................................................................ 85

5.1.2 Returning Units Under Warranty ............................................................................. 86

5.1.3 Returning Units Out of Warranty ............................................................................. 86

5.2 LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................................................................ 87

5.2.1 What Is Covered By This Warranty ........................................................................ 87

5.2.2 What Is Not Covered By This Warranty .................................................................. 88

5.2.3 Disclaimer Regarding High Risk Activities .............................................................. 88

5.2.4 Intellectual Property Indemnity ............................................................................... 89

5.2.5 Disclaimer of all Other Warranties .......................................................................... 89

5.2.6 Limitation of Remedies ** ....................................................................................... 90

5.2.7 Time Limit for Bringing Suit ..................................................................................... 90

5.2.8 No Other Warranties ............................................................................................... 90

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RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Contents
RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios User Manual

5.2.9 Allocation of Risks ................................................................................................... 90

5.2.10 Controlling Law and Severability ............................................................................. 91

Glossary of Terms 92

Index 105

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Contents RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios

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RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual

Function

Section to Read

Details

Introduction
(Must Do)



Start Here (page 12)

This section introduces the customer to the
module. Included are: package contents,
system requirements, hardware installation, and
basic configuration.

Configuring the Radios



Set Up the Network
(page 26)

Set Up the Master
Radio (page 32)

Add Remote Radios
and Repeaters
(page 36)

Save the Radio
Configuration (page

35)

This section describes the procedure for
designing and configuring a network of RLX­IFHS radios.

Installing the Radios



Radio Hardware
(page 52)

Connecting
antennas (page 53)

Connecting Radios
to a Device Network
(page 54, page 54)

This section describes how to install the radio
hardware, connect antennas, and connect the
radios to networked devices.

Diagnostic and
Troubleshooting



Verify
Communication
(page 61, page 46)

Diagnostics and
Troubleshooting
(page 59, page 60)

This section describes how to verify
communications with the network. Diagnostic
and Troubleshooting procedures.

Reference
Physical Installation
Antenna Selection
Glossary



Reference (page 71)
Product

Specifications (page

14)

These sections contain general references
associated with this product, Specifications, and
the Functional Overview.

Support, Service, and
Warranty

Index



Support, Service
and Warranty (page

83)

This section contains Support, Service and
Warranty information.

Index of chapters.

RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios User Manual

Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual

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Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless
User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios

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RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual

In This Chapter

 About the RadioLinx Industrial Frequency Hopping Radios .................. 14

 Package Contents ................................................................................. 18

 System Requirements ........................................................................... 19

 Install ControlScape FH Configuration Software ................................... 20

 Planning the Network ............................................................................ 21

 Configuring the Radios .......................................................................... 25

 Planning the Physical Installation .......................................................... 44

 Test the Network Installation Plan ......................................................... 45

 Verify Communication ........................................................................... 46

RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios User Manual

1 Start Here

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Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless

Frequency

902MHz to 928MHz

Security

128 bit AES encryption

Network Topology

Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, store and
forward repeater

Error Detection

32 bit CRC, ARQ (Automatic Resend Query)

Radio Type

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

Transmit Power (Programmable)

100 mW to 1 W
20 dBm to 30 dBm

Channel data rates
(Programmable)

230, 172, 115 or 19.2 kbps

Receiver Sensitivity (Typical)

230 kbps: -106 dBm @ 10-6 BER
172 kbps: -108 dBm @ 10-6 BER

19.2 kbps: -116 dBm @ 10-6 BER

Outdoor Range

30+ miles pt-pt with high gain directional
antennas and RF line-of-sight

User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios

1.1 About the RadioLinx Industrial Frequency Hopping Radios

1.1.1 Product Specifications - RLX-IFH9S

The RLX-IFH9S provides powerful and secure wireless serial communications
and is well suited for demanding, long-range (up to 30+ miles) SCADA and other
serial applications in tough environments. Operating in the license-free 900 MHz
band, the RLX-IFH9S penetrates foliage and walls / ceilings better than higher
frequency radios. With both RS-232 and RS-485 serial ports, serial protocols
such as Modbus RTU, DF1, ASCII and DNP3 are supported. The RLX-IFH9S is
user configurable as a master, repeater and remote radio and employs the 128
bit AES encryption algorithm approved by the United States government for top
secret information.

RLX-IFH9S radios are quickly and easily configured using the included, graphical
ControlScape software. An OPC server software is also included and allows
users to monitor radio network health with any OPC client based HMI software.

General Specifications

Radio

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RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual

Enclosure

Extruded aluminum with DIN and panel mount

Size

104 ´ 94 ´ 53 mm (W ´ H ´ D)

4.1 ´ 3.7 ´ 2.1 inches

Vibration

IEC 60068-2-6 (20g, 3-Axis)

Shock

IEC 60068-2-27 (5g, 10Hz to 150Hz)

Serial Data Ports (2)

DB9, RS-232
RS-422 and RS-485
300 bps to 230 kbps

Configuration Port

DB9, RS-232

Antenna Ports

(1) RP-SMA connector

Weight

1.0 lbs (454 g)

Operating Temperature

–40° C to +75° C

Humidity

Up to 100% RH, without condensation

External Power

10Vdc to 24Vdc

Power Consumption

12 W peak

UL

ISA 12.12.01 Class I Div 2 Groups A, B, C & D, T5.
Must be installed inside an IP54 enclosure that requires tool
access.

CSA/cUL

C22.2 No. 213-M1987

ATEX Category 3, Zone 2
II 3 G
Ex nA IIC T5 X

-30 C <= Ta <= +60 C

WARNING – EXPLOSION HAZARD – DO NOT DISCONNECT EQUIPMENT
UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN SWITCHED OFF OR THE AREA IS KNOWN TO BE
NON-HAZARDOUS.

AVERTISSEMENT – RISQUE D'EXPLOSION – AVANT DE DÉCONNECTER
L'EQUIPMENT, COUPER LE COURANT OU S'ASSURER QUE L'EMPLACEMENT
EST DÉSIGNÉ NON DANGEREUX.

RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios User Manual

Hardware Specifications

Environmental

Agency Approvals & Certifications

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Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless

Frequency

2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz

Security

128 bit AES encryption

Network Topology

Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, store and
forward repeater

Error Detection

32 bit CRC, ARQ (Automatic Resend Query)

Radio Type

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

Transmit Power (Programmable)

10 mW to 1 W (FCC - A model)
10 mW to 100 mW (ETSI - E model)

Channel data rates
(Programmable)

230, 172, 115 or 19.2 kbps

Receiver Sensitivity (Typical)

230 kbps: -106 dBm @ 10-6 BER
172 kbps: -108 dBm @ 10-6 BER

19.2 kbps: -116 dBm @ 10-6 BER

Outdoor Range

15+ miles pt-pt with high gain directional
antennas and RF line-of-sight (Americas
version)

User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios

1.1.2 Product Specifications - RLX-IFH24S

The RLX-IFH24S provides powerful and secure wireless serial communications
and is well suited for demanding, long-range (up to 15+ miles) SCADA and other
serial applications in tough environments. Operating in the internationally license­free 2.4 GHz band, the RLX-IFH24S offers an alternative when 900 MHz radios
cannot be used due to government regulations, band saturation, or customer
preference. With both RS-232 and RS-485 serial ports, serial protocols such as
Modbus RTU, DF1, ASCII and DNP3 are supported. The RLX-IFH24S is user
configurable as a master, repeater and remote radio and employs the 128 bit
AES encryption algorithm approved by the United States government for top
secret information.

RLX-IFH24S radios are quickly and easily configured using the included,
graphical ControlScape software. An OPC server software is also included and
allows users to monitor radio network health with any OPC client based HMI
software.

General Specifications

Radio

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RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual

Enclosure

Extruded aluminum with DIN and panel mount

Size

104 x 94 x 53 mm (W x H x D)

4.1 x 3.7 x 2.1 inches

Serial Data Port

DB9, RS-232
RS-422 / RS-485
300 bps to 230 kbps

Configuration Port

DB9, RS-232

Antenna Ports

(1) RP-SMA connector

Weight

1.0 lbs (454 g)

Operating Temperature

–40° C to +75° C

Humidity

Up to 100% RH, without condensation

Vibration

IEC 60068-2-6 (20g, 3-axis)

Shock

IEC 60068-2-27 (5g, 10Hz to 150Hz

External Power

10Vdc to 24Vdc

Power Consumption

12 W peak

UL

ISA 12.12.01 Class I Div 2 Groups A, B, C & D, T5.
Must be installed inside an IP54 enclosure that requires tool
access.

CSA/cUL

C22.2 No. 213-1987

ATEX Category 3, Zone 2
II 3 G
Ex nA IIC T5 X

-30 C <= Ta <= +60 C

WARNING – EXPLOSION HAZARD – DO NOT DISCONNECT EQUIPMENT
UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN SWITCHED OFF OR THE AREA IS KNOWN TO BE
NON-HAZARDOUS.

AVERTISSEMENT – RISQUE D'EXPLOSION – AVANT DE DÉCONNECTER
L'EQUIPMENT, COUPER LE COURANT OU S'ASSURER QUE L'EMPLACEMENT
EST DÉSIGNÉ NON DANGEREUX.

RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios User Manual

Hardware Specifications

Environmental

Agency Approvals & Certifications

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Guide to the RLX-IFHS User Manual RLX-IFHS ♦ RadioLinx Industrial Wireless

Qty.

Part Name

Part Number

Part Description

1

RLX-IFHS Radio

RLX-IFHS

RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping
Serial Radios

1

Cable

Cable #15, RS232

For RS232 Connection to the CFG Port

1

Connector

002-0082

5 pin connector for RS-485/RS-422 Port

1

Antenna

A2405S-OA
A902S-OA

5dBi Omni Articulating Antenna (RLX­IFH24S)

2dBi Omni Articulating Antenna (RLX­IFH9S)

1

Power Supply

RL-PS007-2

AC Power Adapter, 12V1.6A w/2 pin & 4
plug Set

1

ProSoft Solutions CD

Contains sample programs, utilities and
documentation for the RLX-IFHS module.

User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios

1.2 Package Contents

The following components are included with your RLX-IFHS radio, and are all
required for installation and configuration.

Important: Before beginning the installation, please verify that all of the following items are
present.

If any of these components are missing, please contact ProSoft Technology
Support for replacement parts.

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RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios User Manual

1.3 System Requirements

The following system requirements are the recommended minimum
specifications to successfully install and run ControlScape FH:

 Microsoft Windows compatible PC
 Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2 or higher, or Windows XP Professional

with Service Pack 2 or higher, or Windows 2003.

 300 mHz Pentium processor (or equivalent)
 128 megabytes of RAM
 20 megabytes of free disk space

In addition, you will need
 Available serial port (COM port) or USB to Serial adapter cable with

necessary drivers, required for communication between ControlScape FH
software and the RadioLinx FH module.

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User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios

1.4 Install ControlScape FH 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 ControlScape FH.

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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RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios User Manual

1.5 Planning the Network

Before you configure and install the network, you should create a plan for it. To
begin, determine where you need radios and then choose locations for them
accordingly. For example, you might decide to install your master radio near a
PC in a central plant location (You can use the PC to configure the radios
through ControlScape FH). If the plant is an oil refinery, for example, you might
decide to install radios near the oil tanks.

The following illustration shows how a radio network of RLX-IFH24S radios could
be deployed to connect a variety of PLCs using a variety of industrial protocols.
You could deploy a similar network of RLX-IFH9S radios.

The next important issue is how to link the radios. Unless the radios are very
close together, you must make sure that each pair of radio antennas in the
network has a line of sight between them. In other words, you must be able to
see from one antenna to another, either with the naked eye or binoculars.

If a line of sight does not exist between antennas, you must choose a site for
installing a repeater radio, which will create a bridge between the radio antennas.
As part of your planning, you may need to conduct a site survey. ProSoft
Technology can perform this survey, you can do it yourself, or you can hire a
surveyor.

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How many radios in your network?

Static IP Address, Subnet Mask and
Gateway addresses for each RadioLinx
device

Connection to an existing wired or wireless Ethernet network, either
directly from the PC, or through an Ethernet switch or hub

Master ID

Repeater
ID

Remote ID

Locations

Is there a Line of Sight between them?

Selected the appropriate antennas for your network?

What type of network protocols do you need to
support?

What type of cable connections do your network
devices require?

User Manual RadioLinx® Industrial Frequency Hopping Serial Radios

The simplest way to design the physical network of radios, antennas, connectors,
cables, amplifiers and other accessories, is to use ProSoft Wireless Designer
(page 23). This application determines your hardware needs based on your
answers to a few questions, and then generates a Bill of Materials specifying all
the components you will need for your installation.

Consider printing your network plan from ProSoft Wireless Designer for
references as you configure your network in ControlScape FH.

Protect radios from direct exposure to weather, and provide an adequate, stable
power source. Make sure that your plan complies with the radio’s power
requirements (page 52) and cable specifications.

Important: Radios and antennas must be located at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from personnel.

1.5.1 Installation Questions

Answer the following questions to make your installation easier, and to familiarize
yourself with your system and what you want to do.

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1.5.2 ProSoft Wireless Designer

ProSoft Wireless Designer simplifies the task of specifying a ProSoft Wireless
installation, and provides a variety of views containing an accurate description of
each site in a wireless network, including:

 Visual diagram of site layout
 Location (latitude/longitude, based on GPS coordinates)
 Radio type, frequency range, and country-specific channel and power

requirements

 Length, type and estimated signal loss for cables
 Required accessories, including lightning protection, cable adaptors and

antennas

 Complete parts list
Use ProSoft Wireless Designer when conducting a site audit for a customer, and

then provide the customer with a complete list of components and a detailed
description for each site and link. Customers can use this information to
understand and visualize their network, and provide necessary information for
technical support and maintenance.

Functional Specifications:

 Contains a database of all currently available RadioLinx radios, antennas,

cables, connectors and accessories

 Exports Parts List, Site and Link Details, and Wizard settings into a variety of

common file formats, for import into applications such as spreadsheets,
databases and word processors

 Checks wireless link feasibility based on path length and recommended

accessories

 Predicts signal strength based on distance, local regulations and hardware

choices

 Fully documents your ProSoft Wireless network plan
ProSoft Wireless Designer simplifies the task of specifying a ProSoft Wireless

installation, and provides a variety of views containing an accurate description of
each site in a wireless network, including

 Visual diagram of site layout
 Location (latitude/longitude, based on GPS coordinates)
 Radio type, frequency range, and country-specific channel and power

requirements

 Length, type and estimated signal loss for cables
 Required accessories, including lightning protection, cable adaptors and

antennas

 Complete parts list
Use ProSoft Wireless Designer when conducting a site audit for a customer, and

then provide the customer with a complete list of components and a detailed
description for each site and link. Customers can use this information to
understand and visualize their network, and provide necessary information for
technical support and maintenance.



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System Requirements

ProSoft Wireless Designer is designed for computers running Microsoft Windows
and Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 or newer.

Minimum hardware requirements are:

 400 MHz or faster Pentium PC
 128 MB RAM
 CD-ROM drive
 280 MB available hard drive space

The Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 is not supported on Windows 95 or
Windows NT 4, or Windows 3.x.

It is highly recommended for all platforms that you upgrade to the latest Windows
Service Pack and critical updates available from http://www.windowsupdate.com
to ensure the best compatibility and security.

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1.6 Configuring the Radios

Configuration of your RLX-IFHS radios consists of the following steps:

 Start ControlScape FH (page 25)
 Plug In the Cables (page 34)
 Set Up the Network (page 26)
 Set Up the Master Radio (page 32)
 Add Remote Radios (page 36)
 Add Repeaters (page 37)
 Graphically Define the RF link (page 38)
 Save the Network Configuration (page 40)
 Save the Radio Configuration (page 35)

1.6.1 Start ControlScape FH

You will use an application (software program) called ControlScape FH to
configure the RLX-IFHS radios and the radio network. If you have not already
installed ControlScape FH, please do so now. Refer to Install ControlScape FH
Configuration Software (page 20) for information on how to install the program.

To start ControlScape

1 Click the Start button, and then choose Programs
2 In the Programs menu, navigate to the ProSoft Technology folder, and then

choose RadioLinx ControlScape FH.

3 Allow a few moments for the program to load. When the program has finished

loading, you will see a screen like this:

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1.6.2 Set Up the Network

From the ControlScape FH Main Menu, select:
 Configure

o New Network

A Network Properties dialog box is displayed where the basic parameters of the
new network are defined. The items on this dialog box depend on what type of
radio you select. The following example shows a RadioLinx IFHS (Industrial
Frequency Hopping Serial) radio.

Refer to Network Properties dialog box for more information on the settings.

Network Types - IFH Radios

Note: Available network types depend on the type of radio you are configuring. Not all network
types are available on all radios.

IFH Radios

 P2P - Peer to Peer (page 27)
 PMP - Point to Multipoint (page 28)
 E2E - Everyone to Everyone (page 29)
 PTP - Point to Point (page 30)

Note: There is only one Master radio for each network.

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Peer to Peer Networks

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) supports communication (through the Master) between two
or more remote units. Each radio can be configured to send its messages to one
other radio, or to broadcast to all radios in the network.

In the following illustration, the master radio is configured to broadcast to both
radios. Each remote radio is configured to send data back to the master.

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Point to Multipoint Networks

Point to Multipoint 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.

A Point to Multipoint network is well suited for a polled network such as Modbus
RTU, DF1 or Modbus TCP/IP. Communications from remote radios is directed
back to master radio. Master radio broadcasts to all other radios.

In the following illustration, the Master radio is configured to broadcast data to
Radios 2, 3 and 4.

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Everyone to Everyone Networks

Everyone-to-Everyone (E2E) configuration creates a network where all units
communicate with all other units, through the Master. Note that this mode is very
bandwidth-intensive, because all data is transmitted to all radios.

In the following illustration, each radio broadcasts to all the other radios.

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Point to Point Networks

Point-to-Point configuration transfers data between two radios (points) in the
network. In the network shown below, the Master Radio and Radio 4 transfer
data between each other. Radios 2 and 3 only act as bridges to get the data
between them.

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